The Lives

Chapter 2

A few days had passed since Lord Patrick sent the letter. Dragon Tamer still hasn't returned, and still no news from Azura. Today the Frostbourne will have to fight the Nether King army once again. The soldiers felt highly demotivated, and so did the grandmaster. Everyone knew that fighting the Nether was almost futile, but they knew that they had to, or else king Naeus' army would reach the main castle sooner or later.

It was basically a suicide mission but everyone knew that they didn't have other choice.

The battle took place on the Barren Frontier — the location between the Far Plains and the Glacierford. The strategy was basically the same as last time, except now the airships needed to target king Naeus when he shows up.

As usual, Nether Kind didn't bother entering the fight at the beginning, but everyone already expected him to come later through a big flashy portal which could open any second. Still everyone tried to do as much damage to the horde as possible before that happens.

And it happened. Not only the Nether King showed up, but also general Kralos, as well as... The Ender Dragon? No, it didn't look like someone from the Ender Kingdom. It was the Nether Dragon. Why does the Nether have it? Everyone seemed confused, while the Dragon itself obliterated the airships, causing them to not be able to fulfill their task at targeting the Nether King.

Lord Patrick noticed general Kralos nearby. He hesitated for a moment, deciding if it was a good decision to fight him or not, considering that the latter wasn't any weaker than the Frostbourne grandmaster. In fact, he seemed even stronger than before. But the general didn't have much time to think, since Kralos noticed him as well and was ready to battle.

It was tough. Kralos was an incredibly skilled fighter, he was bigger in size, not to mention the fact that he doesn't feel pain, unlike Lord Patrick, who was just a human. The latter realized that he would lose, unless he outsmarts the Nether general. He needed to think. Patrick had the speed advantage. If he came low enough, so it will be harder for Kralos to reach him, a speedy attack with his naginatas could help him disarm the opponent, then he just has to decapitate Kralos. Even if it's not going to actually kill him, he will be immobilized and Lord Patrick will win the battle. He just needed to wait for the right moment.

As the battle continued, Kralos managed to injure Lord Patrick's shoulder. At that moment he created an opening, so Ser Patrick knew what he had to do. He backed off for a second to gain speed and, ignoring the pain as much as he could, slipped under Kralos' weapon. He was out of Nether General's reach, but Patrick's naginatas were long enough to strike from that position. A second passed and the opponent was weaponless, when Frostbourne grandmaster landed his finishing blow.

Kralos' head flew about 2 feet in the air and smashed the ground. Set Patrick won. He fixed his breath and held onto the injured shoulder. Suddenly a strange sound came from behind the general's back. Lord Patrick froze. He knew immediately what it was. "This is it," — he thought. The next thing he knew was his chest impaled by the Ender Armblade.

"How pitiful is that you have to die such a meaningless death, Foustborne General" — said the Nether King.

Lord Patrick spit out blood. The pain in his chest was agonizing, and the bleeding in his shoulder wasn't stopping.

"At least I had a pretty meaningful life" — he whispered in response. Ser Patrick swang his naginatas upwards and landed both of them on king Naues' head at the same time, but it didn't leave a scratch on the netherite surface.

"I have a question for you," — King Naeus spoke, — where is the Dragon Tamer right now?"

"I have no intention of telling you anything" — groaned Ser Patrick.

"I see. Then I have no use of you," — said the Nether King while pulling out his weapon. The next moment he stabbed the general again in the neck and left.

Lord Patrick fell on the ground. His body felt heavy. It was hard to breathe. With the last grip of strength he turned himself so he could lay on his back and turned off the helmet, so it could be easier to breathe. He didn't know what was happening on the battlefield. He heard someone call his name. He didn't know if they were winning or losing. He only looked at the sky. It was still blue, but the sun was slowly coming down, painting the horizon the color of bloody red. The sky was so calm and pretty. The last time it was so pretty when he watched Azura try on her wingsuit for the first time. When she flew in front of the sun and seemed like an angel who spread his wings.

The vision started to get blurry and the sounds of the battle started to get quiet. The pain disappeared. He felt so light. So calm. Suddenly everything went pitch black.

Lord Patrick opened his eyes. He found himself in an endless void. It was so bright that everything around him seemed white. There were silhouettes ahead. They seemed to be calling for him. He started walking slowly towards them. There was no need to rush as he had all the time in the world.

When Ser Patrick came close enough to the figures, he was able to distinguish what they were. He saw all the precious people he lost. He saw his family, childhood friends, his mentor Lord Theo and Daryll. Everyone was smiling, except for the bandit, because he never smiles. At least it wasn't visible under his scarf.

"You are all here... I am so glad. Thank you for waiting for me." — said Lord Patrick and smiled.

Daryll pointed at something behind Patrick's back. He turned around and up ahead in the distance he saw three people, standing where he came from.

Lord Patrick looked back and Daryll, who nodded him in response. Patrick approached Azura, Rain and Stella.

"Azura, — he spoke, and she turned to him. — "I see, so you are alive. What a relief. But that means that we can't be together again... Well, I suppose it's fine. I just hope you will live a long happy life and I wish nothing but the best for you. But if it's possible... I would like to always be with you. So please... — Patrick put his hand on his lover's heart. — let me stay in your heart. Forever".

Azura gently smiled and put her hands on his. Then he lowered his head and spoke again: "It's okay if you are going to be sad when I am gone. Just don't be sad for too long" — he said and kissed Azura's forehead for the last time.

"Same goes to you, Rain" — Patrick said and came closer to Dragon Tamer, who was chatting with Stella and laughing about something. After his mentor spoke to him, Rain looked at him.

"Don't repeat my mistakes. And take care of Stella".

Lord Patrick put his hand into his son's hair and gently stroke his head. Then he looked at Stella and carefully put his hand on her head as well, between the horns.