"Fragments - The Broken Bonds" - Chapter 6 - The Chase to Jurom

Nathaniel awoke from his laboratory only to hear the sound of horses charging through the woods. Last night was definitely something to be remembered. It was the first time he had that much to drink and he did not even remember how he got home. "Probably his master Giorno spirited me back when he noticed I had too much already¦ He groaned. "What in Asperah is all that racket?

Walking outside and casting a basic levitation spell, he made his way above the Sparion trees where the leaves would not bother him. It was only then he caught sight of the knights charging through the woods. "Lion army knights active this early in the morning? If they did that earlier, they would have been ruling Asperah for decades now. He said in a joking mood. "Oh, and another horse up ahead¦fugitives? He murmured, curiosity getting the best of him once again.

Meanwhile, Paris and Simon were having no easy time avoiding the bladed leaves that hung threateningly across their path. A few spells cleared the way, but it slowed them down and cleared the path for their pursuers as well. "This is no good! Paris shouted from behind. "We won't make it through this forest unless we can fly!
"Fly? Simon replied. "A very good idea! Quickly, the wizard produced a golden staff from the steed's saddle, holding it up with both hands. "Fortunately, I have recently learned divine transformation!

The horse stopped and stood still. Simon was chanting some queer notes that Paris did not care to understand. All he cared about right now was the fact that Troy's men were getting closer and closer. "Simon! Whatever you're doing, you better do it fast! He shouted, catching the sight of the first two knights behind them.

"Hang on! Simon said, closing the spell. The stallion buckled, almost throwing them off. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, huge black wings sprouted from its sides transforming the beast into a magnificent pegasus. The wizard quickly cast a lightning spell to the skies, clearing a path straight up. "Go! Go! Go! Paris frantically shouted as they were bolted to the skies. Soon they were free of the Sparion forest, leaving their pursuers behind.

"Magnificent. Nathaniel said, observing from a distance and taking notes of the spell. "A nice addition to my little library of¦ He did not even finish when another figure floated right in front of him. "Mother Sera? What are you doing here?
The witch's brows were in a tight knot, staring at Nathaniel. "Do not waste your time with these petty spells Nathan. I have come to send you on a real quest. One that would grant you power that will be the envy of all Carithe' mages.

"Truly? Nathaniel could not believe his ears. "Why would you give me a quest? Er, what I mean is, why¦I mean you usually take the quests you know about for yourself.

Sera's glare became almost unbearable upon hearing Nathaniel's question. "You, my foster son, always shaming me in front of the Carithe' by being an incompetent idiot would be reason enough. Giorno has announced another gathering in two days' time. I would not be mocked by another foolish performance from you again!

"Very well mother Sera. Nathaniel smiled. "Which bauble will it be? A wizard's scroll? A dragon's eye? He asked excitedly. It was the first time Sera ever gave him a real quest for power.

"The Skull Orb. Sera said in a deathly tone. "The legendary Skull Orb from the realms of Kimohr across the lake of souls.

Nathaniel's jaw dropped. He was no expert in quests but everybody knew that the icy realm of the archjourdain Kimohr is well avoided my mages. No magic was allowed beyond the lake of souls. No magic without its master Kimohr's permission. At least the legends said so. A very few ever dared to go¦and the few who did never returned. "The Inofrii realm? Nathaniel asked. "Those things that suck your lifeblood and leave the mark of Kimohr in your body that you begin to thirst for other's lifeblood as well? I think I would rather let myself sleep in tonight, mother Sera.

"Do not be a fool! Sera smirked. "This is the first and probably the only chance you will have to prove to master Giorno that you are indeed worthy of his attention as an apprentice!

Nathaniel's mind was torn. He boasts too often of someday defeating the Crystal Dragon, one of the most powerful dragon spirits of the immortal Fyrh, and now he is afraid to take on Kimohr, a demon of Gaul? "How do I enter the spirit realm? He asked Sera.

"Thaat's my Nathaniel. Sera chuckled, leading the young mage into his laboratory. "Let us speak of the specifics inside¦

Meanwhile, Simon and Paris descended into the open plains as the spell wore off from the stallion, returning it to normal. "Well, I believe we are safe here. Simon said, dismounting. "We still have a long way to go and I do not think it would suit you well if your wound is left untreated.

Helping Paris' limping body onto the side of a large tree, he began the long and painful ceremony of cleaning the wound, applying healing salves as he removed the remaining splinters and soil from the flesh. Paris grit his teeth but kept silent. He was no stranger to pain, though he would avoid it as much as he could. "Well, I am no healer, but I believe it's a pretty good job. Simon finally said, summoning the steed to their side as he fastened the bandages on Paris' shoulder.

"Come, we must hurry. We are still far from the city of Jurom. Simon propped Paris up the steed and gave him a piece of bread. "Try and eat while we go. You will need your strength back. I cannot stay with you long in the city; urgent matters require me to be at the Black Dagger council in a short while.

Darklight galloped onwards, its strength also renewed. The rest of the journey was smooth and had little challenges for them aside from a hill giant which they quickly avoided by hiding among the rocks that jutted from the earth. After crossing the great river Sett that divided the two kingdoms, the two riders finally felt a lot safer. Jurom was through a mountainous region drawing North to the realms of eternal ice. The air was growing colder as they ascended. Paris could see the white peaks of the mountains from where they traveled. The ice never melts there. It was very fortunate the journey ends halfway where vegetation could still grow.

"Mount Gerion. Paris said under his breath. It wasn't the first time he saw the great ice giant, but it always amazed him.

"The ice giant sleeps peacefully. Simon replied. Mount Gerion was given such a nickname by the residents of Jurom, being a giant among the icy mountains. It also had the reputation of being Kimohr's great fortress, although no one knew how of ever dared enter or even venture close. "We are here¦

The gates of Jurom loomed before them. The city at the base of Icewulf mountain range is a sight to behold. At the end of the straight road that lay before them, atop a high peak dotted by small villages to the sides was Castle Rockspire, home to the monarch Alexander Kaine, leader of the mighty hellknights.

The hellknights were another story altogether, Paris recalled. The second mightiest force in all Asperah after the great Lion Army, personally trained by Alexander himself in the arts of the twin serrated blades. Asphenaz and Jurom are at peace but held no great love between them, with rivalry of military strength and territory still a great barrier between its rulers, Jethro Lionheart and Alexander Kaine respectively.

"Stay in the village, get an inn somewhere. Simon said, dismounting. "I shall leave Darklight with you and a small sum of gold, courtesy of the Black Dagger. The commander should send some runners to pick you up once it is safe to return. Never leave the city until called for. Troy's assassins could be anywhere.

The Black Dagger. There it went again. Paris' mind raced, recalling the title to refer to a group of knights operating out of the lion army's command. It was of course totally against the law, but the members of the Black Dagger were held as heroes by the villagers and common folk, protecting the oppressed, defending the weak. He even helped once in tracking their identities, to no avail. Now here he was, saved by a draconian and a wizard claiming to be part of the organization.

"Give the commander my gratitude. Paris replied, dismounting as well and giving Simon a customary salute. "If it is not too much to ask¦may I inquire if the commander part of the Black Dagger as well?

Simon turned and put on his hood, looking very wizardlike now that his face and scale vest were hidden. "Everyone unjustly oppressed is part of the Black Dagger Order, Paris. And so are those strong of heart to defend them.

"I take that as a yes then? Paris gave a slight smile at the wizard's safe reply.

"And where does that put you, young soldier? Be safe until we meet again. Simon waved farewell, taking up his golden staff and walking off into the wilds.

Be safe. That would be one thing Paris is not capable of doing. Danger seemed to attract him like flies are attracted to a fresh pile of horse manure. "You too, Simon¦you too. Paris muttered, walking towards the direction of the nearest village. "There should be an inn here somewhere near the marketplace¦there are always inns near the marketplace.

"Asphenaz and Jurom, two rival kingdoms of men. Why can't they be helping each other like the elves? He said to the horse. He would often rant on like this about the injustices and pains of the world to Arianne, the sweetest of maidens in the whole of Asperah. Of course it was his opinion, but in this very subjective case, only his opinion mattered. It was as though she was the only one that understood him, the way he wanted to be a great knight, to be a legend among the proud warriors of the lion army. To be a hero. He knew Arianne never liked him always being in front of a battle, but she understood it was his passion. He was Ironheart. He remembered the time he was given that name. A name to be proud of, and he wore it with the greatest honor.

"But look at you now, simply Paris. Paris the nothing. Paris the exile. He grumbled. "What of you, Darklight? How many battles have you met before? How many wonderful things have you seen? I assume you have survived many great wars¦ He kept talking as though the steed understood, but it was more for his comfort rather than for the horse. His mind wandered far out of pointlessness, of having a great future ripped so instantly from his grasp.