The Ruins

Chapter Three

LANAI

Lanai and Jakombie made it to the tree line. Very cautiously approaching, they heard all sort of unfamiliar noises. They went behind the trees and looked further in. They saw flashes of light. Grunts, heavy breathing and laughter came toward them. “What the hell?” They asked each other.

The chiming of the fairies wafted through the air. The flapping of their fast, little wings was like a drum. The light show continued. They inched their way toward it, curiously. Jakombie wasn’t sure but he thought he remembered something; from when he was a child, about colorful dragons and fairies. Maybe it was a story. Maybe he had actually seen them. “Wait.” He told Lanai. “We be a trespass of magic. Maybe bad.”

He walked out into the open, where he thought that they could see him. The drumming continued, but got closer. Something came at him. It flew right past him and then back, and circled his head. It was too quick to see. Then it was gone.

The fairies went to tell Ishloche that they had undead company.

“Zombies! Here!” Ishloche asked. “Are you sure?”

“Undead filth and scent and no recompense.” Was the reply. “But only one. Must have companion.” The fairies spoke to each other. They flew out to the trees to find them.

Faster and faster their little wings carried them through the trees. Up and down and between he leaves, until they found her. Lanai was a little freaked out, staring out at Jakombie. She had heard the wing beats but hadn’t noticed that she had been spotted. “Jak? What was that?” She asked him.

Orange, gold and green shot past her. “Get into the trees woman.” Ishloche growled to her. She cautiously moved forward. “Why are you with the undead?” He asked her “Why are you here?” Ishloche lowered his powerful stare to hers. “Who are you?”

Lanai gasped in fright. She didn’t know how to approach this. Dragons were a bedtime story. She thought she really must be dehydrated.

“Speak!” He ordered her.

“I am Lanai. I have just escaped the Orcs with the help of my friend Jakombie. He isn’t really undead, not for lack of them trying. “ She cringed and bowed her head. “Up was the only way to go. We need food and water. “

Ishloche contemplated what she was saying. He squinted at her and took in a deep breath. The smell of Orcs and Zombies filled his nostrils. He gagged and coughed back. “The smell of death is strong on both of you.” He told her. Fire flashed in his eyes. “Why should I let you live?” Ishloche circled both of them. “How can you prove your truth?” He asked them.

Jakombie sat on the ground and pulled up his pant legs. He bared the flesh on his arms, and chest as well. “Look.” He told Ishloche. “Scars bad. Beatings and chains.” He stammered out nodding his head in the affirmative. “I sit here. You are strong.” Jakombie grabbed the sack cloth from Lanai. He pulled out the herbs that they had packed. “Heal self. “ Jakombie continued. He pointed at Lanai. “Heal her too.”

Lanai bared her ankles and wrists. She showed the dragon her scars and healing wounds. She also sat on the ground in front of him. “We barely escaped.” She glanced at Jakombie. “Without him I would’ve been eaten by now.”

Jakombie didn’t notice the respect that Lanai had for him, and what he had done, until that moment. He smiled at her.

Ishloche looked at both of them in disgust. He told the fairies to help them to the water. “Get that stench off from you and fill your canteens, but don’t drink until I say.” He sauntered away into the woods where Ramal was waiting. This would be a perfect test for her.

“Ramal,” He questioned her. “Are you ready for this?”

“Hell yes!” She enthusiastically answered. “You know I can.” Ramal’s blue eyes shown her energy.

Lanai and Jakombie returned with the fairies to where Ramal was training. They didn’t quite know what to make of her, or what exactly was going on.

“Now that you both don’t wreak of unholy things,” Ishloche told them “Put your canteens on the ground and take three steps back.”

They were confused but obeyed, sending each other side glances.

“Ramal, come forth. I want you to purify, sanitize and bless this water.” Ishloche circled her and breathed a ring of fire toward the earth. “Use what you can feel.” He told her.

Ramal stood in. front of the canteens. She closed her eyes and pulled her hair away from her face. She took a deep breath in. She tilted her head from side to side stretching the muscles there. She rolled her shoulders back and brought her arms forward. The earth sent shivers up her legs and influence to her fingers. She could feel the warmth from the fire and the water from the bottles. With the air in her lungs and the elements working with her, she looked inside for the right words or tune. Her brows furrowed together. The only song that would come, was in her head, and sang by her mother.

Ramal began to hum the tune aloud. Her eyes closed, her arms and fingers sprawled out in front of her. She felt a surge of energy transfer from her to the water. The canteens shook. Lanai gasped. Ramal opened her eyes just as the canteen fell to the ground.

The fairies took the canteen that fell over to Lanai. “You gasped first, you drink first.” They told her flying in and out of her vision. “Caution be told. Blessed water unfolds. If you will lie, then you will die.” They all laughed and flew above her.

“Drink.” Ishloche told her. “Quench your thirst. She has removed the parasites. Ramal continue your tune.” He never took his eyes from Lanai’s face. “Drink.” He told her again.

Lanai cautiously removed the lid from the canteen and pressed it to her lips. She had planned on taking just a sip, but she was so thirsty. Once the cool liquid wet her mouth, it soothed her throat. The taste was so clean and amazing, fresh and crip. She drank it all. Her skin began to feel as though the stream was running through her. She outstretched her arms and saw the wounds and scars fade. She felt revived and healthy. “How did you do that?” She asked Ramal. Her eyes full of questions.