“Evening lessons don’t end until about 8…” Ren noticed.
“2 hours without Crow Face.”
“Crow Face, how original! Too bad Bain didn’t caw like one.”
I chuckled at the thought of Bain cawing and flapping his imaginary wings.
I was massaging my arms gently to ease the pain. My stomach still felt like a ton of bricks had been dropped on, but the pain was slowly fading away.
“That crow’s feathers are steel I swear. His punches are like steel blocks flying at 100miles an hour.”
“You should have let me fight me. That nasty, wicked crow would start squealing when I bite his fat pudgy finger.”
I laughed so hard at that boast it made my stomach hurt even more.
“You’re ridiculous!” I burst out laughing again.
Ren shook his tail, angered.
We got into yet another useless fight about who would do better against Crow Face. After a while, we finally stopped.
“Have you ever been on an adventure, Aria?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Never had a reason to…”
“So you don’t know much about the world, right?”
“Well yeah…we had no reason to know about the world. I come from a village, remember? I only know I’m in the East.”
“That’s a start.”
“I came from the North, full of snow and hail.”
“I have never seen snow.”
“I had never seen a real green field of grass until I came to find you.” Ren twitched his fluffy ear. I stroked his smooth fur.
“The North is guarded by a Snow Unicorn. One of the guardian spirits in the world. I have never seen him before but my parents said he looked majestic. They said he was as white as snow, with hooves a shining silver. His tail was long and each strand looked like an angel’s hair. His horn was gold and had swirls of rainbow when light shone on him.”
Ren’s description was so vivid I could picture the elegant creature, trotting through the thick snow.
“When there is a full moon, they say that his magic would make snow glitter in a myriad of colours.”
I sighed. So much of the world I didn’t know yet.
I would have loved to go on an adventure, if not for the fact that I had almost lost my precious life-extending soul to a psychotic maniac named Faris and got bitten by a venomous snake. I should probably add that I got strangled by the same snake.
Oh, did I mention? I almost lost my life. Such a splendid life that a fourteen year old girl leads.
My sarcastic voice hadn’t left my dull brain, it appeared.
“There…is nothing much in the East. Well, not that it matters.” My brain drew a blank when I struggled to find something to say about my world.
“You just don’t appreciate the beauty of your own world. When you get forced to leave it, then maybe your straw-filled brain can start feeling something to the grassy la-la land you lived in.”
Ren’s hard voice shocked me slightly. I kept silent, wondering why he was upset.
“Uh…Okay?”
“Insensitive brat.” Ren muttered to himself.
Me? Insensitive? Wellllllll maybe.
There was a silence when we were going back to our room.
“Something saved me when Faris and his crazy serpent attacked. You won’t believe me, but I swear it was a dragon.”
“Always full of your dreams, aren’t you?” His thin whisker trembled the slightest, which was unusual. I dismissed it without a second thought.
He was probably just tired like me. I re-read the piece of parchment again, trying to find my way around this maze. It got easier once I knew the locations of the two spiral staircases.
I opened my room. There was a soft cotton bed and a shaky wooden table. Without hesitation, I jumped on the bed and slept.
Tomorrow came before I even knew it. It was the first day at the academy. As expected, my muscles were aching and protesting against my movements. As expected, there was a large bruise on my abdomen. I was already howling in pain when I tried to get up from the bed.
Janice seemed to know I would have such a problem. She suggested that I eat some sort of bark to ease the pain.
“It’s white willow bark. It can relieve pain. Chew the bark and wait.”
She handed me a small box filled with small pieces of bark. I gratefully accepted it and thanked her. I immediately popped one into my mouth and chewed. It was unpleasant as I had never eaten bark before but I slowly got used to the taste.
“I got it from the travelling caravans. They travel from place to place in the country. They usually come to the East in about July, a few weeks from now. When they arrive, the academy lets us have a week off to go shopping!” She smiled brightly. Shopping must be a joy to her. After all, there are little joys in an academy where you learn fighting and how to kill somebody.
I couldn’t help but to smile back at her.
“Shopping means one thing, FOOD!” Ren happily bounced on my shoulder.
“There are other herbs that can help with pain. I have a set of notes that I made about such herbs. I used to be a healer back at my village. I would be in charge of brewing tonics and finding the herbs and plant. My familiar was a Sunflower Dog. She had the most beautiful fur, golden and so I named her Honey. She was always shining in the sun, so radiant and happy.” Janice’s smile dropped when she remembered that her familiar wasn’t here.
I opened my mouth, wanting to comfort her, but finding no words.
“You have to be careful today. Bain isn’t happy. The rest of them won’t let you off either. Once Bain isn’t around, they will sink their teeth into you.”
“How long will this…initiation last?” I said ‘initiation’ like it was poison.
“Well…until they find out your rank and how strong you really are.”
I could already feel the pain easing in my sore muscles. I knew if I stretched my muscles more, the pain would lessen.
I dressed myself in the familiar tunic and breeches and a pair of boots. I would probably have to get a new pair of boots soon because mine was already wearing out.
Ren was abnormally quiet. Perhaps he was just tired and didn’t feel like moving.
“I’m tired…” Ren yawned and buried his face into my neck to sleep some more.
Janice and I joined everyone else for a morning jog. It was common to jog every morning to ensure fitness and to train stamina.
“Get up lazy fluff. Time for exercise.” I poked Ren.
Ren growled and reluctantly dropped to the ground. He joined the rest of the familiars in jogging.
My muscles were protesting but I pulled through at an average pace. The same blond guy with striking blue eyes I met before entering the dining hall yesterday was smirking at me.
“What? You get satisfaction from laughing at a girl running?”
“You call that running? That’s the equivalent of a snail sliding.”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring him.
“What’s your name?” He asked quite politely.
If he hadn’t just implied I was a snail, I might have told him nicely. Nevertheless, I decided to tell him after looking into his sincere sapphire eyes.
“Aria. Aria Lyore.”
“I’m Raphael. You really stood up to Bain yesterday. Respect to you, my dear.” He fake saluted me.
“Pshhh just a normal bully that picks on the weak.”
“Bain isn’t a normal bully. He broke bones and drew blood before. I personally had to endure three weeks of resting in bed because he broke my leg.” Raphael cringed at the thought.
“Why did he do that?”
“I humiliated him in a duel, so he and his gang ambushed me after lesson and he broke my leg. Don’t mess with him. You only barely escaped him yesterday. He won’t let you off today either.”
“Sigh.” Knowing Bain would do such a thing frightened me somewhat.
“Well, if you observe his movements more carefully, you can predict his moves.”
“How…?”
“He’s coming. Careful, Aria.” Raphael voice dropped. He lagged behind, slowing his pace.
Here we go. Take a deep breath, Aria and face him. I firmly told myself.
Bain’s footsteps sent shockwaves through the ground, forming an invisible barrier around him. I stopped running.
I tried hard to relax my shoulder muscles but after all the pain he caused, tension still rose through my body. It was hard to forget that just yesterday, he delivered a nausea-inducing steel brick to my stomach.
“Aria, watch out!” Ren’s alarmed voice echoed in my head. He sent a mental picture of Bain sending a punch to my back.
I swiftly darted to the side to dodge his well-aimed blows. Adrenaline pulsated in my blood vessels and I felt a strong wind when he punched.
Bain’s black eyes narrowed and he gave me an intimidating glare. It made me want to instantly shrink, hide in a dark corner and cower in fear. He’s really a crow.
“Do you realise how many bones you have left in your body for me to break?” His tone was hard and solid. He emphasized the word ‘break’ very strongly. I remembered what Raphael said to me about him breaking bones.
“There are 206 bones in the human body.” Ren informed me timely.
“206, actually.” I met his gaze, trying hard not to let my eyes go back to the ground.
Bain blinked. Clearly not the answer he was expecting.
“I wasn’t asking a literal question.” He growled.
“Oh, silly me.”
Ren climbed to my shoulder and nudged me very encouragingly.
“You should really back down before one of your fragile bones get split into half.”
“I dare you.” I bravely said. I would have laughed at the boast. Mr. Crow Face was almost twice the size of me, has reflexes the speed of an eagle, power of a tiger and a dangerous aura.
“You can outsmart him, Aria.” Ren swished his tail.
Bain raised an eyebrow, threateningly. Tension rose in the thick air as he moved closer to me. His shadow loomed over me like a predator, reminding me of Faris. His black eyes scanned over me, trying to detect something. It was hard to maintain my gaze when his eyes were so piercing and intimidating.
My heart was pounding quite fast and I forced myself to keep my ground. My feet were literally paralysed to the ground as he scrutinized me from tip to toe.
His face was a mere centimeter away from mine and I could feel his warm breath against my face. I could see every strand of his black hair and even the reflection of myself in his liquid black eyes. Confusion rose in his eyes, only a flicker. It was immediately squashed flat by his predator eyes.
Ren was very still on my shoulder, keeping very silent. It was as though Bain’s presence silenced him.
I could feel the blood coursing through my whole body. I could even hear my heart beating ever so rapidly. Fear was the last feeling I wanted to have with Bain. Nevertheless, it infiltrated my system like poison, spreading through my body. My hands were getting clammy and cold.
My throat felt stuck and clammed up. My muscles wanted to pull back from the closeness but my willpower was stronger.
I suddenly realized I had stopped breathing and took in fresh air through my nose.
Bain was standing very still, like a statue. His eyes were calculative, planning. I knew he would strike anytime soon, without warning.
I swallowed, trying to find the key to unlock my throat. The moment I showed weakness, he would go for the kill.
“Oh, but you won’t do it. You won’t risk your chances at getting demoted right?” It was hard not to stutter under his powerful gaze.
“What are you talking about? Nobody here will double-cross me.” He smirked, the corners of his lips lifting. He was projecting a very confident image. I wasn’t fooled. Doubt flashed through his eyes and I took advantage of that. My brain’s gears started working and I planned out what to say.
“Are you really sure? Everyone is here for morning exercise. Everyone is looking at us. It is highly unlikely you will be able to find out who betrayed you. They will take the chance to demote your rank and you know it.” I said every word clearly, knowing he would not be able to counter that.
He maintained a straight face throughout, with no changes in his expression. He merely kept glaring at me.
Without any warning, a fist came slamming into my face. I shut my eyes, bracing myself for the pain. Concentrating so hard on not reacting, it took be a while to realise there was no pain. I only felt the breeze that hit my face because of his punch.
Unable to control myself, the corners of my lips curved up to form a wry smile. I wanted to salute myself. Silent victory, 1-0.
I took this chance to tease him, knowing it would anger him.
“Our poor little Bain can’t afford to get demoted? Aww. Don’t go crying to mommy because a girl just outsmarted you.” My blue eyes met into his dark eyes confidently.
He didn’t react to it. He turned, stealthily like a cat.
“You will pay.” He turned, giving a glare and hissed in a way that sent shivers down my spine. A vivid image of Serpenta struck in my mind.
He left and the vice-like grip rooting me to the ground eased. My shoulders relaxed and my breathing returned to its natural pace. My heart was still beating ever so rapidly from the encounter. I could still feel blood pounding at my ears. Nervousness ebbed away slowly and quietly.
A slight trot on my shoulder reminded me of Ren’s presence.
“Good job, Aria!” He gleefully bounced on my shoulder. I giggled and hugged him.
“No way! You escaped Bain!!” Raphael ran towards me. His face showed disbelief. I took a glance around at my surroundings, at everyone else. They were all nodding their heads in approval. Nobody had ever done that before. Nobody had ever beaten Bain.
It was like removing a tiger from catching its prey. Or removing Ren from food. I smiled to myself at that joke.
Raphael’s blond hair was dripping with sweat and he smiled at me warmly. Pride and happiness found a way to flower within me. I felt accepted and victorious.
The bell rang, signaling it was time for the next period.
“Time for breakfast, I guess. Race you.” Raphael grinned and bolted for the dining hall.
“HEY! I wasn’t ready!!” I growled when he turned and stuck out his tongue. I sped after him in a hurry.
“Good start for the first day, don’t you think? That nasty crow was speechless!” Ren chuckled lightly.
“I just hope I don’t embarrass myself at the weapon training lesson.”
“Was that a rhetorical statement?”
“Oh shut up.” I rolled my eyes.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Impossible! How could she have escaped?!” Faris slammed his fist against the wooden table in rage. His extra-strength caused the table to split and crumble to the ground. Frustrated, he roared and kicked the broken piece of the table.
His black coat fluttered in the wind as he paced up and down his room. He stroked the black jeweled ring on his finger. His hands tightened to form a fist. He was furious that he did not get to even lick her precious soul. He did not get anything.
So close!! He had felt her soul, her delicious soul waiting to burst out and be eaten. How was it possible she escaped!! He had remembered the scene very clearly.
“Your heart is like on steroids. Wouldn’t take long for the poison to spread. Still, your death wouldn’t be pleasant.” He had said.
Aria was slowly weakening and losing strength. Her eyes were already half-closing. She was trying so hard to pull Serpenta off, which only made her tighten the grip on her neck, closing off her airway.
He saw her gave a feeble pull on Serpenta’s slippery skin and became motionless. Faris was smiling. He could already taste her soul, like gourmet food. Serpenta excited hissed and stuck out her forked tongue, wanting to taste her soul.
He stepped closer to her, realizing she was barely conscious. No matter, Serpenta’s poison would finish off the work quickly. Faris knew Aria’s soul was extremely rare and precious. That just made Faris more eager to take her soul and absorb the goodness of it.
Serpenta uncoiled and slithered with grace towards him. Faris stroked Serpenta, praising her for a job well done.
A loud roar caused all the leaves in the trees around to rustle. A roar that even sent shivers down Faris’ spine. And Faris had never been frightened in his whole life before. A roar filled with rage, reverberating through the whole forest. A snarl folled suit.
It can’t be. Faris’ eyes widened in astonishment. That was a dragon’s roar. There was no mistake. The tone, the loudness, the pitch. It was a dragon.
A large hind leg landed on the ground, muscles rippling with power. It was white, with the talons the colour of electric blue. The sheer force of leg meeting the ground caused the earth to tremor in a rough way. It showed the displeasure of the mighty monster. It was like one of the earth’s mighty disasters. It was said that a dragon was like all of nature’s mega disasters combined. Faris had incurred the wrath of one full-grown one. Even he knew what the end-results of a head-to-head battle would be.
Another roar followed. It was raw power. The other hind leg dropped to the earth, sending massive shakes through the ground. Faris could feel the shakes in the earth. He could even hear the earth cracking and splitting under the force of the stomp. He heard the sound of broken rock colliding with the ground after being sent high up in the air by the dragon. He looked up, trying to see the head of the creature. Even with his enhanced vision, he was unable to make out the dragon’s features.
The dragon’s leathery wings folded to its muscular body in a smooth, fluid motion. The tips of the wings were like claws, with the thin film of skin stretched between the bones. The mere movement of folding the wings made strong gusts that shook trees.
Faris didn’t bother picking a fight with the gigantic monster.
“Serpenta!” He called out. He tried to keep his voice steady but weakness penetrated through it. He was scared, frightened for the first time in centuries. The unknown feeling of fear was getting known to him. It was unstoppable, flooding his system without warning.
He felt his strong legs, turning weak for the first time. He felt sweat pour out from the pores of his skin, coating his body like acid, burning his skin. Faris hated that feeling. He felt his heart unfreeze from its ice cage, accelerating and pumping hard against his ribs. His hands were shaking, trembling in uncontrollable fear.
Faris’ face scrunched up in discomfort as he remembered that feeling. Fear, like a potent poison, had clouded his sharp senses and impaired his movements.
Faris realized that the dragon was not interested in picking a fight. It just wanted to chase him away. It was more interested in protecting Aria than finding pleasure in taking revenge against him. He had escaped the monster very easily, blending quickly and skillfully into the trees.
He dug deep into his memories again, trying to think of how the dragon looked like. There was no way to identify a dragon’s type without knowing what special features it had. The colour of the scales and talons hardly helped. There were at least ten different dragons with the same scale colour and talon colour.
Serpenta lay tirelessly on the ground. She was used to Faris’ tantrums but was wary of the flying pieces of furniture that was hurled at her. She flicked out her forked tongue and tasted the air. She could almost taste Faris’ rage and ferocity. Her master’s eyes were blood red, fueled by his anger.
Serpenta focused her mind back to her master when she noticed his body relaxing and his breathing slowing down. Her reptile eyes were in slits and they focused on her beloved master.
“A dragon saved her! There is no doubt.” He growled gutturally.
“She has powerful allies, master. She will be a hard one.” Serpenta commented.
“And I thought I could have free dessert. The last one didn’t put up a fight.”
Frustrated, he growled and kicked the fallen table piece again. The wood smashed on impact, sending small wood pieces all over the room.
He was aware of the pain at his fists and feet. He was simply savouring it, enjoying the sharp pains digging deep into his flesh. Pain was like the air that he breathed. He needed pain to fuel himself.
Serpenta didn’t react when he took out his sharp dagger. He rolled up the sleeve of his well-made coat and slashed across his arm without hesitance. Dark red blood splattered all over the room and spurted out freely from the open wound.
He simply shut his eyes, taking in the new pain with ease.
To others, the pain was unbearable, like fire against skin.
It soothed the fiery hunger raging in his body. It was like the cooling balm that was just slattered over raw sunburns. It was healing him. Rage melted away, replacing its chaotic existence with peace.
His mind, previously in a turmoil, was now at peace.
He stood there, unmoving, feeling the pain to the very deepest. He felt each wave of pain, the sharp pricks and needles that jabbed unforgivingly into his open flesh. Warm blood gushed out, warming his ice-cold arm. It dripped to the floor and was absorbed into the wooden planks that were nailed to the ground.
Pain was the only escape out from all the suffering and hunger. He needed it. Faris opened his eyes after the pain faded away.
He stared deeply into the black jewelled ring. His eyes were fixated on the dark gem, void of anything but darkness. Beneath the glass casing of the gem, the fluid-like contents swirled. It was mostly black, with slight swirls of dark red mixed with the thick fluid. It was like some mystical shining metallic liquid. It was undoubtedly alluring and strangely attractive. It held power that even Faris could not comprehend. Faris would catch himself lost in the swirls of the dark fluid. Drunk with its power.
His red eyes were reflected on the glass. Within the blackness, a silvery swirl appeared, slowly swirling and mixing with the other colours. It was like encouragement to Faris. It was the gem’s way of reassuring him, throwing a blanket over a frightened child.
“Serpenta.” He called, his voice returning back to its rich, deep and authoritative tone.
“Yes, master.” The large serpent eagerly slithered to him, settling in a coil beside him. Faris’ hand immediately settled on the scaly head of the serpent, stroking it.
Faris’ red eyes flashed and he let out a cold, menacing laugh. He lifted his hand from Serpenta and admired the black jeweled ring on his finger. He used his other hand to gently caress the dark gem, as softly as how a mother touched her newborn child.
The familiar malicious smile rose to his ghost-like lips. Aria's days were numbered.
“We have much work to do.”
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chilly? :X Please tell me what you think of the chapter and the story so far! (: I would really appreciate that.
Thank you for all the comments and votes :D