Life in a new Kingdom

"Didn't Julia say he was on the west coast of Heistorm? What the hell is he doing here in the south?!" Ivian complained while fidgeting with his daggers. Everyone looked at each other, worried.

Herk stepped up and spoke to the group. "In my recent readings of the holy texts given to me at Saiana, he used to be a massive force during the previous Demon wars. His long lifespan allowed him countless years hunting and destroying entire armies by himself. Some say he lost all his intelligence and sanity when Demon King Eda was cut down by the Alliance's Commander. He was barely several hundred years old but seemed to grow a deep affection for the Ice Queen. She was the only one who could repel his flaming breath with ice magic."

Caleb chimed in. His voice stuttered a bit at the gleaming information but corrected himself before continuing. "In the history books, Slyr was never mentioned in any of the wars. After Julia had survived her encounter against him, she began to look into him with a deep obsession. His first appearance was well after Eda. There was a dragon similar to him, without doubt, but his current recorded age could be false. Eda was thousands of years ago, much longer before Slyr could have been born."

"What does it matter? It's a fucking dragon!" Yann outbursts from his corner.

"Knowing about how dragons behave or were during the past gives hints on how they act and respond to everything. Slyr is an ancient dragon who seemingly went mad because he lost his treasured companion during the war. Yet, Caleb proclaims that it wasn't him and another dragon entirely, which could very well be true. Information over the years gets lost or twisted to those who record it. What is not twisted, is the fact we have the Crippling Dread hunting us in these mountains." Herk finished with a sigh and wiped his forehead. Gale and Lukia looked at each other and turned around to ponder for ideas.

"Without a plan of escape, Slyr will kill us without delay after being humiliated. If Caleb and I became his biggest enemy because he hates Rangers, it is likely that we might have to split up into teams to avoid any full destruction of the group." Lukia speaks with conviction. Everyone intently listens to each other's thoughts and feelings. Some seem skeptical, and others are more optimistic about their chances. Caleb thinks to himself during the discussion. The moon takes the sun's place, bringing a cold night once again.

"We should make less nose since night has arrived. Rest now; save your strength. We ride at Dawn toward Barou. With what little Lukia scouted before big red and ugly decided to toy with the Phantom Blades, we need to continue for another few weeks or so, and we will reach the other side of the mountains. With luck have it, the dragon eventually gives up and awaits the next group to torment." Gale speaks with vague realism. His fears are a cause of reason, but they also keep him levelheaded in preparing any plans.

Yann had massive burn scars on his right side that were magically healed by Herk. Yann was lucky the spell was strong enough to restore him nearly perfectly. With everyone tended for, sleep came without much hassle. The faint roar of Slyr in the far distance of the mountains causes the party to wake from tense slumber. Groggy and exhausted, they slowly pack up and head out of their small resting spot.

"Is everyone ready?" Gale tries to collect the group.

"To die? Oh boy, you know it." Ivian is less than enthusiastic.

"Ivian, you're not helping." Yann pats his back with a chuckle. Knowing his friend is scared like the rest of them doesn't fix the annoyed expression on his face.

"Caleb, stick close to me. With your curse, you're more prone to fall behind." Lukia placed her hands on his chest to cast some minor healing magic to soothe any pain he withheld. Herk looked at them suspiciously before grabbing his horse and following Gale out.

Caleb grabbed his reins and took a deep breath. The anxiety of the dragon's presence and the debilitating curse placed upon his body, he felt the pressure gravely. Coupled with the fact that he hadn't fully recovered from the intense pain he endured when he tried to use magic, he stuck to him and didn't let go.

Following behind the group, Caleb sees the dark blue sky with the hordes of clouds swarming over the sun. With the location of these mountains, rain is a rare sight. If it rained at all, it would last only for a small while before moving on. Gale leads his horse onto the path and climbs his saddle. Forming a formation to efficiently travel together without being wholly grouped up, the party sets off.

Days of travel under the watchful gaze of Slyr searching led them on a straightforward path through the mountains. Each day was brought with even more stress with the looming shadow passing through the mountains. He was getting closer and closer to finding them and cornering them. Death beckoned with each roar or screech that came out his mouth. Caleb's chest burned hot from the curse more than ever as Herk needed to focus on protective barriers while they slept with no solid cover from wildlife if they still existed on these paths.

Conversations between anyone would be cut with a shush from everyone else. The terrifying game of cat and mouse continued for another few days. During such days, they had several close calls. Slowly moving under paths that had the mountain obscuring the view from above while Slyr flew past made them cling to dear life. At times, Slyr would perch himself on those lips and scan the mountains for any signs for his quarry. The fury of the dragon burned hotter and brighter with each passing day.

"You think your presence will be hidden forever? The dread that fills your unworthy souls will reveal you to me! You will not hide forever! The morsel will always reveal itself when it is least guarded! Taking off with a massive gust of wind, causing the mountainside to shake and nearly causing everyone to slip off the edge. The horses keep still with everyone else's aid while waiting until it stops.

Their journey forward while riding slowly near a cliff edge shows the conviction of their resolve. Gale pushes forward with his head held steady. Herk and Ivian ride behind him with Yann hanging behind. Lukia stays by Caleb's side as his condition worsens. Everyone knows it. If they don't reach Barou soon, it may be too late.

"Quick check up on everyone. Sign off." Gale raises his hand as the cliff edge curves to the left to an incline that will reach the final mountain path before they reach the grass once again.

"Just living the dream here." Ivian spews from his lips.

"If anyone needs healing or water, just say so." Herk looks around, spotting Caleb struggling to keep himself focused.

"You heard him. Just let Herk tend to your wounds, or if you need something else, we might be able to"

"We need to keep moving, Gale. Resting out by this edge proves too great of a risk." Lukia pats Caleb's shoulder in response to her claims.

Gale sighs. "Look, we don't have time to-"

The sound cracked the air open. A blur of movement soared forward. Shattering and splitting the rock face. The mass of red scales smashes its entire body into the mountain. Gale and everyone witness in horror as the Crippling Dread rears its head into view. Blood seeps through its scales from the impact yet shows no significant damage. Caleb's horse buckles him off in fear and rides forward, slamming into Gale's horse; he is forced forward and tries to reach out.

Slithering out its thick tongue, the single red piercing eye shifts to Lukia. "Must you evade me? I'll enjoy consuming you in dread!" Flames crawl through its wings and scales. Lukia tries to reach for Caleb, but her horse also begins to buckle her off. She barely hangs on, attempting to stick with Caleb. The dragon's eye set upon them; it inhales, letting the sparks build up from the clicking of its mouth and tongue. Igniting the spark, it needs to set them ablaze...