The bound and the shackled

  William's perspective

  My heart skipped a beat. The ships towered above us, vast and metallic, their shadows heavy and threatening, almost like the goddess's anger falling on Hawkwood. The air thrummed with a deep whirr that I could feel in my bones, echoing the fear all around me. These war machines hovered above, ready for battle.

  Blue lights ran along the metal, ceasing in sharp points like beaks on a bird, and the ships had upright wings at the back. Their low hum made the air shake, like a far-off drum. As they soared overhead, a cool breeze brought the smell of hot metal, making my nose itch. Blinking lights lined the ship's walls, which stretched as long as a village.

  I felt helpless, my chest tight and my breath shallow. Goosebumps rose on my arms, and the hair stood up. I looked up at the sky, crowded with ships powerful enough to destroy whole countries.

  How long has Asgard had this? Drakelene has been at war with Asgard for generations, but Asgard has never attacked; it has only guarded. I heard stories of how many riders attacked Asgard's borders during the Second Blight, but most were shot down by cannon fire. If those ships carried those same cannons, what would happen if Asgard did try to invade? They could level entire cities within seconds… Would Titan Riders even be a threat? Could Drakelene stand against this?

  Smaller ships, looking like birds from a distance, followed even bigger ones—bigger than the Matriarch in Hearthglen. Some moved between the ground and a vast ship, almost twice the Matriarch's size. These motherships were long and flat, with four wings at the corners that glowed blue and emitted sparkling white particles, lighting up the ground for a moment. That must be what kept them flying. The air buzzed with energy, a constant reminder of their power.

  There were hundreds of ships, all littering the sky, big and small, fast and slow. Each one made its way northwest. The very sky rattled with a loud vibrating hum, coming from each slow-moving ship, while those that soared across the sky all roared like stampeded lions. Or dragons flying off to war.

  A wave of unease washed over me. My stomach dropped, and my breath shook. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, especially since Drakelene always made fun of Asgard's military. Were we really at war with this?

  A ship's noise caught my attention. Dust spun up as it landed close by. It roared like thunder, but not so loud it hurt. The engines sent shockwaves down, forcing me to cover my face as debris flew everywhere. I breathed carefully, waiting for the dust to settle. When it did, a huge hatch opened and soldiers marched out.

  Orders rang out, and the soldiers went running toward the town's outer walls. The first thing I witnessed was an oddly designed armor, meant to fit whatever species is wearing it. Some soldiers didn't have feet but hooves, so they compensated for that; another's helmet was torn open for their horns. Their armor, all in shimmering silver, caught any remaining sunlight that wasn't blocked by the ships above. As they marched with purpose, their weapons were riddled with symbols for distinguishing roles and duties, like one was a doctor, another a scout. The swords, shields, staffs, and even rifles each bore unique designs, though I couldn't make out the details from my position. Nonetheless, I trusted these soldiers were here to help the people, organizing and preparing the citizens for whatever lay ahead.

  I guessed they couldn't just run away. The ones left behind were the elderly and children. They couldn't fight.

  My heart ached for them. I remembered Hearthglen and the people I wanted to help, and those I couldn't.

  But this time was different. I could help.

  I steadied myself and tried to focus. I controlled my breathing and cleared my mind, refusing to get overwhelmed again. The air was clearer now, so I could finally take a deep breath.

  I exhaled loudly and went back into the Guild. I pushed past some adventurers and grabbed whatever armor I could find. As I was about to put on a vambrace, Aurum's thoughts penetrated my mind.

  Aurum's voice interrupted my thoughts, filled with fear and anxiety: "What's happening?"

  I had completely forgotten about Aurum. I'd been so focused on my own training that I never thought about whether she was ready for combat. Why hadn't I included her? She hadn't trained or fought before. The realization hit me, and urgency pressed down on me.

  "Will!" Dimmal shouted, yanking my shoulder. Snapping out of my thoughts, I realized Markus and Dimmal were yelling at me. "What are you waiting for?"

  "Aurum was talking to me," I replied, grabbing a random metal vambrace and strapping it on quickly and tightly so it wouldn't fall off.

  Markus had his jacket off, holding chest armor, looking like the multi-plate vest he wore when I first met him. He brought it over his head and dropped it, covering his back and chest. As if he read my mind about Aurum, "She stays here!" Markus shouted.

  "What!" I said. Leaving Aurum behind again felt wrong. My hands clenched, and my brows furrowed. I knew she could sense how I felt, so she already knew she couldn't come. She was upset.

  "I agree with him, Will," Dimmal exclaimed, causing my heart squeeze tightly. "She isn't ready for combat yet."

  "That's because you've all been busy training me," I shouted, anger rising as I protested leaving Aurum behind again.

  Markus threw on his jacket, sliding both arms into the sleeves at once, almost showing off. The symbol on his back glowed, looking more menacing than before. He turned, walked over, and shoved me back. He wasn't acting like himself; the shove was almost threatening and nearly knocked me over. Wasn't I ready?

  Markus took a moment to adjust his chestplates, then spoke, his voice deeper and more serious than ever before. "We train you because out of everyone, you're a kid who is wanted by the most dangerous people in the world who commit a crime in one of the most vital kingdoms in the world. Now is the best time to show if your training has paid off." Markus pointed towards the back door of the Guild, where Aurum was outside. "Your dragon…" He paused. "Is connected to the Dragon Force, allowing her to grow faster and stronger than any normal being alive. She doesn't need training as much as you do, since she constantly draws endless power. Unlike you, who is merely being granted that power and needs it from her. If she dies, everything special about you is gone."

  "If she dies, everything special about you is gone."

  That line hit me hard. I didn't want to admit it, but Markus was right. Even if I'm a Lifebearer, I only have dragon magic because of Aurum. Her magic boosts mine beyond normal limits, including whatever else being a Lifebearer gives me. If she died, I'd lose much of my power, since she's the one making me stronger.

  But I can't just simply leave her.

  My heart felt heavy with regret, as if something was dragging it down.

  I didn't know what to do.

  Dimmal walked over and patted my back. "It's not her time yet. Until then, Azrael will watch over her."

  "Azrael?" I muttered, trying to ignore the ache in my heart.

  I had completely forgotten Azrael was still in town.

  Soon, a roar echoed from the back, and a warm touch pressed against my cheek where my Mark was.

  It was Azrael.

  Talk about timing.

  Feeling the Mark, I knew she was outside. I pushed past Dimmal and Markus and burst through the doors. The air was full of chaos, with soldiers shouting for evacuations. In the middle of it all stood Azrael, shining in her armor.

  "William," Azrael shouted, hopping off her dragon, anxiety in her voice evident as she joined the fray.

  Argelium ran over to Aurum, and the two dragons spoke in low, guttural sounds. Aurum was a bit smaller, but Argelium approached with respect, as if he knew how important she was.

  "Getting you, of course," Azrael said, her voice filled with urgency and fear. "What the hell is happening? No one is saying anything."

  I could tell she was panicking. Usually, people would tell her anything she wanted since she was the princess, but she wasn't home. She was still here in Hawkwood.

  "Blight Nest," I blurted out, panicked. "The military and the adventurers' guild are moving to deal with it right now."

  "Without Dragon Riders?" Azrael asked, her voice lacking confidence.

  Before I could respond, Markus kicked open the door, sending it flying off its hinges and crashing onto the stone ground. "Will, we're moving out," he commanded, his voice sharp and precise, not waiting for any argument.

  "What!" I exclaimed, the rapid pace of events making it hard to keep up. "Like, right now?"

  "Yes," Markus replied quickly, urgency in his voice.

  Azrael pushed past me and ran towards Markus, who was already striding inside. "What about me? I can help," she insisted, her tone both imploring and assertive.

  I hurried after them as Markus met Azrael's determination with a firm answer. "No, you're staying here where it's safe for now. Your two bodyguards are here too," he said, leaving no room to argue.

  "I'm not one of your soldiers or a child you can boss around!" Azrael shouted, her voice annoyed but shaky.

  Markus ignored her, which only made her angrier. "Argon!" he called. The once-naked Drakonic was now covered in armor and holding a giant mace. His heavy steps rattled the floor as he jumped down to join us. The building shook, making me stumble, and some adventurers gearing up fell over from the shock.

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  Argon moved over to Markus, looking more threatening than before, but Markus didn't waver. "You're staying here with Azrael."

  Argon snorted at Markus and shook his head. "Why should I babysit a good-for-nothing child?"

  "Good for nothing?" Azrael said, offended, stepping forward, but Markus held her back.

  "Master Ryu's orders. Besides, I'm not great at protecting people like you are," Markus said, stepping closer to Argon and patting his arm. "I'll take you with me on my next trip. How does that sound?"

  Argon smiled at Markus, his toothy grin making me uneasy. "Knowing you, Markus, there's always a party—as long as another king is involved."

  Markus nodded and chuckled. Argon looked Azrael up and down, moving his whole neck and head. Watching him made me uneasy.

  The Mark on my cheek flared. I looked at Azrael, who was both unnerved and angry. "Don't you dare tell me what to do." The Mark on my cheek grew hotter.

  Was she about to use me now? The thought of Azrael having me attack Argon made me nervous. He would turn me inside out based on how he looks.

  "He can and will!" A loud voice boomed over everyone. The voice was old, raspy, and deep, but nowhere near as deep as Argon's.

  Looking over at the front door of the Guild hall, a soldier stood, lacking a helmet, surrounded by his own soldiers. His face was rough with age, lines lining down his eyes and across his broad cheekbones. His silver-colored armor was far larger than usual, sprouting massive shoulder pads that covered a good chunk of his biceps. His boots clinged with every step he took as he grew closer to us. His chest plate was bulky, sharp-edged, and ran down to cover his upper torso.

  In contrast, many smaller plates lay atop one another, going down to his belt, similar to Markus's chest plate. "Princess Azrael.. Commander Trevor Lupin. Lord Ryu has ordered me to ensure your safety. You are to remain here until Lord Commander Barren arrives to eliminate the target."

  The Mark on my cheek stopped burning as I saw Azrael's frozen expression.

  I was stunned too. Barren was coming here? I was excited—I wanted to see him, maybe even impress him. The last time we met, things ended badly because he was trying to keep me safe from the other Drakelene nobles. It was all business then. Especially how he held me down. Now, it would just be us—except for the Blight. It felt like another step toward becoming a Dragon Knight like him.

  Excitement filled me, but then I thought of Aurum and felt her aching heart in mine. The warmth I used to feel when I was stressed was gone, replaced by a sharp pain.

  Exhaling sharply, I swallowed the painful feeling and looked at Azrael. She was frustrated and beyond angry, but mostly saddened. However, she was no longer arguing. Lord Ryu, after all, despite not being here, has absolute control over what she does out of safety for the treaty between Asgard and Drakelene. She sighed loudly, and her shoulders slumped. "Fine."

  I can feel my Mark fading, returning to a soft, cold sensation from the breeze outside. But I can tell that Azrael felt helpless. I sympathize with her for a bit; just like me, she is getting dragged along with rules and politics.

  Next time, I should treat her not like a noble princess with an agenda.

  But I also understood why Azrael had such rules for her. If something happened to her, Lord Ryu would pay for it. He isn't taking any chances. Even in Lianes, his voice carries weight.

  The Commander nodded and turned to Markus. "Markus! Get your team and get on my ship now!"

  "One moment!" Markus yelled, then turned to me. "Will! Get your armor, say your goodbyes, and let's go! Dimmal! Gwyn!" He shouted last, turning away from me. But before he left us, he looked at Azrael for a brief moment, then popped a maniacal smile. "Hey, look at that… Azrael, Aurum, Art, and Argon. How funny?" Markus finally stepped off, talking to the Commander.

  Azrael huffed and stomped her foot. I didn't know what to say. Even though she was a noble, people treated her like a child. Then I heard a squeal behind me—it was Aurum. I ran to her and cupped her head in my hands. Her emotions flooded into me, and I almost cried.

  "I know, I'm sorry," I pleaded to Aurum. I hated that this was happening. As much as I wanted things to be different, I hated leaving her. The peace I'd felt earlier was gone, and I realized I hadn't spent enough time with her. I should have. "I have to go. You know that, right?"

  Aurum's thoughts flowed into me. "I know," she whimpered in my mind. Her voice cracked, and her eyes were watery. "Please return soon…"

  I smiled at her, patting her head and wiping a tear that fell from her eye. "I promise."

  Azrael stepped up and looked at me, her face red with anger, but she seemed more upset than mad. She gave me a sad, struck look. "You'd better come back, you barbarian."

  I laughed and swatted her on the shoulder. "You know me—nothing can stop me." I started to move away from Azrael, but Markus stopped me.

  Before I knew it, Markus dragged me outside, with my father and Dimmal beside us. I stumbled along, complaining that I didn't have enough armor, but Markus promised he'd get me some before we landed. I had no idea where we were going.

  Looking back, I saw Azrael and Aurum watching me leave, with Argon and Art behind them. Seeing Azrael and Aurum like that made me sad.

  My feet hit something hard and metal, and I almost fell. I caught myself and looked up—it was the inside of one of the ships I'd seen earlier. A thrill ran through me, and I shook as I climbed up the hatch. Inside, it was dark, with lights everywhere and windows to look out. The hatch closed behind me. The ship shook for a moment, and my head spun as we took off. It was smoother than I expected. The walls hummed, making the floor vibrate under my feet.

  As I moved deeper into the ship, I saw an arched pathway ahead, leading to a hallway at the front of the ship. There was a podium about four feet high, connected to a door that led to the same hallway or the front.

  Pillars lined the ship's walls, and a metal ring sat in the center. Blue and yellow lights glowed around these areas, displaying images and symbols that changed as soldiers worked at what appeared to be terminals. I'd heard about computer terminals in Drakelene.

  Magic and technology. Drakelene didn't care much for technology, unlike Herios and Asgard. Both Herios and its territories, and Asgard, used both technology and magic. That explained these massive ships. Drakelene and the holy empire in the far north relied solely on magic. There was another country focused on technology, but I couldn't remember its name.

  I shook my head and walked to the center ring, where Markus, Dimmal, and my father stood. My father wore slick, slender armor that fit tightly without restricting his movement. It was light armor, made for speed and mobility. He looked like a skinny armored knight. Dimmal wore his old blue-plated armor from Hearthglen. Markus looked the same as always.

  Actually, Markus worried me. He walked over to a random soldier and pointed at his armor, demanding he take it off. The soldier protested, but Markus knocked him out, then took the armor and handed it off to me.

  No one bothered to get involved. All the soldiers looked at Markus and seemed deterred or disappointed, but didn't bother helping the poor guy out. It's common knowledge just how unhinged Markus was. One of the perks of being a disciple of Lord Ryu.

  A static sound echoed through the room as I put on the stolen armor. Soon, a yellow orb appeared at the center of the ring, lighting up the room. It was mesmerizing; its surface pulsed and twitched with the static, curving back and forth like a sharp needle. The static grew loud, then softened as a voice came over the intercom. "This is Titan Slayer Gamma, we are approaching Hawkwood and standing by. Commander Lupin, you are to begin Operation Blight Hawk."

  Titan Slayer? Does that mean….

  "Hey Will, come over," Markus said, standing over the unconscious soldier and gesturing towards me.

  My thoughts were interrupted, and I walked over slowly. I stepped over the soldier and looked out the window at the mountains. A floating, monolith-like pillar moved toward us. Sharp lines gave it hard edges, and it curved outward in the middle, forming four-sided protrusions with an oval-shaped opening, as if ships could fly in and out—except on one side. That side's oval had a structure leading to the center, but I couldn't tell what it was for. It was huge, almost as big as a mountain.

  Drakelene was at war with this!

  "Listen up!" Commander Lupin yelled.

  I turned my attention back to my father and Dimmal, with Markus following behind me. Commander Lupin stood at the podium in the center, looking down at us, with a few others gathered around.

  Another static ring as the Commander adjusted something on his ear. After, he spoke. "This is Commander Lupin, contacting all open channels."

  His voice echoed through the ship, as if he were speaking to everyone at once. I was confused. Who was he talking to? What are open channels?

  Was he talking to all those ships or just his soldiers?

  He must be.

  "Operation Blight Hawk will proceed momentarily. ETA Ten Minutes. This operation will consist of two land based objectives. The first and foremost objective is to contain the outbreak. Adventurer teams and military units will move to six designated massive zones, with air support to secure a perimeter around the target location. All air support will provide cover and medical evacuation if necessary. If containment breaks, Hawkwood falls and the Blight will spread. The second objective, led by the assault teams, are to push into the heart of this infestation to lower the number of hostiles and ensure the perimeter remains secured until forces of Drakelene arrive."

  Assault team? Does that mean I'm part of it? It made sense for Markus. But if I were here with him, did that mean…

  My body shook with unease, caught between anxiety and excitement. Part of me thought I wasn't ready. Maybe I could help at the edge, containing the outbreak. But being thrown right into the middle.

  Images of Hearthglen flashed in my mind. The ground erupted from the Orderbreaker's steps. Buildings were destroyed, and fiends crawled out of nowhere to kill innocent people—pictures of their blood splattered everywhere.

  My thoughts faded as my father put his hand on my shoulder. I was upset with him, but having him here helped. I remembered when we talked back in Drakelene, how he was afraid of losing me. Even if I was still frustrated, I knew he meant well. I just wish he would tell me. But that was a conversation for another day.

  "You good?" my father asked.

  I sighed and looked up at him. "So much has happened. And so much is going to happen."

  "It's a lot, yes. But remember, you're not alone. I'm here with you in this mess. I'll bear it with you. And Dimmal. And Markus," my father said, cupping my face in his hands and making me look up at him.

  I scoffed at my father but smiled. "Yeah." Part of me relaxed—not wholly, but enough. He was right. I wasn't alone.

  My father smiled back and nodded. "Good. Plus…” He pressed his fingers against my chest, right over my heart, and gave me a big, annoying smile. "Your dragon is here too."

  My father stepped back as I thought for a moment. I remembered times when I felt Aurum, even when she wasn't near. She always chased away my doubts and stress.

  I closed my eyes and sent my thoughts to Aurum, hoping she could hear me. I felt the connection. I usually thought it when we were close or when she reached out to me, but I could still feel it now.

  Is this what she does when we're apart?

  Aurum responded, sensing my nervousness. "I feel you…"

  Her emotions flooded into me, like being underwater, but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable. It felt like relief and peace. My nervousness faded. But I still felt a small wave of sadness.

  I sighed in relief and opened my eyes. I steeled myself and summoned my sword from storage, getting ready. It was the same sword I took from Thomas…

  It wasn't ideal to use someone else's sword, but it was better than a weaker one. I just hoped Thomas wouldn't hold it against me.

  Part of me felt like he did, though.

  My father patted my back and nodded. "You're ready." I froze and looked up at him. My heart skipped in silent wonder. His words made me excited.

  But not now. I needed to focus. Remember my training. Remember what I was taught. I needed to prove I was ready.

  No, no, no.. I don't need to prove it. I am ready. Just remember what I was taught and go with it.

  I steadied my breathing. In and out. In and out. I tightened my grip on my sword, feeling the cold leather against my sweaty palms. I remembered each step and attack I'd practiced, each skill drilled into my body until it ached.

  "Open the hatch," Markus yelled, moving to the back. Dimmal followed him, crouching down. "You'll be fine without your dragon?"

  Dimmal turned to Markus with a sharp look and gave him a sly smirk. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve from the last few decades."

  A loud screeching noise filled my ears, and a blinding light flashed across my vision, but then faded, revealing the world outside. I moved behind Markus and looked at the land before us. The once-beautiful, lush green land, full of wonder and life, was now tainted black. The trees, once bright and alive, were blackened to their core—twisted and deformed beyond anything I'd seen, even in Hearthglen.

  The trees were deformed, pulsing with black decay. Yellow, bubbling ooze spread across the ground like veins. The farther we went, the thicker the black fog became. Black tendrils grew from the ground like branches, reaching out like hands. The smell of sickness and death was so strong that it made me want to vomit.

  A part of me wanted to ask Markus why he brought me along, since on the Assault team, despite being so important, as he said, but I silenced the thought. Markus believes hands-on training is better than simple sparring. Even if it means diving into one of the most dangerous diseases in the world.

  Wait? What if I get infected? Did Markus have a plan for that?

  Markus tapped my shoulder and handed me a device. Dimmal and my father got one as well and put it in their eyes, so I followed suit. Feeling the odd device enter my ear, I was surprised it didn't clog up the noise; it filtered it out.

  Soon, static came from the device, and Commander Lupin's voice sounded. "Operation Hawkwood starts in one minute."

  My heart pounded in my chest, but not as hard as before.

  I was ready.

  I had to be.