Monstar Saga: Exiled

by Eden Redd

  Kavan struggled to get back up and his limbs turned to jelly. He slid back down, blood dripping onto the floor.

  Kavan Cynder

  Species: Dragonkin

  Health: Critically Hurt

  Mana: 4/6

  Brom’s eyes softened. He lifted a hand and a ball of red light appeared. When the light faded away, a potion was in his open hand. He crossed the distance and knelt down to Kavan’s side.

  Kavan heaved as he looked up to lich. The cork floated into the air and Brom pressed the potion to Kavan’s lips. The dragonkin guzzled down the contents. Warmth spread down into his stomach and then along his limbs. Internal damage healed almost instantly. The pain subsided and vanished.

  Kavan blinked as he sat up, feeling his strength returning to him. Brom stood up and Kavan did the same.

  The potion and cork disappeared. Brom nodded to Kavan.

  “Good lesson,” the lich said with a toothy grin.

  Kavan nodded.

  Brom put an arm around Kavan’s shoulders and led him to the door.

  “Find me another piece and we can continue your lessons. I think you will make a fine warrior and spell caster.”

  “I still have more questions,” Kavan said as they approached the door.

  “I know you do,” Brom said before opening the door and pushing Kavan out into the street.

  Kavan stumbled forward and turned around. The door slammed shut and a lock slid into place.

  “What the hell?” Kavan said and rubbed his chest.

  “Brom is certainly eccentric,” Viz said.

  “Yes, he is,” Kavan said as he turned and continued to rub his chest.

  The shock of the fight began to fade as Kavan reached the town center. He glanced at the fountain statue in the center of town, sunlight giving it a small glow. His senses slowly returned to normal as he turned to the mayor’s office.

  The front door opened and Mayor Sunaxe stepped out. He grinned ear to ear when he saw Kavan. The orc began making his way to the dragonkin.

  Kavan smiled when large arms reached around and pulled him to a massive chest. Kavan’s eyes widened as a large hand patted his head.

  “I’m so happy you survived!” came a deep voice.

  Kavan barely lifted his head to see a single horn gleaming in the daylight. His gaze moved another inch and he saw Glem’s face as he held him.

  “Hey there big guy. Yes, I’m okay,” Kavan said and patted the ogre on a thick arm.

  “Glem, let our magistrate breathe,” came a familiar voice.

  The ogre let go and Kavan stood under his own power. He turned to see Priest Raine and Priestess Misty standing by the ogre with welcoming smiles.

  Glem stood with kind eyes and a happy smile. “Dreggers are nasty creatures. Nasty.”

  Raine touched the ogre’s arm. “Yes, but they are living creatures, just like you and I.”

  Glem nodded. “Yes. We must respect all creatures, even the nasty ones.”

  Mayor Sunaxe approached the small gathering. He reached into a belt pouch and pulled out a small, tied sack. He handed it to Kavan and he took it.

  “This week’s payment,” the mayor smiled.

  “Thank you, mayor,” Kavan said and put the pouch into his belt pouch.

  “How are you adjusting to our little town,” Raine asked.

  “It’s starting to feel like home,” Kavan smiled.

  Raine nodded. “Now that you have had some time to adjust, Misty and I were speaking and we think we should sit down and talk about a few things. Nothing serious, just an open dialogue about the spiritual aspect of Moonvale.”

  Misty bowed her head to Kavan. “We only wish to talk and get to know each other, like faithful neighbors.”

  Kavan’s gaze shifted to the hint of Misty’s transparent wings along her back before she stood up again.

  “That sounds lovely and welcomed. The magistrate should know all aspects of the town. We could set up…” Mayor Sunaxe trailed off as he turned his head and looked up North Street.

  An unseen energy prickled along Kavan’s scales. It was enough to pull his gaze, head turning and looking up North Street to the closed gate along the wall. It stood in the distance with the bar lock pulled back.

  The prickling energy touched all standing in the center of town. Raine, Misty and Glem turned and followed the mayor and Kavan’s gaze to the north gate.

  We all feel it, but why do I feel like I know it?

  The north gate doors opened. A figure in black leather armor with silver edges pushed with both arms, forcing the doors wide open. The doors slammed to the sides as the figure dropped their arms to their sides and walked onto the cobblestone street.

  Kavan, and everyone gathered, watched as the figure in black slowly came into focus. Blue and black scales ran along a small snout. Serpent eyes stared as two small horns curved from the top of their head to the back of the head. A sword handle stabbed over a left shoulder as the figure walked toward them. Fingers flexed as they approached, their gait relaxed, but containing a hint of power.

  Kavan stared in disbelief as a dragonkin slowly approached. A smirk stabbed into their scaly cheek.

  “Greetings, people of Moonvale,” the dragonkin said, never taking his gaze away from Kavan’s shocked eyes.

  Fourteen

  A slight breeze blew through the town center as two dragonkin, an orc, two fae and an ogre stood. The words hung in the air as the blue and black scaled dragonkin looked to everyone in turn with slitted eyes.

  Mayor Sunaxe’s jaw dropped an inch for a small moment before he composed himself. He stood straighter and pushed out his chest a little to regain his wits. Raine, Misty, and Glem simply stared in astonishment.

  The tingling along Kavan’s nerves began to die down. The longer he was in the dragonkin’s presence, the weaker the tingling became. The odd sensations drained away and a deep curiosity took hold.

  The new dragonkin bowed at the hip and bowed his head a little more.

  “Mayor Sunaxe, it is good to meet you in the flesh. Your name has been spoken numerous times on the streets of Loduss. The strong mayor who leads the town of Moonvale on the edge of civilization.

  “I am humbled to meet you as soon as I have arrived.”

  The mayor bowed at the waist and head. “It is always a pleasure to meet new visitors to Moonvale.”

  The dragonkin and orc stood up and looked at each other.

  The mayor continued, “You must excuse our shock. We don’t get many dragonkin here in Moonvale. As far as I know, our dear friend here was the first.”

  The dragonkin held out his arm to Kavan, “I’m being rude. My name is Drayke Ash.”

  “Kavan Cynder,” Kavan said and clasped Drayke’s forearm.

  The two made a small shake, but the moment Kavan tried to pull away, Drayke’s hand squeezed, keeping a tight hold on him.

  “Kavan Cynder. A strong name for a strong spirit. I can tell you’re gifted. We should talk some more,” Drayke said with steely, slitted eyes.

  Kavan gave a slow nod. “Yes, we should. It is nice to see another dragonkin, especially out here.”

  Drayke nodded and let go. Kavan pulled his hand back, still feeling the other’s dragonkin’s strong imprint on his arm.

  Drayke turned to the mayor and a wide, sharp smile formed. “Actually, I’m not here to visit. I’ve heard pleasant things about Moonvale. So pleasant in fact, I thought I might try my hand at making this town my new home for a while.”

  Kogan nodded. “That is interesting news. We can go to my office and discuss. Moonvale’s gates are always open to newcomers.”

  Drayke nodded. “We can discuss many things, but since we have a small number of residents here at this moment, I want to show you something that may tantalize the senses and bring a sense of what I have to offer to Moonvale.”

  Kavan’s eyes darted down to the dragonkin reaching for his satchel. The moment he pulled the flap up, Kavan’s own hand reached behind, ready to take ho
ld of his spear. A sliver of mysterious darkness touched Kavan’s senses and he prepared for anything.

  Drayke’s hand dove into the pouch, took hold of something and pulled. Everyone standing around him was silent as a grave, unsure what was happening. A scaled hand pulled out an item and it grew bigger and bigger before their eyes.

  Drayke’s hands worked as a table warped out of his satchel. It lengthened and legs folded out as it formed a long, wooden table. It slammed down on the cobblestone street and Drayke moved his hands to his satchel again. Everyone backed up as the blue-scaled dragon moved his arms with purpose and flair. A tablecloth billowed into the air and settled on the table. Next, covered plates slid into place as Drayke’s hands moved in a blur.

  Heads turned and looked down the different streets to the center of town. They heard the sound of the table slamming down and watched as a tablecloth filled the air. Bodies turned with curious eyes and began making their way to the center of town.

  Kavan watched as metal tops were pulled off plates and a variety of foods from meats and vegetables, to plates of cheeses, fruits, and pastries. Scents rose up and filled the air of the town center.

  Drayke stood with his arms out and a cheery smile across his small snout. “Welcome all to sample my fine cooking and treats! My name is Drayke Ash, Master Chef.”

  The dragonkin bowed. “Please, sample anything you see. It’s all for you.”

  Raine and Misty were first, moving to the table and picking up pastries. Glem was next, picking up a piece of cooked meat and placing it in his open mouth. The mayor stepped closer and picked up a piece of cheese.

  Bodies moved toward the town center. Hynrik crawled along with his empty wagon behind him. Shegga appeared and craned her long neck to see. Oaks and Zellee appeared. Rujin and Kazko walked up to the center, the troll brothers looking at the new dragonkin with a sense of awe and distrust. When they saw the table, their eyes narrowed in annoyance.

  Onka appeared and looked at the new dragonkin with wide eyes. She turned her gaze to Kavan. His back was to her and she saw Kavan’s gaze firmly on the blue and black scaled dragonkin.

  Kavan stared, not moving a muscle.

  He’s… not from this realm.

  “I can sense it too. He must be from Earth.”

  Drayke spoke up as bodies moved closer to take part in the sample feast at the center of town. “People of Moonvale! My name is Drayke Ash and I’m here to open a new restaurant! I have heard of this delightful little town and fell in love with the many stories surrounding it. Some of your people had moved to Loduss and spoke of its charm.

  “I know strangers can be hard to trust. I simply want everyone who can hear me to know, I only wish to bring new flavors, foods, and dishes to you. I’m looking for a new home to start my new adventure and, with time, I hope you one day see me as one of your own.

  “Please, take as much as you want. It’s all for you!”

  Mayor Sunaxe grinned ear to ear. “This is certainly a fortunate surprise. Lord Ash, we must sit down and speak further. I’m sure we can accommodate a new eatery here in Moonvale.”

  Rujin and Kazko crossed their arms in mild contempt.

  From a side street, Soki slithered along with Ammi at her side. The pair made their way to the small crowd gathered.

  Drayke nodded. “Let’s speak in your office. There is much to do and I don’t wish to waste any time.”

  Mayor Sunaxe pointed an open hand to his office.

  Drayke bowed his head and moved to the mayor’s side. The pair walked the short distance to the office door, opened it and stepped inside.

  Heads nodded around the table. Many spoke to each other about how good the food tasted. Glem grabbed a fistful of cooked, seasoned meat and put it in his open mouth. The priest and priestess smiled with bright eyes as they chewed. Shegga reached over the edge of the table and snatched a pastry.

  Kavan simply stood, staring blankly as the town around him ate their fill.

  A body bumped into the dragonkin. He turned to see Ammi with wide eyes and an infectious smile.

  “Kavan, so good to see you!” the dryad said with a cheery tone.

  Kavan’s wits returned to him as the shock wore off. He bowed slightly to the dryad.

  “It’s good to see you too,” Kavan smiled.

  Ammi nodded. “I have been meaning to see you for some time, but I can be so forgetful. It’s a curse, I think, I don’t know. My mind drifts sometimes. The songs from plants can distract me. They have a lot to sing about and I fall into trances.”

  Soki slithered next to Ammi, a piece of cheese and fruit in her palm. “Ammi, focus.”

  The dryad blinked and let out a small laugh. “See, there I go again. I’m sorry, Kavan. What I wanted to tell you is I finally discovered what was taken from the nursery that night the monster arrived in town. It was a Honey Leaf sapling.”

  Kavan waited for more.

  Ammi’s eyes lost focus. Soki lightly elbowed the dryad and Ammi perked up.

  “Honey Leaf trees have a certain aroma and fruit that insects love. I think the monster that arrived was an herbivore. It might have smelled the sapling, broke in and took it,” Ammi blinked.

  Kavan scratched at the scales along the back of his neck. “We found an armored plate to a xykk on my property. Do they like honey leaf trees?”

  “I don’t know,” Ammi said with a confounded look.

  Soki chimed in. “I used to treat wounded warriors who fought in the xykk war about ten years ago. The xykk only like fresh flesh to grow their parasitic young. From what the mayor told me of that morning with the undead that were slaughtered, I can see why a xykk would do that, since they detest old, rotting flesh. But I have never heard of any xykk attracted to a honey leaf tree or its fruit. The tree in Ammi’s nursery was just a sapling.”

  Kavan let his arm drop to his side and nodded. “Could there have been two monsters that night?”

  Soki nodded. “It’s possible. There are so many strange creatures and monsters that lurk this far south, not all of them have been discovered or cataloged. It has been a pet project of mine to record new species and findings. A xykk this far from the Shadowsand desert is rare, but not impossible. They will go to great lengths to find living creatures to bring back to their colonies.

  “Another creature could have been lurking about, but to steal a specific plant is odd.”

  “A xykk could have been following the other monster, the one that took the sapling,” Ammi said.

  “Ammi, did you only have one Honey Leaf sapling?” Kavan asked.

  The dryad shook her head. “No, I have several. They grow better during the summer and I was going to re-pot them when the days grew warmer.”

  Kavan rubbed his jaw.

  This is turning into a real mystery. It’s been weeks since the monster appeared the night, I accepted the role as Magistrate.

  Kavan looked past the crowd to the mayor’s office.

  The mysteries just keep unfolding. Drayke may have some answers to what happened to us. I just don’t know if I want to know.

  “We don’t know his real intentions. He has provided a simple spectacle to help endear himself to the town. If he is from Earth, why come here to simply open a restaurant? It doesn’t track.”

  Kavan smirked to himself.

  It’s something we’re going to have to ask him.

  A hand touched Kavan’s hand. The dragonkin looked down to see Onka. Her oval eyes slowly blinked, a touch of concern swirling within them.

  “Come with me,” the goblin said and pulled.

  Kavan followed the goblin as many town residents crowded around the table of food. A party atmosphere bloomed with laughing and talking growing into a pleasant, white noise.

  Onka pulled Kavan to a small side street. When they were well enough away from the crowd, the goblin stopped, let go of Kavan’s hand and leaned against a wall. The goblin’s big, pointed ears drooped a little as thoughts moved along her mind.

  “
Onka?” Kavan asked.

  The goblin looked up. “I always had a feeling Moonvale would change with time, but I never expected two dragonkin here. It’s a sign that others will come to our town and make it their home.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  Onka gave a genuine smile. “It’s a wonderful thing, if people come here for the right reasons.”

  Kavan remained silent.

  Onka sighed and continued, “I may not be the best goblin to talk about this. My knowledge of deities and religions is extremely poor. All I know is, Moonvale prides itself on following any deities we choose. You can worship the new dragon gods, old gods, and even the primal gods. It’s that freedom that makes Moonvale special.”

  Onka looked down and to the side. “If others come to our town and news gets out that we have two dragonkin here, it might reach the Spire Cities. It might cause them to investigate.

  “Most, if not all, dragonkin live in the Spire Cities. I know you were travelling and suffered an accident. I can see your heart doesn’t want to leave our town and I know I don’t want you to leave. We might have been able to not pique anyone’s interest with one dragonkin, but two of your kind here will raise some eyebrows. If dragonkin paladins or justiciars come to our town, there could be terrible consequences if they find out we freely worship all the gods.”

  “What kind of consequences?”

  Onka kept her gaze to the floor, “Terrible ones. There have always been stories of people who disagreed with the new dragon gods. They were often met with death or slavery. Entire kingdoms were burned to ash for defying the dragonkin. It happened a long time ago and many have forgotten. Kingdoms remain neutral, so as not to wake the wrath of the Spire Cities. It has been this way for thousands of years.

  “Many races and peoples may worship in secret, as long as no one brings attention to it. A majority follow the dragon gods, for fear they may burn in the afterlife if they don’t. We don’t believe that here in Moonvale. We believe there is enough room for all. Our town may nearly be empty, but our hearts are full.”

  Kavan nodded. “Priest Raine and Priestess Misty were about to ask me to meet, so we could talk about faith and religion. We were interrupted by Drayke’s appearance in town. I assume we will connect to set up a time and date to meet.”