The Legends of Khrystia: The Journey Begins (Sampler)

Chapter Two

 Blinkheart soaked in the natural hot spring that pooled along the bottom of the mountain range. The summer sun shone brightly. The water under his scales made him feel so alive. Steam filling his nostrils and expanding his lungs. All he wanted for the next few hours was this relaxing bath.

The hot water allowed his body to heal after a long flight and cleared his mind. But most of all, he enjoyed the peace and quiet. He knew he would miss this area when he would have to leave. He just hoped that it would last at least another week or so.

When Blinkheart inhaled deeply again, he smelled something he didn't like. He tried to figure out what it was. Then he remembered the stench: steel, leather, and oils.

He mumbled in a deep, heavy voice. "What do you want, soldier? This better be important." Blinkheart partially opened one eye to focus on him.

"Sir, word from camp. There appears to have been a problem. You are needed back at camp immediately."

Blinkheart raised his head a little. More aware that this was potentially an important disturbance. After all, his troops did know not to bother him when he left for some relaxation time. Unless it was urgent of course.

"It's not easy being a general," he said, more to himself. "Very well, Sergeant. I will leave immediately," he said, as he climbed out of the pool. Joints cracking, as he stretched and prepared himself. He had been lazy all morning, so perhaps getting some flight in would be healthy. He leaped and took flight.

He flew low to the trees, the sun glistening off his red and black scales. Red was a common color of a Blazeflare, but his kind also came in orange and sometimes in between, they were known as Firekin.

As the cold air refreshed his wet body, he thought about flying over the mountains from back home as a dragonet. He missed those simpler days. He wasn't a native to these lands.

The camp, which bordered on a town called Redmane, the human settlement was a short flight past the small forest below him.

The many soldiers and workers broke away from their tasks as his mighty wings kicked up dust. He strode past the many tents. Soldiers saluted him as he passed. He responded with simple nods. There was no time for pausing formality with the human soldiers this time.

He came to a large red tent and pushed through the flaps. A lone soldier called Southwind sat at a small table, writing on parchment. She was a tall, slender Equinora with a strong sense of duty and was a native of the rolling countryside not far to the west. She was one of the higher ranking staff members and was in charge of the forward vanguard ranks.

When Sergeant Southwind looked up to see him, she immediately straightened and saluted.

An Equinora's frame was taller compared to an Ocarian's, with the body and arms of humans, but with the head and legs like that of a horse. She was of shorter height for her race, she was about six and a half feet tall and still stood taller than most of the Ocara soldiers. Equinora were usually passive; not warriors, but they were strong and hearty. Her hazel eyes regarded him. The Equinora were known as beastfolk to most.

"Bring me my sword please." He commanded as he grabbed a cape that served as his badge of office and threw in over his back and wings. The dark grey cloak was almost black in the darker lighting, and the upper section was made from bear fur. It was warm and made him look more imposing, which was helpful since he was small in height, but not stature, or his race. Small, but still broad with muscle.

Southwind was very strong and brought over his weapon with minimal strain. He took it from her and fastened it to his side where his belt laced around his waist.