Vaehandre: Where The Stars Fall [Under Revision]

Chapter 24: Pyres for the Fallen

[Photo by: Mateusz Katzig]
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Aiden pulled back his bow, laying on its the rest was a flaming arrow. He released the string and watched as the arrow landed on Brum's pyre.

At the same time, many other pyres caught ablaze.

He could not keep his gaze on Burm's pyre and quickly glanced at his father and saw him maintain his composure. He tried hard to mimic his demeanor, holding back his tears. Gauging the number of pyre's burning, a sick numbness enveloped his chest.

"Rest now, brother," Owen said under his breath.

Biting down on his lip, Aiden breathed in deeply with a sniffle. He glanced at Ingrid, who stood with dark circles under her eyes. Henry was visibly weeping.

The fires moved westward with the wind. Hundreds upon hundreds of burning woodpiles occupied the blood stricken battlefield.

Slowly turning his head back to the fallen knights, Aiden remembered Lôra's warning. "It's not going to end without casualties." He stared with a frown as even more sadness occupied his thoughts.

Kade was in the crowd with others paying their respects. His face was dampened by tears.

"May the North star guide them," said Alistair as all the pyres were lit with blazing flames.

Shortly after, the mournful company made their way back to the North Castle. Aiden stayed silent till they reached the castle keep.

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Sauntering near the gate, Kade approached Owen to bid him farewell. Kade hesitantly introduced himself to the Dragonslayer. "Good sir, I am－"

"The Dragonlord," Owen put it, staring at the horned dragonhead emblem on Kade's forefinger.

Kade nodded. "I knew your brother."

"He was always more quick to forgive than I." Owen remained silent for a while. "You and your wyverns saved us on the battlefield ... You deserve all the gratitude there is to be given to a war hero."

"Thank you ... I've come to tell you of my departure."

"It's probably best you go soon. You're welcome here in the North castle, but there is still much anger towards dragonlords. That I cannot control," said Owen, his eyes restless as he did not want to look at the former enemy and also new ally in the eyes.

"My condolences on your loss. Hector was an honorable knight."

Kade's words had taken Owen off his guard as they grazed fresh wounds. He gritted his teeth but then glimpsed the Dragonlord's eyes welling up. Shifting to a friendlier expression, Owen mused, "Safe travels."

Just them, Alistair drew near them. "Dragonlord, before you go, I hope it isn't much to ask that we bind a raven to you?"

"A sign of our newfound alliance?" Kade questioned.