Chronicles Of the Ren-Ky Warriors (Book 1)

Chapter 16

Three days had passed since Lance, Gale, Fang, and Luna left Marewood. With their hearts heavy with the knowledge that Marwood was now part of the Farmin kingdom.  Luna glanced around to see Fang taking the rear as she watched Lance’s cheery nature. While Gale walked beside her. Luna could not find the words to talk to Gale as she closed her eyes, remembering her calls being answered by someone as she pulled herself closer before looking up and seeing Lance racing ahead.

Lance ran forward while the group came up to a fork in the road. Where a pair of signs pointed in either direction. The sings were overgrown as the others walked closer. Gale walked up and cleans the post off. The markers read Goldhill, the Gold Heart Empire's capital, and the other was Riverlight, a city of festivals and lights. Gale stepped back as he turned to Luna.

She glanced at the signs and started to walk down one as Lance began to jump for joy and turned to ask which way they were going to head when he noticed Luna walking down the road to Riverlight. Gale picked up his pace to be at Luna’s side. While Lance raced ahead once more to take the front.

Luna glanced at Gale as she turned to see Fang walking closer before matching their pace. Luna could also see Fang placing his hand over the hilt of his sword before he glanced at Gale.

“So, Gale, what is Lovell like?” Fang coldly asked as he gripped his sword.

Gale stopped prompting the whole group to stop. Gale sighed before turning to Fang, “Well, Lovell can be hotheaded, shy, and—well—stubborn.”

Fang was trying to picture what Lovell might have looked like before Gale started to walk once more. Gale smiled as he remembered more about Lovell.

“But he is strong, wise, foolish, and sentimental, where he wanted to save Marewood.” Gale finished.

Luna smiled as she clasped her hands over her heart, “He sounds like a handful. How long were you two travelling with Lovell at the time? Well? Before the incident back at Marewood?”

Lance turned and looked in the direction of Marewood. Fealing worried that Lovell might not return. While Gale walked past Lance. He glanced back at Lance, seeing him standing like a bump on the log. While Luna and Fang walked up to Gale.

“Well, we knew Lovell for about three months, so not terribly long. We met him back in Stonebeak in the Faremin territory. Lance, get moving, or you're left behind!” Lance jumped as Gale yelled at him.

Lance rubbed his head before running to catch up. Fang growled quietly as Lance ran to Gale’s side.

“Sorry, I was in thought.” Lance apologized.

Fang growled louder as Gale smack Lance across the head. Lance grumbled as he rudded the sore spot. While Gale turned to Luna, while he glanced back at Lance.

“He will come back, don't worry too much. We have to protect Luna in his stead.” Gale cussed Lance out.

Gale tried hiding the fact he was worried; Lance perked up as he knew Gale to know well when he was concerned. Fang rolled his eyes at them while Luna smiled at them. Luna let out a small chuckle as she held her hand behind herself.

 “They seem very close, don't they Fang?” Luna glanced at Fang.

Fang crossed his arms as the annoyance washed over his body.

“Well, if they don't hurry, we will leave them behind!” Fang raised his voice at Lance and Gale.

 Luna chuckled at Fang's behaviour towards them, watching as he blushed before moving ahead.

“Let’s…let's just get going.” Fang scowled.

Gale and Lance caught up with them, Fang still red, looked up to see the city of Riverlight come into view. Gale walked up beside him, “You alright, Fang?”

“Yeah, Luna just got to me.” Fang turned to Lance, “the real question is if Lance is ok?”

Gale glanced back at Lance. “True, but he'll pull through. He always finds a way to bounce back.” Fang was noticing that Gale had no emotional exposition when he spoke. Gale looked at him. “Curious, why I don't show emotions?”

Fang nodded, “Yes, it seems weird that you don't, for a human?”

Gale closed his eyes. “Lance and I have known each other since we were tiny, though he was the opposite of what he is now.”

Fang lifted an eyebrow, looking at Lance, then back at Gale, “Him? Not happy go lucky or a worry wort?”

Gale nodded, “Yeah, it's hard to believe, but he used to be very strict like his father.”

Fang looked at Gale, “And you?”

“I was timid back then and never talked once unless someone asked me a question.” Gale laughed a bit; Fang froze in fear at what he heard from Gale. “But he changed me, and I changed him after he tried to get me to talk to him; he demanded I speak to him.” Gale closed his eyes, “He thought I was a child of a servant in the castle.”

Fang stopped, “Castle?”

Gale turned to Fang, “Yes, I am the prince of Grand Dale Kingdom. Why?”

Fang blinked blankly at what Gale said. “Well, it is just that you don't seem like a royal the way you act.”

“True, but it thanks to Lance still.” Gale looked at the cities architect as they walked through. “Lance was so insistent that I talked to him he up and asked me why I did talk to him.” Gale notices Lance gawking at the festive décor. “I think he said something like 'why do you not answer me, peasant?'”

Fang looked at Lance, “Hard to believe he was so rude as a child…when he acts like one. So, what was your response to that.”

Gale looked up, “I think I said something like, 'because you asked me to speak?' but I cannot recall.”

Fang looked at Gale in amazement. “You sounded like a royal there.”

Gale turned to face Fang as a faint smile waft across his face. “Yeah, my father comes out to see how I was doing, and that's when Lance figured out who I was. After that, it's a blur of him trying to get me more social and see the world. I feel he made it my mission. There are times my emotions stir up. Like when we first met Lovell.” Gale chuckled at the thought.

Fang was astonished by how ordinary Gale could be. “I think Lovell helped in the end. Wish I could have met him before he left you two behind.”

Gale lowered his gaze, “True to that—but in the end…we did find you and Lady Luna.”

 Gale lifted his eyes towards Fang as he agreed. While they all entered the local inn. Lance felt uneasy as he rubbed his arms, glancing around as Fang rented the rooms for the next two nights. Luna walked to her room while Lance and Gale stayed in one of the inn-rooms with Fang next to Luna’s. Gale yawned as he tucked in for the night. Lance followed suit but tossed and turned before getting back up. The uneasy feeling growing. Lance turned to the window and walked over, opening the shutters letting the cold spring air cascade the room.

Lance took a deep breath before glancing out the window. He could see people laughing late into the night while stray dogs and cats fought one another. Lance glanced through the street below before noticing a group of strange-looking dogs roam the streets across the canal. Their large proportions and eerie glares towards his and Gale’s room sent chills over Lance. Lance became concerned that something wasn't right as the dogs slipped into the shadows. Lance looked over at Gale. Lance could see Gale sleeping soundly. Lance sighed before heading back to bed, leaving the window open.

            Lance closed his eyes, unaware of the beast creeping into the room. Silently walking towards Gale and hovering over him. “The time of your life as you know it shall end, and new dawn shall rise from the ashes of your blood. May the voids of our would guide your young pup.”

            Beast leaned in and sank its teeth deep into Gale's shoulder. Gale groaned as he felt the burning sensation fill his body. The beast smiled as it stepped back, watching the wound heal over. The creature turned to Lance, who was shifting violently under the covers in his sleep. The beast walked back to the window as it jumped down and was greeted by its pack. Turning into a man with red hair as a child approached him.

            “So, what pray tell of manner are you doing here, Tristan?” The child asked him.

            Tristan turned to the child as he smiled. “You should know since one still exists. I just merely helped awaken its power. Besides, you will help his friend calm himself to where I will leave to my home in the Spade dominion. Tell him about my kind and then lead him to fear. I wish for the surprise to waft over the group. As the young prince of Grand Dale is more than he seems. An ancient species slumbers no more, Alli.”

            The child scrunched her face in anger as Tristan walked away. “I don’t like this, but I see your reasoning. I will play this game but remember this. You two will meet someday, and you will tell him everything. I will keep my thoughts about to myself and others—”

            “Alli, they are the Ren-Ky, and as of right now, the leader is in the enemy's hands. If he were to fall, then Lunnatica will die once more or worse. Become that man's slave bride.” Tristan snarled as he glanced back at Alli.

            Alli growled at Tristan as she looked up at Lance and Gale's window. Knowing very well, she would need to develop some plan of action to lead them on. Yet, Tristan’s final words sent shivers up her being. As she walked through the night air back to her home.

The sun peered into the room while Lance finished getting ready for the day, waking only an hour before the sun was visible. As he had difficulty sleeping the night away as his fears grew. Lance turned to Gale and started shaking him to wake up, wanting to get out of town as soon as possible.

Gale groan as he shoved Lance off him as he turned over, “What, Lance? It's not even sunrise yet?”

Lance  narrowed his eyes at Gale as he leaned in, “Yes, it is, and we need to get out of town fast!”

Gale grumbled as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes as his grumpy gaze showered over Lance.  Gale sighed as Lance continued. “Look, this city gives me the heebie-jeebies, plus the night time animals don't—are listening to me!”

Gale yawned as he started to smile at Lance. Sitting up with a relaxed demeanour. “Nah, just relax, Lance, everything is fine? Besides, there is nothing to worry about.”

Lance stumbled back as he noticed that Gale was not acting right. Lance stared at Gales as he stretched out. Lance stepped back some more before racing to Luna's door to see if it happened to her as well. As he reached her bedroom, Luna opened the door, rubbing her arms. Lance grabbed her tightly in fear. As she felt an uneasy sensation.

“Luna!” Lance screamed as he stumbled towards her.

Luna jumped as Lance was inches from her, “Oh, Lance, you awake. Is something wrong?”

Lance sighed as he was relieved to see her still the same as she raised her brow at him. Lance dropped his hands to his knees, trying to brace himself up. Before looking straight into Luna’s eyes.

“Look, we need to talk, but...” Lance began to explain when he noticed someone walking over. He pushed Luna back into her room. “Move quickly!”

Luna tried asking what was going on before he locked the door. Sighing, while she looked at Lance staring back at her, his eyes filled with fear. Luna waited as she sat back down onto her bed. Waiting to heard Lance out.

“Ok, before you freak, but something is very wrong with this town. Gale and possibly Fang are acting strange, to the point where I want to punch myself a thousand times.” Lance started to explain while he paced back and forth. “I think the worst of it is the strange dogs I saw last night hang around outside, and-and—”

Luna stood up and grabbed Lance to stopped him as she stared into his terrified face. “What did these dogs look like, Lance?”

Lance looked into Luna’s eyes and nodded.  They sat down as Lance explains what he saw before heading back to bed. Luna listened as she began to form an idea of what they might have been.

“Hmm, I think they were daemons, high tier werewolves, really, or a shifter type of vampire. Hard to say without seeing them myself.”

 “Is that bad?” Lance asked as he sat down.

Lance became increasingly concerned that one of them will become their lunch. Before Luna could answer, Fang entered the room.

 “Hey, Lance, something is wrong with Gale? He's acting a bit strange? Like you strange?” Luna and Lance turned to see Gale hanging from Fang like a six-year-old. Fang noticed that they were staring at him strangely as he growled. “What?”

Luna tilted her head, trying to make sense of what was going on, “Well, Lance woke up this morning to him acting strange and ran out before seeing if you were too, but to see Gale act like this is…is well—crazy—to say the least?” Luna got up to take a closer look at Gale, “Gale, sweetie, could you show me any injuries you might have?”

Gale shrunk down as he held onto Fang's shoulders. Luna smiled softly as she looked at Gale. Lance sighed, feeling a different approach would work as he got up and walked over to Fang

 “Come here, you!” Lance barked.

Lance reached over and grabbed Gale by the ear. Gale let go of Fang as Lance dragged him to the bed. Fang standing stunned at Lance's approach. While Gale started to act out as if he was a spoiled toddler who tried protesting. As Gale was seated down, Luna checked over Gale while Lance held his ear to keep him under control. As she studied Gale’s kneck, Luna noticed a bit mark on Gale's shoulder that had healed. Lance looked over to see what she had found.

“What is that, a bite mark? Hey, Fang, did you bite Gales' shoulder on your way here?”

Fang stood up, looked at the mark. “No, you would have noticed if I DID. And besides, Theyans don’t bite people, nor if they did would cause these effects. Although, the teeth marks…they look very familiar?” Fang began to think where he saw them wandered off. “Now, where have I seen those marks before?”

Luna turned to Lance seeing the concern ravage Lance's mind. “Lance, everything will be ok.” Luna smiled as she spoke chipperly. “Let's all get dressed and see if we can't find someone who remembers seeing this kind of bite mark before, alright, Lance?”

Lance nodded as he got up and grabbed Gale by the arm.  “Okay, I'll take care of Gale till we find out what's going on?”

Luna noticed that Lance was ready to break down at any moment watched the two leave as Fang stepped aside. As Lance closed the door, he could hear Luna screaming at Fang to get out. Fang rushed out, rubbing his arm, walked back to his room. Lance smiled at Fang's pain as he dragged Gale back to their own space.

After the boy was dressed, they waited for Luna, Lance, keeping an eye on Gale's movements. Fang sat down as he sighed. Gale stared at the other guests as Lance held him down in his seat. With Gale huffing at the fact he could not leave to see them. Fang placed a pencil and paper on the table. Gale turned to see what Fang was doing and became fixated on doodling.

“It's like he became a normal commoner’s kid in an adult body.” Lance sighed as he crossed his arms.

Fang leaned back in his seat. “True, and from what you said back in our room, this might be the work of a daemon?”

Lance lowered his head as guilt ripped through his gut, “I fear it might be.”

Lance and Fang heard footsteps coming their way as they looked up. Luna smiled gingerly before fading. Lance stood up as Fang watched Gale.

“You ready, Luna?” Lance asked as his voice became coarse.

Luna scratched her cheek as the tension in the air grew tense. Fang stood up as he patted Lance's shoulder before standing beside Luna.

“Yes, sorry if I took so long. I missed placed my boots last night and couldn't find them till a moment ago.”

Lance nodded as he tied a rope around Gale's waist. Luna stared in horror as Lance pulled the rope tight. Forcing Gale to follow. Luna touched Lance’s forearm.

“Is this really necessary? I mean…” Luna's voice cracked as Lance turned to her. Fang turned away, knowing the answer.

“I know it looks obscene, but this is better than losing track of him. Especially since we don’t know the city or if the one who did this to Gale will take him from us?” Lance croaked as he tried to keep himself together.

Luna watched Gale stare at a butterfly that flew by. Before trying to follow it. Lance pulled on the rope stopping Gale in his tracks.

 “Good…good point.” Luna stuttered before turning her attention towards Fang. “Did you ask the innkeeper about—”

“Yes, and there are three places we could check out, but…” Fang answered as his voice grew distant.

Luna became worried as she pulled her hands close to her chest. The tension growing ever bitter. As she leaned in closer.

“But what, Fang?” Luna squeezed out.

Fang sighed as he rubbed his white hair. Looking at Lance, then glancing back at  Luna.

 “All the places that can help are all closed. Due to the festival, today and will be closed until the festival is over. Which is several days away from now.” Fang crossed his arms as he finished answering Luna’s question.

Lance turned to Gale as he yearned for his best friend to get better. Lance found the courage to steel himself. Luna felt guilt wrap around her.

“Well, let us go out and see if we can't find them and ask if they could help us?!” Lance spoke up with confidence filling within himself.

Luna and Fang looked at Lance. They could see the determination within his eyes. Lance’s face flushed as he could see their stares pierce through him.

“I-I mean, they might be at the festival or at home. If anything, it's beat sitting around, not knowing if what is happening to Gale. It may be—or may not be—permanent. The chance to cure him is better than not knowing?” Lance stumbled his words as he hoped they would help.

 Fang and Luna glanced at each other. The room’s tension slowly fading into hope as they smiled then turned to Lance. Luna wrapped her hands behind her back as she felt joy in the idea.

 “Let's give it a shot then. Besides, we could use some cheering up.” Luna began as she stepped forward and clasped her hands around Lance’s. “Besides, everything will work out, you'll see. Gale will be back to his old self before you know it.”

Tears ran down Lance's face as she pulled him in, Fang touching his shoulder as his way of comforting Lance. Lance could feel that things were going to get better. Lance pulled away as he wiped the tears away. Luna and Fang nodded as they headed into town in search of a way to cure Gale. Splitting up to cover more ground.

A man was standing on the opposite side of the group before walking off into the shadows. Wearing a cloak with a white spade with a blue fox visible on the back vanished.