Luna

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Between Two Worlds

I never knew a dream, or whatever this was, could last so long. I watched through Luna's eyes as she and her father Lornar led a small army out of the citadel's gates.

The snarling and shrieking of the Soulless grew louder as Lornar's army entered a large courtyard in front of the castle. There were so many exotic sights; it was hard to take it all in at once. An opaque dome covered the citadel. I could hear the monsters trying to get in on the other side, but I couldn't see them. The citadel behind us scraped the wispy clouds far above. The oddest sight was a giant eagle looking creature with three shimmering eyes perched on top of the citadel. It's wings were spread to full length, the tips touching the sides of the dome.

I was shocked to realize that the eagle thing was actually creating the dome. The great opaque structure was rippling forth from the creatures wing tips. I swear, those wings could've covered a football field each.

Lornar approached Luna and nodded to the giant eagle thing. "Kalen continues to hold his wards. He is a useful Taurus, despite his small size."

Small size? How much bigger could one of these things get?

"All the Taurus know is to protect," Luna said. "It seems like such a sad existence."

"Do not pity the Taurus," Lornar replied. "They take pride in being created by Aegis himself. The God of Life would not create something to suffer. They protect because Aegis wills it. That is an honorable existence if you ask me." Lornar's tone turned dark as he examined Luna. "Why didn't you visit the healers child? We have a long trek ahead of us, I can't have you bleeding the whole way there."

"Others needed the healers more," she said. "I can manage."

Lornar nodded slightly, though didn't look convinced. He turned and addressed the small army behind him. Two parts were made up of large, four-legged Aquarans. The third group was the small flying pixie creatures, the Lians. The army totaled near two-hundred.

Were they really about to face down the Soulless with a force this small? Maybe the Solless' bark was worse than it's bite. I hadn't actually seen one yet, it's possible they weren't as formidable as I'd imagined.

"Listen closely!" Lornar yelled to his troops. "We travel to the Infinite Abyss. Kalen's wards span the distance there. We should be safe from the Soulless, but remain alert."

That made me feel better. I had figured there would be a fight. It seemed the goal was to travel to the Infinite Abyss before the last moon set. Then, the army would enter the portal to Earth. Once again, I hoped to God this was all a figment of my imagination. 

The green scaled captain, Arion, ran forward, whispering to Luna and Lornar.

"I have heard whispers among the ranks commander," he said. "The others don't believe Luna. They think this quest is a fool's errand."

Luna growled in the back of her throat. "And what of you captain? Is this quest for nothing?" Annoyance was clear in Luna's voice. I didn't blame her. No one would take her seriously besides her father and the king.

Arion chuckled. "Do not be so quick to judge, Luna daughter of Lornar. I believe you. I am confident that we are about to make history, but your followers are not. I recommend earning their trust before we depart."

Arion lumbered back towards the ranks. Luna continued to growl in anger.

"He's right, daughter," Lornar said. "You are still a young warrior, but one day you will lead this army.  Pay attention to your followers."