The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade
Chapter 22: Foxes Trail

The five Seals all sat in a cell within a dungeon that was nestled beneath a palace within the city of Arshama. Mildew hung in the air and the eerie stench of something they couldn’t describe lay like a blanket in their cramped area. They were stripped of their weapons and cloaks. But not only that, they were stripped of their hope. Idly sitting there in the darkness, the Seals pondered their awaited fate. The Felorians had them in theirs hands, so what were they to do with them? Did they maybe have an Althrist of their own and sought to use it to take away their powers?

Kate sat on the floor, leaning her head back and staring up at the ceiling as if there might be an answer there. Her eyes met a large web that sat up in the corner of the ceiling with a black bulbous spider hanging comfortably within it. Only the dim orange light of a torch behind the bars gave luminescence to the surrounding area. It had been hours since they had been brought there, Kate had lost count. She was reconsidering the idea of letting escape be left to when they were inside the cells than when they were outside. What a foolish decision! They could be racing their way out of the city and into the desert. But what then? There would be no time to gather the proper supplies or a suitable ride to make the journey faster. And they wouldn’t get that far with the Felorians all mounted.

Kate closed her eyes and exhaled. If only she could contact her Seal somehow, if only it were that simple. But no, whoever this Renee was wasn’t a call away, and as far as she could see, Kate hadn’t gotten anywhere closer to harnessing her powers like the others could. Why did they have to get in such a tight spot as this? Why was fate so cruel to do this? They still had such a long journey ahead of them; they couldn’t be delayed like this.

Travis stood up and approached the window that sat high above them opposite of the wall of bars. “The skies are brightening,” Travis said in a drained voice. “It’ll be dawn in a couple of hours.”

Kate opened her eyes and let her eyes drift to the window. From where she sat, she couldn’t even tell. She didn’t even care. I’m so tired…

“Need you remind us of our fate?” Rossiel said a bit cockily.

Kirith scowled. “They’re not taking us to their kingdom! I won’t allow it!”

“Then how do you propose we escape, hm? This city crawls with those Felorians. Whose to say they all won’t be aroused if we escape their chains? Whose to say we will somehow escape with just one of us alive?”

Kirith stood up in a fit of rage, glaring at the elf. “By god or by coincidence, we will find a way out of this cursed country!”

“Keep it down, or I’ll make sure each and every one of your tongues is ripped from your mouths!” called an annoyed guard from down the hall.

Kirith stared at Rossiel for a moment before sitting back down.

Rossiel looked away, muttering something in the elven language.

Travis looked towards them and furrowed his brow. “Look, I’m sure we’ll find a way of escape,” he whispered. “It’s in our nature, right?”

“It’s not in the Felorian’s nature to let their captives go,” Rossiel added.

“What’s the point?” Kate’s thoughts began to escape her lips. “It’s hopeless. They have every eye on us.”

“She’s right,” Rossiel agreed. “We can’t escape here, we will take our leave when they bring us to Westford.”

“And what of the next Seal?!” Kirith scoffed. “I don’t suppose you have a plan for getting him back?!”

Rossiel paused before answering. “He’s a lost cause, we can do without him.”

Kirith clenched his fists. “And who are you—”

“Wait!” Laela said softly. “Listen!”

Everyone fell silent as they listened. There was a stir from down the hall. A grunt of struggle along with some shuffling could be heard before everything fell silent again. The torch outside their cell died down and turned to ashes at an abnormal pace, leaving them in almost complete darkness.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

The Seals’ expectations of someone to step in front of the wall of bars was snuffed out at what was before them. No one was there. In the darkness, they could distinctly see a ring of floating keys, as if there should have been someone holding it at there side but there was no one there. Everyone stared in wide-eyed shock at the sight of it.

“Wha— are you guys seeing this black magic as I am?” Travis asked, rather perplexed.

“Yeah…” Kate nodded slowly.

The keys quickly went up to the lock and one was shoved in, only to not have it work. The keys swung to and fro as if someone were thumbing through them to find the right one. After ten seconds of almost complete silence, a final key was raised and shoved into the lock. The key turned, and the latch inside was undone. The door was pulled open. From thin air, a figure appeared within the light of the moonlight shining through the window. Rahz stood at the cell’s entrance, keys in hand and a fanged grin on his face. He twirled the ring of keys around his index finger nonchalantly. “Pretty clever, isn’t it? It always catches everyone off guard!”

Everyone just simply stared in confusion, awe, and shock.

Rahzes smile faded at their silent response. “What?”

“How did you…” Kirith mumbled.

“How do you think?” Rahz said. “Magic of course! Or at least this weird symbol did the trick!” He held up his right hand in a fist and slapped it proudly.

“Well…” Kate stuttered. “What are you doing here?!”

Rahz frowned. “What am I doing here?! I’m here to save you!”

Travis cocked an eyebrow suspiciously. “But we only just met you…and we dragged you out of getting some good coin.”

“I think we can trust him!” Laela stepped forward. “He did go out of his way to get here of all the places which means a lot.”

Rahz smiled and winked at her reply. “I know all you two-legs are not from here, for sure, especially since I’ve seen your wanted posters and you look nothing like a Simakian! And I know I can be promised safety in another land. Besides…” Rahz tossed the ring of keys aside, “if you came all the way out here just to find me, then that MUST mean I’m important!” He looked back down the hall before looking back at them. “But I really think we should be whipping the backside and getting ourselves out of here.”

The group of Seals looked around at each other and practically shrugged at the idea. It seemed viable enough. What other choice did they have?

Kirith motioned to the door with his head. “Just get us out of here.”

Rahz nodded. “I believe I know where they’re hiding your things. After we get that, I think I may have a plan on how to get us out of here!”

“I hope it is an efficient plan,” Rossiel muttered.

The Six Seals retrieved their weapons, cloaks and satchels before sneaking out of the dungeons through a safer but darker route. They were all quite surprised at how well this mysterious fox knew the cities passageways, nooks and crannies. He even knew some of the Felorian guard’s routes and where they would patrol at that hour, not to mention that he had perfect timing.

The sun began to rise over the western horizon, making the blues of the sky grow brighter and the darkness fade. They would be even more of a target if they didn’t hurry it up. Thankfully, some “early-birds” were beginning to set up shop, causing the streets to stir and give a bit of an upper hand for the Seals. Regardless, they would still have to pick up the pace.

The Seals kept low as they ducked into an alley and followed behind Rahz. A strong gust of wind swiftly slithered through the alley and brushed past them, carrying the scent of the sea with it.

“What exactly do you have in mind?” Kirith asked in a low, skeptical tone. “You have yet to tell us what this is!” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“I know someone who can take us to wherever it is you wish to go,” Rahz replied and pressed his back against the wall, looking around the corner. He looked back at them and gave them a wink. “It is safe.”

The six of them went up the street quietly, passing by what little citizens there were roaming around, some still half asleep while others were wide awake. The sun was already above the horizon as they reached up to see the vast sea beyond with the docks in between them. Trying their best to keep out of sight, Rahz searched for a certain ship, muttering a “no” at each one they passed. “No…yes! Wait—”

The ship he stared directly at was just beginning to set sail, just thirty feet away from the docks. It was gaining speed quickly and was far too late for them to even get a chance to get on.

“HEY! WAIT! ZAKAI! SAREL!” Rahz yelled, running to the end of the dock.

“Shut up, are you trying to get us caught?!” Kirith spat.

“That was our hayride out of here!” Rahz exclaimed.

“Well I think it’s too late for us now,” Travis sighed.

Kate nervously fidgeted. “We can always find someone else to bring us there, right?”

Just then, Rossiel pulled out her bow and withdrew an arrow. Pulling it back, she aimed for the ship. She seemed to have something in mind…

“What are you doing?!” Rahz hissed. “Violence won’t—”

Rossiel released her arrow and let it soar through the air. A second passed before there was audible yelling on the ship. Wherever that arrow went, it very much aroused the crew.

Travis whipped his head to Rossiel. “Did you just shoot one of them?”

“No,” she answered plainly. “I simply struck the quartermaster’s wheel.”

“Rossiel is always full of surprises!” Laela said in wonder, clapping her hands.

Minutes passed as they watched the ship return to the docks somewhat unsteadily but enough to get in contact with. The sides of the structure were covered in the filth of barnacles that stuck out like a scar in a blade against the ebony black ship. The crew looked equally as uninviting as their ship as they all worked at getting the ship they worked so hard to get undocked docked again. Their skin was saturated in grimy sweat and their faces were poorly shaven but pointedly chiseled. They were not the finest looking crew and could just easily be mistaken as pirates with how fearsome they looked.

Once the ship was docked again, what-looked-to-be-the-captain stepped off the ship with balled fists and a savage scowl on his face. He was directing his attention to Rahz. “You blasted fox— what in the Creator’s name is your problem?! You hire someone to nearly have my quartermaster killed and then force us to dock AGAIN?!”

Rahz rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously. “That wasn’t exactly my idea but…Captain Zakai, I didn’t hire them and I have good reason for bringing you back here!” He motioned to the cloaked group of Seals. “We all need passage to Vasnidale, if you’d so kindly let us, Ami.”

Captain Zakai’s scowled grew darker. “Not a chance!”

Rahz was quite literally shocked by his reply. “W-why not?!”

“Why not?!” Zakai said. “Because I’m not bringin’ a nasty Lamari onto my ship! I’ve heard about you from some of Abidan’s men and I know for a fact that you’re a no-good animal!”

Rahz turned red and clutched his fists. “Well it’s not like you and your crew are no different!”

“Why you—”

“I don’t mean to interrupt this friendly reunion,” Kirith said impatiently. “But we need someone to take us to Vasnidale.” He reached under his cloak and pulled out a bloated sack of coins, all their currency, and held it out the Captain. “We’ll stay out of your way.”

Kate’s eye widened. He’s just going to give that all away? “Kirith!” she said in a whisper.

Kirith ignored her and waited for an answer.

Zakai’s eyes widened slightly, but it didn’t take away the plastered scowl. He was studying the pouch intently, trying to come up with something. Looking around at the group of Seals, Zakai massaged his chin.

Some of the crew had come over to the side of the ship and were looking at them rather curiously. They mumbled and whispered to one another, giving the Seals skeptical looks.

Zakai heard them and whipped around. “GET BACK TO YE’ STATIONS, YOU DUMB FOOLS!” He turned back to them and sucked in a breath, snatching the pouch from Kirith. “FINE! We’ll take ye’ to Vasnidale. But if you get in thur’ way of my crew, you’ll be walkin’ the plank faster than you can say mercy!”

Rahz blinked and scratched his left ear. “Huh?”

“Just get on!”

Everyone quickly got on, but were met with suspicious looks and pique glares. One of them, a small and lanky looking man, even ventured to get a bit closer to inspect. “What’s with them cloaks ’ere, eh?”

“Sarel, what did I say?!” Zakai barked. “Get back to work!” All the crewmembers skulked back to their work. He then turned to the Seals with an unpleasant look. “And you— go below deck for now! I want you out of me sight!”

“I won’t object to that,” Travis said and they all filed down below the hatch under the main deck. Barrels, crates, nets, and other odds and ends scattered the area, but had a large clearing for dining. The smell of the sea was much stronger there, as it had left itself rooted in the wood. The only light there was were the streams or morning glory passing through the cracks of the ceiling and the holes in the hatch. It wasn’t much, but it was sufficient.

Laela plopped down on one of the crates and looked towards the hatch warily. “I don’t like the way they looked at us…” she thought aloud. “Can we really trust them?”

Travis popped his knuckles and found a spot on a crate also. “If they pull anything to hurt us, they’ll regret it all.”

“You can trust them more than the Iceskins, that’s for sure!” Rahz said, sitting down on a barrel. “Now I want to know what makes me so important that you MUST go out of your way to leave your home country.”

Kate looked around at them and smiled weakly. “Here we go again… Travis, you should have the honors.”

Travis shook his head. “All right, all right. We should probably start with our names. I’m Travis Harthworn, this here is Kate, and…” He went on with all their names and describing what they were, along with the destiny that was in store for them.

Captain Zakai sat at his desk in his cabin, reading over some letters and forms to which he had no desire to look over. He let out an irritated groan and slapped the papers down on his desk.

The door to his cabin flew open and in came his quartermaster, Sarel. He was a yellow-toothed, lanky looking man with only a red bandana covering his bald head. Sarel wore that cranky scowl too well, it was even intimidating to the other members.

“Cap’! We be ready to set sail…again,” he said, but that wasn’t his point. “Zakai what do ya’ think you’re doing letting them on our boat?”

“They’re givin’ us good coin, Sarel,” Zakai replied, obviously not wanting to talk at the moment.

“But don’t you even know who they are?! Those are them wanted kids on the posters. The Iceskins will have their heads if they needed!”

“I know that,” Zakai said, and looked up at him as a smile spread across his lips.

Sarel froze and stared at his captain. A toothy grin spread across his face. “You have a plan, don’ ya, Cap’?”

“Return to your station, Sarel,” Zakai ordered.

Sarel stood straighter, his spirits lifting. “Aye aye, Captain!”

“The Six Seals, huh?” Rahz said, lounging with his hands behind his head. “We must be really important then. I can just imagine the humans of your lands drowning us in riches!”

“I don’t think that’s how it works…” Travis replied.

“What?!”

Laela rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “Well, people believe the Seals are just myths.”

“That is unbelievable!” Rahz quickly sat up and looked around at them. “But what about the prophecies? History? Legends?”

“A Madman’s ramblings to their ears,” Kirith said. “But that doesn’t mean there are still others who do know and will do anything in their power to take what we have.”

Rossiel exhaled lightly and crossed her arms. “Do not forget my kin are well aware of us, and that they will aid us at any time.”

Rahz let out a low hum and leaned back again. “Well I sure hope these kin of yours will be obliged to let everyone know who we are.”

“I think its better off they don’t know who we are, Rahz,” Kate interjected. Then a question popped up in her mind. “Hey, do you happen to have your Seal weapon?”

Rahzes eyes widened slightly. “Seal weapon? They have weapons too?” He reached his hand into the bag at his hip and searched around for something. “I may have something…” Rahz then pulled out two dazzling daggers with golden hilts. A fox made of gold sat at the hilt and on the blade was the symbol of the Seals. “I found them a while ago, don’t remember where. I was going to sell em’ but…something about them made me keep them, ya know?”

“Jahzara…” Kirith mumbled.

Rahz cocked an eyebrow curiously. “Jah—who?”

“Jahzara. That is the sixth Seal, the Seal of the fox. We don’t know much, but your particular Seal had a mastery of shadow and trickery.”

Rahz smiled at that and stuffed the daggers back in his bag. “AHA! Then I guess I’m living up to this Jahzara’s name!” That got an eye roll from Rossiel.

“Rahz,” Laela began, her expression not as light-hearted as usual. “Why did you help us back there? Don’t you have a family that’s worried about you? You seem to be the type to get himself in trouble, so this sudden disappearance wouldn’t entirely come as a big surprise… But isn’t there someone back in Arshama that is wondering about you?”

Rahzes smile faded. Everyone was looking to him intently for an answer, almost too intently. “Family?” His grin returned and laughed, one that was mischievous and flamboyant. “Who needs a family? I don’t got one! I live on my own.” Rahz looked to Laela and winked. “Don’t worry about me, little two-legs. I can take care of myself just fine.”

But Laela knew fully well that Rahz was hiding something.

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