《To Claim the Throne of Fire》 Prologue Ansis stood atop the stone step near the temple doors. looking over the broken city atop mount Iroswell. After months of hard riding it was nice to slow down and take a break. It was a boring job and the boss was easily irritated. but it beats getting executed by demons just for following orders and killing some halfbreed abominations. When he was freed only seventeen wanted the chance to become a god. I will be the one to kill Lord Falkner and claim the heavens for myself. Ansis vowed. The only problem is that twenty other people want it as well. Julia came out of the temple a beautiful woman even on the road but the intensity of her face kept him from pursuing her. She was flanked by the twins children of Tempestas; they walked with confidence in their stride. One was a tall man with long gray hair and his sister also had long gray hair but hers was longer down her back she was a beauty to behold.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°They''re not here,¡± Julia said, ¡°So now what?¡± Ansis asked ¡°now we find out were they went¡± Julia said After two days of heading back down their scouts reported tracks heading south. ¡°Now we head south¡± Julia said ¡°south why would they go south?¡± Ansis asked ¡°I have no idea but they didn¡¯t go home so we need to finish the hunt now let''s ride!¡± they rode at a trot leaving the mountain behind. All I have to say is that this have better be worth it. Ruins Aaron watched lord Falkner and lady Nyssa sparring with sticks. Omari was parched on a stump watching. Jezebel the half demon and Safiya were gliding off the hills near them. It''s been a week since leaving the temple and no one has spoken about trying to kill each other so I guess everyone is just going to ignore it. looking at his pack on the mule grazing for spring is almost in full bloom. Everyone took off their armor when they reached the base of the mountain. Falkner and Nyssa stopped sparing, drenched in sweat. They were walking towards Aaron a little stiffly drinking from their water skins. William turned up with Hector walking towards him. ¡°What''s the news?¡± Aaron asked ¡°there are some ruins of a city up over the hill,¡± Hector said, pointing towards the next hill. ¡°Is it what remains of the nearest town?¡± Nyssa asked ¡°no I don''t think so¡± William said Jezebel and Safiya landing near them she dominated the group due to her height ¡°we need to get resupplied as soon as possible¡± Falkner noted ¡°Thank you captain obvious¡± Nyssa said Falkner glared at her. with that they were on the move again it would be nice to get a pot or pan so we could cook our food we lost a lot during are trip to Iroswell it was strange having only William than Omari now five other people witch I barely know but his thoughts always return to the disappoint at the temple reaching into his pouch to feel the diamond Aeris¡¯s power within his hand but out of his grasp pulling it out it glowed brighter than a normal diamond could it was beautiful. but now Falkner will be the first god of the new pantheon it¡¯s not fair as son of king of the gods I should be the first it¡¯s my birthright ¡°How are you holding up?¡± William asked walking beside him ¡°well enough¡± William just nodded ¡°I can¡¯t help but notice that you don¡¯t want to follow Falkner with all the angry glares you shot at him when he¡¯s not looking but remember he tried to save us when no one else was there¡± that¡¯s true the countryside felt like it wasn''t moving at all and they have to walk farther than they rode already Jezebel walked near him to his right she was looking at him with those blood red eyes of her and talking quietly with Safiya she gave Aaron a toothy grin full of razor sharp teeth and her mouth was almost twice as big as his looking ahead as to not get caught staring at her they walked for about two hours the sun was over them so about an hour past noon. ¡°Stop me and Aaron need to spare¡± William said everyone stopped and took a break in their groups Aaron got two sticks ¡°Good idea,¡± Omari said before flying off to hunt. As William and Aaron started to spare as everyone one else just watched with blank expressions back and forth they went until William had to stop and Aaron won most of the sparings. They left without a word. Over a small hill and saw the burnt ruins of a small city. There could have been thousands of people there or even ten thousand but now there was only a wall full of holes, a handful of houses with one wall sanding and not much else standing but ash covered foundations ¡°What happened here?¡± Jezebel asked when no one had an answer William spoke up ¡°this was no war, this was Ignis doing he sent fire from the heavens to consume the city Westvik¡± ¡°Why would he do this?¡± Aaron asked how could a god do something so evil. Everyone crowded around William ignoring Falkner''s fire eyes and focused on William who stared at the broken gate. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°The people here were the worst of the worst they made child sacrifices they made excuses for criminals thieves murderers roam free because they could afford it and other evils that should not be named¡± ¡°so my father burned them¡± William broke his trance on the city ¡°no he sent two of his priests the warm them of the situation and when a mob killed them both then he sent fire from the heavens destroying the city I knew Westvik was around here but I had no idea the ruins were so close to our kingdom¡± ¡°We should get going if we want to sleep in a bed tonight¡± Hector said as they walked on leaving the ruins behind with an eerie feeling. William walked right behind Aaron with Nyssa and Falkner in the lead and Hector, Safiya and Jezebel in the rear. Every group kept to themselves talking about the ruins they passed. How could a city of people get so evil that a god had to burn an entire city? William began to breath heavily he is getting old I have no idea how old his gray hair and beard was dirty so the silver looked more dark gray he raised his eyebrow at me looking ahead I hope he can make this journey Hector looked younger so he properly will make it they stopped for a joyless lunch of jerky, hard bread and cheese each group with their pack animal Aaron and William had a mule Jezebel Safiya, and Hector had a moa with light brown feathers and Falkner and Nyssa had a much smaller moa barley shorter than Jezebel ¡°how are we going to enter a town with such a group¡± Falkner muttered to Nyssa looking around at Falkner¡¯s red hair and Nyssa¡¯s white hair and of course the half avian and half demon we do stand out Aaron admitted to himself but why does he look disappointed ¡°So Aaron right?¡± Jezebel asked, startled out of his thoughts ¡°yes¡­yes it is¡± Aaron replied she sat on the ground next to him ¡°what do you think after we resupply?¡± ¡°I think we have a long walk ahead of us,¡± Jezebel nodded awkwardly. with that she got up and talked with Safiya ¡°how are you doing?¡± ¡°Well enough¡± Safiya muttered after lunch they walked in single file with Aaron in the middle and Falkner in front Nyssa pulling their moa until nightfall came they camped uphill near the town the palisade wall under a mile away but it was too dark and everyone was too tired especially William continue. Three small circles made camp blankets unrolled. Falkner dropped an armful of firewood then with his eyes glowing with fire palm out shoot fire and soon had a fire going Aaron went through his supply pack and pulled five pieces of jerky and stuck them on a nearby stick and put them over the fire hoping it will taste better Nyssa looked at him weirdly. Omari landed near the fire ¡°Where have you been?¡± Aaron asked ¡°hunting and making sure you were heading in the right direction¡± pulling the jerky out of the fire and taking a bite it didn¡¯t taste much better but it was a little softer ¡°there is something I must tell you I¡¯m cursed¡± Hector announced suddenly shocked at the news Aaron dropped his stick before picking up again. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nyssa asked William looked interested more than shocked then Hector explained who he was and how he got cursed and what it does he can turn into a fourteen feet tall beast and how he was a king Falkner eyes lit up in shocked ¡°wait tell me again about the man in black¡± William asked ¡°It''s been so long but a man in black-¡± ¡°did he look like he was in his early twenties?¡± William asked ¡°Yes, why?¡± William got up from the ground and started to pace. Why would the age of the man be important? Hector is cursed to turn into a ravenous beast! And a former king! Falkner cursed and Nyssa looked at a loss for words for once ¡°if you want me to leave I don¡¯t blame you I lived alone in the wilderness for almost a decade¡± everyone looked to Falkner for an answer witch irritated Aaron ¡°no we need you we can deal with it when we cross that bridge¡± Falkner said Nyssa looked at him confused ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing¡± Omari said the moon owl walking towards him more hopping then walking William¡¯s face paled getting closer to him ¡°what is it?¡± Aaron whispered, William looked at him with terror in his eyes for the first time ¡°pray I¡¯m wrong¡± and would not say more no matter how much he asked, and with that they went to bed no one got much sleep that night. The Outpost Falkner woke up to a cold morning with a cloudy sky stiff and sore Nyssa was already up. ¡°good morning after last night your flame eyes trick is boring¡± getting up ¡°You think this is funny?¡± Falkner demanded ¡°ya a little just think you have never done anything interesting till this winter I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t let him leave¡± ¡°he has survived ten years alone in the wilderness and what Farmboy says is true about the two southern kingdoms we will need him¡± and seeing a living legend also helped his favor king Hector was a mighty king no monster could threaten his kingdom I grew up on his stories and how he held both kingdoms under one crown ¡°So calculating¡± Nyssa said in disgust. ¡°can you two keep it down people are trying to sleep¡± Jezebel said drowsily ¡°we need to get moving anyway¡± Falkner announced everyone got up slowly rubbing the sleep out of there eyes Farmboy was the first ready holding his spear like a walking stick the metal glittering in the pale sunlight rubbing the pommel of his new sword it¡¯s so handy I don¡¯t have to sheath my sword to use my fire anymore I can¡¯t believe me a Lord tried with a blade since I was eight only to stalemate by Farmboy and his spear he picked up one winter ago. They soon left heading up the grassy hill towards the town with the moon owl flying ahead of them. He always seems to fly away from us during the day trudging up the slope. Aaron levitated past him several feet above the ground he never changed his height only the ground did the closer they got the thicker the mist became odd Falkner thought it looked misty but not very thick once they reach the palisade wall they had to go around until they found a wooden gate ¡°I can¡¯t see if there''s a guard up their or not¡± Falkner said ¡°me nether¡± Farmboy said ¡°there is only one way to find out. hello up there can we enter!¡± Nyssa called no reply came. ¡°Let us in, we are tired and sore!¡± William called, the gate started to swing inward revealing muddy streets walking two guards a fat bald man with his mail shirt only covering his upper gut and a lanky man with a red bread. In hat like helmets. ¡°Welcome, we didn¡¯t see you coming from the south, so where did you come from?¡± The bigger guard said he didn¡¯t react to their strange group, not even Jezebel or the celestial iron weapons. They were nervous by the way they stood and how they held their weapons ¡°We are from the north and we need supplies to head south¡± Falkner said ¡°south! You want to head south ok its your grave¡± the lanky one said with that they walked away while the gates closed behind them ¡°That''s comforting¡± Nyssa remarked ¡°What kind of gourds are they? They left their post¡± William scolded ¡°Let''s just get what we need and go,¡± Farmboy suggested. ¡°We should stay until morning to plan out our next move. William and Aaron get a pot or pan so we can get something decent to eat and some salt. Hector get us a place to sleep I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s an inn or some farmers guest bed and Nyssa and I will get the supplies¡± nobody moved ¡°I guess it''s a good plan¡± Jezebel said Hector just stared at him confused before separating into their groups hopefully to do as he asked ¡°Wait, I need Jezebel¡¯s moa¡± she handed him the bridle and shield from her back then went with Hector. The round homes looked a little rushed with low walls and almost all roof. The people of the town walked as if they didn¡¯t want to be caught outdoors; they all seemed nervous. No children played in the muddy streets, only talked with each other and looked at them. The tallest building was the mill. They soon found the market to get some supplies or at least he thought it''s the market. There were booths selling trinkets but the squire was almost empty with only a few bored merchants. They approached a woman selling some kind of bread but it was flat ¡°we could fit more of those than the bread were used to¡± Nyssa remarked ¡°What can I do for you?¡± a middle age woman asked ¡°we need flat bread and some jerky and cheese¡± Nyssa asked ¡°sounds like you are in a hurry to leave I don¡¯t blame you but we don¡¯t know what''s north¡± ¡°we are from the north we need to head south¡± Falkner replied she looked dumbfounded at them ¡°So young¡± she muttered ¡°ok as long as your coin is good then lets get you and your two moas of yours filled up with supplies¡± she got enough flatbread to fill three sacks on are moa and a sack of feed in case there wasn''t any grazing to be had Nyssa got out a handful of copper and silver coins until she was satisfied then they got some cheese and jerky Falkner got all the supplies he could carry and Nyssa only had a few silver coins left as well as about a dozen copper ones they could fit all their money in a small coin pouch ¡°we need to get more money¡± Nyssa remarked ¡°And how are we going to get any of our money? its in another kingdom¡± Falkner said Nyssa had no reply walking the streets it wasn''t a large town it would be surprising if the population excited two thousand wondering the almost empty streets for Jezebel or William. The two guards from the gate were shouting at them and waving their arms at Falkner; they hurried to catch up to them. ¡°Our king will like to meet your group tonight¡± the lanky one said out of breath ¡°We accept¡± Falkner said quickly, with that they returned to their posts ¡°if this is their capital where is the rest of the kingdom?¡± Falkner said this is ill news if the southern kingdoms are truly abandoned but how? Jezebel was with Safiya but with no Hector in sight they met in a back street where no one would overhear them ¡°Did you do as I asked?¡± Falkner said folding his arms across his chest Jezebel gave him a toothy sneer ¡°yes we got our rooms for the night but you have to pay for it sinch we don¡¯t have a copper to our name¡± great Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°we should have enough¡± Nyssa said she didn¡¯t sound sure ¡°so we are going to be broke tonight¡± Falkner said to know one in particular Jezebel placed a hand to her mace ¡°unless you sell that¡± Falkner suggested ¡°when you sell your sword¡± ¡°where is Hector he''s not on a rampage I hope¡± ¡°don¡¯t make fun it''s serious¡± Safiya said ¡°I was¡± ¡°see you at night oh and by the way the king wants to meet all of us tonight¡± Nyssa said with that they left them with a stunned look on their faces ¡°hallfbreeds¡± Falkner muttered they didn¡¯t answer my question ¡°let''s find a stable to rest our pack animals¡± Nyssa said ¡°good idea¡± it was not easy to find. The streets were a maze as if the whole town had no plan when building came to think of it. it probably was. they finally found it Nyssa gave three coppers and handed them to the stable boy ¡°Just put our shields in a corner¡± Falkner said and left at noon ¡°What are we going to do till nightfall?¡± Falkner asked ¡°eat lunch then we take it from there¡± Nyssa said so they went off exploring the town. As night time came, Falkner and Nyssa did next to nothing the whole day but listened to unhelpful gossip no one wanted to talk about the two southern kingdoms. it took forever to all meet up at their inn which didn¡¯t have a name. They were all dirty and needed their clothes cleaned before visiting their king. The inn wasn''t very fancy or big, just two stores of plain wood planks and floor round tables that were a little dusty. The place was abandoned except for the innkeeper, a few serving girls and one farmer drinking ale in the corner. The innkeeper was a short middle age woman with long blond hair and a simple orange wool dress the serving girls stood up at their arrival and dusted their apron ¡°hello we have three rooms¡± Falkner said ¡°oh yes it¡¯s eight silver¡± handing all of his money to her. ¡°its enough and you have baths upstairs¡± with that they left to bathe and get their spare clothes the stars creaked at every step they made their way into one room it was crowded the room wasn''t very big with only a chair, a bed, and a bowl to wash your face in ¡°what did you manage to get?¡± Falkner asked, turning to William ¡°Not much I had a little money around my neck so I got a simple pot, pan and a pouch of salt.¡± William said ¡°That will do¡± Falkner said everyone fell silent ¡°Why would the king be here?¡± Hector said breaking the silence ¡°he must be an exiled rival the one of the southern kingdoms¡± William suggested everyone agreed that must be it everyone put their stuff in their own rooms then Falkner took his only spare clothes and went into the hallway finding the bath was easily enough but there was only two so he waited with Farmboy William and Hector so the girls can go first halfbreed or not a lady still is a lady some of the severing maids went in and brought their clothes out to be cleaned after about forty five minutes the serving girls brought back their clothes they came out with new clothes and cleaned. Nyssa wore her dark purple tonic blue leggings with her sword belt around her waist. Her hair was still wet. Jezebel wore brown breeches and a black shirt on her mace on her belt her horns were cleaned and raven black hair hung loosely Falkner had to admit some men might find her an exotic beauty. Safiya wore a riding dress which was clean but still had a few holes in the sleeves where you could see her tanned skin. He was about to enter but stopped himself. ¡°you first your majesty¡± Falkner said ¡°I haven''t been a king in a decade¡± Hector said as he went in first the baths were amazing only lukewarm but it felt nice to be clean ¡°pass me the soap brush¡± Farmboy asked, passing it to him they stayed longer than they should. Once Hector got out and dressed, a serving man brought him his newly clean clothes and then left everyone else''s and left without a word. his red breeches and white shirt with his red coat of fine cloth brown boots which were worn out from the travel. Farmboy were a simple dark orange tonic and white leggings Hector wore dark brown breaches and a rich looking dark green coat William were light green breeches and a dark green shirt with a gray coat. they left and headed outside where the women were waiting for them ¡°What took so long? Did you need more beauty time¡± Nyssa teased ¡°you took a longer than us¡± Falkner replied Nyssa just rolled her eyes at him. The two guards stepped out of an alleyway and approached. They were both fit. One had short blond hair and the other had long brown hair while wearing a mail shirt and wool breeches. As they got closer Falkner was shocked at how young they appeared; they both looked to be fourteen and fifteen. ¡°come with us we will take you to our king¡± the blond said with that they followed them through the misty streets no one was up at this hour beside the occasional night guard or a candle in a house they took them to the center of town were a small wooden keep stood three stories tall and slightly on a hill if you call it that its base was only five feet taller than the surrounding buildings. He opened the gate with a key then entered. It was a nice place but worn out the wood looked nice but a little dusty. They climbed up to the third floor and into the king''s throne room. It was small, it didn''t even have a double door, just one the throne room itself was small with basic furniture and a desk with paperwork the king sat on a wooden chair which he realized was his throne. The king himself was young, about eighteen clean shaven wearing a rich coat similar to Falkner¡¯s but less worn out and a thin gold crown on his brow once they stood in a wide line which they all barely fit. everyone gave their bows and curtseys the king raised a hand. ¡°Please, you need not pay homage to me. My title is an empty one for this town is all I govern. We don''t get many visitors so I can visit everyone who enters my kingdom¡± the king said ¡°my name is Fedrick the second. my what a unique group¡± the King said ¡°a farmer a knight a woodsman a Lord two half breeds and a godling I hear you are heading south¡± Fedrick said ¡°yes we are this some very important business there¡± William said the king stood up and walked over the the balcony Falkner walked over and stood beside him looking over the farms and the lake that¡¯s nearby he pointed further out a forest it lane along the the countryside in both decisions it looked wrong the branches held no leaf of steam even though spring arrived at least he thought the fog was thick real thick the whole place was misty but the woods over there looked wrong somehow I just can¡¯t put my finger on it ¡°Is this why the southern kingdoms have gone quiet?¡± Nyssa asked joining them at the balcony everyone else was looking out the window trying to see the creepy woods ¡°I have no idea we lost contact with both kingdoms when my father was lord of this town when they didn¡¯t send tax collectors in five years or any trade. the forest turn dark and anyone who went in don¡¯t come back to us I have no idea if that forest is to blame or something else but I want you to know what going south entails¡± king Fedrick said with that he returned to his throne ¡°Excuse me but why crown yourself king if you have only one town?¡± Jezebel asked Falkner and Safiya glared at her ¡°My father crowned himself king. He tried to get things done and not wait around forever hoping they will come back. But if I may ask what is so important that you wouldn''t hesitate to go to a dangerous forest and two kingdoms who haven''t been heard of in over a decade?¡± ¡°Something worth a lot,¡± Farmboy said, reaching into his pouch. Falkner tensed up. don¡¯t show him the power Falkner locked eyes with Farmboy seeing his worry took his hand out empty. ¡°I see It¡¯s getting late and you have a long journey ahead of you goodnight¡± Fedrick said the guards hurried them out of the keep a long journey is right ¡°I wouldn''t have shown him¡± Farmboy said walking besides Falkner back to the inn ¡°Quite¡± Falkner snapped quickly stopping Farmboy as everyone else walked by down the street looking around to see if anyone was listening ¡°to start with how was I supposed to know that? and second, don''t say that you have something valuable that we can¡¯t speak about. great way for people to know if they want to steal from you don¡¯t speak of it at all, don¡¯t even say you are searching for anything, who knows what Fedrick wants or even believes you what you have¡± Falkner said firmly Farmboy grew stiff ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me what to do your not a Lord anymore¡± ¡°Then listen to this, it''s because of your big mouth that I learned about it in the first place. You farmers get something valuable and have no idea how to keep it hidden¡± walking briskly to catch up. To everybody I don''t have time to deal with Farmboy but I have to do something before he gets us killed. Into The Woods Jezebel awoke in the inn''s bed in the middle of Safiya and Nyssa. It''s been so long since sleeping on a soft bed. she didn¡¯t want to get up but Falkner will get grumpy ah who cares what he thinks. closing her eyes again after a little while she got up and stretched her wings, heading to the wash bowl in the room waking Nyssa up with another yawn and a stretch. Even getting up she¡¯s beautiful makes me feel ugly by comparison. ¡°Are you ready to enter a creepy forest¡± Nyssa said cheerfully ¡°our luck just always wins out¡± Jezebel replied with a smirk belting on her mace. It was smaller than she would like, only two feet long in all. Soon after an hour before noon they were ready to leave. Falkner always has a scowl on his face; he didn''t seem like a happy person. Thank goodness he has Nyssa. They stood in front of the inn with one last look at the last bed she might sleep in for a long time. Aaron approached her ¡°Since we are heading into dangerous territory, how are you in a fight since Falkner and Nyssa have magic and William is a trained knight Omari can fly but I need to know if we need to protect you¡± Aaron said awkwardly. protect me? How sweet of him! ¡°Hector is handy with his ax but has to be extra careful Safiya is learning the sling and has a dagger but isn¡¯t a fighter but I¡¯m a brawler my speed and strength surpass yours so don¡¯t worry about me¡± Jezebel said carefully trying to reassure him Aaron had a blank look. ¡°We need to leave now¡± Falkner said then left town over the river and passed farmers planting seeds for their crops. she could barely see the forest up ahead due to fog and it¡¯s getting thicker the closer to the forest she got. Everyone stopped at the forest edge and everyone just stared at it nothing living could be seen only brown grass it looked wrong despite early spring not a single leave could be seen and the branches looked almost like fingers trying to grab anything that wanders into it, the fog was so thick she couldn''t see more than five feet in front of her ¡°Let''s go, we can''t stand around here forever.¡± Hector said Falkner moved first into the forest no one moved but once he was out of sight they rushed to stay with him we can¡¯t lose him! Jezebel thought halfbreed hater or no if we lose him the gods will be lost forever and the age of mortals will never end Falkner turned around to look at her no one spoke the strange forest held a creepy feeling the only sound was of their footsteps without any paths to speak of, just dirt and roots. ¡°Keep close to each other it¡¯s easy to get lost in here¡± William said Jezebel stayed close to Aaron because he is the most powerful among them to protect Safiya ¡°I don¡¯t like this place already¡± Safiya said softly Jezebel nodded in agreement. After an hour of walking they stopped on some dirt trials Hector found hoping it would lead them out of these woods ¡°If any monsters attack us we will only have a moment they can smell us curse this fog¡± Falkner muttered he¡¯s right looking in all directions I can barely see William and Hector not ten feet away she looked everywhere at once trying and not to get ambushed what I¡¯m I going to do? They continued, everyone was clearly on edge. William looked grim, Hector was looking in all directions. Nyssa looked serious, not like herself at all. Jezebel got as close as she could to Aaron and Safiya. I feel like monsters are just over the next tree. ¡°Which direction are we heading?¡± Aaron asked ¡°I¡¯m not so sure¡± Falkner said, turning around ¡°south we haven¡¯t turned that much on this trial right?¡± Jezebel said ¡°Not likely but maybe enough to change direction,¡± William said as they started walking again, not sure if they were lost or not. great. If this fog wasn''t so thick maybe I could tell where I''m going. They stopped for the night after it got dark. William and Safiya were the only ones breathing heavily. They unrolled their own small blankets and were about to go to sleep. ¡°Who keeps watch?¡± Safiya asked ¡°Jezebel then Aaron then me¡± Falkner said ¡°I won¡¯t do it¡± he turned towards her with his fire in eyes sockets Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°oh and why not because you are too tired or because I suggested it¡± her cheeks turn red because he guessed right ¡°of course not I kept watch last time¡± ¡°which was when a week ago if not longer¡± Falkner replied ¡°I¡¯ll keep first watch¡± William said surprised ¡°but you¡¯re too tired¡± Jezebel pointed out ¡°Quite, I¡¯ll do you big babies¡± Hector said glaring at Jezebel standing watch with no more complaints Aaron went to cook dinner before bed. Falkner went out to collect firewood I will never take orders from a man who hates halfbleeds Hector came over to her ¡°What are you doing trying to get us all killed?¡± Hector whispered ¡°I¡¯m not he can watch himself. stop overreacting¡± he raised his eyebrows at her but said nothing more why is he like this? He¡¯s not a halfbreed after an hour Falkner returned William let out a sigh of relief ¡°don¡¯t go out alone any more we need you and have no idea what¡¯s out there¡± ¡°we need a fire and I know what I¡¯m doing but it did take forever to find you again¡± Falkner said coldly soon Aaron and Safiya had stew cooking jerky some water from their water skins dried fruit salt, and a little cheese thrown there for good measure. But what can I do? Everyone is sick of road food. I''ll just pick the non meat stuff out. she was handed a bowl with a spoon by Hector after eating. Hector stood watch as Jezebel fell asleep. In the morning at least it should but since the fog was so thick that she couldn''t see the sun, just gray light. She just noticed Safiya stood next to her. ¡°How long have you been awake?¡± ¡°a few minutes we still have to wait for everyone else to wake up¡± Falkner, Aaron, and Nyssa were awake within minutes of each other. Aaron and Falkner were talking softly to each other. Aaron shook his head. What are they saying and is it against halfbreeds? Maybe. no there just talking about breakfast right? I just don¡¯t know. They continued to talk as everyone got up. William packed up his pot scrubbing it clean before packing it away. They headed on the same trail hoping it would lead them out of those woods. They walked in single file with Hector William and Falkner in the back pulling the pack animals along. After four hours of walking they took a break ¡°Are we getting any closer to leaving these woods?¡± Aaron asked ¡°I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m supposed to know? everything looks the same,¡± Falkner said mayb-something came towards them. It looked like an elk mixed with a wolf slamming into Aaron tackling him to the ground pulling her mace immediately. she charged the beast, hitting it in the hip with a roar. It hit her in the side with a paw as she lay on the forest floor. fire and ice hit the beast then skylight hit it as well before it ran shrinking with pain. but didn¡¯t kill it, it all happened so fast! Only seconds. getting up with a grown ¡°What was that?¡± Safiya asked ¡°Does it matter?¡± Nyssa said William ran past her with herbs and badges as Aaron took a hit. His thigh was torn quite a bit and his shoulder was bleeding with a claw mark. He looked like he was cut by a knife. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Jezebel asked ¡°like I¡¯ve been hit by a battering ram and stabbed¡± Aaron said spitting out blood from his bleeding lip once he was banged William tried to life him ¡°Let me do it, I''m the strongest,¡± slinging Aaron over her shoulder, carrying him he was heavier than Safiya but manageable. They continued with Jezebel in the middle protecting Aaron. I wish I could itch my leg Jezebel thought with frustration ¡°we could not see it coming. Try using your hearing¡± Hector said everyone grew quiet the only sound was their breathing hearing for new threats ¡°I think that was just an animal not a monster¡± Aaron whispered ¡°What''s the difference?¡± Jezebel whispered back, careful to be quiet. ¡°It wanted to eat me and when it got difficult it bolted¡± ¡°true¡± then something grabbed her leg and pulled her to the ground dropping Aaron on his face. ¡°help!¡± Jezebel screamed but with the dirt in her mouth it was too quiet. Falkner and William ran to the source. She saw the tree move with a face, empty eyes and a mouth full of pointed bark teeth. It roared when Falkner started cutting at the roots but branches grabbed his arms Nyssa began to cut the branches holding Falkner. She was four feet away screaming at the top of her lungs then she dropped to the ground Falkner was freed and threw fire in its face. Hector pulled her to safety as everyone else ran grabbing Aaron before running off. They camped for the night, breathing heavily from carrying Aaron all day and almost getting eaten by a tree. setting Aaron down while looking at the trees with dread trying to see in any moved ¡°I¡¯ll keep watch tonight¡± Nyssa volunteer sitting down by Aaron so he won¡¯t get lonely ¡°This place is unnatural,¡± Falkner muttered near her. looking at the tree branches like fingers ready to grab her. ¡°it¡¯s still early spring¡± Nyssa pointed out ¡°No, just look at this place, it''s dead and that tree tried to eat us,¡± Falkner replied, shaking his head. Falkner is right, this place is strange. Jezebel thought no one wanted to go and get firewood so they all collected what they could find within ten feet away from their blankets. And Falkner had a fire in no time cooking venison stew with dried fruit on the side this time after they ate Aaron had some trouble eating due to his lips and shoulder ¡°Do you want me to feed you?¡± Jezebel asked ¡°No I don¡¯t¡± Aaron snapped surprised at the reaction letting the matter drop ¡°next time don¡¯t use your sword use your flames¡± Nyssa said Falkner didn¡¯t react to that after they ate out of dirty bowls no less everyone but Nyssa went to sleep for the night. In the Sea of Trees Aaron awoke to one foggy morning in pain. Jezebel was on watch yawning, sitting up with a groan. the pain wiping away the tears before anyone noticed. He didn''t want Jezebel to see. being carried all day was bad enough then she wanted to feed me like some kid it¡¯s embarrassing something occurred to him. I''ll just levitate while laying down. I''ll try it ¡°How are you holding up?¡± William asked ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Aaron said, a little more angry than he¡¯d like. Getting up on his good lag and levitating three feet off the ground while William handed him some breakfast of flat bread and cheese. Falkner took the lead and continued their journey in silence. Aaron laid down and levitated four feet off the ground belly first. please let this forest end soon I still can¡¯t see more than six feet in front of me the only sound was everyone''s footsteps, then a sound like a screeching sound everyone looked to the left where it came from ¡°What was that?¡± Safiya asked ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Hector said ¡°it sounded far off¡± William pointed out they continued walking a little faster or in Aaron¡¯s case moving while laying down. weapons draw Jezebel had to hand Aaron his spear floating to a standing position ¡°we should wear our armor during the day¡± Falkner said everyone agreed after whatever that was yesterday was there¡¯s more and who knows what else well Falkner, Nyssa, and William did he could not due to his wounds and Jezebel Safiya and Hector didn¡¯t have armor were not in Saxohdale anymore we''re not dealing with goblins and trolls anymore at least with those I know what to expect now I have know Idea sweat poured down his forehead ¡°stop¡± Aaron said dropping to the ground ¡°I¡¯m almost out of skylight and if I run out I can¡¯t use it against monsters¡± Aaron said out of breath great Jezebel is going to carry me she picked him up over her right shoulder again since she held her shield in her left he watched Falkner look at him I look silly but I can¡¯t do anything closing my eyes to hide the shame ¡°open your eyes¡± Falkner said ¡°we need all eyes to keep lookout¡± fine!. opening them why is he so bossy? Lords. Another screech louder witch means closer. everyone pointed their weapons to their left waiting for whatever made that noise ¡°Put me down¡± Aaron said Jezebel set on the dirt and drew her mace as more screeches were heard William threw him his spear and leaned on it. Wish I had my armor holding it in a one-handed grip several seven feet tall wolfelk came towards them out of the mist there had to be six or seven of them Falkner had two on him slashing and throwing fire Aaron threw skylight at the nearest one then one came right towards him holding his spear in front of him bracing trying to use skylight but only a wisp came out of the spear point I¡¯m out! getting tackled by it avoiding the point using the shaft as to trying not to get bitten, a spear point took it in the neck William pulled the dying wolfelk off of him everywhere Falkner stood alone with two dead wolfelks sword ablaze but there were three more came in Hector tried to get away from them leading as many wolfelks away as possible. why? The beast, if he turned into the beast we''re doomed than he was lost in the fog pulling himself up from the ground ¡°Jezebel help Falkner!¡± Aaron called ¡°help!¡± Safiya called Nyssa ran to help her and Jezebel ran past him leaving Falkner alone to die ¡°what are you doing!¡± Aaron screamed limping to help Falkner as he took a blow to the head. William ran to help but was blocked due to a wolfelk. if he dies our hope to restore the gods will be gone, throwing his spear into its side. anything to help Falkner. the wolfelk roared then leaped away hitting Falkner in the process there were no more wolfelks the dead beasts lay still and the dying ones were too injured to move Nyssa, William, Safiya, and Jezebel walked towards him well Jezebel limped from a scratch on her thigh Hector came out of the fog with a blow the head how did he survive he had two on him! Falkner lay still holding his neck his face was scratched up leaving his cheeks almost gone and he could see his teeth his calf lay torn William came over with the badges and herbs ¡°What were you thinking Jezebel!¡± Aaron screamed ¡°I was saving Safiya¡± Jezebel said meekly ¡°I was closer to Safiya, why did you run to her and not Falkner!¡± Nyssa snapped ¡°if he dies you doomed us all!¡± Jezebel grew stiff ¡°I¡¯m sorry but a friend was in danger so I helped¡± ¡°this bad he needs healing¡± William said gravely good luck magic is dead and will remain dead ¡°Who else is injured?¡± Jezebel asked everyone but they weren''t severe. It turned out ¡°Hector, help me carry him¡± Nyssa asked William bandage Falkner''s wounds as best he could before turning to everyone else Nyssa¡¯s calf took a hit Hector''s head injury was just a scratch that bled a lot Safiya was uninjured due to using her sling as much as possible Jezebel¡¯s leg was wrapped. With that they continued we¡¯re running low on bandages. Everyone looked worried, especially Nyssa Falkner¡¯s head was covered with bandages. They walked until nightfall with their only break was lunch Nyssa and Hector set Falkner on his blankets and still had not moved since the attack. His face and leg looked worse Nyssa was by his side just staring at him tears fell from her cheeks what do we do! We can¡¯t heal him and who knows how long he has This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°So this is how it ends¡± Hector said William looked depressed ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Jezebel said ¡°Why didn¡¯t you help him? You were the closest to him Aaron had to limp over to him!¡± William accused walking up to her and slapping her face. Aaron looked on in shock ¡°I didn¡¯t want Safiya to die and he hates halfbreeds, stop ganging up on me!¡± Jezebel cried holding her cheek. I¡¯ve never seen William slap someone before things are becoming dire. ¡°So what happens if he dies?¡± Safiya asked softly so Nyssa didn¡¯t hear ¡°what happens is the gods will forever stay dead and we go home¡± William said ¡°home how? we¡¯ll never make it?¡± Aaron said I will have to find a new home ¡°stop talking like that and figure out a way to save him he¡¯s not dead yet¡± Nyssa scolded ¡°wherever or not it¡¯s Jezebel¡¯s fault won¡¯t help and next time she will help us other than Hector and Safiya¡± Nyssa said with such intensity everyone looked at Nyssa with shock ¡°magic isn''t completely dead, is there a monster that could help us?¡± Nyssa asked ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Hector said they ate a cold dinner nobody looked Jezebel in the eye as she cried ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m sorry¡± Jezebel whispered she took first watch as they went to sleep Aaron woke up to someone shaking his uninjured shoulder ¡°It¡¯s your turn¡± Safiya said, getting up with a groan limping over to the middle of the camp as Safiya layed down on his blanket and fell asleep so he got the last watch. What''s the point? Falkner is dying. I can''t see more than ten feet in front of me and none of us are fighting as a unit, only each other if only Falkner and Nyssa could be humbled and Jezebel and Safiya weren''t so hung up on half breeds as if they''re the only ones who face hardships. Safiya¡¯s arm took a large cut Hector took a blow to the head and William is also limping from a blow to the knee and I¡¯m too sore to walk let alone fight. The sun began to rise providing gray light though the mist. I miss home and now I¡¯m not even in the same kingdom then mother and Jessica and I¡¯m just getting farther away from them After breakfast they continued seeing only trees and more trees never ending. ¡°I can¡¯t take it any more of this forest¡± William said angrily ¡°Jezebel, can you climb a tree and see if we¡¯re almost out of these woods?¡± Nyssa asked out of breath from carrying Falkner. Jezebel climbed slowly until her hooves she came back down ¡°I can¡¯t see an end to the trees in every direction¡± Jezebel said sadly every face fell. three days with no change exempt for Falkner he was getting worse they stopped on the trial inspecting Falkner. ¡°he has an infection¡± William concluded ¡°he has two days if that¡± they continued onward with hopelessness Nyssa was softly crying. then Aaron dropped to the ground in shock ¡°There''s a hut over there!¡± Everyone looked over his shoulder except for Hector and Jezebel who were carrying Falkner. The hut was small with bark tiles and old wooden walls. A crow was perched on top of the roof. It looked big, three feet tall with a wingspan of eight feet. ¡°what do you think it is?¡± Safiya asked ¡°a hag¡± William said everyone looked at him ¡°which is?¡± Aaron asked ¡°Priestess of Vita they got together eighty years ago demanding more power from her, she agreed but as a price for their pride she took their youth and so they looked like their in their late seventies for decades they all grew bitter¡± ¡°Can she¡­..heal Falkner?¡± Nyssa said out of breath ¡°maybe for a high price if they kept their magic at all¡± ¡°so there¡¯s a chance¡± Nyssa said ¡°a little yes but they will ask a very high price¡± she started towards the hut and they followed her William didn¡¯t look happy about this as if we have a choice. they stopped five feet from the door ¡°welcome travelers we get so few these days¡± the crow said in a creaky voice everyone looked at the crow in surprise then he cawed at them than an old woman opened the door wearing a yellow green dress with sewing patches everywhere oily white hair sticking to the side of her head like she just got out of a bath but she smelled like she hadn''t one in years. ¡°Welcome, what brings you to my humble home?¡± the hag asked ¡°We need your help, can you heal him?¡± Nyssa asked, pointing to Falkner ¡°Do you now¡± the hag laughed. She didn¡¯t sound too concerned about their plight ¡°yes I can but what do you have to offer me?¡± ¡°I have a celestial iron ax¡± Hector offered ¡°an ax made by the gods that is indeed a fine gift but I have no need an old woman like me can¡¯t swing it like you can¡± ¡°But I thought you hags are always old,¡± Aaron remarked. The hag frowned at him then he noticed William looking at him. Aaron headed to the back so as to not be seen as much ¡°you are a child of Hiems right?¡± ¡°yes¡± Nyssa answered ¡°and you are a half demon?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Jezebel answered as the crow landed near her and they spoke softly to each other ¡°I will accept one eye and one of the half demon''s teeth to heal the boy and lead you out of here. That is my only offer¡± the hag said with a grin shocked at the request Jezebel looked scared but Nyssa had to give up an eye Aaron came up to Jezebel and Nyssa ¡°you don¡¯t have to do this we will find another way¡± ¡°there is no other way¡± Nyssa pointed out I didn¡¯t want to admit it but she was right ¡°I¡¯ll do it¡± Jezebel said with confidence ¡°I¡¯ll do it¡± Nyssa said sounding scared ¡°Good come inside and bring the boy¡± she went into her hut William handed Jezebel a small bandage before Nyssa and Jezebel carried Falkner into the hut and closed the door. they could do nothing but wait and hope she kept her word.