Thread: Rise of the Dragon King

Chapter 1 part 3 Yep! Mama taught me how so she could send me to fetch it when needed. Silare nodded and pushed a low branch out of her way. For a girl she was very strong it was a trait all Sarians supposable had. You see a supio bush that has the dirt pushed away from the roots, kinda like a little trench is inhabited by the kinju bugs. One where most of the briars are missing most likely as a supore snake near it, Silare explained. The light around them was becoming dimmer the deeper into the forest they went. Pine cones littered the ground along with brown needles and brown leafs from the Redbell trees. Most newbie pickers go for the uncovered roots and are surprised when they get swarmed by the Kinju. Mamoru nodded and followed Silare as she led him to a clearing. It was a bit brighter here, with the sun peaking through the leaves of the Redbell. Mamoru was still disturbed by the lack of sound. It was like the wildlife had up and left the forest. Maybe if the wildlife had left then there would be no Kinju or Supore to run into. There thats a good one, Silare said pulling Mamoru back to the task at hand. Her finger was aimed at a bush clinging to the base of a pine tree. It was a small bush but Mamoru could still see the thin long thorns. Okay, now your going to need to uncover the roots, and but them as close to the stem, or trunk of the bush okay? she smiled as she told him gesturing with her hands. Mamoru frowned realizing she wasnt going to help dig or anything. The thorns would definitely tear his skin far easier then hers. Sighing Mamoru knelt down on the ground and began to dig around the bush with his bare hands. He winced every time the thorns caught and tore at his skin, but he kept digging. Oh Mamo you are so slow. Silare said kneeling next to him. She began shoving the dirt out of the way ignoring the thorns altogether. Sorry, but Ive never done this before, Mamoru argued trying weakly to defend himself against her truthful accusation. Finally the roots came into view in a tangled mess like pasta that was dropped on the floor. He picked up the knife and cut the first root with Silare breathing down his neck with encouragement. The plant began to bleed thick sticky clear ooze where the root used to be. The smell of the ooze was like over sugared molasses. Mamoru tried to rub the substance onto the ground next to him, but it just stuck to his skin and picked up some of the dirt. Good Mamo that was a good one. Just remember to rub it in the dirt the second it comes free from the plant or the plant blood will stick to everything. Silare instructed with a nod of approval. She placed the first root into the wicker basket after rubbing the cut root in the dirt. Okay now cut two more then we move on to the next bush, Silare smiled as Mamoru set a second root into the basket. What? But there are plenty of roots here. Why cant we just collect them all from here? Mamoru asked feeling slightly annoyed. He didnt want to move he wanted to finish this job as soon as possible. Searching for another bush would take time and luck and they would postpone his bathe and meal. Cause if you take to many the bush will die, so you got to go to many bushes, in order to finish the job. Silare said. She was holding up one finger as she talked like she was giving a lecture just like her mother would. Oh gods. Mamoru sighed letting his shoulders sink under the weight of this job. Here he was beginning to think that this job would be a quick and easy one, and hed get a hot meal. Well tonight was going to be another cold meal night and hed probably be the last one to the bathhouse which meant the water would be dirty and they would clean it after him. Mamoru looked around the forest and this time took in what he saw. The trees were far taller then he thought but many of them were dead at the top. He also noticed that the small river that was supposed to be around here was nowhere in sight. Hey Silare? Isnt there a river near the inn? Mamoru asked looking over to the Sarian girl who had stood up to led the way to the next plant. It dried up. It hasnt been flowing since the rebirth season. In fact the trees never even fully bloomed. There was a man in the inn today, he just got there before mama sent us to do this. Anyways he said I was the fault of the people. Silare paused and pointed to another bush. This time she just set the basket down and stared up to the canopy. He said if we listened to the gods, and actually watched what our magic did when we use it for convince then the forest wouldnt be dying. That out land wouldnt be dying. Silare had a mind like a steal trap so Mamoru believed that was exactly what the guy had said. It was scary how Silare could remember anything anyone said word for word. He was a strange one I think mama said he was a Tevotic, you know the lizard like people. He was taller than the doorway. Oh and he was all scaly and had giant dragon wings. Silare said stretching her arms out to give Mamoru a clue to the size. Mamoru didnt even bother to look as he cut another root away from the bush. I wonder if hes who I saw approaching the inn today, Mamoru mused out loud as he tried to picture the foreign image that Silare wanted him to. Nope he couldnt do it. Granted Mamoru had always thought everyone had feathered wings till he met Ila and Silare. Hes the only guest that has arrived today. Hes soooo tall, Silare said once more clearly hung up on how tall the guy was. There was the dull creak of the wicker basket as Mamoru dropped another root into the basket. He stood up and dusted the dirt off his knees revealing red skin. --------------------------------------------------------- By the time Mamoru had finished gathering enough supio roots the sun had already fallen and the forest turn to a dark blue. Mamoru frowned as he hauled the basket of roots back to the inn. He had sent Silare back once he had gotten the hang of the job. It wasnt fair to keep her from her chores or make her do his job. As Mamoru approached the inn he could see that the lights were on in the servants dinning hall. Damn I am going to miss dinner, Mamoru grumbled as he walked into the kitchen. There was still a couple light magon lighting the kitchen even though Ila wasnt in it. Mamoru set the basket down on the ground and looked around for one of the tubs of water that had to be here. Spotting one he dragged it over to the table in the kitchen and set it up so he could sit as he washed the roots. The next thing he was going to need was the glass jar that the roots were kept in, resting in a liquid that kept them fresh. Said jar was in one of the cabinets and had been found after a couple second of aimlessly opening cabinets. Carrying the jar to the table Mamoru uncapped it and got ready for a long night. Lifting the first root he submerged it in the water and began pulling at the dirt. It wasnt working at all so he began rubbing the root against his knuckles and thankfully the dirt began to lift away from the root. Each clean root was placed in the jar before the next one was cleaned. It was a grueling process and his knuckles hated him every time he picked up a new root. Hed finished fourteen of the roots and now just one remained. Once the last root was finished and in the jar Mamoru forced the lid back on it. It was much heavier then before but he was still able to lift it and put it away. With a yawn he looked out the window. The two moons had risen and were standing proud in the middle of the night sky. Trudging back to the table he grabbed the edges of the water tub and dragged it outside. Lifting up the edges he began to dump out the filth soaked water. The water traveled like a bug sized river down the rocks. Kneeling down Mamoru watched the water closer. Even in the moonlight the water seemed to glow and shine a soft but deep blue. It was weird and it was something only Mamoru seemed to notice. He continued to stare at the water as the blue color became brighter and began to shift its hue. Puzzlement took over Mamorus face and the water was now moving into a puddle rather then flowing down like it should. Gathering every drop that had just run down the rocks back and resting at Mamorus feet. The water began to bubble and churn in the small but deep puddle. A blue light came from the depth of the puddle beyond where the ground laid. Its endless depths intrigue Mamoru and so he leaned closer trying to see how or why the water was doing this. Mamoru narrowed his eyes as he saw something swimming up towards him. It was so small but it looked like a snake. As it grew larger the sharp white teeth came into view like a sudden nightmare. Mamoru stood up quickly and backed away from the water with frantic steps. The bubbling ceased and the water lost form and ran back down the rocks. Mamoru tried to figure out what had happened as he felt that feeling of eyes on him again. Turning to his left he saw the tall man. The man had to be at least twice his size, and had shoulders wider than the door frame. Mamoru stepped back and swallowed the lump in his throat as the gold eyes fell on his face. Those eyes were glowing in the dark like the beast that hunted at night. In the pale light Mamoru could see the dragon like wings that were branching off of the mans back. Were you moving the water? the man asked. His voice so low that it sounded like he was growling. Mamoru stepped back again trying to gage how far he was to the door. Would he be able to make it inside if he ran? Doubtful by the muscular build of the man in front of him. The man cocked his head to the side and there was a sudden burst of laughter. Mamoru winced at the hearty laughter and watched the man sit down on the dirt. I see. I forget Im a monster around the lands of Pangoria. The man smiled as he placed his large hands on his knees. Im not going to eat you or kill you for fun, those are just false stories of my kin. The man spoke and Mamoru winced. He hadnt known that and now he was even wearier of the man. There were stories of these giants eating people? Now he really wanted to get away but he wasnt going to turn his back on something that could easily rip his head off. So how did you move the water, kid? Its Mamoru! Mamoru spat. He quickly bit his tongue and cursed himself for speaking out. This was bad now this guy would surely rip him apart. Mamoru.. Hmmm, so you are an Arevian even though you have no wings. I was wondering if you were one, but youre names Arevian enough. The man said with a smile. Im Kish Dragonwing, member of the earth sect of the Tevo clan. Now Im glad we have been introduced but you didnt answer my question. I dont know. Im just a servant, not a mage or anything else. Mamoru hissed getting annoyed and very defensive at the others presence. This annoyance steamed from the fear of the other man. Hmm, so just a servant. Well I think youre a mage. Untrained but a mage all the same. I also wanted to know one more thing. If given the chance would you flee this place? Kish asked. His smile had faded and a more serious look had fallen over his face. Though fear wanted Mamoru to continue moving away from the giant in front of him, his desire for freedom held him still. Mamoru eyed him carefully as the offer was weighted in his mind. If the man, Kish, was lying he could be killed, or beaten again. If he was not lying then he would be free, he would live how he wanted too. It was a very tempting proposition but it was too good. Why? Why would you just offer me a chance to be free? Mamoru asked. He straightened up and planted his feet firmly on the ground. Mamorus posture changing from someone unsure of what to make of this man to one ready for anything the world could throw at him. I dislike seeing others suffering when theyve done nothing wrong. The way this land is run is based off cruelty and the suffering of others. A method I could never agree with, let alone do nothing to try to change it. Mercy is a gift if given it will spread through the lands like the bounty of the crops. Kish said his voice held a conviction that Mamoru had never heard before. It was like this man believed he could change the world. That is a truly foolish notion. Mamoru thought to himself. So whats the answer ki-Mamoru? Kish asked his gold eyes falling on Mamoru. I have nothing else to lose. Yes I would take any chance to flee this place. Mamoru said in a hushed tone. It was so low that he wasnt sure if Kish could hear him. Mamoru didnt trust the giant man completely but it was enough to let him relax just a little. It was then Mamoru noticed the weird tattoo on Kishs torso. It was a shield two mountains on it and a wheat thrasher under the mountains. This guy really was a freak, who in their right mind would purposely mar their body? Kishs face held a slight confusion and he began looking over himself. The kid, Mamoru was staring and he was starting to wonder what he was staring at. Mamoru I believe you are staring. Kish said clearing his throat. It wasnt polite to point out when someone was staring but it also wasnt polite to stare. Whats with the dumb tattoo? Mamoru asked without hesitation. Mamoru lifted his gaze and met the Tevos eyes with curiosity and distrust. Before Kish could answer his question the sound of voices coming closer altered both that the conversation was over. Tonight, I will find my way to the servant hall as the moon hits her crest. If you want your freedom youll meet me in the hall. Kish said as he turned away from Mamoru. As Kish began to walk around the corner of the building and out of sight Mamoru pondered the offer. Normally he would have thought it a trap and would not even debate the issue. Yet there was something in the way the other spoke about the treatment of most here in Pangoria that intrigued him. Mamoru let his feet lead him back into the kitchen. To lost to his thought to notice anything around him or realize that he left the tub outside. It wasnt till he reached the table that Mamoru looked around the kitchen. The dim light of the only light magon caste eerie shadows over the room and made it seem haunted. Mamoru placed his hands on the wooden table and thought about freedom. No more answering to foul names, no more fear of speaking out of turn, no more foolish orders, just freedom. Working and actually making gold from it. Yeah it was a chance worth taking. Whats the worst that can happen? I die? Not like I have much to live for. Mamoru smirked at the solemn thought. Mamoru stretched out his arms and walked out of the kitchen. He looked out the door that led to the dinner area for guest looking to see if the dragon man was there. He wanted to know the man was still at the inn and didnt just leave. To his surprise the man was walking into the area and he was looking at Mamoru. Mamoru quickly bolted down the hall away from the room that Kish was in. He was not going to get in trouble for spying on the guests, even if he had been. As Mamoru reached the end of the straight hallway he slowed down so not to look suspicious to the guards who were just around the corner. After all they couldnt have been louder. When Mamoru turned the corner his breath hitched as he prayed that Kinther wouldnt be one of the guards. Much to his relief Kinther wasnt there just a couple of older guards. Hey kid! I cant believe youre still alive. The one guard exclaimed pulling out a few cions and dropping them in the other guards hand. Yeh you watch tho the owner will get him done tomorrow. Enjoy your last bath. The other guard laughed clearly drunk. He stumbled to one side as the other guard stepped to the other side of the door. Mamoru said nothing but did nodded his head a little as he walked through the doorway. He wondered what the guard meant by the owner will get him done. Was he being set up by Kish? Did that lizard man tell the owner what he was going to do? Or was it that the owner was so angry about the other day that he was trying to kill him? All the possibilities gave Mamoru a headache just thinking about them. There were a couple other servants out in the hall talking but their voices stopped the moment they saw him. Mamoru glared at the gossiping servants even if it was very unlikely that they had been talking about him. It irritated him when people suddenly stopped talking when he entered the room. It was like they wanted to make him paranoid or wanted everyone to know theyd been gossiping. He could hear the two voices start up again as he passed them and was a bit away. Mamoru paused as he reached the door that lead out of the servants hallway and to the bath hall. The door was an oak door on rusted hinges so it creaked whenever it was opened. The stairs to the bathhouse were made of white marble verse the wood in the rest of the inn. It was because the bathhouse was much older than the inn. Ila told Mamoru that the bathhouse was once part of a land castle that a king from the old ages used, King Sague Cresida. Sague was a famous Avian king, one hated by nobles and loved by servants. He was a just king from what Mamoru had heard from Ila, how she knew this Mamoru didnt ask. Mamorus footsteps echoed through the bare hall that came after the twenty stairs. It was enough to make him smile as thoughts of dreams fluttered passed his eyes. Vivid images of gold drapes and white stoned halls. Of giant doors made of Redbell tree wood with silver handles. That just beyond those doors there would be a balcony with flowers of all kinds on the railing. Just below the balcony would be millions of people calling his name, happy for his existence, happy just to see him. To them he was one of those heroes from the old legends that he dreamed about at night. As Mamorus hand touched the dull oak door the image and the dream faded. Reality took its firm hold over the boy and made sure he remembered he was just daydreaming. A heavy sigh passed Mamorus lips as he pushed open the door and entered the bath house. The steam from the water crawled along the stone floor and parted with each step Mamoru took. The water was tinted a soft yellow from the torch light, and from the yellowed colored stone lining the bath. The fragrant smell of soft oils and torches clung to the air as thickly as the water did. Mamoru walked over to the edge of the pool and tapped the water with his hand testing the temperature. It was warmer and clearer then Mamoru would have guess it would be. Undoing the cloth belt Mamoru stripped out of his breeches and stepped into the water. Not a single ripple crossed the surface of the water as he entered the bath. The scrapes on his knees and hands from the days work stun as the water cleaned off some of the dirt. Mamoru didnt mind the sensation of the pain in his knees and hands it was almost soothing in an odd way. It let him know that he could work hard, and it let him know that this was real even if he wished it was a nightmare. Taking a deep breath through his nostrils Mamoru slipped under the surface of the water. He would have to hurry with cleaning himself if he wanted to meet with Kish and flee the inn. The completion of Chapter one please let me know what you thought.