Dragonfire: Celestia

Chapter 22: The Cabin

Albedo and the others followed Rain to a cabin in the middle of the swamp. It was small, and rundown. It was made of dark wood, with only a few rooms. Upon entering, they were led to the living room. It had a large dark wooden table, with a few scrolls on it. There was a green cushioned couch near it, alongside a bar that separated the living room from the kitchen. Both parts of the room had the same design, which was entirely dark wood. Due to the cabin’s loosely thrown together nature, there was no wallpaper or special flooring. Nor was there a flat ceiling, leading to the roof being triangular, and higher than normal. There were hunting trophies along the walls, however, suggesting that someone lived there for some time. Though they were long gone. There were muddy footprints already in the cabin, and a lot of them at that. Different sizes, too. There were at least ten people who had been through the cabin. “Damn…looks like they found Reeves. I hope he’s alright…” Rain said. They began looking around. Albedo and Kei walked into a bedroom, while the others searched elsewhere. The bedroom had a few dark wooden cabinets around, as well as an uncomfortable looking bed. There was a large elk head mounted above the bed, facing a closet across from it. Kei admired the elk head, while Albedo looked through the cabinets for any hidden clues.

“Well, someone was quite the big game hunter.” Kei said, “Maybe we could go hunting someday, eh?” Albedo asked, “Yeah…” Kei answered. She sounded uncertain. The Dreamweaver appeared next to Albedo. “She doubts you.” He said, “She’s just…worried…or something…” Albedo responded, “She is worried because she does not believe in you. You told her she was worth staying with, but does she really believe you are worth staying with?” He asked. He faded into shadows, leaving Albedo doubtful. “Kei…” She said, “Hmm?” Kei asked, “Are you…at my side in all this? You aren’t going to leave me…right?” Albedo asked. Kei seemed uncertain. “Look, we already talked about this. I don’t think this is the right time to be talking about us, you know? Let’s just get through the war first, okay?” She answered, “I didn’t-” Albedo was cut off by yelling, “I found something!” Rain yelled! Kei walked out of the room, leaving Albedo alone. She lingered for a moment longer, before following. Rain led them to the table in the living room, where a map now resided. Everyone else was already there. There were wild scribblings written all over it, along with hastily drawn lines. It looked as though a psychopath had drawn all over it.

“What…is this?” Damian asked, “This is Reeves’ map. He was convinced he had found the Snake Kingdom, for some reason. I don’t know how or why.” Rain answered, “Well it looks like a kid was trying to draw straight lines, and was failing miserably.” Damian said. Albedo stepped up to look at the map. Something about the lines looked…familiar. Rain continued. “Look here.” He said. He pointed at a specific spot on the map. It wasn’t far from the cabin. And it was labeled as “entrance.” Rain looked between it and the cabin on the map. “It’s only a mile or two east…we could easily walk there.” He said, “Wait…we should tell Konari, and report to Yuze first.” Albedo responded. Suddenly, a sound rang out nearby! Something fell over in a nearby room. “Lui! I told you not to wander off!” Kei exclaimed! She walked off towards the sound, leaving the others to continue discussing the entrance. “I don’t think a report to Yuze will be necessary.” Rain said, “What…? Why?” Albedo asked, “Look…he sent a team to the Snake Kingdom’s base to attack them, right? Why didn’t he send us? If we tell him, he’ll just tell us to stay away…” Rain answered, “I’m not just going to go behind his back. He’s the Acting Grandmaster of Celestia…” Albedo said, “Ehhh…that’s more of an honorary title anyway.” Rain replied, “That’s…completely incorrect.” Albedo said, “I disagree with that.” A Voice responded, “Well I-...wait…who…?” Albedo turned around, and found a rather…unfortunate sight.

A Knight bearing silver, jagged armor stood nearby. His armor was lined with green scales, and he wore a green tabard. His tabard had the symbol of a Snake on it…he was with the Snake Kingdom! Staring at the tabard, Albedo froze up! The Knight in question was around six feet tall, with a slender, but strong figure. He did not wear a helmet, exposing swept back brown hair, with a short beard. He had green, serpentine eyes. The signature of a Snake. He was holding a steel longsword, which was also lined with green scales. “You know, I would consider the title of ‘Acting Grandmaster’ to be honorary. I mean, all he does is kiss the Director’s ass.” The Snake said, “‘Director?’ You mean ‘Emperor?’” Yuki asked. The Snake sarcastically clicked his forked tongue, wagging his finger at them. “You don’t even know about the Director? Why every time I see you Celestials I just shake more and more in my boots. A company of morons that don’t even know who feeds them.” He answered. Rain stepped forward. “Clay! Where is Reeves?!” He asked, “Reeves? The General? Gabriel and Vaani are searching for him.” Clay, the Snake, answered, “So you haven’t caught him yet…” Rain said, “Emphasis on the word ‘yet.’ Soon he will be dead, and you along with him.” Clay responded, “Well? What are you waiting for?” Rain asked.