The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade

Everything was dark around them. Nothing could be seen with the naked eye. But there was suddenly a bright flash of light that illuminated the area. Kate winced at the small ball of light that hung above them, afloat in mid air. It bobbed up and down slightly, but shed off an almost sun-like radiance. Standing below it was Laela, who stared up at it astonishingly. “I made light!” she declared.

Kate didn’t bother to look up at the blazing ball anymore. “Is it your Seal power?” she asked.

Laela nodded and smiled. “Mhm!”

Kate looked around the room. Something about the cocooning darkness was familiar… It was no surprise that this place was causing her to remember the dungeons that her and Kirith had to terrace through. Smooth stone lined the floor and walls. The ceiling rose high into an endless fog of darkness. A carved out structure sat in the very center of the room with ancient writings etched into it. Cobwebs marred the walls and corners, along with a bit of rubble here and there.

“Derenil, are you alright?” Epheldor asked, kneeling beside her with his hand on her back.

Derenil coughed, placing her hand over her chest and breathing. “Yes, I’m fine…just a little weak,” she replied. Derenil stood up but quickly faltered. Epheldor quickly put his arm around her to hoist her up.

Earidon looked on into the darkness ahead. “I never expected us having to go through here…” he muttered. Earidon looked back at the group as the light only shed visibility on part of his face. “It is very important that we stay close. You can’t trust the shadows here. The path of Winduli runs through here, so we should be able to find it.” He paused for a moment as he turned away. “And whatever you do, don’t make too much sound.”

They began their journey through the darkness. This was a darkness that none of them had ever experienced before, not even Kate or Kirith. It was dark and threatening, and had been there for ages upon ages. The ball of magic light was their only source of hope. Whatever the skeletons meant by them not being welcome, they were right. The shadows and atmosphere did not bode well with the group.

Walking down the hall, they entered a vast expanse that was carved right out of the inside of the mountain. From above, in the middle of the enormous system was some light, revealing a cross path that was held up by pillars above an endless abyss. The air grew musty and stale with particles of dust. Two thick columns stood parallel to each other on either side of the walkway. A falcon head was carved into each, as if it were devouring the column. It was a magnificent sight, but not only that, frightening. What could have happened to cause such a ornate place to be left and inhabited by goblins? The abode held many dark unknown tales that the Seals continued to grow curious about.

Stepping up onto the walkway, the group looked around the area. Kate let her eyes trail down to the darkness below. The very sight of it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Now that she thought about it, she would much rather fall off the side of the mountain than have to fall into that. Kate turned her attention back ahead, taking a deep breath.

“Onn Dorei, ancient elven city long forgotten,” Earidon began. “Abandoned by our people is what they say…only few really know the true story.” He pointed to the path on their right. “That is the way of Winduli, but…” Earidon looked to the left, “we will rest there and continue on a safer route…or less dangerous I should say.”

Down the walkway to the left was a wide opening that had slightly caved in, but there was still enough to fit through. Beyond the opening was complete darkness.

Kirith glanced to Earidon skeptically. “You seem to know this place quite well…”

Earidon looked straight on ahead as they walked towards the opening. “Indeed… I have been through here many times,” he said, though his tone was sullen, “but that is a story for another time.”

Upon reaching the opening, the group walked through and into another high ceilinged room, though it was much smaller compared to the other rooms. Part of the room itself had collapsed with large pieces of rubble sitting here and there. At the far end of the room was an almost cave looking entrance that led into darkness.

With what sticks and firewood they had, they stoked up a small fire. The Seals, along with Callon and Derenil, huddled around it for warmth.

Kate massaged her arms, seeing her own breath escape her lips. “And I thought this would be the last time I would have to go into some dark place.”

“Same here…” Kirith replied.

“Only this is far worse than the dungeons of Baldoria,” Callon added, looking at the two of them.

“Definitely,” Kate nodded, exchanging a glance with Kirith.

Earidon paced over to them. “I do not believe anyone would be able to get passed the sealed door, so it is best that you all take the time to rest,” he said. “Especially you, Derenil.”

Derenil nodded, looking ever more drowsier.

Everyone bundled up in cloak-like blankets they had, staying close to the small fire.

Kate kept her back to the fire and pulled the blanket closer over her shoulder and to her midsection.

Travis shifted a little and looked around at the walls. “What I want to know is what the deal was with those undead. They must be centuries old…”

Callon laughed a bit nervously. “They are very old… Back before Ivsaar and Vasnidale had positive relations, the Emperor was demanding to receive the riches of the Marnesius Mountains. When the Ivsaar refused, the Emperor went ahead and made outposts on the mountains to mine. Many of them didn’t last long, some abandoned.”

Kate’s eyes widened slightly. “You must’ve had been pretty dedicated to go up there then.”

Callon nodded slowly. “The same dedication lives on with their souls now, I suppose.”

Everyone eventually nestled down to rest, relaxing their weary bodies. Kate propped her head on a small curved rock as a makeshift pillow. She could see Earidon and Epheldor standing next to a fallen column several yards away and conversing. Kate shut her eyes and sighed.

“We aren’t here alone,” Epheldor whispered. “And it’s not just the Obligators trying to get to us.”

“I know, I know,” Earidon replied. “With the all of those mountain protectors rising from their grave, I knew something wasn’t right. I could sense their awakening from afar.”

“As did I. Someone knew we would come here. But who?”

Earidon paused and let out a breath. “That is what I am wondering.” It was silent. “Keep an eye out for anything. Whoever this is won’t attack till later is what I presume.”

Kate scrunched her brow, but she continued to keep her eyes closed. Another figure following them? What could that mean? Or who is it? Seriously, we have enough stress as it is, Kate thought. She tried not to let her mind settle on it. But who could this follower possibly be?

Orin sat on one of the fallen pillars in Onn Dorei, staring down at his hands as he waited patiently. All around, his men were preparing for next move; ambushing the Seals in the darkness. They were just about ready with constructing their bomb arrows to stop the Seals. It was risky indeed, but it was imperative that Orin was to obtain their Seals. Bringing the ancient guardians back from the dead didn’t seem to do the trick, so things were going to get even more difficult.

And that brought back the conversation he and his mentor, Hannor, had or at least small talk after the council meeting.

He walked down the hall as the other council members left. Orin felt determined, unbreakable. The Seventh Seal he was, and the last one at that. He would do what the other Seals hadn’t; cleanse this world of its impurities.

“Orindir!” came a voice from behind.

Orin turned around and raised his brow. “Master Hannor?” he replied.

Hannor, a tall elf adorned in light armor strode to him with a regal gait. A visor covered his eyes and his light blue hair was pulled back into a ponytail much like Orin’s. “I must speak with you for a moment,” he said in a stoic tone as he stopped in front of his prince.

“Of what?” Orin asked. “I am attentive to what you must say.”

Hannor sighed deeply. “It is these Seals you must spy on,” he said. “I must warn you that they are extremely powerful.”

Orindir cocked an eyebrow. “Powerful?” he questioned. “Nothing is too powerful for me when I have the Creator at my side.”

“I know, Orin, but they are…different. I have heard of what they can do, and they are strong. They bear the likeness of you, don’t forget that.”

Orin glanced down at the floor, contemplating. “I know.”

“It won’t be easy, and I’d advise you take caution,” Hannor continued. “This won’t be like saving dragons… No, you will face things that won’t make sense. If it is too much for you, you can back down from the mission.”

Orindir narrowed his eyes. “Back down? Master, this is the king’s order, my father’s order!”

“I know, I just don’t want you to get into something you’re not prepared for.”

“Hannor,” Orin said, which got him a weird look from his master, “I won’t let anything try to make me stumble in my journey. These Seals will have no choice but to surrender.” He turned on his heel and began heading down the hall again.

“Orin!” Hannor called after him. Orin stopped, but didn’t turn to look back at him. “Be careful with who you deal with.”

The memory faded in Orin’s mind. He felt almost as if Hannor had been right. Something about this mission was questioning everything he had known. It wasn’t this group of Seals, but a certain person in particular: the human girl with golden hair. He had only seen her twice and felt something so different about her. The presence of the Creator was there, and in his eyes, she was like a radiant beacon of light. The other boy she was with had very indistinguishable fragments, but the girl was like nothing he had ever encountered before. How could this be? Wasn’t she an imposter like the rest? Someone who convinced people they served the Creator? It bothered Orin to think that she could have such a strong connection. He had to see this golden haired girl up close himself, understand her.

“Milord, we are ready for when you are,” one of his soldiers said.

“Wait,” Orin said, standing up.

From atop his shoulder, Gawz opened his wide eyes with a look of bewilderment. “W-w-what is it, Prince Orindir?” he stuttered.

“A change in plans,” Orin stated, looking around at them. “Go into sneak formation, I’m going to speak with one of these Seals myself.”

Kate lay between the brink of sleep and consciousness. Everything was still and silent, aside from the dying embers of the fire. Everyone else lay fast asleep all around, but Kate didn’t. She stirred and shifted, trying to get a better position. But when she heard it, she froze. Off in the distance, she could hear very faint singing. The words, or if there were any words, could not be distinguished. The voice sounded feminine and almost angelic.

Kate furrowed her brow but kept her eyes shut. Singing? She must be dreaming already. But it couldn’t possibly be a dream, the singing sounded so real. Kate’s eyes shot open. The singing was still there, and it sounded like it was coming from somewhere. Should she go investigate? Abandoning the group would be a terrible decision, but Kate’s curiosity overcame her. I won’t go that far…and if I see something out of the ordinary I’ll come right back here, Kate thought.

After several minutes of trying to urge herself up, she rose and gently laid her cloak back down. Strapping her sword to her hip, Kate looked around the group to see if anyone stirred. Did none of them hear the singing? It probably wasn’t loud enough to wake them up anyways. She quietly tip-toed around them and stood in the middle of the room. The singing sounded like it was coming from her left, and through the carved out cave. Kate quietly walked towards it and looked in. Yes, indeed the singing was getting louder. Taking in a deep breath, she walked into the cave and gripped the hilt of her sword. If this is all just going to be darkness, I’m just not going to bother with trying to find the source of the singing, Kate thought. Her heart pounded in her chest at the very thought of this possibly being a trap, or the awakening of a malevolent spirit.

But when the cave turned in a sharp corner, light bounced off of the rock and glistened. Kate peaked her head from behind the corner and observed. From out of the cave was another room much like the other room the group was in. Standing and piercing through the wall were massive white crystals that stood at least two stories high. The crystals let off a powerful and comforting light that shimmered brightly. The singing was more distinct than ever, and it radiated right from the crystals. A figure stood in from of the crystals, looking up at them.

Though it was a magnificent sight indeed, Kate realized who this figure was. Prince Orindir. He stood tall, staring up at the crystal formation in awe. Catching her own breath, Kate whipped back behind the wall as sweat began to bead down her forehead. What was he doing there?

“I know you’re behind there,” Orin called.

Kate gulped and shut her eyes. What should she do, step out into the light? He would kill her if she revealed herself, but his voice didn’t sound aggravated at all. Creeping out from the cave, Kate mechanically walked into the clearing but stopped a safe distance away.

“Cantu stones,” Orin said. “Or better known as the Singing stones. They emanate a soft song that reflects the health of the universe… It is melancholic now, you can heart it, correct?”

Kate slowly let her gaze turn to the crystal. The singing was slower and full of sorrow. The voice sounded as if it was longing for something, something that no words could really describe. Kate looked back to Orin. The same pain in the song was in his eyes. “You’ve been following us…haven’t you?” she said.

Orin was silent for a moment. “Maybe, maybe I have,” he replied softly. “I have my reasons that I shall not enlighten upon.” Orindir turned to her. “Though this is a quest for the Creator, I have been at a loss.”

“At a loss?” Kate asked. “Is this why you haven’t decided to kill me yet?”

Orin sighed and turned back to the crystals. “In a sense…yes…” he said. “You see…ever since I was a child, I have been able to understand the emotions and struggles of dragons alike. Each dragon has a special sort of atmosphere, one that resonates the Creator’s essence; since they are descendants of the Chòr. Meaning they are the literal children of the Creator. It’s a melody, much like this singing crystal. I can sense this atmosphere in others too, but never that strong.”

Kate furrowed her brow. “But what?” She was a bit hesitant to let him go on.

Orin turned to her again. “Never have I felt one so strong, up until now.”

Kate was silent. What did he mean? Never felt one so strong up until now?

Orin’s expression grew grim. “You are probably wondering whom I am referring to,” he said. “This person who resonates a very powerful presence of the Creator is…you.”

Kate felt her jaw drop a little. He had to be joking; this had to be a trick somehow. But would he be lying? She couldn’t tell if he was or wasn’t. If he was, he was playing it pretty well. “I…I don’t believe you,” Kate said a bit exasperatedly.

Orin firmed his jaw. “I couldn’t believe it myself either, I didn’t want to believe it,” he sighed. “But here I am now, conversing with my enemy.”

Kate didn’t say anything in reply. All she really could do was stare at him in utter confusion.

Orin exhaled and looked down. He began to pace back and forth, massaging his forehead. “Ever since I saw you in the small Baldorian village, I knew something was different, that something was off. And now I must kill you and all your friends. But how can I if one has such a strong connection? It irks me greatly, Seal, it really does! The stumbling block in my path to success is of the Creator! And I feel weak and almost attracted…” Orin stopped pacing, trying to calm down his breathing.

Kate fidgeted a bit, growing even more nervous. She just hoped he wouldn’t lash out at her. “Then maybe…you have to accept it,” Kate suggested. “Accept what is there.”

Orin looked back at her, puzzlement in his eyes. He paused before walking directly in front of her. Holding out his hands, Orin spoke, “Hold my hands. I want to show you something.”

Kate looked at him skeptically. What was he going to do? Did she have any other choice? This seemed odd…holding the hand of her enemy. But something told her to do it. Hesitantly, Kate placed her palms in his and held onto his wrists.

Orin wrapped his fingers around her wrists. “Alright, now close your eyes,” he said.

Kate shut her eyes and swallowed. What was he going to do next?

After about five seconds, Orin spoke again, “Now open your eyes.”

Kate’s eyes fluttered open and she gasped. The whole room was gone, completely and utterly gone. Everything had just disappeared. The crystals were nowhere to be seen, neither the walls nor floor. A deep darkness surrounded them as they levitated in mid air. Soft blue streams of light fanned out and twisted in various directions, gliding with grace. Particles of light floated here and there, some even moving with the light streams. Galaxies, stars, and nebulas hung from all around, far off in the vast space. Planets circled around a bright sun, in complete order and harmony.

Kate looked around, completely awestruck. It was unimaginable! The very sight of it all, everything in complete balance and accordance made her heart race in her chest. She felt a sense of joy and child-like innocence. How was this even happening? Kate didn’t care. Everything felt so amazing. The universe seemed to go in slow motion, like it lasted for thousands of years, but each second was complete bliss. She laughed as a smile spread across her face, letting her gaze wander across the stars and planets. “How…how is this happening?” Kate asked, clutching Orin’s hands tighter. “I-it’s— I-I have no words to describe…”

“Beautiful, powerful,” Orin replied, not much surprise in his tone as he looked around. “This is the presence of the Creator within you…or what it looks like. Everything is at a balance and undisturbed.”

Kate stammered, “I didn’t know…I had such a strong connection… D-did we leave the cave?!”

“No, we’re still there. I am able to create a visual of what that looks like in my mind, and show it to others. It is a rare gift to unlock. As long as we don’t let go of each other, we’ll stay here.”

Kate gazed back at him. She hadn’t really noticed up until now how attractive this elven prince was. His eyes glinted with deep sorrow and resentment. Kate bit her lip. “You don’t…seem very pleased with this,” she said, her smile fading.

“You’re right,” he replied, breaking their gaze. “You and your companions are the hindrance to my goal.” Orin let go her hands and sighed.

As if floating back down into their original positions they were in before the vision, everything went back to normal.

“I was a fool to converse with you…” Orin muttered. “I was a fool to think I could run away from my mission.”

Kate wished that moment before could last forever. But now they were back to reality, and they had to face the hard truth. She lowered her head when her gaze landed on something. On Orin’s right hand was a glowing Seal, one much like hers. Kate’s eyes widened. So this was what the town’s people had been worrying over. She looked back up into Orindir’s eyes. “You’re a Seal…” Kate stammered. “But how?”

Orin looked to the side. “I am the seventh one… It is a gift of the Creator,” he said. “It was given to me in order to destroy you and the rest of the Seals.”

She was silent for a moment. “It doesn’t have to be that way…” Kate said.

Orin furrowed his brow. “What?”

Kate looked back up at him. “You say you do what you must in the Creator’s name, right?” she said. “My friends and I…we do the same.”

Orindir shook his head. “They have fooled you. There can’t possibly be any good in them.”

“That’s because you don’t know them!” Kate said. “They’re good people, you just don’t know them like I do.” She felt a surge of hope and stepped towards Orin. “You want to save the dragons, but is punishing the human race the right thing to do? Is that what the Creator wants?”

Orin let his hands hang at his sides. He stared at the floor, thinking. Orin looked into Kate’s eyes, something different glimmering in his gaze.

“Hold right there!” a voice yelled from behind.

Kate whipped around to see the others rush in, weapons drawn. Kirith ran up in front of Kate and pointed his sword at Orin’s chest. “Stay away from her!” he growled.

Kate’s eyes widened in outrage. “Kirith, stop!” she said, grabbing his sword arm.

Kirith pushed her back. “Kate, stay back, he’s lying to you!”

Earidon approached with his sword ready as he spoke, “Why am I not surprised it was you, Prince of the North? We’ve had enough of you hindering our journey.”

Kate came forward again, fists clenched. “Listen to me! He’s not what you think he is!” she exclaimed.

Kirith looked back at Kate baffled. His head whipped towards Orin as his scowl grew deeper. Quickly putting his sword right up to Orin’s neck, Kirith snarled, “What did you do to her?!? What did you put into her head?!?”

“Kirith!” Kate cried. But Kirith ignored her.

Orin narrowed his eyes down at Kirith. “So this is how I am repaid…? And to think I could trust you, Seal.” His eyes met Kate’s in a cold dissatisfaction. “I am not surprised.”

From the shadows, elven soldiers emerged, two with a bow and arrow in hand. A bat like creature hastily flew down onto Orin’s shoulder, its eyes wide in anxiousness.

Orin took a step back from them. “I should’ve known better,” he continued. “But I give you the honor of being invited to the massacre of the human’s beloved city Atara, that is if you survive. The day will come when dragons shall be at their greatest strength on the Seven-Moon Alignment! I will lead them to freedom on that day, and the human’s shall burn in flames that rise higher than the rooftops!”

“You’re sick!” Kirith snapped.

“This is the will of the Creator. Accept your punishment,” Orin said, taking another step back.

Kate shook her head slowly. Orin no… she thought.

One of the archers pointed his bow up the ceiling. A fuse like wire was wrapped around the arrow, with a small flame eating away at the end of it.

Earidon’s eyes widened. “It’s a trap!” he yelled, pushing Kirith and Kate back. “Fall back!”