The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade

High above the city of Atara, let alone the whole land of Tellaria, sat the seven moons Ignis, Aqua, Terra, Aer, Vitae, Mortem, and Mentis, all there to create the Ether Alignment. These bodies of rock, surrounded by a veil of mystery and crafted from the Creator’s hands had made their thousands and thousands of orbits after hundreds of years. And now, finally they were coming together, as a sign in the heavens. In the cosmos they made their slow connection, stopping exactly in a vertical line directly over the center of Tellaria.

In Atara, all the people looked upon it and awed at its beauty. From what they could see, the specific colors of each moon were mixing and tying together perfectly with the stars and each other. Fireworks were set off, splashing in an array of lights that matched the moons. Humans and those of other folk danced to the music played in the main square, unaware of any danger. Others purchased masks and special goods from the warmly lit booths. Children played and danced too without a care in the world.

Down low beneath the feet of the Atarians, below the think layer of soil and rock was restlessness. One of the guards, who was left on watch duty over the main passage to the draconian dungeons, sat in a small interior room right next to the large doors. The rest of his crew was drinking away at some inn while he was stuck with watching the doors. What a pitiful way to spend a great night. The guard had instead decided to sneak in a bottle of ale, and hopefully get away with it.

So far he was doing well. If anyone were to come near the doors, he would see their shadow in the torchlight outside. Easy enough. The guard leaned back in the wooden chair and took a big gulp of the ale, feeling the cool drink slither down his throat. He let out a satisfied sigh and chuckled, “That’s more like it.”

Taking another swig, the guard noticed something out of place. He swore he saw a quick movement in the shadows, but it must’ve just been the alcohol getting to him. Suddenly there was a sharp click of the door closing. The guard shot up from his chair and slammed the bottle of ale down on a nearby table. He skulked outside and stood before the two gigantic doors. Did someone enter inside? But why at this time of the night? He hadn’t heard any footsteps…

The guard looked around the area for any signs of other movement. Nothing, so someone must have entered inside. The guard grumbled to himself irritably. “If someone is in there, captain wouldn’t be happy if I let it slide.”

Taking the torch from the wall, he entered inside. The place was the same as ever; cold, dark, unsettling, and lonely. He could distinctly hear the interloper’s footsteps echoing from afar. What fool would come down here alone? As quiet as possible, the guard followed in the direction the other before him had gone. If he was too loud about his presence, whoever-this-guy-was would surely hide.

Rounding a corner, the guard began to feel rather queasy as he went on. This was where the dragons were. Nobody went down there without the protection of a dracomancer. He didn’t want to delay this anymore; he had to get this figure’s attention.

“Aye! I know you’re here!” the guard called out. “You’re not supposed to be down here! It’s very danger—” He stopped midsentence when a warm glow began to reflect of the wall of the next hall. It grew brighter and brighter by the second. A low roar emitted from the hall and bounced off the walls. The guard’s eyes widened and he began to turn around.

But it was too late. Like the breaking of a dam, a burst of flame came through the hall. A dragon— no, two dragons burst through, destroying stone and rock in their path. Without a second of recollection, the guard was quickly swallowed up by the dragons’ flames and lost to the chaos.

Dragons of all different shapes, sizes, and colors flew from the dungeon opening and into the night sky. With speed far greater than normal, they swooped down opened their maws, letting out an inferno of flames upon buildings and people. Humans, Lamari, and other kin (but mainly humans) scattered as flames erupted all around. Chaos began to spread like a wildfire throughout the city.

Kate’s eyes shot open. She sat up and looked directly towards the center of the city where the tower was. Dragons were flying about, and the first flames were just beginning to bloom. The screams of victims could be heard, haunting the tower and the surrounding area. The mayhem was sprouting and growing at an inhuman pace.

Kate’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up at the sky. All seven of the moons were aligned perfectly, splitting the sky in two halves. The time had come. She didn’t even pay attention to how close they were and let the fatigue get the best of her. Snatching up her sword, Kate climbed down to the window and slithered through. The other Seals were already up on their feet with wide eyes and hands to their Seal Instruments.

Kate landed down on her feet, her hands shaking at her sides. “The dragons—”

“Yeah, we saw,” Kirith said.

“And heard…” Rahz added nervously.

Kate strapped the sword to her belt. “They’re moving quickly, they’ll have the city in flames before we know it.”

“I guess this is it, then,” Travis said. “This is where the real battle begins.”

Kirith nodded, a glint of understanding in his eyes. “Yes.”

They Six Seals looked around at each other, taking a moment to pause and collect their thoughts. They had gone such a long way; first the dark dungeon of the Baldorian castle, through Grendalia, into the land of the elves, over seas, and into the desert wastelands of Simakia. Alas, there they were, ready to give up their lives for the safety of the realm. It may have not been Shangorn they were facing, but this battle would prove their strength and loyalty. As soon as they would step out that door, the battle would begin. They all knew this.

“For the Creator,” Rossiel said, and everyone nodded in agreement.

They dashed through the main door of the inn and ran out into the city streets. Many had come out of the comfort of their homes to look upon the damage being done and watch in pure shock. None of them tried to stop the Seals.

As they ran down the streets, the scent of smoke grew stronger. The red glow of fire grew, as they got closer, setting the once peaceful streets into a hellish nightmare. Some civilians ran past them, scarred, burned, and stricken with fear. The Six Seals turned before them and gazed upon the utter discord the main street was in. Flames rose high and ate away at buildings, tents were torn down, and people were running in a hurry to get away. Here and there lay the bodies of those who were consumed by the flames or just straight up trampled by the crowd. Three guards were trying to fight off a dragon with crimson and black scales but were slowly being taken down one by one. In the skies above, dragons flew, letting out guttural roars.

Kate couldn’t take it all in. It was so loud! So much going on, so much death! Something had to be done. “W-we have to save some of the people first!” she stammered.

“Good thinking…” Laela said, seemingly just as shaken as Kate.

They were just jogging past a pile of rubble when a pained voice called out. “H-help— help me!” A middle-aged man lay caught beneath a part of a wall over his legs. Blood was dripping from his forehead.

Travis quickly jogged to where he was and grabbed hold of the wall. “You guys go on ahead! I’ll help this one out!”

Kate and Kirith went on ahead when Rossiel, Laela, and Rahz went to a burning two-story cottage. They were just about to run into an intersection when a dragon came down in front of Kate. Kate nearly fell back had it not been for her balance and instinct. Without thought, she whipped out her sword and slashed the dragon’s snout. “Gah!” she cried.

The dragon reeled back in pain, but her attack was only a scratch. It raised up its claw to smack her down, but a streak of lightning slammed right into the beast’s neck The fearsome creature roared in pain and flapped its wings for darting back off.

Kate, though quite shocked that she had come face to face with an actual dragon, continued running to the intersection. She stopped and looked around desperately. So much noise! And she could just barely hear the cries of a woman. Kate’s eyes caught a woman hunched over a body, weeping and screaming. There! She dashed for the woman and grabbed a hold of her shoulder. “Ma’am get up, you have to get out of here!”

“Aaron, wake up, please!” the woman sobbed, soot and ash covering her cheeks. Kirith came over and helped the woman up, trying to calm her down.

Kate looked to and fro before spotting a small form sitting off to the side of the road. A child no older than five sat there, shedding many tears and crying out for his mother. Kate sprinted towards the child, feeling the first beads of sweat begin to cake her skin. With a woosh of air, a dragon swooped down to pluck Kate right up. Kate bent low, the claws of the beast just barely missing her. All the adrenaline inside her didn’t give her time to reflect on how maddening it all was.

Upon reaching the child, Kate swooped up the little boy into her arms and turned to see Kirith heading her way and helping the woman walk. “Kirith!” she yelled, running to him. “We have to get them to safety!”

“Where?!” he stammered.

“Anywhere but here!”

They rushed back to the intersection just as Rossiel and Laela were helping a family of four out of a building that was about to collapse. Rahz and Travis helped two other men stand up. Kate tried to quiet the child in her arms as they jogged to them. “We need to find a place for them to hide!”

Travis looked around at the survivors. “Do you know of a place?!”

The father of the family of four looked down the street and back to them. “The sewers! That’s the only place I know of!”

From down the street behind them came a rumble. A building had collapsed in on itself, raising a fog of smoke and debris. But through the fray came squad of marching figures. Their features became visible just as the fog began to die down, reveal figures in gleaming ice-like armor. Many of the knights and guards of Atara were there to meet their entrance.

“The Felorians…they’re here!” Kirith growled.

“Everyone, move, now!” Travis ushered them.

They rushed down the street as fast as they could, dodging the flames and the clutches of dragons. Their pace was slowing down, due to the wounded trying to keep their footing. Nearly becoming roasted dragon bait, the Seals helped the survivors into an untouched yard that was surrounded by walls of stone. Through one of the alleyways across from them, they could see a massive dragon tromping down the street, unaware of their presence.

“Over there! Near the bushes there’s a hatch that leads down!” the father pointed.

Indeed, over near a cluster of bushes there was a circular metal hatch. Travis went first to help open up the hatch. The rest of the Seals helped the victims of the attack down a latter into the darkness. The woman to whom Kirith aided turned to them, a sulk and despairing look on her face. “Thank you, kind children,” she said, sucking on a breath. “I-i-if there’s anything I can do for you, please tell me.”

Kate glanced down at the crying little boy before looking back at the woman. “Will you look over him? I don’t know where his family is, but taking care of him for now is the least you can do.”

The woman took the child with shaky hands and nodded. “Yes of course.” She climbed down into the hatch, child in arm, before disappearing into darkness.

Travis shut the hatch and looked around at them, wiping sweat from his brow. “They’re going to have this whole place up in flames before we know it.”

“We have to keep trying,” Laela said wearily. “The best we can do is fight and save more lives.”

Kirith was staring off, a deep scowl of hatred written on his face. “I’m going after Orin.”

Kate looked to him and furrowed her brow. “Kirith, we have to stick together!”

Kirith met Kate’s gaze, and she could sense all the rage that was flaring up inside of him. “So long as he’s alive, those Felorians will continue to attack Vasnidale. He started all of this, and it’ll end with his death.”

Kate stepped towards him, hands displayed. “He’s too powerful! You’ll get yourself killed!”

“I know what I’m doing, Kate!” Kirith hissed. “That’s what he wants us to believe. He’s no more than a fake! He makes others do his dirty work!” He unsheathed his sword. “His days of bloodshed will end!” Kirith turned and dashed towards the alleyway before escaping onto the street and disappearing.

“Kirith, no!” Kate cried and began to run after him. Travis grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.

“Let him go, Kate!”

Kate looked back at Travis wild-eyed. “But he’s going to die!”

“He’s a Seal,” Travis said. “If he finds himself in peril, his Seal will aid him. I’m sure of it.”

“Besides,” Rossiel pulled out her bow and nocked an arrow into it, “we have more important things to worry about at the moment.”

Kate opened her mouth to object, but nothing escaped her lips. They were right, and she hated to admit it. The Seals were incomplete now, but with the situation at hand, it was the least of their concerns. Kate looked back the way Kirith had left and bit her lip. Kirith, don’t do anything stupid…

Orindir, who was the leader of the force against humanity, stood at the top of the grand central tower of Atara, watching the chaos down below. His trusty Seal, or better known as his closest dragon friend Seraphiel, stood at his side, watching the pure terror below. The draft of the wind swept the heat of the flames and carried the sent of smoke up, pushing Orin’s cloak back. Orindir closed his eyes, basking in the feeling. This was the scent of cleansing and justice. He could feel the sheer dominance and wrath of the dragons’ burning souls. They had waited so long to feel this way, to feel over-powering and free. Creator, your children can finally guard the skies once again and bring about your order, Orin thought.

Opening his eyes, Orin looked to Seraphiel. Her fiery eyes scanned the wide city, watching new flames erupt here and there. The white scales that layered her body reflected the moons’ light, along with the light of the fire. She seemed lost yet relaxed. Seraphiel was supposed to be joyous; her kin were being set free.

“Sera…” Orin reached out and touched her neck. “You still look as troubled as you did before. This is a time to look proudly upon! It will be an event to be remembered throughout history.”

Seraphiel looked to Orin briefly before turning her attention back to the battle. “I have never seen such a great amount of death and pain.”

Orin knew she had to be hiding something. Why wasn’t she direct with him? “But this death and pain of the humans is what must drive you!”

“I know…” Seraphiel paused. “But is it a shame that I look glum now? War is never a beautiful thing.” She met Orin’s gaze, piercing right to his heart.

Orin leaned back slightly. What did she mean by that? Her words had a double meaning and she meant to have it that way. Orin looked away, not saying another word.

The sound of flapping wings approached from behind, growing louder by each second. Wind began to kick up all around, pushing through the folds of Orin’s clothing and Seraphiel’s mane. Orin whipped around to see a red dragon flying overhead. It circled around and finally came to a stop just above the clear platform. Daechir sat up on the creature’s back, but he looked unsettled and grim. When his ride finally landed, he quickly hopped off and walked towards Orin.

“You too, Daechir? What is with this look you have?” Orin asked.

Daechir stopped in front of him and sucked in breath. He acted as if what he had to say was impossible. “Your Majesty—”

“Speak!”

Daechir exhaled deeply. “The Seals…they escaped from Simakia.”

Orindir froze there, taking in Daechir’s words. Escaped…the Seals have escaped. He felt his blood begin to boil as every nerve in his body tensed up. “They what?!?”

Daechir grimaced and went on. “We had them captured and under surveillance…but somehow they managed to make it out of there.” He stepped closer to Orin with a pleading look. “Forgive me, Prince Orindir—”

“No!” Orin barked, holding up his hand to silence him. “I should’ve expected as much. If they were able to escape the Goblins then they were able to escape us.”

“If there is anything you wish my men and I to do, please speak up,” Daechir said and bowed hurriedly.

Orindir looked back to the battle. “Continue to fight with the dragons. If the Seals are here, kill them all.”

Daechir bowed again. “I won’t fail you again this time, Prince Orindir!” Daechir quickly mounted his dragon and launched off, gliding to the land below.

“Hmph.” Orindir walked back to the overhang and tried to see through the flames. “Seals, if you really are here,” he began, pulling out his sword. “Then make yourself known!” Orin’s blade began to let off an icy glow, coming in contrast with the smoldering atmosphere. Pulling his arm back, he swung the blade in the direction of the sky. A streak of ice and light cut across the sky like an arrow escaping a bow. It stayed there for several seconds before disappearing into snowflakes.

Orin twirled his blade and held it at his side. “Come and meet your fate at the tip of my blade,” he said. “Death awaits.”