The Heart & The Heir

Untitled Part 7

The sky quickly grew lighter the higher they climbed. The sun cast its first rays upon them as they reached a small outcropping. Scrambling back on the ledge, they rested, gasping for breath, as the shouts of the Milnarious contingent echoed far below.

"Will they find us?" Azkin asked between gasping breaths.

"No," Rhycilla said simply, sipping from the wineskin. "We'll make it all the way to the mouth of the river before we have to worry about Commander Scilari."

"So, we push north?" Günther asked, peering over the ledge at the soldiers far below.

"Yes. We'll continue our course, heading for the Nettik pass."

"The Nettik pass?" Günther exclaimed. "Are you mad? That's a treacherous journey, one even I am reluctant to make.

"We will make our destination. We have to."

"Why?" Azkin questioned, pulling two rolls from the sack, handing one to Rhycilla.

"Trust me, okay," she said, taking the roll from Azkin.

"I do, but if it's as dangerous as Günther says, then how?"

"You're the heir. This world responds to your every whim. You just need to summon the power. The same way you had when we journeyed to the inn."

"But I didn't, I never." Azkin bit into his roll.

"You did, Azkin. You pulled us through the country, over miles of forest, with a power that is so naturally inherent to you, you don't even notice it."

"But how?"

"You are a Draconis, Azkin," Günther said, his face drawn in reverence as the name crossed his lips. "The blood of the dragon runs through your veins. You only need to call upon it."

"Close your eyes," Rhycilla instructed, her voice calm yet firm. Azkin glanced sideways skeptically at her before complying. "Let your heart connect with that of your familiar. Feel it stir at your presence, resonating its song of power in response."

"Yes," Azkin breathed, his voice hushed in awe.

"Focus on that feeling. Let it wash over you." Rhycilla reached out, taking Günther's hand in hers, then clasping the other in Azkin's. "Now picture the Nettik pass and take us there."

Clouds gathered, blocking out the morning sun, plunging their little alcove into near darkness. "He's doing it," Günther gasped.

Azkin's eyes popped open, doubt clouding his expression. He dropped their hands and pushed to his feet. The clouds retreated, bathing them once again in warm sunlight. "I can't."

Turning his back on the others, he pressed upward, over the summit and out of sight. "Why does he doubt us?" Rhycilla asked.

"No, he doubts himself. After a lifetime alone with no one to foster his abilities, he has no idea what he's capable of."

Rhycilla closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Careful what you say to him. If you push him too far, he'll turn his back on us and leave."

"Don't play that game with me. I know visions are subjective at best. I also know you've seen him ascend the throne."

"Subjective? They've brought us this far, haven't they?" Günther scowled, growling low in his throat, unable to admit Rhycilla was right. "Thank you, by the way. Azkin told me you switched the mushrooms. If it weren't for you, I'd be dead," she said, meeting his gaze.

"You know I'd never let that happen. You are the heart of my liege Lord; my sword and shield are at your service."

She lifted her gaze to the rocky slope, her eyes following the path Azkin took. "We'd better hurry before he gets too far."