Draconic Testament (56 page)

“W-What!?” Polliver gasped.
“Shhh.” Tundra said. “No need to gasp, and worry. I’ve been through more hardships than being shadowed by a coward who wears others’ faces. No. I have no intention of rolling on my back and awaiting a dagger in my throat. I’ve stumbled upon something.”
“Miss Tundra...” Polliver pondered. “Let me help you! What do we do?”
“Me and you, Polliver. We’re going on a mission, without the knowledge of the Inquisition. You should be honour, nobody has went on a mission for personal revenge with me before.”
“But why?” Polliver asked. “Why don’t you tell the Inquisition?”
“Too messy.” Tundra asked. “Trust me, whenever the Covenant is involved with things, the Circle of Zealots lose their minds. They constantly think the Covenant is trying to shut us down, and has the idea that if that happens, it’s the end of Cazria as we know it. The truth is, we’re not doing as much as we should as Inquisitors, but that’s a different story. It’s best not to bother.”
“So... How are you going to explain your disappearance.” Polliver asked.
“Im not.” Tundra said. “Im going to make up a cover story. I’m going to claim that one of the Sylvarins is actually a Warlock. Of course, it’s a false accusation, but nobody in the Inquisition has ever been beheaded for making a speculation. It’ll shine badly on me, and it’ll likely add even more reason for the circle to dislike me, but I’m too curious about this.”
“But, what are we going to do?” Polliver asked.
“We’re not doing anything dangerous.” Tundra complained. “We’re just scoping out the Elrics. We’ll wait and see when we can get our hands on him and his human whore, and we’ll see what’s so special about them, alright? We have no other leads. There is some sort of important conspiracy here. Whoever paid the shape shifter is definitely trying to bring the downfall of the Inquisition, and raise the Covenant even higher. We have to bring this to light, and the best way to do that is to tail the Elric.”
“Alright...” Polliver said.
“Grab your gear and get ready to leave. We’ll go immediately.” She said, and Polliver rushed to the door to leave. “Poor kid.” Tundra said. “Has no idea what he’s signed up for.”
 

Chapter
Nineteen – A new start
Zaxxarius Elric
Zaxxarius was recovering from his wounds in an inn at the mountain village. It had taken nearly all day to descend without the griffon, not to mention the fact that they were also extremely tired. Also, before descending, he sealed the portal, completely destroying it on both ends. The members of Sanctum that were left behind were slaughtered by Hime, which he had not expected, nor noticed while he was on the large Tower battling Sheol and his students. He bought nightwear from the shops in the small village town while Veronica booked a room at the inn, and she had picked a single room for the two of them, to Zaxxarius’ surprise. He was sat on the bed, examining the pendant that Sheol had dropped. He never actually noticed it was gone, but it looked precious. He could tell, because the pendant itself was not that expensive. It opened up to a woman with two boys at either side, and his guess was that it was their mother. The two looked so happy that it brought a smile to Zaxxarius’ face. Or was it Bastion now? How would he view himself? As Bastion, or Zaxxarius? One thing was for certain. He had saved Veronica, and he wasn’t going to let her go, unless she desired to stay on Earth. She was going with him back to Cazria, and Abaddon couldn’t turn her away. Him, nor anyone else, could argue with him. Vander would stand by his decision, though. He always did. He wondered what was going on back in Cazria. Were they searching frantically? Did the city know about the half-human Overlord that had risen to take the place of his father? Or, was that still a secret? It was useless pondering. Zaxxarius was sitting on the bed, playing with the medallion in his dressing gown and pyjamas, when Veronica left the bathroom, after having a shower. She was in a white nightdress, much like the one she had back in Korreal, only this one had no sleeves, and it was too short for her, coming up to her thighs. “What’s that?” She asked.
“It’s a picture of Abaddon’s family,” Zaxxarius said. “Though, this pendant belonged to Sheol. He dropped it in the fight.”
“Abaddon...” She pondered, while she sat next to him on the bed, combing her hair. “Your advisor. Your Paragon.”
“Yeah.” Zaxxarius said. He had told her everything that had transpired since they had split up. There was a lot to talk about, but she picked up on it piece by piece. “So... What do you want to do now? Do you still want to live among the Red Magi, on Earth? We could cleanse your name, not that I mind you coming to Cazria. It would be nice to have a couple of more friends I know. Vander, from my neighbourhood, and Yaevinn are already there.” Veronica made an odd glance at him.
“Well... I want to go to Cazria. I’d rather not live among the Red Magi. They were merely a place of refuge.” Veronica said. “They are not my true home.”
“You’ll be safe in Cazria, I promise. We’ll keep the portal there closed, but we won’t seal it. I’ll give the Magi medical supplies, and let them know that Sanctum won’t bother them, and to safeguard Earth. That way, most of the Magi’s troubles will be dealt with.” Zaxxarius said.
“Aye...” Veronica mumbled.
“There’s also business with my official Coronation. Your Uncle may also need help repairing what they’ve lost... I don't know. So much to do. No doubt the second I go back into Cazria, I’ll get bombarded with clothes for my official Coronation, and get forced to pick a Bride... Perhaps get one for Vander, too...” Zaxxarius said.
“Indeed...” Veronica said.
“Vander already belongs to a noble house... well, sort of. What about you, and Yaevinn? You two safeguarded me... I could make you both a House of your own? Oh, noble Veronica Blay and Yaevinn Rilon!” Zaxxarius chuckled, half serious.
“Hmm...” Veronica mumbled.
“What’s wrong?” Zaxxarius asked.
Veronica studied him quietly. “You haven’t caught on, have you?” Veronica asked.
“What do you mean?” Zaxxarius asked.
“I was tied to a ritual that practically sucked my life force away. Tis a technique I learned from my mother, and it almost killed me. I should be dead, in theory.” Veronica said. Zaxxarius paused. “Ask me how I'm doing.”
“Why? You’re all better now, aren’t you?”
“Aye...” Veronica said. “You know why, don't you?”
“Err...” Zaxxarius pondered.
“You haven’t grasped what this means?” Veronica said. “Did you, perhaps, forget?”
“I really don't know what you’re going on about...” Zaxxarius said.
“You’re an Overlord.” Veronica said. “I'm a Magi.” Realisation began to sink into Zaxxarius.
“I sucked the blood from your neck, a lot of it. Tis a viable blood transfusion between a Cazrian and a Human. But, when a Magi takes blood from an Overlord...” Veronica begins, waiting for Zaxxarius to finish.  “They become... Archmagi...” Zaxxarius said.
“I'm an Archmage now...” Veronica said. “A Warlock Archmage... Imagine the power I could wield... I'm dangerous, to you, and... to your foes. And I need you.”
“You need me?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Yes, Bastion...” Veronica said. “Without periodic blood transfusions, I could lose my mind. A Warlock Archmage with no blood from their master is a destructive tool. I don't know if I could... Could keep myself in check like Dante... Or if I would want to.”
“I'm sorry...” Zaxxarius said.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about, you fool!” Veronica snapped. “This is fine with me. I need you. I want to be by your side, I have to be now. You’re... You’re my master.”
“No.” Zaxxarius said. “I'm not. I don't mind you staying with me, but you’re still my... my friend. Be yourself.”
“Your friend?” Veronica asked, and then smiled. She placed her hand on his upper thigh, and he froze in place. “I don't mind... I don't mind being your subject. I just... need a place to truly belong. That’s all I’ve wanted since... Since I got away from Trigoma. I never felt wanted, or accepted. That’s why I went to Surrey to keep watch for the portal. Nowhere felt right, but when I'm with you...”
“Veronica?” Zaxxarius asked. Veronica leaned over to him, and kissed him on the neck, around the area that she bit into him. She smelled of lavender, a thick smell that emanated from her hair. Her skin was so smooth, and she was extremely pretty, though, it’s not like he hadn’t noticed that before. He had nothing to be ashamed of now, nothing to hide, nothing to fear. He was alone with her. “Veronica... I love you.” He said, firmly. No embarrassment came with the admission. She pulled away and looked at him. “Really?” She asked, eyes wide.
“If you’re to be anything...” He said. “If you’re to be anything, be my lover, not my slave. I love you.” Veronica blushed. “I... I love you too.” She said. “For the longest time, I’ve loved you.” They gazed at each other, for a time. Then, Zaxxarius returned the favour, and placed his hand on her thigh. The nightdress was so short that his hand was resting on naked skin, but she did not recoil from his touch. He wanted to move his hand up her thigh, but before he worked up the courage, Veronica kissed him, and they embraced each other, until falling onto the bed. Veronica had no idea how to kiss, but Zaxxarius didn’t mind. They held each other for the longest time, until Zaxxarius reached up her nightdress. “Wait.” Veronica said, pulling away from him. “No. No, I can’t.”
“Oh.” Zaxxarius said, pulling his hand out.
“I’m sorry. I... I ruined it, didn’t I?” Veronica asked.
“No.” Zaxxarius said, stroking her hair. “No, of course not. It doesn’t matter. If you’re not ready... then It’s not right for either of us.”
“Bastion...” Veronica sighed, placing her head on his shoulder.
The trip back to the Haven was peaceful. No opposition, and they rode there by boat. By the time morning came, the two had had plenty of much needed rest, and slept in each other’s arms for what felt like an age. They got a boat, and sailed through the sea toward Britain with the supplies and equipment they needed for safe passage. The sea raged against the boat’s propellers, and the torrents of wind blew Veronica’s hair elegantly, as she stood up, arms outstretched against the air, laughing with glee like a small child. It was something Zaxxarius never thought he’d see Veronica do for the longest time, laugh with utter glee. Before, he had made her giggle slightly, but never full on laughter. But he didn’t think he caused the laughter. He thought it was the prospect of the future that the two of them were headed to. A life of Sovereignty. He knew it was not going to be a future of sheer happiness, though. He knew there were to be trying times ahead of them, with the war in Zolka that he couldn’t ignore, with the Equilibrium in the shadows, and of course, the fact that a half-human was going to sit on the throne. Zaxxarius and Veronica made it to the Portal, and stood in front of it. “I’ll get the portal.” Veronica said.
“You sure?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Aye. It will be much faster than you doing it, since I studied this thoroughly, not to mention, we’re on the wrong side of the portal. It won’t be the same as when you opened it in the vault.” Veronica said.
“Alright.” Zaxxarius said, looking around. “Good and bad memories dwelled in this place.” Veronica got on her knees, and began work on the portal. After a little while of Zaxxarius watching over her, looking out just in case for another attack, he heard rustling near his makeshift entrance. “Who’s there?” He asked. “Just me.” A familiar voice said, crawling through the bushes. “Your ol’ buddy Stark.”
“I see.” Zaxxarius said.
“You remember our deal, I take it?” Stark asked. 
“Yes, I remember.” Zaxxarius said. “You want to join me, as per Dante’s orders. It’s the least I can do after your hospitality.”
“Hey, you killed the Emperor’s son.” Stark said. “It was your fault, not mine. I told you not to-“
“I know, I know.” Zaxxarius said. “I’ll bring you back too. Abaddon’s going to have a heart attack when he sees you two coming in.”
“What happened at the portal site, by the way? I never actually thought you’d survive.” Stark said.
“I did what I had to.” Zaxxarius said. “It wasn’t pretty.”
“I bet I-“ Stark began, but a gasp grabbed the duo’s attention.
“What? What’s wrong, Veronica?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Oh, sorry. I got startled by the portal.” Veronica said, as she got up. “Someone’s opening it from the other side.”
“I see.” Zaxxarius said. “Stand back.” The portal opened within 5 minutes, far quicker than it would have if Veronica had been the one to open it. Abaddon came through, with a couple of guards, Arcana’s out. “It’s alright, Abaddon, it’s me.” Zaxxarius said. Abaddon’s face was a mix of worry and disappointment.
“Where have you been?” Abaddon said. “You left without telling me!  Do you know how the Council reacted!?”
“I'm sorry, I couldn’t ju-“ Zaxxarius began.
“No! You could have!” Abaddon scolded him. “You put yourself before the Kingdom. That’s not what an Overlord does!”
“Abaddon.” Zaxxarius said. “What would my father have done?”
“Your father...” Abaddon said. “Your father would have likely done the same as you. But, you cannot become your father. Be your own person.”
“I understand.” Zaxxarius said. “But I’d do this again, in a heartbeat.” Abaddon sighed.
“You have a lot to learn. If you’re to go on a suicide mission again, at least wait until you’re officially crowned.” Abaddon huffed. “We’ll talk more about this... I take it that this is the Kinslayer.”
“Her name is Veronica. Veronica Blay, and she’s my friend.” Zaxxarius said.
“I predicted her coming back... but, who is this?” Abaddon said, looking at Stark.
“Oh, err... I'm just an emissary from the Blue Magi.” Stark said.
“An Emissary?” Abaddon asked. “What does Dante want?”
“It’s supposed to be for your ears only.” Stark said. Abaddon raised an eyebrow at this.
“You never told me anything about that.” Zaxxarius said.
“Sorry.” Stark said. “You’ll understand in time.”
“You’d better come through.” Abaddon said.
Zaxxarius entered the portal with Veronica and Stark. “I’ll take the emissary and have a talk with him.” Abaddon said. “Sesorai, take our Overlord to the council. There’s much to discuss. By your leave, Overlord.” Vander appeared out of the shadows to Zaxxarius’ left.
“Sure thing.” He said, smiling. They all left the vault, and Abaddon went away through a corridor in the assembly while Vander, Zaxxarius and Veronica got into the Elevator to ride up to the council floor. “How was it?” Vander asked.
“Not too bad.” Zaxxarius said.
“You have a scar on your face.” Vander said. Zaxxarius had forgotten when he had received the mark on his cheek during the fight. “Ah... yes.” Zaxxarius said. “Yes, I do.”
“Apart from that, you look quite alright for taking on Sanctum.” Vander said.
“Did anything happen to you?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Nah, I denied all knowledge of your disappearance.” Vander said. “The guilt cut so deep it almost created a wound...”
“Yeah, you love that sarcasm stuff.” Zaxxarius said.
“And, Veronica, it’s great to finally meet you. You’re as lovely up close as I imagined you were.” Vander said. “Oh. Erm, thank you. It’s, uh, nice to meet you too.” Veronica said.
“Looks like her attitude has changed drastically. What happened on your journeys to change THAT, I wonder.” Vander chuckled.
“Erm, how do you know about her attitude?” Zaxxarius asked.
“I followed you for the longest time, bow in hand, you just didn’t know because of my stealth skills.” Vander said. “I was ready to shoot an arrow in her back if I detected an malice in her intentions, but no, looked like she just wanted a friend.”
“That’s not what I brought him to Korreal for!” Veronica blurted. “I brought him there because he had magical potential, that’s all!”