Seven Lost Lords: The Anomaly

Ch. 12: The Regrouping

I gnawed on a Zenatile kebab hungrily as the sun rose high in the sky, its warm rays finally reaching the bottom of the ravine we were in. We were sitting around a pile of stones, which held the remains of the Zenatile that Strubin had prepared as we listened to Kirune and Sophi.

"Where were you guys?" I asked between bites. "We thought you guys had died."

Sophi shrugged, stifling a laugh. "That's what we thought had happened to you! I woke up in the branches of a tree, and Kirune found me trapped up there and helped me down."

Kirune scratched behind his head bashfully, closing his eyes. "We traveled together for a while. We had landed about halfway down the cliffside, and it took us a few hours to finally make it down to the lake. Once we got here, we saw the Zenatile from far off and decided to try and stay put until it went away."

Strubin looked guilty. "Sorry about that. The Zenatile was in a coma after it tried to chase Aven and I into the lake. I nearly drowned, but Aven saved my life." His eyes shined as he leaned over and put his arm around my shoulders affectionately, and I avoided eye contact as Sophi gasped.

"Aw, how cute!" The orange aetyr gushed. "I had no idea you two were a thing, but you're really adorable together."

My face flushed red as Strubin shrugged bashfully. "Well... it's only been official since last night. I confessed to her after she saved me."

Arius growled. "Actually, Strubin, I'm afraid you're mixed up," He put in sourly. "I was the one who dragged you both onto the island."

"Yeah, and then you refused to help me perform CPR on Strubin!" I spat before I realized what I was doing. "If I wasn't conscious, he would've died! Now quit taking credit for things you don't even deserve to be recognized for, you lousy hairball!"

Strubin stared at both of us, shocked. Arius looked taken aback, but continued to skulk unapologetically. Meanwhile Kirune and Sophi were horrified at the revelation.

"...Arius," Strubin finally began, "...What does Aven mean when she says this? Is this true?"

My brother lashed his tail in annoyance. "...She's making stuff up," He muttered at last. "I helped you both willingly. She must have dreamed it, whatever it was."

I stared at my brother, gaping with my mouth open. But before I could speak, Strubin and the others sighed collectively. "I knew you wouldn't do such a thing," The green aetyr murmured. "I trust you."

Arius just nodded and turned away, standing up to go relieve himself in the bushes.

I sat there, baffled. I could've sworn that I had seen that disgusted look on his gray face, that unwillingness to help us in our greatest need.

Was it really a dream?

Kirune looked uncomfortable. "...Look, guys," He began, "I don't really know you all too well. I barely even know Sophi herself- we only met at the Assessment Ceremony at the beginning of spring, and then again on this travel party. But I think we need to put our differences aside and work together. Remember the Prince and Unydae? They're probably looking for us right now."

False. Dukalis suddenly refuted out of nowhere. They've gone on ahead to Xy'Kiln and Undergrove. They trust you enough to be able to brave the wilds on your own, assuming you're still alive.

"No, they aren't." I burst out, relaying what Dukalis told me before thinking. "They're heading on to Xy'kiln and Undergrove without us."

Sophi stared at me, wild-eyed. "...How do you know?" She asked, narrowing her teal gaze.