Only Skeletons Remain

Chapter 24: Under the Cover of Night

March 2008

The moon hung low over the walls of DEMA, casting an eerie glow over the labyrinthine city. Shadows flickered as Javier led María through the hidden alleyways, their steps careful and measured. María held a small bundle in her arms—Harper and Liam, their breaths soft and even, wrapped tightly against the cold.

"Do you think we'll make it?" María whispered, adjusting her grip on the twins. Her voice was taut with worry, her gaze flicking between Javier and the distant exit from DEMA's borders.

"We have to," Javier replied firmly, though his own heart raced. "The Ancestors will help them. Harper and Liam will need their protection, their blessing." He looked over at María. "Is your father waiting for us?" He asked.

"Of course. He never breaks his promises." María told him with a firm nod. 

Miguel, waiting near the edge of the outer district, signaled them forward with a subtle nod. He had come back to Trench when he found his grandchildren had been born. His youngest child had just turned six. His family was growing, and his prophecy weighed even more heavily on him. His eyes, sharp and watchful, darted around for any sign of patrols. The faint hum of the Neon Graveyard buzzed in the distance, a reminder of the omnipresent danger that lingered over the city like a shroud.

He took point, his movements swift and silent, the streets and gates of DEMA familiar to him. It had been years since he had been here. He was less than enthused when he had found out María had fallen for a Lorekeeper, even more so when he had heard how young María was when she got pregnant, but he knew he had a duty to help her. He led them past the last checkpoint, motioning for them to follow close. As they approached the outskirts, the tension grew thicker, the looming sense of being watched settling in their bones.

Suddenly, a shrill whistle pierced the night. They had been spotted.

"Archers!" Miguel hissed, grabbing Javier's arm and shoving him toward the thick brush lining the city's outer walls. "Move!"

Javier's heart leaped as he heard the twang of bowstrings from atop the walls. His hand shot to María's back, guiding her down as they ran. Arrow after arrow whizzed past them, barely missing by inches. He'd willingly take an arrow if it meant María would live.

From the shadows, a low growl rumbled through the air—a sound so deep and primal that it froze the archers in their tracks. Fenrir.

The massive Wendigo bishop emerged from the dark like a phantom, his eyes glowing fiercely as his enormous figure loomed over them. His black fur bristled as he stood between the family and the archers, deflecting the incoming arrows with swift movements. He had become María's bishop, and he had devoted himself to protecting his new family. He snarled, staring at the archers on the wall.

"Go," Fenrir growled at them, his voice low and commanding. "I'll handle this." Fenrir wasted no time, scaling the stone wall and earning screams from the archers. Fenrir opened his mouth to display his teeth before charging forward and devouring one of the archers, tossing him in the air and catching him in his mouth.

Javier hesitated for a brief moment, torn between awe and gratitude, but Miguel grabbed his arm. "We have no time. The Ancestors are waiting." Miguel's eyes were fierce with protection before he threw up his shield as an arrow lodged into it. "GO HIJO!" He snapped, pushing Javier forward. 

Javier stumbled after María, who sprinted away when Fenrir had told them to go. He jumped over a fallen tree, running as fast as he could. He glanced back at the stone wall of DEMA1

With Fenrir holding the line, the group bolted into the forest, disappearing into the dense thicket. Arrows continued to fly, but none came close as Fenrir batted them away with ease, his monstrous form striking fear into any who dared approach.

As they ran deeper into the woods, María glanced back once, catching a glimpse of Fenrir as he dispatched the archers with ruthless efficiency, ensuring their escape. 

The winds whipped around Javier, María, and Miguel as they approached the edge of Paladin Strait. The narrow, perilous pass stretched before them, its jagged rocks cutting through the swirling mist that obscured the deadly waters below. Waves crashed violently against the cliffs, the sound echoing up like the roar of an angry beast.

Javier tightened his cloak around his shoulders, glancing at Miguel. "This is as far as we can go on foot. If we're to reach the other side, we'll need to rely on Starling."

Miguel, a few paces ahead, was already scanning the horizon, eyes narrowed. "She's late."

"She'll be here," Javier replied, though his tone carried the weight of his own uncertainty. "Starling always keeps her promises."

As if on cue, a dark shadow soared through the fog, cutting through the veil of mist. A few seconds later, the massive, moss-covered wings of Starling spread wide as she descended, her gentle flutter betraying the power within each wingbeat. Her brown eyes glowed softly, filled with an ancient wisdom that neither man could fully understand but had come to trust.

Starling landed gracefully at the cliff's edge, folding her wings to allow the two to approach. Her body pulsed with the quiet energy of the forest—vines and moss intertwined with her fur, giving her a presence that felt both natural and mystical.

"I will take you across," Starling said in a deep, resonant voice, her antennae twitching as if sensing the danger that lurked in the Strait below.

Javier gave her a respectful nod. "We are in your debt, Starling."

Miguel wasted no time. "Let's not wait for the storm to get worse."

Starling unfurled her wings again, and Javier, María, and Miguel climbed onto her back, gripping the sturdy vines that wove through her fur. The bishop took a running leap, the ground disappearing beneath them as they lifted into the sky. The Strait's cold winds immediately assaulted them, but Starling cut through the storm with ease, her wings steady and strong.

Below, the sharp rocks and churning waters became a distant threat, dwarfed by the sense of serenity that Starling carried with her. As they soared higher, the mist thinned, revealing the vast expanse of land on the other side. DEMA lay behind them, but Javier's thoughts were already on what lay ahead.

Miguel glanced back at the misty Strait, feeling the weight of the journey they were undertaking. His hand rested on the hilt of his blade, eyes narrowing. "Do you think they'll follow us?"

Javier shook his head. "They won't dare cross Paladin Strait. Starling will see to that."

Just then, Starling let out a soft, reverberating hum, almost as if to confirm Javier's words. Within moments, they were gliding down toward the other side, the rocky cliffs giving way to the rolling plains beyond.

Starling landed smoothly, allowing them to dismount. She turned to them, her eyes glowing brighter for a moment. "You are safe now. The Strait will hold them back."

"Thank you, old friend," Javier said, giving a solemn nod before turning to Miguel. "Come. We've still got a long way to go."