That Which Dragons Fear

By Michael Ignacio Jr.

Time is running out, and only one thing can save the empire!

Princess Twisha Flara has a cunning plan to fight the dreaded Celestial Ones, but in order for her plan to succeed, she will have to go on another dangerous adventure. At least she has Nori, Apisa, Rayko, and Luxi to stand beside her.

Tov is commanded by his masters to venture into an unknown land in order to fetch a weapon that will be able to kill a most hated enemy. If he succeeds, then his people may survive what’s to come. If he fails, all is lost.

The greatest conflict in a thousand years is about to erupt within Korrine, and nothing will ever be the same once it does.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Ignacio Jr.
• Release date: May 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311101402

Michael Ignacio Jr.

Kapuha Press LLC is a small publishing press that produces exceptional fantasy, sci-fi, and dark-fantasy/horror novels, anthologies, and audio dramas. Michael Ignacio Jr. is the creative director and owner of the company, and he leads his team of authors, writers, voice actors/ actresses, and professional staff to provide high-quality literature/entertainment for your enjoyment. Kapuha Press LLC's vision is to inspire and cultivate our readers' imaginations through unique, original stories. Our mission is to publish fantasy, sci-fi, and/or horror stories as paperbacks, e-books, and audio dramas. Kapuha Press LLC will debut new authors and story tellers by publishing their works in fantasy, sci-fi, and/or horror anthologies. We will also create high quality audio dramas by using compelling story lines, hire talented voice actors/actresses, and use dynamic background music.

Book preview

Other Books by Michael Ignacio Jr.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTNEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This book is dedicated to the people who truly understand what friendship means. I have been very blessed to have some amazing friends who have supported me, aided me when I really needed them, and provided me with constant feedback, support, and love. The Magic of Friendship is alive and well in my life, and I really couldn’t have succeeded on this journey without you all. You know who you are, but I specifically want to say thank you to Heather Alfaro, William Alfaro (Billy Man), Daniel Wilkens, Dani Otto, James Massey, Paul Murphy, and Len Berry.

I also want to say thank you to the following people. Without you, I would not have been able to produce this novel: To God for granting me a creative soul, to Daniel Wilkens for being my editor-in-chief, to Enggar Adirasa for doing my cover art, to Heather Alfaro, Jenna Conlon-Spiegel, and Hope Baker for being great beta readers, and to Pink Ink Designs for doing my formatting.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places are works of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any places or persons, living, dead, or fictional is entirely coincidental. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any matter whatsoever without the expressed written permission of the publisher, except for use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN # - 978-0692698310

Printed in the United States of America

Kapuha Press LLC

Copyright © 2016 by Michael Ignacio Jr. All rights reserved.

Edited by Daniel Wilkens

Cover art by Enggar Adirasa

Cover Design and Interior Formatting by Pink Ink Designs

Other Books by Michael Ignacio Jr.

The Wrath of the Forgotten, Book 1 of the Korrinian Chronicles – Released in Oct. 2015

What has been forgotten can destroy you and everything you hold dear. Daisko Nori learns this lesson first hand while fulfilling his duty as an imperial bodyguard. Nori is sent to the city of Jadai to protect the youngest daughter of the Empress. What begins as an easy, boring assignment quickly escalates into an epic quest, filled with terrible monsters, questionable characters, and a race against time. Will Nori and his friends be able to reach the capital before the will of the Celestial Ones comes to pass?

The Witch’s Theft – Released in Dec. 2015

What do an obsessive witch, a kidnapped prince, and a warrior princess have in common? All three are forced to take matters into their own hands to protect what they love. Aya uses her witchcraft to abduct Prince Minoru and save him from an assassination attempt. Princess Kio embarks on a quest to rescue the prince to avoid war between their two countries. While in the witch’s custody, Prince Minoru questions the noble responsibilities thrust upon him. At the same time, a dark political plot emerges, which could easily tear the two lands apart. With growing threats all around them, Aya, Minoru, and Kio find love in unexpected places. Will true love survive the menacing evil that swiftly approaches?

Out of the Shadows – Released in Jan. 2016

Vanessa McMasters is not a super villain like the rest of her family. Whereas they brought devastation and chaos to the Kazon District within Sagen City, she plans to bring order and peace — one death at a time. In her quest to right her family’s wrongs, she discovers not everything is as it seems. Vanessa discovers firsthand that the heroes she admired are more insidious than she thought, and the family she hated for a decade was nobler than she ever dreamed. Where will Vanessa, aka Phobia, stand when the line between good and evil blurs?

For more great content from Michael Ignacio Jr., please go to www.michaelignacio.com

DRAGONS.

A deep and foreboding silence lingered in the audience chamber. Cestise shifted slightly in her chair, but did her best to maintain a relaxed appearance. Thank Saito that everyone’s attention was focused solely on Flara at the moment. Cestise rested her hands in the lap of her dress, right where many of the blue, green, purple and pink lines ran side by side. While her face reflected the expected elegance of a princess, her magenta eyes waivered like a leaf trembling in the wind. Dread rolled around in her stomach like a wild tornado. Cestise’s black hair had been tied in a pony tail that ran down her back, and she felt it press against her as she sat back in her chair.

Lusianis, Cestise’s middle sister, sat on the other side of their beloved mother. Whereas Cestise favored the single pony tail style, Lusianis adorned a pair of pigtails. Each of the black locks fell over her shoulders and trailed down the front left and right of her blue and purple dress. It was far easier to observe the anxiety and unease in Lusianis’ blue eyes. She never was good at concealing her emotions. That’s why Lusianis had been easy for Cestise to manipulate in the past.

As carefully as she could, Cestise snuck a peek at her mother. The Empress sat poised like a statue upon the throne, and her unwavering focus centered on Flara. The golden crown rested on Empress Fausa’s black hair, and she looked divine in her exquisite red dress. There was no hint of discomfort in her mother’s eyes, nor was there any deviation of the lips. They were just a thin line under her nose. Cestise winced a little. Could she ever learn to be so imposing?

Flara stood before the throne with her shoulders back, her head held high, and her gaze locked with their mother’s. Granted, Flara’s greenish-blue eyes shook almost as violently as Cestise’s. Flara’s black hair hung freely, and a few thick strands nearly blocked her right eye from view. Flara wore a butter-yellow dress that fell to her knees and a pair of boots. It definitely didn’t reflect the sort of grandiose style that royalty typically adorned. Then again, Flara never really fit with royalty. That notion was so much more apparent ever since she went to Jadai. There was still a slight nervousness in Flara’s voice when she spoke, but a unique and unexpected boldness had blossomed within her.

Before her friends had been allowed to enter the audience chamber, Flara had been requested to explain the story of her journey. When Flara first gave her… unusual suggestion, Lusianis reacted emotionally. She had screamed out, declaring such a search for dragons foolish and insulting to the great Imperial military. Cestise had tried a different approach, but she too attempted to dissuade their younger sister.

Flara refused to back down. Where had that unwavering courage come from?

While Cestise and her sisters debated the idea of aligning with dragons, Empress Fausa simply sat, silent and inspective. The fact that their mother observed and considered, yet didn’t provide her own insight sent tendrils of anxiety throughout Cestise’s spine and back. A great weight emerged within Cestise’s gut, and it pressed against her insides with the fervor of a giant.

Flara’s plan was dangerous; not only for herself, but everyone and everything who had a vested interest in Korrine.

Four Qu-Tar body guards, not including Flara’s Onistan pet, stood within the room. They maintained stoic faces, but their eyes betrayed them. Each of the Qu-Tar watched the youngest princess intently, eager for more information.

Lusianis spoke before Cestise could find her words. I still don’t understand the logic behind your search. Dragons have never meddled in the affairs of the Empire before. Why would they care about our plight now?

Flara wrung her hands together. Despite resembling a child being scolded, Flara stood with an aura of defiance emanating from her. The dragons assisted us in the past when the Celestial Ones reigned a thousand years ago. Something must have encouraged them to fight beside us back then, and maybe that same reason could help us now. We must find them if we hope to survive against the Celestial Ones’ onslaught.

Lusianis narrowed her eyes and sat forward, ever so slightly. Are you implying that my military forces are not sufficient to handle the coming crisis?

The Onistans were legendary for their might and strength, Flara said. And they were wiped out. I’m not saying that the Imperial army is weak, I’m stating that if we don’t collect stronger allies, we risk being destroyed like the Onistans.

Any fight within Lusianis’ eyes faltered. Lusianis winced, licked her lips, and then nodded to their mother.

Cestise shifted in her seat and said, While I admit that Flara’s suggestion does hold considerable merit, there is one problem with what she is proposing. None of us know where to find these… creatures of legend. Where do we even start the search?

The Empress turned her attention toward Cestise. Those cold, calculating eyes scanned over Cestise’s body, and perhaps inside her soul. Internally, Cestise shivered, but externally, she remained as poised and graceful as a dancer.

You’re right, the Empress said. As my most trusted advisor, where do you recommend she begin searching? You have spent considerable time in the Royal Records as of late. Have you by chance stumbled across anything that might be connected to dragons, or perhaps the Celestial Ones?

Cestise’s heart thumped in her ears. She sat taller in her chair. "My studies in the Royal Records have been directed at past harvest reports and tax collection records. I did not have time to delve into the more obscure and interesting lore. There might be something there. Perhaps I can help my beloved sister in her search.

Flara immediately bowed. Oh dear, I… I’m sure you would be incredibly helpful in analyzing the lore, but I wouldn’t want to take you from your royal obligations. As the Empress’ advisor, surely you have more important matters of state to handle, rather than something like this. She turned to face their mother. I would like to request that my friends Radanashi Rayko and Pite Apisa help me though. They can be trusted.

The Empress smiled. If you value them so much, I am certain they possess immense character. You are right, I need Princess Cestise to handle other matters. I give you free reign to the Royal Records.

Flara’s bottom lip quivered slightly. Even the Restricted Section?

For a brief moment, the Empress sat in her chair and gazed down at Flara.

Cestise narrowed her eyes slightly and dug her thumb into her index finger. It seemed that Flara had become even more courageous than Cestise had originally thought. That was… problematic.

You may have access to that section as well, the Empress replied. In the wake of your great revelation, we need to be prepared with all of the lore we can get our hands on. I pray that Saito blesses you with luck. The Empress rose to a stand. If there is nothing else, I will give you all my leave. She turned her attention first to Lusianis, and then to Cestise. I will see you two at dinner. She paused, and then smiled to Flara. I hope to see you there as well.

Flara bowed again. Of course, Mother. I’d love to have dinner with you all.

Satisfied, the Empress left the room. As soon as the Empress was gone, Lusianis hopped out from her chair. Her apprehension dissolved away, and she grinned at their youngest sister. With an excitable bounce, Lusianis moved closer to Flara. Cestise scoffed a little and approached Flara with poise.

Lusianis wrapped Flara in a tight hug. There isn’t a single star in the night’s sky that is as radiant as you are. You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman. It’s so good to see you again.

I agree, Cestise said. It is hard to believe you are the same scared little lamb we sent to Jadai all those years ago. I am so proud of you.

Flara shrank a little under the weight of their compliments. Um… thank you. We only just arrived, and I am a little weary. I would like to freshen up, but afterwards would you all want to have tea?

Lusianis clapped her hands together. That sounds lovely. She turned to Cestise. Doesn’t that sound lovely?

Cestise reached out, and gently caressed Flara’s cheek. Yes, it does. Shall we meet in an hour on the southern balcony?

Flara replied, That sounds wonderful. I have missed you both so much.

Cestise’s heart fluttered as she gave her youngest sister a bow. Lusianis asked Flara several more questions, but Cestise had ceased listening. A sudden urgency flickered within the darkest part of her soul. She didn’t say a word, but she turned around and moved out of the audience chamber. As she passed by the group of Flara’s friends, she couldn’t help but regard the Onistan. He was a giant man, much larger than any of the normal people of the empire. Cestise had never seen an Onistan up close, but she had heard about their ogre-like proportions. Nori had short, thick black hair and dark eyes. His larger jaw gave the man a more bestial appearance. Though he exuded an ominous presence, he was just one man. Then again, Flara had spoken highly of this man’s capabilities. Nori was someone to watch.

Cestise exited the audience chamber and moved down the elegant, marble floored hallways. Several people passed her by, and she greeted them as dictated by polite decorum. Eventually, Cestise entered her bedroom and closed the door behind her. Now that she was away from prying eyes, she could be free to let go.

A tidal wave of anxiety rushed over her, and its icy grip strangled her courage. She took several deep breaths as she placed her back against the door. The plan had failed. That servant was supposed to kill Flara too. Flara was supposed to be spared from what was to come. Now, her beloved little sister would be forced to bare testament to the retribution of the Holy Ones. Tears welled in Cestise’s eyes, and a few beads of moisture streaked down her cheeks. Everything that she and the others had worked for was in danger of being destroyed. Dragons! Of all things that her sister could have said, why dragons?

Cestise took a few deep breathes and ran her fingers through her hair. In. out. In out. Her head felt lighter. A sudden wave of dizziness twirled behind her eyes, but she dismissed it. Cestise was working herself up. She had to relax. She had to lie down.

An elegant canopy bed with light pink blankets sat in the middle of the room, while several pristine dressers stood against the walls. Cestise lay down on the bed, then reached over to her night stand. She opened the drawer, and pulled out a pendant with an intricate yellow gem imbedded in a metal half sphere. Holding the small trinket filled Cestise with warmth. Latent magical energies buzzed against her skin. Her terror and unease retreated into the depths of her mind.

Cestise clasped the pendent in both hands and pressed it against her chest. She licked her lips and began to think.

URAE’S BRIGHT PINK BLADE crackled in her hands. Her blood pumped through her veins, and her muscles strained as she swung again. Several strands of her red hair whipped in front of her face, but she didn’t care. The tip of her energy sword almost grazed her father’s chest. Urae winced as her father danced away. No matter how hard she tried or how fast she moved, she couldn’t even scratch him.

Urae and her father clashed swords in an open meadow, with the trees being their only witnesses. A bright clear sky loomed above them. The warm sunlight kissed Urae’s skin as she chased after her father. Tov bobbed and weaved just out of her reach. All the while, he studied her with a grim sparkle in his blue eyes.

"Does he regret making me more powerful?" Urae thought.

She winced and twirled about. Urae brought her sword around again and made several rapid slashes at him. Tov ducked, hopped back, and leaned away to avoid all of her attacks. His own yellow energy blade was causally kept at his side. He hadn’t even raised it up yet during their encounter.

As Urae stabbed at him again, Tov finally deflected her sword with his own. In a flash, he advanced on her. Urae barely parried his blade out of the way before he launched a series of lightning fast strikes at her. She whirled her sword around, and kept all of the attacks from touching her.

Time slowed down, and yet her father grew faster. Urae’s lungs ached, but she pushed through the anguish. Each parry and block became more difficult to produce than the last. Her limbs groaned in protest, but she urged them to continue. Every once and while, their blades smacked together with considerable force. Thunder resounded between them. There was no pause or struggle for dominance. Tov pulled his blade back again and thrusted toward Urae’s body. Urae desperately moved her sword through the air, and stopped his weapon at the last possible second.

Her father began moving in one direction, but then rapidly whirled about and brought his sword low. Urae tried to follow both him and his sword with her eyes. Searing pain spread up and down her right arm. Tov rested his energy blade at Urae’s throat.

Her grinned at her as he stepped away. The fight was over, but he still held his sword out in front of him. The last time he thought to give her a reprieve, she had launched a spirited assault on him. Urae had nearly scratched him that time.

The wound on her arm had already started to close up, and the pain no longer prodded at her.

You have to be faster, Tov said. How do you expect to serve the Celestial Ones if you can’t keep up with your foe?

Urae stamped her foot. It’s not fair! You’re a master swordsman, and I’m still a novice. I’m doing the best I can.

Tov dismissed his sword. That’s my point! You’re doing your best, but it’s not good enough. I almost died when I went to do the Masters’ will. The people you intend on fighting will be ruthless and skilled.

I know that, but… you’re also ascended. The enemies won’t be as powerful as you are now, Urae said. And you weren’t this strong when you fought them the last time.

Tov frowned. You’re ascended now too, and I was still more powerful than you are now when I fought them before. Perhaps making you one of my four knights was a mistake. I wasn’t thinking clearly. Now that you are ascended, you’re going to have to get much stronger much faster than what you’re doing now.

Tears formed in Urae’s eyes. She gritted her teeth and pointed her sword at her father. I’m doing the best I can. You didn’t make a mistake! I’ll show you that I can be worthy too. If you hadn’t restricted me for all those decades, maybe I would have been stronger than I am now. You gave me this power so I could fight, and so I could be able to withstand what’s to come!

No! Tov replied. I gave you the power so you wouldn’t look like a diseased human like the rest of our people. I gave you the power so you wouldn’t get sick or hurt. I wanted to protect you, and now it seems I’ve only placed you in more danger.

Urae dismissed her own sword and walked up to him. She wrapped her arms around him. Father, I appreciate what you’ve done, but you have to stop babying me. I love our people just as much as you do. I want them to be safe and happy too. I want to serve like you.

Tov returned her embrace, and gripped her tightly in a hug. You’re just like your damned mother. She was bold too. She didn’t fear the danger of the humans.

Urae gazed up at him. Are they truly so dangerous? I know you fought them, but are they really the monsters that you’re describing?

Yes, yes they are. They are so much more horrid than anything I’ve told you. Humans are greedy and careless. They only care about their own interests, and they never look out for one another. You can see how terrible they are by looking at the wretched state of their empire. Their rulers and nobles live in luxury and splendor while there are poor people sick and starving in the streets. We don’t live like that.

Urae stepped back away from her father. I know that. I just wish I could see them for myself. I only got a distant view of the Onistans. I never even got to go into their city.

Tov shook his head. The Onistans were more knowledgeable of us. They might not have known what we were exactly, but they knew to mistrust us. I’m glad you never experienced the horror of their menace. They were the ones who slaughtered your mother, after all.

Urae lowered her gaze. I wish I could have known her. You make her sound so wonderful.

Tov reached out and brushed some of the hair from Urae’s eyes. She shivered at her father’s touch. If you’re ever curious as to who she was, look inward at yourself. You remind me so much of that, it hurts sometimes. There is little beauty in the human world. Trust me, my guiding light. The real splendor of creation is in nature.

Urae swallowed hard and rubbed her thumbs against the inside of her fingers. So… there is some beauty to be seen in their world then? Even a little?

Tov sighed. His brow furrowed, but he gave her a small, but warm smirk. Yes, my darling daughter. Even I can admit there is some beauty in their world. It is not worth seeing though, trust me.

Urae’s lips formed a little pout. You say that, but you’ve seen it. I’ve never gotten to behold their wonders. She let out a little sigh. I’d give anything to be able to witness their world.

Tov lowered himself so that he could stare directly into Urae’s eyes. Never ever say that again. You dishonor what we stand for and what your mother believed in.

Urae’s shoulders sank a little. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dishonor anything. I just want to see what the human world has to offer. Before the Celestial Ones destroy all of it.

Tov took several steps back, and then he re-ignited his energy sword. You want to be free to see the world as you desire? Then land a single wound on me.

Urae swallowed hard. Her eyes opened wide. You promise? If I can wound you just once, then I can go see the humans?

Tov lowered his stance and gave her a slight nod.

Urae summoned her energy blade and charged her father. A renewed sense of power and energy flourished in her. The excitement of seeing the things she dreamed about teased her, but Urae pushed those images away for now. She had to focus.

She whipped her blade around, and pivoted around Tov’s counter attacks. Judging from the light in her father’s eyes, he probably hadn’t expected this surge of power from within her. Back and forth, she and her father traded blows. Tov stepped back, and even summoned a second blade.

Urae did the same. Swords crashed against one another. Bodies twirled in rapid fashion. A powerful magic coursed through her, and she just knew she would land a wound upon him. Tov’s arms moved so quickly that Urae could barely keep up. She did though. With great luck, she blocked every one of his attacks and even countered them.

Tov stepped back again. His energy wings jutted from his back. In that single instance, everything changed. Instead of having two blades to worry about, four points launched her way with the speed of a powerful gust. Though the tips of her father’s wings were blunt, they still hurt when they slammed into her body.

Tov struck her many times. Blood seeped down her body, but this time Urae didn’t stop. She didn’t wince, and she didn’t back away. Urae kept pushing and swinging. Pain saturated her senses. Her blade was knocked away by a wing, and another one slapped her in the face. Her father actually smiled at her as she kept trying to cut him.

Urae summoned her own wings, but they did little to stop Tov’s assault. In fact, once she tried to level the playing field, her father attacked faster and harder.

He spun around and used the edge of the wings to bring her to the ground. She fell and tried to rise, but Tov placed both of his blades at her throat.

Give up, my precious child, Tov said. You are defeated.

Urae glared at him. You cheated! You never said you would use your wings!

Tov dismissed his swords and wings. He extended a hand down to her. I never said I wouldn’t use them either. An enemy will use all of their abilities and weapons against you. You will have to be ready.

Urae stabbed her father in the thigh and intensified her glare. He grimaced, but said nothing.

That’s not going to count, is it? Urae asked.

Tov grinned. No, but does it make you feel better?

Urae took his hand and allowed herself to be helped up. Yes, it does.

Well, thank the light for that, Tov replied. I would prefer if you were spared from the ocean of bloodshed that will be spilt very soon. If you want to help with the survival of our race, then you can safeguard our forest home.

Urae crossed her arms over her chest and lowered her attention away from her father’s eyes. Her throat closed up a little. The air felt heavier around her. Her stomach bubbled with an abundance of acid. I won’t be actually doing anything at all. The Oni have the mountains perfectly protected against the enemy from the south, and there’s no way they would try and attack us by sea. I’ll be doomed to be left out of the war.

That’s a good thing, Tov said. I don’t quite understand what your fascination is with wanting to plunge head-long into danger.

Urae waved her hands about. You have no problem sacrificing other people’s kids to the same level of doom you’re facing. What makes me so special? Why can’t I share in the burden? It’s not fair.

Tov went in to hug her. She punched him in the face. Tov grinned as his body fixed itself. He wrapped his arms around her as she kept elbowing and kneeing him. When his body collapsed against her, she finally stopped trying to pummel him.

You know you can’t always protect me, right? Urae asked. I could fly off if I really wanted to, and there would be little you could do to stop me.

Tov chuckled. Little? Must I beat you into submission again this morning?

Urae sighed. Maybe I could sneak away while you were sleeping. Or when you were away.

Tov leaned back a little. Trust me. You will no doubt get involved in this war sooner than I would like. Can you blame me for feeling protective of you?

No, I don’t suppose I can. Urae averted her gaze. It still makes me feel shackled to this place. I love it because it’s our home, but I just know there’s more to see beyond the mountains.

Tov kissed her forehead. When the time comes for me to let go and allow you to experience unbridled freedom, I’ll welcome it with open arms. Luckily, I don’t have to do that yet.

He stopped for a moment and let his gaze go unfocused. When he gazed back on her, much of the warmth he had displayed before had faded.

The Celestial Ones are ready to see me now, he said. I’ll meet you back at home once I’m finished with them.

Urae nodded. I’ll make some lunch for us. Klock will be joining us. She winced. That is okay, right?

Tov chuckled again. I already told you I want to spend more time with him. I welcome the opportunity. He started to move away.

When Tov turned completely away from her, Urae held her hands to her chest and bit into her lower lip. Even now, the desire to fly free into the sky past the borders of the mountains nearly overwhelmed her. She remained in the clearing until her father disappeared behind the bend of the trees.

Urae’s nerves tingled within her skin. Her wings appeared on her back, and she rose into the air. No sooner than she broke through the tree tops, the feeling of freedom exploded within her. She soared higher into the sky, and drifted up where the clouds floated. Urae didn’t fly in any direction, just up.

Urae gazed at the distant mountains, and took steady breaths to calm her restless spirit. The wind blew upon her, and sent her hair flying behind her. A chill tickled her skin. The anxiety in her stomach urged her to move forward.

Urae whispered ever so softly, One day, I will see beyond that horizon.

THERE IT WAS, THE ONLY place left that Nori could perhaps call home. Cold vibrations rippled throughout his soul. A slight and barely noticeable film of slime grew in the bottom of his stomach. Select memories appeared in his mind’s eye, and each of them weighed down his heart all the more. If it could be truly called his only sense of home, then why did he hate it so?

The fortress of the Qu-Tar stood on the palace grounds within sight of the palace itself. It had been constructed from dark blue stone blocks, and it had an austere style to its architecture. The roof had been covered in thick, dark red clay tiles. It resembled a war-tested castle that might be found on the border of a persistent and troublesome enemy nation.

To this day, Nori still had no idea where the blocks had come from. He had never encountered stone like that before. Grey stone walls surrounded the fortress, and the central keep loomed over Nori like a giant.

Nori didn’t have warm memories of this place. A long time ago, it had been alien and unwelcoming to him. Now, despite its familiarity, there was still an aura of indifference prickling into him. There were no banners that waved about, nor were there any flags, decorations, or symbols. Anything that brought attention to the Qu-Tar was unwelcomed.

Armored Qu-Tar warriors dressed in battle armor patrolled the tops of the walls, and stood guard at the front gate. Their armor had been identical to what Nori had brought with him to Jadai. The typical Qu-Tar armor was constructed from individually lacquered purple painted plates of metal woven together with lime-green dyed leather cords.

As Nori approached the front gates, one of the Qu-Tar stopped him. She was a slender figure, and she carried a spear in her small, but dexterous hands. Halt. Before you go any farther, I want to ask you a question, Onistan.

Nori narrowed his eyes and shifted to the side so that his tetsubo wasn’t facing her. My name is Daisko Nori. We trained together in the same cohort, Greva. How is it that I know your name, but you fail to remember mine?

Greva winced and lowered her gaze slightly. Forgive me. I didn’t feel the need to remember it before. May I still ask you a question, Qu-Tar Daisko?

The other Qu-Tar, a man named Okij, remained quiet. He watched Nori with a wolfish quality, and more malice reflected in his eyes than in Greva’s.

Nori asked, What do you want to know?

Is it true what they say? Greva asked. Did you truly stand up to Tsuchigumo and Kappa? Her voice became softer.

Nori’s skin pulsated under his clothing. Both of the Qu-Tar studied him with eagerness, and they waited with baited breath for his response.

I did face those creatures, Nori said. But I also fought shadow creatures and a winged monster that resembled a human.

Greva asked, How did you survive against such menacing foes?

Nori chuckled to himself, but outwardly, he maintained a neutral expression. I’m an Onistan. We thrive and survive where others cannot. He moved past the pair. If you excuse me, Commander Hijiyap is expecting me.

As he walked away, Okij called after him. If that’s true, then how come your people were wiped out?

Nori stopped. Moments before, chatter and common fortress noises resonated throughout the area. Everything became deathly silent. Other Qu-Tar who had been within ear shot paused where they were. They gaped at Nori with a collective combination of unease and preparedness.

Slowly, Nori turned around.

Greva’s face had blanched in the few seconds it took for Okij to speak the quip. Okij stood his ground with his shoulders squared and his chest jutted out.

What did you say? Nori asked.

Okij replied, You heard me. If what you’re saying is true, then how come your people were wiped out? The only reason you’re alive is because you’re a Qu-Tar, not because you’re an Onistan.

Nori took a step closer to him. He tightened his grip on his