by T Ariyanna
Cy watched Gil and Kaitlyn return in silence. A new kind of guilt washed over him. And here I thought I wouldn't have a heart any more without Arion, Cy thought. I'm still not sure if it's better to have one.
Kolry led the way to the Court building. Kaitlyn and Gil chatted excitedly, and Cy followed behind them, wringing his hands nervously. Kaitlyn glanced backwards, and grabbed his hands. She pulled him between her and Gil, and the three of them kept pace.
Gil and Kolry went through the doorway while Cy and Kaitlyn held back. Gil turned to them, and waved a hand in summoning. “What are you waiting for? Come on!” he called. Cy and Kaitlyn shared a glance, then entered the building.
It was even more beautiful on the inside. The whole of the building was one gigantic room, complete with a large bell hanging from the ceiling filled with multiple clappers. The bell's exterior was covered in stained glass of varying shades of blue.
The windows of the building could only be viewed from the inside, and they showed an array of scenes depicting Drolls, both in mundane life and in combat, fighting alongside large seahorses. Colored lights shone through, and the shafts of light looked tangible in front of them.
A large statue of a half horse, half sea creature reared up in the center of the room. Its head was twisted to the side, mouth open. Hoofs jutted out in front of it, as though it were ready for battle against an unseen enemy. Though there was nothing for the horse to fight, it was guarding a wide set of stairs descending to the ground.
“What's that?” Kaitlyn asked, pointing at the statue. Her mouth was agape as her eyes darted upon it.
“It's a kelpie. They used to be our companions, like the dragons are for the Drakens, but we were separated from them during the riots. When the humans revolted against the Mages and we were forced to relocate, the kelpies could not follow. I think they still exist, but there isn't a Droll alive that has seen one. Not that I know of, at least,” Gil said as he walked leisurely towards the stairs.
Kaitlyn jogged to catch up with Gil, but Cy proceeded cautiously. Both of them were excited for the news, but realization had sunk in for Cy. When they had met, Gil had made it very clear that they could die here by the choice of the Court, even if he had been exaggerating. The war-crazed look on the statue's face made it clear to Cy just how much of a reality their deaths could become.
They descended the stairs for what felt like forever to Cyllorian. More and more, it felt as though he was walking into his own grave, and he was the only one that seemed to care. Kolry had no connection to them, so it made no difference to him if they lived or died. Gil wasn't risking his life, either.
He knew Kaitlyn only saw the best in people. It was what he was banking their entire relationship on. He admitted that he didn't want her to see the world for what it truly was, selfishly needing her to stay blind to his own evils, but he worried that her trusting nature would get her hurt. She had trusted Arion, and that trust had claimed her family, her home, and ultimately the only friend she had.
What am I making her lose by asking her to follow me? I have nothing left to care about, but Kaitlyn has given up her life twice now.
The stairs finally ended and they came upon a small, circular room. There was a large dais where many Droll were seated that curved with the wall. They sat in tall, regal chairs against the wall, their hands clasped on the counter in front of them.
Kolry bowed and stood close to the doorway. Gil took a seat at the edge of the counter and placed his hands atop it like the others. His face cleared and set with a steely resolve. He was no longer the carefree child. He was the burdened Droll, given the tasks of an adult.
“Step forward,” the eldest Droll said. He wore an ornate black robe adorned with yellow jewels, a surprise compared to the Droll’s interest in blue. A black veil with a navy-blue underside draped from his head to his shoulders. Aside from Gil, each member wore the same robes and headpiece, but only the leader carried the symbol of the Droll. A large talisman hung on his chest, the head of a kelpie with a red gem between its teeth.
He raised his hand and gestured to the center of the room, where the tile floor depicted a seven-pointed star made of clear glass. The water of Lorile flowed pristinely beneath the Courthouse, carrying with it a school of bright orange fish with wing-like fins.
Slowly, Cy and Kaitlyn did as commanded.
“For record purposes, state your names and your reasons for asking for our aid.”
“I am Kaitlyn Rosemary, a human,” Kaitlyn said clearly, throwing her shoulders back. She met the eyes of every Droll in the room. Gil flashed her a smile, small enough that it would not be noticed by the others.
“I am Cyllorian, a demon. I come in the name of Theresa Luna to ask for your help in retrieving the life of a lost companion. Will you help us?” Cy spoke clearly, and with more confidence than he felt. His nerves ate away at him.
“Over the week you have been kept under close observation, as per the agreement. While some remained suspicious of your presence here, many have found you to be harmless—”
The leader was cut off by a middle aged Droll woman sitting at the opposite end as Gil.
“Harmless?” she shrieked, her voice sounding like a siren’s. “The girl may be nothing special, but we cannot overlook that a demon has found its way into our territory! They are no better than Drakens. If Theresa truly intended peace for our race, she would have come herself! You know this to be true, Jo-nye!”
At the mention of Theresa, Cy was instantly on guard. What do they know about her? Was it actually her that Gil was talking about, the Mage that came to teach them? What have they been discussing this whole week?
Jo-nye raised his voice to be heard over Hedra’s hysterics, “Calm yourself, Hedra. This is no time to lose your temper. We have heard your objections for the past week, and came to a decision, have we not? They gave her name as proof of their association with her, and that is enough! Not only have we seen their nature for ourselves, but Theresa sent them herself. All we can do is trust them.”
Jo-nye’s words were final, and Hedra settled herself in her chair. Her jaw was stiff as she glared at Cy, but he felt no threat from the woman. She feared him, that much was certain. Just what exactly did they know about demons to make them so quick to judge? We aren’t exactly common.
Jo-nye collected himself with a deep breath and returned to his professional manner.
“We, the Court of Lorile, have observed your actions and behaviors, and we have come to a consensus. We shall send one of our own to help with your endeavors, with one condition. No matter what shall happen to you, you must die with the knowledge of our whereabouts locked behind your lips. I will not sacrifice my people so carelessly. We shall not go to war for the humans, nor for the Mages. We will remain here, waiting to take back the world we once had from the rubble after the dust settles on this world.”
War? What the hell is this guy talking about? Cy thought. We're not asking for an army, we want a healer! Just what is Theresa getting us into?
“Pardon me, sir, but what are you talking about?” Kaitlyn said, raising her hand as though she were in school. “We don't want a war. We just want our friend back.”
“War is waged, not desired, child,” Jo-nye’s voice was solemn, and it gave away his age and experience. “The humans and Mages have been at each other’s throats for the past century, waiting for the perfect chance to strike. With Crestyss at the head of the Magicern, we fear it is far too close. This is why we shall remain as though we never were. If the fighters cannot find us, they cannot recruit nor slaughter us. We shall send what help we can for your companion, but that is all. You shall not be permitted to return to Lorile once you have gone.”
Kaitlyn opened her mouth. Cy saw the questions on her face before she asked them. Knowing it would be best not to push their luck, he cut her off. “Who have you selected to accompany us?”
There was a moment where the Droll paused. They looked between each other, nodding hesitantly.
“From what information we have gathered through observation and questioning, we have made a difficult decision. The youngest among the Court, Gil, shall aid you in your quest for the lost life.”
Gil's face went blank at the news, and he paled. His hands shook on the counter, but he pulled them into his lap to hide them. His eyes swam with a mixture of fear, shock, and joy. Though Cy had easily been able to tell he wanted to leave, it was clear now from his reaction that he had never actually given the idea any thought.
“You’ll find your lost pack in the home you were using, retrieved for you with minimal damage. You are free to take whatever supplies you might need, but you have only until nightfall. When it is time for you to leave, Kolry shall escort you out. Gil has told us of your difficulties in the current, so you are permitted to leave through the dry exit. It will take you to the back of the mountain, but you will have to be capable from there. Court meeting adjourned.”
The Droll stood abruptly and left the room, and all but Gil followed suit. Cy and Kaitlyn went to his side, and Kaitlyn put her hand on his back.
“I'm leaving. I'm actually leaving,” he muttered.
Kolry came up behind them and cleared his throat. “If I may, Master Gil, you have nothing here that you wish to stay for. It's best for you to go. I know how you've longed to leave the guilt-ridden walls of this place for the past few months. We all have noticed, and that is why you were chosen. You will do more good to help these two than you will to stay locked up in these walls with your own sadness.”
Gil stared at Kolry for a long moment, and the resolve came on his face clearly. He nodded to Kolry once, a stiff movement, and Kolry smiled at him.
“Come now, you three. We must get you ready to embark into the harsh world.”
Cyllorian
“What do you still want to go to the Draken's for? They'd sooner eat you alive than help you! I knew you were insane, Cyllorian, but not suicidal?” Gil whined. They had spent a full day trekking in the tunnels on their way out of Lorile, and Gil was only getting more and more anxious with every step they took.
Before leaving, Gil had changed from his wetsuit into skintight, dark blue pants, and a black, sleeveless top. A thick black jacket was draped over his shoulders, and his bag was slung on one arm. A glowing crystal from Lorile hung around his neck on a black cord, imbued with magic that would allow him to survive outside of Lorile. Though he had the protection, he still had to be cautious, and stay hydrated more than anything.
Cy rolled his eyes, and Kaitlyn answered, “Theresa told us we need to go there. We haven't gotten any other instructions, so it's all we've got. Besides, they might be able to help us.”
“I highly doubt that. Drakens are nothing but brutes. All they know how to do is fight, and breathe fire. None of them will be able to heal your friend. Trust me on this one, I beg you!”
Gil fell to his knees, his hands clasped. He was scarily pale, and he shook.
Cy stepped up to him and Gil flinched at his scowl. “What do you have against the Draken anyway? They don't cause you any problems, other than both of you being selfish over the mountain. I was always taught that Droll and Draken rely on each other. They prove their loyalty by entrusting the burial ceremonies for the dead to the other species. You send your dead to them for cremation, and you get theirs for a burial at sea. That was the agreement made by the those that settled here as a sign of peace. ‘If we can trust our dead to you, then we can trust our living to you as well,’ was the intention. Or was I mistaken?”
Gil lowered his eyes and slumped his shoulders. “You're not wrong,” he muttered, anger and defeat mingling with his words.
“Well? What's your problem with them then?”
“We’ve had that agreement for as long as I can remember. But it’s changed recently. Rumor is that they joined with Crestyss years ago. They stopped accepting our dead. My sister was the first one that they rejected.”
Cy was caught off guard. “I'm sorry. But we still need to go there. We're nearly out of the tunnel, right? There's bound to be more caves and water outside. You can stay there. It'll probably be better for you anyway. That necklace won’t be able to protect you from freezing in the cold, or drying up in the Drakens’ territory.”
“Please, Cy. I can't work with one of them. I just can't.”
“You're gonna have to. We need all the help we can get, and this will give you the chance to find out what’s really going on. Take a swing at them, if you really need to, I don’t care as long as you don’t start a war. Besides, if you can buddy up with a demon, a Draken should be no problem, right?”
Gil thought for a moment, rubbing his face. He groaned under his breath, pulling at his skin. “Fine. But I don't have to get along with them. Not like there's a good chance of them helping you anyway.”
Cy clapped Gil on the back, knocking the Droll off balance. Gil fell to the ground, then whirled around to glare at Cy. Without a word, Gil stood and dusted himself off. He marched towards the end of the cave, ahead of Cy and Kaitlyn.
“See, you'll do fine. Nothing can be more of a handful than me, after all.”
“That's funny. Just you wait till you get up there. I doubt you've ever seen a…”
“Dragon!” Kaitlyn yelped, freezing on the spot. Gil shrieked and jumped into the air, on the verge of fainting.
Cy looked to Kaitlyn. She was staring at the mouth of the cave, her whole body shaking uncontrollably. Her hands were pressed to her mouth and tears glimmered in the corners of her eyes. Just as Cy was about to jump in front of her and face whatever danger had come, she lowered her hands. The smile she wore was clearly that of pure joy and relief.
Kaitlyn broke out into a run, bolting for the open air outside the cave. She dove to the ground, skidding along the frozen mountain. She sat up and turned back towards the boys, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked to Cy, her eyes shining with tears.
She held her hands out to Cy as he approached, Gil left behind in his stupor. Cy lowered his face to her hands, only inches away from her enclosed fingers. He opened his mouth to question her actions, but a head popped out from between her fingers and startled him.
Cy stumbled back with a small yell. The pet lizard that Kaitlyn had had years ago stared Cyllorian down, his eyes menacing. It raised its hood and hissed at Cy, making Kaitlyn giggle. She brought the lizard up to her face and nuzzled it against her cheek. It gripped onto her fingers tightly with its limbs and tail, rubbing the top of its head against her.
“I can't believe we found him! How could he have gotten all the way up here? Did you follow me, Dragon? That's so sweet. I've missed you so much!”
“Did she seriously name that thing Dragon?” Gil asked as he sauntered up beside Cy. His voice was shaking, and he was smacking his hands against the sides of face to calm himself.
“Yeah. She told me it was because he looks like one. She had it as a kid, but her dad took it away a while ago. I didn't know lizards lived this long.”
Kaitlyn ran around them, Dragon bouncing around in her hands. “Look, Cy! He missed me, and he came to find me! Isn't that incredible?”
“More like impossible. You sure that thing's just a lizard?”
“What else would it be?” Kaitlyn asked, examining her pet. “Maybe he’s magic, like Tuft! He’s my companion!” Kaitlyn burst into ecstatic giggles.
It seemed she had completely forgotten that they were on a mountain, and that there could be no way for Dragon to have found them. But Cy let it slide, seeing how happy it made her.
“It is pretty miraculous, huh?” he said, humoring her. She beamed at him, placing Dragon on her shoulder.
“I'm never going to lose you again. I promise.” Kaitlyn rubbed the top of the lizard's head, and it nestled into the crook of her neck, where it quickly fell asleep.
Gil sneezed, startling Cy and Kaitlyn. “Oh, so you judge me for being afraid of dragons, but you jump at a sneeze? Pathetic.”
“Who said we were judging?”
Kaitlyn asked, full of innocence.
Cy raised his hand, fighting against the urge to laugh. Gil turned on him, screaming profanities, and Cy lost control. He burst into laughter, falling back into the thin layer of snow on the ground. Gil tried to kick him, but only hurt himself on the hard metal. “You know, you’ll probably get along with the kid. Neither of you can appreciate my sense of humor!” Cy said as his laughter ended.
“Whatever, I'm going back into the caves. It's too cold for me out here.” He retreated further into the cave, slipping his arms into his jacket and hugging himself for warmth.
“You really gonna let a bunch of Drakens scare you away?” Cy taunted.
“I’m not scared! You said it yourself, I’ll dry up or freeze before we even get close. I have to stay in these caves. I’ll get as close as I can to their land, and you can find me later. If you make it out alive, that is. You guys just go to the Drakens, up that way about an hour or so.” Gil waved his hand towards a rocky wall of the mountain, ideal for climbing. He stomped off into an adjoining cave, muttering to himself the whole way.
“Thank you!” Kaitlyn called after him. He waved a hand above his head dismissively, but his steps became lighter after her gratitude.
“So that's where we have to go now?” Cy said. He got to his feet and stepped beside Kaitlyn, staring towards the path.
Kaitlyn put her arm against his, and he froze. He slowly looked to her out of the corner of his eye. Her face was calm, showing no signs of thoughts or emotions.
He ignored the questions that fluttered through his mind, and distracted himself. “Gil’s really got a lot of baggage, doesn’t he? He’s got some growing up to do, that’s for sure. Really, what could be so bad about Drakens? He’s such a drama queen, isn’t he?” Cy joked.
But Kaitlyn didn’t laugh. She shoved him with all of her weight, catching him off guard. Cy went sprawling to the ground, staring up at Kaitlyn in shock.
“You really need to be nicer to people! We're lucky Gil tolerates us, but you can't scare off anyone else who might be willing to help. We're going to go up to the Drakens, and you will be on your best behavior, you got that? Too much is at stake for you to make a joke out of everything.”