The Ties That Bind

Six

The sun had long since set by the time everyone returned from their adventure and cast a warm orange glow over them. They trickled in, one by one, faces etched with exhaustion and disappointment. The air was thick with the weight of defeat. Zoolander, flanked by the other masters, surveyed the returning contestants with a discerning eye in search of the Blood Lotus which was nowhere to be seen. Already aware of their failure to retrieve the lotus, they took their seats at the front of the grand hall while they tried to hide their disappointed faces.

"Gray, anything to report?" Kaiser asked amidst the great silence that had become of the grand hall at their presence. Gray stepped forward, confident as always as he greeted his master with a hand gesture.

"We found the lotus indeed but because of a misunderstanding, a strange unidentified lady appeared out of nowhere and managed to grab the lotus before we could." He said honestly.

"So, you're saying you let her take it?" Li attacked but Gray made no response. For a moment, there were murmurings in the hall, from both masters and their students until Zoolander commanded silence.

"SILENCE!!!" His voice rang through the hall and there was a great silence and order as well.

"I would also like to report -" Gray called their attention. "Though we failed to stop the lady who took the lotus, I was able to use my 'paperman' to keep track of where she was headed." He concluded.

"Why didn't you just say so?" Magus jumped up. "I knew my disciple would never fail me. " Kaiser stroke his dark beard with a smile full of pride. "If that's the case, then this problem can easier be solved." Zoolander said to the others who reacted positively as well.

At that moment, just as Zoolander was about to dismiss the students, a leaf flew in and landed in Zoolander's palm which he'd just opened at its sight. Once he finished glancing and absorbing it, it vanished into thin air. He cleared his throat as he called the disciples attention once more.

"I have good news for you all." He began, everyone filled with curiosity as to what he was going to say. "I just received news from The White Swan and fortunately for all of you who made it back, you will be allowed to participate in the masterclass."

At the hearing of these words, the hall erupted with rejoicing and jubilation as this was unexpected from the famous and very strict White Swan.

The White Swan referred to a lady, fair and beautiful like no other though she has lived for so many years. She has never aged according to the rumors and never appears in public. She is referred to as a White Swan because she's always dressed in white and avoids other colors as if allergic to them. Her fighting skills are extremely wonderful. It is said all fighting skills of the four sects were created by her plus her species set of skills which she has taught to her only disciple, Xaide. As for her disciple, there's not much about his origin but his skills is almost as good as hers.

"As to retrieving the lotus, it will be left to her disciple, Xaide. As for you, get your things ready to move to the Ethereal Mounts." Zoolander concluded as he dismissed everyone in the hall.

"We finally get to see the mysterious White Swan." One of the disciples said, "And her famous disciple in action."

"If you'll ever get that chance." Another added with a snort, crumbling his hopes. He was going to wait and see for himself.

*****

The wind whipped through Sorrel's hair as she sat astride Kael's massive back while his scales digged gently into her thighs. His wings beat powerful and steady and propelled them through the sky.

Sorrel closed her eyes, feeling the rush of the wind and the warmth of the sun on her face. She had always loved flying with Kael, the sense of freedom and exhilaration coursing through her veins though it was quite disadvantageous to both her and Kael's life which led to her always avoiding the situation.

After some time, they both spotted Dion village some distance away. To avoid any unnecessary attention, Karl found an isolated spot outside the village and landed where Sorrel climbed down his back and he returned to his human form with a yawn as he looked exhausted to the bones.

"You have a rest, I'll go on my own." She said to him who replied with a forced smile and nod before he vanished into thin air.

Once he was gone, Sorrel held onto the little bag she was carrying as she walked towards the gate of Dion and joined the line of persons going.

Dion was not very big but it was a place known for its festive seasons, it's beauty, food and wine. The streets were always busy both at night and day and you could watch a beautiful moon there with the stars.

Sorrel had taken a few steps before she came to a wine shop and inn. When she walked in, it was so lively, many people were chatting and laughing over wine, while some ganged up in gambling groups and another section was being entertained by a beautiful dance display by some ladies who covered their faces in veils.

She walked up to the counter, there was an old fat man with a large grey beard positioned there.

Sorrel reached for her bag and pulled out something held tight in her arm. She placed it in the counter without a word, her eyes sternly looking into the old mans'. The man reached for it, a gold bar. He slid it into his pocket with a "Hmm" and brought out a key from a drawer which he handed over to her.

"Send ten over." She concluded before she turned around and climbed up the stairs to the farthest room, which was meant to be a VIP. Once in, she threw her bag down and shut the door close from outsiders, it was her space for the next coming days and she didn't want any disturbances.