The Forge Of Kings

Chapter 30: One last Stand

     The woman helped me stand up and led me into the next room, the decor was certainly elegant, she sat me down at the table, she returned with a bowl of soup and set it in front of me. I began to slurp it delicately, my throat hurt to swallow, The woman smiled. "I'm glad you're okay." She beamed with excitement, "I'm Amy, what's your name?" She asked. I swallowed a spoonful of soup and took a moment, "Akira." I said in a low voice. Two men walked in, "Hey you're awake, that's great." Takka said, Jaeger sighed, "At least you didn't die in my bed."

     "So Akira, where are you from? Do you have family?" Amy asked. I shook my head, I stood up, and felt dizzy and collapsed. Next thing I knew I was back in Jaeger's bed.

     "She should rest, it's been a while since she's used that much energy." Amy seemed content, less anxious than I remember.

     "I heard that King Roldan has ordered a mandatory retreat to Kishak, He didn't state why, but all occupants of the light kingdom citizens are ordered to go." Jaeger stated, Takka made a sound I couldn't quite distinguish. Jaeger continued. "A few of the clergy told me that King Verath is planning a siege of Kishak. He technically has nothing left to stop him, the rest of the kingdoms are abandoned except Khofte, and they won't engage without reason, there's a celebration tonight, to celebrate his final push towards victory in Lólem."

    A celebration? Verath is partying? I sat up in bed, a small part of me thought of Verath, and felt immense rage. "The newspapers say that Verath makes the final push through Rhōva tomorrow." Jaeger stated. I got up from the bed, I walked to the window and punched it out, I hopped out and ran off into the woods across the road.

    "OH MY GOD! AKIRA'S GONE!" Amy screamed. I kept running, I emerged through the forest, and approached the Lake near Ectwë, I continued to run along the path, charging for Sylhalin. It's a day and a half walk usually, but I was already a quarter of the way there.

     A horse drawn carriage began to charge after me, Amy opened the door, "Akira! What are you doing!?" She asked, I just kept running, Takka kept his eyes on the road, but spoke up, "Akira, If you need a ride, we can help." I considered his words, and gripped Amy's extended hand, she pulled me in and sat down across from me, "so, where we going?" She asked breathlessly. I took a deep breath, "Sylhalin." I said.

     Takka nodded and increased the speed. A few hours passed and we began to ride up to the western gate of Sylhalin. Takka slowed the carriage just before, I got out and the guards began to lift the gate, I got back in and Takka slowed the carriage down and turned turned to me, "where am I going from here?" I nodded towards the observatory on the hill, He turned and led the horses along the path up the hill, We pulled up in front and I got out and headed inside, I was greeted by an ecstatic Atlas, he jumped up and rubbed his face into mine. I gave him a rub of the head and headed up the steps, The three stood in the doorway, either to scared or amazed at the sight of Atlas.

     "Is...is that a tiger?" Amy asked. Atlas gave a roar and barred his fangs at the trio. "Yes." I said as I turned up the steps, I gave a whistle and Atlas turned and followed suit. I walked into the room I kept my gear, it wasn't necessarily a bedroom, it had a cot and a dresser. I changed out of my ratty gown and put on my long missed armour. I wrapped my scarf around my neck, and pulled my sword over my shoulder.

     I returned to the foyer fully geared up, "WOW." Jaeger gasped. Amy and Takka elbowed him at exactly the same time. I ran passed the three and hopped up front of the carriage. They all climbed in the back, Atlas came out and sat on the front stairs, I gave a whistle and he jumped in the back with the rest of the group. Jaeger let out a shriek. I mushed the horses towards the western gate.