Chapter 264 - Price of Victory

Another big chapter today. Hope you enjoy!

Hump kicked apart the fallen pieces of the gate and picked up a small iron stamp, marked with the face of a dragon. He held it up to the sun and smiled.

Neat.

“What are you doing?” Celaine asked.

Hump slipped it into his pocket. “Just a little keepsake.”

“Oh the gate?” Celaine raised her eyebrow.

“Hey! I’m kind of proud of that spell I used to blow this thing up. It was one of my best.”

Celaine huffed a silent laughed and turned back to face the courtyard. “Fair enough. It was a good spell, I’ll give you that.”

He joined her on the floor, pressing his back up against the hard, stone wall, wincing as his chest flared with pain. Everything was aching, and he was pretty sure he’d fractured a rib. The Drums of the Hunt were growing quiet now, and with then, the effect of Owalyn’s boon weakening. As it wore off, the cries of the wounded started to fill the courtyard. It was difficult to listen to, but it was a sound Hump had grown uncomfortably accustomed to. Despite it, there was a general cheer amongst the hunters. While this was only the first major victory, they had reclaimed Highgaze Fort and pushed Irila and her armies back beyond the mountain pass.

Under Keeper Yunillia’s orders, tending the wounded was priority number one. Bed rolls were spread throughout the courtyard while other hunters searched for anyone in need. Potions were handed out freely, and Chosen healers and shamans walked the ranks, tending wounds and saving lives.

Hump reckoned few armies anywhere in the world could bolster such resources for so few, but the people of Drakalyn spared no effort. Each person wounded was a friend or family member. And that went for the dead too. Those that had passed were treated with utmost respect, their bodies gathered toward the back of the courtyard from where they would be returned to Drakalyn and given proper burials.

Undead remains were more difficult. To the naked eye, they appeared as nothing more than stacks of bones, flesh, and ectoplasm, but Hump could sense the taint of the lich’s power everywhere. If untreated, there was every chance that they could return if given time. The people of Drakalyn were well versed in dealing with such creatures though. Hunters removed the remains and gathered them outside the fort walls. They were piled up in deep graves while shamans conducted rituals to purify the remains.

Extra care was taken with the corpses of the undead commanders, especially Pestilus. Only Ado dared to get close to the corpse of the green abomination, if the heap of sludge could be called as much. Essence poured from the shaman as he chanted, slowly ridding them of its diseased presence, and not soon enough. Many of those that were afflicted by the creature’s sickness were already dead, and those that weren’t would likely follow soon.

“By all the gods above, I thought I was dead.” It was Walt’s voice.

Celaine looked at Hump, then her eyes found his pouch. “Hate to break it to you, Walt, but you are dead.”

Hump snorted.

“You know what I mean, lass. Dead dead. Right now I’m as alive as ever. I told you we should have gotten out of here but you didn’t trust ol’ Walt!”

“Things worked out, didn’t they,” Hump said. “We’re still here.”

Walt scoffed. “Thanks to me. You’re welcome by the way. It’s not easy keeping you folks alive.”

“What do you mean?” Hump asked.

“What do you mean what do I mean? Who was it that spotted that trap earlier!”

“He did do that, to be fair,” Celaine said. “That was good going, Walt. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome! Gods, was that so hard?”

Hump smiled. “You were so useful, we’ll have to bring you along next time too. I’m not sure I’ll be able to go anywhere without you.”

“Now hold on a second there, that’s not what I mean. Now of course—”

“Look,” Celaine interrupted, pointing to where Yunillia spoke with a group of her keepers. “I think they’re worried about the lich returning.”

Hump watched as the group spoke. Yunillia seemed unaffected by whatever curse the lich had placed on her, but he knew better than to believe it to be nothing. He’d sensed how much power was in Irila’s words as this body of hers faded. Yunillia was hiding it well, but a curse like that was a terrifying thing. A spell that directly impacted the soul, imprinting it with whatever intent the caster wished.

It was ancient magic that lacked the scientific basis of modern magic, though that only made it more horrific to Hump. There was no predicting it. If Yunillia was too weak to resist, any number of things might happen. She could simply drop dead, or more likely, something more subtle would strike. Bad luck would come to her, or her fears would be made manifest, or her power might betray her at the worst of times. Whatever the case, the First Keeper needed care. Care that perhaps only Owalyn could provide.

Sure enough, three dragon keepers were soon dispatched.

“They’re heading south,” Celaine said.

“The Fire Pass. They must be scouting for the lich’s retaliation.” Hump sighed. “I’m not sure I can take another battle today.”

“A horde of undead will change your mind.”

Hump grunted. “I’ll give you that. Nothing like the threat of dying to get you motivated.”

She pushed herself to her feet. “Until then, I’m going to see if I can help out. I heard Finnian took a nasty hit too. I should say a few words to him even if he is an arse.”

That got a laugh out of Hump. “Go for it.” He heaved himself to his feet, groaning at the stab of pain in his ribs. “I should see what I can do too.”

“You need to find yourself a healer is what you should do,” Celaine said, frowning.

“Once the more seriously injured are tended too. I can handle a bad rib.”

“Mhm. Well, as long as you don’t push yourself too hard.”

Hump tried to find a place where he could be too. His healing magic was weak, but for the more superficial injuries he could help to reduce the burden on resources elsewhere. As he wandered the crowd of wounded, he winced with each breath. His rib was getting worse. Second Life had to be wearing off. Already he could feel the cold of so much essence use wearing on him.

“Celaine asked me to take a look at you,” Ado said, approaching. “She thinks you should have found yourself a bed amongst this lot.”

“I’m fine,” Hump said.

Ado sent a soft poke into Hump’s chest, sending a wave of agony convulsing through him.

Ado chuckled. “You’re not fine, lad, though the effort’s commendable. That’s a fractured rib if I’ve ever seen one. You’re going to be in agony the moment whatever has made your eyes as wide as the moon wears off.”

“It’s Second Life,” Hump said. He searched for words, clutching at his chest. “The potion reduces pain and gives you a bit of a kick to keep you fighting.”

“Sounds delightful. All the more reason to stop trying to push yourself. I’ll be going back with the wounded soon. You should come too.”

Hump nodded. “Very well.”

“You were lucky, lad,” Ado said. “Just think, if you hadn’t been dragon blooded, you’d have more than a broken rib.”

Hump hadn’t considered that. Owalyn’s boon had saved him already.

“What do you think will happen to Yunillia?” Hump asked.

“Whatever the lich did to her, I can’t tell what it is,” he said.

“You can’t have her in battle without knowing what it is,” Hump said. “It could get her killed, or others.”

Ado nodded. “She knows. I’ve convinced her to return to Drakalyn and consult Sulamir. Hopefully, Owalyn will also offer a helping hand.”

Hump nodded. “What happens now?”

“We keep the fort defended,” Ado said. “We continue to search for where Irila’s phylactery might be. Our keepers will scout Estora for signs of it.”

“It will be hidden,” Hump said. “Estora was a big city.”

Ado nodded. “This will be no quick victory. It’s going to be a war of attrition, so drink this and keep yourself healthy.” Ado held out a small vial of red liquid. “It’ll make the next few hours tolerable until you get proper treatment.”

Hump took it. “Thank you. Are we leaving soon?”

“Once the fort is secure, yes. Most of the army’s returning to Drakalyn for today. After that… Mother knows what we’ll do. Not much until we understand Yunillia’s condition better.”

It was grim tidings. There was little talk of victory throughout the fort, just the looming dread of more battles to come. Hump tried not to focus on that. Instead, he reached out to Nisha, trying to reassure her. At this distance, the best he could do was show her that he was alright.

***

A third of Drakalyn’s army remained to defend Highgaze Fort and scout the mountain range.  All were in good health, and many were part of the reserves for the siege. They had yet to see battle. The rest, at least for today, would get to return home.

The journey back was more relaxed than before. They formed a long train of people. Those too badly injured to walk were carried on stretchers or carts. Keeper Yunillia took precautions even now, spreading out scouts in all direction just in case Irila had any more surprises waiting for them.

Hump and Celaine were given no such task. As part of the initial infiltration force, nothing was expected of them. If anything, Hump caught the men and women around them sneaking glances and whispering about them. Word was spreading of the battle, and it seemed his explosion of the gate and Celaine’s barrage of arrows had drawn notice. The two of them stuck with Vamir and his hunters near the front of the column.

Hump looked at Celaine. She stared numbly ahead, lost in thought.

“You okay?” Hump asked. “You look tired, and more than just the ‘we just besieged a fort type of tired.’”

Celaine smiled at him. “Just thinking. Don’t worry.”

“I’d rather worry. Anything to take my mind off the agony building in my chest.”

She grimaced, looking at him. “That bad? I thought Ado gave you something.”

“It helped, but not as much as Second Wind. When I breathe it burns like fire.”

She winced. “Well, I was just thinking about what the lich said. The dead don’t tire.” Celaine sighed. “If this war is dragged out, Drakalyn’s end is inevitable.”

It was a thought that plagued Hump’s mind too. How did one beat an enemy that did not need to sleep? An enemy with an endless supply of soldiers, with no need for sustenance, and no desires. It was the perfect army in all but one way—it failed without its commander. Without its queen.

“How do we fight an enemy that does not need rest?” Celaine continued.

“The same way we’ve always done it,” Kelec said. “So long as we don’t give up, we’ll find a way.”

“Yeah,” Eva said. “Not like you to be down like this, Cel. We’ll be alright. Drakalyn always finds a way.”

Hump considered it. He wondered if they should collapse the mountain pass themselves, but that would only hinder their own movements. A tunnel through the mountains had already been discovered. And where there was one, there would be more. The undead would find their way. There was no doubt about that.

“We don’t focus on Irila’s armies,” Hump said. “Find the lich, and her magic will fade. That’s how we win. And fortunately, we have the Goddess of the Hunt on our side. If anyone will find the lich’s phylactery, it will be Owalyn.”

“Look at you preaching!” Celaine said. “Bud would be so proud if you weren’t speaking heresy.”

Hump smiled. “It doesn’t count when I’ve literally spoken to her myself.”

“Sure it doesn’t.”

“He’s right though,” Vamir said. “Owalyn has her eyes on the lich now, and she never loses her prey.”

***

It was late evening when they arrived back in Drakalyn, though the summer days were at their longest so the forest was still light. Hundreds of people waited for them at Owalyn’s threshold upon their return, led by Elder Rena and Sulamir. There were many smiles and cheers as they approached, though the excitement was quickly brought to a stop at the sight of the wounded and dead. A business approach took its place. The wounded were taken away—two barracks had been converted into makeshift hospitals, where healers wound tend to them. Families and friends greeted each other, while others quickly passed supplies along the line—food, drink, anything people might leave.

Hump’s mind was elsewhere, searching for Nisha. He could sense her close by.

Following that, Hump finally met a very worried Nisha.

She leapt from Myra’s arms, gliding into Hump with a thud that almost took him to the ground. He dropped his staff, only for Celaine to catch it. His rib exploded with pain, sending agony surging through him, but he only smiled.

“Told you we’d be fine,” he told the little dragon.

She wriggled free of his arms, trying to get to Celaine. He carried her over to Celaine, where the little dragon clambered onto her too, trying to nuzzle at her face.

Celaine hugged her family after she reassured Nisha.

“I’m glad to see you both back,” Gareth, her father said. “There’s a celebration tonight. Will you come.”

“Of course they will,” Seira said. “Won’t you, Cela?”

Celaine nodded. “Of course.”

As they were leaving, Keeper Yunillia caught them.

“Ah, Celaine, Wizard Humphrey,” she called. “Speak with me a moment, would you?”

Celaine shared a look with her parents while Hump put Nisha back on the ground where she pressed closely against the side of his leg.

“Go ahead,” Gareth said. “We’ll be right here once you’re finished.”

The two of them approached, joining Yunillia amidst a crowd of people.

“I only wanted to compliment you both on today’s success,” Yunillia said. “Celaine, it was good to have you along. I was very impressed with how far your skills have come.”

“Thank you, First Keeper,” Celaine said. “It was an honour to join you in battle.”

Yunillia smiled and then turned to Hump.

“I wanted to congratulate you in particular, Humphrey. Alone, destroying both a runestone and the fort gate is quite the achievement, but you also slew the demon, Pestilus.”

Hump quickly shook his head. “I can hardly take the credit. I had the easy part, it was the others that had to do the real fighting.”

Yunillia gave Hump an impatient look. “Modesty is not a trait I value highly, nor do I hand out undeserved praise. It’s safe to say your efforts saved many lives today—lives of people I have known my entire life. For that I must thank you.”

Hump stood a little taller. “It means a lot to hear you say that. Saving people is all I wanted, I only wish I could have saved more.”

“Indeed, every death is a failure—a moment for us to learn from, to remember, and to carry forward so that we do not make the same mistake again. However, that does not mean we ignore our victory today, nor fail to celebrate those that played their part. The earth welcomes our brothers and sisters back to it, and the memory of their battle fierceness lives on in all of us. With that in mind, I will welcome you into my ranks as Keeper, if that day comes.”

There was something about the way she emphasised her words that made Hump think she was hinting at his third trial, and that it was close. Though he could not imagine it would be given much priority with a war to focus on.

In the end, he decided not to pry. Whatever they had planned for him, he would face it, but he would not join Owalyn’s keepers. He had already made up his mind. Once all this was over, he would leave Drakalyn. Now was hardly the time to bring that up.

“It would be my honour. There’s…” He hesitated a moment. “I don’t mean to overstep, but there is something else.”

“Go on.”

“It’s about your soul. There is no telling what mark Irila left on you, but do not ignore her curse. As someone that has dealt with issues of the soul before, they have the habit of coming into effect at the worst possible times.”

Yunillia’s face softened. “No need to worry about me. I’m not so delicate that a single curse will bring me down. But rest assured, I won’t ignore it.”

Hump nodded. “Good. Then I’ll say nothing more.”

“Enjoy your evening, Wizard. Celaine, I look forward to fighting alongside you again. You both enjoy the festivities tonight.”

“And you, First Keeper.”

***

Before going anywhere, Celaine insisted Hump received proper care for his rib. It didn’t feel great sitting there in mild discomfort while all around him people died. He’d been lucky. A cracked rib was the worst he’d received from the fight, and the bump to his head was nothing to worry about. Ado was right though—things would have been very different if not for his new dragon blooded strength. He’d received a blessing from a healer along with several doses of medicine that he had to take for the next week.

Apparently, it would take the full period for the bone to fully mend, but after the blessing alone he was already feeling much better. It seemed to perform a similar function to his Chicken Fix spell, binding the broken bone back together with essence and holding it in place for it to heal.

The celebrations were surprisingly entertaining. A crowd gathered in the gardens behind the Temple of the Everflame, where they shared food and drink and gazed upon the green flame of mourning, its light carrying to the Great Tree above where Owalyn watched them. Yet they did not dwell on the losses. They celebrated the heroic deaths of their comrades, telling tales of their lives and achievements. The main event was a retelling of Keeper Yunillia facing off against the lich’s apprentice, where one of Owalyn’s Chosen weaved illusions out of mist and lightning.

Hump didn’t know how they did it. Today was a great victory, but it came at a price as all victories did. As song filled the gardens and people danced, Hump couldn’t help but admire them. He watched as Myra and Celaine danced hand in hand, Nisha racing about their legs excitedly as the two sisters cast long shadows around the great fire at the centre of the gardens. Their feet beat the ground like drums.

“What’s on your mind?” Vamir asked, coming to join Hump at the edge of the gathering. “You’re looking glum.”

“It’s hard to get distracted when I know what lies ahead,” Hump said. “Don’t you worry who might die next?”

“‘Course I do. All the more reason to treasure the time we have. Death comes for us all eventually.”

“Can’t argue with that, though I’d prefer to put that off for as long as possible.”

Vamir gave him an appraising look and took a sip of his drink. “You know what your problem is?”

“Enlighten me.”

“You think too much. What you need to do is focus on the moment.” He nodded toward Celaine, Myra, and Nisha. “You should go join them.”

“But—”

“—Uh-uh-uh. Do, don’t think.”

Hump drew in a deep breath, his heart pounding. “I guess I will.”

Hump joined the hammering dance with Celaine and Myra. He didn’t know the motions, but he got the gist of it from watching. From feeling the hammering beat of footsteps as they drummed to the Drums of the Hunt. Owalyn’s drums were quietening now. Her boon was fading. But they would enjoy it while it lasted.

One dance bled into the next, and in the end, Vamir was right.

It was a long, enjoyable night. By the end of it, Hump sat alongside Celaine, Myra, Kelec, Eva, and a few others that he wasn’t so familiar with, chatting into the early hours of the morning while Nisha snoozed on his lap. It made him miss Bud and the others. He wondered how they were. The last few weeks, he’d trained alongside dragon keepers, dined with them, and sieged forts with them. Yet it did not feel like home. His home was the road, and where his friends were.

Not to say he didn’t like it in Drakalyn. With a victory under his belt, he was starting to feel a sense of peace in the forest. He could see why they chose to stay in this small piece of the Fallen Lands, surrounded by monsters and threatened on all sides. There was a sense of community unlike anything else. Thousands of skilled warriors lived and died at each other’s sides, for the freedom to live as one with nature.

That was what Owalyn offered them. It was ironic in a way. In Owalyn’s hunt for freedom, she’d been sealed within her domain where now even a lich could cause her trouble.