Empire of Blood Page 2

  This was the third round that the two have played that same day, with Selena winning every game. However, Rahim was not giving up; it was going to be different this time.

  He slowly put his bishop down on the square that would take Selena’s king. “Check.” He wore a smug look.

  Selena stretched, feeling more relaxed. She slowly grabbed her queen, ticking off all the ways she could win in the best way possible. Just as she was about to make her move, Rahim shouted, “Look over there!”

  Selena gave a huff. She had a feeling that he would try to manipulate their game. “Why?”

  “Just because. Look over there!”

  “Rahim, if I do, then you’re either going to switch the pieces, or you’re going to flip the board over and blame Thor for it when he’s not even here.”

  “No, I won’t. I promise that I won’t. Now just look over there!” Rahim pointed above her head. Selena sighed and looked in the direction he mentioned. Rahim then grabbed the chess board set and tossed it over. The pieces flew across the ground. Selena groaned and dropped her queen. “Oh no, look at what Thor did! He must have knocked it over with his tail! Oh well.” Rahim casually stood up and dusted off his wrinkled amber shirt and black pants.

  “Thor isn’t even here.” Selena repeated, although it was her fault for letting Rahim distract her.

  “Oh really?” Rahim looked up at the sky to think of another excuse. “Well, then it must have been an earthquake. It must have been a huge one!”

  “You don’t take losing very well.”

  “Not true! I let you win the first two games!”

  “Admit it.” She nudged his shoulder.

  “Bleh!” Rahim made a disgusted face and the two picked up their mess.

  The last fortnight was spent in peace since the battle with the Lich ended. Although she and Thor were on leave to recover, the Council hadn’t called them back to report for duty. She did her best to take that as time that she and Thor needed to relax and spend together.

  “What are your plans for the evening?” Selena asked.

  Rahim shrugged. “Dunno. I’m thinking of meeting with Niamh, and maybe Maria.” His face flushed when he mentioned Niamh’s name. Selena knew that he liked her, but Rahim never admitted it.

  They had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance with Niamh Wood shortly after arriving to Alfheim. At the time, Myrrdin, or the Lich, was the one who introduced her to Selena. Maria, on the other hand, was someone that Rahim wanted to avoid at all costs. He believed her to be a vampire, although Selena knew she wasn’t. In all actuality, Maria was the last living descendant of Varathka Gundisalvus. She helped Selena and Thor find Ragnarok by giving them some of the madman’s texts that were left behind. Since Captain Bel vanished, both Niamh and Maria have been helping the Oracles instead. Usually, it was to find ingredients for their potions.

  “If they’re not busy today, that is.” Rahim sighed.

  “Have you told Niamh how you felt yet?”

  Rahim shook his head. “No, but I know that I should. It’s just…” he stopped.

  “Did something happen?” Selena asked in concern.

  “Er… it’s been a little awkward since she found out you were a girl. She used to like you, remember? Honestly, that still stings.” Rahim sadly looked down at his feet to hide his embarrassment.

  Selena nodded. She understood how he felt. Before the battle, Niamh admitted to having feelings for her and even kissed her. It wasn’t until the Lich attacked the city that Selena told her the truth. As she expected, it was quite the shock for Niamh.

  “I’m really sorry for that.” Selena’s voice was quiet, but Rahim held up his hand.

  “No, it’s fine. Really! I’m not mad at you for that. It would be wrong for me to be. I just wish that she would give me a chance.” Rahim avoided making eye contact.

  “Be a little more confident and assertive in wanting to take her out to do a fun activity. Maybe something like dancing, or playing a game.” Selena smiled. “Give it some time and I bet you all the gold that I have that Niamh will come around.”

  “Okay, I’ll try!” Rahim exclaimed and smiled back. “I should get going. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

  The two waved each other farewell before Rahim disappeared down the street.

  Did you beat him again? She heard Thor say in the back of her mind. The two shared a telepathic link. Often times, they would have conversations throughout the day, even while they were far apart.

  Yes but he knew I was about to win again, so he messed up the game and blamed it on you.

  Of course he did. It’s because he knows you’re much better. How have you been feeling?

  A little uneasy. She walked back to the bunker with the game’s box. Her steps grew heavy. How about you?

  Same here. I hope that everything is fine within the Council. Even all the dragons here at the docks haven’t been given any orders since the battle. We’re a little anxious.

  Aye. The soldiers at the barracks are in the same state. We’re still ordered to be back by a certain time but our days are filled with boredom.

  Are you able to stop by tonight? I want us to fly together again. I’m getting tired of being told what I can and can’t do. The Council have been treating their dragons like tools.

  Selena inched closer to the game room. Without realizing it, she looked around her in suspicion as if she were being watched.

  I’ve noticed it too. Remember all of those books we’ve read together? The dragons from history used to be treated highly and even thought of as like gods because of your tremendous power.

  I wonder what changed. I can only sense corruption.

  I agree. To answer your earlier question, I want to fly with you tonight as well.

  I will wait for you, but please don’t keep me waiting too long.

  She returned the game and made her way back to the barracks. The large training grounds sat in the middle while the buildings surrounded the perimeter. The barracks were on the top floors while the bottom contained a cafeteria where they ate, a couple of rooms for recreational use, and their own post office. Selena had meant to write a letter to Chaliss just to re-establish contact with her. Since she and Thor got to Alfheim, their days were always busy and she knew that they were kept under watch by the Council. Selena had started hundreds of letters, but never sent them.

  It was an hour before noon, just about time for her to grab lunch before heading back to her room. She hoped that Azrael was not there.

  She sat down at one of the vacant tables near the entrance after receiving her tray with salted pork, boiled potatoes with steamed rice, crackers, and a canteen filled with water. Her diet was a bit monotonous at times, but the foods grew to her taste buds.

  She grabbed her spoon and dipped it into her meal. The rice was soft, delicate, and plump.

  Some of the others followed her example. Not too long after she got her meal, a huge line of soldiers appeared, and the rest of the tables started to fill up.

  A few of the recruits were pushing each other around and started to fight, but the guards inside quickly went over to dispute it.

  Everyone is on edge.

  It took him a while to reply, but she could tell that he was in the middle of eating as well.

  Please be careful and keep to yourself. I don’t want to tear off any heads if I don’t have to. He chuckled a little.

  Don’t worry. If anything, I wanted to go shopping since the Council paid us a hefty sum after the battle.

  Oh? This caught his attention. I believe I remember you telling me that before. That’s very generous!

  Yes, they definitely paid us your weight in gold, Selena teased.

  Is that a bad thing?

  Not at all. I promised you before that I would get something for you.

  Yes, please. I want to fly around and show off my treasures.

  Selena smiled and made her way to the Market District. She had heard of some places that specifically sold equipment
and accessories for dragons and their handlers.

  A variety of different shops lined the streets: jewelry and antique stalls, stores selling weapon and armor goods, all showcasing an array of their finest wares. Civilians flocked to them like a moth to a lamp. Bell chimes sparkled through Selena’s ears as the people ambled in and out. She saw how entranced they were by the merchandise. The sweet sound of crinkling coin was like music.

  In the distance, she heard the train’s whistle before it departed Alfheim. Since the battle, the train hadn’t made its run nearly as often, as business had returned to normal and the call for war supplies ended.

  She walked into a shop called, ‘Dragonfire and Steel.’ It looked like a warehouse, and it was run by the dwarves. Rows upon rows were chocked full with a vast display of boxed goods. Mannequins lined the front and were dressed in armor and uniforms that the soldiers wore. A forge and a giant smelter sat in the very back.

  The shop keeper, who wore a blacksmith apron, approached her.

  “Welcome to me store!” he greeted. “Just call me Gronbol! See anythin’ ya like?”

  “Thanks. Do you have any jewelry for dragons?” Selena asked.

  “Aye, in the back. I’ll show ya!”

  He beckoned her to follow him to the jewelry displays. Many were silver and gold neck pieces with exquisite jewels. Others were mounted in display racks and on stainless silver shelves. Selena saw some that were made to go over a dragon’s horn, while others were made to wrap around their tails. Gronbol pointed out some bracelets as well; all the while, Selena relayed the information to Thor to see what he would prefer.

  I wish I can have all the jewelry. I want something that I can wear all the time. As much as I would like a necklace, you would have to remove it so I can wear my saddle.

  I agree. I think you’ll look good with the bracelets.

  Yes. I want those. In gold, with diamonds!

  I pray that I’ll have enough. I’ll go broke at this rate!

  She reiterated Thor’s request to Gronbol. He scratched his beard and pulled out a pair from the bottom shelf. The gold gleamed in the light. Large, sparkling diamonds were fitted in such an arrangement where the gems were set apart by a few centimeters.

  “These go over their front wrists,” he explained. “I’ll send one of me assistants to go with ya to make sure they fit yer dragon. I’ll size ‘em up for ya if they don’t fit.”

  The bracelets priced a little less than what the Council gave her. As promised, one of Gronbol’s assistants followed her outside to meet with Thor. She watched her dragon dart across the sky.

  Thor was already the size of a large house, with his wings several times the length of his entire body. Whenever he flew, they engulfed the heavens. The horns that grew along his head were large and sharp. They curved inward towards the top like a crown. His face was covered in a smooth bone-mask that caressed the top of his head towards his nostrils. The tear-drop shaped scales were like rubies that glistened from the coat of oil that she applied to his hide yesterday.

  He landed gracefully while still maintaining his posture. Selena knew that he was proud of his beauty from the way he carried himself. Thor’s head snaked down to hers.

  I can’t wait to try them on! Selena smiled and patted his nose while the dwarf brought over the bracelets. Thor moved his talons closer. They watched as the dwarf adjusted the piece; it snapped open. He clasped it over Thor’s wrist and moved it around a little to make sure it didn’t hit the dragon’s knuckles. That fits nicely. Selena repeated his words, and the second bracelet was put on the other leg as well.

  “Thanks for yer business!” the dwarf assistance said with a bow and darted back inside the shop.

  That’s great that they fit you. I don’t have much left after that, but I could save it for you for later. Maybe I can try to get some jewels or something.

  Thor nuzzled her arm and moved his legs around. His eyes sparkled in delight.

  Thank you! I love them so much!

  She smiled, but they were interrupted when she saw Neith Anahita stride in with a roll of parchment in her hands. Neith was the Empress’ adviser who would occasionally deliver messages and letters to Selena directly from her majesty.

  “Greetings to you, Liongod,” she said with a bow, “I was ordered to give you this.”

  Selena eagerly snatched the parcel; orders from the Council at last! As she unfolded and read it, she flipped it around to see if there was more. Her eyes scanned over it once again to her disbelief.

  “They want to meet me and Thor in about an hour but they don’t say why.” She tried to convince herself that this couldn’t be it. There had to be more. No matter how many times she looked it over, the message stayed the same.

  Neith quickly addressed: “Her ladyship will be waiting for you. She agreed to escort you to the Council’s headquarters.”

  Selena shoved the parcel into her pockets and tripped over herself as she stood up. Ever since she found out that she was the daughter of the Empress, Selena wasn’t given a chance to talk to her mother.

  “You and Thor will need to please report to the Fire Temple at once. Vidar does not like to be kept waiting.”

  Neith turned around and strutted off in the direction she came from.

  Her fingers fumbled as she patted down her hair and re-adjusted her robes to look more presentable to the Council.

  We can fly over there together. Honestly, I’m getting tired of walking around the city.

  I was about to say, why would we walk when we can fly? They didn’t say anything else other than wanting to see us? He asked as he helped her onto his saddle.

  Yes. They didn’t even say why. Even Neith looked worried. I think she knows something.

  At least I get to show off my new jewelry. Look how they shine!

  I’m so glad to see you happy. I promised you that I would get you something nice, didn’t I?

  Yes, you did. I bet the other dragons will be jealous.

  Selena grabbed the reins and adjusted the way she sat down to get comfortable. She looked forward to finally getting orders from the Council, but she was nervous, just like when they called her and Thor in before to discuss war preparations.

  Thor shared her angst.

  Are you going to ask your mother about this?

  I will try, but more than likely she will avoid the subject altogether.

  Thor’s back leg muscles tightened. He unfolded his wings and thrust forward, launching into the sky.

  The takeoff was always the best part whenever they flew. That rush of excitement all at once always took Selena’s breath away.

  I don’t think you ever told her that you knew.

  No, but I think she already does know. I feel like she’s been avoiding me more since, as to not arouse suspicion from the Council.

  I can understand that. You’re still considered dead by the Council. For all they knew, the experiment failed.

  Her stomach tightened into a knot.

  I don’t care. I want to hear it directly from her. At least I got to speak with my father.

  I’m sure she has her reasons. Personally, I wouldn’t hold it against her. I’m sure she loves and cares about you.

  She has an odd way of showing it.

  She knew Thor was trying to help her feel better, but this time, it wasn’t working.

  *****

  Chapter 2

  Vidar Helios paced about his office. It was on the top floor of the Council headquarters. His mahogany desk was nicely arranged with books and pieces of parchment with messages from the members of the Council, including one that scheduled for a very important meeting with one of their dragon riders.

  He walked over to his large window and watched the Alfheim townsfolk down below like a hawk. His eyes darted from one person to the next. He didn’t flinch when he heard a voice coming from behind him.

  “Grandfather.”

  Vidar turned sharply on his heels to see General Araneus and said in a sharp tone:
“Ah, what implacable timing, as always.”

  It had been a while since the two spoke. Araneus was the youngest General in history, aged twenty-three years. His dragon was a rare species called Aracania Draconis, hence she was dubbed Aracania. Her breed was often mistaken for a younger dragon due to its relatively small stature compared to others. Aracania was important to the Force, due to her rare ability of using venom in battle.

  “I heard that you needed to meet with one of my soldiers, so I came to see you after Aracania and I finished training with some of the new recruits.”

  “I see. No, no my dear boy. You’re not finished for today. In fact, I have a new task for you.”Araneus’ shoulders slouched forward a bit, but he did his best to keep himself upright. Vidar turned to look back out of his window, his eyes darting all around once again. “I need you to do something for me. You must understand that I would have a very good reason for asking this of you”

  “What are you talking about? Which soldier are you planning on meeting?”

  “Do I really need to answer that? No matter. I am expecting Liongod.”

  “May I ask why?” Araneus took a quick step forward. “I was about to issue his first orders myself.”

  “I’m afraid that your orders will have to wait. I want him arrested and put in prison immediately.”

  “What! Are you insane? What has he done?”

  “We received disturbing reports of his new, unstable power. Not only that…” Vidar reached into his desk to pull out a leather journal and waved it in front of the General’s face, “but we have proof that Liongod isn’t who he claims to be, thanks to Captain Ashur Bel.”

  “I’m not following you.”

  “Read it.”

  Araneus glared at Vidar for another moment before grabbing the journal. He slowly opened the first page, but began quickly shuffling through as he continued.

  After he finished, Araneus tossed it on Vidar’s desk and looked away. “Where did you get this?”

  Vidar squinted at him. “That wasn’t the first question I would have expected you to ask. Aren’t you disgusted with the fact that one of your soldiers is actually a young woman? Not only that, but she is the result of illegal magic!”