The nes kaliba attacked the sea god as they had once before using their nets to trap the tentacles and force it to follow them. They penetrated its many eyes with coral daggers and spears. The spellcasters were useful in stunning the tentacles for brief period of time, but the size of the creature made it difficult for other spells to be of much use. As for the shark-like creature that Emalf had summoned before fleeing the fight, it had been killed and was floating in the water nearby with a spreading pool of blood darkening the water.
A nes kaliba from the new group moved toward the sea god with a golden trident in her hands. She had a golden glow around her and she was unafraid of going right up to the large creature. It tried to whip at her with its massive tentacles, but they stopped where the golden glow had surrounded her, bouncing off of it like a pebble being thrown at a stone wall. She moved up to the creature’s head and lightly touched the gold trident against a set of eyes. They rolled back and the creature went limp. The nes kaliba holding it captive in their nets pulled it underwater and it never returned.
She turned her trident at the spiders flying above and cast an incantation only those of ancient times knew. The spiders swelled, shrieked, and turned inside out. Their bodies splashed in the water leaving behind a once dangerous ooze that was neutralized by the sea water. She did not smile, did not frown, did not show any emotion; she just looked at the many bodies floating in the sea. Her last spell before returning to the depths of the sea was to get rid of the bodies. Giant birds appeared from the distance and flew toward her fast. They pecked at the guts and carried bodies away within seconds. They were gone as quickly as they came.
* * *
Mal’ak, Daimonio, and Shedim had found something most curious when searching the floating dragon city. They found a map leading to the place where the dragons took their young for the fairies to raise. They did not tell Lord Emalf about the map and waited till they were away before sharing it with each other. Shedim had found the map sitting on a table in a home where multiple elves had been standing guard during the fight and were subsequently killed. She unraveled the cloth map and carefully studied the picture. Daimonio and Mal’ak tried to look over her shoulder and she burned them for getting too close to her. “I will let you see it in a moment,” she snarled. They backed away and talked to each other.
The map showed a purple spot sewn in at a location in the Dark Forest. It was north of where Centuria had once stood but southwest of the city of Chugean. It was the perfect place to hide something important because this part of the forest was near the Deadwind Canyons and the only things that lived in the canyons were the trolls. Shedim laughed as she memorized the details of the map, especially the location of the fairies and baby dragons. The key was the biggest clue to what the purple dot represented. There was a baby purple dragon next to symbols for the elves’ home, a dagger, and the location of the nes kalibas’ home within Serpent’s Current. The clues were exactly what they needed, but it did not show the crystal nor the Book of Stars on the map. Shedim was elated but aggravated at the same time by the discovery. She handed over the cloth map to Daimonio and told him to be careful with it for they may need to look at it again. She made it clear that she did not want Lord Emalf knowing about the map. They all agreed to keep it a secret amongst themselves. Daimonio learned the map as quickly as Shedim had done but was unsure about the meaning of the jagged lines around the location of the dagger. He had never seen the catacombs and he knew nothing about them. Only Shedim was aware of what the jagged lines meant because she had made multiple trips to Palatovia in her past and had been searching for the artifacts for Emalf a long time.
Mal’ak grabbed the map next and Daimonio froze his hand with a spell forcing him to drop it because he couldn’t hold a grip. They laughed. Shedim was irritated and slapped the both of them in the back of the head, “What did I just tell you? This map is not something to be joked around with. It could mean our demise if it gets in the wrong hands. Take it seriously.” She picked up the map and scolded Mal’ak some more, but let him look at it still. After he had his moment with the map, they decided to visit the fairies and give them a warm welcome.
The fairies were gathered around a school of baby dragons teaching them how to control their fire breathing without burning everything in sight. Valentinia, leader of the fairies, led the class with several other fairies were observing or assisting, all in charge of the safety of the others and to keep the dragons under control if they became overly aggressive. Iyona was Valentinia’s assistant and she served her very well. They had built a trust over the years that no others could match. Recently, Iyona had brought a demon into their territory that claimed to be King Katimi. Iyona sensed goodness in the demon and brought him to Valentinia for her to assess herself. It was a dangerous choice to make, but Iyona followed her instinct and Valentinia realized at that moment, she should be closer to her. She was right about the demon that claimed to be one of the royal family and they set him on his way before he had a chance to intervene or discover their many secrets.
A baby black dragon was beating its short wings hard trying to take flight. It let out a spit of fire as it became frustrated with the task being presented to it. The dragon was only a few weeks old and had hatched from its egg later than expected. The fairies knew that the temper of the black dragons could be fierce and they always had at least two fairies around one during lessons. Next up were the red dragons. They were as short tempered as the black dragons, but they were born with a sense of wit that kept them in check before making drastic and often destructive choices. The blue, green, and brown dragons had moderate tempers and they were born with natural abilities that the others could not perform. Blues could make their own lightning clouds; the greens were capable of magic with a connection to the natural wonders; and the browns called upon the spirits to help them keep the world safe. There were very few browns anymore and they hid away from sight as much as they possibly could. Even as baby dragons, they did not like being around others very often.
Iyona flew up to the right side of the angry black dragon and encouraged it to slow down its rapid beating and jump before flapping. Some of the dragons learned that by giving themselves a little hop before trying to take flight was the trick to learning how to do it. Others had to be dropped from several feet up to give them a chance to catch the wind. Iyona said a small prayer to Usha and watched the baby black dragon hopping up and down. Fire blew from its mouth and it became increasingly agitated that it could not keep itself up. Valentinia intervened and made the black dragon climb up the platform they had set up for this particular lesson. There was a three-foot drop below the platform for dragons to learn how to take flight, or how to take a fall.
The baby black stood on the platform and looked down. It was not afraid of jumping over the side and falling. Rather, it was afraid of jumping over the side and not being able to take flight. It knew that its anger and frustration was starting to get the best of him. He let out a snort and a small flame came out of his nose. Iyona laughed. The dragon jumped over the side of the platform, beat its wings, but did not take flight. When it hit the ground it burst into flames.
A large fireball had been cast down from the trees above to strike the baby. Iyona looked up to see three demons of enormous size hanging in a tree with a purple vortex spinning above them. How did she not hear the vortex open? she thought. The demons threw more and more spells down on the class of baby dragons and the fairies around them. The fairies fled the scene leading the baby dragons away to safety. Ice bolts and fireballs were being rained down on them. Iyona cast her own spell and a large green hemisphere surrounded her and the dragons still close to her; her protective barrier absorbed the demons’ ice and fire.
Iyona looked at the baby black dragon. It was a pile of ashes and bone. She felt her insides turn. Then she looked back at the approaching demons and began her assault with full force. Fairies were always underestimated due to their petite size, but she let loose a full-on fi
ght with Mal’ak and Demoinio. Shedim had taken pursuit of the fleeing dragons and fairies. Iyona’s hands glowed a vibrant violet just before she threw a solid sphere of the same hue at them. The sphere expanded as it whizzed through the air and engulfed two of the three demon leaders. They shrieked in pain as the sphere held them captive and began to miniaturize them in the process. Iyona was not satisfied with her success. She felt horrible for the loss of the baby black dragon and there was still another demon leader attacking their home. She had to think and act fast. She decided to grab the shrunken sphere with her prisoners first. The battle wasn’t over yet.
Shedim caused massive destruction to the fairies’ home as she cast spells of ice and fire at the fleeing groups while simultaneously using her massive size to run through their buildings crushing them with ease. Valentinia got her dragons to safety before turning on the demon leader remaining. Shedim laughed when she smashed a building down only to see Valentinia floating in midair by herself. She was surrounded by the protective green aura and had a small yellow lightning bolt in her left hand. When Shedim finished laughing, Valentinia speared the lightning bolt at her. She dodged being struck dead center in the chest, but it grazed her shoulder and sent a shock of electricity down her arm making it go numb. Valentinia let out a war cry and assaulted her with a dozen more strikes before reinforcements arrived. Although powerful and skilled in the magical arts, Shedim was unable to overcome the tiny fairies, but she did make an effort in destroying as much of their city as she could during the battle. In the process she was able to recover the sphere imprisoning her comrades. When she felt that she could do no more to fend off the growing number of fairies, she opened a portal and they disappeared.
Iyona had been so caught up in the fight she did not realize that the sphere prison had fallen out of her satchel or the amount of damage occurring around her. Baby dragons cried and wept. They were scared and many of them were injured. They limped across the ground with bent wings, broken legs, or severe burns seeking comfort from the caregiving fairies. The fairies flew down to them quickly and started comforting them the best they could as they waited for the healers to work their magic. The dragons shook even after their wounds had been tended to. Anger and disgust filled the minds of the fairies and they knew what the attack on their city would mean to the adult dragons. The dragons would no longer remain neutral in the affairs of the demons and humans. The demons had crossed the line and made it personal by attacking baby dragons. Iyona consulted with Valentinia about informing the dragons and offered to go. Valentinia agreed and sent a group of five other fairies to go with Iyona.
The fairies wasted no time in setting off for the dragons’ home in the desolate lands. They were unaware of the attack on the floating city, but it was beyond their flying abilities to reach it anyway. The six fairies traveled with haste. The importance of reporting what had just happened drove them to travel nonstop, adrenaline still pumping in their veins.
Iyona and the five others reached the dragon lands without incident. The first dragon they saw they grabbed its attention and told it they had important news from the baby dragons’ nursery. They were escorted into the caverns to meet with many more dragons to share their news. At least fifteen dragons were sitting atop stalagmites when the fairies were presented to tell them what had happened. Rage filled the corridors. The dragons let out loud roars and blew out thick streams of fire. Iyona and the fairies were nearly caught up in the fits of anger if it wasn’t for the rocks they hid behind when needed.
Pumryth was among the dragons present. He told the fairies, “The demons have attacked our floating city and now they have attacked our young. We can no longer stand aside and ignore them. This has gone too far. Let it be known that we will ally with anyone that stands against the demon horde, and we will vanquish them from Palatovia.”
“Understood!” Iyona and the other fairies answered. “We will stand with you against the demons.”
Pumryth answered, “So shall it be. Tell Valentinia that we do not hold her accountable for what the demons have done to our kin. Make it clear that she shall not fear retaliation from us or have lost our trust. We will carry on as before but may make more frequent trips to check on the nursery.”
“We will.” The fairies took flight and made way back to their home. The dragons were still distraught and tearing apart their own home out of frustration. Iyona felt terrible for them and wished she could take their pain away.
Chapter Seventeen
Katimi was looking over the front of the new airship soaking in the moment and being extremely grateful for Pepper’s intelligence. He knew Pepper could be trusted throughout the ordeal with the demons. There was an instinct in Katimi that told him to trust Pepper with his life. He promised Pepper a pardon for his actions if he cooperated with him. Pepper didn’t believe in the demon Katimi’s promise but decided to help him regardless. Katimi had his suspicions as well. For both, the risk was worth it.
Pepper sat in his captain’s quarters planning his next move with the remnants and betnoirs. He led the betnoirs well but knew the remnants would follow his command without hesitation. He planned for them to regain footing in the Deadwind Canyons and build a fortress that would last one thousand years. The ship turned starboard and he felt the sudden change in course. By the movement, he knew that they were nearing their destination. He stepped outside onto the main deck and took a deep breath of the dusty, dry air. A sandstorm kicked up below the airship and rocked it. The demons had adjusted to the sudden tips and turns of the ship. The quick jerks from side to side didn’t bother them or throw them off balance anymore. Pepper took pride in what he saw before him. The betnoirs were not of his creation, but they learned many things from him in a matter of months. Being human and commanding an army of demons was no simple accomplishment.
He said with a boisterous voice, “Prepare for landing. We set down on the flats just over this plateau!” The demons moved systematically and repeated the order across the ship and to other ships as well using a calling horn made from hollowed-out bone. After the orders were heard and acknowledged, the demons started beating on a set of big heavy bass drums to announce their arrival. The sound echoed across the Deadwind Canyons. Boulders vibrated and rock fell from the cliffs. Trolls peered out from their caves to see what was causing all the chaos in their territory. Helpless as they felt, they just stood in the cave openings and watched the ships set down on the flats.
Pepper knew of the trolls in the canyons and did not find them to be a threat. They hid most of the time and were small and cowardly. As the ships landed on the rocky ground where he had ordered the demons to place them, he looked around and could see the many eyes staring out from the numerous caves in the cliffs. The trolls had adapted to their surroundings in the Deadwind Canyons so their skin was similar to colors of the rock, but their eyes stood out. Pepper gave the next order, “We begin our plans for the new fortress here. Unload the supplies and hunt game to last us at least three days. I want two airships to set for the Dark Forest and return with enough provisions for everyone.”
“Yes, sir,” answered a very enthusiastic demon. The demon was young and took great pride in serving his captain. He quickly ran to his shipmates and relayed the order. Betnoirs and remnants alike accepted the order, while continuing the task of setting the ships down for unloading first. Katimi took part in the work and followed commands just like everyone else. He was not used to doing so, but felt it was his place to do it.
Pepper waited for the supplies to be unloaded before he gave any more orders. The demons moved barrels and wooden boxes from the ships to the sandy lands where with each step the demons made they kicked up dirt. The barren land was perfect for them to build their new fortress. It was in a place that few traveled so the demons would able to live without being bothered just like they had done by the plateaus before the battle in the Great Plains. The battle that took place in the Great Plains left their home in ruins and was not a place suitable for
them to return to. Many of the demons did not want to return to the plains for the memories of the battle also haunted them. One of the betnoirs recalled his version of the fight to Pepper as his worst nightmare coming to life. Pepper did not feel it would be right to push the demons into settling back into a home where horrible memories would remain.
The ground started to shake and the demons looked around to steady their supplies. The boxes and barrels started fell over and broke open. Levers on the barrels snapped off and the contents spilled on the ground. A large crack split across the ground and traveled as far as they could see. Right in the center of their landing the ground split open into a large hole. The ships fell in and the dragons inside let out a terrible screech as they fell with no ability to stop themselves. The screech last a good while as the ship fell a long ways down. A loud crashing sound could be heard and moments later, the dragons from each airship flew out and away. The demons cried out in horror. Pepper became infuriated. He knew that he would have to create a new invention to fly his ships now.
Giant worms started pouring out of the hole surrounding the demons. They tried running away, but the worms were too quick. Following the worms, a set of large sharp, brown claws appeared behind a set of pincers with many teeth. A cave spider. The demons started hacking away at the worms with what weapons they had available and tried to flee. Even the demons feared the cave spiders. They took their prey and played with them before killing and eating them. Sometimes the cave spider would just entertain themselves by playing with their prey for hours and leaving them to suffer a horrible death, mutilated and helpless. This cave spider snagged up a few of the remnants and crushed them inside its pincers as sparks flew out. Big black eyes on the body of the spider stared down at them while it took hold of more demons and crushed their bodies inside its pincers. The betnoirs scattered and ran in terror. The remnants, however, fought the cave spider on Pepper’s orders. Their attacks did not do much damage to the giant cave spider, but it did slow it down and distracted it from harming other demons.
Rise of Centuria: Fall of Centuria Volume 2 Page 17