Chapter Two: Tainted Air

Chapter Two

The grey dragon sped through the crystalline waters at an unimaginable speed, chomping at a school of fish to clear the way. The dragon felt exhilarated her heart beating rapidly as she patrolled the waters surrounding her island. Sailors told exaggerated stories of the vengeful beast that sank entire fleets of ships. Aqua would have it no other way, enjoying their tales. But there was always the chance that some brave fool might invade her territory to investigate further. Aqua made her way to shallow water, seamlessly changing to her humanoid form to walk up the black sand beach of her island. Shaking her head in an effort to dislodge the water from her hair, she sniffed at the air, brows furrowing. Walking to stand beneath a palm tree, her nostrils flared once again. It was undeniable, there was definitely something wrong, a putrid scent clinging to the air. Instinctively, she knew that this taint had not claimed her island yet, that it had been carried on the wind from far away. Whatever it was Aqua knew she would have to leave if she wanted to prevent it from overtaking her island. She sighed, tilting her head as she felt a twinge of magic. “Aqua, we have fought together numerous times, and I have been instructed that I will need allies soon. A battle is nigh, but I will not give the details it. I think it would be best to wait for us all to be together. Please come, we are on the tip of the Irraidian Thumb, just look for the glowing figures. I swear they’re living lanterns.” Aqua smiled as she listened to Rhea’s voice, noticing a desperate quality in it, in her friend’s attempt at humor. Taking in the air for a third time, she felt the smell and Rhea’s telepathic message were connected. Looking at the black sand and water, Aqua decided she would depart immediately. Running down the beach and leaping before the water, she transformed to her dragon form in mid-air, massive wings propelling her upward. Miles away from her island she passed over a ship. Roaring, she delighted in the panic of the sailors. Even as day turned to night, the grey dragon continued her journey, spotting the twinkling lights of cities as she swerved near the mainland. As she progressed northward, she felt the air drop in temperature. The smell in the air was constantly present, but she learned to ignore it. As morning approached, she flew under a rain cloud, drenched. Afterward she feasted upon s few seagulls. Not the most intelligent creatures, the birds considered her no danger. By midday, she could see the Irraidian Thumb and it appeared there was a camp set up on its tip. A figure huddled over a fire pointed up at her and ran to one of the tents. Two other figures emerged, one of them Rhea. Aqua nose-dived for a bit, bringing herself back up to land on the peninsula. Rhea rushed towards her, waiting for Aqua to transform before bringing her into an embrace. “I wasn’t sure you’d receive my message…” Rhea said, stepping back to loosely hold Aqua by the shoulders. “I left as soon as I got it. What’s happening? You mentioned battle.” Aqua replied. Rhea looked embarrassed. “We necromancers of the world have failed. We tamper with the most dangerous of things; we are trained to recognize when to cut off contact with the dead. But two of us were driven to insanity, made to do something they would never do consciously. The angels are here to help us but I’m afraid they may not be enough.” Aqua frowned, knowing Rhea was leaving out exact details. She let it slide; sure she would hear them eventually. “Angels?” She questioned instead. “Yes, they are inside their tents, eating. I wouldn’t advise you to try any of their food, though. To me it’s terribly bitter, but they assure me it is sweet to them.” Rhea answered, guiding Aqua to one of the tents. The men with Rhea followed. Stepping inside, she was momentarily blinded. The angels sitting around the table glowed, reminding Aqua of being awoken by the morning sun. They all ate pieces of a large violet colored fruit she had never seen before. “Gentlemen, ladies, this is my friend Aqua.” Rhea said, raising her voice a little. The angels turned their heads, murmuring their welcome in between bites. Aqua squinted to see that some of them were indeed female. “We’ll go to the necromancers’ tent next. Oh, I almost forgot. This is Siyamak and one of the necromancers, Devereux Hodges.” Rhea gestured to the men with them. Siyamak was a tall, russet haired man with silvery skin and piercing eyes. Devereux was a distinguished looking, older gentleman, with salt and pepper hair, and brown eyes. “Never in all my years have I laid eyes upon such an exquisite beauty. I am honored to meet you, Aqua.” Devereux said, giving her a sweeping bow. Aqua smiled slightly, feeling some heat rise in her cheeks at his compliment. Siyamak regarded her and extended a hand. “Rhea has told me much about you. All of it good, I promise.” Aqua shook his hand before they entered the necromancer tent. Two, red haired women, twins, Aqua noticed instantly, were seated on the floor, cross-legged, facing each other. Another woman with honey-colored skin and curly black hair, sat in a chair underneath a hanging lantern, reading a book, looking up as they came in. The last two, a burly built man and a young man who looked like he’d barely finished puberty, sat at a table, playing a card game of some sort. “Everyone, this is Aqua. Aqua, the twins are Lora and Nora Torinn.” Rhea began, gesturing appropriately. “She is Shamim Aljier,” the elf continued, motioning towards the woman with the book, who nodded to Aqua. “The last two are Vance Kyrim and Rory Rozarr. Rory is the young one.” “Hey!” Rory said, looking hurt. “What? You barely even shave.” Rhea said. Rory mumbled something under his breath. Aqua waved to them all and Rhea suggested they retire for the night, adding they would further speak when the others arrived. Devereux decided to stay within the necromancer tent. “Others?” Aqua asked when they were outside. “Oh, I’ve called the others. You know most of them. Aduni, Xander, Willah.” Rhea explained, taking Aqua to a comfortably warm tent with a cot with blankets and a brazier. Siyamak waited outside.   Rhea embraced her once more. “I’m glad you’ve come. I’ll see you in the morning.” The elf left and Aqua sat on the edge of the cot, thinking of the people she had been introduced to. Exhaling, she laid on the cot, drifting off.

Author's Note

Be kind. o.o