“Why don’t we reconvene in the healing hall where your father is? It’s cooler than out here,” the Raven said, turning his attention to Abel. “I assume you’re fine to carry them?”
Abel chirped, flattening himself to the floor. His eyes shifted between Rin and his side, beckoning her to jump on. Sakura jumped on first, waving Dyn to come and join them. He refused at first, but the Raven shooed him up. Rin was flattered by the offer, hopping on and holding onto Dyn’s waist. The dragon’s front legs jostled the riders as he walked, despite his best efforts to avoid it. It was a short journey to their destination, so they could put up with it for now.
Chapter 34: Confessions
Abel once again found himself trapped outside the hall, growling at the small door. Rin agreed to stay behind with him, given she had no injuries to speak of. He trilled with content, making Sakura laugh. She slipped a comment to Rin that if he decides to act up at all, just give him a bop on the nose. It’ll stop him in his tracks, though she didn’t expect him to be rough with her.
As they stepped inside the building, Solomon’s head jerked upward. Dyn’s injuries weren’t that bad, but they were enough to get his attention. He stared at the incoming group and gave Sariel a knock on the head, startling him. The greatest reaction came from Iliana, who sprinted over from the bed. Sakura found herself hoisted into the air, only to be dropped a few moments later. Iliana baulked at how wet she was, flicking off some saliva that had stuck to him.
“Blame the slobber monster outside,” Sakura said, sticking her thumb over her shoulder.
“I suppose the glistening should’ve been a clue,” Iliana replied, letting out an amused snort. “Are you okay?”
“In bad need of a shower but I’m fine.”
“How did it go with Raz’iel?”
Sakura opened her mouth to speak, only to feel her throat tighten. His spell had a low threshold for activation, however it worked. To hide it from Solomon, she just changed to giving him a knowing smile. It went as well as one could expect with him, without any detail. Iliana patted her on the shoulder to comfort her, understanding the desire to not talk about it. He put an arm around her shoulder and led her over to her father, with Dyn following behind. As the topic of Raz’iel dropped, the pain from her throat disappeared.
“While I wish we were meeting again in better circumstances, it’s good to see him again,” Dyn said, staring at Amnur as he slept. “How is he?”
“If you asked me yesterday, I would’ve said tenuous at best. Raz’iel decided to end his spell,” Solomon replied, letting out a sigh. “Not something to complain about, but I never trust my father on anything.”
“We can get him home, then?” Sakura asked, but Solomon shook his head.
“I’m not keen on him moving or doing a boat journey until he’s in a better state, and that could be months. The worst thing to do on top of this kind of magic is expose someone to it further. You’ll need to see a healer too, Dyn.”
With everything going on, they didn’t have the time to spare to hang around in the South. She would have to return to the Central Isles to deal with Lilith’s ire, as she wouldn’t stop in the meantime. This was something she would have to discuss with the Raven, to hear his suggestions. Iliana could see the tension, so he cleared his throat to get their attention.
“Solomon, why don’t you take Sakura to the washrooms? I’ll get Dyn sorted out,” Iliana said.
“I wouldn’t mind a shower, either,” Dyn remarked. Iliana shot him a subtle, stern stare. These two had something to discuss, in private. “It, uh, can wait. I’ll get myself sorted first. Go ahead you two.”
Solomon got up off his perch with a stretch, his back had become stiff after sitting still for so long. He beckoned her to a side corridor, leading her down the wooden hallway. Once the rest of the group were out of earshot, he stopped her. Without saying a word, he placed a hand on her neck, making her flinch.
“I know my father’s ways. You couldn’t speak earlier when Iliana asked, and I imagine if you try to answer now it’ll be the same,” Solomon said, rubbing a finger on her neck. “If you can’t speak, can Maelor? Spells such as this are usually specific.”
“I can try,” Maelor said to Sakura. Sakura placed her hands either side of Solomon’s head, to give the spirit the best chance. He placed his hands on top of hers and told him to try. “Can you… can you hear me?”
“Yes, I can.”
Maelor found himself nervous as he faced the prospect of hurting Sakura. He stuttered out a few words to test the spell, checking in with her. There was no pain so far, so she urged him to continue. Sentence by sentence, Solomon was given the full picture. It worried him to hear of such a vision, even if there were no details to give. The simple fact he was so focused on it was a problem. Raz’iel was not one to pay heed to petty issues.
“I won’t touch that spell, as I don’t doubt him on the consequences,” Solomon said, gesturing down the corridor to continue the walk. “I also won’t tell anyone about this, not in any detail, anyway. There’s those that will hear all of that, and opt to kill you over it.”
“Thanks,” Sakura said. They walked the rest of the way in silence, to keep curious ears out of the conversation. Solomon gestured to a lone room and informed her that he’ll be back in a moment with a fresh change of clothes. As she turned the shower taps and stood underneath the replenishing stream, she thought on Raz’iel’s spell. The only restriction was that she wasn’t allowed to speak about it, but he never indicated that she couldn’t write about it. It was an obvious oversight, one that she doubted he would miss. Did he want her to tell? That was a question for later. A knock on the door roused her attention.
“Just me,” Solomon said, “I’ve got you some clothes. Knock on the door when you want them.”
The door rattled as he sat down and placed his back against it. He hummed to keep himself occupied, listening to the sounds of the water splash on the floor inside. As time passed, he felt he had to explain his father’s actions, to give her some comfort. “I’m sorry that he bit you, he’s always had a taste for blood. Dumon helped to wean me off of it after he forced the same obsession on me. Aether can be awfully addictive.”
Sakura stared at the shut door for a second, surprised by his willingness to be honest with her. The fact that Raz’iel had forced such a thing wasn’t a surprise, though. She doubted that Solomon had much choice over how life went until he got away from him, and her earlier experience told her that it wasn’t a pleasant life. Answering his admission was a challenge though, every answer she tried caused her throat to go tight.
“It’s fine,” she said after some trial and error.
“Oh, right. Sorry.”
“How is everyone else taking what happened? Since I’m aware they might be willing to be harsh to you when I’m not around.”
“Sariel’s been grumpy, but I don’t think he’s feeling too well,” Solomon replied, blushing at her concern. “The others haven’t said anything regarding it, for better or worse.”
“The heat finally got to him?”
“I would say that’s all, yes. Even inside the heat becomes oppressive after a while.”
The rush of water stopped, making Solomon count the time until the knock arrived. After nothing came, he once again knocked on the door. He heard a gasp from behind the door, followed by a knock in reply.
“Sorry, I dozed off for a second,” Sakura said, rubbing her head. “Starting to really feel the exhaustion.”
“Let’s get you resting up, then.”
Solomon piled the clothes outside the door and backed away, keeping his back turned until he heard the door click for a second time. A few minutes later, the door began to open once again, revealing Sakura. He offered her a hand, his cheeks bursting into a powerful flush as she took his hand and lent against him. Her warmth was nice, but Solomon felt guilty. There was nothing he could do to help her, among other issues. When they reached the rows of beds, he helped her into
the bed next to Amnur’s and settled her in.
“Rest up now, we can sort everything out tomorrow,” Solomon said with a smile, brushing her damp hair to one side. The South was warm, it would not bother her for long. Once she had dozed off, he returned to Amnur’s side, where he found Dyn watching him. He beckoned Solomon to join him off to one side, to prevent them from disturbing Sakura.
“So, how’d it go?” Dyn said, throwing a wistful look towards Sakura. “I overheard Sariel that time, I know you like her.”
“I…uh,” Solomon stuttered, taking a deep breath to calm his heart. “I won’t deny that, but I can’t do that to her. Raz’iel would torment her endlessly if we were together.”
“Something happened to her with him, didn’t it? I know what she said to Iliana or lack thereof, but I had a feeling she wasn’t telling the truth.”
“Can’t is more accurate. Uh, I’ll tell you at a later time? You know more about her than most, and for her sake, certain information is best kept quiet.”
Dyn twisted his head side to side, noting all the demons milling about. He nodded to Solomon’s request, giving the demon a pat on the shoulder. “I know your father is a problem, but promise me you’ll think this through again once your mind is clear. I’d hate for you to throw this away due to your fears.”
Solomon blushed, surprised that someone other than Dumon was fighting his corner, more so over an issue personal to him. It startled him enough that he agreed to think it through, perhaps a clearer mind would put the situation in a better light. To prevent the demon further embarrassment, Dyn changed the topic. He told Solomon that Iliana had spoken with the Raven and that he was fine to watch over Amnur’s care until he was capable again. Given the events, he doubted that the siblings would try anything, nor would Raz’iel. The city was vague enough to protect him if they did, however.
“Sakura will be happy to hear that,” Solomon stated, “perhaps it’ll help Amnur, too. I would imagine closure would help him.”
“I gathered he has issues to sort, as do I. It’ll be nice to sort them out together,” Dyn replied. He turned towards the entrance when he heard new footsteps, seeing Abel and Rin heading in. Abel had changed back to his demon form, now that he had decided that he should be serious once more. Dyn gave them a friendly wave, beckoning for them to join them.
“Hm? Someone new?”
“Ah right, you haven’t met yet. She helped Sakura out inside the house, so she came with us,” Dyn explained. Solomon nodded, staring at the newcomer. She was beautiful and oddly familiar. He excused himself for a second, rousing Sariel to make him greet their new companion. The angel grumbled, but he did as requested.
“Does she have a name?” Sariel queried after introducing himself.
“Rin,” she said. The angel’s mouth opened, and he pointed at her.
“As in Sebastian’s wife, Rin?”
“Yes,” she replied with a chuckle. All of a sudden, the familiarity made sense to Solomon. He had never met Rin as he fled to Shadekeep many years after her disappearance, but he knew of her. Dumon had told him much, along with Sebastian himself. Sariel cheered up and apologised for his behaviour, he just wished to rest. “I’m curious about the fact you tagged along, Sariel. The relationship between our races was tenuous at best.”
“It’s been getting better, the youngsters aren’t as set in their ways as their parents,” Sariel replied, drooping a finger over his shoulder. “There have also been some events as of late that helped to force us together, you might’ve noticed Sakura’s scar.”
“I know I have a lot to catch up on. Twenty-five years’ worth.”
“Uriel will be keen to have you back again, you were one of the demons that didn’t have an inherent dislike of us.”
Rin smiled. If she could help strengthen the peace between the two races, then she would put all her effort into it. She noticed the angel’s exhaustion as he spoke, and put forth a suggestion for him to rest. There were plenty of spare beds, he could occupy one without a problem. He tried to throw off her concern out of embarrassment, but Rin insisted. The demon’s stern but kind requests got Sariel to do more than Solomon could manage with him, as she reminded him of his mother.
Once he was stripped down and in bed, Rin fetched him a damp cloth. She folded it up, placing it on his forehead. He was hot, but not too much to worry. In the time she had been in the South, she had seen cases of heat exhaustion so she thought nothing more of it. With the angel settled, she turned her attention to Amnur. It had been a long time since she had seen him last, but she remembered him well. One hand tugged on the garment covering his body, revealing the aged scars below. Rin sighed, knowing their origin. Still, he had survived despite Nathaniel’s torture.
“I can’t wait to go home, to Shadekeep, to Sebastian.”
Chapter 35: The Final Day
The quiet morning was a welcome bliss, free from the worry of attackers. Once they had all woken up, Amnur aside, the healers sent off a request for food. Iliana used the in-between time to bring Sakura up to speed on the situation, to alleviate her concerns. They still had things to discuss, but the main points were sorted. She questioned what Lilith would do, given Raz’iel’s taunt. He couldn’t answer her, nor did he want her to worry. That was something for him to think about.
As they talked, the food arrived. Dyn received a warm hug from the courier, glad to see he survived his ordeal. It was laid out before them on an elongated table, once the table had been positioned.
“We need to leave as soon as we can,” Sakura said, speaking up in-between chews. “Any idea if there’s a boat heading back soon?”
“Around mid-afternoon tomorrow according to the Raven,” Iliana replied. She thought about it and nodded, it was an ideal ride for them. Amnur was safe, as much as it pained her to leave him behind. There was nothing more that she could do to help him here, she just had to trust the Raven.
“What’s your plans, Dyn?”
“Hm? Life as usual, I guess,” Dyn remarked, stuffing a piece of meat into his mouth.
“You could come with us, you know. Either now or when my father’s healthy again.”
Dyn turned his gaze away, forcing the conversation to drop. Sakura tossed a sly glance at the others, has she offended him by asking? They appeared just as confused by his sudden silence, though. Pressing the issue now wouldn’t help, it would be best to ask the Raven. She needed to relay their plans anyway, so she could make the trip multipurpose.
“I’ll go let the Raven know of our plans,” Sakura said, once she was done eating. Solomon excused himself without a word to join her, leaving the others alone.
“You alright?” Solomon queried, catching up to her once she slowed her pace. “I don’t know why he shut you down there.”
“Just a shock for me to ask, or so I hope.”
The two walked side by side, taking in the morning sun. Flight would be the quickest option, but they were enjoying each other’s company. Sakura played with a question in her mind, wondering if it would come over weird to ask. He would be the most understanding of such a question, without making her regret asking.
“Is it bad that I feel good about my magical prowess? With the element and all.”
Solomon stopped his walk and gave her a smile. He placed an arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Other mages are allowed to be proud, we should be no different. Just usually not the best to shout about it.”
His reasoning was fair, why shouldn’t she be proud of her strength? No one would blink an eye at another mage enjoying their strength, so long as they weren’t hurting others. Boasting was not in her favour, not if she wanted to prove the innocence of the element. She thanked him for his input, feeling comfortable with her pride. He suggested for them to continue before anyone started to get worried at their extended disappearance.
The Raven gave them a warm greeting when they arrived, glad to see Sakura up and walking with no negative effects from
yesterday. He thought it to be nothing more than exhaustion he saw, but it was a relief to have it confirmed. As she told him of their plans, he nodded along, noticing her desire to say more.
“Is there something else?” the Raven said, passing the two a cup of water each. Sakura took a moment to sip the liquid, before letting out a sigh.
“I offered Dyn the choice to come with us, but he went silent and avoided conversation afterwards.”
The Raven thought for a moment, tilting his head. “Leave him to me, I think I know his problem. You two go and enjoy your last day here.”
“Will do.”
With their drink finished, they headed back to the healing halls. Inside, Dyn had isolated himself, opting to sit next to Amnur. She noticed Iliana sat at the table, watching the demon’s movements, trying to work out his change in attitude. Her arrival distracted him, breaking his intense watch. He stood up and strolled over, curious what was said by the Raven. Sakura whispered his words into Iliana’s ear, keeping Dyn unaware of their conversation. If he knew that the Raven was going to talk to him, he may try and resist their efforts.
“Alright then, we’ll gather up the others and head out. I imagine there are places you want to visit before we leave,” Iliana murmured, “open it up for the Raven to talk to him.”
Sakura gave him a thumbs up and then told him to fetch Abel. To keep it civil, she checked on Dyn, who gave her a smile. He expressed his desire to stay put, however. This morning, Sariel was in a better mood, something she put down to Rin’s persistence. The angel opted to wear a thin, baggy shirt that had been provided to him instead of his thick uniform.
“I could go without a top, but I think you’d be blinded,” Sariel teased, flexing his muscles.
“By your pale skin or by your chest?” Sakura replied, letting out a snort. The angel laughed.
Skies of Fyir Box Set Page 62