Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Sixteen: Just a Grasp Away

The four left bright and early the next morning. They were ready to be done for a while with the constant traveling and fear of being found out. Noah and Theo were ready to rest for a while. Gabriel however was wanting answers more than anything.

They all traveled for two more days leaving behind the thick forest and into the endless fields again. Gabriel explained the forest was created by the folks of Wylan as protection. It was a strange occurrence to Theo and Noah that it popped up in a rather flat wilderness. Then the giants themselves made a grant reveal. The Empyrean range appeared on the horizon. Ifera sat where the plains slowly gave way to the mountain region but was a safe distance to live in peace.

Night fell on the group as they finished traveling on day three. Ciro convinced the rest that they would make it to Ifera by nightfall. So it was decided to push on just a bit more. He was right. They entered the city a few hours after sunset and while it seemed the city was asleep on the outer rim, closer to the heart the city was still very much awake.

"We can party another time." Ciro pulled Noah's attention away from the loud drunks singing. "Right now we've got someone to meet."

Noah sulked as he followed along away from the cheerful noise. Ciro led them down winding paths to the quieter parts of the city. A road left the city winding up a hill to a palace.

"Who exactly is your friend?" Theo peered up in awe.

Ciro smirked. "You'll see."

They started the march up. Anticipation seemingly made the air around them buzz with excitement. Clearly, Ciro wasn't one for humble introductions.

~~~*~~~

The palace gates stood shut as the four approached. The courtyard could somewhat be seen through the iron bars of the large gates. Theo tried getting a better look at what lay ahead. He jumped off his horse slowly approaching the gates a bit closer.

"Whoah," he whispered, but before he could say anything else they were surrounded.

"SHOW US YOUR HANDS! NOW," One of the figures yelled out.

Theo quickly raised his hands into the air not wanting to potentially be killed again. Gabriel on the other hand was ready with his bow and was aiming an arrow at one figure. Noah had quickly bent down to snatch a dagger from where Gabriel kept them. Ciro stepped in front of Gabriel raising his hands.

"Get out of my way Ciro!" Gabriel had a fierceness in his eyes. "Now!"

"I'm not going to do that," Ciro retorted back. He placed a hand on the bow trying to push it down but Gabriel twisted before Ciro could do anything.

Gabriel quickly aimed and let the arrow fly, but it turned to ash. "What the fuck?" The figure was holding a ball of fire in his hand and staring right at Gabriel. "Oh shit."

The figure threw the ball toward Gabriel. His eyes grew big at the fireball gaining speed and launched himself toward Noah. Both hit the ground as the fireball soared past them. Gabriel looked down at Noah then back up at the figure and saw red. He ripped the dagger from Noah's hand and went for the figure.

"You son of a bitch," Gabriel said through gritted teeth. He gripped the dagger tightly as he ran forward only to be yanked back. "Hey! Let me..."

"You trying to get yourself killed," Ciro whispered in his ear, "These are wizards from the royal guard."

Gabriel looked around and saw what Ciro was talking about. Each figure was wearing dark purple robes that were almost black. It gave excellent cover at night. The wizards stood firm around them which gave Gabriel an uneasy feeling. Jasper stepped in, glancing at Gabriel then walking up to one of the men. Ciro began quietly conversing with one of the wizards while the other waited anxiously.