Iron of the Innocent: Mistress of Agony (Vol 2)

Chapter 23: Drink

274 I.C.
Sacren
Solorn Kingdom
Solorn Province
The Ruin Estate

Twilight faded, leaving the sky punctured by starlight until dark clouds covered and choked them. The coals of the burned home and other buildings, not covered by heavy ash, dimly glowed in the darkness. On the east side of the destroyed house, the charred and cracked doors leading down into the cellar, hewn out of the bedrock, hung awkwardly on their hinges. Bare, blackened trees with broken limbs stood over the simmering ruins and one day would fall to the scorched earth beneath.

The camp of the inquisitor looked much the same, other than the missing banners of Draud and a pyre for the dead. The riders tore the banners down and tossed them onto the heap of burning, dead bodies the night before. A large pile of cracked and fire licked bones protruded from the heap of ash. Blackened skulls of the fallen, with empty eye sockets, peered out at anyone who approached. The lead rider looked at them, tilting her head a little, thinking they looked sorrowful among the ashes. Friend or foe, they all looked the same.

Having removed her braids, the woman's brown hair touched her shoulders. Bathing in the water of the deep creek earlier in the day returned her tresses to its normal, straight contours. She wore her armor with her weapons strapped in place, keeping her riders alert and watchful. They waited for their prey to return or to receive word from their scouts on his location. Losing his trail felt deeply disappointing, but her patient nature knew that in time her hunt would come to fruition.

Turning at a distant sound, the woman looked toward the east. She took a couple of steps in that direction, listening intently. The darkness of the night did not reveal its secrets to her eyes, but after long seconds, the sound was unmistakable. Some of her riders looked toward her, and she made a gesture with her hand. Some of them dashed off into the night to gather up the others, some to confirm the security of the horses, and those who remained moved to her side, forming up next to her. Then the sound, rising in volume, went silent.

The darkness unfolded as a large, black shape came into view above the trees, its wings spreading outward to slow its descent. The leathery expanse between the long, thin fingers held on to the air like massive, webbed hands. Then with strong, powerful movements, the appendages flapped, bringing the beast down in a controlled, soft landing in the grass of the field. Its burning, intelligent eyes roamed over the assembled riders and camp. Its nostrils drew in vast amounts of air, smelling even the smallest vermin cowering in the deep grasses to its left and right. Its hot breath rolled outward as its mouth parted, its inner fire glowing from deep within.

Settling in place, the dragon allowed the riders in the tooled, leather saddle on its back to climb down. Kaedres stood tall and strong, adorned in his black, combat robes. His crown rested upon his brow, and his black hair flowed beneath and back. The cloth over his eyes veiled the darkness beneath, and his hand rested on the sword hilt sheathed at his belt.

His visage turned as if looking over the expanse of the field, its tents, the gilded carriage, and the pyre of bodies. His view paused a moment as he took in the destroyed home and the other buildings. Finally, his view came to rest on the group of riders he sent before him. They all kneeled, including the lead as he walked to them, and she bowed her head at his approach.

Nim came behind him wearing her black leather armor and cloak, the hood pulled up over her head. Her inner fire was subdued and hidden from view. Darkness shrouded her features. She sniffed the air and looked around as she walked, striding with confidence near Kaedres. Looking to her right, her eyes came to rest on the central tent. A soft hiss issued from her. "The stench is almost unbearable," she whispered to herself.

"Where is he?" Kaedres asked immediately, speaking to the female rider.

The woman before him remained silent, perhaps trying to come up with a properly worded answer. When she began, her words started out incoherent. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "He is not here, my lord."