by Drew Smith
“This was tough, I’m just glad everyone is okay.” Dyne walked up beside Frostear. Scarlette walked a little closer to Gerald.
“I never though Gerald of all people was a Drayhelm. I had my suspicions, but I didn’t even think this. I have never actually seen a transformed Drayhelm so close before.” Scarlette said while brushing dirt of herself. Zephry looked behind her to notice the town’s people had returned. They stayed quite a ways back, and gazed from a far.
“Dyne please bring Lumus back to Neutral City, I will stay here with Orson, and try to plan what to do about Gerald and for the Capaz. Brinx can you do an outer city sweep? Make sure Lears has really left.” Orson announced with a serious tone. Scarlette looked over to Orson. As everyone began to walk away Gerald’s eyes opened wide. Scarlette screamed, causing her to fall to her knees. His wings flapped hard, causing everyone to cover their eyes to shield the dirt. Orson looked up to see him heading toward Aster Mountains.
Scarlette rose to her feet, and turned to Orson.
“What do we do? Should we pursue him?” Scarlette shouted. Orson’s eyes didn’t leave Gerald.
“No, we are in no condition to give chase. Bring Lumus down below. Everyone else will help out in the city.” Orson demanded.
“Orson, Zelkem is in and out. I think he needs to rest too.” Zephry whispered. Dyne looked at Zynx barely standing behind Scarlette.
“I’m no doctor, but it looks like we all need to rest.” Dyne said faintly. Orson walked slowly toward the Palace.
“Very well, you all go get some rest. I shall organize the cleanup, and join you shortly. Frostear threw Lumus’ other arm over his shoulder to help Dyne. They made their way toward Penelope’s store. Zephry followed with Brinx and Zelkem. Scarlette waited until they all had left.
“Orson this is bad, we don’t know what Gerald will do, he is no more predictable then a wild beast.” Orson stood atop the palace steps.
“I know. He could come back at any time, but some of the people have lost their homes. This is all because of us. Every time we are attacked people get hurt in the cross fire. I’m going to do the only thing I know I can do. I’m going to help the people see the light in these dark times.” Scarlette looked over her shoulder to the town’s people returning to their destroyed homes. People from all over the city began clearing the rubble from the streets.
“I will stay here with you Orson. I will send word to gather the council in the main hall.” Orson smiled.
“It will take some time, but things will return to normal. Are you heading to the palace then?” Scarlette nodded to Orson.
“I didn’t see where the city guards went. I’m guessing they retreated with the people.” Orson turned to notice the town knights working on clearing the streets.
Scarlette worked up enough energy to smile.
“Thank you Orson.” Scarlette turned, and made way for the palace.
Orson turned back to the people. He noticed the stage from the last celebration was still in one piece. He made his way through the street, and hopped up. The people noticed Orson, and slowly one by one everyone turned expecting a speech.
“Hello everyone, I know we have been through a lot. I know this isn’t the first time that our town has been attacked. I honestly don’t know what to tell you anymore.” Orson paused for a minute, and looked around from face to face. He could see the confusion in their eyes.
“The truth is Lears can try to bring us down all he wants, we, the people of Capaz will always rise from the ashes and rebuild. He can never defeat us, because we cannot be defeated!” The people roared with applause, and cheers as Orson jumped off the stage. Scarlette had watched the speech from the palace doors. Her face lit up with a smile as she closed the doors behind her.
Frostear led everyone down the tunnel with Lumus now on his back. Everyone followed behind except Dyne who was walking a slow pace behind. Zephry looked over her shoulder to see if Dyne was still in sight. He looked as if he was dragging his feet, but it was hard to tell in the dim light.
“Dyne are you okay Zephry blurted out.” Everyone stopped, and turned to Dyne. “
I just don’t know what we are doing anymore. At first we were just trying to fight Lears, and end all of this madness, but as each day passes we seem to be falling farther and farther from our goal. I mean really, Lears was a problem, but then we have purple god like beings, Drayhelms, and not to mention each time we try to battle these bastards, we end up destroying a town in the progress.” Dyne said as he slammed his fist into the cave wall.
Dyne sat down, and held his head. Frostear walked over to Dyne, and grabbed him by the back of his tunic. He raised him into the air to look him in the face.
“Things may seem rough, but don’t think for a second that we have lost. You need to remember Lumus beat Kontaminate. Lears will be dealt with in time, and as for Gerald I will deal with him when the time comes.” Frostear dropped Dyne and walked past everyone with Lumus still hanging off his back. Dyne made his way to his feet, and watched Frostear fade into the darkness of the tunnel.
“Maybe he is right, but we need to be better organized if we intend to win.” Zephry ran over to Dyne, and stomped hard on his foot.
“Ah! What was that for?” Zephry got real close to Dyne with a deep stare.
“You idiot, did you not just witness what we did together? We just fought off an Elder Drayhelm. Do you think that was unorganized?” Zephry frowned with a wide eye stare. Dyne kept stepping back, but Zephry matched every step forward as he moved away.
“Yeah I guess I didn’t think about it.” Dyne replied. Brinx turned to Dyne.
“We have accomplished so much together so far. The more time we spend together the more we grow. Team work like that can’t be false. It’s our combined will to change the world for the better that drives us to work together as we did. If one of us loses hope we will all fall apart. As much as you may feel these doubts, we need you. Don’t lose hope, or we will all fail.” Brinx turned back, and made his way toward Neutral City. Zephry walked along side with him. Zynx stood beside Dyne. He looked at him for a moment as Dyne looked back up at him. After a pause Zynx gave Dyne a kick at his leg, then turned and followed the others.
“Ah! I get it. You of all people, come on man.” Dyne rubbed his leg for a while before he looked up. His torch became dim as the flames began to shrink. Everyone had gone ahead, and left him alone. He looked back down to see Zynx’s kick had put a rip in his pants.
“Damn, these are my favourite pants. Ah forget it, complaining only gets me yelled at.” Dyne shrugged then made his way after the others.
Orson entered the main hall of the Capaz palace. He smiled at Scarlette then approached her.
“The city has cleared most of the debris out the North Gate. We have begun rebuilding in the town plaza. It is amazing to see everyone work together even after all that has happened to them.” Scarlette stood from the throne.
“Orson, the councillors will need to choose a new councillor. They will ask my input along with yours. I wanted to know what you thought.” Orson walked to the window. “Brunius has returned from the infirmary. He has recovered from his infection from Kontaminate.” Scarlette took a long look at Orson.
“Scarlette you would be who I would want as the new lead councillor. No one else would be worthy to give order to Twilight then you my lady.” Orson still looked out the window down to the streets. Scarlette looked down to her satchel strapped to her waist. She took a minute to realize she had not checked her hourglass for some time now. Orson turned back to Scarlette.
“I understand though Scarlette. You want to follow this through with Lumus, as do I. I would elect Lady Concy.” Scarlette smiled.
“I agree, my vote will also be for Lady Concy.” Orson turned from Scarlette, and made his way to the door. He turned as he opened it.
“I must go meet the council in the meeting room. My lady, you would have been a great leader for Twilight.” Scarlette smiled as Orson made hi
s way out of the throne room. Scarlette made her way to the window, and glanced down the North Gate.
Scarlette noticed Orson exiting the palace. He stopped for a moment, then made his way to The North Gate to greet the council members. Scarlette turned, and sat once again in the throne chair.
A few moments after Scarlette sat down the Councillors from every city had walked in. She thought in her head that they had made their way through the palace very quickly.
“Lady Scarlette is it true?” Geare blurted out. Scarlette stood quickly.
“Calm your self Geare we will have our answers soon.” Lady Concy said politely. Orson was last to enter, he shut the doors behind him. Councillor Owen and Mack started to circle in front of Scarlette, the others formed the circle as they noticed.
Scarlette waved to Orson, he made his way beside her to face the others.
“I am sure you have all saw. Lead councillor Gerald was in fact a Drayhelm. Geare you may have been absent during the attack, but yes. Gerald was in fact a Drayhelm.” Orson announced. Lady Concy had a look of worry on her face as Orson continued.
“Lears appeared too, and antagonized him until he lost control. Gerald transformed just outside the palace. Luckily no one was harmed, but we were unable to defeat him.” Orson added. Orgu laughed.
“I would have crushed him.” Orgu said proudly. Lady Tilza smacked the back of his head.
“Pipe down you old fool! Continue Orson.” Orson smiled at Tilza.
“Gerald fled to the North. We are not certain exactly where. However that will be dealt with. As you all know we now need to elect a new lead councillor, so we will put it to a vote. Orson raised his hand.
“My vote is Lady Concy.” Mack raised his hand.
“Scarlette” Orgu raised his hand.
“Scarlette” Everyone left raised their hands, and simultaneously said Scarlette. Scarlette stepped forward.
“Thank you, all of you, but Orson and I have talked this over already. Although my father was once leader of Capaz I have no right to be voted to take lead of you all.” Scarlette protested. Lady Concy stepped forward.
“Lady Scarlette, You are, and always have been the one to take your fathers place. He would have been lead councillor if not for untimely death. You must take his place.” Concy added. Scarlette sat down.
“I appreciate your words, but I have to decline, and I vote for Orson.” Orson looked at Scarlette with surprise.
“My lady, I cannot, I must be with you and Lumus to see this quest through.” Orson argued. Scarlette sighed.
“If I remember correctly Gerald traveled as he wished. I don’t see why you cannot do the same.” Scarlette added. Brunius entered the throne room, and made his way toward the others.
“I heard what you all have said, I have been trying to decide whether I was ready to return after what happened to me.” Brunius raised his hand
“Orson”. Brunius said with his hand raised. Everyone paused, then raised their hands after a moment. They all shouted Orson.
Scarlette sat up, and pushed Orson into the Throne.
“Congratulations lead councillor Orson.” Scarlette said with a smile.
“If this is so, then I have a few conditions.” Orson said. Lady Concy stepped back.
“You are lead councillor. What you say is law My Lord.” Concy replied. Orson smiled. “The first new law, all members of council must agree on a decision for it to pass. Furthermore, the funds for all of the cities will be distributed equally where they need to be. I also request that we use some funds to rebuild Capaz. What say you?” Orson demanded. Everyone cheered.
“I would also like to enlist Lumus as a Citizen in Capaz, and use some funds to build him a home here in town.” Orson added. Everyone cheered again. Orson stood up.
“I would like to ask just one more thing. I would like the council to make Zelkem a third rank knight. I ask he skips the trails due to the path we shall take toward finding Lears. Everyone cheered, but councillor Geare.
“Councillors Cinnus, Anna and Tank turned to Geare.
“I don’t agree to that. The trail is a rite of passage to become a knight. We cannot just allow anyone to become one.” Geare protested. Orson nodded. If that is how you feel councillor Geare then it will not be.” Geare looked at the other councillors looking back at him.
“Very well Orson, your brother shall become a knight third class, but when this is all over he must take the trails as everyone else has, even if he earns his way to first class.” Geare added. Orson smiled.
“Thank you councillor Geare, Zelkem will become my apprentice as well as lady Zephry.” Orson replied. Tank crossed his arms.
“We haven’t had to take an apprentice since the Dragon Wars. You haven’t trained a knight before Orson. Do you think you can handle two?” Orson turned his attention to Tank.
“From what I have seen in combat with them I believe those two will surpass even you.” Orson said with a laugh. Tank shrugged.
“Ha-ha that I would like to see.” Tank replied.
The councillors made their way to their rooms, Orson stayed behind with Brunius and Scarlette. Brunius took his seat at the throne as Orson walked over to the window.
“I have to apologize. When I got over my infection, it took me some time to see straight. I needed some time until I could return to the palace.” Brunius hung his head as he sat. Orson sighed.
“Brunius we understand, notice how the rest of the council didn’t question you? I know they trust you, and have seen what you have done over the years for the council and Twilight. You don’t need to be sorry for anything.” Scarlette smiled.
“Thank you Orson. Lady Scarlette I will be the leader of Capaz that your father wanted you to be until you are ready to take my place.” Brunius smiled. Scarlette turned to the window.
“I know you will Brunius.” Brunius left the throne room with his head held high. “Scarlette are you okay?” Orson tried to see her face.
“I am fine Orson you should head down to the plaza, they may need your help.” Orson stopped moving toward Scarlette.
“I see, if you need me, then you know where I’ll be.” Orson made his way to the door. He turned before leaving to see a shine of light from outside glisten off Scarlette’s cheek as a tear fell to the ground. He had a sad look on his face as he closed the door behind him.
Chapter Seventeen- A Glimpse of Darkness
Lears sat proudly in his chair at the top of a large staircase overlooking all of his Lords below. The stone around them freshly carved into their new fortress. The corridors were brightened by the many torches along the walls. Columns lined the cavern from the door leading to the Aster Mountain trails all the way to Lears on his new throne. Five shadow demons stood behind Lears, digging as he sat.
“I have called you all here to witness my next act of hatred toward the pathetic people of this planet. We have terrorized and killed people, burned their cities, and even built a prison to house those that defy us. Now we will take it to the next level. Now I will show them my true power. I will unleash a moon-sized attack on Twilight.” Ged looked worried.
“Lord Lears, won’t an attack that size… Won’t it kill everyone, and us along with it?” Ged blurted out. Lears laughed.
“Ged, you worry over nothing. The attack will seem life-threatening, but in truth it is my way of luring Lumus and his friends out of hiding.” Lears laughed once again. Coldblood sighed.
“So we are trying to finish them off once and for all?” Ged asked. Lears stood from his throne.
“Exactly, and when they are out of the way we will commence in taking out the rest of Twilight and rebuild it as I see fit.” Lears sat back down. Antsos glanced outside as he heard a roar.
“Master, I believe the Drayhelm is back. Coldblood turned his attention to the cave opening.
“His name is Zuul. Gerald was a name he gave himself to fool the council. Lord Lears, now that Zuul’s rage has transformed him there is no telling what or who he will
attack.” Antsos announced. Lears stood up once more, but this time he made his way down the stairs past his followers to the cave door. He noticed Zuul circle back to the mountains.
“This Dragon is nothing to me.” Lears raised his hands and formed a ball of dark energy. Slowly it grew bigger. Lears closed his eyes, and began to glow with a faint dark light around his body. Zuul noticed the energy from the air. With a roar he dove down directly at Lears.
Lears’ eyes flew open as he cried “Let’s see how the great Zuul handles this!” The ball of energy grew larger than Zuul as he was hit head on. He was pushed farther into the sky as the energy rose. The dark energy came to a stop, then stayed high in the air. Zuul was pushed with such force out of sight. Lears yelled out once more and dropped his hands.
“My Lord, are you okay?” Antsos asked with concern, Coldblood stared up into the sky. “My Lord, I believe you sent it off into space.” Ged added. Lears turned back to the cavern entrance.
“We won’t be bothered by him for a while.” Lears laughed as he passed Ged. Coldblood stared up to the sky.
“I should mention that us Drayhelms can hold our breath for almost a week while in our dragon form. You may have just made him angrier. He will be back, My Lord.” Coldblood explained. Lears stopped for a moment, then continued toward his throne.
“Zuul is not important; what we must do now is march for Twilight Lake. Lumus will be coming to see the main event, I’m sure.” Lears sat in his throne with a sinister grin on his face. Ged approached Lears and kneeled in front of him.
“My Lord, what are we to do when we find them?” After a pause Ged looked up at Lears. His eyes were closed, but he still smiled.
“We will kill them all. Leave no one alive.” Lears demanded. The Lords roared. Ged rose to his feet with a grin.
“As you wish, My Lord.” Ged backed away slowly, then turned for the cavern entrance. Coldblood and Hedree followed behind him. Jol and Antsos waited for them to pass then followed as well. Levitz and Aire were about to follow, but Lears stood up once again.
