Draconic Testament

by Zac Atie

  “Tell me about Sheol.” Zaxxarius said. “You spoke of Sancterus like he’s done allot for the two of you. I want to know more about Sheol before I meet him.” Abaddon paused, and sighed. He knew Zaxxarius was not going to give up this hope to go back and find his friend, so he decided he’d go along with it. If everything went according to plan, and Zaxxarius became Overlord, then nothing would be able to stop him going back anyway. “Sancterus had killed off dozens of our Family members during the Metholian Civil War, which was around 2000 years ago. Sheol’s my older brother, so it’s only natural that I followed him around and idolized him. Nothing could shake him, but for some reason, tales of our enemy’s heroics had made him excited. He idolized Sancterus, while I Idolized Sheol. I was 11 at the time. Sheol was 43. Even now, standing here at the age of 290, I’m considered a child. When Sancterus had beaten our family in 901 CY, the Civil War, he killed our grandfather, the leader, along with many of our family, and when he had beaten Sanctum, he spared the rest of our family. We kept faith in our beliefs and ran to the Aquatic Islands, where we hid. 2520 CY, 291 years ago, our father had the most stupid idea of his life. He had sat around for years thinking of revenge, waiting for over a thousand years before having children because his father was killed by Sancterus, in the war. And so he set out, looking for revenge that year, and he was killed. In his dying breath, he told Sancterus who he was, and that he hated him. Sancterus then had an idea to the problems that was troubling him at the time. In 2532 CY, 12 years later, he came to meet with the remaining Valkari to work out some sort of deal. After all those years, there was a lot to think about for him. The Naturri had caused a war between Cradle and Ultima, which was ceased by Sancterus and Ultimali’s apprentices, though it left a bitter taste in his mouth. The Domini were also restless, and more and more turned bandit, killing people for no reason in Zolka, since the war had left a lot of want for bloodshed in their streets, and you should know by now that the Domini have the same urges when they’re around such behaviour. There was a lot of tension with the Aliens, and Sancterus had to find a way to stop something bad from happening, so he turned to my family. He’d made Sanctum an actual Faction, instead of a rebellious group, and give them rights and a role to fulfil. Sanctum got far more rights than we thought, but Sancterus had to have some sort of leverage to make sure that Sanctum did not get out of hand. Sancterus was given the idea that he should marry one of the young Valkari women, one that was important in the family. Our father had died in the war, and the title of leader had fallen to Sheol, while our mother was grieving for the loss, and hated Sancterus with every fibre in her body. And, to her disgust, she was going to be forced to marry Sancterus and be forced to bear his children, as a price for our betrayal.” Abaddon explained. He had read things like this happening in history, on earth. It seems the Cazrian’s were not as perfect as the Magi made them out to be. Zaxxarius had expected this, but it was still a little disheartening.

  “You may be sickened by the thought, but Cazrian women, while they are physically inferior in body, are as sharp at magic as any man. This makes them dangerous, and our mother had killed many Metholians in her time on the battlefield. The thought of our family being torn apart set inside my skull, and I could feel my world breaking apart. However, my brother jumped forward, like a juvenile, and asked Sancterus to take him as his apprentice, so he could be a Paragon of Sancterus. Sancterus was taken aback by the idea, and I could see that he was considering, but he was likely to say no. Our mother almost tore him apart right there, but I jumped forward too, saying to spare our mother, and take us both as his apprentices. He liked the idea, and our mother was free to grieve in peace. The years were good back then, even though I was hopeless. Constantly, Sheol was tripping over me, looking bad because of me, but he always smiled. He always helped me. He was happy that his brother was also taking this route, and we proved ourselves in the DomiCazrian war, which came right after. However, after the war, my brother changed. He attained the title of Paragon, and since he was the eldest and the better of us two, he also became head of Sanctum, instead of our uncle. The DomiCazrian war started 159 years ago, when Zolka, who was sick of the bandit attacks, decided the best way to get rid of the whole problem was to get rid of the Domini. Metholi had offered to lend money for restoration, along with Pontaron, and even Military help, but Zolka was untrustworthy and declined their offers. Foolishly, their militia made a strike on the portal, and tried to close it. Sancterus told them to cease such behaviour, as it was violation of the Crusade. However, Zolka defied Metholi, since the Domini were supposed to be excluded from the Crusade, and they figured it was pretty clear why. However, the Domini simply did not roll over and let them seal the portal, trapping them on their improved, but still rather heavily flawed world. Without Cazria, they’d likely fall to ruin. So, they attacked, in full drove. They didn’t just stop at the portal, they went beyond that.” Abaddon said.

  “Don't you have any laws on Magic?” Zaxxarius asked. “It seems pretty risky. Even a farmer can use magic, cant they?”

  “When you’re at school, you can choose to take various magic lessons. Some people do not feel like submitting their lives to magic and violence, even Domini. Domini are usually peaceful when there is no violence around them. So, civilian Magic is sloppy and useless, and riots are hardly anything to worry about. Civilians can be brought in for questioning, or apprehended easily with magic. There’s nothing to fear.” Abaddon said.

  “I see...” Zaxxarius said. He looked at Tyria, who was standing silently watching and listening to the two speak. She looked happy and content with just standing there. He was wondering about her clothes, which were cool, and why they were designed as such. And who was she? A matriarch of the Covenant of Dawn? “Sorry... milady? What is the Covenant of Dawn?” Zaxxarius asked.

  “Oh, such manners.” Tyria chuckled, smiling. “The Covenant of Dawn is an order that specializes in healing and peace. Our Covenant comes to victims of war to heal the wounds, while our Matriarchs and Patriarchs deal in political matters. Although, I do not like to boast... I’m known for my healing skills. Some people even say Ultimali’s healing magic lives on in me.” Zaxxarius had to admit that Ultimali had been somewhat of a wonder to him. He wanted to see if there were any books written on him. “We continue the name of Dawn until the end of time.”

  “Continue?” Zaxxarius asks. “Had he left you, or something?”

  “Dragons used to come around every few years to check on Cazria.” Abaddon said. “One each time... However, they no longer do so.”

  “Why?” Zaxxarius asked. Tyria’s facial features softened, and Abaddon paused.

  “They’re dead.” Abaddon said, sighing.

  “Dead? But, aren’t they like gods?” Zaxxarius asked. He could tell this was a massive blow for the Cazrians by seeing both Abaddon and Tyria’s faces. They likely grew up believing that the Dragons were all-loving and immortal, like some people do in Britain with Jesus Christ. “What happened?”

  “Horizon crashed into the earth of Metholi. I was there. As he died, he told Sancterus to stop the Domini. I believe he told us to kill the Domini completely... but... Sancterus didn’t. Nobody knew the exact definition of his message. Sancterus went to Dominion with the Crusader army to speak with Adda’Gorath, but when he got there, he saw the dragons being slain. Dawn was dead, and his heart was ripped out. Sancterus learned that Adda’Gorath ate that heart, granting him the blood of the dragon, which made him insanely powerful. The mere knowledge of this made him declare war on Adda’Gorath... The campaign was long, as the crusader army started their war in the middle of Dominion, and we had to get an awkward vantage point. Getting food was hard, but we managed. The Domini used Necromancy, which raised the dead into wraiths, a combination of a zombie and a banshee, and it was very effective. After slaying many foes, we ended up fighting Adda’Gorath’s main bulk on a large mountain. At the top of the mountain, there was Dusk, being impaled on a giant stalagmite. The fight on
the mountain was hard, and long, and lasted 13 days. Eventually, we got the upper hand, when Ultimali’s apprentices joined in, now known as the ‘Siblings of Blight’. They created rockslides and the like, we killed off the Domini on the mountain. Sancterus proceeded up alone, then came back a couple of hours later, empty handed. Adda’Gorath had ran, and we had to follow. Upon finding him, Sancterus was forced to cut down his family, who were protecting him, and then he got to Adda’Gorath, who he slew on the spot... in front of his child, Draynar.” Adda’Gorath said. Zaxxarius winced. “Like he did with me, he took Draynar as a ward.”

  “So Sancterus participated in three wars?” Zaxxarius asked.

  “To the Kirallians, it was four, which included the liberation of their homeland.” Abaddon said. “Not to mention the peace negotiations. He did everything he could to prevent war.”

  “I suppose he does sound like a hero.” Zaxxarius said. He was slowly warming to his dead father.

  “There’s not much else to say.” Abaddon said. “That’s practically your father’s story.”

  “You didn’t tell me how he died.” Zaxxarius said. “You didn’t tell me what happened when he died, or why it happened.”

  “Draynar did it.” Abaddon said. “For now, I’d advise you be content with that information. Further knowledge will come... when you’re ready.”

  “Alright. I know enough to know that Draynar is my enemy anyway.” Zaxxarius yielded. “So, when can I become Overlord so I can go and get Veronica?” Abaddon sighed.

  “You can become Overlord whenever you like.” Abaddon said. “Passing the law is what will take time, not to mention, we’ve had 16 years with no Overlord. You can’t just go and do something so controversial, it will ruin us. You MUST understand, Prince Zaxxarius.”

  “This is such bullshit.” Zaxxarius hissed. He understood the dangers, but it was not going to stop him. He had to get back to earth somehow. “Look...” Abaddon said. “I'm not completely heartless... I know you probably care about this person, but you can’t go. I’ll send some people to look for her, but that’s the best I can do. You MUST stay here.” Abaddon said. Zaxxarius still felt bitter, but he accepted it. As long as Veronica was safe. “This is your home. Where you’re meant to be. For 16 years, after the death of a hero, the people of Metholi have halted I progress all together. They need you. You’ll be loved, and supported by the people. From now on, you’ll be safe.” Someone knocked on the door.

  “Paragon Abaddon! We have found the rogue Paladin!” A woman outside shouted.

  “Bring him in.” Abaddon said. “And close the portal.”

  The woman opened the door and ushered the boy inside. Zaxxarius was confused at first, thinking he was seeing things. He blinked hard a couple of times, but the same image stood before him. He gawped in amazement.

  “It’s rather astounding.” Tyria mentioned. “He looks so much like him, despite being human.”

  “Indeed...” Abaddon said. “It’s a shame he lacks the mental capacity Sesorai did, though.”

  “Vander?” Zaxxarius asked, in amazement. “Wait, this can’t be right. I don’t understand, I...” Vander smiled, and did the ‘Vance’. “Your surprise is understandable.” Abaddon hissed. “I suppose it’s because he simply slacked off and didn’t do his job properly... is that right, Sesorai?”

  “Look, it’s not my fault.” Vander said. “Zaxxarius’ Aura was all messed up. I didn’t know when half-human and half-Cazrians hit puberty! Besides, he was always hiding his aura!” Speaking of Auras, Zaxxarius could see Vander’s aura. It was a familiar Aura, but it’s one he had forgotten about. It was number 3’s aura. “You’re...Number 3?” Zaxxarius asked.

  “What?” Vander chuckled.

  “When I was looking for the killer, I saw multiple auras. You were one of them, but you used to disappear whenever I saw you...” Zaxxarius said.

  “Yeah, I didn’t know that shit was you at the time.” Vander said. “I was looking for the other Magi, killing them off, only unlike Torrig, I could actually dispose and get rid of the bodies. I WAS going to kill Veronica, but I thought you liked her like the other boys at school... I would of if I knew you were going to run off with her.”

  “She hasn’t done anything deserving of such treatment.” Zaxxarius hissed.

  “She’s a Kinslayer and a warlock.” Vander retorted. Zaxxarius’ eyes widened.

  “A warlock? And a Kinslayer?” Abaddon hissed. “This is who you let him fraternize with?”

  “Don't talk like I'm a child!” Zaxxarius said, angrily.

  “No, but you act like one! Do you know how dangerous they are!? Necromancy is such a vile display of magic.” Abaddon said.

  “Veronica’s not like that!” Zaxxarius pleaded. “She was forced into it!”

  “There is no way you’re going after that woman.” Abaddon said. “There’s no way I’m even going to attempt to save such a vile creature. Whatever Sheol intends for her is what she deserves, the scum that she is.” Abaddon was angry at the fact she was both a Necromancer and a Kinslayer. Zaxxarius also got angry too, at Abaddon’s insults. He shot a look at Vander too, but Vander didn’t back down. He also thought the same. “Look, I’m sorry, but Veronica is a lost cause.” Vander said. “As for the magic training, I was going to bring him over on the night he disappeared. I had tried to follow him, but the Red Magi guards wouldn’t let me in. Killing them would have screwed everything up.”

  “I can’t believe you’re actually my paladin...” Zaxxarius said.

  “Hopefully, you can still call me your friend...” Vander said. “Every month, I went away for up to a week, remember? It was to a Blue Magi outpost. You would have stayed there, training hard, until you were 20 years of age. Then you’d be brought back here.”

  “I’m not 20 yet.” Zaxxarius said. “Cant I go back? Till I’m 20?”

  “It’s much too late and dangerous for that now.” Abaddon said. “With all that’s going on? No, too late.”

  “I can’t just leave her.” Zaxxarius said.

  “Sebastian.” Vander said. “Buddy. You can’t go back. Life is not fair, and trust me, this is going to be nothing compared to what’s going in store for you when you’re Overlord. I know you didn’t ask to be Overlord, but I know what you did want to be.” Vander said. “A hero. Remember when we were kids, watching dumb cartoons like Batman? You totally bought into the whole superhero thing back then. He was your role model! I know it was a bit of a joke, but in your heart, you did want to be a hero. To save people. Didn’t you? Simply by having an Overlord, you would save lives. You’d make lives better for people. Would Veronica want you to throw your life away when you have so many people to save? Think about that, man.” Zaxxarius looked away and thought about it. Would she? Or, perhaps it doesn’t come down to her. Perhaps it’s for the best, that this is some sick lesson he must learn. “What about Talia?” Zaxxarius asked.

  “She’ll be fine.” Vander said. “She... she was going to move away, her family was taking her. She was going to come see you to say goodbye, but... yeah.”

  “I see...” Zaxxarius said. “She said she’d start college. She has the qualifications for it... perhaps she’ll be fine.”

  “And your mother should be fine too, yeah?” Vander asked. Zaxxarius said nothing. Vander didn’t know.

  “Yeah... She’s probably resting peacefully right now...” He murmured. “But, I don’t have the slightest clue how to lead people.”

  “Don’t worry.” Abaddon said, stepping forward and putting a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll help you. I stood by Sancterus for the majority of my life, watching him lead.”

  “Alright then...” Zaxxarius said. “It’ll take me a bit to get over it, but... Perhaps all that technology will help me get over it. Yaevinn should like that.”

  Zaxxarius was led into the bathroom, only in his boxers. They had taken his clothes off to heal him, and inspect his body. He flushed with embarrassment when he had realised. He looked at himself in th
e mirror. “Going to cry?” He whispered to himself, touching the smooth skin of his face, and inspecting his canines. They were nowhere near as large and sharp as the Cazrians, but he looked like a vampire. The bathroom was... different. The sink was practically the same, and the toothbrush was designed with Cazrians in mind, but it worked on him better than his human one did. He inspected the toilet. Clean, and the same as a humans, only the flush took everything down. He wondered if he was going crazy, inspecting everything, but he had realised that his life was going to get a lot more comfortable, but harder. Then he got into the shower. He noticed there was no shower hose, just buds sticking out of the sides and ceiling. The door had to be shut tight to turn the shower on. He didn’t mess around with the dial, and turned the shower on. Water erupted and shot straight from the sides and the ceiling, smashing against his skin, but the water didn’t hurt all that much. He hardened his skin anyway, since it took him by surprise. The shower turned off automatically after about a minute. No sponge, no soup or anything. He got out, and dried up. He heard footsteps outside. “Lord Zaxxarius?” A female voice said. “I'm your maid. I have a selection of clothes here.”

  “Alright, leave them outside.” Zaxxarius said.

  “As you wish.” The maid said. When he heard her leave, he left the bathroom and looked at the clothes that were there. Flashy clothes, a lot of them. Robes adorned with jewels... Then there was one at the end that looked almost boring compared to the others, but boring was what he liked. It was a red coat, with shoulder pads with a padded grieves. He also had what looked like white leather gloves. Perfect for him. Matriarch Tyria had gone ahead, since the council was ready to get together to meet and discuss the future with Zaxxarius. That was where they were going, and he would have the opportunity to see the streets and common folk. They were on private property, and they could still hear the vehicles outside, but they couldn’t see them. The area was fenced off, and flowers grew on the gates. He could see the vehicles zoom by through the flowers, but not enough to make out what exactly they were. He looked up at the sky. Blue, with clouds, and a sun. He didn’t know why exactly he had expected any different, probably from movies and novels he had read, but he was glad that the sky was the same as one earth. For some reason, if the sky was any other colour, it would bother him a large amount. “Is the sky different on earth?” Abaddon asks. “I’ve only been at night.”