The Cursed Guardian

Chapter 44

~ Lucas ~

My grandfather pins me on my sit while I fidget. The Healers and Veenece is trying to halt the poison from spreading in the Chancellor's body.

Rino had the Black Dragon's dagger. The real dagger! If he pressed more the dagger on him, he's already in bones now and we're lamenting for the Lost of Academy's head.

I try to stand up but he puts more pressure on my shoulder.

"Lucas, we will make a plan to rescue her."

Right, plan! But how long will I wait! Auryn, as stubborn and as reckless as she was, willing go with Rino. She did not even think about the consequences of her decisions!

"I just can't sit and wait, Gramps!"

"But going after her on your own will not help." He argued.

It frustrates me.

It really frustrates me like hell!

"You're not the only one who's worried about her. We are too." He said again.

"She will be okay. She can create a barrier to safeguard herself. She is the Gryphon Warrior after all." Professor Rose soothe me but it's more like she is saying it to herself.

"I have scattered the Guardian Warriors to search for the Black Dragon's nest." It's Professor Hilton. "Raeco is leading them."

"They should try on the river," Veenece walks to us, "according to the books it resides on the waters or marshlands."

Water. Right!

I know where she is! How can I forget about it!

I jolted up and I don't know where I got the strength to break free from my grandfather's hold but I did.

"I know where to rescue her."

But Professor Hilton, Professor Connor and my grandfather lined up in front of me, blocking my way.

"You can't go on your own." He insisted. "Lucas, please don't act recklessly."

"Tell us where is her possible location and will plot a plan."

"It's faster if I go to her now than plotting a plan first! She will be safe the faster I get to her!" I snap to them.

They were shock at my sudden outburst and frown was painted on their faces. I run my fingers through my hair in distress and brush down my hands on my face.

"I'm sorry for my tone." I apologized to them. "But I just can't sit and wait. I need to do something. To save her." I whispered the last words to myself as I bow my head in desperation.

"Lucas, we know it is your duty to protect her but-"

"I not concern about her because of that duty!"

Professor Rose was bewildered on what I said. But I did not bother explaining to her because I can't even explain why when she ask.

It's just that. . .

I always wanted her to be safe. That is why I tried to took her with me when I stole her sword, because I don't want her to be caught between this stupid war.

She is the first person to look at me with care in her eyes. Like she knows the pain I've been through and she understands all of it. At first, I did not put much attention to it but when I saw her again, she gave me the same look.

After a long time, I wanted to protect someone. Protect her the way I failed to protect my mother. Even when I learned that she has feelings for Raeco, instead I wanted to take the sadness in her eyes but I failed.

And now, I don't want to fail again. I vow to gave my life in exchange of hers. I unfolds my wings and I hovered them. I will not let them stop me.

"Lucas!"

I squint to my grandfather, sending him a sorry look, before heading to the waterfall. Professor Rose comes after me but I ordered the eagles to keep her company and they surrounded her, restraining her.

I hide among the trees when I arrived in the waterfall. Observing the place and trying to locate Auryn. The water was rushing down but it was stagnate. I stare through the waters and saw a cave behind it.

She might be inside.

I look around but the place was isolated. I carefully glide through the waters and went inside the cave. The torches was fired hinting I'm not alone. I did not let my guard down as I walk further and the floor was getting spongy.

I hide behind the rocks when a swamp came into view. Good thing I was in my armor. I have Archadia's sense of sight. I investigate the area, with the help of the small opening from the ceiling which gives light, I  saw Auryn on the corner with both her hands chained up.

She's unconscious.

I was about to go and unchain her when Rino walks to her. He traced the dagger on her face down to her neck and stops on her heart. My fist curled into a ball and my anger surfacing.

He's not trying to kill her, don't he?

Don't he just dare. Even if Auryn cares for him, I don't care whether he's possessed or not, I will surely kill him.
My head hurts as Raeco tries to communicate with me but I did not let him in.

Heck! I did not even expect that I will gladly kill someone if they dare hurt her.

"Finally, the Gryphon's power." He pull back the dagger.

I could sense the evilness in Rino's voice as he spoke those words. The Black Dragon's greed for power is emitting off him.

He left Auryn and walks towards my direction, I flew up the cave's ceiling to hide my presence. When I'm sure that he's far enough I glide down to her.

With the help of Archadia's strength, I easily break the chains on her hands. I  quickly catch her when her body falls down.

"STUPID LOWLY GUARDIAN WARRIOR!"

Damn, why didn't I noticed him?

He angrily stride to us. I immediately scoop Auryn up and fly above him.
But instead of chasing us in haste, he just laughs.

"You really think you can get out of here alive? Really, stupid!"

I send him a blast of my power. I was certain that I hit him but when the smoke dispersed, he wasn't there! Not even a dead body!

Just when we get out of the cave, something emerges from the waters.
It was the Black Dragon! And Auryn is still unconscious in my arms.

I can create a barrier for the both of us but I knew that hers was stronger.  But still, I need to protect her even if it is just for a moment.

I'm just hoping that, that moment will be enough for us to escape.

I thrash my sword to it and it flinched.

Right! It was still weak because the ritual to awaken it was not finished.

I annihilated another blow and it went back to the waters. I continued to escape but then I heard another splash on the water. It was the Black Dragon again!

Just when I turn to see it, a cloud of black smoke was coming our way. Good thing my barrier can stand it. Then the Black Dragon shifts to Rino, his eyes are blood red and he throws us the dagger.

That can penetrate my barrier!

I covered my body to Auryn as I try to dodge it even though I know the chances is negative.

I'm willing to die for her.

Nothing happens. The dagger was thrown back to Rino who look furious. Then I noticed that the barrier surrounding us was turned into golden. I look back to Auryn.

She's still senseless, then who?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A big thank you for reading this story!!!!!

Few more chapters before the ending.

Love, Jean Martine