The Princess and her knights
William's perspective
Running back to Hawkwood was tough. The path was fine for walking, but running made the ground unstable, the soil sinking under every step. Aurum, just ahead of me, struggled too. I kept seeing her nearly crash into trees as her feet slid.
The burning sensation on my cheek is now faint, a recurring feeling that comes and goes. For some reason, it reminded me of when my father would knock on my door, but I couldn't answer, so he kept knocking.
Thinking about my father made me angry, annoyed, and vexed. How would he know where to go based on what "I" recall? Is he not telling me something again? I'm still angry at him for making me have this mark on my face to begin with.
Lost in thought, my foot sank deep into the ground, and I almost fell. I caught myself just in time, grunting in annoyance. Mud stuck to my skin as I pushed myself up and kept running, making sure I didn't fall behind the others.
"Hey, father!" I shouted. "How do you know where to go to find Azrael?"
Without a moment, my father responded. "The Servant Mark, depending on the type, lets you know where your master is when they call."
"Oh, that makes sense," I exaggeratedly answered.
My father gave me this look. "Really?"
"No! Not Really! Make sense, my ass! Why didn't you tell me?" I was annoyed, clenching my jaw, my fists tightening that my knuckles turned white. Secrets this. Secrets that. My father always hides secrets from me!
"It felt like you didn't need to know."
"You always say that!" I yelled. My father never changes. He has always been like this, even before, back in Hearthglen.
The massive spider, as big as my hand, dropped suddenly in front of me. Its hairy body sent chills down my spine, legs twitching in the air while it dangled from a web stretched from the tree. I couldn't stop myself from running straight into it, heart pounding with dread.
Dread hit me rough, panic taking me as it collided against my chest. Despite all my experience, I couldn't help but open my mouth and scream out in fear, falling onto the ground and rolling across the forest floor. The world spun in my head, flailing my arms around to toss the spider off. Dirt latching onto my clothes, I managed to roll back onto my feet, grabbing hold of the spider and slamming it onto the ground.
The sound of a splat rang across my ears as I never looked back. I quickly whipped my chest and sleeves, trying to remove any evidence of the spider's existence. Goosebumps ran all across my arms and legs, my hair standing up on end.
"That was disgusting and terrifying!" I yelled, finally regaining what remained of my composure.
"Don't like spiders?" Dimmal asked, giving a slight chuckle. "I figured you wouldn't be scared of them, given that there are Blight spiders."
He had to remind me? "I fought Blight Spiders before, but I was mentally ready. You can't be ready for a sudden spider to drop in front of you."
"He ain't wrong," Markus exclaimed.
Soon, we cleared the tree line, the bright blue sky now free for me to see. The green grass littered all around me with every passing step—bugs scattered from our presence—oversized bugs to be exact.
My father, Dimmal, Aurum, and Markus all ran together across the field, leaving a trail behind us. We weren't going very fast, so we could have small talk without getting exhausted.
"Ride?" Aurum asked, her thoughts mingling with mine. Her question surprised me. It was out of the blue. I actually almost forgot Lord Ryu mentioned he was getting me a saddle.
Turning my attention towards Markus, who was at the front. "Hey, Markus. Didn't Lord Ryu say he had a saddle for me? Aurum was asking if I could ride her."
Dimmal interrupted before Markus could answer. His hair swayed just in time with his movements. "That's not a bad idea. Tomorrow I can get you started on how."
A rush of excitement filled me, a smile spreading across my face as I pushed forward with enthusiasm. I could feel Aurum's joy as she galloped ahead, her leaps shaking the ground. Her happiness made me feel like anything was possible.
Chasing after Aurum, I looked up at the sky and felt the wind on my face and my hair flying back. For a moment, it felt like all my problems disappeared.
Looking over at Markus, watching his grey jacket sway with his movements, a part of me wondered how he had become the Immortal God of War. If he is a mortal, how did he stop being one?
The thought lingered in my head like an itch that was just out of reach. Many questions came to mind: how do I become immortal? Are there other immortals? Why God of War? How exactly did he become a God?
"Hey, Markus," I cried out, my body slightly tense and warm from all the running. "How exactly did you become the God of War?"
Markus laughed. "Now that's a long story." He yawned, his fatigue not wavering a bit. He turns around and looks at me, running backwards without losing direction on where we are going. "In short, during the Goblin War, whenever I got hit or stabbed, I would walk off the hit and use the weapon that stabbed me. So if a goblin rammed a spear into me, I would kill the goblin, take the spear, and kill another five more. Then repeat."
I imagined the sight. Markus, being stabbed with a spear, yanks it out and slams it back into another enemy. Only for knives or arrows to get lodged into his body, ripping them out and using them to kill another wave of goblins. Even I would be terrified to fight Markus if I saw that sight. I can only imagine what the goblins felt when they saw him. The idea sent shivers down my back.
That's when I realized. Wouldn't getting stabbed hurt? Just imagining getting stabbed by a knife, then yanking it out. Looking over to Markus, I asked. "Wouldn't it hurt? Don't you feel anything?"
"Oh, it hurts, big time," Markus answered with an ecstatic tone in his voice. "But sometimes pain is a good thing. Let's you know you're alive." Markus gave me a look that left me wondering whether he was serious.
As the town’s fence came into view, I kept thinking about what Markus said. How does pain make him feel alive?
"Lord Markus, how does feeling pain make you feel alive?" Dimmal asked. His face showed no signs of fatigue despite no longer being a Dragon Lord. I'm just glad I ain't the only one who's curious.
Markus's smile faded to a now pondering look, looking up at the sky as he thought. "How do I explain? Being able to feel pain lets you know that you can be harmed. When I spend my time being unable to die, being able to feel pain lets me know that I am not invulnerable and am actually alive."
"I see," Dimmal bluntly responded.
I didn't understand one bit. Maybe I couldn't relate. If I were an immortal, I could understand what Markus goes through. The idea of not being able to tell if I'm alive is too far-fetched. I can breathe, eat, sleep, or whatever. I guess Markus has it differently from most people.
After making it to the town, the city guard at its front gates stopped us. They used some device on me. They said it was to scan for any Blight infection. It was nice to know that I wasn't infect, yet it wouldve made more sense if we did encounter any Blight. My father also gave them a report on our quest, detailing any signs of Blight infestation. There were none.
Walking the streets filled with people of all sorts always surprises me. People wearing weapons and clothing I've never seen. Along with races that I would say didn't exist. Almost everyone at Hearthglen wouldn't believe me if I told them what I've seen.
Recalling Hearthglen left me sick. Disgusted. Memories of what happened were still fresh. Luckily, the burning sensation of my mark kept my attention away from such memories.
Stolen novel; please report.
My father recommended that I go with Aurum to Azrael, since it would be rude for him, Dimmal, and Markus to join us. My father even gave me a wink-that bastard.
Except Markus didn't care. "Why are you joining us again?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Lady Azrael has business with a few compatriots of mine," Markus answered.
"Ohhhh. You mean the two individuals Lord Ryu says he lent to Azrael?" I remembered now as a reward for clearing out the blight nest.
Markus slapped my back, making it sting slightly. "And here I thought you forgot."
Glaring at Markus, Aurum ran up to my side. Distracting me from Markus, my hand slid down her side, and waves of her emotions flowed into me once again. Contentment and excitement to see Azrael again. I didn't understand why she would be excited to see her.
I feel Aurum's warmth coursing through me once more. The smooth scales gliding against my hand, I think her body expands with her breath. I can feel my lips curling up into a smile each second that passes by. "Who are the two that belong to her?"
Pondering Aurum's thoughts for a moment, moving out of the way as two kids run past us, I voiced up. "Who are the two that Lord Ryu is referring to?"
"Argon and Art," Markus said without hesitation.
My face showed my disbelief in that decision. My mouth dropped open, one of my brows rising. My heart sank in horror at the thought. The warmth I felt from Aurum vanished. Argon in the same room as a noble? They would execute him on the spot. Poor Azrael. "Are you joking?" I raised my voice. The thought of those two working with Azrael doesn't seem possible, especially with Argon.
"Nope. Argon has worked with Master Ryu for years. Plus Ryu beat him at gambling, so Argon owes him." Markus kept his smile. I couldn't believe him. More importantly, I couldn't think Ryu would just let Argon work with Azrael.
I don't even need to be Azrael's servant to be worried.
"Don't worry, Art is there," Markus reassured me.
Azrael Perspective
It was relatively peaceful and quiet in the library. I wasn't expecting the Kingdom of Slaves to be so. Cultured. I constantly heard stories about Asgard being savage, cruel, and tyrannical. But also very influential and not discriminating. But after seeing some of the citizens, I can soften and relax, knowing these aren't the same people from those stories.
Sitting across from me was the Wolf Knight I met with Sanguine and William in the Blight Nest. He still sported the identical armor from before, no longer dented or damaged from that Drakonic that rescued us. He was reading a large map with scrolls and reports all spread out.
This is my first time meeting Art officially. He's supposed to work for me now, according to Lord Ryu, but it seems he couldn't care less. "So.. Art's your name?" I confidently asked, not wanting to disappoint first impressions. Nervous though. This was the guy who almost killed William.
"Yes," Art answered. Swift. Blunt. He didn't even glance up at me.
A sharp pain hit my chest, but I kept smiling, not wanting to show any weakness. My pride was hurt. I’m a princess—you should be more respectful. "What are you reading? Or are you studying?" I asked, trying to keep things calm.
"Reading reports."
"Of what?"
"Dragon citings."
Excitement got to me. Something we can associate with. "Dragons? Do you need any…"
"Outside, far north away from Drakelene and Asgard.." Art said instantly, interrupting me.
I gibe a bit too loudly at him. "Am I distracting you?"
"Yes."
William's perspective
"She'll be fine," Markus stated with the biggest smile I have ever seen. I would call him out cause I don't believe him one bit. But I didn't pry. I assume Lord Ryu has his reason. And given that Argon and Art were sent to the Blight Nest before us, I know they can handle themselves and would be great additions to Azrael.
We continue walking down the street. The residents kept the cobblestone road clean and free of trash and debris. Tall pillars of stone stood every so often on the road, with magic orbs floating inside a glass chamber at the top of the pillar. These are lamp posts, meant to light the street at night so people can walk on it.
Wagons were pulled by either giant monsters or by weird blocky structures, which, from what I understand and learn, were vehicles of some kind. I have never seen them before, especially when some hovered over the ground itself.
I couldn't help but stare at the buildings. Some were round, some were rectangular, depending on the street. The round ones were usually on corners, while the middle had more traditional houses, with a few odd ones mixed in. Some buildings were clearly apartments, with kids running around outside, ladders and railings connecting them to others. I even saw a few kids who looked like harpies—humanoid with wings—standing on railings and jumping off to fly.
It was amazing to see so many different people. It left an impression on me; the world seemed calm and peaceful. Aurum would occasionally run into the kids, playfully pushing them aside and licking their faces.
So much of dragons being prideful and all.
However, a part of me felt unease—a strange sense of fear. I tried not to think about it. Or specifically of Hearthglen. Where I saw people I knew die. Lying on the ground helplessly or lifeless. I can still see them as clear as day.
My heart pounded in my chest, recalling that night. People I tried to save, people who didn't make it out. There were so many people I knew that I didn't get to check on to see if they were okay. And the bodies. The next morning, all the bodies were gone. Missing. I can't even recall whether there was blood.
I felt my shoulder shaken, snapping me out of my memories and making me look up to see Markus. "You heard me?"
Shaking my head, I answered. "No. Sorry, just lost in thought." Taking a moment to exhale and calm myself, my heart no longer pounding or feeling uneasy. I looked at Markus, "How can everyone here live without issues?"
Markus slapped his hand on my head, annoying me while messing my hair up. "Oh, Willy, there have been a few problems due to diversity. However, Asgard and its country are more of a democracy than a monarchy."
This confused me. Asgard is a monarchy, with Lord Ryu as King and ruler. Henceforth Monarchy. "Given Lord Ryu being a King, wouldn't that make the whole democracy crap not true?"
Markus smiled at me. "Asgard follows something called an Aphonarchy. It's where leadership power is divided into groups to ensure that one group does one thing and the other does another. In this case, Lord Ryu lets the people rule over themselves following a democracy, but he will have the last say as King when needed, unless it's for foreign affairs."
"So Lord Ryu deals with other countries and kingdoms and lets the people take care of themselves….. Unless he's needed."
"In short, yes. Master Ryu can step in if he wants to, as he has the last say, but he doesn't, so he can maneuver around the world to deal directly with the people of other countries. So the people are in charge. Ryu grew up in a matriarchal society, but that's because, as Ryu puts it, the males treasured their females. So the females divided power, with a Queen handling internal affairs and a King handling external affairs."
"But why would… You know what, never mind. I don’t want to know." Just thinking about it made my head hurt.
"How long are you going to keep me waiting!" A girl voiced up behind us, startling me and Markus. We slowly turned around, concerned and worried. My eyes met a well-designed white dress, fitting for a noble. Looking up at her face, I soon realize it was Azrael.
"Hey, Zay zay, How's it been?" Markus' voice wavered in. "I assume Art was good company."
Azrael looked pisssed, like she would execute Markus herself if she could.
"I'm a princess, you barbarian! Address me properly!" She shouted at Markus, making us flinch. "And don't get me started on Art. Good company is far from it."
I chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "He couldn’t have been that bad." My smile disappeared when she glared at me. It looked like she might scold me just for saying that.
My heart sank deeper into my chest, my gut twisting in nervousness. It felt like my body wanted to get the hell out of here. I don't blame it either.
"Just how long were you two going to ignore me?" Azrael asked, surprising both of us. "You guys literally walked right past the building I was in."
"Blame this guy next to me," Markus exclaimed, pointing nonchalantly at me.
"Gee, thanks." My voice was sharp and severe. This so-called teacher of mine just passed the blame onto me.
"She's all yours, Willy," Markus whispered.
"What?" I cried, turning towards Markus, who was already gone. "That lousy traitor.
"Will!"
"Yes ma’am…" I straightened up right away. Normally, I wouldn’t care about listening to a noble, but since I was bound to Azrael, I figured I should behave sometimes, even if I didn’t want to. I never realized she could be this scary.
Aurum came by behind me, not a care in the world. Her emotions were obvious. She was happy to see Azrael.
Azrael crouched down onto the ground, taking Aurum into her arms. "Now now. I ain't mad at you. You just have a terrible partner."
"Hey!"
"She ain't wrong." Aurum's thoughts echoed in my head. I growled to myself, getting double-teamed like this wasn't something I had in mind today.
"You don't need to encourage her, Aurum," I said out loud. I meant to keep it in my head for her to hear, but a part of me involuntarily said it out loud.
Azrael laughed, and it startled me. I’d only heard her laugh once before, back in the Blight Nest after we barely survived a horde of fiends. That time, we were just relieved to be alive. This time, her laugh felt real.
Azrael collected herself and spoke. "I'm glad I ain't the only one. It's nice to see you again, William. Or is it Sir William?" Azrael answered with a quirky smile.
Sir William didn't sound right to me at all. "I'll have to pass. Sounds way too formal for me. Besides, we've been through a little bit too much to be so formal with each other."
A loud sigh escaped Azrael's mouth. Like a part of her was relieved. "That's nice to know, especially when I was going to tell you no anyway. And I'm still your Princess, William." Her emphasis on my name was loud and exaggerated. "I demand you to show some respect."
I laughed in a mocky way. "If you wanted that, you should've thought twice about putting a mark on my face." I gestured to the Servant Mark that's branded onto me.
"And here I thought it looked nice on you," Azrael retorted. What's up with people saying that? "I'm assuming the training is going well."
Her smile left me disturbed. Not in a physical way. When I met her, she was very uptight on formalities and whatnot. Ready to kill my father and me at a moment's notice. At the same time, focusing on following protocols until we pressured her into doing something stupid, like coming here to Hawkwood. Now she's very relaxed and informal.
"It's been fun so far," I answered honestly. "Confusing as hell, given I'm now listening to three people on how to fight. Maybe you can ask Art to teach you a few things, given he's a Wolf Knight."
Azrael cringed at the thought. Something obviously happened between them. "I'll have to pass, he isn't exactly a chatty person, unlike you."
"Glad I can be of 'service'," I sarcastically stated, putting an exaggerated tone on "Service."
Azrael faced a change to a bit more serious look. "Speaking of service. I have my first order for you."
"Don't mention Aurum is a golden dragon unless you have no choice."
