Legend of Parocaav: The Quest for Redemption (First Draft)

Chapter XX: Road to Oro

Hours have passed since the jail crumbled, crushing Xel. Silence has struck Roku. All this death. Drayk is respecting her space by letting her process things in her mind. Back in Oasis, the kids are abandoned. There's nothing that can be done about that now though. Oro, the capital of Wind Country, was more important right now. The Bringers of Hope must hear the ungiven portion of the prophecy from Joseff there. Not to mention Oro is the last city not claimed by the Elites in the entire country of Wind.

"Oro must be under constant threat of attack," Roku finally speaks after quite some time.

"I can imagine that they are. It must be driving Xivaac insane," Drayk joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Oro is the largest city on the planet. Its population reaches far into 10s of millions. Its sheer size is astonishing. The city itself could almost be its own country. It is very well built and equip. Plus, the power of Wind Magic can make it difficult to make an assault. Wind Mages never go down without a fight. Seeing the way Roku handles herself in combat proves that to Drayk. Between numbers and magic, Oro must be the safest place to live for members of the Resistance. They just have to get there Drayk thinks to himself.

There is always a constant breeze blowing in this land. Dust devils, tornados, tremendous gusts can be seen everywhere here. This country has its own natural defense system in a manner of speaking. None of which makes it easy to navigate. Setting up camp is not safe anywhere out here. Making the mistake of staying in one place too long would prove idiotic. Only towns and cities are safe from these conditions. Each town in Wind Country is immune to these winds. The wind here in the countryside are protection, not destruction.

"I'm not even sure we're going the right way!" Drayk shouts as the winds pick up.

"I haven't since we left that jail! This terrain is so vicious!" Roku yells back.

Shifting direction, the wind is now blowing directly towards them. Their legs feel heavy against the wind as they walk into it. Drayk sticks his arm up to prevent his eyes from sand. Roku thinks back to Crito and his power over Wind Magic. He has a true bond with earth's natural force. Crito is capable of seeing with the wind and hearing sounds carried in winds. He could know what was happening from anywhere in the world of the winds blew just right. Is he listening to them now? Does Crito even know what has happened to them thus far? Roku receives chills when a familiar voice echoes in the wind.

"Roku.... I know you will hear this.... by the time you reach my native homeland.... Wind is aggressive and a destructive force.... but not to its own.... don't suffer in the winds wake.... show the land.... you are a Wind Mage...." Crito's voice passing them, carried by the gusts.

Drayk looks slightly puzzled. He doesn't know this voice. This couldn't be a trap he told himself. Looking at Roku, he can see her smile. Her face almost lit up and her eyes starting to water. She must know him.

"That was a message from my Master and adopted guardian, Crito," Roku explained seeing the confusion in Drayk's face.

Roku reaches into her left pocket, pulling out a small medallion on a chain. The crest of Wind Magic is engraved onto both sides. She places the chain around her neck and clips it together. The medallion falls to her chest, hanging from her. As soon as the medallion is on, a short spiral burst of wind shoots up around Roku. The winds completely die down around them. Wind split all ways around them. Roku smiles, fixing her hair with her fingers. Her hair look the start of a bird's nest, all tangled and messed up.

"Glad you're a Wind Mage!" Drayk jokes, "This is will be much better now."

"I can hear the sound of what sounds like an audience of people talking. So many voices. It's being carried by the wind," Roku says pointing off to the east, "There! Oro is that way!"

Drayk and Roku start running off south of where they were. The excitement in them built up instantly. Finally, something looking positive. They stop at the edge of hillside, looking down. A small town that once stood is in shambles before them. This village was no more than a pile of crumbled stones and concrete. There was no sign of any bodies. Nothing but rock left here. Yet a foul odor remained in the air. The smell of death.

Just after their hopes got up, a physical reminder of what is at stake here. A reminder of what this war has caused and why they must put an end to this. The tension in the air raised. That foul smell started getting more intense. Roku wipes her eyes which had began to water.

"Ugh! That is so gross!" Roku coughs, trying not to gag.

"You don't smell so pretty either Princess," a voice sarcastically says from behind them.

As a reflex, Drayk and Roku spin around to see who's there. Another cloaked figure was before them. This was not just anyone in a cloak though, this was Grimm. His robes give him away. They are a dark grey that it is almost more black than grey. His hood has a red interior and covers his entire face. Human skulls are kept on a rope he uses as a belt. His right arm is holding out that unforgettable scythe like it was a walking stick. His bony hand grasping the weapon tightly.

"It's quite the pleasure to make your acquaintances, Bringers of Hope," Grimm spoke, his voice sounds like it is just an echo in the wind, "Especially you your majesty."

"What are you talking about!?" Roku demands to know.

"Oh my dear, sweet Princess Riinah. You haven't a clue of who you really are, do you?" Grimm asks with a tone of sorrow, "Funny you should be destined to fight your own people as its enemy, Bringer of Hope."

"Don't listen to that bastard Roku! He's got to be up to something!" Drayk calls to her.

"So my name really is Riinah, isn't it?" She asks staring straight at the Reaper of Life. If anyone could confirm it, it would be the being that knows all the life that has ever existed.

"Yes child. You are the Ice Princess," Grimm smirks, "You have already heard your name?"

"It was the last thing Kraag said to me as he made his escape. If you really must know!" Roku yells.

"Your father has always been somewhat of a blabbermouth," Grimm teased, "Now enough talk. Your endeavors end here."