Dragon's Fire

by Bri Sailor

  Ky leaned back in her chair and took a swig of ale.

  “If they are aware of our presence they would simply come after us, not the boy. Besides, even if it were, they wouldn’t be able to read it. Unless of course, they were part of my trusted officers and know how to decipher the code.” She said confidently.

  She shoved the last bite of bread in her mouth and finished off her ale and went upstairs without a word. Atreyis picked at what was left of her food. Her mind was otherwise preoccupied. Was this Iyara person the reason Ky almost left the war? From what she had told her that night it seemed this Iyara was it. The princess wondered what she was like. She looked around the tavern. Dirty, dingy, smelly. If the woman owned a place like this she probably had the looks and personality to match. Atreyis could see her as some sort of motherly figure to Ky. Someone who had the ability to wrangle the strong-willed general.

  “Ready for bed?” Cora interrupted her thoughts.

  “Hmm?” said the princess. “I suppose.”

  They all headed up stairs to the room. There were only four beds and Ky had already stripped out of her weapons and simple armor and was asleep in the bed nearest the door. Atreyis looked her over, wondering if she had a dagger under the pillow.

  “So, how do we divide the rest?” whispered Riker. “I don’t mind sharing, do you, Sapphire?”

  Atreyis rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Never, Riker. Never.”

  She sat down on the bed adjacent to Ky’s and started taking off her boots.

  “I can share.” Volunteered Cora. She looked over at Ehren.

  “If nobody minds, I will be sleeping by the door.” The prince grabbed a blanket and laid it down on the floor, not seeing the priestess’ gaze. “Unlike our fearless leader, I don’t trust anyone.”

  He kicked off his boots and used one of his bags as a pillow.

  Riker took the bed near him. Atreyis patted the bed and scooted over for the priestess. Cora happily crawled into bed. After weeks of camping out under the stars everyone was grateful to have a comfy bed or at least a roof over their heads. Within minutes everyone was asleep except the princess. For some strange reason she found herself wide awake and staring at the ceiling. She looked over at the sleeping warrior. Ky was snoring ever so softly. She was spread out on the bed on her stomach with her arm hanging off the bed. The princess let out a long sigh and closed her eyes tightly, praying that she would fall asleep soon.

  Chapter 4

  The warm sun streamed in through the dirt and dust covered windows. A soft knock on the door woke Ky. She slowly sat up and rubbed her face. Surprisingly, Ehren was still sound asleep. The door slowly cracked open and the boy from the night before poked his head in. Ky motioned for him to be silent and waved him over. He cautiously slipped through the door and over the slumbering prince. The warrior reached into her bag on the floor and fished out a silver coin and traded it for the letter. The boy bowed curtly in thanks and quietly slipped out of the room. The warrior yawned and stretched. She broke the seal of the letter and scanned over it. Doan was willing to meet her. After another satisfying stretch she got up and silently dressed. Everyone was still sleeping.

  Downstairs the tavern was completely empty. If it weren’t for the dying embers in the fireplace it would seem as if the place was abandoned. She ducked behind the bar a few moments before leaving. Ky squinted against the bright morning sun. The streets were just as empty. In an attempt to blend in she let down her long straight hair instead of her usual braids and traded in her heavy black leather armor for a simple gray, sleeveless, hooded tunic that revealed her dragon tattoo. Munching on half a loaf of bread and cheese and a pint of ale that she snatched from the bar, she meandered through the streets. Memories of her time in the city faded in and out. A small smile accidently slipped out as she thought about Iyara. It was quickly replaced by a heavy guilt. How could she have fallen into such dire straits? When she had left everything was in place and the tavern was bustling with activity. Regardless of what had happened, there was no question about it, she would break the girl out of her debtor’s prison, one way or another. The warrior had plenty of gold and silver to pay whatever she may have owed. She finished her breakfast and tossed the empty mug into the street without a care. Throwing up her hood she made her way to the appointed meeting spot. The streets were beginning to fill up with the morning market crowds. Ky kept a watchful eye out for any guards or wandering eyes. So far it seemed that she was in the clear.

  As the sun rose so did the temperature. Ky waited patiently in the square in front of the palace leaned up against a wall in the shadows, watching the people intently. Her hood didn’t completely cover her face but cast enough of a shadow to hide it. The sweat began to bead on her neck and drip down her back. Near the center of the public square was a large ornate fountain. Nothing much had changed in the two years since she had last been in Thaemo, except the large garrisons of soldiers and guards that now patrolled the streets and lined the city walls. Some wore the orange and yellow colors of the kingdom and some were still in the Black Army garb. While the soldiers in black appeared all the more intimidating, the guards in orange and yellow were the ones to watch out for. They were the ones with the direct line to the Steward and could cause the most trouble for the warrior and her friends.

  After some time a man sat down on the edge of the fountain. He wore a linen shirt and pants that were streaked with charcoal and soot. His arms were dark with soot as well. He was rather stocky and his balding head was completely shaved. His face was heavily scarred and his brown bushy beard reached his chest. Ky waited a few minutes before subtly looking around the square and checking the rooftops for unwanted eyes. With none in sight she sat down silently next to the man. He spoke in a low, even-toned voice.

  “You risk a lot coming here. Rumor has it that a mysterious woman with silvery hair entered the city yesterday. Apparently, she had several mercenary types with her as well. Word had already reached Horgath that you were headed this way.”

  Ky stifled a sarcastic laugh. “Mercenaries. Not in the least.”

  Doan shifted his weight.

  Ky stared out into the crowd. “I know. I assumed that we were being watched as we got closer to the city. And when we passed through the gate one of my companions saw a runner. Horgath probably knows where we are hiding out as well. It’s only a matter of time before he decides to act.”

  “You aren’t a kid anymore. I can’t keep saving your sorry ass.” He grumped.

  “It’s been years since I’ve needed that.” Ky slanted her eyes at him. “I’m no longer some pathetic little whelp in training. You said in your letter that you know what happened to Iyara? And of some…priestly help?”

  “Aye.”

  “Do you trust this person?”

  “Explicitly.”

  “So who is this mysterious helper?”

  Doan slyly looked around. “A priest by the name of Oldrin. He is loyal only to the true Goddess and the Quinmor people, and has no ties with the steward or Lusha. He is currently quartered by decree in the temple.”

  “Quartered?”

  “Aye. Apparently he had been caught making undeclared trips to the Xaemox kingdom for some unknown reason. He is well liked by the people, just enough to keep himself alive it would seem.”

  Ky nodded. “How do I get to him?”

  “It’s simple. Someone else other than you walks in and talks to him. He still is accessible to the people of the city. They are more preoccupied watching like hawks who is coming and going.”

  “A trap.” Ky cleared her throat and clenched her jaw. “And what of Iyara?”

  Doan looked at the warrior with sad eyes. “She is being held in the dungeons. The official story is that she owed a severe amount of back taxes.”

  Ky looked sideways at him. “You don't believe it?”

  The man chortled. “Not a minute. Don't tell me you do.”

  She shook her head. “It just doesn't make any s
ense. We had that place up and running. And when I left...when I left it was fine.”

  He scratched his chin. “I have a feeling that your old friend might have something to do with all of this.”

  Ky just nodded her head and her eyes flashed with anger. Doan sensed the change in her mood and tried to distract her some.

  “So, I hear that you are officially a traitor to the Khennán crown. Something about you killing half of your own men and then went off to join the Aznurro.”

  Ky let out a snort. “There is some truth to that, I won’t deny it.”

  She grew solemn. “We were trying to create a pass in the Black Rock Mountains to bypass Stone Shield to attack the Aznurro. Somehow our plans were discovered and I had to bury a hundred of my own men in a rockslide in order to prevent the utter destruction of my entire army. It still haunts me.”

  “Hmm.” Chuckled Doan. “That took some guts. I suppose the king and her pet Ultrek weren’t too happy with that.”

  Ky laughed at the slight. “True. They stripped me of my rank. Then they sent me off on what turned out to be a suicide mission to bring King Toran’s children back to her.”

  Doan’s eyes narrowed. “What did she have planned this time?”

  Ky returned the look. “Nothing good. She’s trying to release actual hell on earth it would seem. Demons and everything.”

  “Ah. So that’s why you need the priest.” Said the blacksmith.

  “Something like that.”

  Doan stroked his beard. “Seems I may have gotten through to you after all.”

  The blonde snorted. “Don’t think so highly of yourself, old man. Just because you decided to settle down and put away your hired blade doesn’t mean that’s what I’m going to do. It took some doing, but I see Lusha for what she really is now. And it’s up to me to stop her.”

  “And what of your non-mercenaries?”

  Ky sighed. “They are surprisingly useful, and they carry similar sentiments against the witch that I do. We are searching for crystals that supposedly will help us put an end to her. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure that this will work. The only thing I am sure of is that my blade will end her not some trinket of the Goddess.”

  “Hm. So what’s your plan?”

  Ky cracked her knuckles. “I don't know. I need to scout the city for sure, see what all has changed. Then, to speak with this Oldrin. After that...”

  Doan crossed his arms. “I see. I may be of some help, if you find yourself needing it. Got a rather large—ahem—store of sharpened blades that would like to be of some use, and they are hidden close by. Just southwest of the front gates. I would dare say it’s a bigger store than what this city has to offer, considering it is, you know, more of a kingdom than a city…We have tried in the past to overtake Thaemo, and as you can see it worked out so well each time. In fact your little visit threw my plans off.”

  The warrior grinned. “I apologize for the inconvenience, but I could use you, Doan, it sounds like your sell-sword days aren’t quite over yet. Ready your blades. They will be of some use soon. I will send you a beacon of hope when ready.”

  She handed him a sealed letter and stood up and walked into the crowd and out of sight. The old blacksmith chuckled to himself. This girl was headed for trouble, he could feel it in his battle scars. He stood up and sighed. There was still a spark of fight left in him after all. He couldn’t believe it, but he hoped that the girl would stir up some trouble for the guards here. Goddess knows they’ve gotten too full of themselves.

  #

  Atreyis stretched out her sleepy limbs. Her movements woke Cora as well. She smiled at the priestess before standing up and stretching out once more. Everyone else began to stir. She momentarily panicked when she saw the warrior’s empty bed.

  “What…” she mumbled to herself. “Anyone see where Ky went?”

  “Nope.” Yawned Taryn as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

  The princess threw on her boots and jogged down the stairs, intent on finding the wayward warrior. She was stopped in her tracks. There was Ky, sitting at a table and drinking a rather large mug of mead. Atreyis shook her head and sat down across from her.

  “Little early for a drink isn’t it?” said the princess disapprovingly.

  “I think it’s allowable under the circumstances.” Said Ky in a low voice.

  “And what might that be?”

  “A good friend who is in a place worse than death. And I intend to break her out.” The warrior stifled a burp.

  Atreyis picked at a splinter of wood at the edge of the table. “So you met with your friend, I take it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does he know where the crystal is?”

  The warrior put down her empty mug. “No, but he told me the name of the priest who would be able to help us.”

  “Who is he?” asked Ehren as he sat down at the table as well. The rest of the group trudged down the stairs and joined them.

  “He is the man that Cora is to go see at the temple.” Replied Ky. “Riker and Taryn will escort her there. You are to appear as worshipers, which means no weapons. The guards there shouldn’t give you any trouble then. Cora, when you get there you are to find a priest named Oldrin. He is the one that will help you.”

  “You pay off the guards or something?” grumbled Ehren.

  “Nope.” Sighed Ky. “No guarantees.”

  “Can we trust this priest?” asked Taryn.

  “I trust Doan, and Doan trusts this Oldrin. That’s good enough for me.” Said Ky flatly. “I intend on seeing what all has happened in the city since I was last here.”

  “You’re not going alone are you?” Atreyis felt defensive. “Ehren and I should go with you. We can be of some help.”

  “No.” Ky sighed. “This will take all of us I'm afraid. You, me, and Ehren are going to scout the city. I want to know what exactly is going on here. Something's off. The guards and soldiers have more of a presence than they did the last time I was here. Doan said that Horgath knew we were coming.”

  “What are you planning?” Ehren crossed his arms.

  “I’m not sure, yet.” Replied the warrior matter-of-factly. “We will split up. Ehren, I want you to take the southern and western districts. Atreyis, I want you up near the palace. As for myself, I will go east to the barracks. I want to know where everyone is being quartered and what kind of defenses are within the city. We need to prepare for the retaliation our presence has most certainly created.”

  “Don’t you think it would be smarter if we stayed together?” asked Atreyis. “If Horgath knows that we are here it would be safer.”

  Ky played with her empty mug. “He knows that I’m here. From what I understand the impression is that you all are my mercenaries. If he were to try anything he would come after me. But the man is a worm. Just keep your head low, no weapons, and stay to the side streets out of the way. Or just stay here and wait.”

  Chapter 5

  Ky casually weaved her way in and out of the crowds, keeping her head low. She had given a beggar three gold coins for his burlap blanket and fashioned it into a beggar’s robe; hiding her silvery blonde hair and obvious stature from prying eyes. The shadow from her makeshift hood concealed her hard face. She couldn’t stop the memories from invading her mind, but she could quell the storm of emotions.

  #

  The warrior stretched out all six feet of her frame as she relaxed in her large, soft, comfy bed. She ran her hands through her barely shoulder-length hair. It had grown back quite nicely. The warm smells of dinner from the tavern below wafted into the room. The toasty fire crackled in the small fireplace. The cool wind of winter blew outside. The winter here in Thaemo was far milder than her homeland. Óhn had harsh, freezing cold snow and winds. Ky sighed happily. The door creaked open and a young woman wearing a nightgown carried in a tray of warm food and two mugs of ale. She was tall, but shorter than the warrior. Her jet-black hair was pulled up in a messy bun and her emerald green eyes sparkle
d in the firelight. She walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. Ky promptly sat up and began picking at the food on the tray.

  “I think I’ve gained quite a bit of weight these last few months.” Said the warrior between mouthfuls.

  The girl giggled. “Like you could ever put on weight.”

  She lifted the lid off of one of the plates and revealed two succulent raspberry tarts. The warrior’s eyes were as big as dinner plates as she reached for one of the tarts.

  “I have a sneaking suspicion, Iyara that you are trying to keep me your prisoner.” Ky took a huge bite of the pastry.

  “If only.” Sighed Iyara. “Do you really have to go? Can’t you send one of your lieutenants?”

  Ky swallowed the last bit of tart and sat up straight.