Dragonworld: The Drive For Power

Part 29: Fires Burn Hot

The burden of a warrior

Chayo Chakanthat sat on the stairs, supporting his body with a sword. His dark, brown eyes were staring into the distance. There was a fierceness about them, almost as if reflecting all the battles they had seen.

It felt good to be back in Tikanmul, he thought. There is nothing like home.

The hot air encircled his entire body, causing him to start sweating. He didn't mind. He had longed for this very feeling back on the cold continent. Despite so many years spent fighting countless wars there, he could never get used to the conditions.

When he got back to the island, word had gotten around quick. Many of the local noblemen paid a visit to the now legendary warrior. He had to spend many hours recounting the most memorable parts of his exploits.

Finally, he could enjoy a quiet moment just to himself. Sitting under the Stepped Pyramid of War, he thought it was a fitting place to enjoy a moment of peace.

Yet, despite not a soul around him, he was certain this wasn't going to last long. He could never get away. People, and action, both always had a way of finding him.

He heard the sound of voices, and footsteps coming his way.

"I knew it," he mumbled to himself. "Peace and quiet is over."

Yet, he lingered a while longer on those steps. If they wanted him, then fine. However, he was going to maximize the time spent just sitting.

A group of men rounded the corner.

Chayo recognized Tikanmul's chief mage, Tissanal Passankat. Next to him, walked another mage, one that had the look of a fresh arrival from across the sea at Akelon. They were surrounded by a retinue of courtiers and armed guards.

"Chayo Chakanthat, warrior. We knew we would find you here," said Tissanal Passankat, his mouth sporting a wide grin.

The man sitting on the stairs glanced over at the arrivals, but said nothing. He only wished to prolong his quiet moment a while longer.

That didn't deter the chief mage from continuing.

"I would like to introduce to you Taufus Lanse, a powerful mage from the king's court at Akelon," said the chief mage.

Taufus looked at Chayo and gave a slight nod.

Chayo kept on sitting quietly.

The chief mage pointed at a man wearing armor standing next to him.

"You probably already know Huen Peraz, the commander of the city guard," said Tissanal.

Chayo nodded, his first reaction of the interaction, but still didn't open his mouth.

"Anyways, enough with the introductions. We have a proposition for you," said the chief mage.

Chayo shook his head.

"I knew you didn't come here by chance," said Chayo.

Tissanal Passankat laughed out loud.

"Yes, you are right," said Tissanal, before continuing. "Yet, we wouldn't have come here, if urgent matters of national importance weren't at stake."

"National importance?" Chayo raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, the Stepped Pyramid of Magic had been invaded and robbed," said Tissanal.

"The Stepped Pyramid of Magic? Isn't that protected by powerful magic?"

"Exactly. The ones who got in were most likely powerful wielders of magic, and skilled warriors. They took away a magic dagger," said Tissanal.