Slay the Dragon

CHAPTER 26 - ERYS

Thunder flashed in the depths of the dark clouds. Rain was coming, Erys noticed. But he could feel something else was different in the storm approaching. War … blood … and fire. He knew it’s about to happen soon—and so was the red comet. Forsyr’s worried glance told him the old Lawdra had felt the same. They needed to break through these next two bastions so they could reach Sunvar as soon as possible and obtain the orb. The orb was all he needed to stop the war, end the conflict, and save his realm.

A few hours after they left the first bastion, Vahlyr reminded Erys and Forsyr once again about their behaviors. The sellsword seemed to be tired already, seeing the awful bruises and cuts on his skin. Tracks of blood and dirt spread all over his garment. He must have gone through worse than what Erys had thought.

“I won’t do it next time, I swear it,” Erys told him.

Vahlyr snorted. “You better reward me good, mate. I’ve suffered enough trouble already ‘cause of you.”

“You’ll have more than enough reward, Val,” he replied.

“I didn’t know you have such nobility to hire a sellsword,” Mave spoke up, looking at Erys. “Are you some kind of a rich dragon or what?”

Vahlyr answered first, “Of course, b****y rich he is. He’s the k—“

Erys quickly covered the sellsword’s mouth with his hand. “Yes! I’m a noble dragon. We’ve got more than what you can imagine.” He faked a smile as he let go of Vahlyr.

Mave only gave a shrug in response as they walked.

“Remember our deal,” Erys hissed in Vahlyr’s ear. “No one else must know—especially her.”

“Is that another price you’re offering?”

“Yes,” he said. “For hell’s sake, Val, keep your mouth shut.”

Erys had to take a deep breath to calm himself down. Then he turned to Forsyr, who shook his head to him as a warning. Mave mustn’t know that he was a hyborn. Though she almost gained Erys’ trust, she was still a dragon hunter. And he must abide by what Forsyr had told him.

“There it is,” Vahlyr told them.

Erys glanced ahead from a far distance. The second bastion stood almost double the size compared to the first one. But from the looks of it—the towers, windows, and walkways above were all dark and empty. Strange. Very Strange.

When they got closer, Erys sensed no fire inside the entire bastion … and no fire under the cold midnight meant no life.

The black portcullis was closed, and they found no hunters on guard. The two high towers on both sides also showed no scouts above. The bastion stayed silent—only the wind sighed in their ears. Erys felt more nervous than surprised. What happened here? Why would the hunters leave and abandon this bastion?

“Hold your boots,” Vahlyr lifted one hand, “I’ll head first and check the gates.” Then he strode forward towards the bastion.

While waiting, Mave spoke up and said, “Something’s not right here.”

Erys bobbed his head in agreement. “Do you think they left for the war?”

“That’s not possible,” Izan answered. “In fact, this is the center bastion … the most secured and highly defended one among the three. One should always expect more scouts and a Grand Hunter in command on this post.

“They must have known we were coming,” Forsyr said.

“Was there a scout who escaped from the first bastion?” Erys asked the Lawdra.

“The second gate was still closed during the fight, so I presume there’s none.”

Vahlyr came back with a confused look on his face. “No sign of life there is, mates.”

The group exchanged worried glances with each other. A hint of fear was drawn on their faces, but they couldn’t turn back now. They had to keep moving.

They walked towards the iron gates where no man but the cold wind came to meet them. Erys had chills on his spine. How the hell could the hunters know? He did stop the fire alarm from making any signal. If the hunters discovered that they’re coming, then who told them? But then he thought, there must be some clues inside the bastion before they left. He wanted to know if their leave was very recent.

“Can you open the gates?” Erys asked Vahlyr. “I can melt the iron, but the fire might catch some attention.”

“There’s no way for us to open it from here,” Izan said, “The levers are inside.”

Erys looked around and then raised his head towards the top. The crenellations he saw rose higher towards the night sky, but it’s the only way they could enter the bastion.

“I can fly you all up there.” He turned to Forsyr to ask for his approval.

The Lawdra studied him for a moment and said, “My son, I don’t thi—“

“Yeah, do listen to your father,” Mave interrupted, her tone hinted at sarcasm.

Erys scowled, then he breathed in. “I’ll do it.” He said it straight to Forsyr’s face.

The old man must have known he couldn’t force Erys, so he only frowned and nodded.

Erys arched his back and summoned his golden wings. It spread wide, pushing the air with a strong gust. He found Mave watching his wings in awe, but then she quickly looked away when she seemed to notice him staring.

Vahlyr stepped forward and said, “I’ll go first.”

Erys grabbed his wrist and flapped his wings to ascend. The bastion was higher than the previous one, so flying to reach the top took him some time.

When Vahlyr got his feet on the crenellations, he said he would go ahead first to scout the inside.

Erys flew down and encountered Forsyr, who was carrying Izan. Then he came to realize Mave was waiting for him below. He landed on the ground and reached out his hands to her. “Come, I’ll carry you,” he said.

Mave offered her right hand. “Just pull me up like Vahlyr—“

She almost screamed as Erys put his arms on her back and her legs—and lifted her. “I’m doing you a favor. I will carry you.” Her body felt cold as it touched his skin. It gave him shivers.

Erys flapped his wings, and they flew up. He couldn’t look at her eyes right now as they were so close to each other. He remembered the first time they met when he saved her life from the cliff. That strange feeling came back as their bodies touched like fire and ice … strange, but strangely good.

They were only silent until he placed her gently on the crenellation.

Mave stood up, her mouth parted open, and closed again, as if she wanted to say something.

“What is it?” Erys asked when he took notice.

“Thanks.” She spun around and walked to where Izan and Forsyr were waiting.

Erys was left speechless, his eyes wide open. He didn’t know that a single word would make his heart jump in joy. The chills came back again, but this time—it struck his entire body like lightning. He was happy.

Erys, Forsyr, and Izan spread their search inside the huge bastion while Mave stayed at the top to take watch outside. Erys only found darkness through the chambers, halls, tunnels, and the right tower. The furnaces had been out with no embers. But when Erys looked closer, he noticed that the burnt woods were wet. They must have tried to leave as little traces as possible, he thought.

Several moments after, Vahlyr met them in the gatehouse tunnel where the second gate also appeared to be closed.

“Anything else you found?” Vahlyr asked them.

“It’s completely deserted,” Erys said. “I was afraid it might be an ambush, but there’s no one here.”

“Then we shall have to continue before they could come back with greater forces,” Forsyr told them.

“No,” Vahlyr shook his head in disagreement. “Think about it, old salt. That’s exactly what they might be planning.”

“I agree,” Izan said. “Those hunters must be waiting for us ahead.”

“Or they could’ve gone for the war,” Vahlyr added.

“That’s exactly what I’m thinking,” Erys said.

The sellsword cast a loud sigh. “But we can’t be so sure they ain’t waiting ahead, mates. If they left this bastion to regroup with the third one, then I must scout the road ahead myself.”

All eyebrows stormed as they looked at the sellsword.

“Are you sure about this?” Erys asked worriedly. “You’ve been doing these how many times already. The chronicler can do the scouting himself.”

“What? No,” Izan turned with a look of disbelief. “I’m not that fast of a runner, man. They’ll take the kill once they spot me.”

“I can still do it,” Vahlyr assured. “Just stay here and don’t go anywhere. You better be on the top to see the area better. We don’t know when or if they would come.”

“Be careful, Val,” Erys said, hoping he would be back soon.

“Aye, for the bounty,” Vahlyr lowered his head.

Erys sighed as he watched the sellsword leave. Vahlyr had suffered so much already because of their mistakes. He felt bad for it, risking the life of his sellsword. And because of that, Erys came to realize that Vahlyr was not like one of those humans after all, including Mave and Izan. He never knew there would also be such humans who never wanted to wipe out their race and destroy their isles. Erys was glad that he made the right decision to journey out of his home—because if he didn’t, then he wouldn’t know … he wouldn’t learn all of these.

The three were about to climb when they noticed the rain falling outside, looking through the loopholes. So they agreed to just stay inside with the fire and have one of them take turns to watch at the top.

“I’ll get Mave,” Izan said, but then Erys stopped him.

“No. I’ll get her,” he insisted. “I’ll take the first watch.”

Izan blinked his green eyes in confusion, but after a moment, he nodded. “Then I guess I should go and light up the fireplace.” Then he made his way towards the archway.

Before Erys could climb the stairs, Forsyr called him all of a sudden. “I can see how close you are becoming with that girl ... the way you look at her … Tell me, My King, what did you find in this cold human that seemed to catch your interests?” Forsyr whispered, his gaze told Erys all.

“What? Forsyr, you’re only seeing things. We’re not close at all,” he denied.

“Why are you scratching your eyebrows then?” Forsyr asked.

Erys put his hand down. “It’s itchy.”

“My King, you shouldn’t be having any close relations with any humans. Remember, you are not only a hyborn … you are the last hyborn. If she finds out about your identity, then it will all be over for our realm. You shall always keep that in mind as you talk with her.”

Erys frowned as his eyes fell to the floor. He almost forgot about his secret … the secret that could completely change how Mave would see him. Even if he would tell her it was not him who burned her village—the lie itself was enough to destroy her. He felt bad. He was fooling a human girl of going to Sunvar to find the Emperor—but she didn’t know that there’s still a hyborn living in this world.

When Erys reached the top of the bastion, he found her standing under the rain, looking over the crenellation to watch the dark road. The rainfall suddenly grew heavier, so he ran towards her and told her to get inside.

“I wanna stay here for a bit longer,” she replied.

“You’ll get sick,” Erys said. He knew exactly how she would reply—‘I’m sick of everyone.’ But instead, Mave didn’t respond. And it somehow surprised him.

After a long moment of silence, he said, “I’ll stay with you, then.”

Mave’s eyes were locked at the view of the ranges, blurred by the rain. “Did you find anything?” she said, her lips were wet and red.

Erys shook his head. The cold rain made the two of them soaking wet. He could taste the sweet and pure waters when he licked his lips.

When Mave turned to look at him, she scowled and poked a finger at his forehead. “Stop staring at me, you little beast.”

Erys curved a smile and rolled his eyes. “I have something for you, by the way.”

She returned her gaze forward. “Whatever it is, keep it … I don’t accept anything from anyone.”

“Why not? I think you’re gonna love it.”

“Well, you think very stupidly.”

Erys swiped his cape to reveal her rapier hanging on the side of his belt.

When Mave saw it, her lips parted in shock. “No …” Then she covered her mouth when she seemed to realize she couldn’t close it.

“Ho … how did you know?” She was lost in words.

“Just from your expression,” Erys said, unlocking the rapier from his belt, “You were looking down from that tower like you’ve dropped something so valuable. I figured it out when I saw your rapier missing.”

Mave’s wide eyes stared at it for a moment before she could reply. “Don’t tell me you went all the way down to …”

“I did,” he said, pursing his lips to prevent a smile.

Mave received it like her own precious diamond and kept it close enough to her chest. “Thanks … again.” Her eyes found his.

Despite the cold rain, Erys’ cheeks heated after hearing that word again. It sounded so satisfying in his ears that he became deaf to the sound of the rain. Why did he feel so happy while seeing her happy? His mind couldn’t understand what his heart was telling anymore. It confused him—but the feeling of joy was very clear.

“But you might’ve been spotted while flying with your wings,” she said.

“I know,” Erys spoke softly. “But it’s worth the risk.”

She almost smiled, but she turned her head sideways to look at the view.

Erys saw that … and that was more than enough.

“It must be so amazing to fly anytime and anywhere you want,” she said. “How I wish I could have wings … I could fly away from all the people in this world … and be free. I won’t have to worry about anything.” She sighed.

Erys looked at her with furrowed brows. He never knew humans also wished to fly. Dragons have lived their lives doing it, and it almost felt like nothing to them. But this girl—she appreciated it so much, wanting to have wings like him. Maybe giving her a taste of it would somehow make her feel much better from her loneliness.

Erys looked around, only to find rain and darkness. No one could see him if he would do it.

“Mave …” he called.

She turned her head.

“Do you want to see the skies above?”

Mave raised a brow at him and said, “Don’t be stupid. It’s rainin—what are you doing?”

Erys stepped back and summoned his golden wings once again. “Take my hand. I’ll show it to you.”

She looked at him for a moment, still not believing. But she finally took it and said, “I swear if I fall and die, I’ll haunt you for the rest of your days.”

Erys pulled her closer and whispered, “Don’t worry, Mave … I’ll never let you go.” He carried her, both arms under her back and her legs. His golden wings flapped hard, pushing them up against the falling rain. Mave held tight around his neck. He could feel her warm breath so close to his skin. Then his heart pumped faster, but it was so loud—he’s afraid that Mave might notice.

They ascended towards the sky, then through the dark clouds. It was like a moist, black fog sticking on their skin as they plunged through it.

Erys found himself staring at Mave when she closed her eyes, letting the clouds mist her face gently. Her lips curved into a smile which made Erys smile too. It’s the first time he saw her this happy.

When she opened her eyes, she found his—but then Erys quickly looked up and said, “We’re almost there.”

“Where?” she asked.

The moment they came out of the clouds, everything fell quiet. They reached the silent heavens above the clouds like an endless cotton bed, resting peacefully under the clear night skies.

The look on her face was priceless, with her blue eyes opening up in amazement. “This is …” her lips finally cast a genuine smile. “Beautiful.”

“Beautiful, yes,” Erys muttered. He couldn’t help but smile at her too. That strange feeling grew stronger now, seeing her so happy. She just turned from a cold, bitter person into a bright, delightful girl. It must’ve been her dream for so long, Erys thought.

“Can I jump on the clouds?” she said.

“You’ll fall,” he replied.

Her eyes sparkled even more … more than any stars in the heavens. “I see no people … nothing at all, only the silent clouds and stars.”

“And only us,” Erys added.

Mave found his eyes and said, “Yeah.”

Erys felt his heart just fall, dropping from her eyes. His interest when they first met grew into something else … something more powerful. He liked her. Seeing her on both sides made him understand her more. She’s different, a lot different from he thought.

But then he remembered his secret. He wanted to tell her already. He did not want to hide anything from her. He wanted to be honest.

He wanted to open his soul to this girl.

Then he decided. He would tell her once they land back, though he had no idea of how she would react. In truth, he was scared.

But again … it’s all worth the risk.