Return of Ikrah: Legend of the Ageless, #3

Prologue

Exiled for ten years at the Decree of the Emperor, Ikrah existed as a forgotten memory until a man of mystery fell from grace landing at her feet. Through the eyes of a stranger, she met her heart and terms of endearment only to be pulled back into the land that rejected her origin....

Olstare awaited the Dragon Apparent. Her return would subdue the Astra into relinquishing their Oracles. But the world was more deadly in politics than it was in war or sin. The price on her head had followed her all her life up to the moment of her befallen battle at the River Tear off the edge of Zandria....

Little Phoenix bounded up onto the cloister of the Sky Tower to see better what was coming. His heart flew inside his chest as he recognized who was coming their way disguised as that star. That army was running away from her in a race to reach Tare. He had to try, even if they had been apart for so long. 

"Ikrah, he called out through telepathy, reaching out to her with his mind. A wall of iron slammed straight up against him. He forced through it with Fire burning a hole in the center melting it like a forge overpowering metal. Ikrah, it's me."

 "Crown Prince!" she retorted.

 "You're coming to Tare. I will meet you halfway so we can trap them."

Pause. "Help me cut them off at the River Tear."

He donned his magical armor, slipping on golden flames as he rode Chimera out there. Phoenix was not far behind him shrieking battle cries in the night that was close to breaking into dawn. They met at the canyon range where the tundra broke in rifts like wide lesions in the earth. Phoenix fire drew a wall in the ground to keep them from coming further into Zandria. He could see the enemy in droves and they brought blood bats to curse his land. Her lightning was not enough to catch them all. He roared with his Soul Spirit giving off fire to add to the wall to intensify lighting up the earth all the way to heaven.

Behind Ikrah in the near distance was the sound of a stampede rolling like thunder toward her. The cavalry was a surprising twenty thousand horse-riding Knights of Tarenne strong coming out of Obendell's back path to wedge Astra into a deathtrap. Falshire's Imperial Army was beside them with the Dragon leading the way having defeated Astra where the battle started. The only thing in their way was the River Tear, which was the canyon filled with her tears from some years ago. She flew there turning up a tornado to draw the water up into heaven. Hail was created spinning in the swirl of her sudden storm. She drilled it into the river, turning it into a frozen land bridge, allowing the Knights to cross without breaking momentum.

That was when she was vulnerable as she stilled to maintain that bridge. The Dragon tried to reach her lending its breath of frost into the river to widen the bridge, but it was a hair's breadth short in stopping what was to happen to her in the same moment. Astra's dozen sacred druids pooled their power together summoning blood bats her way slamming into her like a bombardment of blackness covering over her light. She was sealed off from the rest of the battle.

Little Phoenix felt her panic in claustrophobia, her one weakness. He changed direction gliding over the battlement seeing the last of the Knights of Tarenne crossing the bridge that was breaking into melting ice chunks as the river was flowing back through. Even the Dragon was confused as to what was going on, having lost sight of her in that mass of darkness. But it searched for the Astra druids scanning the landscape. Something was wrong. They were shielded from the creature's eyes. He, on the other hand, followed what sense of her he had left, though it was waning as she was fighting the power that was consuming her will. There. He dived straight in that one direction roaring in that inhuman voice as Chimera blew water into the darkness that turned out to be bodies of giant black bats. They fought back by bursting into blood splattering explosions to blind him, causing him to withdraw. He drew a shield of fire and water to prevent any of it spilling on him. That was when he drew from the river to slam a tidal wave into them, freeing Ikrah from their grasp. She was on her knees, staggering to stand up on her feet. He was diving for her again only to be denied with the Dragon swooping in grabbing her body in its front limbs. Appalled for a moment, he recovered to give chase.

Out of nowhere, Thoran appeared in the air and disappeared and reappeared again grabbing hold of her in one arm while gripping on the Dragon's wrist with the other. Garbed in only his deep blue robes with silver stripes to the train, he was a sight for sore eyes. He was not strong enough to free her from the creature, but he reminded her what was important.

Thoran! she cried.

Ikrah, he called back amid lapping winds taking his breath away. He searched for a way to fight the Dragon only to stir its wrath into blowing frost vapors at him.

No! She drew a shield over him to ward off the Dragon's frost-biting breath. Thoran! she called desperately, trapped as she was. She had been weakened and couldn't summon lightning at the moment. Teach Ocelyn everything about me. Don't forget me!

That was when she pushed the shield forcing him to let go. He was thrown into the Road to Summons to return to Exodus. In that fleeting moment, before he was there, he saw her transform into the half-Dragon that she was writhing to be free fighting the creature with the last of her strength left. And then, he was gone, safely tucked away in Exodus without another chance to come back to the battlement. In the sky, the two Dragons were joined by Phoenix and Chimera with the rider fighting in a frenzy that made a storm of hail, fire, and hard rain. The battle below waned into a sea of defeated Astra fighters that dropped their weapons in surrender. The people stared into the dawn as the heavenly creatures fought each other in circles.

Phoenix had grown in size to match the Dragon, snapping at it every which way and spitting fire in between. The half-Dragon, a wingless serpentine version of the original, dove and ducked to escape. Chimera at Little Phoenix's command was unwilling to let her go either. He blocked her at every turn. They were in a stalemate situation that repeated itself over and over. And then, the Dragon locked claws with Phoenix in a vicious fiery and wind-driven ripping fight. Chimera pounced onto the back of the Dragon clawing into its body. Little Phoenix held onto his Soul Spirit with a dispassionate expression as he was consumed by the fight. The half-Dragon circled them in a panic, roaring to be heard. And then, she butted them with all her might whipping her tail at whichever creature available, which happened to be the Dragon. He released Phoenix just as Dregin shot up in the air striking at Chimera with lightning bolts blasting the hybridized Soul Spirit and rider off of his own. The Dragon slammed its head into Ikrah's serpentine form throwing her back. The winged lizard snapped around biting her in the neck below the head, then released to catch a better grip only to have her whip back with her tail weakly. She clawed at him with her talons in a panic of pain, roaring with cracks of lightning and breaking thunder. It was enough to push away from the Dragon, who gave her one last blow by unleashing a blistering frost from its mouth at her. She was knocked out cold by the continuous blast. The earth shook, breaking apart beneath the riverbed. The water drained away into that rift. She fell into the river that was running in rapids by now having melted all the ice. Her dragonite form receded transforming her back into human shape as soon as it touched water. Dregin saw what his creature of instinct did, but it was too late to catch hold of her. The Dragon swooped around catching him as he dropped from the clouds landing on its back.

Nooooo! Little Phoenix cried out seeing she was carried off in the fast waters. He dived for her but she was out of reach disappearing under the waters that ended in a whirlpool. Ikrah!...IKRAH!...

He plunged himself into that swirling sinking body of water without much thought. His Soul Spirit instinctually folded into himself. She was just a speck down below caught in there spiraling away in the sweeping currents. Chameleon grappled onto his ankle and plucked him out of there with help from the Dragon holding its long tail, flapping those massive wings that air-lifted them straight up. She was beyond his reach disappearing from sight altogether. Futility encapsulated him then and there. He closed his eyes, giving in to exhaustion letting the water fall from his mouth and nose.

Chapter 1

Unconscious for some time, he lay on the rocks shin-deep in water of a small river. His hair had been fried by lightning. And lightning through divine intervention gave him a long beard. His clothes were burned to soot and rags. Under sunlight, much of his hair bleached to white gold. A stranger walked to the embankment beside him stopping to stand at his shoulder's side. After some time, a makeshift gurney was brought over to carry him away, trekking over miles of shale and rocks. There were bumps along the way, shaking him and jostling him. He was too weak to open his eyes, but he was partially awoken. Day or night didn't matter to him at this point. His mind was suspended between that waking and unwaking sense of consciousness. Not even dreams touched him. Yet, he knew he was alive. Except he was too weak to move.

He was put somewhere warm. The heat melted away the cold gradually. His wet clothes were removed and replaced with soft dry materials. The pliant warm hands touched him, feeling his forehead as if to check on his temperature. A thumb pressed on his chin to open his mouth for water to be poured in. He could taste it, but didn't swallow as most of it spilled out to the sides of his face. A frustrated hiss was heard. He tried to make himself move, only to end up breathing loudly. Soon, a pair of cooling lips pressed down on his own, stirring his senses into arousal as that thumb pressed on his chin yet again. This time, water came into his mouth sealed in without spilling. It flowed down into his throat sitting there. He was lifted until it went further down. Then, a small fist rapped into his spine roughly, causing him to grunt. Strangely enough, he was able to swallow. Another spoonful of water was fed to him the same way until somehow the person decided he had enough. He was laid back down again.

Over a course of several dozens of times being fed water, he was given more later. He tasted bone broth until he grew strong enough to peep open his eyes, spying on his nurse. He saw only her back. Garbed in a light suede tunic of uneven cut with animal pelts for boots to her knees, she was a creature of the mountains literally. Even her head was dressed with furs covering over her hair. Upon turning to set the huge clam shell down that was used for a bowl, her profile was revealed. He saw only the silhouette as the cave was dimly lit from outside light coming through the one entrance, where a ground fire pit was burning to warm the interior, while letting the smoke rise off. He closed his eyes pretending to be in his semi-comatose state again. 

He lay there for some time, what could be measured for weeks, taking bone broth and sleeping regularly. His body recovered its strength and nerves to wiggle his muscles again. The pretense was harder to maintain as his body reacted to her touch with lust. He tried to ignore it with thoughts about books and numbers to keep it at bay. One day, she changed the routine to wiping him clean when she halted with a soft gasp over his standing stem coming up from underneath the covers. She had backed away dropping the gourd. That was when he opened his eyes seeing her face for the first time in a very long time. There was no escaping who she was. He recognized the dark auburn hair, those maple syrupy dark amber eyes, her oblong-oval face, the lips, the nose, all of her. Propping himself up on his elbow, he stared at her with thoughts swimming in his head over what to do to gain her trust. He feigned a fit of coughs falling back down. 

She ran out of there then, which literally disheartened him. But a voice in the back of his mind told him to just lay there to nurse his broken heart. He frowned sadly with tears coming out of his eyes. He lost her twice in a short few years. Losing her here made no difference. She hadn't forgiven him in the past. Why would that change here? 

After a while, she came back seeing he was left the same as where he lay bedridden still. Hesitantly, she walked near him, pulling the cover over his body. That was when he opportuned himself to snatch a grip onto her wrist fast. There was an intense moment between them as they looked at each other. He swallowed in his dry throat, working up his courage to speak.

Do you know who I am? he asked.

She shook her head. By no means, was she fearful of him, but she was compelled for the moment to stand there.

Do you know who you are? he asked.

Again, she shook her head. And that shed a big light on his murky thoughts about the situation. He released his grip on her, falling back down in his bed of straws, dried flowers, and furs. Looking around them, he found they were in a cave with hung pelts everywhere serving as curtains and divider screens. The fire pit was big at the entrance for a reason. It maintained heat for the interior. There were clam shells, gourds, and mismatched wicker stools littered around a bed of rocks for a table. 

Gentle Goddess, they were living in really primitive conditions, he thought to himself. Looking at her, he wondered the amnesia was an act on her part. But if it was real...then...he was given another chance at life with her. He would start over with her anew. Was that possible? He wanted an heir with love of their making. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to reveal his true name, for fear that in the case the amnesia wore off, she would run from him again.

My name is Nix, he said. 

She stared at him vacantly. As he stared back at her too long, she nodded obligatorily. 

He had to ask for her name. How should I call you?

She shook her head, lost and unsure about herself. The reaction was genuine.

He swallowed in his excitement, clamping down on the fluttering butterflies in his stomach. This was his chance in a lifetime to have her again before it's too late. Before the Fates caught her. 

He pointed to the clam shell. May I have some water, please?

She nodded awkwardly, pouring water into the shell before bringing it to him. He didn't drink from it, only to look at his reflection to his own shock. His face was covered in a beard of gold. Even his hair was frosted into rays of golden sunlight. His eyes were a pair of blue-green. This was definitely the will of the Goddess allowing him to try again with this woman. He cried, then wept with tears softly, holding onto that shell. She watched silently over him standing there a full stride from the bed.

They lived quietly in that cave. In a few days, he took the time to trim his beard with the bone knife available. He recovered his strength to walk, joining her on hunts and fishing downstream. Together, they went for bigger game such as boar and buck. She seldom spoke which was hardly a surprise to him, given what he knew she had gone through before coming to this place. He was curious by how she managed to heal herself. Then, again, he shouldn't question the Goddess so much. They understood each other in this simple life, speaking with just the language of their hands and reading each other's moods. Her being away from people for so long had taken away her speech from lack of use. Eventually, he encouraged her to talk again as they lived together and spoke regularly.

The scars on her neck were revealed one day as she went to bathe in a pond. She had let down her hair over the clean shoulder that was streaked with highlights through the auburn mass, which was obvious she had been marked by the heavens. He didn't come near as he unlocked his mind into the water to touch her. He made sure to be subtle so that she wouldn't suspect him. From her neck downward to the rest of her body, he felt her suppleness and her skin all the way down to her toes. Something caught his mind's eyes. Beneath her right foot on the sole was a fine branding. It read: HARKI with the constellation of The Seven Stars attached to it. Someone took the time and trouble to put that there. It was a beautiful mark, too. 

He couldn't help himself in that moment. Camouflaging himself to match the surrounding, he made his way to the pond and climbed in under the water. He swam toward the bottom all the way to her feet. Floating in place, he caressed her legs without revealing himself. To her, he was merely a current in the water ebbing around and between her languid lower limbs. The burn scars on her skin were his fault. He remembered acting in careless outrage over their first true lover's quarrel during their original marriage. Longingly, he wanted to touch them now, wishing he had the power to heal them. Before long, she moved away clambering onto the natural stepping stones at the edge of the pond. She knelt on the bank looking back into the pond searching for what was down there. The doe skin bra and knickers on her pleased his eyes very much. She was well endowed indeed, with the right amount of curves to her figure. He looked up through the water at her face, losing himself in those dark amber eyes. Maybe he shouldn't, but he did. As she leaned over closer to the surface, he moved toward her mouth meeting her there as she submerged her face into the water to look beneath. Though she couldn't see his face as he was made of water at this point, he kissed her ever so sensitively on the lips. He gazed into her searching eyes as he remained there helping her breathe to keep her submerged longer than should be. She blinked slowly as if wrought in a dream state until she fell asleep in that kiss. Water fell away from him as he surfaced, catching her in his arms. He emerged out of the pond to shed off the water on them, holding her for a long moment before sighing over his sleeping beauty. 

After that, he carried her back to the cave and put her in bed. Strewing the covers over her, he smiled happily. He went about his day with rekindling the fire in the pit for heat, then checked on the smoking meats in the natural oven that was made out of the smaller cave in the next chamber. He brought up his palm, summoning Fire to form on the charcoal dancing in small red flames then disappearing between the ashes. Smelling the cooking to judge, he tossed in a couple logs of maple to maintain flavor of the hung shanks of ham as well as the whole boar. With a bone knife, he cut a piece from each to taste. He chewed quirking his brows before smiling. Next, he went to check on the hanging hides and pelts in the yard outside. Beds of hyacinths were grown around there from white, pink, red, to lavender blue. The fragrance purged the stench of the animal pelts nicely. One other task was trekking up the foot of the mountains to pick some edible flowers. He gathered enough to fill his shirt. After that, he went back in the cave. 

Sitting on a roll of bundled straws by the rock table, he kindled a small fire to warm the room. Before long, she woke up. Alarmed with being in her bare essentials, she uttered a gasp checking the blanket and bed for her clothes. He picked up a hand-made basket putting the cut smoked meat and edible flowers in it and a gourd before walking over there. She stopped in her tracks, sitting there with suspicious eyes on him. Unperturbed, he placed the food and water on the bed, then sat down on the floor folding up his legs. He hugged his knees under his arms. 

Apparently, you have a name. It's written under your foot.

She looked at him with wide eyes. Carefully and hesitantly, she checked her legs until she found her right foot. 

I know you can talk, he said, adding in after-thought, Harki. That brought a reaction out of her. It was a mix of surprise and wonder at the same time. Pretty name. It's Falshiren and it means herald.

She began to speak, slow in speech from lack of use. Har-kiii...? The accent was uncanny. It had the pure lilt of court speech and the roll on the tongue as of northerners. 

He looked up turning his head back on the tilt of his neck. How long have you been here, Harki?

She sat back, letting go of her foot so her legs could relax. A moment passed. She shook her head in small sweeps. Don't...don't know...don't remember....

How many winters?

She had to think. Don't know...not sure.

He remembered since the Battle at River Tear and two weeks after that he had invoked her presence in order to reach the Temple of Life. And if here was where she ended up....What had she experienced in all that time? Where had she been without anyone to help her wounds? How did she survive out here all alone on her own?

Those scars on your neck...How did they get there?

She touched the marred skin, and stared at the air before her, remaining silent. 

Did someone heal you for those injuries?

Shaking her head slowly, her expression became curious. No, she replied vacantly.

They had all the time in the world now. He didn't mind waiting on her about these things. He had no doubt she was a capable woman. Or maybe, they could be like this forever without the meddling from anyone ever. He pulled in his smile to not give away his feelings. This was their world. They were finally a couple as themselves. No titles, no bloodline defining them, no politics, no family affiliation to pull them apart. None of that tiresome duty-bound work of grievances from people to maintain a kingdom piled high in stacks of vellums and ledgers. Although work here was of a different nature. It nurtured on the necessity for food and shelter. And no more of those courtly etiquettes and rules to bar them from being together. In this place, they were a couple in their most essential form.

He got up to sit on the bed. Picking up a piece of sliced meat to eat, he looked at her thoughtfully. She could see he was patient and picked up one for herself. They shared the drinking water over the quiet meal. No matter how she dressed, he saw her as the most beautiful woman ever. Of course, he preferred her naked best of all. He was readily nude any time, but he knew he was making her shy in being so open about it so he wore the crude tunic she made for him. When done with the meal, he took the basket and gourd away. As she made herself comfortable fluffing up the bed of furs, he returned to her side picking up the hem of the covers ready for her. She was surprised that he would do that. Momentarily, she nodded accepting his thoughtful gesture wordlessly in lying down to be tucked in. That was when he smiled over her hovering close, but not touching her other than was allowed with pressing the cover over her shoulders. He stepped away to sleep in his makeshift cot, layered in pelts and soft straws on the floor adjacent to her bed. That was hardly as close as he would like to be with her, but for now it would have to do until there was a way to persuade her to accept him.

Chapter 2

In his dream state, Little Phoenix wandered around in a field of lavender that swayed on the winds tumbling like the waves over an ocean. Sunlight splayed over him in all four directions, north-east-west-south. He spanned out his arms lifting his face toward the sky breathing in deeply the fragrance. A while passed like that until the Day Glimmer escaped his chest and circled him before landing on his shoulder. He moaned upon being disturbed from his meditation. Lifting the bird whose feathers were colored with gold and red copper like a warm flame, he smiled warmly over the Soul Spirit waiting to be sired and born into human form. The eyes were already so much like his chosen mother, how they resembled amber.

We've found her, he said to the Soul Spirit of his son. 

Time is slow here in the Temple of Life.

His heart gladdened to hear that. She survived the Battle of River Tear after all.

I hope she survives my coming into the world. I cannot be born here.

Little Phoenix shrank his smile as his mirth faded. She can still carry you while here, right?

The bird tilted its head sheepishly. Yes.

Will you be talking to her like this by then?

No.

A brow jumped up on Little Phoenix's face. Why not?

She's half a Dragon.

Hmm, I see. 

Father, how long do you intend to stay here?

For your sake, I will leave eventually...in good time.

The bird's claws gripped digging into his hand and wrist. As you will. I like those flowers in the mountains. Will you bring more home?

Of course, Little Griffin. He smiled again, touching the bird's wing proudly. 

And then, he woke up opening his eyes finding her missing from her bed. He got up from under the covers and off the cot he was in. Searching around, he began to breathe hard with a cold sweat. He ran around the cave flipping the hanging pelts and hides, then skimmed the smoke cave, then the yard, then the trails around their home and up to the mountains. Frantic, he turned around and around until he realized to check the waters, every brook, every stream, and even the pond with summoning that Element. She wasn't there either. He was about to unleash Chimera when the thought hit him. She was half a Dragon. He of all people should know this already. That was when he searched the sky, skimming through the clouds. With Chimera, he flew up into the heavens punching through the thick condensed blanket of greyness and above. The sun was the only light then shining over the sea of thick white fog. She was there. He drew back camouflaging into the clouds to watch her in dragon-form.

She was magnificent. Her body was encased in azure and golden coppery scales with silvery crests, dorsal sails and tail. The membrane around her head curtained the many spikes attached to the cranium of her skull. Her limbs were longish but her body was longer, which made her very limber in movement. Black talons featured her claws. She moved riding over the rolling tumbles of cloud in wide circles gathering them in forming into a dark patch. Static began to build momentum in that patch and then grew into lightning crackling in the winds of her making. Her black talons ripped at the clouds tearing into them with open gaps to reveal the landscape below. Soon, enough her body was aglow with that heavenly light bathing under the sun until it became a beacon so bright everything was dark. Day turned into night in that moment with the sun flipped into a reversed moon glowing overhead.

Such was her power. He watched her like that every other day or two with great admiration. She would disappear for a quarter of the day at a time doing just that. Over a course of weeks on end, he found himself wanting this life with her. Nothing was mundane about pursuing one's love and passion. Each day only made it more beautiful, closer to perfection. He wished he was part of that routine with her, dancing in the clouds. His heart pounded inside his ribcage, re-discovering the level of how in love he was with her. Every detail about her was magnetic pulling him toward her. It became so intense, he wept silently as tears flowed from his eyes. Time moved along bringing them closer and closer together. Ever so tentatively, their hearts intertwined while living in the cave and flying up in the sky to shed their shells taking on their souls' true forms. The weeks led into months and close to over half the year, until one day, his love was so intense his tears spilled into rain through the storm.

That was when the clouds around him washed away at a moment's notice. He absorbed himself into his Soul Spirit the Chimera in whole floating in place with the gentle flapping of his wings. His body was a hybrid of Phoenix flaming feathers from head to upper back with the wings to the lower body of Chameleon in limbs and elongated tail. They faced each other then and there with a small distance of clouds between them. He matched her in size as a creature in flight. She roared like the howls of a thousand winds at him. He roared back with rain spilling from his mouth. They approached the middle space between, weighing each other in: strength for strength, flight for flight. Her breath of wind and vapor came forth. He matched her with his breath of fire and water. That lasted for a long while surprising even both of them. They halted to glide over the arena of clouds in another circle, admiring each other's bodies. 

As soon as they touched, they clashed into each other wildly, tails coiling into a clasp. They rolled spinning up a storm of rain clouds, lightning and lapping winds. To the naked eye, they appeared to be a vicious hurricane. His avarian head arched back crying out in wanton fury. Her black claws groped for his tightly. Then, he did the unthinkable transforming his shape into a red flaming serpentine dragon to match her form. She locked in gaze of passion with him. Amber eyes aflame meeting his onyx pair. Their bodies began to burn as heat built up in the friction between their scales. The warmth caused them to mingle back and forth. Pleasure permeated throughout their bodies as blood rushed their veins for the purpose of making an heir.

Like a sweet dream, they descended locked in each other's embrace still. They fell through the clouds gliding as light as a feather to the rock ledge. While they touched searchingly, they shedded their dragonite forms tranforming into the man and the woman. He gazed upon her face with joy and desire, carving himself into her body against the rock. Kissing her on the lips, his hands moved up to hold her head steadying it in place. He gave her pleasure endlessly. And then, she conceived his seed, a planted Soul Spirit known as the Day Glimmer inside her....

They lay in bed together with him cradling her in his arms within the comfort of their home inside the warm cave. She was exhausted sleeping soundly. He stroked her hair seeing the silvered highlights shimmering through the tumble of dark auburn waves. Tears of joy welled in his eyes. He swallowed the lump in his throat to keep quiet. His pride and joy was inside her now. What was left to do was his wish to keep her at his side for all time. The selfish part of him wanted to stay here forever and never bother to leave. They could be with each other without interference. Yet the other part of him knew of duty bound responsibilities, such as bringing their son into the world as promised.

He loved her since forever. He had loved her since the day they met, and yet here they were as strangers in love again. His first love. His last. Closing his eyes as he frowned in guilt, he held onto her with a truly sorry heart. Why did he betray her that other time? It led her into the arms of another man. She was his from the beginning. She should be his to the end. Though they were children of immortals, they each inherited hurdles accursed onto their souls suffering corporeal trials no different from mere mortals. Hers was marked with four deaths by the Fates, which made her lifespan at risk of being shortened at any given time. She lived through a few near-deaths already and endured two of the ones marked.

Fear.... Fear as he had never known struck him. They were safe here. But once they leave, they would be subjected to all the dangers in the world among the mortals, be they enemies or not. With her amnesia, she was vulnerable to all seeking the price on her head, especially the Emperor himself. The Battle of River Tear revealed exactly how the Dragon would stop at nothing to capture his daughter, dead or alive. To think, he himself had agreed to aid the Dragon in that last battlement to weaken her in hope of her live capture. He had erred gravely. His father had warned him, but he didn't listen back then. He was too eager, too impatient, too...jealous to fight for her. But now...now, he feared for her life and soul. More was at stake. Their son was waiting to be born. The child would be the Heir Apparent to seal the ties between Zandria and Falshire as well as the Empire itself.

On top of that, there was the problem with Niele. That side of her heritage was still searching for her even after the Battle of River Tear. Her family, her people, her land there gave her the life she embraced happily in that other realm. She had championed them in warring against the Empire of the Eight kingdoms in defiance against the Emperor. Little Phoenix had every intention of never returning her to Niele. Perhaps this was selfish of him, or greedy on his part, but he would keep her away from all that conflict. Politics aside, she was this beautiful gentle soul with love and loyalty so fierce he was drawn to her like a fulfilling dream. He ached for her all those years when she was away. He barely mended his heart with having her within his arms now. This was not enough. He wanted more...more of her, more time, more of her love, more of himself inside of her, so much more. He desperately wanted to show her all his love. His body was rising to the occasion to make love to her again. It warmed and tingled pleasurably reacting to be with her touching body.

She stirred breathing heavily hugging him with her arm and leg, then returned to snoring softly again. He pulled the cover up over her shoulder. Gently and ever so tenderly, he kissed her on the forehead, then settled back to close his eyes as well.

In the dream realm, their son came to him as a little baby smiling happily being cradled in the arms of Ikrah and Little Phoenix both. He had his father's eyes, ears, and nose. He also had his mother's lips, cheeks, and hybridized hair of both parents streaking between auburn and sandy brown. His frame had yet to develop when he came of age to determine of which side he favored most, but regardless, he inherited their Elements completing the combination of Wind, Fire and Water, including her Star Soul with its wild magic channeling druidic animal communion. Little Phoenix laughed heartily full of mirth over their son. No wonder the child had said he wouldn't be having conversations with her while being carried to term.

Chapter 3

Meanwhile.... Within the depths of Casca's domain inside the heart of Astra, on the maroon-brown velvet bed, Karlay sat up on heavy pillows propped to her back. She coughed significantly, covering her mouth with a hankerchief, rasping out a sigh and wincing shut her eyes hopelessly. Her condition had not improved at all. Chimera burned and scalded her with lasting effect. She had yet to know whose identity that creature belonged to. Damn the desert-bred for being so tight-lipped. Damn Obendell for being their silent partner. Damn Niele for their secrets. Damn Sidora. Damn Treyila. DAMN IKRAH. 

A hard cough ruptured something. Karlay could feel the ulcerous rip curdling blood up her throat, so much that some spilled out between her lips. She turned quick to the side to endure pain while that flood dribbled onto the rug. When the pain subsided, she could breathe again, though roughly. She told herself a reminder not to allow her emotions get the best of her like that again. Being angry over that woman served only to shorten her days, when she desperately wanted to see the grandchild yet to be born soon. Straightening up, she sat to look through the screen that stood before the open window adjacent to her bedside. The wild geese called in the distance in their migratory northern flight. She coughed again, clenching her jaws with her frown. Winter was approaching soon. 

When will Warvisn get here? She wanted to cry just waiting for him. Much to do and so little time left for until the next High Priestess took her place. She hoped to ensure her successor was one who would favor him. To outlive him was never a thing she welcomed. But to lose him after she passed on was even worse. Yet, she waited upon him with a mother's persistence, pining after his return from battle. She knew he would survive it. He must. Such was the debt between a mother and her son as dictated by the Order of Astra.

And into winter, word came to her that he suffered wounds caused by the Dragon, which shocked her. His personal guards managed to rescue him from the prison infirmary within Tare. They smuggled him out of that fortress through guile and deceit by putting him in a wagon declared for the dead. The trip was long and arduous as they had to treat his wounds along the way through Ore Mount in order to reach Casca. The healers were attending to him at the moment. He would report to her as soon as he was able to walk. She had the servants and attendants dismissed after acknowledging the report. With strength in her yet, she made the effort to see him. Not physically, but through astro-form, which was a projection of herself outside of her body. She walked through the hallways and corridors, down the stairs, cutting across a courtyard to reach the exclusive infirmary to find him laying in bed with fresh bandages to his chest. He had lost a lot of blood. The sign of Astra sustained him. She was surprised to see the two guards sitting in the corner and against the door as if to keep watch during their sleep. How did he end up with such loyal guards? Each had the look of injuries of their own. One had a torn face that was newly healed with scars. The other was missing the ring finger and pinky. Yet these two managed to bring him here. For that, she was grateful, indeed.

Within moments, she was pulled back into her body as she was too weak to maintain the astro-form any longer. Back in her body, she suffered all her physical injuries. That was when she threw up a mouthful of blood. She lay back against the pillows bodily wracked with pain through her bones and a torn lung. Breathing shallow, exhaustingly spent, and unfinished yet, she told herself to rest for now.

Before long, as she grew depleted in health remaining in the shell of that weak body, her son recovered much of his strength. He was strong enough to walk into the den where she had propped herself up with the use of magic to put on the demeanor of fine health. She had make-up put on heavily upon her face with the candelabra set further out from her seat on the lavishly decorated high chair occupied with multiple cushions. Dressed in a carmine satin double robe suit with wide sleeves, she had the refracting sheen enhance color to her otherwise sallow skin. Her coppery hair was done up and pinned in place with white seashells. She set her eyes upon him all cleaned up, clothed in the ebony silks imported from the far lands. The tunic was cut to fit him properly. The outer robe draped over his lean figure sinuously. This was her handsome boy grown into the gorgeous man that she had fashioned out of her own will and magic. She had done that on purpose in hope of gaining the right children to feed the Twin Sacred Oracles. He had taken over a dozen women, and only produced three proper children for the ritual. He had since opposed upon learning what was involved in her taking his every firstborn with each woman. And here he was, contending for his currently favored feira'chai, a slave turned wife who was carrying his seed. He certainly had grown a spine ever since coming out of Tare. She could sense his confidence from the way he looked upon her. Everyone else moved out of the chamber at the gesture of her palm, leaving them to their privacy.

I couldn't make it here sooner, he spoke first. Your ailment has receded, I see.

She smiled coldly. Much to your disappointment, I presume.

Shall we discuss the main topic? I'd rather not waste your precious time.

A couple of dry coughs escaped her as she held up a loose fist over her mouth. Moaning softly, she inhaled a breath before sitting straight again. I heard you were attacked by the Dragon. How did you survive?

I guess I have you to thank for that. The mark of Astra kept me alive. Even as I stand here, I have only recovered eight parts of my strength. A miracle, indeed.

Indeed.

I came to retrieve Mogren.

You may not have her...yet.

He stiffened, then made himself relax on purpose. At least, allow me to see her. How is her condition?

Karlay sighed extensively. I am very pleased with the son she is carrying along nicely.

His countenance darkened significantly. Then, you mean to say she is your prisoner indefinitely.

I never said that. But your firstborn will be born here. I will oversee his birth personally.

How about the next firstborn with another woman? he offered.

She chuckled dryly. I like this Asmii. She is strong.

What if I find a mage-gifted woman to sire a child?

Why didn't you think to do that before?

"I was busy conquering the Asmii tribes. I didn't have time to think. But after this last battle, and having fought The Dragon, I think making a child with magery would serve my bloodline better."

Consideration preoccupied her for a while. He made a very good point. Well, then, one is as good as another. Would you sire a child with one from the Druids?

Would that allow me to have Mogren free?

You are a son of Astra. And if you are willing to lay with the daughers of Astro to make a proper heir to the Legacy, yes. She nodded with approval over the proposal. Yes, that is acceptable to grant her freedom.

He narrowed his eyes, trying very hard not to scowl, though his lips moved of their own accord in disgust. Clearly, he was insulted to be reduced to just a man valued for his seed. When will that take place? And then, how long until I can see Mogren?

You're outraged by this arrangement.

I know you mean for me to exercise more than need be to harvest my seed.

At your age? You are at the peak of your prime to sire many children. All these maidens are young and beautiful. You will enjoy them to your liking.

He looked away with a terse breath of disdain. I'm not at the full strength of my health to endure such a rigorous task. Will you reduce the numbers, please?

How many?

One.

She laughed out loud, quite amused by his preposterous request. You will endow eight maidens for a couple of months during their ovulating days just to ensure we are not short on the chances of receiving a female heir.

They were alone in this negotiation, and yet he managed to crimson deeply in the face. Raising his eyes to her, he maintained that strangely calm demeanor she found to be uncanny about him. With the way he clenched his jaws, she was sure he would grind his teeth when he spoke again, but instead he faced her with a resolute stare.

Again, I have said I am not at the best of my health to endure the numbers you demand of me. I will settle for three in the timeframe you suggested. I also need privacy when carrying out the task in question.

Privacy? I don't watch these sessions, she clarified indignantly.

I meant one partner at a time. I don't need the others to see how I practice.

Of course. She coughed into her fist again. We can wait another month before you start.

And will I see Mogren?

Why are you so obsessed with seeing her?

She carries my seed. I want to be sure she is well. Unlike you, when you were done with carrying me, you didn't bother with my father's moments of agony.

What would you know of that? she asked darkly.

I know he died in terrible pain. It's that horrid brew.... He chewed in his molars. 

She steadied her stare back at him. No. You won't be subjected to that philter to induce the siring of your seeds with these Maidens of Astro.

Was my father a son of Astro?

What makes you say that? she asked innocently. 

I suspect that might be the reason no one of Astra asked about his existence. Hence, they allowed your induction into the Sisterhood as you were.

She eyed him angrily, though she was calm about it. Maybe that was the case. Maybe it wasn't. But I can't protect you when I die. Which is the reason I'm paving your survival with these heirs.

You're trying to put payment on my life in blood!

You think the next High Priestess would speak to you with respect?

I could care less. Kill me already!

And what would happen to Mogren, hmm? Or the child inside her?

He narrowed his eyes impotently, then. Maybe...we should all die. That would be the end of it, wouldn't it?

How could you ask for death when it is as painful as living? Do you realize your corpse will be desecrated for the purpose of the rituals? Your soul will be cast in limbo or shattered beyond existence----

Is that the price to pay as a son of Astra?

It is Astra's command.

Then, you should have never born me. I'm just some living sacrifice for you to invoke when the need suits----

I kept you alive, you ingrate! I endured a full day of labor having you torn from me. And all you ever do is begrudge me for being my son----- She wheezed into a fit of coughs. Enough! Either you seed in two weeks or the month after this day. I will release Mogren when your seeds are stable with the arranged maidens, however...long that takes. Coughs. "And that's with all of them."

I have a better proposal, a voice spoke up as the golden-featured man came out of mist revealing himself. How about I kill your son on the spot and save you the trouble of all this needless plotting?

Warvisn jumped clutching his scars subconsciously. Karlay eyed the stranger with a slow smirk coming onto her lips. She recognized him immediately. He had his mother's hair and frame of mouth. Vayla's welp with King Ligon of Falshire.

So, you are the reason my son defies me so ardently.

Oh, I doubt that very much, Karlay of Casca. He never liked what he was to begin with.

And you, Dregin of Falshire? Did you hate what you are as well?

I've learned to live with myself.

Pity you are seedless.

He folded his arms, expression stiffened. I guess lady luck smiles on me.

She reached out her palm to invoke kinship over him with her power from Astra. He raised his crossed arms placing his palms on his shoulders. A red glow illuminated over him, then moved into a centered point over his chest as he moved his palms down then inverted them to turn outward reflecting it back at her. She gritted as she was pushed back. Upon impact, blood spilled from her mouth. After some heavy shallow breathing, she looked back at him with rage.

That shouldn't have happened. She studied him, then looked upon her son with realization. Hmph. You have a living Legacy! She uttered with awe. Who could be your living child in the world? And when?

Dregin faced her silently, very much sealed in the lips about that. That was when she laughed with her lips together.

Warvisn, I no longer need your tributes. Mogren is held in the third corridor to the right outside this door. Go and take your wife home. Tell the Sisters it is my word: The Cascan Morning Glory blooms this year.

Her son stood still, unsure whether to trust her or not. Dregin made the decision for him. 

Go, Dregin said. 

The younger man strode quickly out the door with a shimmering on his back, leaving the two to face each other. Karlay gripped onto the cushion as she pressed a palm to her chest fighting the pain in there. She looked up at the Emperor of the Eight Kingdoms.

Aren't you going to take advantage of the situation?

You mean for me to kill you? He laughed. No. You should suffer your son.

You don't want me to pass on the knowledge that is contained in this dying vessel.

I know better, he replied smugly.

So...you betrayed Astra...all for the sake of your seed. Hmmm...let me guess, that seed of yours.... She looked upon him. That Star Running Duchess of Niele. The half-Dragon. Satisfied chuckles. Yes, it has to be her. No one else. Perfect-----

She gasped as a zephyr slapped her across the face aside into feeling a crack in her jaw as her neck strained. Trapped like that with inertia, she was unable to speak further. He raised his hand with fingers spanned out wide apart. Blue light was drained from her head into that palm as his fingers curled into claws. His other hand came over his head above the ear. In the end, he absorbed all the memory she had about this meeting, Warvisn, and Ikrah. He took another part of her that held the Tome of Astra. She was left as a husk sitting there with her mind a blank. 

And now, you will forget. He walked out of there cloaking himself in invisibility.

He went down the hallway and through the corridors arriving at the door in question only to wonder if it was the right door. Turning around and around, he found himself in a repeating revolving illusion of the maze of the same hallway. He came out of invisibility to concentrate on deciphering the trap.

Lost? Legran asked with humor in his voice.

Yes, get me out of this mirror.

An arm reached in and groped on his shoulder pulling him out of the visual trap. Legran released him outside of it. He met all three of them in the hallway away