Aetherian(Part 1): A War Begins

Julien

 "I didn't know we were in the presence of the greatest Knight in Aetherian, said Julien.

"I didn't know people called me that," said Ser Arthur. "Of course, I doubt I'll still be called that after this."

"You will if you escape," Blake assured.

"That's a big 'if'," said Arthur, but there was deceit in his words. The two Guardians paid it no mind, though. "I'm not sure why they let me keep my blade, though. Seems kind of pointless." Julien knew why. Kara had meant to keep Ser Arthur in captivity for a time long enough to drive him insane, long enough for him to either call her his queen or for him to kill himself.

"I'm sure it's just a common courtesy," Julien lied. "I mean, maybe you could, or could not use Burn to maybe, or maybe not help us with something."

"I'm listening," Arthur promised. Julien took out the Fae book that Queen Elathae had given Blake and turned to a page that had an illustration of a sand dweller similar to the one that bit Blake. There was a list of ingredients that were needed to concoct an antidote for the venom, but they were all incredibly rare in Aetherian. One of them happened to be in the Sandlands, but not in Dragonbarrow's apothecary.

"The bark of a desert dryad," said Julien. "It's part of a medicine Blake needs."

"Are you sick or something?" Arthur asked, to Blake.

"I was bitten by something," Blake answered. "And it wasn't a snake."

"Something worse, huh?" said Ser Arthur. "Tough break. What would you need my help for?"

"Well, the last Fae-built place we visited was defended like the Ivory Tower," Blake answered. "We can't do it alone."

"And you think I can help?" asked Arthur. "Why not ask Theon Bloodbane?"

"He's always been reluctant to help us with anything," said Julien. "You're the greatest Knight in the country."

"Sounds reasonable," agreed Arthur. "So, where would we find a desert dryad?"

"We don't know," Julien reluctantly answered. "But there's an oasis to the south, in the direction of Red River."

"And you think it just happens to be where you can find one of these things?" asked Arthur. "Actually, I guess if something is there, you'll be able to feel something, won't you?"

"Exactly," said Blake. "Will you help us?" They both knew that Ser Arthur wouldn't say 'no'. As a Knight, he was sworn to serve his lord and his lord's people alike.

"Not from in here," Arthur answered, looking to the stone walls of his dungeon cell. "And did Kara okay it?"

"Shockingly, yes," said Julien, opening the door to the cell. "I guess she trusts us with you. Just don't even think of running off."

"I won't," Arthur promised.

"You better not," Blake warned, with a hand on her lightsword. A little way south of Dragonbarrow was a large, blue lake that was surrounded by palm trees that had coconuts hanging from between the leaves. When they stepped through the brush at the base of the palm trees, Julien could feel the same aura that he sensed at the fortress a day earlier.

"Beautiful," Blake said with widened eyes. The water gleamed against the light of the sun, and the sky's reflection was on the surface. It was the most green Julien had seen in his entire life, and probably Blake's.

"Something's here, guys," Julien reminded.

"So, what do these dryads look like?" asked Ser Arthur.