Beyond this World - Dragon warrior (Book 1/?)

Chapter 17 (Part 1)

Blue scales shimmered on the sun, its long neck protruding from the cave; long claws and strong wings. Aaron looked eye to eye with the dragon as it had come out. This was as far as Aaron got last time, which was a week ago. "We finally get to have a word with each other." The dragon spoke in a foreign tongue, but Aaron understood him clearly.

"I was eager to know what this dream meant." Aaron subconsciously replied in foreign tongue. The mighty dragon lied down.

"I am the one who came before you, my name is Oxiris." The dragon introduced himself. "Do you know what my name means in human tongue?"

"Purifying fire." Aaron replied in human. The dragon lets out an affirmative hum. "So, what am I supposed to do?"

The dragon let out a hearty chuckle. "There is nothing you are and aren't supposed to do, young one. No one can tell you what to do, do what you will and deem necessary. Ultimately it's your call and the outcome of your action will show."

"You aren't of much help..." Aaron said bluntly.

"I'm not supposed to be the one to give you the right answer, purely because there isn't one. I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to and perhaps guide you to a clearer decision." The dragon stood up and turned to go back into its cave. "I'm afraid that's it for today, once your spirit develops further we will be able to talk for longer. Go now, and don't feel afraid you are doing something wrong. Even gods make mistakes, same goes for dragons and humans and others..."

The dragon faded as Aaron opened his eyes. A young girl knelt at the altar and was startled when Aaron suddenly sat up. He paid her no mind and he got up, brushing off the leaves that stuck to his clothes. He continued onwards, come what less tired, looking forward to his next encounter, the dragon gave him confidence.

He was once more made fun of. These last couple of spots knew nothing of the attacks or cultists. Aaron concluded it was time to go back. He would look for Tundra first since he missed her dearly. A journey that lasted a bit over a month had come to an end. He rushed energized and joyful that he no longer needs to cross the vast lands of the kingdom.

He would stop from time to time to rest; afterwards he would train, slashing a tree or stone. He took off his cloak and his shirt; he drew out the Hellblade. He gently caressed the blade before continuing his practice. Since there was no equal opponent best he could do is thrust his might into slashing an inactive object. It was in no way fulfilling.

He continued onwards. After much time of travelling, Aaron finally arrived to lands he could recognize clearly. A wide smile and a warm feeling enveloped his heart. He walked slowly soaking in the smell of pine. He looked at the sky from time to time, whenever he would see birds fly over hoping he would spot Sikkim.

He stumbled around towns and villages; keeping his hood on for disguise asking around if the residents have seen Tundra or Keir. A man approached him saying "I see you are back in familiar waters." A man in common clothes, long black hair tied into a pony tail.

"Sir."Aaron greeted the man he was familiar with, one he would not want to be disrespectful to. "What brings father-in-law here?"

Damien eyed him sideways. "I caught your smell. It isn't set on stone, so don't call me that." He warned him and they were quiet for a bit. "Are you looking for Tundra?"

"Of course I am." Aaron replied honestly. Damien sighed placing his hand upon Aaron's shoulder. A glimmer of worry shone from Damien's eyes, he lowered his arm and left without saying anything, though Aaron could swear he heard him mumble something as he was leaving.

Aaron would continue to ask around wherever he went. Some would mention seeing a man that resembled Keir's description pass through, Tundra was not seen by anyone. He followed the road further, from the opposite direction came a rabble of armed and armoured men. They walked by each other; a chill and a sense of familiarity struck Aaron but he dismissed it; his goal was to find Tundra.