War of Dark Ages: A Unicorn's Journey
Chapter 19

Skye spreads his wings and soars high above the ground. Glancing back at The Duke, The Earl, and Boah on his back hopes they will not fall off. “Are you doing alright back there?”

“We are flying? Are you kidding me? And you’re asking now if we are alright?” Boah complains watching the beautiful sky around them.

The Duke chuckles. “It’s a great view from up here. We are not hurting you?”

“No, I’m perfectly fine.” Skye spreads his wings further and continues west towards the mountains.

“It’s fine that both of you are okay with this, but why did I have to come along?” The Earl of Garlsteag gazes at his surroundings, spotting all different kinds of clouds and flying creatures.

“Come now, this will be an interesting experience to tell your daughters. They love all these kinds of adventures and you do want to know about what is going on.” The Duke comments sarcastically, smirking at the Earl.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” The Earl replies with a smile.

The Duke smiles and looks ahead spotting the mountain ranges in the distance. “Looks like we should be over the mountains within the next hour. We can start looking for anything that is out of balance or has a bit more magic to it.”

Skye starts to descend not sensing any change in the area. Flying over the mountain ranges spotting different types of animals across them.

“I’m not sensing anything.” Boah gazes over the side.

“Perhaps it is further downward? Hold on while I turn.” Skye tilts his wing slightly higher allowing him to travel south along the mountain ranges.

“Nothing here either. They really must be good at sleeping.” The Duke comments.

“I’m not, wait a minute. Look down there, you see those two mountain ranges. Something is odd about them.” The Earl of Garlsteag comments and points south a bit further.

“Let’s check it out, I do sense something odd a bit further down. Be ready, I’ve never descended with people on my back.” Skye warns.

“And Now, out of all times, he tells us this!” Boah complains.

The Duke and the Earl laugh.

They hang on tight as Skye descends downward to the mountains landing on the other side spotting a clearing. He spreads his wings out by the clearing and lowers himself allowing for them to get off. Transforming back into human form, he stretches his hands upwards feeling refreshed.

“We are being watched,” The Duke comments.

“Well if you were sleeping and didn’t want to be woken up, wouldn’t you stay asleep or pretend to be?” Skye replies and walks forward to the side of the mountain.

“Indeed I would, but I found it strange that an Ancient Dragon still exists since they were annihilated a long time ago.” A voice from the mountain booms over them. Boah, the Duke and the Earl gaze around looking at where the voice came from.

Skye replies, “There was someone who showed me how to replace who I was. I will be forever grateful to her. It’s why we are here to ask for your help and to talk if that is alright with you.”

The face of the mountain appears before them as the two large eyes appear before them. “I would not mind a friendly chat, but to help that would depend on what it is needed. Very well, what shall we talk about?”

“Have you felt anything dark being over here lately?” Skye sits down on the ground. The others follow suit.

“Mm, dark eh? I’ve been asleep mostly but I was woken up by something magical recently that felt very familiar to something from ancient times. It wasn’t dark so perhaps I was dreaming about it,” the elemental golem replies.

Skye gives the Duke a questioning glance.

The Duke shrugs. “Mind if I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” The Elemental Golem responds.

“Do you know anything about Fallshmere? Or something called the Dark Ones?”

“Fallshmere? Dark Ones?” The Elemental Golem rock eyebrows raise.

“Remember a few months ago some travelers kept talking about the Dark Ones,” The other Elemental Golem responds.

“Ah yes, I thought you would be asleep Travid. Did I wake you?” The Elemental Golem questions.

“Nope, I was just ignoring the people again. There seem to be a lot of them lately Boru,” Travid responds.

“Indeed.” Boru yawns as Skye and the group look from one Golem to the other.

“Quite a few have traveled from the Kingdom of Saluden to below the mountains. Haven’t really paid much attention to what they are saying.”

“Of course.” The Duke responds.

“Mind if I ask who is Fallshmere? He doesn’t sound that terrifying.” Travid yawns.

“Fallshmere is known by another name. General Lokdanan.” The Duke replies.

Immediately Boru responds with rage and fear in his voice, “THE GENERAL LOKDANAN! How dare you speak that name here!” The mountain shakes and trembles, causing all four individuals to fall backward.

“Boru! Calm down! Boru!” Travid pleads with his brethren.

Skye stands up and walks up to the mountain placing his hand there. He lets his magic flow to Boru calming him down.

“Forgive me, but I have not heard that name for such a long time. Are you sure it’s General Lokdanan?” Boru questions with fear and rage mixed in his eyes.

Skye looks up, “Yes, I was there when he appeared using strange devices I’ve never seen.”

Boru closes his eyes and another shudder passes through him.

“I was terrified as well. But she stood her ground against him even with her fear and rage. She was pretty amazing which is why I want to defeat him. And help in any way I can for my own reasons.”

“She?” Boru opens his eyes.

The Duke stands up with the Earl and Boah. The Duke responds, “Her name is San. She can’t remember the creature she was before they turned her into one of them. And General Lokdanan seems to want something from her but at the moment we can’t figure out what that is.”

“Mm, You came to ask something from us? If it is to help your kind I will not do it,” Boru remarks.

“No, actually San recommended you might be able to turn the mountain into a home for the mountain-dwelling creatures he captured and held prisoner there.” The Duke bows. “Please forgive us if this is sudden. I will understand if you do not want to help us, but I thought perhaps you might want to help the creatures.”

“I wonder.” Boru closes his eyes.

“Boru? We can tell them to take a walk off the ledge if you’re feeling unwell,” Travid responds.

“No, I will need some time to think about this. You can climb down the mountain if you like or stay here. I will need to ponder these thoughts,” Boru comments, and the mountains on both sides become silent as the wind passes through.

“Let’s descend downward. I think we must have greatly upset them and we can set up camp for the night.” They look up, spotting the first set of stars above them.

The Earl and The Duke cast wind magic to descend the mountain.

Boah races down the mountain with lightning chains around him.

Skye opens his wings and follows behind, casting a worried glance at the elemental rock golem Boru.

They take out food for the night.

“Since we are here, can you fill me in on the rest of the explanation?” The Earl of Garlsteag continues to eat his soup.

“Of course, We were explaining the level difference of the damned creatures. Oh, and we need to fill you in on what happened at the capital Skye.” The Duke takes a sip of water.

“Oh something happened?” Skye continues to gaze at the fire.

The Duke nods and explains the events to all three of them, bringing them up to date. The Elemental Rock Golems in the back listen to every word they mention. Afterward, the Duke sets up a tent for the night and everyone retires to go to sleep.

Morning dawns and they put away the tent.

The Earl of Garlsteag stretches. “I wonder how we can help the rest of those creatures.”

The Duke smiles. “And here I thought you were going to tell me to ship them off somewhere.”

The Earl grimaces and casts a slight disapproval to the Duke. “Well, you have to admit there was a lot I didn’t know. And I see why you did so you could catch the bigger fish.”

“Well, at least I got to be a sideline this time and not the main course.” Boah comments and throws up both hands.

Both the Earl and the Duke scowl at him.

Skye chuckles. “Indeed. I still can’t figure out why San has a ton of darkness surrounding her and yet at the same so pure inside. I wish I could explain that better.”

The Duke smiles, “She is strange. Even after meeting and learning about her. It is strange the things she does even with all of that darkness. So much San doesn’t explain but her eyes are very expressive.”

“You mention this San person is pure, Skye?” Boru replies as his voice echoes to the cavern below.

“Yes. I can’t understand it.” Skye gazes up at the mountain.

The mountain moves as the Elemental Rock Golem emerges standing almost as tall as the mountain. The mountain remains the same shape looking slightly different.

Skye raises both eyebrows as Boru walks towards them, not causing the ground to shake.

Boru bends down. “I have not yet decided to help, but I am curious about this person you call San. I would like to meet her.”

“She is outside the town trying to work with others to save them. I can show you the way,” Skye offers him.

Boru lowers his hand and stretches out his fingers, “I can carry all of you there much quicker.” Everyone steps onto Boru’s hand and stands still as he lifts them with ease upwards.

“Do you want me to come?” Travid questions Boru.

“No, stay here. I shall be alright.” Boru responds and starts walking through the mountain to the other side.

They realize at once Boru blends in with the mountain while a small shield emits over where they are standing. The mountain shifts and Boru walks straight through the mountain not harming it or any creatures inside. He continues to walk, leaving the mountain and steps on the ground below. His footsteps are silent and no shaking is felt underneath.

They look over the side, spotting the ground isn’t disturbed.

Skye smiles slightly thinking Boru was walking with the Earth beneath them not on it.

“You noticed I am one with the ground?” Boru glances downward at the people standing in his hand.

“Indeed, It’s really impressive that you are one with the elements around you.” Skye agrees and looks forward, spotting the town in the distance.

“All elements are connected in one form or another to their surroundings. People tend to think that some elements are nasty but the natural element can never be good or bad since this world contains all of them,” Boru replies.

“I’ve never heard of it quite like that. I mean this whole world is connected throughout each terrain,” The Duke replies. “Oh you might want to stop over there, I see our King and I’m sure San is close nearby.” He points slightly ahead to the right.

Boru steps three more times and stops lowering his hand for them to depart.

San steps out of the tent and gazes at Boru with curious eyes. She walks forward placing her hand on his feeling something familiar about him. “I know you, don’t I?”

Boru smiles, “Indeed, I was much younger back then and always got into trouble, little San.”

San gazes at the Elemental Golem as a slight and hazy memory surfaces, “I remember you darting from your caretaker. You always made trouble for her. I don’t think I helped much either. Your name is Boru, correct?”

“Indeed, I never in my wildest dreams would imagine to see you again. I wish I had been stronger back then.”

“No, You’re still alive! And that gives me more hope than you can possibly imagine.” San closes her eyes and rests her face on the finger of Boru.

Boru’s smile deepens while his eyes remain sad. “So it is true then, General Lokdanan has returned?”

“Yes, and I will do everything in my power to ensure he never wins. But I will admit that will be hard. I have to learn from these creatures to learn their technology. We are trying to work together to defeat him.” San raises her head and gazes at him.

“Then please, allow me to be of service.” Boru stands up facing the northern mountains. He claps both hands together and places them on the ground kneeling.

The grass isn’t disturbed and connects to the ground below. The Cave of Solace to the north changes shape and grows four mountain peaks with one standing at least 23,000 feet high. The mountain opens different caves and pathways for creatures of all types.

Boru rises from the ground and gives a loud call that echoes throughout the meadows, the town, and nearby forests. Suddenly the creatures in the meadows move quickly to the mountains disappearing throughout the cave structures. He looks down at San. “I will rest at the mountain to watch over them for a time. I wish I could be of more help to you on your journey but something tells me, you will have enough help on your side.”

San smiles up at him. “Rest well, dear friend, Boru.”

Boru gives a slow bow of his head and walks forward to the mountains. He passes through the forest without raising a tree off the ground or stepping on creatures below and steps inside the mountains to sleep for a time.

San looks at them. “Thank you. I’m glad it went well and I got to meet an old friend.”

“He is definitely a bit hard-headed but has a great heart.” The Duke smiles.

Skye grins at Riley.

Boah places his arm around Riley’s shoulders.

King Argon smiles. “So all that is left is to help the rest of the people replace a home. It’s pretty amazing.”

Gwyneira and Calleas stand beside San wagging their tails and expressing their happiness. Even though this was a small victory and so much death happened. At least this time, a few were able to be saved.

“Shall we head to the tavern then? I’m sure all of us are starving and I want to hear about all your adventures talking with them.” Commander Kail comments.

“Sure, but you know, there isn’t much to tell,” Skye comments.

“Oh, if you’re saying that, then there must be quite a story involved.” King Argon smirks at the Duke.

A few chuckles can be heard as they walk back to the tavern. San takes one look back to the mountains, grateful a partial memory returned. Even though her form is still unknown, it seems she is slightly happy.

“Come on, San.” Commander Kail interrupts her thoughts.

San smiles at Commander Kail and walks together back to the tavern to eat.

Back at the tavern, Torin and Natasha are serving food around as the great news spreads. “Well, I have one last bottle of Shire. I think this occasion deserves it again. Free Drinks all around!” A lot of cheers ran across the tavern as most of the people had already been placed in steady homes and given sanctuary.

Natasha pours the drinks and hands them out to customers.

San smiles down at her cup of tea thinking about the current events. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought this possible with creatures like them. But she also knows that even though some are good, others are bad. In this light, they were not much different from creatures that tend to overstep their boundaries and get into fights. And yet so much is different at the same time.

Natasha smiles and twirls around handing drinks and food from her plate.

King Argon is sitting at another table with The Duke, The Count, Uri, The Earl, and Domar eating their fill.

Skye is sitting beside Commander Kail with Riley and Boah beside her.

Near the window is Gwyneira with her partner Calleas stretched out.

“Relieved?” Commander Kail asks.

“Yes, I honestly didn’t know how many we could save. It was with everyone’s help we were able to accomplish this. I’m still trying to understand this feeling.” San takes a sip of her tea.

“I understand, It’s an amazing feeling while at the same being somewhat nervous.” Commander Kail takes a small bite of food from his plate.

“Worried about tomorrow?” Riley questions.

“Yes, we leave for the capital, correct?” San questions.

“Yes, both you, Skye, Gwyneira, Calleas, and Commander Kail leave for the capital. Me and Boah will leave for the Port of Stayleen to see if we can perform some recon and gain more information regarding what is transpiring there.” Riley confirms with a nod of his head. ​

“What about Ragnar?” San questions.

“Ragnar will have his own mission in the south. He is going to try and see if he can get more details about the dealings with the Dark Ones down there.” Commander Kail comments and takes a sip of tonic.

“After the capital, can we go to the Ruins of Talemeshia?”

“Ruins of Talemeshia? Oh right, you want to explore there since it might be connected to the creature called Dardiyan. I don’t see why not?” Commander Kail surmises.

“Count me out, something tells me that recon is going to be a challenge. I mean they kept it under the rug for so long. If you want Riley, I can go solo and you can join them. I know you are eager to,” Boah offers.

Riley raises an eyebrow at Boah and places a hand on the table. “You are usually not this outgoing for solo missions. Why all of a sudden?”

Boah shrugs. “I think it would be good for you, is all. I mean usually you do your job, but you’re never really passionate about it.”

Riley smiles, “Alright, I know when I’m out. Looks like I will be joining you then on going to the capital, if you don’t mind?”

San smiles at Commander Kail.

Commander Kail gazes at Riley, “I would never turn down an offer from you, old friend.”

Riley grins and they continue to eat.

As they finish their food Commander Kail states, “I have a few last-minute documents to finish up before tomorrow. Shall I meet you at the Barracks?”

“I can meet you there,” Riley replies. “I still have a few rounds to make myself.”

“We will be there.” Calleas gives a nuzzle to Gwyneira.

“I’ll be there as well. I am going to make a few rounds myself and pick up a few items,” Skye remarks.

“I will be there,” San replies.

“Well, we shall see you when you get there. We are heading through the instant teleportation back to the castle. I look forward to meeting you again.” King Argon bows to her and walks out of the tavern with the Duke, the Earl of Garlsteag, and Domar behind him.

The Count waves his hand and they step out of the tavern.

Commander Kail, Skye, Boah, and Riley step out of the tavern performing their last duties in the Town of Runbay.

“Care to walk with me?” San offers Gwyneira and Calleas. They both nod and follow her outside. The elemental trees inside the alley sway back and forth. She walks forward to the water and kneels, placing her hand in and watching the ripples form.

Gwyneira walks forward and takes a small drink. “So much has happened hasn’t it? There is still so much to do, but I honestly didn’t think we would get this much help.”

“Agreed. I wonder how much has changed for this world and how much has stayed the same.” Calleas stretches and shakes out his fur.

“Too much I’m afraid. Don’t let this go to your head. From what Commander Kail and Riley have been hinting, most times people are greedy and selfish. So it’s rare for species to come together like this.” San watches the fish rise and splash the water.

“How is this much different from us? Seeing them like this I see the differences but in a way, we are very similar as we all carry darkness inside us. Except for you, San.” Calleas lays down at the tree resting his head on the tree bark.

“I have done dark things, for which I can never repent. But that is an argument saved for another time.”

“Why are you curious about the damned creature? I mean even if he is of lower rank surely defeating them is important.” Gwyneira tilts her head.

“Because I was always kept away from there in a different room or separate area away from them. It never dawned on me the importance of it until Fallshmere questioned it. He will not do or say anything unless it has some importance to him. If I can at least figure out why, perhaps I can use this small amount of knowledge against him.” San looks up at the sun starting to set.

“Interesting. I do hope we can turn the tables on him. Something tells me that will not be an easy feat since we know very little about these creatures and how it works for them.” Calleas stretches his back feet.

“Very true, we will wait and see.” San lies down on the grass gazing up.

Gwyneira lays beside her and they watch the time pass as the stars start to come out.

“We have a long day ahead of us, perhaps we should retire for the night.”

“San?” Gwyneira asks, raising her head.

“Yes?”

“Are you mad at us for joining you in your travels without asking us?” Gwyneira’s ears move backward.

“You mean the sacrifice you made in exchange for traveling with me?” San gazes at Gwyneira.

“You know about that.”

“Yes, and no I’m not mad. You gave up the ability to communicate with your magical species to defeat Fallshmere. How could I get angry with you for that?” She lays her hand on her chest. “You are willing to do anything to protect your own kin, even if that means you can never talk to them again.” After a few moments, she sits up. “I will admit it does make me sad, and yet I’m glad too.” She looks up at the stars and points at them. “If we can win this time against our enemies, we can ensure a future for them and all future generations. The stars will still be here to shine on them. Isn’t that a goal to fight for?”

Gwyneira smiles at the stars, “Yes it would. To ensure they never have to live in fear because of them. I will be forever grateful for that.”

Calleas stands up and walks over to Gwyneira giving her a nuzzle. “Then let’s make sure we win this time.”

San stands up, “Shall we retire for the night?”

Both Gwyneira and Calleas nod their heads and they proceed back to the tavern to rest for tomorrow. Who knows what will await them on their journey to the capital or what Fallshmere meant by his words to her that day?