Epilogue: Part 1

Watching one's mother be tortured would give anyone pause. The strongest of hearts would falter and squeeze. Blood would boil, threaten to spill out. Yet this became the all too chilling norm. Hadariel was dragged from his studies or Arctic Wind's homes to be subjected to the many ways his mother could be tormented. With wide eyes he'd be forced to watch as she was mutilated and beaten, pain and misery on full display.

Blood followed sharpened blades like a loyal dog. It splattered from a mace's iron kiss. It dribbled and flowed like a river, caressing each curve of her skin. When mere blood had started to dull his senses, Theren decided to get even more creative. He started showing off her insides, carving her out as if she were a corpse to be dissected.

Kept alive with holy magics ironically meant to heal. His mother was suspended in a state of perpetual agony. No matter the nights he spent in pleasurable company, nor tried to sweep it from his thoughts. It would always return, slithering into every conscious moment. Blood bubbling from his mother, cascading down her sides. Eyes devoid of what fire they usually contained, filled with desperate pleading. All for it to stop. Yet he could do nothing but give Theren just what he wanted. Fleeting moments to study the devil's powers. Observe what made it tick, and plan on how to use it towards his unknown end.

His only company came in Arctic Wind. The dragoness offering an ear to listen to his misery. She gave what pointers she could, being her normal aloof self like usual. She'd watch him with the curiosity of a cat during such times, not flinching as he described the horrors he'd seen that day. Toughening up she had claim it was doing. That he should count his blessing that it wasn't him they were doing it on. Memory she claimed was a powerful motivator, especially when fueled with vengeance and hate.

“Just picture how sweet your vengeance will taste. When you bring what you've learned upon them." She smiled down from her perch, thumbing through her books as she usually did.

 If what she claimed was true, then every magister's death would be tastier than any apple pie in existence. Though the thought should have made him recoil, he'd drift back to the many images of his injured mother. His sympathy would scatter, like dust before a wind. He redoubled his studies, putting everything he could into them. When not watching his mother suffer he was set onto grueling tasks of magical feats. Each one he'd complete with satisfaction, knowing they were bringing their doom.

Whispers of activities of the demons came to them. Reports from towns and villages of the growing storms of chaotic energy. They no longer were bringing strange phenomena, but instead the hordes of demons to the material plane. With them came death and destruction, blood flowed from their victims like fountains. He wondered if these things were being fabricated, meant to spur on his change to their side. Yet the fear he saw in the mages eyes, the way they trembled when he was with them. They spoke of serious times.

In time, weeks or months, he could no longer recall. Days blended, stitched with his mother's cries. The devil inside him they'd managed to reach. Cage the beast within it's home, twist it's power to suit their own needs. What relief he had, no longer needing the physical torment of his mother to bring out the beast's power. His memory was filled to the brim with dozens of images already, that with a mere thought he could recount with twisted clarity. Let his emotions build of every spine tingling scream, heart wrenching cut. Yet despite this success the testing and practice never ceased. He'd be worked till the wee morning hours with thousands of spells or rituals that he was to learn. The books had piled near his bed so much that it looked like a forest had grown around his sheets.

Pages upon the thousands of information on demons and their ilk. Not only that but there were spells that could be used against them, and what they'd do in kind. He understood why the magisters feared such creatures. For demotic energy magics could not be countered by arcane might, too bizarre for this realm to properly grasp. Only masters could properly shield themselves, let alone a whole group of people from harm. They had to call upon the divines, the churches to guard them in what capacity they could. It seemed as the rumors grew, the more priests and clerics could be found walking the halls. Robes of so many different deities that Hadariel stopped counting them.

With the power contained and able to be bended, came the human testing. One part that Hadariel loathed entirely. The mages snatched away slaves, disobedient people, woman, men, political rivals and he was forced to attack them. He had to use the devil's spells and his wits as they placed him against these people. They armed the poor souls with what weapons they could, promising the world to them if they could slay him. Guilt tugged at his heart with each on he slaughtered, dispatched like vermin with his spells. Why was he no longer resisting? He could have saved these people's lives. Would he have been so different if Theren offered a way for him to leave? Too many times to count he was left with smoldering corpses around him, charred remains of his victims. To Theren's claps and praises he scowled, feeling no better than a well-trained dog.

Arctic wind eventually started to observe his tests, watching with mild interest and a tilted head. Cerulean slits never left his movements, studying every magic word to leave his lips. While she told Theren it was to better understand the teen's form to better teach him, Hadariel had his doubts. Despite his pleading and tales, the dragoness never shared what plot she was forming. It gave him pause when he returned to her home each time. Yet the dragoness was his only source of comfort and good in this world. Yet even that he suspected was another plot. All to win his total favor and use him to get her vengeance on Theren and his mages.

The joke was on both. Let them rot in this tower, battling each other with their minions and mechanizations. He was going to get his mother, spirit her away into the night. Never look back on this place's vile walls. He just needed an opening. One night where he wasn't dead tired, and where Arctic Wind was being reclusive.

He'd found his opening one night while Arctic wind was charting the stars. She'd spirited him away to one of the topmost towers, satisfied they were not being heard. Theren even had allowed this with how agreeable they'd been being.

The dragoness had brought a grand bit of paper, using her telepathy to manipulate a quill and ink to dot and track the star's positions. It scribbled away while the light twinkled in her eyes. Her tail tapped away while she hummed, losing herself to the star filled tapestry.

He stared out into the blackened void, nearly consumed by the sky. He basked in the star's beauty, distracted by moments of catching Arctic Wind's scales. There was a warmth about her that usually wasn't there. Almost alluring and pulling him in. She gestured to a multicolored cloud in the distance, that crackled with lightning of all varying colors. It almost seemed alive, increasing in their frequency when observed. It's gaseous father twisted and turned with the wind, almost seeming to wave at them.

“Careful child. It may be captivating. It's beauty might stun you to awe. Just remember how deadly they are. The longer the mages take, the greater the storms will grow." Arctic wind's tone was harsh, listeing off the numerous villages and families that needed saving. “Just you watch. It will threaten to encompass this entire desert if they're not careful."

“What are you doing? He'd leaned in, trying to distract himself with the lines that Arctic wind was drawing on her maps.

“Mapping the stars." She grumbled. “What does it look like?"

“What for?"

He only knew of divination magic that would care of such things. Or was she simply doing it to be an artist? He doubted she could be so mundane.

She snorted, not even glancing back to him. “Trying to figure out when they're going to enact their plan."

“How close is it?" Despite the dismissive wave of her wing talons she told him.

“Soon." She thumped her tail. “Stars can be used to map the mystical flows of this world. Amplify or reduce magic that breezes along."

“Like spices to a dish?"

“Not everything must be compared to food." She grumbled, “But they'll try to increase their chances. Every finite detail will be accounted for, every advantage gained. You'll be round with the number of potions forced passed your lips. Your skin will itch with all the enchantments." She chuckled in her throat. “Perhaps every time you sneeze, magical powders will fly out."

He wrinkled his nose at the thought. “Not if we're around much longer. I can't stand what they're doing to my mother."

Her retort was swift, but not angry. If anything, she sounded amused. “Don't like being heralded as the big hero in all of this?"

“Theren won't let them remember us, and you know that." He pulled up his legs. “We've suffered long enough. Their misdeeds don't need to be rewarded. Let whatever thing they've unleashed consume them. Good riddance I say."

Arctic wind's eyes bounced as a rumble slipped down her throat. “Are you the same boy I've come to know? I'd almost swear the fiery vengeance of a dragon swirls around you. How positively selfish of you."

“Selfish?" He watched a single star streak across the blackened void. “Thought you would be proud."

“Oh don't be mistaken. I certainly am." She swished her tail around him, adding another few dozen dots with her floating quill. “But have you thought if they don't get their way? What if the very world is destroyed by such selfishness?" She poked at his chest with her nose, filling the air with her amused laugh. “What then? Still be bragging to the dozen or souls that are left?"

“They'll find another way." He was certain of it. Though the longer he dwelled on the raising dunes he wasn't so sure. “They're not stupid after all."

“Are you possibly planning something of your own?" Back went the dragoness' neck, curling into an S. “By the gods, I think you are!" She was now throwing back her head and laughing. “You are aware who I am right? The warden of this place. I will make you stay here."

Perhaps he had made an error.

The dragoness paced around him in a predatory fashion, the air still with each clack of her talons on the ground. Her coming growl turned his legs to jelly. “Not to mention you belong to me, and I don't give you permission to leave."

“You're going to defend them? You hate them!" He shot up, accusing her with a finger. “Of all the people. The people that took your…" He stopped dead as her eyes narrowed into slits.

“Well go on. Show your bravery. The people that did what?" Her growling challenge seemed to warm the very air.

He was too sensible for that. He averted his gaze, “I thought you'd have no love for them. What's it to you if they succeed in this venture? More misery for them the better right?"

She pulled back fuming, snorting and shaking her head. “And what? You'll fly right out the window, upsetting their plans? Thinking you'll steal a potion of pass without trace from the alchemist. Make it near impossible to find you?"

“Well I wasn't before. But you offer some interesting choices." He crossed his arms as she turned to him wide eyed, snorting her disproval.

“Forget you heard that little ingrate. I'll have not helped you in the slightest. Running into the desert you'd be foolish. You'll run out of food and water, unless you had some scrolls to will up some for you."

“Then I suppose I should snatch some of those scrolls It may be just biscuits, but it will last for the journey!"

“Precisely." The white dragon nodded, stamping her claw in demand. “Which is what I positively forbid you from doing."

Silence fell between them both as Hadariel wasn't quite sure of her meaning. She'd just given him two excellent ideas.

“What's the matter with you pinky?" She growled, inching ever closer.

He simply rubbed his chin, flashing her a knowing grin. “You're just giving me some ideas is all."

“Yet again you're hearing things." She held up her snout and snorted. “Get yourself killed with ideas like this. That or do away with your mother. Mark my very words." She strode a short distance in a huff, pinning her wings behind her and staring up to the infinite black.

“Then why stop me?" The question was easy and quick, yet it didn't draw her gaze. He smiled when she wouldn't even curl back.

“I certainly could." She said softly, But then I'd get high and hell with them for killing the fate of the world. At least the one we know of anyway."

Well wasn't that odd? Her voice had been calm. “A horde of demons doesn't scare you?"

“Why should it?" She shrugged. “I'm a dragon with numerous methods of ice magic. Demons fracture and flee from it. My scales are tough. I have claws. I will do just find against this horde." She threw her head back and laughed, feathery wings bouncing. “Not to mention I get to laugh at these wizard's suffering. The years they spent hurting my people? Only to end up tortured and slain by demons? Priceless."

“So, if I attempt this you won't stop me?"

“Why would I?" She shrugged with her wings. “Either way is fine. Plans change, things die. People can't be counted on." She spit at the last bit, far more bitterly than she usually did.

He wondered if he hurt her feelings. “Would you…" He placed a hand on her scales. “Go with us?"

“Excuse me?" She curled around with a growl, letting him know how big she was. “You wish for me to just up and leave?"

“Yes?" He held his ground, despite his inner voice begging him not to. “Forget all this revenge, come with me. See your children. Live the happy life you deserve. Evolve like you told me to!"

Her fire flickered as his words hung silently in the air. Their weight pulled her head down to hand massage distance. So, he did, trying to work the right amount of magic to bring her along. She gave a defeated sigh.

“I can't Hadariel. You know this is the path I fly. If I turn back now…Everything I was for nothing…My family…"

“Is waiting for you out there right?." He ran a hand up her scales, as she visibly shivered.

“It's been along time."

“They'll be glad to have you back. Lets escape and be with them together. Screw these mages, stop letting them control your life."

“And what about you?" She replied quietly. “You could give up on your dreams of being a renowned wizard?" She eyed with him much suspicion.

“At this point." He drooped, “I think that's rather shot. Better to get thousands of miles away before I start planning my next move." He gave a weakened laugh, silently praying she'd heard him out. But then she snorted, her feathers ruffled, and the moment was over.

Artic wind's eyes did harden, her tail grew still. Air around her grew frigid as the vengeful ness was born anew. “You do what you need to do Hadariel. We learn the path for us the hard way." She grabbed him without protest and took wing to the air. “It appears as though this path for you is changing as well. Only fate knows where it will end up."

*

Slipping out was the easy part. He'd watched and waited for his time to get away. It took the shape of a whiskey barrel twice the size of him. Arctic Wind partook of the concoction with a jovial rumble, sharing at least half a dozen stories of her family he knew were to be fake. They contradicted one another at numerous occasions, changed the names of certain parties. One her mate shifted colors, another her children count swelled into double digits. He'd have corrected her but she growled after the first time, nearly burping in his face. Patiently he'd waited, counting down the seconds till she passed out with a heavy thump, drool pooling from her maw and freezing on the cavern floor.

With the dragon defeated, he gathered his leather pack, stashed a map that he'd drawn of the place and another of the outside desert he nicked. Spare clothes wrapped everything, bound books, quills and ink. With a heavy sigh he rushed a hand on Artic Wind's snoring snout. His heart was aching at this departure. Of all that he could miss of this place. Why would miss her? He supposed anyone would do and she at least cared about him in her own way. Least he hoped she did. She didn't seem so fierce as she snorted, if anything she looked rather adorable. Even her leg had begun to kick, nearly driving the teen into a fit of giggles. With a wave he completed his farewells, hoping that one day she'd get her revenge, and meet the family she clearly longed for.

If they even existed.

He slipped out her home and scurried through the near abandoned halls. Not a single soul up to peruse the pristine hallways. Not at this hour anyway. He pulled tight the cloak wrapped around himand kept close to the wall's edge. They seemed to press inward at every intersection, threatening to catch a loose thread or boot. He was left panting as he stalled, eyes darting to every surface in such times. It could be all over in a single moment. Undone by some lucky gnoll who'd been in the right place at the right time. Though it seemed something was on his side. For as if guided by some mysterious fate he made It to alchemist's office, without anyone being the wiser. Not a single enchantment was to be found as he perused the multiple drawers and shelves filled to the brim with glass vials. They were thankfully marked, his thievery a cakewalk. Though with the potions he found a solitary note.

You're welcome. Don't get caught. Have a good life.-AW

Did she have allies within this place? Hadariel had stayed far too long staring at the note. If so, it seemed she might have played into his very escape. With a silent thanks he crumpled the note and slipped it inside his pouches. With a throbbing heart he'd returned to the halls, knowing he was destined to be free.

He passed below the oil painting of a knight in ornate full plate armor, standing tall before his well-kept blackened horse. It's elegant barding was all painted silver and greens, with symbols of trees stitched along its surface.

“How fairs it?" The knight whispered, but Hadariel shushed him back.

“How rude!" The knight's face reddened and flustered as the horse neighed in annoyance. But that only drew the armored man's ire to that of his horse. “Watch that mouth dash! Or we'll be putting on the heavy saddlebags!"

The horse huffed and began to nibble the man's hair.

“Curse you fiend!"

He wasn't going to miss this in the slightest. The two painting characters argued among themselves, too distracted to notice a soft footed teen getting away. Hadariel pressed himself close to the nearest wall, whispering an invisibility spell, as the rough voice of a gnoll barked down the hallway.

“Who's there?" There was a pebble colored knoll, slowly advancing across the floor with a torch held aloft in his hand. The other held a pipe that was pressed to the corner of his snout. Smoke rose and curled around the dog's ears like a squiggly eel.

“Just the stupid painting you git!" Came the snarl of another. “Horse and 'im are probably havin another go, bring back the pipe! Stop trying to hog it all!"

He didn't dare move as the gnoll's eyes swept around the empty corridor, seemingly not seeing the mage hiding right below his view. Would he see through the spell? Each passing twitch of that dog like nose filled Hadariel with dread.

“Oi! I said get back here!"

“Fine fine." The first guard grumbled, stomping his way back out of view. “Such the puppy you is. Here puppy, have ya some pipe."

There was a heavy smack, no doubt one hitting the other. “Well you flinch like one. Next few dozen puffs are on me. To account for all this hogging."

“But I wasn't hogging! I thought-“

His fingers finally cast away the paralysis that gripped him. It was only a small group to watch the halls. Probably left as a token force to guard his mother's cell. Unfortunately for the two gnolls, he needed to get to her. Lucky for him it smelled like they were sampling a halfling herb called glister leaf, that reminded him of a skunk's spray. If they were high, it would work wonders for his chosen spell. He dug through a pouch, finding enough dust to roll around his fingers.

Peering down the corridor, he flung what he'd collected into a long, billowing cloud. He whispered and closed his fist, letting the spell shimmer and wind across every particle. It wafted along, like a serpent, coiling around their snouts and pouncing in with their next giggling inhale. They had one final chuckle as their eyes rolled to the back of their heads. Both guards slumped to the ground snoring.

“Thanks for this." Hadariel muttered, slinking over their prone forms as ivory scales tugged at his mind. He plucked the key they had on them, no doubt for the cells that lined this hallway. His fingers massaged the cold steel key. It shimmered just like her scales in the torch light. Could he have convinced her leave? Perhaps he simply hadn't tried hard enough? He peered back where he came, almost hearing her calling for him. Begging for him to return and spirit her away.

How would you lift her though? And she wouldn't go. You know that. Not while her vengeance remains. Now hurry up and get the door. Before the mages swarm in on you.

He flung open his mother's door with a heavy breath. He was to be free tonight. But even in this moment of triumph he stopped to glance around, certain a new army of guards or Theren himself would come barging down to stop him. None came. He slipped into her room with a reserved sigh, this was really happening. It wasn't a trick.

“Mother." He whispered, padding over to her prone form. Weeks of the constant torture had taken its toll. Color was all but gone from her bruised and burned face, her limbs were frail and covered in numerous pinkish scars. One of her eyes was glossy and white. Even the magic they'd used to heal her was not enough to restore her fully. He was certain that if he hadn't learned to call upon the devil's magic, then there would have been nothing left of her to hold onto.

Yet though his heart thrummed with ice, the battered woman slowly stood. Her good eye brimmed with warmth. “Hadariel!" She spoke slowly, her voice all but a rasp. “Is that you? It's hard to tell through the good eye."

“Its me." He kneeled, pulling the confused woman into a hug. “We can't talk long." He undid the locks upon her hands and legs. “Tonight, we leave. No longer will we be captives."

“Go where?" She rubbed her wrists, not sounding all too pleased. “We're in the middle of gods knows where."

“But I figured out what they wanted. We're leaving now mum. Getting far away as humanly possible. With everything going on, I doubt they'll be able to find us." He pulled her to her feet, brushing her raggedy robes.

“Curse you child." She hugged him back with wobbly legs. “You should have let me be. I'll only slow you down and get you recaptured."

How could she say something like that? “Mother." He helped her slowly through the door. “I don't know what they told you, but I've gotten stronger. Far stronger than any of them." He thumped his chest. “Even have a magic they can't counter." He grimaced at the words, neglecting to tell her of the devil that his father had wrapped around his soul. No need to trouble her now. They started down the hall, passing over the guards and not finding any more to trouble them. So good so far.

“Don't tell me this was the only part of the plan." She gestured to the fallen guards. “Just a sleep and walk out? You're not going to get far with me."

He patted his pack with a smile, “Scrolls of pass without trace. Let us blend in with the desert like a pair of ghosts."

“And about food?" She raised a brow. “The sun, its going to be brutal."

He tapped the bag again. “More scrolls to create food, water, and an enchantment to ward off the harmful effects of the environment. Enough of everything to last us weeks. Get far away from their wandering gaze."

“Hmmph." His mother laughed with a tap of his shoulder. It almost made light of the whole ordeal. Like they could've taken on all the mages by themselves. “Thought of everything. Always knew you'd have a head on your shoulders." She started to hack and cough, “Now where to go. I haven't seen much beyond my cell."

“Then you will thank Arctic Wind that I've seen much of it." He smiled, helping her down one of the numerous maze-like halls. They'd stop at every knick knack covered corner, anticipating the sounds of heavy boots. Yet nothing came, just the late hours of silence that to his nerves was worse than anything else. So instead he filled it with tiny questions just above a whisper. He started with the obvious, the one that'd been gnawing at him all these weeks. Had Arctic Wind been telling the truth?

“What about dad…"

“Can this wait until after the escape? You're picking the worst time."

They crossed a near darkened stretch of the building, only covered by grand paintings of sleeping animals.

“But what was he really? I need to know." He looked to her eyes, pleading. “A rebellious man or a murderer? Or the lone one persecuted and hunted?"

She sighed, holding at his chin for just a single moment. “If it puts your mind to ease. He was a mere slave. Without any magic to call his own. One day he made a deal to gain some power. He took it without a heartbeat. With his power he struck back at those that tormented him unleashing untold power to slay them. Yet his pursuers proved far too insistent in their revenge, dying before we could escape.

She gestured around them, no doubt meaning the halls as they began to creep. “Of the ones behind this place. For we knew their cruelty. I'll tell you more when you're older. There's a few more things you need to know. When you know, we're not at risk of getting caught."

He nodded silently, hugging her ever tightly. They found a window to escape from, leaping from the fourth story like well-practiced birds. It had been a perfect spot for this, no one to witness from the outside if all went according to plan. It would seem foolish to any onlookers, unless he'd cast the spell feather fall before their disastrous crash. The magic would make them gently glide to the lower wall below, safe from gravity's cruel pull.

When they landed the sleep spell proved its worth once again. The pair of guards that'd gone to call out in alarm collapsed to the ground, still clutching their spears. The mother and son leaped over the wall's ledge, softly landed on the ground and raced towards the twilight dunes.

Despite the torture, the odds, the cruelty of these mages, they'd somehow done it. Hadariel could almost cry as the sands scattered below his happy sprint. With a fair distance away from the tower he pulled spell scrolls from his pack and began to cast their needed enchantments for the trip. One to shield them from the sun's angry glare, and another to hide their movements from any inquisitive eye.

With the spells cast they began their trek up the dunes, not leaving a track to follow behind them. How many times had he cast eyes out any of the windows and figured he'd never cross the dunes? Resided to never escape those cramped hallways? Cried himself to sleep with aching limbs, begging for divine help. He didn't dare peek back, not wanting to risk that this was all one dream. That one glance and he'd be snapped to reality by Arctic Wind's insistent tone.

But once they clambered over the fourth dune, and the sun had begun to slither it's golden rays from the horizon. He chanced a look back with fingers crossed. Whispering prayers to himself.

The citadel was but a darkened blot in the distance, marring the near perfect browns and golden sand dunes around them. In the passing seconds his blood warmed as memories of his torture bubbled to the surface, he scratched as phantom pain dragged a blade across his arm. Yet despite this he could feel an insistent tug. Like he wanted to return. He knew not from any spell, but the dragoness within that'd helped a scared teen. He wavered, letting the desert sands curl and twist around him.

She'd made her choice, he'd made his. It was simple as that, yet even as he pondered the actions he couldn't look away. Each second he received a familiar chill, and the faint whisper of her humming. Would she even remember him? They claimed dragons never forgot. Clearly she wouldn't on vengeance, but that of a teen she met? How long would she stay? Probably live out the rest of her magical life, waiting for the perfect moment for her revenge. Thats what she wanted wasn't it?

“I hope you get what you're seeking." He whispered, giving the dragoness a nod. “I'll never forget you helped us. People will know of the icy dragoness, locked away in a darkened tower." He was pulled back by his mother's call for him, barking not to give that shadowy place even a sideways glance again. So he followed after her, chasing the next dune that rose before them.

The hours passed, filled with shaking breaths as they marched across the desert's dunes. Their legs ached with hours of work, crying out for moments of reprieve. The sun's usual angry glare was nothing more than a pleasant breeze, repelled by their scroll's magic. But even with magic's aid their limbs eventually grew too heavy, and gravity pulled them into their sandy beds. One right after the other they flopped down, flinging their arms wide.

He sat up, slinging off his pack. “What do you think mother? Jealously guarded biscuits of the halflings? Divine waters from the caverns of adune?" Hadariel opened a scroll, as his mother laid out a blanket he'd packed. He flopped to the ground as white biscuits proofed into existence on the cloth, and warm water flowed into their open waterskins. With a smile he plucked up one the biscuits and devoured the wafer like confection. While not the tastiest of meals, it would have to do. At least until the deserts were a distant memory.

His mother watched on, holding a biscuit politely, looking vastly better than she did in her cell. It seemed even after a day spent hiking was vastly superior to her imprisonment. She laughed as Hadariel gobbled down another three biscuits without even blinking. “The spell says enough food for six people. At this rate you're going to look like a pleased snake, who found himself a whole nest of eggs!"

He swallowed hard, chugging warm water down his gullet with a gasp. His mother just laughed harder as it, ran rivers down his chin and soaked his shirt. He laughed with her, practically shoving three more of the things into her lap. “While they say laughter is the best medicine, I insist you get some nourishment in you." He wiped his chin, sweeping away what water remained. “Good to see you happy though."

“Why would I not be?" She sighed and laid her back to the sands. “That dastardly place lies miles away. The mages are none the wiser. You did far better than I expected." She chuckled into her biscuit before taking another bite. “So much like your father."

“The criminal?"

“Yes and well…No." She shifted, putting the setting sun to her back. “When we met he was but a slave. I was a spellcaster for the state. It wasn't until a day that we were alone together in the rain did it start. He made a comment about a sandwich he'd been given. I havn't the foggiest why I found it charming." She laughed at the sky, “Granted I was already having thoughts of rebellion and such, but he." She sighed, wiggling into the sands. “Who knew we'd hit if off?"

 “Love at first sight?"

“He was sweet. It grew harder for us to find secret rendezvous spots." She sighed, glancing far off to times long since passed. “Despite the oppression of the magisters, he spoke of better lives. Clung onto that light somehow, bless his soul."

Silence swept in with the wind, letting the information stew within Hadariel's mind. The young mage gobbled the last of his biscuit, sweeping away the crumbs. “But why didn't you try to leave? Sure home is home, but it must have been better than being a slave."

His mother slumped her shoulders, “We certainly tried. Its in the end how we were caught. He was taken to be disciplined, then carted off to the mines." She hung her head, slowly massaging the soft bread between her fingers. “I was reeducated, moved to another county entirely. That was when he found the blasted shrine." Her eyes misted, glossy in the dwindling light. “He returned changed. Magic so powerful that it made me tremble and question. But when he told of what he'd done, I didn't think of the sure scope of it. I chose this moment to beg, use it to flee from the magister's grip. Leave all we knew behind in the pages of history." She started to grow quiet, seemingly sinking into the sands. Sadness swelled in her good eye, seeming to chill the very air. “But he couldn't let go of his vengeance. Hero he said he'd be. Make a world where the peoples lacking magic didn't have to fear those that ruled them."

He moved in close, wrapping his arm around her as the one who'd raised him shuttered. All the darkness she'd endured, still here and breathing. She swallowed hard, pulling tightly at his shoulders. Tears rolled down his mother's wrinkling cheeks. The look she gave the sky was like a dagger to the heart.

“They descended upon him like rabid wolves. Not wanting to have his actions go unanswered. What did he expect when he wanted to kick in the door of a desert wasp's hive? He was bound and dragged away, screaming my name. Or so I was told."

“You never thought to go looking for him? To save him?" He whispered.

“Course I did." She sobbed ever the harder. “But then I had you to worry about. You can't go well hunting mages with a child hanging off your legs. I decided to live for the both of us, have you grow with at least one parent. “ She broke down and couldn't continue, leaning up close against him.

For a countless time, they embraced one another. Tears streaking down in unison to the desert sands. Winds curled around them with a faint whisper, shielding their sorrowful sobs from nature itself. It was when the tears had dried and the sun had all but faded, he pulled her tighter than before.

“But we're free now. Nothing will be bothering us now." He tried to smile and get her to return it, but if anything she looked ever worse.

She frowned and followed one of the numerous multicolored storms in the distance. Her eyes dancing between the flicking flashes of lightning. “So, in our flight we doom everyone to demons?"

What? He was almost floored at when she looked to him. Instead of joy and relief at their escape she was giving him a harsh look. Like he'd done something wrong? “How can you say that? Look what they did to me…Look what they did to you!" He pulled at her arm, voice but a raspy whisper. “They tortured the both of us for this stupid solution! They can't be rewarded. Not for that, ever!"

But she didn't shy away from him. Her resolve stood like a city wall. “And everyone deserves to suffer for our choice? We may hate the solution and the methods…But if it's the only way."

“Unbelievable." He stood up, pressing against his temples. He shot up to start pacing through the sands. She was speaking madness. Clearly the sun had addled her brain somehow. “Did you like having your organs on display? Brought to the brink of death so many times that I can't close my eyes without thinking of you?" He was thrust his finger back towards her like a sword, blood aglow with lava. “If those storms are father's fault. We needn't suffer cause of him! We've escaped!" He gestured to the tiny flicker of the tower. “Free of their pain! Free of the misery! How can you ask me to go back?"

“Perhaps it was the gods will." She averted her gaze. Unwilling or unable to look her son in the eye. “That our family be punished for dealing with devils."

“Then to the hell with the gods! Let them rot for all I care!"

“Hadariel!" She stood, cupping at his cheeks. “I know you're a strong boy. One with a kind heart more than he should. Could you really let all those people of this country suffer? The world suffer? All because one man and his cruel friends tormented you?"

“Mom." He couldn't hold back as tears flowed like rivers down her hands. Pain flickered through his senses, memories burned into his brain. “I can't go back…Look what they've done..I can't.." His legs shook, his eyes closed as he whined and pressed into her shoulder. “I can't stand to see you hurt again."

“I know." She whispered, holding him tight. “But we need to go back. At least until those storms are taken care of. Just think it through. I know you'll come to the same conclusion."

He pulled her tight, shivering in her grip. Emotions ran as they embraced each other, sharing the coming pain they knew would be coming. He didn't dare think about the actions Theren would take now, or punishments that would be inflicted. “I don't think I can."

“Nonsense." She cried softly, rubbing his cheeks. “I know you can. You just need to find the courage."

He nodded with a mournful whine, pressing his forehead to hers.

“And that's why I'm proud of you. I know the man your father was, he'd be as well."

With an aching heart he stayed locked with her. The tender moment ended by an elf's wicked hiss.

“So this is where you got off to then." Theren emerged over the dune atop a horse, with orange-red flames billowing off its onyx neck. The grin on the elf's face could kill any joy, or crush any hope of escape. “You sent us on quite the endeavor."

“We were just going to return! I was convincing him to return! I just had it to be natural!" His mother blurted out, shoving Hadariel back with her hand.

“How did you follow us?" Hadariel questioned, letting his hands fall to his sides.

“Oh, you think I couldn't track you because of the pass without trace?" The elf tapped his temple. “We have an entire citadel of mages boy. Not to mention…" He rolled a finger to his mother's eye. “What an interesting prosthetic don't you think?"

He stood dumbfounded, how'd he overlooked that little detail? His brain was buzzing with the fact his mother of all people was working with them. Apparently trying to get him to go back! “We were to return as she said." He growled, fixing the elf with a heavy stare. “There need not be need for violence or demands. I'll come quietly back to the tower."

The elf nodded but wagged a finger. “That's where you're wrong. I've heard an interesting story boy. One that involves you doing away with me before the rituals can be cast to rid us of the storms."

Wait..what? He was taken back, mind spiraling. Found one ledge and he was tossed off another. “That can't be true, whoever told you that?" He looked around, searching for Theren's backup. If he summoned the devil's magic could he hope to do away with this elven thorn in his side? He let a part of the icy prison in his heart spread to his fingertips, whispering for the spell truesight. One to pierce any magical way to hide, even invisibility would prove useless.

Sure enough it was as he expected. Dozens or so mages all cloaked in a wispy like aura of an invisibility sphere. They were whispering to one another, eyes wide in fear.

“Why would my informant lie?" The elf's grin shifted to a sneer as he had his nightmare trot ever closer. “All this time, acting compliant. I suppose that's my fault. Going lenient on the devil child."

“Lenient?" He shouted back. “That's what you're calling it? You call torturing my mother and myself lenient?"

“Why yes." Theren rolled his wrist. “We could have done much harsher things."

“Harsher than almost killing us?"

The elf nodded, “You think death is the worst thing that can happen to a person? I'd have thought you'd know that better than anyone."

His arm was close to freezing now, the veins along his backhand turning black. “You do anything to her, and I'll ensure it's the last thing you ever do. We offered to come peacefully." Deeper the teen's voice fell, as the sands below his boots started to shift and turn. Blackened flames billowed in even amounts, coiling and twisting to keep his enemies at bay. Even Theren gave them a worried look.

“You've managed to unlock it without help?" The elf's eyes grew wide, a bead of sweat appearing on his brow. “When did you achieve this?"

“Days ago." He scowled, trying to not grin at how sweet this tasted. “I'll walk back to the citadel. But only if you leave and allow us to do so."

The mage scoffed. “You expect me to take you at your word? After you wandered off and want me dead?"

“To be fair, lots of folks want you dead."

The wind's brief whistle silenced their growing concerns. The tension hung thick as both didn't avert their gaze, and muscles tensed for battle. All it would take was a spark to light the coming fire. The wizard rose his hand with a sigh. Clearly, he was beaten.

But then came an arrow, aiming not for him but for the boy's mother. With a thwack it struck her square in the chest, flinging the wounded woman backwards into the dirt.

“Mother!" He screamed, racing to her side.

The arrow was buried deep into her chest. Blood already bubbled up like a witch's brew, seeping crimson to what remained of her tattered clothes. Gasping for air she squirmed, eyes wide as she stared at the shaft. Blackened feathers fluttered in the eerie calm.

“What ever love was that for?" Theren shouted in alarm, but it was too late. The beast had already been called for. “I didn't say to kill her!"

With bloodied hands the ice consumed him. Away was swept the ache and despair, the helplessness that hung on his shoulders. With the first breath he was passed it, relishing in the cold. The second his hands were flung out, liquid mercury spread through his veins. By the time he'd taken his first step he was hovering in the air, his eyes glossed over and black.

“Subdue him!" Theren screamed as Hadariel spun around, weaving spells through his fingers. Stone snakes the size of horses sprung from the ground and sought to ensnare and end the mage reinforcements. He pumped his fists as they shouted for safety, bolts of blackened fire peppering them as they tried to shield their bodies. Some tried illusions, after images, duplicates, so many ways to hide. But his sight ignored it all, easily letting him cackle as the stone serpents leaped hungrily upon them.

“Bring him down!" Theren wove the sand around, trying to form great pseudo pods of unyielding earth. But Hadariel snapped, flinging his hand down and sliced them right in two.

It was time to bring this to an end. “How I waited so long." The once teen smiled, racing across the sands as spells flew by him. It hardly touched his skin, didn't leave a sensation, even as his robes burned away from. “Pitiful. I expected more." He flung away another desperate spell, shackles made from brilliant shards of light. Like a ghoulish shadow he slid under the nightmare, cutting the creature like an organ filled piñata. He rose, smacking aside Theren's desperate last response. He'd try to not enjoy plunging a bladed arm right down his deserving throat.

The man screamed, held out his arms, but the blade never fell. Brilliant chains had flung from the ground, wrapping around that Hadariel's arm. With a titanic weight the teen crashed to the sands with a snarl. How dare someone prevent his- Another chain whirled around his other arm, pulling that also to the ground. He flailed like a beast, herculean strength lifting both chains with a savage snarl. More chains came, bringing searing light to his flesh.

Mages rushed forward, avoiding his squirms, carrying a pair of blackened manacles in their shaky fingers. Sweat dripped from their brows, running along color drained faces. Hesitantly they slipped behind him to do their dirty deed.

Click. The manacles snapped shut, encasing his arms in cold steel. Electricity arced through him, twirled through his spine. Stars burst in the thousand from his eyes. He convulsed and thrashed, screaming in an alien tongue to the twilight.

 It can't end here, not again!

His thrashing renewed as pain rippled through his flesh. He found his mother, still alive but barely. Gasping and squirming in the sands.

“Mother!" He roared as ice massaged away the pain.

“Hold onto him!" Theren shouted in a cracking voice as Hadariel pulled again, lifting the series of chains binding him.

No, he wouldn't be denied. Not here, not now, not again. Not while his mother lay bleeding and dying. With a renewed strength he let the ice flow further, spreading down the chains like a plague. One by one they iced over and snapped, sending their master's flying to the sands. He cast away the manacles with a mere flick of his hands, racing towards his now gasping mother.

He was beside her again, blood coating her features. Her face was as pale as all those tests. Already his heart was trembling. “Please…No…Mom…" He fell out of his body, like everything around him was falling apart. He took her weekly grasping hand, realizing she was ice cold.

“You're here." She said weakly, blood running down her lips.

“Yes I am." Tears welled in his eyes, “I didn't mean…I didn't." He couldn't look at the spike.

“Its okay." She pulled tight his hand, taking a struggling gasp of air. “I think I'll be seeing your father again."

“No..That's not true." He shook his head, “We can find a healer." He turned back to the terrified mages, screaming his demand. “By the gods, you must have a healer! We need one! She's dying!"

Theren was soon mimicking his cry. “Cleric! Cleric! The Boy's mother will perish!"

Her hands guided him down. “Don't give up on things Hadariel. I still know you're the best of us."

But how can it be? He held his head, shaking as thick tears streamed down his face…

“This will pass…all of it…You'll shine brighter than any star."

Words that should have brought comfort only felt like continuous stabs to his heart. Then she gasped, body violently shaking as she struggled for any bit of air.

“Mom?" He whispered as she grew limp. “Mom?" He pulled her tighter. “Theren! Cleric! Where is it?" She couldn't leave, not like this.

But she did, the life fading from her eyes. He was sobbing as a cleric of Loki came running over. The young woman plucked out a thick diamond from her leather pouch. Her face wasn't one filled with dread, but one of determination.

“Bring her back to us." Theren slithered over, looming overhead.

“Let me work." The braided woman brushed off his concern, drawing sigils in the air.

What? Hadariel was wide eyes. He'd heard of such magic in legends, but that's all they were. His jaw dropped as the woman began her chanting, and the desert sands started to shift around them. Divine power hummed as a sudden warmth leaped from person to person. He quickly was giving his thanks to the priest without even thinking. Long as they brought his mother back to him.

But just as the words left his lips, the sands started to die. The warmth fluttered away, and the power suddenly faded. His mother remained a lifeless corpse upon the ground. With a wound reopened Hadariel began to sob anew, collapsing beside her.

“What happened?" Theren hissed, grabbing the woman's collar. “Did you get the spell wrong?"

The woman shook her head, eyes wide. “N-No. She refused to come back."

“Impossible! Who would refuse the call to return?" He released her. “Blast that woman."

All of it fell upon deaf ears. Hadariel's cries hollowed out his insides. He didn't resist when they clamped him again, nor when they forced him to a stand.

“Now lets get back." Theren growled, eyeing the mages around them. “Before anything else messes up this night."

Hadariel slumped along in a daze. Staring down at his feet as the sands shifted beneath them. It was all his fault. If only he'd not even attempted an escape. He stared at his blood encrusted fingers. Darker thoughts plagued him as Theren's entourage brought him back to the citadel with an enchantment so he could fly.

They didn't say a word, letting the awkward silence linger between them. The only parting in this treatment was the occasional whisper they passed to one another. They discussed what'd he'd become, what power he wielded, and how he'd torn some of their number in half.

Theren silenced them with a savage snarl, right before their feet touched upon the sands. Reminding the whimpering mages that this was their duty. Not only to this institution but that of their beloved country.

“Need I remind you that Rothdell is set upon by demons?" He punctuated the last word with a hiss, casting Hadariel a sideways glance. The teen hardly noticed though, as he was too busy staring at his boots, shuffling along with sunken eyes.

“What should we do with him?" A man asked, hesitantly approaching. “Back to the warden, right?"

“That's what we have her for." Another chimed in, “God only knows how he snuck past her watchful eye."

But Theren didn't seem so captivated by questions or rumor. His eyes were like suns as he snarled at the citadel's towering entrance. “I have a few ideas." He grabbed Hadariel by the back of neck. “Come on dragon slave. Let's go have a chat with your master. See if the snake can illuminate your escape."

That roused him from his stupor. Stone doors cracked open as he perked right up. Were they to hurt her? Not Her, not after his mother. “Please, don't hurt her. It was my idea. I snuck out when she was asleep. Please!"

The elf didn't reply, continuing his walk. “Sure Hadariel. You'll understand that I'll want a word with her."

*

Arctic Wind was perched on her overhang when they entered, peering down at them with predatory eyes and a casual flick of her tail. Her tone was the same that it ever was, amusement mixed with a threatening growl. “So you went off to have a party with Theren? Not the most hospitable of guests." The dragoness held a claw to her chest. “Scared me half to death. Next time would you leave a note?"

“You can stop playing!" Theren pushed him aside, setting his blazing gaze towards white scales. “I know you helped the boy escape!"

“Me?" The dragoness gasped, fluttering feathery wings. “Never! Why would I put your entire enterprise in jeopardy?" She gestured to the stalagmites with a flick of her head. “When the world is beset on all sides by chaotic storms of demons?" Her head tilted back, “I believe it was getting worse?"

“That it is."

“See?" She rumbled, crossing her limbs. “Then don't come with all these half thought out acquisitions. Next time, I might take them as an actual insult. So take heart at how agreeable I am." She smiled, making sure everyone got a view of her sharpened teeth. “Now, let's cease the pleasantries and discuss where this party of yours was, and why I had to be drugged." Her gaze hardened like steel, the air shivering with her fiery hiss. “Conniving human have procured some dragon's bane from your kitchens. Quite troubling that he has some friends there. Either you or myself should start our search for the little miscreant. Have them brought to me, and they can blather away at why they thought it was a good idea to commit suicide."

“Still you maintain this charade." Theren seemed unphased, tossing Hadariel to the floor. “There was no party beast. He was escaping across the dunes with his mother. Lucky for us we'd thought he might do something like this." He peered back with a sneer. “Would you believe he had various potions and scrolls on his person? Snatched from our alchemist no doubt. Care to explain how he came into position of those?"

The dragon tilted her head, chuckling in the back of her throat. “Have you thought to ask the boy? Honestly Theren, you're terrible at interrogations. I'd have thought you'd gotten ample amount of practice by now. But alas, what can be expected with elves?"

“He'd lie of course." He grit his teeth, “ No doubt instructed by you of all things."

“Again you make an accusation?" She growled, seemingly loosing focus on all others save him. “I never thought you'd let your speciesism hang so openly on your robes Theren. What would the other pointy eared elf friends of yours think?" She snickered and let the statement sit, frowning as no one commented. “Well you're no fun. Guess that's something all you elves have in common right?"

Theren crossed his arms, not shrinking to the dragon's dismissal.

“Ah. So, you think in that stupid little brain of yours that I supplied him with such things? Even when he could have an accomplice in the kitchens? How about the alchemist? Think Theren, use that dried up sack of meat you call a brain. Look for this network of allies he has. I mean, its not like everyone is fond of you." She cast her eyes to the other mages, all whom shifted their gaze away and coughed. A devilish smile found her lips. “Exactly. I'd suggest the ones right behind you."

Down she pounced, shaking the floor with her weight. Claws dragged like swords as she approached with all the radiance of a queen. Cerulean pools swirled with malevolence, causing any man who dare look to bow away in submission. The teen shook as she closed in on him, nosing at his bowed head with a snort.

“Clearly he's more dangerous than I imagined. Resourceful as well." She peered up, meeting Theren with an amused smirk. “Isn't this what you wanted? If anything you should be proud elf! You got exactly what you wanted!" The dragoness slipped away, throwing back her head. “ You've only you to blame for the nest you're sleeping in."

“Enough!" Theren stomped, lashing down his arms. “Cease your games dragon. Thanks to your schemes the boy's mother lays slain on the dunes!"

Like a sword to his heard, Hadariel recoiled on himself. The wound on his soul reopened. Already the tears were coming, and he wasn't strong enough to stop them.

“Is this true?" Arctic Wind's voice was suddenly tame, calmer than the wildest of storms. Without an answer she snapped to Theren, eyes narrowing. “I thought you be more concerned elf."

“How could I not be! I'm furious!" He pointed to his brow. “On the verge of sprouting wings and blowing fire I am! One of our mages shot her! Triggered the boy!" He thrust an accusing finger towards the dragon's snout. “Ever wonder how that could have happened?"

She responded with a biting remark. “Clearly someone who doesn't have a strong grip on the hired help. I'd be more warry of that in the future."

“Enough of this talk Wind! Now is not the moment to be coy!"

“Coy? Coy?" Arctic Wind whirled around, nearly taking off a mage's head with her tail. Her growl shook the cave as feathery wings flared out on either side. Her coming snarl was like thunder, turning everyone's legs to jelly. “You'd think I'd be all jokes and smiles over the death of a parent?" She stepped over him, “I'd best consider your next words carefully mage. Before you feel what a dragon's fury feels like." She lashed her tail, delighting in how so many mages gasped in alarm. “Now take that pointy eared head of yours and flee from my home. To remain will mean death."

“You can't do this!" Theren entered a stance, his hands held high. “We have you here." But his protest was canceled as a savage snap of her imposing teeth caused the elder wizard to slide backwards in alarm.

“I said leave!" She roared and slammed down her claws, draining what color remained in any of the mages faces. With another step they sprinted for the exit, with Theren making out the rear.

“I'll be back for him Wind." The mage scowled. “You'll pay for this bout of rebellion. Mark my words!"

“Oh I'm shaking. I'll assess if you've damaged the boy! All in your inability to control the itchy fingers of an archer." Arctic Wind coiled on him, eyes like azure fire. “If you bring your mages Elf for battle, we'll see how they fare against icy doom. I've killed much more than your paltry number."

She stood like an imposing giant until the silence they'd been left in drew on for far too long. The only reprieve was the soft sobbing from him as he hugged his knees, trying to ignore how the tears were streaming down his face. Like a siren his cries drew in her inquisitive snout, earning himself a testing nosing.

“You were right." He sobbed, reaching out to grasp at her scales. He didn't care if she was cross, or angry, or playing with him. He just needed anything right now to quell the gaping hole in his chest. “I should have stayed. If I'd only listened. She'd have been…She'd have been." He couldn't finish the sentence as he pulled tight her unresisting snout. Around her scales he found comfort, crying thick streams onto pristine white. “I'm so sorry." He managed to choke as he squeezed like a vice.

Instead of a growl or a threat like she usually pressed, he instead got a dragoness curling around him, calling to his comfort with a voice most kind. “That is true. But it is not the time to think of what one should have done or point the blame. You will just slip to madness." She slipped from his fingers, but not to chastise or yell. Instead to guide him to a series of soft cushions, hidden atop her perch. “I'd know, trust me."

He was pushed to the soft linen, and she was around him like a protective wall. Claws pushed to either side, tail curled around the rear. He was seated right against her chest. She laid down with a soft sigh, her breath misting the air.

“Don't give me that look." She grumbled the moment her head rested on one of the crimson cushions. “I'd not kick a child when their down. Not in this moment anyway."

He broke down again, but this time she was there to shield him with her wings. Offer a nosing to his chest, and provide comfort when he hugged with all his might. She didn't say a word, simply letting him hug as tight as he wanted, cry as much as he did, and flick away every tear with a tender swipe of her tongue. They stayed like that for what seemed like hours. Not an interruption to be found. As the darkness encroached from the dwindling candles, she was there. His sole person left in this crazy world, to his bewilderment not a human soul, but that of a dragon. One that had murdered no doubt hundreds of his kind. What a confusing time this was.

“Thank you." He sniffed, rubbing along the bottom of her scaled jaw.

“It was nothing." She chuckled, nudging at his face. “But don't dare let it slip from your lips. The others will think I've gone soft. Or worse yet-“ She rolled her eyes with a growl, “developed a weakness for you." She slowly rose, stretching like a cat. Letting her tongue curling yawn linger for a moment too long. She went to stride away but he followed, not wanting to be left alone. Maybe not ever.

“Where are you going?"

She peered down at him like a caring parent. Plucking him away with her maw. “Just to make soup." She said softly through her teeth, “Whenever my young were troubled, it cleared the mind, heated the soul." She glanced down to her domain, eyes traveling over every book and corner. “Would you like to help?"

He nodded without thinking. Something would be better than nothing. Keep his hands busy so he didn't have to think. Not dwell on pale lips encrusted with blood, or how each day would be devoid of her presence.

“It's okay if you just want to lay there." She pushed him gently with her nose. Her eyes were like a tender fire, soothing and enchanting to behold. “I'm here for you Hadariel. And I promise to not stray far."

At first, he didn't follow, instead sinking into the comfort of her cushions. Staring at the softened cloth he focused on memories of the past, rubbing the empty chasm of his chest. But within such misery he couldn't hope to stay. Be it the sound of her invisible helpers chopping, the smell of boiling pork, or the bubbling of the water. He was seduced from the cushions with aching joints.

He found the dragoness resting on her belly, watching as a pair of knives worked away, dicing up several peppers and potatoes over a cutting board. Once done the cutting plate would lift, dumping the contents into the cast iron pot resting over an open fire.

“Same soup as before?" He took a deep breath, letting the enchanting aroma's tickle his fancy.

She nodded, tapping the ground beside her with her tail. “Always seemed to be the right thing to do."

“Who said that?" He slipped beside her, sitting and resting upon her scales. Somehow he found them more comforting then her blankets. Her heartbeats were calming, the breaths relaxing.

She sighed mournfully as one of her invisible helpers plucked up an onion. “My mate. Day in and out with the little ones. I always made him of course. He used to poke at my scales something awful. Cooking like a human is such an oddity he used to jest." She fluffed up her wings, proudly resting a claw to her chest. “But look at me now. Turned out loving it. So, did he." She sighed, seeming to shrink. “But that was long ago." Her claw reached out, pulling him to her chest.

The steady chop of the knife kept their focus away from his mother, let their minds wander to more pleasing times. Eventually this ended as the veggies were all cut, and dropped into the waiting pot. The dragoness and human simply waited, staring into the fire's enchanting dance. Not saying a word passed between them as they relished the closeness. He pulled her close when her snout snaked inward, tracing over her nostrils with careful fingers.

“I'm sorry you lost your mother." She said softly, nuzzling at his face. “I'll promise they'll never hurt you again."

“I know." He replied, holding her tighter than ever before.

*

That night he was not confined to his bed. Instead, he was allowed to fall asleep with Arctic Wind on her nest. Long stories of his mother growing up were shared and how she’d shaped him. Tale after tale spilled from his lips, until the hours drew thin and his voice was gone. But no matter the length or the number, the dragoness listened just the same. She stayed silent, smirked when was needed, and laughed in a way he’d not heard her before. He could almost feel the his mother’s spirit alongside them , laughing at all the memories gone by.

His dreams were filled with dark shadows, specters that pounced from the endless void to snatch him away. Yet in a strange way he was thankful for that. Not having been haunted by his mother’s eyes, or dying words. Just resided to the all encompassing darkness, that consumed everything stray thought.

They were left in peace for the next few days. Whether it be from Theren’s own kindness, or Arctic Wind’s threat. It was the same result. It gave him the time to compose himself. They had free reign of the citadel to explore, no one to hinder or hamper them as she showed him every nook and cranny of the place. Meals came when he wanted, and he was free to even visit the desert sands. Though for that he still needed an escort of guards, and Arctic Wind to chaperone the entire thing.

On the sixth night he watched the sinking sun, treasuring it’s golden glory. He thought back to the night his mother and he had left, relishing in such a simple joy. He composed himself as icy tendrils crept back to his heart, drawing his hand to rest upon Arctic Wind’s limb. “Thank you.” He cupped her snout when she curled inward to inspect him.

“You’re most welcome. For the coming days won’t be so sweet.”

“You think?” He glanced to the citadel, and the dozen guards who were pretending to be talking to one another.

“Certainly.” She growled, resting her eyes to the multicolored cloud twinkling on the horizon. “They have to make up for all the lost time.”

He kicked the dirt and leaned onto her, hoping he still had the strength to carry on.