Soul Healer

Chapter 7 - Dragonclaw

>>> CHAPTER 7 <<<

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Opening your eyes, you mumble 'I must educate Bane, or he will end up killing me with kindness'. With a coarse laughter you continue 'I do not blame him. I hope you won't either'.

With a strange smile Ares answers 'How can I blame him, if you do not?' Gallantly helping you on your feet, he can't stop looking at you.

Seeing the worried expression in his eyes, you speak 'I feel better. Let us return to Wistaria, before Bane decides to launch a full-scale rescue mission'. Walking back towards Wistaria, you feel his worried eyes stare at you. With a reassuring smile, you take his hand and continue walking.

Holding your hand in a firm grip, Ares looks at you with tenderness and admiration. 'Why do they call you Dragonclaw?'.

With a frown you answer 'When I was a child a dragon attacked my hometown. The citizens fled into hiding, and I was left behind. Like a fool, I confronted the dragon, ordered it to go away. The dragon could have killed me with ease, but instead it just looked at me. Called me strange names, said I was Aysaqui. Touched me. Marked me".

Arms like iron, force you to stop and face him 'Called you Aysaqui? are you sure?', Ares stutters.

Surprised you look at the intense hope in his eyes. With a nod you say 'It gave me this'. Baring your left shoulder, you show him the strangely shaped scar the dragon gave you long ago.

With a stifled sound, Ares kneels before you whispering 'Aysaqui, kindred, my queen'.

Amazed you stare at him. The intense hope in his voice is so distinct, you can't help but wonder what obligations an Aysaqui has. Must be something very important, why else would he kneel before you? Kindred he calls you. Queen. Queen of what?, you think with bitterness. The sound of galloping hooves makes you turn around. 8 Ceenaq approach, their intentions all to clear. Infuriated by their impudence, you draw your sword.

Seeing them Ares jumps to his feet, and attack them with such rage, you can only stare at him in wonder. Why does he hate them so? What terrible deeds have they done to awaken the wrath of the God of War? Your thoughts are interrupted, as 2 Ceenaq manage to evade Ares. As they race towards you, sudden fierce howling makes you look towards the sky. Istaq is coming to your rescue. Claws targeting he attacks one of the Ceenaq. The last horseman seems to reconsider his quest, but it is too late. Furious and before your very eyes Ares and Istaq finish him off.

Then they hastily race towards you. Seeing their worried expressions, you can't help laughing 'I must be getting old. I have never needed assistance before'. Seeing Ares blushing cheeks, you smile tenderly, and continue 'A very impressive spectacle. I thank you both'.

With a delighted shriek Istaq lands on your shoulder, and curls his body around your neck. Ares stares at you, eyes clouded and dark with anxiety.

Surprised you wonder if he is afraid you are angry or disgusted by his actions. Taking his hand you send him a smile, that makes his eyes glow with such intensity it almost blind you. Worried you wonder if he has fallen in love with you. Seeing his tender trembling smile, you realize he has. Worried you hope he will soon get over it. The people that care about you die.

Unable to resist, Ares kisses your hand, looking at you with such tenderness, you feel your heart quiver. Staring at him you feel your soul reach for his. With sadness you wonder how long it will be before he is gone as well.

'My queen', he coarsely whispers. Dark intense eyes look at you so lovingly, you feel your heart aching. Taking a deep breath you force your eyes away from his, and walk towards Wistaria."