Air Kingdom

Chapter 21-Natalie Jemima

A week.

That is how long we have been out in the wild again, vulnerable to Krey and frostbite. I almost envied Conway who was at home, surrounded by food and water to last him almost forever. About a day ago, we managed to cross the border between the Rainforest Clouds and Arctic Clouds. We had all brought warm winter clothes with us, but that didn't stop the unwanted cold from seeping into our thick, plush jackets.

On top of that, more Krey populates the Arctic Clouds, enjoying the bitter cold and icy surroundings. Almost every few hours we ran into them, but I never got to kill one.

"KREY!" Serena shouted, breaking the silence with her warning. She was at the back of the line, always keeping a watchful eye out. We all instantly tensed and gripped our weapons tighter as we prepared for the incoming wave.

It was almost dark and I could faintly make out the immortal bodies surrounding us. Then chaos erupted.

Two Krey came after me, both of them males. One was significantly taller than the other. The shorter one attacked first, aiming his fist at my face. I neatly dodged and kicked him in the ribs, pushing him into the now blood-stained snow. The taller Krey pushed my back, making me stumble a bit. He wasted no time into pinning me against a tree. I could hear ringing in my ears, but I wasn't dead yet.

I managed to knee him in the stomach, feeling blood flow again through my wrists as he let go of them in surprise. I nocked an arrow and just when I was about to release it, a lion pounced on him, effectively decapitating him. He repeated the same process on the other Krey, using his razor-sharp teeth to tear the pale head onto the white snow.

I glared at the lion. "I can take care of myself," I told him with snark. He gave me a quick shake of his head before disappearing into the hurricane of war.

Yeah, I know, I was shocked too when I first found out. Before we crossed over to the Arctic Clouds, we were ambushed by about 15 Krey. A few of us broke some of our ribs or arms, but we were soon fixed up by Serena or Emily. The only reason why our dead bodies weren't rotting in a puddle of mud is because of Rodas.

The third ability that all wizards possessed was to be able to transform into an animal. Rodas can become a lion with razor sharp teeth and claws. Perfect for tearing the flesh of Krey.

I sighed and got up, brushing the snow off of me before returning to the battlefield. This has been happening for the last week or so. I haven't killed any Krey. Even during the massive ambush on us. The most I did was maim and cut, but before I could deliver the final blow, Seiro or Rodas would come over and send the Krey to the afterlife. They probably have a sixth sense to be able to know when to finish off the Krey for me.

It's not like I want to kill them though. Even though the Krey are despicable creatures that should die, you still feel guilty for taking their life. The Krey used to be Airians or wizards, loved by many people. But, there is a small satisfaction when you freed their soul. They're released from the wicked magic that seems to control them.

What I'm mad about is Rodas and Seiro being overprotective. I am completely capable of killing a Krey, but they always intervene before I could do so. I would kill Krey before, why are they stopping me now?

The next few moments were a blur. Rodas had lent me a knife for close up fighting. It wasn't my rose knife, but it was better than nothing. I slashed and stabbed, but fate obviously hated me since I never got to kill a Krey. It was getting frustrating and every time I brought up the subject, Seiro and Rodas would claim it was for the better.

The number of Krey was dwindling and there were only a few left. I nocked a non-magical arrow and released it, watching the arrow fly into the Krey's head. Only it didn't. A blade intercepted it, ruining my shot. Without missing a beat, Seiro took Des and stabbed it into the Krey's neck, causing her to let out a guttural scream.