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Sleep evaded me like I was public enemy number one, Mishal reaching for me. Picking him up, I bounced him on my laugh. Kissing the top of his head, his eyes gazed up at me. A smile spread cheek to cheek, his tiny fingers wrapping around my thumb. Boran sat up next to me, his blanket falling to reveal his muscular chest. Running his hand through his hair, a soft groan escaped his lips.
“You need to sleep at some point. Someone could see your bags from a mile away.” He voiced with rich concern. “I can watch him if you want to take a nap.” Shaking my head, the next lord’s castle would be popping up soon. On top of that my anxiety was at an all time high, my eyes narrowing in his direction. Sleep ranked rather low on my priority, his lips pressing into a thin line.
“You haven’t slept in two weeks.” He barked sharply, Mishal gearing up to cry. “Sorry. I am just worried about you. Even the legendary Lottie needs sleep.” His sarcastic response pissed me off, Mishal’s wail making everything worse. My head pounded, the noise becoming too much. My ears pinned back, a snarl curling on my lips.
“Shut up!” I returned heatedly, everyone stirring awake. “Whatever! I am going for a walk with Mishal.” Smoothing out my emerald wool dress, I tucked Mishal into his sling. Darwin popped up next to me, a fuming Boran remained in bed. Ha, I didn’t need sleep. Darwin was busy buttoning up the last button of his wool dress shirt, his black pants dancing in the breeze.
“Are you okay, Mommy? You have been tense lately.” He asked sincerely, my expression softening at his kind words. “Don’t bullshit me. I can always tell when you are lying.” His golden eyes begged for an answer, my hands cupping his. Kissing the top of his hands, it did little to satisfy his wet eyes.
“I am a little stressed. We do have a whole dimension to s-” I began, the sound of horse hooves clopping in the distance. Ushering him into the lush bushes, I pushed Darwin’s head back down. A train of captured prisoners clicked by us, a random criminal leading the charge. Dread bubbled in my gut, a cold muzzle pressed into the back of my head. Placing our hands in the air, a masked criminal pushed us into a cage. Cursing myself for not having Dackworth with me, I needed to find another way out. Darwin waited until they were gone to slip through the bars, dropping a milky blue marble into my palms.
“This is a tracker pearl. I am going to get help.” He promised me sweetly, kissing the top of his brother’s head. “We will come get you. Stay tight.” Cocking my brow in response, Mishal’s coo captured my attention. Darwin sprinted back towards the camp as a masked criminal approached my cage. Swallowing the marble, the tall slender man ripped me out of the cage. Patting me for any weapons, stealing the contents of my boots. Not saying a word, he threw me into the cage. Hollering for the driver to start, the wooden cage jolted forward. Sitting tight, there wasn’t a safe way out of this with Mishal with me. A ragged looking mother knocked on the worn bars, the black bags underneath her ocean blue eyes matched mine. Two small blonde haired girls clung to her side, their ocean blue eyes watching me. Brown rags covered her pale skin, the same outfit swallowing her children. Judging by the mats in their hair, they had been a part of the trade for a while.
“You must be the new queen.” She chimed hopefully, gripping the bars. “Are you here to save us? Do you have any water? We are so thirsty.” Summoning three bubbles of water, childlike wonder brightened the girls’ eyes. Their filthy hands cupped the water, a sigh of relief escaping their lips. Attempting to fix her silver mats, guilt dimmed her eyes.
“I wish I could but I left my camp in a huff. I don’t have any way to fight them. My friends are on the way.” I whispered, her little girls sobbing softly. “What are your names?” Clearing her throat, her hands trembled nervously. Unable to find her words, a guard smashing his fist on our cages. His mask hid his face, a quiet rage burning in our eyes.
“Shut up Salenia or I will kill your precious Star and Cloud.” He threatened darkly, licking my bars. “You look like a delicious treat. Thanks to Wrathia, we were able to continue our journey. If you want to keep that baby boy alive, then I suggest you button your damn lips.” Fighting the urge to bite back, Mishal’s safety had to come first.
“Come here sweetheart, I want to touch the merchandise.” He continued menacingly, watching me crawl to the front. Silver keys caught my eyes, a sickening nausea twisted my stomach. Lifting up his mask to expose his lips, my lips pressed against his lustfully while I stole his keys. Tucking them down my cleavage, a satisfied gasp echoed in my ear. Fighting the urge to vomit, his greedy hands reached for my breasts. A quick slap shocked him, suspicion showing in his eyes. Tapping my lips, my real identity needed to be hidden.
“My baby was the result of a John.” I giggled playfully, my tail wagging. “I have been a lady of the night. If you come by my cage tonight, you can play all you want. Now get back to work, big boy.” Saluting me, confusion dawned Salenia’s face. Flashing her a bit of the keys, a silent understanding passed between us. We would have to wait until the night unfurled her arms, so I could get a weapon. Leaning in the back corner of the cage, a loud growl caused embarrassment to color my cheeks. My curiosity peaked at the criminal coming back with five apples, sliding them discreetly through the bars. Skipping off, my act must have convinced them. Tossing them our two apples, tears welled up in her eyes.
“Aren’t you hungry?” She stammered anxiously, her children devouring two apples each. “I can’t thank you enough.” Waving my hand around to shut down her argument, the marble was doing a number on my stomach anyways. Resting my hand on my flat stomach, Boran’s crooked grin flashed in my mind. My heart fluttered at his desire to have seven children, wondering when the next pregnancy would be. We weren’t exactly being careful, most of that being my fault. Sweet slumber stole me away, a hand on my thigh snapping me awake. Punching the person in the face, a cussing Boran clutched me close to his chest. Tears soaked the top of my head, his hands holding my shoulder. A bruise shined on his cheek, the nausea refusing to leave.
“I am so happy to see you alive.” He fussed, his hands touching my face. “The lady over there said you stole the keys. Can we have them?” Yanking them out of my chest, his steady hand accepted them graciously. Setting my scythe in front of me, Darwin climbed in next to him. His scythe rested on his shoulder, a trail of dead men stated rather clearly what had occurred. His eyes returned to normal, his arms wrapping around my neck. Pecking my cheek, his arms scooped up his brother. Struggling to my feet, my companions waved to me. Mary and Kara helped Darwin off, Merlin and Maryanna choosing to protect them.
“Can I ask you something, Tusks?” I queried in a feathery tone, gripping my handle tighter. “What would you do if I became pregnant tomorrow? It isn’t like we are being careful.” Chuckling to himself, his strong arms surrounded me once more. Melting into his body, he lifted up my chin with his finger.
“We could have twenty kids and I would still love you.” He assured me warmly, chaos unfolding behind us. “That is why I don’t care how careful we are being. Soon enough you will be pregnant again and we will have an even bigger family.” Clearing my throat, I brushed past him. That was enough of that. Leaping off the cart, a dark cloud blocked the full moon. Something seemed off, the pine trees groaning in a blustery gust of wind. The ground quaked, a seven foot troll stomped out in front of me. Taking in his blubbery mass of olive skin, chained women and children marched solemnly behind them. Raising my scythe, silver water swirled around me. Boran tossed the keys to Kanama, the doors swinging open. Women and children ran past me, goblins warriors chasing after them. Kanama whistled, three black hellhounds burst from the ground. Devouring the soldiers, the criminals sprinted into the woods.
“By the order of my crown, I command you to let them go!” I ordered venomously, low growls rumbling in my throat. Raising a barbed wire club, the sheer force of it hitting the ground sent me into the sky. Catching a branch, I used my body to spin around a couple of times. Kicking off the tree, water and vines mixed together to distract him. Somata’s lips moved a mile a minute, Avy popping up next to me with her colorful blade. Unfolding my wings, orange flames destroyed the glove hiding my dragon arm. Sliding my hand down my dragon eye, heat signatures dotted a sea of blue. Seeking his core, it bounced around his chest.
“Avy, I need you to distract him for a second while I get to his c-” I began, a large hand grabbing me. Dropping me into his mouth, my face scrunched in disgust. Slamming the tip of my scythe into his throat, a scream rattled my body. Ary’s cries could be heard outside, my vines creeping along down his throat to his soul. This was going to hurt, dragon flames chasing them down as blue roses bloomed among the sea of orange. Saliva soaked me, vomit threatened to fly up my throat. Now wasn’t the time, my mind formulating a spell.
Eternal flames of the dragon! Combine with my blue blossoms. Make this troll pay for his crimes!” I chanted boldly, holding on tight. Dackworth’s words began to fade in and out, clammy sweat drenching my skin. Struggling to hold on, cooked organs swirled in a bubbling pool of inky sludge. Only two fingers held on, hot air lashing at my cheeks the moment I let go. Flames swirled around me, a neon green chain of energy catching me by my ankles. Dackworth struggled to hold on, his energy flickering out. Something needed to be done before he died for real this time. Alas, it was too late. Tears welled up in my eyes, the chains transforming into a floating ball. Blood splashed against the smooth surface, an eruption sending me into the sky. The ball flickered out, storm clouds brewing over me. Flipping through the air, my wings were too wet to work. Catching my scythe, a neon green orb remained where his eye once was. Tears blurred my vision, Somata leaping up to catch me. A tortured scream burst from my lips, the orb not changing. Landing gracefully, he tried to console me. Shoving him off of me, heavy raindrops soaking me further. Laying my scythe on the ground, I tapped the orb until small cracks formed.
“No!” I pleaded desperately, my companions gathering around me. “Leave me alone, damn it! I am trying to f-” A six year old Dackworth held his father’s hand, his hair swaying in the blustery winds. Rising to my feet, everyone watched as I lost my mind.
“Fuck you, Dackworth! I can’t show you the world if you are dead!” I cursed brokenly, cupping the sides of my face. “I can’t live without you! Who else is going to chastise me when I screw up, you rotten bastard!” Sinking to my knees, the orb was no more than a mere gem. Pressing my forehead to the wet grass, scream after scream burst from my lips. Salenia crouched down to my level, a white orb spun in her hand. Too stunned to speak, she helped me sit up. Lowering the orb into my palm, her serene smile never left her face. The mats were gone, silvery waves cascaded down her back.
“Thank god, I am free. This is your wish for helping me earlier. My children certainly appreciate it.” She explained calmly, her thumbs wiping away my tears. “I have heard much about you, your majesty. Choose wisely. You can even bring Dackworth back. Think carefully, my dear child.” He felt so happy walking away with the spirit of his father, my heart sinking at the fact that I couldn’t drag him back.
“I wish for these families to have a home.” I sobbed softly, knowing that Dackworth would never speak to me again. “Can you promise to protect them from the storm coming our way? That is my single wish.” Bowing her head, her palms pressed together. Silver homes popped up, a dome flickering to life. The families rushed into the homes, Star and Cloud bouncing up to me. Embracing me warmly, their tears soaked my shoulders. Helios roared behind them, the two girls turned to play with the baby dragon. Tommy hopped onto my shoulders, Boran and Darwin rushing up to me. Smothering me in their love, a warmth came over me. Darwin showered me in kisses, Mishal reaching for me.
“I miss Dackworth.” Tommy comforted me sweetly, rubbing his head against my cheek. “Why didn’t you use your wish to bring him back?” Petting him, his hand snuggled into my palm. Clearing my throat, his death hurt me. Seeing the pure joy in the moment of his walking away with his father stole any chances of that happening.
“She did it because she has the vision of death. She can see the spirits departing this realm. Hell, you probably saw his energy flickering out.” Salenia interjected pleasantly, dusting off her ivory robes. “As the goddess of good fortune, I can recognize an excellent leader when I see one. Stick around while us goddess families prepare a feast for you and your honorable team. Make this your base to come back too. It is too dangerous for you to keep wandering around. Besides, I come with free babysitting. What do you say?” Offering me her hand, a solid place to stay would be lovely. Helios set a tree on fire, a stream of silver water shot from my palm to put his fire out. The fellow gods rushed around, Boran pulling me off the ground. Mishal squirmed in the basket on his back, a personal gift from the people we saved. Wrapping his arm around the small of my waist, his lips brushed against my forehead. Wiping away my tears, my dragon eye returned to normal.
“Can we stay here, Dagger?” He inquired cautiously, gauging my puffy face. “We can work through this.” Every cell in my body wanted to lash out, his attempt was endearing. Attempting to smile, he stopped me. Sliding his hands down my arms, something was eating at him. Nodding a silent affirmation, he shot everyone a thumbs up. Cheers erupted around us, my hand cupping my mouth. Rushing over to bushes, hot vomit seared its way up my throat. Clammy sweat soaked my skin, a fever burning my cheeks. Clutching my stomach, now wasn’t a good time. Boran beamed with pride, my finger raising in the air. Parting my lips to speak, another bout of vomit racked me. Curse the consequences of our actions, Salenia dancing over to me. What the hell was up with her?
“Oh, would you look at that?” She mused playfully, rubbing my back. “Another soul has been reborn.” Narrowing my eyes in her direction, she twiddled her thumbs. Refusing to look at me, her bare feet twisted in the dirt.
“What did you fucking do!” I roared thunderously, fury burning in my eyes. “Because if it is what I think you did, then I am fucking kill you!” Stepping back, she placed her hands in the air. Chuckling nervously, she leaned forward. Making her five foot petite frame even smaller, Boran struggled to hold me back. Every emotion flashed on my face, an apologetic smile danced across her lips. All of this felt wrong, a poisonous hatred brewing in my eyes.
“It’s more like two.” She choked out awkwardly, tapping her lips. “I kind of pulled some favors to bring Dackworth and his father back into this realm.” Peeling off my boot, Boran snatched it from me before I could throw it in her face. Tears stained my cheeks, my head shaking. Was this some sick form of fate biting me in the ass?
“Did you ask them?” I uttered simply, seconds from a second temper flare. “I repeat, did you ask them?” Giving her a second to answer, another bout of morning sickness paralyzed me. Squirming out of his arms, I flew towards the bush. Throwing up all that remained from my stomach, Boran held my hair back. My vision blurred, every ounce of me hating her at the moment. It was sick to play with someone's souls. Exhaustion hung on my eyelids, sweet slumber stealing me away.
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