Chapter Two-The Path we choose.

Jess, and Acaeus enter Tully's Thicket to get to Dark Mt. It is time to face the Dragon.

The forest was more daunting as they entered the wood towards Dark Mt. Jess looked about to get her bearings as the horse gently traversed through the underbrush, passing by the myriad of tall trees. “Does your horse have a name?” Jess asked out of nowhere. “She does, Delphina.” Acaeus replied. “Nice name, not what I would’ve picked.” Jess mentioned indifferently. “Oh? What name would you have picked then?” Acaeus inquired. “Mm probably white lightening.” Jess casually responded with a smirk. “That’s a terrible name.” Acaeus replied. “Tch, what do yea know?” Jess remarked in an arrogant fashion. “Plenty” was all Acaeus said in response. Silenced followed as the two made their way towards the mountain. The density of the forest was too thick for Acaeus to get a reading as to when they would arrive. Judging from the distance he observed before they entered, it would seem that it would be a day’s ride through the forest. Jess admired the greenery that passed by as Delphina meandered her way up a slight hill. “How are yea gonna kill the Dragon?” Jess asked curiously. “Hitting it really hard with my spear.” Acaeus coolly responded. “That’s it?! Michael’s life is at stake!” Jess told Acaeus over his shoulder. “How would you kill the dragon?” Acaeus countered. “I guess…” But Jess was dumbfounded as to how in the world one slays a dragon. “I just…figured yea would have more of an elaborate plan is all.” Jess finally said after thinking about. “I do, it’s called relying on my highly advance training to adapt to whatever circumstance I may face. In the absence of an elaborate plan, perfectly attuned instinct is your best option.” Acaeus instructed. “However we must pick up the pace if we are to in fact save the young boy’s life.” With that, Acaeus spurned Delphina into gallop in the direction of the hideous mountain ahead of them. 

          Michael sat in the damp cavern, the entrance was just to his left, but he remained stationary, fully knowing the Dragon would kill him instantly if he moved. He was shivering more out of nerves than cold, for there was a gigantic Dragon sitting no more than a stone throws away from him, patiently waiting in the shadows behind the light that was cast from the giant hole in the roof of the Dragon’s abode. The beast was the size of a castle, Michael thought, and he was no more than speck to the great beast. “Boy…” The Dragon hissed out loud. Its voice was deep and menacing, it sent waves of terror through Michael every time it spoke. “Ye..yes?” Michael responded. “What is it your good at?” The Dragon asked articulately. “Um…smithing…I guess…” Michael responded. “Is that all? How dreary. To be expected from the peasants I guess. I once ate a bard, he sang me a tune about a dragon slayer. I fried him to a crisp, sportily to the end he was. I wonder if you will have the same gumption. Why is it you volunteered to die as my meal?” The vile Wyrm questioned. “To save my village of course.” Michael replied without hesitation. “Your lying, I can always sniff out a liar.” Suddenly it moved in close upon Michael, and the boy fell backwards from his sitting position in fright. Michael looked upon its features, and saw the red scales flexing as the beast breathed in and out. A pungent smell of sulfur filled his nose as the Dragon released an exhale through him, but Michael did notice it was missing its right eye, and the other was malevolently yellow. “I…I don’t know then.” He aptly replied. The Dragon rolled its one eye and raised its head back to where it was. “Lying again, lie anymore and I shan’t spare you anymore seconds to live.” It threatened. Michael thought hard as to why he had sacrificed his life, and every time he tried to formulate a response, Jess popped up in his head. Then it hit him, he didn’t do it to save his village, he volunteered because he loved Jess. “Love…” He finally said. His light voice echoed throughout the dark chamber, and the Dragon slid its forked tongue out and began to laugh through its teeth. “Ah, that was the truth. Do you know why you’re not dead yet?” It asked. Michael couldn’t even begin to answer that question, he expected to be killed on the spot in the village, just as Jess’s mother had a season ago. “No, I don’t.” Michael replied looking at the rocky floor beneath his legs. “I smelled something I hadn’t smelled in nearly a century. An ancient warrior rides to your rescue. Rather quickly too, and he carries a young female on his saddle.” The Dragon remarked. “Jess!” Michael immediately said. The Dragon quickly lowered its long neck to peer into Michael’s eyes. No matter how much he tried, Michael was frozen in its gaze, unable to move and unable to breath. “Jeeesssssss…the girl you love…I shall take great delight in devouring her in front of you. You shall hear her screams of agony, and I shall revel in yours.” The Dragon taunted before returning its head up right. “That is, if I can defeat him.” It said with a hint of scorn. “Him?” Michael asked genuinely curious. “Yes, a warrior from before your time. He hails from the land once known as Ascythia.” It said ‘Ascythia’ mystically, as if it had some reverence for the name itself. “My former master destroyed his people, and his city. Yet, he cheated death, and now he comes. I look forward to feasting on Ascythian flesh once again.” The Dragon finished, slapping its slender tongue around its jagged teeth. “Why not kill me now then?” Michael dared to ask. “It’s a game you see. All of life is no more than a game. Heroic warrior faces the evil villain in hopes of rescuing the damsel in distress, in this case, you. The villain bound by hubris, sets the chess pieces to thwart the heroic warrior’s attempts.” It mused delightfully. Michael took on a curious expression as he tried to grasp what the Dragon was saying. “Have yea ever tried, just being nice?” He inquired to the ginormous reptile. The Dragon opened its maw to speak, but stopped in confusion. The question was simple enough, but it had never been brought up. “Don’t be ridiculous. I know what I am, and I would never be accepted by your kind. As soon as I turned my back, they would plunge a spear in it to be rid of me!” It spat in response. “How do yea know that?” Michael asked. The Dragon once again attempted to respond but was utterly dumbfounded as it in fact never tried to be nice so it had no actual knowledge on the subject. Its maw seemed to open and close over and over just a bit as it was quite literally tongue tied. “Because that’s how it works! Now no more speaking meat!” It shouted in frustration. Michael shrugged his shoulders and kept his mouth close.

          Night approached swiftly, and brought a chill on the wind to the two travelers. Acaeus looked on, and shook his head. It couldn’t be helped that they would need to stop. Jess was fast asleep on the saddle, and Acaeus thought it proper to make camp promptly. They approached a clearing in the wood, and Acaeus dismounted. He scanned the tree line for potential threats but found none. An hour later and a fire was made, and the only sleeping roll was laid out for Jess, who was still fast asleep on the patient horse who moved little to allow the young girl rest. Acaeus lifted her out of the saddle gently and laid her down on the leathery hide sleeping roll. She shivered in her sleep, but was soon calmed when Acaeus covered her in the large fur blanket. Delphina nickered to gain his attention, and the warrior smiled as he approached the horse to unsaddle her. Free from her load Delphina cantered around the clearing joyfully before she dipped her head to the ground to partake of the local flora. Acaeus unhooked his armor, and laid the raiment by the saddlebags. He pulled off his helm and breathed freely from the stifling feeling of the golden red plumed helmet of his late king. He held it at eye level, staring deeply into its empty shell. With a sigh he sat it down with the armor and approached the crackling fire that lit up the woods around them. Tentatively he gazed into the flames, and brought forth the memory of his late wife: Diana. He focused on the memory of her visage, trying desperately not to forget her radiant beauty. The brown eyes, and dark hair that curled at the ends over her delicate shoulders. “The young girl reminds you of her, doesn’t she?” A pleasant voice said from behind. Acaeus didn’t have to look to know who was speaking. It was the Goddess Liberty. Her body glowed incandescently, with a light blue hue that illuminated her immediate surroundings softly. Acaeus didn’t respond, he sat in silence stuck in his fear of the growing evanescence of those that had fallen that terrible day. Acaeus turned his head slightly to see the Goddess hunched over the sleeping Jess. Her features were beautiful, unearthly, and yet eerie. Unlike the other Gods, she had a face, and it was human. She wore a toga from his land, her pitch black hair was tied up in a large intricate knot that spiraled upwards ever so slightly. “This girl…Her spirit is quite remarkable. Not like Diana’s at all, she’s much more…” The Goddess hesitated and then smiled. “Brazen.” She finished. “Why have you come here?” Acaeus asked in irritation. “You and I are bound to each other Acaeus. My lifeblood flows through yours. If I should die, then so shall you.” She replied. “You must make haste to the north, to the Summerlands. There Neircid’s power, and influence grows. It has already reached here, in the Southlands. Neircid must not succeed Acaeus. We have not the luxury to stop and slay every beast on the way to Summerland’s Capital. Abandon this silly hunt, and continue with the mission I have given you.” She said while standing up. Acaeus snorted in disgust and turned his attention back to the fire. “I never asked for this, nor do I care about your ‘Mission.’ If you have qualms with my actions, then strike me down o powerful God.” Acaeus spat back to her. He felt her touch on his shoulders, and tensed. “Acaeus…” She muttered in a morose tone. “I am a warrior of Ascythia. I do not answer to the whims of anything, nor anyone. This Dragon shall be slain, and then I shall continue north with the girl.” Acaeus growled under his teeth. The Goddess smiled in defeat. “It was not my intention to enslave you proud warrior. Merely remind you of the greater good.” She stepped away from Acaeus turning towards Dark Mt. “The Dragon shall not be slain easily. It will cost a great price. When looking for your prey, look to the boy for direction.” She said leaving him with that small prophecy. Only the woodland sounds of the forest’s various residents and the snap of the fire filled the void of the conversation.

          Jess awoke early at dawn, and the two destroyed the camp and continued their long journey through the forest. The deeper they traversed into the woods, the darker the atmosphere turned. The trees were older, and left an alienated feeling to the strangers of this ancient land. “Tully’s Thicket it’s called.” Jess piped in. “Wood so old, that the villagers dare not enter in fear of what may live in these woods. Though there is a town in the marshes northwest of here, Koren-Shire it be called.” She informed. “You seem educated on the region. Who taught you so much?” Acaeus asked. “Me mother.” Jess replied with some sadness. “Tell me about her.” He replied. “Only if you tell me how yea got here!” Jess demanded stubbornly. “On horseback obviously.” Acaeus bantered lightheartedly. Jess scowled and let out a strange frustrated noise. “I meant how yea got to this time, what’s yer story? What happened to you before we met?” She clarified. Acaeus was silent for a while, trying to figure out where he should start. “I was an Orphan. In Ascythia, you must have a family name to join the ranks of the Royal Hoplites. Normally only citizens may join the Ascythian Army. That was until the Beasts landed on our shores with the vile Tyrant Neircid leading their hordes.” “The Odious Wars…” Jess interjected. Acaeus nodded before he continued. “At that time, most of humanity lay in the Ascythian Desert. Factions of men who promised to stand by us, the First Men. At the beginning, they were true to their word. Despite this, we were running out of warriors. So King Percifus the Third began recruitment of the common class. That included myself. I was eighteen, working as a fisherman. When I had heard that they were recruiting, I volunteered. I fought many battles in the sands of my homeland. Through survival, and countless achievements, I rose quickly through the ranks. It was then I met the love of my life. She was the Daughter of King Percifus. He approved of the marriage despite my lack of lineage, but it was then that he had made a decision to no longer worship the Gods. We separated ourselves from them, and gained our independence. Neircid took advantage of this, and spread rumors among the other factions that the Gods had become angry with us. They fled to the north in response. We were left to face the full brunt of Neircid’s vast armies. Outnumbered, and surrounded, we made our last stand. Diana pled with the Gods to intervene, but only one Goddess offered to help. Foresight, a young fledgling goddess at the time, agreed to save one: Me.

“Diana sacrificed herself, for my salvation. I awoke in this time.” Taciturnity enveloped the conversation when Acaeus finished. Jess wasn’t sure how to respond to this. Suddenly Delphina halted, and her ears flicked back and forth in fear. “What is it?” Jess asked. “Something is ahead of us…” Acaeus whispered, picking up on the horse’s cues. Acaeus dismounted and pulled out his spear and shield. Raising the shield up, he slowly stepped forward with the spear at the ready. He peered into the dark emerald folds of the forest. Almost impossible it was to see farther in past a few feet ahead of them. Acaeus caught a glimmer of movement on the path, and then, he saw it. He rushed forward with his shield up as the camouflaged creature moved out of its cover. A giant snake clad in the greenery of the forest slithered upward from the path ahead and hissed at Acaeus as it launched itself at him. “Don’t look at it!” Acaeus yelled as the creature bashed itself into his shield. Acaeus pushed downward with his shield, pulling the snake’s head to the dirt. When the Snake’s head was pinned, Acaeus stabbed its body repeatedly with the spear. The snake hissed again and slapped Acaeus from behind with a whip of its tail. Acaeus rolled forward and quickly ducked behind his shield. His instincts paid off, as the snake slammed against the metal yet again but this time Acaeus smacked the head away and thrusted the spear upward underneath the beast’s mouth. The creature tried to struggled free, but fell deeper into the spear with each vain movement. Acaeus gave a final push and the snake’s head fell all the way down. Its body slithered in death, flexing its muscles one final time. Acaeus drew his sword and chopped the head off from its neck. The head of the snake fell sideways as it was still skewered upon the spear. Acaeus wrested his weapon free and wiped the spearhead clean. “What in the world was that?!” Jess asked. “A Basilisk. One look into its eyes, and it is rumored you’ll petrify.” Acaeus responded by kicking the head into brush. “Let us return to our journey.” He hopped onto the saddle, and Delphina carried them past the slithering body of the Basilisk.  

Hours later Acaeus and Jess aptly arrived at the base of the foreboding mountain on the back of Delphina who was skittish around the mouth of the cave that more than likely led to the Dragon’s lair. The mountain rose far into the sky, so much so that the two would be Dragon Slayers were situated in the dark, and icy shadow of the mountain that stood taller than the sun itself at that moment. Acaeus let Jess dismount before he did so himself. He turned to her and took off his helm to look her in the eyes. “No matter what your instincts tell you, remain here with Delphina.” He said with a concerned expression on his face. Jess’s features twisted into an angry look of defiance. “Why?! He’s me friend?! I can’t simply ‘remain’ here.” She fumed like a brat. Acaeus shook his head in disbelief as he flipped open the saddle bags and reached in. “Is it because I’m a girl?! Or Small?!” She said whilst limping around Acaeus to get his attention. Acaeus pulled out two long leather straps and began to wrap them around his forearms and up to his fists. “Look at yourself. Could you dodge the whip of a dragon’s tail with your bad leg?” Acaeus reasoned calmly.

“But-”

“Or properly thrust a spear without your leg giving out in motion?” Acaeus interrupted.

“I-” She tried to say but was cut off yet again.

“Can you reasonably be of any assistance? No. You can’t right now. There will be a time to test your skills, but right now the boy’s life is at stake as you said before. Do not raise those stakes any higher out of pride or folly.” Acaeus finished before pulling out two bronze shin plates, and strapping them onto his legs. Jess pouted, but understood what Acaeus was trying to convey to her. She would only be a burden if she went along, and she hated that fact of reality as it made her feel useless. Acaeus stood tall before Jess now, and lifted his spear from the back of the saddlebags. His face was hidden under the helm, but she felt his gaze upon her despite that. He stabbed the spear in the ground, and reached his hands up to his neck to undo the clasp on the cloak. He swung the cloak off and wrapped it around Jess, and knelt before her. “Trust me.” He said, and Jess fell under a calm silence in the comfort of his voice. “I trust you…” She muttered softly for only him to hear. He rose from the kneeling position, and grabbed both spear and shield in preparation for combat. She studied him as he turned around and headed towards the gloaming tunnel under the mountain. She had never seen him in full armor without his cloak on, and his golden armor grew more brilliant compared to the contrast of the shadows he now entered. He held his shield and spear firmly with a sword strapped to his black leather war skirt that reached down to just above his knees. He was truly remarkable to Jess’s eyes.

          Acaeus entered the dank tunnel that was devoid of all light. He stepped forward regardless of his blindness in the pitch black underpass. His footsteps sent the sound of crushed gravel all about him, echoing throughout the narrow channel of stone and dirt. “Dark Mt. Tch, how apt.” Acaeus remarked out loud as he continued along. He silently gulped to try and calm his nerves, but his heart pulsated rapidly against his ribcage, unable to adapt to the fear of the fast approaching combat. Acaeus was afraid, but fear was natural, he had always been afraid when going into combat. The ancient warriors of the first men were not taught how to be fearless, but rather how to use fear to stay alive. To heighten their prowess in times of extreme need. Fear was normal, and it was no more than a tool to the seasoned veteran. Regardless, he was not afraid for himself this time but rather the boy Michael, and by that regard; Jess. He stumbled along for a while, and he began to wonder if the darkness had an end. Perhaps he was actually walking into the abyss of the underworld, where traitorous souls go to spend the rest of their existence in lonely agony. His theory was put to rest when he saw a dim light up ahead, and he jogged to what he hoped was the exit of the tunnel.

                    Acaeus entered the main chamber, and spotted Michael in the middle. Michael sat on a pile of bones, what kind was beyond Acaeus’s knowledge. The boy sat in the light, with his head down. Acaeus spied the movements in his chest and knew the boy still lived. Acaeus looked up at the roof of the large cavernous room. Stalactites hung numerously from the ceiling in a menacing manner, some large, and some small. The room smelled of sulfur and decaying corpses, and Acaeus knew; the Dragon was here. “Ancient Warrior….” The Dragon called out. Its voice came from everywhere, and Acaeus couldn’t pinpoint its location from the voice alone, so vast and empty the room was. “I smell that you are near…” It said from the shadows. Acaeus walked into the light dauntlessly. Michael looked up, and began to shake his head at Acaeus in hopes of convincing the warrior of the trap ahead. Acaeus ignored the boy, but continued to inspect his surroundings for the Wyrm. “The last Ascythian I saw leapt from the very top of your beloved Cathedral in fear of my visage!” It taunted. “I replay the sound of her screams and the sudden thud that snuffed out her insignificant life. I then ate up what was left at the bottom. A poor man’s meal, but it sufficed.” The Dragon said manically with a deep chuckle. Acaeus remained calm, but lowered his head in remembrance. “Did you know her? I’m sure she would’ve popped out millions of tiny brats for some fortunate Ascythian male. Thankfully I was there for pest control.” It taunted again. Acaeus remained unmoving with his head down, and silence followed. Michael was glancing nervously upwards Acaeus noted, but the boy was still trying shaking his head in fear of what was to come. The Dragon let out a slight growl of frustration. “Nothing?! No words in response whatsoever?!” It shouted in irritation. “Do you feel nothing at all? You must!” It screeched. Acaeus did feel something. He felt it all the way from his feet to his heart. “I feel…” Acaeus responded hesitantly stabbing his spear into the ground to lean on. “Yes?” The Dragon asked. “I feel…” Acaeus said a little louder with a hint of anger. “YES?!” The Dragon bellowed in anticipation for its long awaited satisfaction. Acaeus gripped the spear shaft with his right hand tightly, so much his knuckles whitened from the tension and looked up. “I feel...” Acaeus mumbled before looking up at the dragon. “Satisfaction!” he shouted before hefting up the spear and spinning  around to gain momentum before locking his right shoulder back with spear in hand, and twisting his whole body to launch the spear at the Dragon with all of his superhuman strength directly over Michael’s head. The spear let out a high pitched shriek as it cut through the air. It hit the Dragon hard with an audible thunk! The Dragon yowled in pain and tumbled backwards from the sheer force of the blow, crashing into the wall behind. “Run for the exit!” Acaeus shouted to Michael as he bounded past him with his shield up and ready for the counter blow. The Dragon was quick to recover and stepped fully into the light, it stood fully erect with its black wings out with the golden spear fixed in its chest. Acaeus saw it gathering energy for its deadly breath attack, and noticed it was not looking at him. Acaeus swiftly turned on his heel and sprinted to Michael who had only covered half the distance needed to reach the exit. Acaeus ran at full gaunt to get to Michael in time. The Dragon huffed in more air and finally let out a burst of flames that spiraled towards the boy. Michael looked back and saw a raging inferno closing in on him and went pale from the terrifying spectacle. Acaeus dropped to a slide to knock Michael off his feet. Michael felt his leg being knocked up from underneath him as he suddenly fell into the arms of Acaeus who rolled out of the way of the flames in lightning speed.

          The flames entered the tunnel and spun all the way through, blasting out into the forest. Jess was completely blown away from the inertia of the traveling energy, and Delphina became spooked from the fire that shot over the horses head. Jess tried to regain her composure to catch Delphina before she attempted to run away, but was too shell shocked from the sound, and the blow to the head she sustained from the blast. Her vision jumped back and forth, followed by an intense ringing in her ears, making her disoriented. All she saw was the distorted view of Delphina rearing up and then taking off into the forest below. “Acaeus?” Jess shouted in confusion. “Delphina, wait!” She called out in a brief moment of clarity. Still disoriented and confused she tried to crawl on all fours before her arm slipped and she fell into the ground. Her ears still rang incessantly, adding to her disorientation. The very earth shifted and swayed underneath to her muddled perception. She crawled again to the mountain and used the exterior to raise herself up to her feet. She followed the smooth surface of the mountain’s base to the entrance. She peered in and saw the tunnel was slightly alit here and there with small tiny fires lining the tunnels floor and walls. She tried to think straight, but was unable. Blood dripped down her face and onto her dress. The ringing began to cause pain in her head and the light only made it worse as it seemed to add a stinging sensation every time she glanced up. In an effort to thwart the pain she entered the tunnel to escape the light. “Acaeus…” She whispered. There was something he didn’t want her to do, but for the life of her she couldn’t hold on to her senses. Only the pang of the light was what she could fathom, and she knew the tunnel would be her salvation from that.

          Acaeus rushed Michael over behind a boulder as the Dragon slammed its wings on the ground and made its way over to the two. “I can’t feel me leg!” Michael shouted in pain. Acaeus knew he had pummeled the boy hard, and wondered if he had broken something. “Stay here.” Acaeus told him before getting to his feet and walking over to the dragon. The Dragon stood before Acaeus, and the warrior looked up at the beast. “I am the great and terrible Ophiliniaxis!” The Dragon yelled at Acaeus. “Tell me thy name warrior, before I crush you into nothingness.” Ophiliniaxis growled. Acaeus remained silent but continued to look up at the beast. “Very well.” The Dragon replied to his silence. It reared its head back opening its incredibly large maw then dropping it to strike as quick as a snake at Acaeus. Acaeus rushed towards the blow raising his shield as he did. He saw the lines of jagged teeth and smashed the beast’s head aside with his shield in an incredible show of strength. The Dragon roared in annoyance and turned to try and snap at Acaeus again, but the warrior side stepped, and pulled his sword from its sheath, and then tossed it into the air in one fluid motion before grabbing the hilt right side up and bringing the blade down to meet the Dragon’s face with its wicked edge. The sword slashed against the Dragon’s features, and Acaeus began to strafe around the beast with his shield up. Ophiliniaxis let out a bellowing roar before attempting to swat Acaeus aside with its left wing but Acaeus deftly dodged the strike by rolling underneath then slashed upwards at the inner wing. Ophiliniaxis tried to turn around to view its opponent better, but Acaeus ran to its back left leg with his shield up. Acaeus tackled the leg with his shield, locking it against where he felt the Dragon’s knee was and began pushing the large scaly leg up off the ground, the Dragon whined as its lost balance before falling face first into the ground. Acaeus continued to run past towards the Dragon’s tail hoping to goad the Dragon into using it to try and attack Acaeus. The Dragon, now infuriated, fell for the bait. It raised its large tail into the air and slammed it on the ground where it sensed Acaeus to be. Acaeus raised his shield up at the last moment and felt the large appendage graze against the golden surface as he pushed it away with all his might. To Acaeus it felt like turning a tide of water aside, but regardless he gritted his teeth, and successfully pushed the blow away. The tail flopped awkwardly but hard nonetheless onto the ground sending chunks of rock and gravel into the air. Acaeus spun his body around, wildly slashing the side of the beast’s tail, leaving a long and bloody gash. “Enough!” Ophiliniaxis screamed before flapping its wings to lift itself off the ground. The force of wind propelled Acaeus off his feet and he flew backwards straight into a stalagmite sticking out of the ground. Ophiliniaxis continued to rise higher into the large open cavern. The beast reoriented itself around to face Acaeus, who was struggling to rise from the hurricane like winds being propelled by the flapping of the Dragon’s leathery wings. “Now you die Warrior!” It shouted, its voice booming from the height of its flight. It breathed in deep to let out yet another fiery death blow, but Acaeus had at last risen to his feet, and held up the large shield in futile defense. Acaeus wasn’t totally sure if the shield could withstand such a concentrated blast of fire, but he was utterly defenseless in his current standing. The Dragon roared out the fire and the flames poured over Acaeus, seemingly engulfing him completely. When the flames withered away, only smoke remained. The Dragon remained inflight, observing closely as to whether Acaeus survived. Michael too, looked at the smoke, wondering if the warrior was indeed burnt to a crisp. A golden shield spun out of the smoke, collapsing the smoldering fumes around its whirling path as it curved up and around the distance to meet the Dragon. The Dragon let out a surprisingly human gasp as the shield pelted its maw hard, knocking all sense of reason from the large reptile. It fell hard into the ground as the smoke dissipated, revealing Acaeus, still standing tall. The left side of his helm was blackened, and his left arm too had several burns along the bicep, but ultimately Acaeus was fine. Sword in hand he raced to grab the shield, but the Dragon quickly regained its wits and twirled its body around to smack Acaeus with the tail. Acaeus having no room to dodge, took the blow hard and was launched to the other side of the cavern.

          Jess faintly heard the sounds of battle, as she crept along the path of the tunnel. Peering up ahead she saw the entrance into the large cavern, but was too hesitant to go forward. The pain in her head slowly drifted away to a numbing sensation, and now the darkness itself crept up on her as the flames in the tunnel died out. She was unsure of how she got here, or why she had entered. Her vision began to steady itself, and she was at last clear of thought. “I need to go back…”She whispered to herself. “No!” She heard Michael scream, his voice was nothing more than a slight echo in the tunnel, but that alone filled her with dread. Was Acaeus okay? Had the Dragon bested him? All of her senses told her to investigate, but she only heard Acaeus’s forewarning in her head, reminding her of the true peril they all faced if she entered the fray. “What do I do?” She asked herself. Her instincts told her to help, but her mind told her to stay put. What if they both died because she was too afraid to even attempt to help? What if Michael died because she listened to Acaeus? What good was the warrior’s opinion if he was dead? The only question she didn’t ask herself was what good it would be if all three had died, because in the end, as much as she had faced in such a short amount of time, deep down the possibility of her dying had never once popped up in her mind. “I’ll just poke my head in…” She reasoned. So she slowly made her way to the light at the end and peered around the corner. Michael was far to the left, sitting against a boulder eagerly watching some spectacle with fear and awe. Jess found herself even more curious, and moved forward a little to see the battle.

          The Dragon had Acaeus pinned against a stalagmite, weapon and shield just out of reach. “How does it feel?!” It bellowed hideously. Acaeus struggled against the pressure holding him down. ‘Acaeus.’ A voice called out to him. ‘You are running out of time Acaeus.’ It said again. Acaeus was sure only he could hear the familiar voice, as the Dragon sneered at the struggling warrior unperturbed by any disturbance. Acaeus shouted in frustration as he struggled to push the clawed wing holding him down off. “Yes. Such is the inheritance of all your kind. To die like worms, struggling against your betters.” It chuckled as Acaeus still attempted to fight. Looking up he saw the rows of sharp stalactites that hung menacingly above them. If only he had his spear Acaeus thought. Searching the Dragon’s breast, he saw it was not there. He scanned the area behind the Wyrm for the golden spear, and saw it but something else as well; Jess. She locked eyes with the warrior, and he didn’t have to say anything for her to know that he was telling her to flee without the use of conventional means. She too spied the spear, and saw the desperation in the warrior’s eyes for the weapon. She swallowed a large gulp as she knew what must be done.

          “Tell me oh Mighty Warrior? Are you afraid? Do you feel the same fear the woman did so long ago?” It hissed at the powerless Acaeus. Michael watched in horror as the Dragon mocked, and jeered at the warrior, but he looked down at his mangled leg and knew that he as well was powerless in this situation. He closed his eyes and sighed in despair. They would die, and it was because of him that they would. Suddenly a flash of movement and the patter of boots on stone awoke him from his thoughts as he looked up to see Jess awkwardly running towards the spear. So elated he couldn’t but help yell her name. The Dragon briefly glanced over, and upon seeing the girl heft up the golden spear, she caught its attention fully. “NO!” Acaeus yelled. Jess however ignored him as she sprinted to Acaeus, watching the Dragon yell in fear of the golden spear. She saw the large scaly tail lift itself over and around her to the right. She knew what was coming and tossed the spear at Acaeus but the effort made her wounded leg twist unnaturally and she fell just as the spear flew into the air. She looked up and saw a wall of flesh rushing towards her. “JESS!!” Michael yelled as he saw the tail slam against her, flinging her at high speed, crashing against the far left wall. Her body fell limp to the ground. She remained unmoving as Michael screamed in terror at her motionless body, he crawled to her the best he could, tears burning his eyes as he continued to scream erratically. “I told you boy, I told you that I’d-what?!” The dragon stopped its speech as Acaeus held the spear aloft in hand. The long cylindrical spear shone brightly against the darkness, overwhelming the Drake. “Ack! The blasted light!” It howled in annoyance. Acaeus, still pinned, threw the spear upwards, and the dragon made an exaggerated effort to dodge the spear. It felt relief as the spear raced past its head and into the ceiling high above. “And so the girls sacrifice is all for naught!” It chuckled. The ceiling began to crack, and give way as chunks of rock fell onto the dragon’s hide. It looked up suddenly to see a large stalactite falling directly towards it. “What…” The Dragon muttered dejectedly as the spiraled rock plunged into Ophiliniaxis’s head. Compared to the rest of its body, the Dragon’s head was considerably smaller. So the large spike of a boulder utterly crashed through its skull, splitting it open. The beast fell dead as its head lay sundered against the white bones of its previous kills, its blue blood now painted the stony floor. Acaeus felt its grip slacken in death, and shoved its wing off. “Jess!” Michael continued to scream as he crawled at a snail’s pace towards her. Acaeus walked over past the now dead dragon covered in shards of earth, and the spear lay on top of its hide as it had fallen with the stalactite it had broken free. Michael continued to cry out her name as Acaeus lifted him up off the ground. Michael began to hit and smash his fists against the warrior in defiance. Acaeus’s face was hidden beneath the shadow of the helm, as he carried the boy over to the body. Jess lay there unmoving, and Acaeus noted only the slight rise of her body as she breathed slowly. She lived yet, but only for so long. Acaeus took off his helm as he gently let the fighting boy down next to her. He dropped to a knee and rolled her over ever so slightly. She looked up at him with tired eyes, and smiled serenely just like Diana did. Her brown eyes shimmered as tears drifted off of them. “I don’t want to die.” She muttered weakly. “Jess! We’ll get yea help, don’t talk, and don’t move, we’ll, we’ll…” Michael’s voice trailed off as he realized her body was broken. She looked over at Michael and began to cry some more. “I saved yea…” She spoke out loud. Michael gasped as he choked on his own voice. He felt Acaeus’s hand on his shoulder and looked up at the warrior for guidance. The warrior was silent in his grief, his eyes glazed over as if he was reliving another trauma. Michael looked back down at Jess and held her hand. “I’m here. I won’t leave yea.” He said through his tears. Jess looked up at him, and felt his hand, though she wished she could squeeze back, but alas she could move nothing from her neck down. “I love you.” Michael confessed at last. “Little ol’ me?” She struggled to tease. “Yes! I love the prettiest girl in the village, and that’s always been you Jess!” Michael said trying to smile. “I…I…” She couldn’t speak, as her voice finally failed her. She looked up at Acaeus terrified. “Jess! Jess! Stay here! Jess!!” Michael shouted as he watched the life leave her eyes. She was dead, and he felt Acaeus’s hand squeeze his shoulder. Michael wrapped his arms around her shattered body, and pulled her head into his chest. Weeping uncontrollably over her corpse, Michael clung to her for dear life. Acaeus closed his eyes in shame, and left the grieving boy to collect his gear. He climbed the scaly hide of the Dragon and grabbed the spear before leaping off to collect his sword and shield. He looked at the boy who still cried for his lifelong friend and shook his head in despair. It was true that her intervention had saved their lives, but at what cost? Acaeus couldn’t help but feel responsible, if he could have moved swifter, or fought harder, perhaps the girl’s life would not have been sacrificed so needlessly. Was it needlessly though? Acaeus shook his head again, trying desperately to ignore the depressing thoughts that invaded his reasoning. Jess died, and there was nothing that could change that. There was no use giving in to pointless debates with himself. Acaeus allowed the boy his time to grieve, polishing his helm, and shield of the black soot that stained it. After a while both the shield, and the helm were as golden as ever. Acaeus approached the silent boy now. He still held Jess’s corpse as if it was the only thing keeping him alive, and perhaps some part of that was true. “We must go now. It is time to lay her to rest.” Acaeus instructed, putting on his helm. “It’s my fault…” Michael said, ignoring the words Acaeus just spoke. “If I hadn’t given myself up, she might still be alive. If I hadn’t called out to her, then maybe the beast wouldn’t’ve seen her…” Michael continued. His voice was barely a whisper as he spoke, but Acaeus heard him well enough. “Now is not the time to give in to such thoughts. Give me her body, and so that I may her burn her remains.” Acaeus responded. Michael nodded and dragged himself away. Acaeus spotted his busted leg, and sighed. “What is it with you people and your predisposition for wounded legs.” He said to the boy while inspecting it himself. “Can you feel it?” Acaeus asked. Michael nodded in reply but winced as Acaeus squeezed various parts of the disfigured limb. “It’s dislocated, maybe a small fracture or two. An easy fix, but a painful one.” Acaeus told him as he firmly gripped the boy’s leg with both hands. “Wait? What are-AGGGGHHHH!” He screamed as Acaeus sharply twisted the leg back in place. “AH Ah that hurt!” Michael shouted. “I’m not done yet, remain still.” Acaeus replied, he held Michael down with his large forearm and shoved the leg upwards. Michael howled in agony until Acaeus was done. “The pain, it’s not as bad…” Michael said over a few huffs and puffs. “Indeed, get up on your feet. You should be able to walk.” Acaeus said as he approached Jess’s body. He stared down at the young girl and remained silent for a moment. Michael struggled to rise, but did so. He tested his leg and found that while there was some pain, he could walk on it with care. Acaeus lifted Jess’s body up and closed her eyes shut. “Be at peace…” He whispered. Michael looked up at the warrior, and frowned. “What happens now? Or rather after we burn her body rather?” He questioned. Acaeus said nothing, but simply strutted towards the exit with Jess in his arms. Her hair hang past his waist as he entered the dark tunnel with Michael not far beyond.

          The two spent hours erecting a pyre for the girl, Michael looked out into the lush green forest and then up at the clear sky up above. He half expected it to rain, he wished it would for some reason, he wanted the world to feel his pain, and to cry with him, but the sky was blue, and the sun far to the west as it continued its journey towards the horizon. It was not dusk yet, but in a few hours it would be. Acaeus lifted the last of the wood on top of the square pyre, and began preparation for a small fire off to the side. Jess’s corpse lay next to the wooden construction, her palms placed upon her small chest. Her skin took on a paler version in death than it did in life. Michael felt the need to cry again, but held it back. He had to be strong now, the time for tears was over. Delphina trotted over to her master, and shook her mane to get his attention. Acaeus ignored the horse as he lifted the corpse onto the makeshift wooden pallet. He saw the crimson cloak hanging off a tree, tattered and muddy. Acaeus grasped the folds and clenched them tightly, pulling it off the tree limbs. He draped Jess’s body with the cloak, covering her whole body. 

Acaeus lifted a prepared torch out of the small fire that alit the silent ceremony and approached the pyre. “Say what you need too.” Acaeus told Michael. Michael took a final look at the slender figure of Jess’s covered corpse. “I failed yea.” He began. “Everyone failed yea…I won’t fail anyone else, ever again…” Michael finished with a hint of anger tipped on his last words. Acaeus noted the boy’s tone and looked at the corpse himself. “Sleep now, oh Warrior. Your oath is fulfilled, your duty at an end.” Acaeus said as he touched the torch to the pyre. He held it there for a brief second, letting the dry wood catch, and he pulled it out and walked to the other side. “Sleep now, oh brave soul. No treachery here this night. Only flame and ash to guide you to the light.” Acaeus recited as he once again held the torch against the wood. Same as before he waited for the flames to catch, and walked to the end of the pyre by her feet. “Sleep now mighty Ascythian, never hath the world seen such a soul. Sleep now. I shall take on your patrol.” Acaeus finished before tossing the torch on her corpse. In a manner of seconds the entire pyre was consumed in flames. Acaeus stood back as did Michael to witness the burning from afar. The embers burned brightly against the dark of the woods as the lumber groaned and crackled with the fire’s raw power. The light cast shadows deep into the forest, and the forest itself remained calm and observant of the moment. Not a noise to be heard, nor a slight breeze to be felt. To Michael it seemed the whole world had stopped for this small event. Tears rolled down his face, but he stood still and tall, fists clenched, and face firm in resolve. “Teach me.” He said, breaking the silence. Acaeus glanced down at the red haired boy with a raised eyebrow. Michael shot an angry look up at Acaeus, “teach me, so that this never happens again!” Acaeus looked back to the flames that had consumed the young girl’s corpse. “Look closely, what do you see?” Acaeus replied pointing at the pyre. Michael looked at the burning pyre, and shook his head. “I see the love of my life, dead, and gone.” Michael said firmly. “You do not look close enough. Look again.” He said to the boy. Michael looked closely at the dancing flames, and peered closely into them. The corpse burnt to nothing, and the wood slowly being eaten away by the all-consuming flames. “Death, and anger. That is all I see here. All that I feel…” Michael responded. “I see sacrifice, I see life, and I see death. The life she showed sparks in the flames, and she dances with the embers as she returns to that which she came.” Acaeus said placing his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Everyone in life must choose a path, and she chose hers. She chose freedom and life over death and subservience. These paths we walk on define us as we journey onward to the inevitable end. For everything that has a beginning, also has an end.” Acaeus said crossing his arms over his chest. “I will train you. Know this, it was not your fault, nor was it mine. In the end, she chose this death. So that you and I may live. Honor her memory, not her death.” Acaeus finished before walking away, leaving Michael in solitude to mull over what he said. Michael stayed and watched till the flames had died out. Nothing more than ash and dirt remained. He looked back at Acaeus, who was strapping his gear to the horse’s saddle. “I choose her memory.” He said at last to the warrior. Acaeus looked over his shoulder, and then lifted himself onto the saddle. Acaeus outstretched his arm to the boy. “My name is Acaeus, get on.” He replied, and Michael ran over and grasped Acaeus’s forearm and felt himself being pulled onto the saddle. “Me names Michael. Where to now?” Michael asked. “We ride to the North.”