Mistletoe (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 18

Bennett leads through the oasis in the desert realm of Raida. It's been centuries since he'd traveled to the realm. The last time was to settle a dispute among the tribes. It resulted in them creating an empire of their own and being an acquaintance to the Homeland.

Hopefully King Nakar still sees it that way.

"How much further to the palace?" Mike asks, gulping down his water. "It's fucking hot as hell."

"You just love to complain, don't you?" Asta asks annoyed. "We will arrive when we arrive."

"This is an oasis. It shouldn't be this damn hot." Mike says rolling his eyes. "Why did Jamie think bringing me along was a good idea?" Stealth missions are his expertise. Diplomacy on the other hand he isn't as well versed.

"If they see us with another Reptiloid they may be more willing to hear us out." Hao states. "King Nakar is known for his dislike of other races. Except for the Valens."

"Why not the Valens?"

"Because in the ancient days, we taught them our techniques. They have immortality because of us." Asta says in disgust. "It was a fools idea. It allowed them to rival us. I wouldn't be surprised if they killed my mother just to spite us."

"Seems Nakar isn't the only one with an issue with other races." Mike says under his breath.

"Another word out of you and I wi—"

"Enough!" Hao shouts, sending a wave of magic through the ground causing a ripple in the earth."You two will act like adults or I'll leave you here to feed the Wildlings."

"Now what the hell is a Wilding?" Mike flings his arms in the air in disbelief.

"A feral Raidan." Benny states finally coming to a stop. "Somethings wrong."

"How do you think?" Hao questions.

"This is where the gates were." He says pointing out toward a clearing. "The palace should've been here."

"How do you relocate an entire palace?" Mike growls shifting. He goes up a tree taking in the beautiful scenery. That is until his eyes land on the grand structure a few miles away, but still just as imposing. "Guys, you might want to get up here."

Asta takes flight hovering beside his perch. She gasps at the sight.

"Gods damn you, Mother." She lets out.

Around the structure Valen soldiers fly. All members of the Queen's personal guard.

"What's happening?" Benny asks when they come back to the ground.

"Shaera's guards are defending a new palace just a few miles ahead." Asta speaks disgusted. "I can't believe she's done this."

"If that's the case we need to return home and inform Jamie." Hao states preparing to open a portal.

Then a group of Raidans emerge from the surrounding foliage, surround the four.

Mike hisses whipping his tail in preparation.

"Gravas!" Benny shouts holding out his hands. "We are not your enemy."

The bigger of the ambushers snarls.

"You know our tongue, Hunter?" He speaks through the exposed row of sword-like teeth. "Your kind has not ventured to our realm in years."

"The Homeland is at war. We sought an alliance with King Nakar." Benny says.

The Raidan snarls.

"Our King has allied our people's with the Mad God's followers." He says his guttural voice laced with disgust. "I am General Qu'tal. I am sworn to protect my realm."