To the people who hurt us and don’t understand why or how,
To the People who save us when we can not stand on our own,
To the liars, traitors and allies whom without which, this story could not be told
Dragon Eyes
Our story begins far off in a barren land of dry hot desert where a small kingdom of many riches stands high above the valley. Not many knew of this kingdom, seeing as it was deeply isolated from the other ‘modern’ societies. The culture here held onto their ancient traditions and believed that they were the only ones of their kind. Their days were numbered by the rise and set of the searing desert sun, and their nights ruled by the changing moon and stars.
Large clay stone walls surrounded the city offering some protection from intruders and the large creatures that roamed the night. Guards walked around the parameter of the wall making sure those who came knocking on the large gates came in peace and were not the scavenging Nomads that brought harm to the cities people. Inside the walls bazaars and markets lined the streets. The people wandered the streets picking up their wares and watching out for the small children that played. The small stands that lined the streets offered shade for their owners as the multicolored tops spotted the sides of the street. Many voices and music emanated from the stands calling out to their potential customers advertising their wares.
It was another normal day for the town as the sun warmed the pale walls. The hustle and bustle of the market thinned out the deeper into the city one traveled. Soon, homes lined the streets and clothes hung outside of windows on ropes strewn from one window to the next. The arches of the doors displayed a classical and ancient architecture ending in a small point at the top. Two women yelled to each other through opposite windows across the street. “Did you hear” One woman asked in Sha-Ine, their native tongue.
“Hear what?” The other lady asked looking across the street as they both hung laundry out on the same lines. “Is it something about the High Family?”
A simple nod answered the question before the older looking of the two went on, “Her child was born last night.” She said simply before adding, “She has dragon eyes.”
The woman stopped what she was doing and looked up, “She does? I thought only men could have the Sacred Dragon eyes.” She paused in disbelief as if unsure of what to say.
“The scriptures and Priests say she is the first female who was born under the Sacred Star which gives such a gift. Oddly however,” She paused looking down to a child whom she quickly took care of before turning to her neighbor, “the Mystics and Healers claim she’s blind.”
A sharp gasp came from the woman across the way, “How then will she be able to use such a sight if she can not see?”
“Perhaps, only the men can hold such a gift…” She replied softly, “I have never heard of a blind man possessing Dragon Eyes and especially not a woman. She is the first woman after all. That is something unusual, sight or no sight.”
“Can you imagine how our dear Empress must feel?” She asked, “Will she have to go through the same training as the men born with the Sacred Dragon Eyes?” Many questions like this wandered throughout the kingdom as the news spread of the first girl with dragon eyes.
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High atop the great towers of the kingdom where the High Family lived, a woman sat, most of her face covered. Her eyes were a deep brown and her frame slender which made her face look like that of a snake. Her ears picked up the cries of a child in some far off area of the castle. “So she has been born with a Sacred gift?” She said softly to the cobra which slithered and wrapped itself around her neck. “We should fix that…” She said softly looking over to the cobra gently stroking it. She picked up the snake which didn’t seem to mind the handling all that much which was odd for such a poisonous creature. “It should’ve been my daughter.” She spoke her voice full of spite. “She will become my daughter and then, we shall be sure her lack of sight will lead to her demise.”
The serpent slithered down her arm and out of sight as footsteps echoed down the clay halls and the door burst open, “Our High Emperor wishes for you to speak of the Childs future.” The guard said as he helped her up.
“Yes! The new born whose cries echo through the halls. Such a blessing she will be to her family.” The woman said softly hiding her true bitterness, “A new face to add to the Sacred Order of the Dragon.” Her eyes darted to the guard and lit up slightly at the thought of a sinister plot. Her mind quickly went over the outline of what would be this child’s cruel fate.
The guards led her quietly out of the room and down the heavy brick staircase to the Emperors throne room. The walk was quiet and their footsteps echoed down the halls of the palace with the faint cry of the infant growing gradually louder. Before entering the room the woman looked out the cut out window and stared off over the blazing desert.
The doors opened and she snapped onto the focus of her Emperor. She gave a low bow, “I am humbled that you would choose me to see the child’s fate.” She rose again standing to her full height which was a little on the short side.
“As I am pleased to give you such an honor,” The Emperor said. He stood tall with his head held high. His face was a tan olive color much like the rest of the people who lived in the city. He was dressed in light blue silk with gold embroidery complimenting his regal stature and symbolizing his authority. He had deep set eyes which held a dark brown hue. His face was clean shaven with a small growing beard on his chin. His hair was dark and kept neatly underneath his modest turban which held a crest of gold.
“Tell us, Sekah,” A woman said holding the now quiet child, “what should we expect with our little one?” Her head tilted to the side as she gazed affectionately at the infant. Unlike the strong jaw the emperor possessed, his Empress had much softer features. She was very feminine with a loving glow about her. Her skin was a lighter hue of brown compared to her husbands but looked to be soft to the touch. She was clothed in the softest silks which fell to the ground and trailed behind her its colors various shades of blue. Her long dark hair was pulled back behind her and pinned up so she wouldn’t get too overheated. Her hair, neck and wrists were wrapped in gold and jewels. The gentlest feature about her, her eyes, held a similar dark brown color to her husbands.
“Of course, Empress,” She said softly hiding the deep loathing and jealousy that welled up inside of her. She moved over to the child humming a tune and put a hand on her head. She continued humming a strange melody as the child’s life flashed in front of her eyes. She opened her eyes with a gasp and stepped away alarming the parents.
“What is it?” The Emperor asked with haste, “Tell me. What did you see?”
After a few dramatic breaths and a hand to her chest she spoke, “I’m sorry my Emperor,” she looked down at the baby, “She will not live past her seventeenth year. The Fates that be wish to take her back by the time the sun rises on her seventeenth birthday. I can not say why or how, but I do know that her lack of vision will cause her a great deal of trials.”
“Impossible.” The Empress said pulling her child closer and looking at Sekah in dismay. “Why would they allow us to have a child only for a short time? We can not bear another!”
Sekah did not count on the defensiveness of her Queen. Her mind darted about even though they could not see it. This was the Queens first child and her only child, of course she’d be defensive, “I’m sorry. I can not fib to you my Empress.”
The Emperor let out a small sigh, “Go back to your chambers Sekah. We will call on you if you are needed.”
With that the guards showed Sekah out and she went back to her chambers. She walked fast with an annoyed look on her face. How dare they have a child who is sacred and then forbid her from their lives. She got to her chamber and shut the door as she moved to the chair next to a small table where some tea was brought up to her. Soon she felt the soft scales of her darling cobra. She picked him up and looked at him, “I want you to kill the Empress tonight.” She said softly in Sha-Ine. “I want you to bite her when the moon is at its highest.”
She glanced around the luxurious room hearing voices down the hall and falling silent. The large bed draped in fine silks and pillows sat at the center of the room. A large balcony overlooked the castles courtyard as chiffon drapes floated in the slight breeze that occasionally passed. Candles sat at either side of the bed on stands of a fine stained wood. Many warm colors of gold and oranges floated across the room and many textures and tapestry designs made the room tasteful and elegant.
The snakes tongue flicked out as its eyes moved once again to the door. The hood of the snake fanned out as it perked up awaiting the footsteps to pass. The black scales and bright yellow design on its hood showed this was no ordinary cobra. Its bright yellow eyes with two slits looked back to its master and creator. “My dear Kaashin,” Sekah’s soft voice spoke, “do not worry over being caught. Bite her on her toe where only a slight pinch of disturbance will be felt. The poison will circulate and the Empresses insides will cease to function one by one. No one will see the marks of your teeth and I shall have what’s rightfully mine.”
The cobra flicked its tongue yet again as it curled around her arm and slithered up around Sekahs neck. A grin spread on Sekahs face. “You may be the darkest creature known to trouble these simple people, yet our intentions are far greater than they can imagine. Once the proper time comes my dear Kaashin you will be worshiped like the Gods themselves.” Sekah stood up moving towards a wicker chest at the foot of her large bed. She opened it rummaging through the many forbidden herbs she kept hidden from the palace guards and the Emperor.
She took out a small glass flask with a very fine blue powder within it. She poured some of its contents into her hand and began speaking words in a cursed tongue. “As the moon sits full and round,” She spoke with a strange harshness, “The Empress sits in evening gowns,
With silks as fine as desert sands,
She will fall by vile hands.
Her face at peace her mind at rest,
she will no longer be the best.
Her daughter with her Dragon Eyes,
by seventeen will fall and die.
The land which shall be mine to take,
shall tremble at my very wake.
Forbidden creatures of myth and lore,
shall then become myth no more.”
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*`@`*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Back in the opposite side of the castle the Emperor and Empress held their child. The baby had her eyes opened revealing a very deep red hue. The markings that surrounded her eyes’ oval shape looked as though they had been painted on by a careful hand. The thin lines going out to the side of her face and gracefully flowing, as if done with one brush stroke, was the complete opposite compared to the sharp lines that marked the men born with Dragon eyes.
“She is lying.” The Empress said once she knew she Sekah was far enough away. “This child, your daughter, is the future leader of our kingdom. Her lack of sight will only bless her determination. She will rule with a kind and gentle hand to her people just as you have.”
“My dear,” the Emperor tried to cut in.
“On her seventeenth birthday Sekah will try to kill her.”
The Emperor was silent, “What makes you speak such vile words?”
“I am not certain my King” She said softly. “All I know is that Sekah is a traitor.”
“You are merely in denial of the words spoken. Sekah has no reason to betray her Emperor or her Empress.”
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*`@`*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Night fell over the kingdom and the cries of the young infant were soon replaced with silence. The moon in its bright scimitar crescent left a pale light cast over the desert and the city. Guards stood at their posts as distant noises were heard out in the desolate dunes of the surrounding wilderness. A gentle breeze floated around giving some relief from the harsh strength of the sun during the day. Stars danced through the skies glimmering against the dark backdrop of deep blue.
Inside the castle everything seemed still. Torches flickered with the occasional breeze that found its way down the halls. Servants took this time to rest and prepare for the banquet that was to be held the day after in the new Princesses honor. The Priests and Mystics were to bless her with a name that the Gods had chosen and celebrate another addition to the Empires elite military.
A sinister shadow crept down the halls heading towards the room where the Royal family slept. The guards didn’t notice the creature slither past them and sneak into the room and up into the bed. The Emperor and Empress slept peacefully as the baby lay in a separate crib. The excitement of the day had taken its toll on them and now the lay unbeknownst of the evil crawling over the silk sheets of the bed.
The snake found the designated spot for the bite and waited a few moments before opening its mouth and carefully striking its victim. The Empress moved her foot away at the uncomfortable sensation that sadly wasn’t enough to wake her. The snakes teeth pulled out but the venom had already been injected into her bloodstream. It was only a matter of time now before the Empress would perish next to her Emperor and first child.
The snake slithered down the other side of the bed looking up at the crib where the baby lay. He slithered up the leg of the crib and looked at the small child that lay inside. For a moment it seemed the snake would strike but instead it lowered itself down and slithered past the guards once again.
Kashiin went through the cracks and crevasses of the castle knowing full well how to get back to his beloved Master Sekah. Kashiin wasn’t sure why Sekah just didn’t have him kill the child now. What was the point of waiting until the child was full grown? The way he thought of it they should take the opportunity now before something prevents them later.
He slithered through a hole at the base of the large wooden door and was happy to see his beloved Sekah resting. She was awake. She had stayed up for her dear Kashiin. At least, that’s what the snake believed.
Sekah took a puff on her opium pipe and smiled, “Has the deed been done?” Was all she asked Kashiin. The snake gave a small hiss as if to say yes as he slithered up her arm and around her neck. The warmest spot he could find. “Good.” Sekah said softly, “Now we wait.”
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*`@`*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Almost seventeen years had passed since the Empress had passed away due to complications with birthing her child. After her passing, the Emperor refused to let his daughter learn the secrets of her Dragon Eyes. The child was blind anyways, what was the point in teaching a sightless being to fight? The Emperor was overprotective of his child and refused to let her go anywhere without the accompaniment of at least four of the top fighters with Dragon Eyes.
The kingdom for the most part remained unchanged. Of course initially devastated at the loss of their beloved Empress, time moved on. Only a few things differed tremendously in comparison to how things were when the child was born. Sekah was now the Emperors top advisor. Every decision about the kingdom she knew about and guided him in a way that would overall be profitable to her.
The layout of the kingdom remained the same save for a few small additions to their town. The clay buildings that lined the streets remained the same pale color as they always had been. The marketplace seemed a little busier. Voices continued to call out to their potential customers as fresh fruit had become available for sale. The scent of the fruit mixed with the baked goods and perfumes that were being sold from afar. The colors that lined the sides of the street were vibrant in comparison to the clay buildings. Many shades mixed together creating a unique blend that could only be found in the marketplace.
A tall figure walked down the way with four men surrounding her, two in the front and two in the back. She walked smoothly at a very casual pace. Her body was slender, her skin was smooth, her hair was long and dark, and the lower half of her face was covered with a thin white fabric. Her tan skin could be seen through the fabric on her face and if she was looked at close enough, her soft features were much like her mothers. Eyes of a deep red hue glanced around, the markings she was born with only making her all the more beautiful. Clothed in white and silver, the Princess walked peacefully down the way as the loud calls fell silent and people fell to their knees in respect keeping their head low. “I would like to find a nice tapestry.” Her voice said to her bodyguards.
The pungent smells that emanated from the market place tickled her sensitive nose and the whispers of the people touched her ears. The guard led her to a stand and spoke, “You there, merchant, what fine tapestry do you have for the princess?” His voice was deep and harsh.
“Meiki,” The Princess said softly. “Please do not be so rude.” She felt the vibrations of the world around her and she turned calling to the people, “Please stand! Do not bow, your garbs will get dirty in the sand.” A kind smile spread across her face as she turned to the merchant. “Please, may I feel them?”
“O-Of course Princess Azikah.” The man stumbled about making her smile grow a little wider at the realization of how nervous he was. The man was clothed in basic white garbs that were stained with sweat and dirt. Obviously he seemed to be struggling selling his wares. She heard the merchant clumsily open a storage chest as she stared blankly in the general direction where the sound was coming from.
“H-Here.” He said softly, “M-my mother wove this tapestry of fine cotton and wool.” The Princesses hands were on it feeling over the designs and tassels.
“Would you describe the pattern to me?” She asked kindly to the merchant.
“Y-yes.” He said giving a small bow even though she couldn’t see it. “The colors are on the cool side. Uh, pale violet being the primary color. The design is outlined in black and makes a shape uh, may I see your hand so I may outline it?”
The princess gave a small chuckle and freed up her hands. “Of course you may. I find it very interesting that you’re the first merchant to really try to explain the design thoroughly.”
She moved her hand out with her palm facing up as she felt him outline various shapes. “The outline in black is almost like the shape of an eye.” He said calming down a little more. “On the inside of that shape are flowers woven into the material. They go around like a border and then the middle has deep blues.” He paused for a moment, “The edge has a simple border of white curving at the corners and I believe that is all the detail I can put into words.” He said smiling.
Azikah nodded. “It’s very nice.” She said quietly, “It sounds lovely. Are you sure you wish me to have it?” The image of an old woman weaving the tapestry entered her mind, the womans hands worn and frail from the many years of doing her art. The next image somewhat saddened Azikah. A large flame and the body of the same old woman lay with a wreath of desert lilies on her chest. “It was the last one she made was it not?” Azikah spoke softly.
The man stayed silent for a few moments almost shocked at what she had said. “It does hold value to me beyond the riches of gold.” He said honestly, “I will not lie to my Princess. However, if you will prize it more than I, I will be happy to give it up.”
Azikah smiled, “No.” She said quietly, “I have never known the love of a mother. You have felt the love and you have the memories. I shall not take the last thing she made from you and deprive you of the thoughts of your mother. It’s too beautiful anyways.”
The man nodded, “If I may say so Princess, despite you being raised with our dear Empress passing, you are just as compassionate and loving as she.” He nodded. “I thank you for your kind words… perhaps another tapestry will interest you?”
Azikah stayed quiet as his words sank in, “Thank you merchant. However I must be getting back to the castle. My father will worry.” She handed him a bag of gold, “For your time.” She moved past the parting crowd of people who continued to stand silent. Her eyes darted around silently focusing only on the sound of the footsteps from the guards around her. She stayed silent as she moved gracefully back towards the castle.
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*`@`*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Back behind the closed doors of the castle Sekah stood a short distance away from her Emperor as he paced back and forth around his throne room. He seemed anxious and aged with the excess of worry over his daughter Azikah. Knowing this was her last night on this realm gave him a great deal of anxiety. His eyes were slightly more sunken in compared to the youthful look they had when the Empress was alive. Wrinkles lined the sides of his lips and his forehead and his once dark hair was now grayed and beginning a slight recession.
Sekah stood motionless. She still looked the same with her slender frame short stature and snake like face. She was draped in black with slight accents of gold around her face. “Is there something troubling you my Emperor?” She spoke softly.
“It’s Azikah…” He said quickly, “She’s not back yet. I’m worried.”
“My dear Emperor she has been gone a short while and she’s with the strongest warriors. She is in good hands. Put your mind at ease, your health will whither otherwise.” She moved close to him and put a hand gently to his face. “You know I can’t live without my beloved Emperor.”
A small smile crept across the Emperors face as he gave a small nod and lowered her hand. “Sekah, this is my dear daughters last night in this realm… I wish to see her one last time…”
The doors burst open and the beauty dressed in white and silver strode through as the guards parted and stood to the side. She stopped a short distance after they had parted not knowing where exactly to look for her father. “Father,” she called softly holding out a hand.
The Emperor moved and touched his daughters hand gently. “My dear, why did it take you so long to return?” He yelled, “You know how worried I get when you stay out!”
The young lady held her tongue for a few moments, “Forgive me, I was conversing with a merchant. I was not aware that that was a violation for a code of conduct.”
“Don’t get smart with me Azikah,” was everything the king said on that subject. “Go to your room and rest. Don’t forget this evening is your banquet.” His voice shook slightly and his eyes turned a little moist.
Azikah lowered her hands from her fathers a little angry at his outburst. “How can I forget my own banquet?” She could feel Sekah in the room. Her dragon eyes moved to the snake like woman. Even without sight Azikah felt the unease and bitterness of the woman who had played her mother.
“Is something wrong my Princess?” Sekah finally spoke heading towards the young girl. She put her hands gently on the girls shoulder looking compassionately to her.
“I do not wish to discuss it Sekah,” was all that was spoken in reply. Azikah had a certain respect and trust in the woman yet always got the feeling that something was not quite right with her. “I feel it is something I should keep to myself.”
“Is it a problem with your future Husband?” Sekah asked as she tried to pry into the life of the girl, “You do realize that he cares do you not? He cares just as I do, please open up to me my child.”
“No,” was the swift reply from Azikah. “I am not your child and nothing is wrong.” With that the Princess turned and headed out of the room with the guards falling into formation. She walked with dignity to her room. She looked to Meiki, “Shall we practice tonight after the banquet?” She asked quietly.
Meiki smiled slightly at his prized student, “If you so wish my Princess. You have mastered what many can not already. I’m running out of things to teach you about your gift.” His voice was deep and soothing. Meiki had taken the princess under his wing when she was very young. He taught her everything he could about her Dragon Eyes and how she could use them to her advantage. At first he thought he was wasting his time and the child would soon give up yet Azikah was persistent and determined. She soon exceeded his wildest expectations. If the Emperor knew of his daughters skills he wouldn’t be so worried when she went out. However, Azikah insisted on keeping her training a secret despite the fact that she was good enough to train others.
Azikah smiled, “There is nothing I like more than learning to use them, and using them with the lack of my sight.”
Meiki gave a small nod, “I trust I can take my leave?” He said softly.
A small nod came from Azikah, “Yes, in fact, go to your family. Your child probably misses you.”
Meiki left and Azikah was then left to her own modes of entertainment and thought. She found her way across the room to the pile of pillow and soft down that made her bed. She sat with her hands in her lap and her gaze down as she contemplated her current situation. She fell into a state of deep thought and was broken when she heard footsteps near her door. “Azikah?” The voice belonged to Sekah, “My dear, please confide in me as you have so many other times.”
Azikah let out a small sigh and opened up, “You have not yet spoken to my father have you?”
“My dear,” Sekah began, “I have tried explaining that you wish to be less restricted yet the right time hasn’t quite come up yet. It seems every time I get close there’s an interruption.” The woman was lying and had no intention of saying anything to her Emperor, “Times have been exceptionally busy preparing for your banquet and your wedding.”
“Assuming I make it to my wedding.” She said quietly knowing the dire prediction of her fate.
“My dear Princess, rest assured. Nothing will harm you. I will talk to your father immediately. I know how much it means to you and I have every intention of finding a way of redirecting this prophecy.” Sekah stood up and moved towards the door carefully leading Azikah towards the door. “I assure you peace will be found between your father and you as well as your suitor and yourself.”
With that Azikah shut the large wooden door and moved carefully around her room shuffling her feet. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath stomping her foot on the ground and listening to how the sound bounced around the room. She took three steps to her left and stopped in front of a wicker trunk at the foot of her bed. She opened it and felt the soft silks that rested inside enjoying the textures that titillated her senses. She listened carefully for a moment straining her ears to see if there was the sound of footsteps coming down the far end of the hall. She could not be interrupted in the slightest.
Once she determined it was safe her hands rummaged around the neatly folded silks pausing when she found a coarse cotton material. She picked up a small bag that was made of thick brown cotton and was tied shut with a silk rope. She loosened it and reached inside at the contents, a large medallion with a dragon on one side and a human eye on the other, three sticks of incense and a four inch dagger.
Once the contents were out and set on the ground in front of her she moved towards the dwindling sunlight. She was sensitive enough that once the sun touched her it was a drastic difference compared the shade. She took the incense in one hand and her dagger in the other and very carefully felt for the concentrated spot of sunlight that formed in the reflection of the metal. Once she found it she moved the incense to that area and proceeded to cleverly light the small stick. Once the smell touched her nostrils she blew out the small flame and set the dagger down. She dusted the floor in front of her and found a small crack which she could use to stand the incense in. Once that was finished she set the dagger in front of her and held the medallion in her right hand.
She closed her eyes and sat very still and quiet falling into a very delicate meditative state. She could feel the world around her peel away as the smoke of the incense danced around her and silence became more prominent. Soon she heard nothing. No far off footsteps or talking outside of her door could penetrate the heightened state she put herself into.
She felt slightly different this time. She had gone through this process many times but something about this was so pleasantly off. She felt a surge of emotions welling through her all of which were connected to a very loving individual. Normally all Azikah could see was darkness even when she was meditating.
My, my you’ve grown up Azikah. The voice was soft and gentle. Azikah paid very close attention to the feelings she got from it.
“Mother…” Azikah spoke to the darkness a little uneasy and slightly excited.
Yes. I am your mother, Kimara. For the first time that Azikah could remember her mother appeared before her, the gentle face of the woman who had birthed her stared back with a very caring smile across her lips as she looked at her daughter. Despite lacking sight Azikah could understand and comprehend the image before her. The gentle eyes emanated feelings of love and understanding.
“Of all the times I’ve repeated this ritual, you appear to me now.” Azikah softly spoke as she dwelled in the depths of her mind, “Why haven’t I had the chance to see you sooner?”
I have come with a warning from the Gods. The voice spoke gently causing Azikah to remain calm despite the information being given to her.
Though the mask of ally remains on,
The truth will soon begin to dawn,
That the friend is surely the foe,
True intentions soon being shown.
Betrayal burns like the desert sun,
Hurts like the Venom of a snakes tongue,
Never ceases to eat away at the heart,
And this is where your journey shall start.
Before Azikah could even give the message a second thought her hands were on her dagger with a hard slam onto the ground next to her. Kashiin had slithered in while she was in her deep trance. Her dagger had fallen between his eyes penetrating his skull causing his assassination attempt to fail. Azikah’s red eyes stared straight ahead as she kept her hand firmly on her dagger. The body of the snake writhed in pain for a few moments before its body shut down and the creature died.
“Very well done Azikah,” A voice spoke from the corner of the room. Azikah kept still staring straight ahead. She knew the voice, she felt the familiar presence of Sekah yet something seemed different. The voices pitch was slightly deeper and more airy. Something was very wrong with Sekah, at least that was the first thought that popped into Azikahs mind. “So you’ve come to kill me Sekah?” The girl put the pieces of her mothers warning together fairly quickly as she pulled her dagger out of Kashiin’s head.
“You never thought that the woman who nurtured and loved you through your youth would ever want to kill you.” Sekah spoke wickedly, “Which is why it is so perfect. I was going to kill you the same way I killed your mother but alas, you have stabbed that meaningless demon.”
“You killed my mother?” Azikah remained quiet clenching the dagger in her hands, “Why? She trusted you… just as my father does. I should have known you had your own agenda.”
“It’s too late princess. I hold more influence than you expect Azikah.” The door creaked open and Azikah heard heavy footsteps enter her room. Azikah stood slowly turning to the direction of Sekah and her new companion.
“Princess,” The voice spoke almost hurt at the fact that he was there.
“Meiki, is that you?!” Azikah asked stunned.
“I’m afraid so.” Was all Meiki could say.
“Then you both shall die!” Azikah said charging them in a deep fury. She swung at Meiki using her hearing to predict location and movements. She felt a fist close around her hand as she was face to face with her teacher tears falling out of her eyes. How could they? His grip tightened on her wrist as she felt her bones slowly crushing.
Azikah felt her anger swell at the situation as she pushed the heel of her palm hard against Meiki’s chest. The move sent a shock through his body and he had no choice but to let go to catch himself. She felt Sekah try and escape the situation knowing it wasn’t going the way she had planned. She didn’t know the child had learned anything about her gifts. Azikah ran after hardly making a noise down the halls as she tried to catch Sekah. She was almost to the stairs when she felt the heavy weight of Meiki pull her down. “Princess do not risk it.”
Azikah struggled against his weight and was causing herself great strain by doing so. “Get off you traitor! I can’t believe I had even trusted you.” Her voice was exasperated as the weight of Meiki crushed her.
“Princess, you are not ready to fight her. I have not betrayed you, in fact I am here to save you…”
“As much as I wish I could trust your words Meiki, you have betrayed me enough!”
“Azikah, listen to me. I will not betray my King or my kingdom let alone you. She has my family.” He said simply, “I’ve conceived a plan that would allow you to escape. I am sorry Princess but I can not protect you any longer.”
Azikah stopped struggling and nodded, “So I must give up my kingdom to save myself.” She felt that same odd peace fall over her that she felt when she had meditated. She let out a heavy sigh trying to breathe.
“You are going to hide until the time comes for you to return.” Meiki said softly. “Your spirit is one of the strongest of the Dragon Warriors that I have ever trained. There is still much for you to learn and it is dangerous if you learn it here. This is for the greater good of the Kingdom, I assure you.”
The feeling of peace continued to stay with Azikah as she nodded yet again, “I believe you… please get off. It’s hard for me to breathe…” She said softly starting to feel difficulty staying conscious.
“I’m afraid I can not Princess. Please, forgive me.” He took a cloth out from his back pocket and put it over Azikahs mouth. She tried to get away from it but soon she noticed the sounds of the world around her fading and her head hit the clay floor with a small thud.
“The deed is done.”
Chapter 2
Azikahs eyes opened as she felt the world around her. Her teeth chattered as she felt the cold surface of the ground beneath her. She was nervous and unaware of where she was. She felt her appendages become numb as her mind wandered trying to recollect what had happened. She tried to make a noise but found it extremely difficult to do so above the howl of the blizzard she had found herself in. She was moving even though she wasn’t sure how or by what or whom.
“It’s alright!” She heard a male voice yell in a different language. She didn’t understand it and grew nervous wondering where she really was. Soon the sliding sensation stopped and she heard footsteps close to her head. The boy knelt down and grabbed her hand from underneath the blanket. He put a small piece of metal in her hand and shut her hand around it. The object sent a warm sensation through her body as she held onto it. “We’re almost to safety!”
She heard the bark of creatures as the pulling started again. Her eyes shut against her will as the journey across the land of ice continued. The sound of the sled gliding over the snow soon faded as her mind started to recess into itself. She listened to the howl of the wind as the voice of the man yelled out to whatever was pulling the sled.
Snow flew frantically through the atmosphere as the sled made its way across the tundra. The dark overcast sky had blocked out the moon and stars that hung high above the land. The figure driving the sled was shrouded in a thick coat of hide and furs. The figures eyes could be seen behind a pair of protective goggles squinting and trying to see through the dim visibility the blizzard was causing.
Soon the blanket of snow disappeared and an eerie silence and darkness took over yet a warm feeling surrounded the area. In the distance the sound of bubbling water could be heard. The sled stopped and the man reached into his pocket pulling out a flint and a small rag. He lit the rag which combusted easily and dropped it causing a chain of fire to light the dark walls of the cave making it easier to see the surrounding area. The bubbling was from hot springs which helped warm the otherwise freezing atmosphere.
The man started unwrapping Azikah from the blankets she was bundled in and looked her over. He lowered his hood and lifted his eye protection to reveal a very handsome face. His face was young with a strong structure to it. His hazel eyes were gazing over the girl that lay before him in her light clothing wondering where she had come from. He had never seen someone dressed like this, especially with all the snow.
He picked her up and led her over to a stone slate near one of the springs. He knew that if he had set her in the water her body might go into shock so the heating must be gradual. He took off his gloves and his thick coat revealing a better outline of his body. He was healthy and strong seeing as his living conditions required it. He let out a small sigh thinking of what he should do next. He sat Azikah up delicately and moved her to the warm stone slate. He laid her so she was close to the hot spring and the heat could be felt. He then grabbed thick fur blankets and covered her with them hoping he didn’t find this young beauty too late.
The walls of the cave were cluttered with glass vials and flasks. Some had liquid and odd looking objects inside and the others simply remained empty. The glow of the fire reflected in the glass which helped illuminate the cave a little better. A desk sat across from the hot spring covered in a mess of papers and books. Deeper into the cave were the actual living quarters of a bed and storage unit for food.
After a few minutes passed the man sat Azikah up and let out a small sigh for what he had to do next. “I hope you don’t mind miss…” The young man said to Azikah even though she was unconscious. “The best way for the heat to return to your body is if I remove your clothing…” His voice was deep and spoke in a different language that was never heard by Azikahs people. He let out a small sigh as he removed her clothing and lowered her gently into the hot spring. He positioned her so her head remained above water and she could soak and regain her strength.
He moved over to his desk still keeping an eye on Azikah as he opened his books and studied the far off culture of the desert people and how a very select few males were born with dragon eyes. He continued to read what he believed to be myth and take notes curious as to what exactly the dragon eyes did for those who had them. Minutes passed and he still looked up to make sure Azikahs head remained above water.
Soon Azikahs eyes opened even though it didn’t help her situation. She listened to the bubbling of the springs and panicked slightly. She put her hand outside of the water and felt a sharp sting of the icy cave floor. The sound of moving gravel and small gasp that came from Azikah caught the attention of the man as he looked over to her. A small smile came across his face happy that the girl was awake. “Are you alright Miss?”
Azikahs gaze shot over to the direction of the voice. Her eyes darting trying to put together what had happened. All she could remember was Sekah and Meiki trying to kill her. She moved around slightly realizing that she was in very warm water and then soon realized that she didn’t have any clothes on either. She covered herself pulling her legs close to her chest and keeping her now embarrassed face low.
The man got up and rummaged around whistling and singing a song in his language. He found a change of clothes for the girl and walked over to her. “Miss,” He said to her politely, “I have some clothes for you.” The reaction confused the man for a few moments. Azikah jumped, startled despite the fact that her gaze should have seen him walk across the cave to her. He put a hand in front of her face waving it looking for any sort of reaction.
The reaction he got was unexpected. She grabbed his wrist and twisted it very hard causing him to fall to his knees and bend sideways trying to prevent her from breaking it. He let out a yell and realized that this girl was blind. He quickly grabbed her other hand which looked like it was going to be used to dislocate his elbow and quickly set it on the change of clothes he brought to her. “Easy, easy,” he said trying to reassure and calm her.
Azikahs hands felt over the material. It was foreign to her. She had never felt hide and fur. She let go of his wrist and continued to feel the furs with her hands wondering just what they were. Her instincts quickly told her what exactly they were and that this man wasn’t someone attempting to kill her. She didn’t fully trust him, but she knew he wouldn’t harm her.
The man however noticed a very interesting feature about the girl. The dark marks around her eyes which accented the bright red color. “Dergi Hashir…” he said softly coming to the realization that they were dragon eyes.
The words of Sha-Ine hit Azikah’s ears and soon she asked in her tongue, “Do you understand me?”
The man took a step back and racked his brain for the little bit of Sha-Ine he had learned. “Uh, uhm,” he stumbled, “Minak te Baldur.”
The reaction Azikah gave him assured this gentleman that his Sha-Ine was not very good. In fact Azikah was trying to understand why he would even say, “Smell as Baldur.” She repeated it to try and understand it and then fell silent. She must have been a very long ways away from home. The languages were completely different and the ground was colder than anything she had ever felt before. She let out a small sigh and looked down feeling very helpless at that moment.
“You’re a long way from your home,” the man said in his own language. “I wonder what you were doing… I suppose it may be better if I don’t inquire.”
Azikah climbed out into the icy air of the cave and started figuring out the clothing that was given to her. The top was too big and covered her all the way down to her very feminine hips. She shivered as the man started helping her get fully dressed. She couldn’t see it but his cheeks were flushed slightly at her boldness.
When she was finished dressing a vest of warm fur covered her chest and torso, a soft scarf was draped around her neck and a pair of pants made of hide kept her legs warm. Baldur gave her a pair of boots to borrow and a warm hat to help her keep her warmth.
“See now that isn’t so bad is it?” Baldur asked Azikah knowing she didn’t fully understand. “You get used to the cold after a while and it doesn’t bother you so much. It might take longer in your case though.” He spoke with a very friendly tone hoping to keep Azikah calm, “You could probably do for something warm on your insides. I think I’ve got some stew we can heat up. Anyways, I’m Baldur, I’m an Alchemist and well, I live here in this cave that I don’t quite think you can see.”
Azikah heard him speaking and had a very fuzzy impression of where he was. He had moved farther back in the cave and was now rummaging for something. He was speaking and she personally thought it was a little foolish of him to do so when she obviously didn’t understand. Azikah stood still staring in the general direction of this new acquaintance.
“Of course, you’re also quite a ways away from your home. I think that if I ever get the chance to I’ll ask about what you’re doing so far out here. It seems odd to me that someone from your country be found in the ice like that. Perhaps you got lost from a traveling party or for some reason were stranded.” He laughed at that thought as he walked out with a hot bowl of soup for Azikah.
He reached out and grabbed her hand gently leading it to the bowl. Azikah felt the warmth and took it with her other hand. She shut her eyes after setting the soup down and closed her eyes. She fell into a different state of mind picking apart the different use of consonants and vowels in this language. She was absorbing as much as she could while the man sat and continued to go on now beginning to speak of this Alchemy he did.
“Perhaps one day I’ll be able to make something nice for you,” he said with a wide grin, “I must say compared to some of the villagers I’m quite knowledgeable on the subject.”
Azikah was quiet as she reached for the bowl of soup and continued to listen to the man talk. She wished she could understand everything but found it slightly entertaining that he would babble continuously like that despite that she didn’t understand. Perhaps he’s excited to have some company…or maybe he’s trying to let me know that he is still around by talking. A small smile of amusement came across her face as she spoke to him in Sha-Ine, “So, what makes you continue to speak if you know I can not understand?”
Baldur listened understanding very little of her statement, “I’m sorry. I don’t quite understand you. It will take some time for me to completely learn Sha-Ine to the point of being a decent conversationalist.” He stood up and went back over to his desk, “I can write it and read it.” He said quietly, “But speaking it is much more complicated for some reason. I suspect it’s because I had no one to practice with until now. No motivation for it you see.”
