Flame Heart

5_being useful in the most unuseful way

I reached a river bank. The sound of the soldiers can be heard from a distance.

They're moving after the Xyph. I thanked my lucky stars for that. I am so tired and in serious pain from my wounds.

I sat beside the river bank to clean my wounds. With the sun is setting, I need to find shelter before something from this horrendous forest decides I'm good and tasty enough for dinner.

I carry an unconscious Drag. Poor dragon was exhausted from his attempt of helping me out. I walked as carefully as possible, mindful of his broken wing. I cradled him so I won't jostle his wing.

I walk along the river bank but making sure to stay out of sight by hiding under the shelter of trees. Following the logic that, if there is a river, there would be a civilization along the way.

I don't want to take my chances and go deeper in the forest, nightime is the hunting time of the monsters around the area. I'm hoping to find a small village where there would be barns that I could crash into for the night.

Lo, and behold after what seems like forever, I spot twinkling lights at the distance. I almost cried out of hunger and exhaustion.

My feet aches from the blisters forming from my long walk. My side still freaking hurts from the Xyph's attack. If I'm lucky I won't make it through the night and be found dead by the villagers.

I scan and area for any sign of life. At the far east corner of the village, I spotted the horses. I'm betting all my lucky stars that, that would be where I'll find the barn.

I cautiously and quietly walk towards the area. Horse dung and the smell of fresh hay permeates the area.

I made quick work of climbing the second floor of the barn where most of the hay are stacked, making sure that no trace of my tarry would be seen.

"Where are we?" a weak voice asked. I sighed a quick thanks of prayer to the goddess.

"Oh good, you're alive. Thank you for helping me," I replied. I slowly let him lay down on the hay beside me.

"I found us shelter for the night but I'm afraid that I won't make it through the night. If the worst happens, I hope you'll find the place beyond the crystal ocean," I smiled weakly at my new friend.

"You won't die," he said determined.

"I won't let you. You can rest and I'll wake you up if there's anything that happens."

"Thank you, Drag" I whispered.

"Drag?" He asked curiously.

"Yeah, I don't know your name, so I gave you one," I answered. I can feel myself slipping to oblivion. Tired from the hellish day that I've been through.

I heard him chuckle from my answer and that was the last thing I heard before oblivion took me.

~Raevine's POV~

I walked purposefully towards the duke's office, now converted into Dan's temporary office.

The duke's death came as a shock for everyone but what was more shocking to me was the fact that, a sweet girl like Lyzth would commit it. Something from the story doesn't add up.

From the brief time that I've been here in the manor, I observed that she was trusted and loved by the duke like his own child. The fact that she would kill him is beside me.

The duchess was so devastated by the event that she fell ill upon the news of her husband's death.

They were good people. Too good for their own good but I can't say the same for their son. I know he's the Fourth seat but I don't really like him. I tolerate him, yes, for Kian's sake but I can't stand his evil schemes.

"I called you today to thank you. I know, that by now, you've heard of what happened to my father," he said coldly. No trace of devastation or aguish in his face but pure rage boils in his eyes.

"He was killed by one of our ungrateful servant, Venice Lyzth. We question her father about what he knows but he keeps on insisting that he has no idea of what happened but was sure that his daughter is innocent," he slammed his fist on his table.

"Well, I for one says, bullcrap. I request of you my fellow Masters to help me avenge my father," he finished dramatically.

Well, I, for one, know that I don't want any part from this useless quest. I have far too many things to do.

"I'm busy as it is Dan, but I can spare two of my assassins for you as answer to your call," Layla, the Third seat offered.

"Me too. I'll let you borrow 10 of my skillful guards to help search for the criminal," Flick added.

They stared at me and Kian. He's deep in thought. Surely, finding a way to help Dan and be as less involved as I plan to be.

"I'll give you permission to post her pictures to nearby villages and towns. That way, you can find her through the help of our subjects," he said.

Well played. The best way to widen the search and not exhaust his resources, way to get involved. I scoffed and thought of how to seem useful in the most unuseful way.

"I'll track her for you," I stated.

Four heads swiveled in my direction. Aside from my powerful fire skills, I grew up in the mountains and forest.

I taught myself how to survive and hunt for food and shelter. I was doing fine, until Kian found me at one of Dicos' river bank near the Capital, unconscious and badly beaten up from my tumble with the river.

That day, he cared for me and I found a new way of life. He taught me how to be civilized and I taught him how to track. I'm the best in that field.

I own the largest spy network that there is in this kingdom. So offering my help personally is a big shock to them.

"What?" I started at them. "I'm bored," I stated. Displaying my most nonchalant look.

I didn't miss Kian's narrowed eyes. Dan was ecstatic for my help and agreed readily.

After the meeting, Kian approached me. Walking with me to the stable.

I need to prepare my horse for my long vacation. I can almost feel and smell the fresh breath of freedom that has evaded me for a very long time.

"You know, you could just make your people do their thing and all of this would be over," he stated in a matter of factly tone.

I scoffed and picked up my brush to brush my horse. "Yeah, but where's the fun in that," I replied.

"I know what you're doing," he said.

"And what would that be?"I challenged.

"If you liked to vacation, you could have asked me nicely," he chuckled.

"Pshh, that's not it," I rolled my eyes. "Oh really?" He prodded.

"Fine, that's part of it," I sighed. He knows me better that anyone.

"But...?" He said, looking at his fingernails in boredom.

"Nothing," I lied. The truth is, I'm not planning to capture the girl. Just find her. There's something in the whole situation that doesn't sit right with me. You know, like an itch that you need to scratch no matter what.

"Huh, honestly Raevine, I don't care about you ditching your duties for a while, but while you're on the road, do take care of the circulating rumors. Don't just vacation," he resigned in interrogating me and switching to the I-need-your-help voice.

"What rumors would that be?" I asked seriously. He looked seriously bothered and by his tense posture, I know that this is serious.

"Some Sapphireians are causing an uproar in the east. Claiming that, past king Theo, is preparing an army beyond the ocean to retake the kingdom. Riots and looting started in the villages around Kopta and Wenbur. There's been multiple reports of unrest in the cities and towns in the west and south. Find out who started it. Make sure to take him out and put a cork on the loose lid." He said.

Sapphireians refusal to submit to the current monarchy still makes my life harder. If only I could make them submit more willingly, I would.

Maybe burning their farms and houses or even their children would suffice? I thought to myself. Savage, I know, but totally effective.

"Oh, and no burnings," he added, clearly following my line of thought. I sighed boredly. "We've enough problems as it is, no need to start a full on rebellion," he raised his eyebrow at me.

"Fine. Whatever you want, Highness." I jabbed at him as he turned to go.