The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade
Chapter 24: Drawing Nearer

With all their belongings gone and little coin in their pockets, the Six Seals terraced through the woods and off the beach. Their whole form ached and their minds clung to what hope there was. How long had it been since they had something to eat? A day? Maybe two days? None of them could tell. All the Seals could feel were the muscles in their bodies begging to let them rest.

To make matters worse for them, there were only four days till Orindir’s attack on Atara and they were far from that city— or wherever they were. Earidon and the others were probably wondering where they were, maybe they had even sent out search parties to find them. Overall, the clock was ticking, and they were miles and miles away from where they should be. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The Seals were climbing over a hill when they spotted a town that sat along the coast. It was a cozy-looking place with multiple cottages and larger buildings with roof tiles that reflected the sun’s afternoon gleam. Small forms of people could be seen walking about, some in a hurry and some taking their time. One thing that caught their eye was that there were multiple people taking cargo-holding dragons in the direction of the docks. There was even crowding of some of them, and it had created a somewhat hum of talk.

Despite the unpleasing sight, Kate felt overwhelmingly satisfied that they had finally reached a place to rest and recollect themselves…well, not for long. It was a good thing that Laela had healed her head; otherwise she would’ve been walking around bleary-eyed.

But one thing was still on her mind: how did the other Seals miraculously have their weapons with them? Sure they might have been bound to their weapons through spirit but what about her? She had never seen her Seal’s weapon before. And to top it off she hadn’t at all developed her powers. The others already had their powers ready practically; Kirith could channel lightning, Travis could brew flames with his axe, Laela could create light and even heal without her staff, Rossiel could bend and control the winds at will, and Rahz could manipulate the shadows and become one with them. And what could Kate do? Give someone first-degree burns? Now she couldn’t. She had lit that Obligator’s arm on fire, but where had that power gone? It was almost as if it had vanished.

The clouds began collecting in the sky and a storm threatened to rain down as the six of them approached the town, anxious to get a place to rest. Climbing over a small, stone wall, they entered the streets of the port town and looked for the nearest inn. But just as they were about to turn a corner, a man guiding a green-and-blue-feathered dragon that held a circus looking crate on its back rushed passed them. The man gave them a glare, and it was almost as if his curled mustache did the same. “Out of my way!” he hissed and fixed his elaborate feather hat. The man yanked his small dragon to follow in the direction of the docks.

Travis raised his brow and watched the man go. “Someone’s in a hurry.”

“You would think he is late for something,” Rahz said, “but it looks like all dragonmasters are late for something!”

“Or maybe they’re running from someone…” Kate mumbled.

Finding the inn took some searching, since the others were filled with patrons already, but they finally managed to find one just at the corner of a not-so-busy street just as the sun began to set. Stepping inside, the Seals were surprised to see that there were not that many people there. Not only that, but it was somewhat shocking to see no Lamari for once. Only a few lingerers sat here and there, sipping ale or mead from a tankard. A cozy fireplace sat to the left, right next to the stairs. The Innkeeper, who was a thin middle-aged woman with a messy black bun, was somewhat startled at their entrance.

Kirith went first as they approached the bar where the Innkeeper was. “One room, please.”

The Innkeeper raised her brow and looked around at all of them. She leaned forward to get an inspection at Laela, who stood right at the bar’s height. Leaning back, she asked, “Just one for all of you?”

“We don’t have much to pay,” Kirith added.

The Innkeeper exhaled and reached beneath the countertop. “Ten coins.”

Kirith dug his hand into his pocket and withdrew ten before placing it on the counter. The Innkeeper in return handed him the key and was just about to turn away when Travis spoke up.

“Excuse me,” he said, pointing to the window, “but what’s with all the dragonmasters out there?”

The Innkeeper looked to him and smirked. “Don’t you know?” She chuckled lightly. “They’re fleeing from Vasnidale to some far island or wherever they can get to. Supposedly there’s going to be a planetary alignment of the seven moons from the north to the south— some weird hocus pocus stuff— but apparently it gives dragons an unbearable amount of power.” She motioned her head toward the window. “Those men out there say some elf prince is going to make a grand attack on the main city and free all the dragons. Now they’re scared out of their wits and want out. What a bunch of blargest…”

Kate sighed and rubbed her neck nervously. The thing was, it was all true, and these dragonmasters really did have something to be afraid of.

The Seals climbed up the staircase to the first room on their left and entered with the key. It was no surprise that the Innkeeper was shocked at them wanting to take only one room. The room was cramped with only a single bed that could fit one person. And there were six of them. But throughout the journey, they had to make do with what was given to them.

They stepped inside with sagging shoulders and dragging legs as they plopped down wherever they could. Kate sat down on the bed and looked out the window as the sun set in the East. Everyone simply took a moment to just breath and take in how high the stakes were. It was as if they could all collectively feel one-another’s troubles at that moment.

Rahz clutched his stomach and winced. “I’m so hungry…”

Laela nodded in agreement. “So am I…”

Travis let out a disapproving sigh. “Maybe we can gather enough coin from what we have and get something to eat— or at least— something to last.”

“Or we can steal,” Rahz suggested. “That always works.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “We’re not stealing anything!”

“Whatever you say.” Rahz leaned back and put his hands behind his head.

Travis gathered up all the coins the group had on them and left the room hurriedly. Silence reigned again after the door shut. Kate looked back out the window. The sun was already gone, leaving only the distant lasting rays it had over the land and sea. The shadows chased them away and grew massive in size, as if it were an unrelenting force that the light could not shut out. Kate’s mind wandered back to the city and the “final battle” with Orin. They had come so far with all the pain and suffering following them at their heels. And she had the one small chance to save Orindir from falling into evil again. Why did it have to come to this? Why did it have to be her, to join this odd sort and bear a burden she did not ask for? Was this fate’s cruel way of punishment?

Kate didn’t want this anymore. But then her thoughts went back to the first time she had met Kirith. She had the chance to give up, to disappear in the world. But no, she chose to fight, to go on the longest journey of her life.

Now that she thought about “fighting”, Kate really wondered if she was ready, or if any of them were ready for that matter. If there really is a creator out there listening…please give us strength…

Orindir walked through the dungeons beneath Atara to which stretched high above his head and into complete darkness. All that illuminated his path was the light of a small solar globe, to which floated above his head. The sounds of his footsteps echoed across the walls and reverberated back, making his presence quite known. The scent of mildew hung in the air, and Orin could almost taste it in his mouth. Gawz sat up on his shoulder, jumping at every droplet that hit the floor.

The final preparations were being made for the attack on the city Atara. Orin had situated a team of elves to help aid in the taking of the city, but it was the dragons who were granted to do the most damage. It was all going as planned, and none of the Atara council or guard batted an eye, not even the Emperor. How foolish these humans are, Orin thought. And to top it off, the so-called Six Seals wouldn’t be a hindrance. Orin trusted that Daechir had everything under control. He was a clever and powerful elf after all. After the inquiry with Atara, Orin would return to Felor and make the final command on behalf of the Seals lives.

But every time he thought about them…his mind wondered to the girl. Kate, was it? An odd name, and very Outlandish. He couldn’t push back the thought that she had a powerful connection to the Creator. How could it be? She was with them; she was serving the wrong purpose. She’s a wretched witch, she is! he thought. She’ll burn with the rest of them! But what if she herself was confused, lost even? Kate was a very young human from what he could tell. Maybe he could let her live and show her what was truth and was a lie…

Orin’s eye caught something up ahead along the walls. Thick bars lined massive cell openings, large enough to fill a mid-age dragon and two smaller ones. They looked empty, but Orin could see forms in the shadows, watching him with fiery eyes. They were quiet, but curious, and he could sense it. As a whole, Orindir could distinguish between their emotions; acceptance, uncertainty, irritation, powerlessness and hopelessness. Yes, these were the feelings evoked by any dragon who was kept as a slave.

“You do not smell of human intent,” came a deep, gurgling voice. “And you come alone. Identify yourself.”

Gawz shrieked and scrambled to stay on Orin’s shoulder. Orin slapped his hand over the gimeilin’s face and glared at him to keep quiet. He turned his attention right to the cell across from the others, but he did not see a dragon of great stature. There, clutching the bars with clawed fingers stood a large form of a man. Two draconic horns protruded from his head and a pair of fangs could be seen over his lower lip. His eyes let off a fiery glow, which contrasted his gray skin. The beast of a man only wore tattered trousers. Another form stood behind him but feminine and much smaller.

Orin sucked in a breath at the sight of them. They were powerful and fearsome in their human-like forms, but to them it was a curse. This was the form Dracomancers would subject the dragons to before they were sent off to the market, since it was much easier and not a hassle.

Stepping towards the cage, Orindir relaxed himself and pushed away his angered thoughts. “I am Prince Orindir of Feloria.” He bowed lightly and stood straight again. “Indeed, I am not like the others. I do not come on the terms of the humans. I am the Seventh and true Seal of the Creator.”

“Seventh Seal…” The dragon let out a thoughtful hum as he studied Orin. “I have heard your name before. You do much to save our kin. I am Inonzuur.”

Orin bowed his head. “And I will do much more.” Raising his head, he looked around at the various different dragons emerging from the shadows. “Such pain you all feel…I can sense it all at once.” Orin met Inonzuur’s gaze. “But I know how to take it all away.”

“You believe we can escape,” Inonzuur said. “What is it that you have in mind, dragon-savior?”

“You know of the Seven-Moon-Alignment, you know what power it gives. You have not seen the light of the heavens in many weeks, but all know of its coming. It will give all dragons a power beyond our understanding for one night.” Orin lowered his voice. “There is only a day left till this will occur.”

There were some murmurs around from the other dragons. Inonzuur held his stature and let out a grunt. “I have sensed it yes, but it is hard to tell with these walls of stone all around blocking my mind.”

“I was afraid so,” Orindir replied. “I am preparing to make the humans punish for their wrong-doings. On this night of alignment, their beloved city will rise up in dragons’ flames and the streets will be drenched in their blood. It is the Creator’s will that these imperfections shall be destroyed.”

The dragons seemed to very much like the sound of it, bobbing and nodding their heads with grunts and murmurs of agreement.

Inonzuur let out an approving hum as he exhaled a trail of smoke. “This city was made from our backs. They made us make it stand, and we shall see to it that it falls. The humans will suffer for their crimes.”

Orin nodded. “I promise to aid you and your kin to freedom and the destruction of the humans. I will have one of my fellow elves dismantle the locks before the time comes.” He glanced around at the other dragons. “The alignment draws nearer with each second!” Orin said, raising his voice a bit. “Prepare yourselves!” The dragons were almost in an uproar, had it not been for the idea that someone outside might hear. A smile spread across Orin’s lips as he turned away to where he came. He could feel the fire in their bosoms’ growing stronger. Yes, this was going as planned. They would surely be more than ready to burn the humans. By the Creator’s will, it shall be done.

Orindir pulled his hood over his head as he stepped out into the cool evening air. The main capitol tower in Atara stood tall behind him, frozen in place and unaware of the conspirator who had infiltrated it. Staring off past the exquisite buildings and villas, the elven prince watched as the warm colors in the sky and clouds began to fade into darkness with the setting sun. Four of the seven moons could be seen, not perfectly aligned, but were coming close to it. The sunset after this one would be the last sunset the humans in Atara would enjoy.

The day he had been waiting for his whole life was soon to come. Years and years of waiting and liberating all to lead down to the grand final battle, all for the Creator’s children. No more would they suffer. The dragons will rise up against their oppressors and establish true dominance and justice, Orin thought. And the Seals won’t be here to try and stop it. Who was he kidding? Even if the Seals were there, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the insufferable force of the dragons’ wrath. No one would.

All these thoughts brought Orin back to a memory, a memory he would never forget. He was only a child then and was being given the gracious knowledge of his father.

“Father, why would the humans do such things?!” Orin said, near to tears as he held the head of a wounded dragon in his lap, the rest of the beast lay next to him, breathing shakily. Blood stained the wrappings on its body to which covered cuts from an axe. Young Orin stroked the beast’s scaly neck as he looked up at his father.

Arcalic held his stature, the blue tresses of his hair falling down past his shoulders. His blue eyes pierced with pride and disgust. “Because they are arrogant and blind,” Arcalic stated. “They only seek personal gain, and with that, find their greatest asset to be in forced labor of dragons. Dragons hold a special power that transcends many forms of magic and the humans wish to use this power to their advantage.” The grim elven king exhaled disapprovingly. “They have suffered many years because of their carelessness.”

Orindir looked down at the dragon as the tears began to flow. He shut his eyes and shook his head. “Is there any way to stop it?”

“Only through the spilling of human blood can the dragons be freed.”

Orin opened his eyes and stared up at Arcalic, a puzzled look on his face. “Blood…?”

Arcalic kneeled down in front of as his expression softened. “The humans must be punished for their crimes. They must feel the pain that they had enacted upon the dragons through death. The humans must know what is to become of them for turning away from the Creator.” He looked down at the dragon and laid his hand upon its neck. “Dragons are the ancestors of the Chòr, the direct connection to the Creator. Making one suffer is practically laughing in the face of the Creator.” Looking back into Orindir’s eyes, Arcalic’s voice grew dark. “Orin, you are the Seventh Seal, one chosen by the Creator to incite justice on the impure. You must liberate the dragons from their bondage.”

Orin balled his fists as his brow knitted. “I will! For the dragons!”

“Has it been done?”

The memory faded as the sunset city scene returned. Orin turned around to see a familiar elf. Hannor. Orindir sighed lightly and nodded. “Yes, I’ve spoken with them and they’ve agreed. Now we best be returning to our camp,” he said as he began to turn away.

“Wait—” Orin froze as he slowly looked back at his teacher. Even with the blindfold masking Hannor’s eyes, Orin could still feel his stare boring into him. “Do you still want to keep this up?”

Orin furrowed his brow. He was still going on about this? Hannor was supposed to be more relaxed there of all times. “Master, you know the Seals are in a country of our kind, probably even on their way to Felor!”

“They are not what I am concerned about. It is your fate, Prince Orin.” Hannor paused for a moment. “It is something I sense in the wind, and it is unwelcoming.”

“That is because it is the humans. They are unwelcoming of our kind. And if I die in this fight, then I will die freeing the dragons.”

Hannor sighed and looked down. “You can walk away from this now, it doesn’t have to end in bloodshed.”

Orindir grew slightly infuriated. “Hannor, I feel that I have reason to believe you are a deifier of the King?! How—”

“I am not defying him,” Hannor cut-in, “…I am simply worried for your well-being.”

He sounded just like Seraphiel. What were they sensing that he wasn’t? The others thought the plan to be just, but the two of them were wary of it, as if treading in dangerous waters. Maybe it was only because they were close to him. “Well you have no need to worry, the Creator is at my side. Return to camp and get some rest, you and the others will need it for tomorrow.”

Hannor bowed and stood straight again. “As you wish.” He stood back up and turned away, walking into the shadows.

Orin looked to Gawz, who was very shaky from the situation. This creature was always so fearful of everything. “Gawz, go to my father. Tell him the alignment is drawing near.”

Gawz quickly bobbed his head. “Y-y-yes, m-milord!” He launched off and into the air, flapping his wings awkwardly. But this certain little gimeilin, this sniveling creature, had another plan in mind.

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