The Seeker and the Curse of the Warmbloods: A Gregor the Overlander Fanfic

Chapter 5

Previously...

Stella sat on the edge of the shaft, dangling her legs down the shaft. She gripped the torch in one hand and looked back at Nora one more time, and then pushed herself off the shaft.

Almost immediately, she was engulfed by the sickening feeling of free falling through space.

.

.

.

She didn't have to fall for long because within a few seconds, Orion had caught her.

"That was sick," said Leo, from behind her.

"I knew you'd say that," laughed Stella.

She turned on her torch and handed it to Leo; she didn't need it anyway, it was all semi-darkness for her. It was like Twitchtip had said, maybe Stella did have The Power of the Seeker. Stella remembered leaving Twitchtip bleeding to death in the middle of the Labyrinth.

"The currents aren't active at this gateway usually," said Orion, shaking the dark thoughts away from Stella. "It was very fortunate that they were when you first fell."

"The currents?" Asked Stella. She didn't remember what they were, or maybe she had just never been told about them.

"The currents are like air that slow your falling," said Orion

"Oh okay."

Orion beat his powerful wings and flew through the barren Deadlands, past the numerous tall pillars of rock.

Leo sounded amazed, "Wow, this place looks cool."

"This place is called the Deadlands," said Stella. "This is where the rats live and this is where I first met Ripred."

Orion joined in, "This place is in a worsening condition after the plague broke out. The rats have lost many."

"Yeah, Gregor told me that the rats have got it bad," said Stella. "By the way, how's Ares."

Orion was silent for a moment. "He is suffering greatly." That was all Orion said.

They flew in silence for a while until light began to appear in the distance.

"What's that light," asked Leo.

"You'll see." Stella wanted to see Leo's face when he glimpsed Regalia for the first time.

Orion was waved through a guarded entrance and there beneath them was Regalia. It was morning, and the city was just stirring to life.

"What the— " Leo was speechless. Stella grinned, he seemed really impressed by the gorgeous stone city with its ornate towers and intricate carvings.

"This place is epic!" Said Leo. "It's like a fantasy." He stared in awe at the palace that was coming into view.

Orion flew them into the High Hall of the palace and Stella spotted Vikus waiting for them. The old man's face was careworn, and his eyes had lost their brightness. Luxa's disappearance and probable death had taken their toll. But he seemed to already be smiling with relief.

"Welcome Stella, you have not cast us aside," he said.

"Hi Vikus," said Stella, sliding off Orion's back, revealing her brother.

"And who may this be?" Vikus asked as Leo slid off Orion. "You both look very much alike."

"This is my brother, Leo," said Stella. "We're twins."

Vikus bowed low to Leo, "Welcome to Regalia Seeker's brother. We are grateful of your arrival."

Leo looked pleased, "Hey Vikus. You've got a nice city here."