The Returning War (A Songs of War fanfic)

Part 1: Chapter 33

Ria sighed as she gazed off into the distance. I watched her with intent from the top of a tree; wondering what thoughts tormented her

Keira crouched in a nearby tree glancing at me every few seconds. It was unnerving; she watched me as a dragon would its prey...except it was with less danger

A silvery feather appeared in the corner of my vision fluttering from above. I looked up a creature with a massive pair of wings circled above me; the creature began diving down towards us. The creature landed lightly on the ground revealing a tall humanoid creature with silvery white wings. The creature looked around nervously till it laid eyes on Ria. It walked towards her

"Are you Ria Sendaris?" Asked the creature

"Yes, who's asking?" Answered Ria

"I am known as Virdencen. It has come to my attention that you seek Abbigal and Vulcannus. I as it happens know where they currently reside and am willing to show you to them"

Ria cautiously stared at Virdencen "I know you from somewhere"

"Oh, I was the first one to inform you about The Shadow Reaper about a month or two ago"

"And why do you think we'll trust you?"

"I would have brought Abbigal with me but I did not know how long I would be looking for you. Decon did inform me you were somewhere near here though"

Keira climbed down her tree and ruffled her hair as she approached Virdencen "it's ok Ria. I know her and she knows them"

Ria sighed in resignation "ok I'll trust you, but if you give me any reason to think you'll harm my knights I'll kill you!"

Virdencen rolled her eyes "really, you are threatening me? I could single handed wipe out the entire Ardoni species if I wished to. If any threats must be made I will be the one making them"

Ria growled and drew her spear "Keira, are you sure about her?"

Keira nodded "I'll take full responsibility if anything goes wrong"

"Then Virdencen, show us to Abbigal"

~~~

"Ria?" I began

"Yes Xaria" Ria answered

"Why are we trusting this...this...creature?"

"Because Keira trusts her; and although she may be a little naive, I trust Keira's judgement. Why? Do you think differently?"

"Yes, I don't know why but I feel strangely drained around her; Almost like all my energy is gone...like she's draining it"

Ria pondered me thoughtfully "I don't feel any different around her. Does anyone else feel as you?"

"I wouldn't know. It also could be I just feel small when near her"

"Maybe because you are tiny compared to her" interjected Miver

"Miver!" I exclaimed "when did you get here?!"

"I've literally been here for like since we left"

"What?! Why didn't I know this?!"

"Calm down shorty. I also feel drained by her, but unlike little Xar Xar, I know why"

"Xar Xar?" Snickered Ria

"That is never to be repeated anywhere. Why do we feel like we do Miver?" I growled

"Because we are both wielders of magic" whispered Miver "although Xar Xar's magic is nothing compared to mine"

"Hey! My magic is much stronger then yours! And how would that effect us anyway?"

"I sense a large quantity of magic surrounding our friend. It is odd though, very powerful"

"Do you think she is a threat?" Asked Ria

Miver scratched her head thoughtfully "not yet"

"Yes" I answered without hesitation

"Then you might want to check up with your girlfriend"

I glanced over at Keira who was walking beside Virdencen talking with her...she almost seemed at ease. I walked closer to them, to hear their conversation "

"So, Virdencen" began Keira

Virdencen sighed "yes"

"How is Vulcannus? Did he get into anymore trouble?"

"Uhh...you could say that"

Keira glared and Virdencen "what did he do?"

"Died...or at least nearly died"

"What?! I'm going to kill him!"

"Peace Keira, I do not believe Abbigal will take to kindly to that, nor will I"

"Can't he keep out of trouble?"

Virdencen shrugged before gesturing to a small farm "here we are"

"Alright, Keira, Intwin, and Xaria you are coming in with me" ordered Ria "everyone else stay here. Lead the way Virdencen"

Virdencen chuckled and led them into a small house. The inside of the house was rather dark and musty. A girl of about 30 sat next to a bed housing a glowing orange creature

"Queen Abbigal" whispered Ria

Abbigal looked around at us and smiled "hi Ria"

"Are you ok? We were worried"

"I'm fine, but Vulcannus isn't"

Keira ruffled her hair thoughtfully then joined Abbigal beside Vulcannus "what happened to him?"

Abbigal shrugged "we don't know. Will he be ok?"

"I don't know yet"

Keira gesture for me to join her then reached into a small bag at her waist. She pulled out a small handful of a white powder then handed it to me along with a glass bottle filled with a bright pink liquid

"Mix this please" she purred

I sighed and attempted to pour the powder into the glass bottle but spilt most of it. Keira glared at me and handed me another handful of the powder. After a few more tries Keira was finally satisfied with the amount of powder I had in the bottle and she gave me a thin stick for stirring. And after another long wait I finished stirring it

Keira took the bottle and poured a few drops into the Netharins mouth. The Netharin coughed and opened its eyes

"Keira?" Whispered the Netharin

Keira smiled "Vulcannus I thought I told you, you weren't allowed to get into anymore trouble"

Vulcannus grinned weakly "ah, but I find that nearly impossible"

She handed him the bottle "drink this, it'll help you"

Vulcannus took a sip then glared at Keira "what is this?!"

"Just a healing potion"

"So not something that is good for me?"

"You could say that. Now drink it all"

Vulcannus drank the rest of the contents of the bottle. Keira gently pulled him into a sitting position before turning to all of us

"Ok, everyone please leave unless you promise to be very silent" Keira ordered

Ria began herding everyone outside. I quietly stalked into a corner and watched Keira begin to rub a sweet smelling black goop on Vulcannus' arm

A/N: if you have any theorys or questions about story please ask. And if you notice any plot inconsistencies please tell me. Also we are really close to the end of part one and are soon going to move onto part two (warning for part two, if you like Vulcannus...)