The Endless Forest

Felix hugged tightly around Zira’s neck as she streaked across the sky. The air was brisk and howling, chilling him. Yet, instead of feeling miserable, it gave him a rush. He was in his element, riding on top of his partner.

Zira was feeling it too. They might not have combined their minds, but they were in sync. Her thoughts and his were working in concert. Of course, it helped that they had a goal. A simple one, in theory, but was proving quite difficult…

Keep up the speed! he shouted enthusiastically. Ahead of them was an ember-colored dragon, pushing just as hard as Zira.

His partner thrummed in response, her wings beating ever harder. The powerful vibrations rolled over him, not that he cared or minded. They were faster than the other dragon, catching up on him.

The distance shrank, going to a mere thirty yards. It was close enough that Felix could see a young woman sitting on top of the dragon. Her expression was plainly visible as she looked back towards him.

He couldn’t help but to smile. Him and Zira had them, his partner clearly faster and more agile.

But the other dragon wasn’t out of tricks.

With an abrupt response, the ember dragon flared out his wings and pulled up. He bled speed faster than Zira could account for, leading her to overshoot.

Damn him! I showed him that! she cursed in frustration. Using my own move against me! How dare he!

Felix felt just as angry, but they had to focus. They were now the prey.

Speed, once again became a factor, and their one saving grace…

He came up with a plan.

Use whatever you got left and climb. Let’s see if they take the bait. he said, quickly sharing his plan with her.

Bold–

I know, he said grinning like a mad man.

You didn’t let me finish. Bold and stupid!

You’ll catch me if I fall right? he asked sarcastically.

For a brief moment there was hesitation in her thoughts before she answered. Of course, but what if–

Remember what Aluin said? I’m a suicidal fool.

That’s not what he said… But at least you're telling me before you do it. That’s a step in the right direction.

…Or a step to my doom, but let’s not dwell on that. Felix glanced behind him and found, to his surprise, that the other dragon was slowly gaining on them. Give it everything you’ve got, he’s catching up!

There was one benefit the ember dragon had, stamina. He was a little bigger by a couple hundred pounds, and while that might sound impressive the difference was minor as far as dragons went.

But he was bigger, and that helped make up the difference. His wings were stronger and he was able to sustain his speed for longer than Zira could.

Prepare yourself! Zira shouted before redoubling her efforts.

The distance between the two dragons began growing, much to the other’s annoyance. He let out a roar and pushed to his limits.

He’s taking the bait, Felix commented, before pressing his head dangerously close to one of Zira’s spines. He had face-planted on it more than he liked to admit…

His partner gave him a quick acknowledgement before suddenly pulling up. But unlike when the other dragon had done it, she continued to beat her wings.

They entered the climb, the forces threatening to pull Felix off of his seat. He pushed a bit more mana out to help keep himself anchored.

Honestly, a saddle right now would be nice, he begrudgingly admitted to himself.

Don’t forget…the harness! Zira added through her exertion.

He held back a retort, deciding it would be better to focus on their pursuers. With a surprising amount of effort, he turned his head just enough to keep track of them.

The bait was fully taken now. The other dragon was following them up.

How close…are they, Zira asked, sounding like she was gasping through their bond.

Close, just a little bit more. You’re doing good, Zira. Keep it up! he encouraged. Just need to roll slightly, I need to be aiming for him. The ember dragon was on the other side of Zira now.

She did as was instructed, stopping only when Felix told her.

Now comes the dangerous part, he commented. If the wind wasn’t so cold and blowing hard past him he would be sweating right now.

Pushing the thought away, he carefully began to adjust his position. His mana shifted, their anchor points moving as his legs did. Eventually, he was crouching in his seat.

In this peculiar position, he felt completely unbalanced and relied solely on his mana to keep himself attached.

I…can’t… Zira couldn’t finish her sentence, but Felix understood.

Just a little bit more! They’re nearly over us.

Indeed, the dragon was almost upon them. Close too, suspiciously close. He could almost reach out and touch it. The woman and him were literally staring up at each other.

A smile on both.

No time to think about it, I need to focus… NOW!

The moment came as Zira stalled. The ember dragon slowly overtook them, but that was what Felix wanted.

Digging deep into his mana, he channeled it towards his legs. He used it to reinforce them and to add to the next part.

With everything he could muster, Felix jumped.

For a brief moment, a shadow sailed over him. However, he was entirely focused on his goal, his prize.

At the midpoint of the dragon’s tail was a strip of cloth.

With his hands outstretched, he switched his mana towards them and pushed forward. It connected with the dragon, and found purchase.

Now anchored, Felix guided a bit more mana to cushion him as he collided with the dragon.

It all happened so fast that he was running on pure instinct. His arms and legs wrapped around the tail even as it moved and swayed in the air currents.

Despite the cushioning, it still hurt. Spines dug hard into his chest and stomach. Thankfully, his mana held.

Felix!

Sucking in a deep breath, Felix blinked and found the cloth in front of him.

Felix, hurry! There was desperation in Zira’s voice.

Not wanting to waste time on why she was so worried, he released his right arm and reached for the cloth–

The dragon’s tail began to swing. The forces working against him threatened to throw him off.

Gritting his teeth, Felix bit back a curse as the spines pressed harder into him. But the prize was right there, right in front of him…

He bided his time, however, timing the swings and adjusting as best he could. Finally, though, he found his moment.

Not taking any chances, he sent out one final burst of mana and ‘grabbed’ the cloth. His hand followed shortly, and with a quick tug, it came free.

“YES!” He shouted, nearly throwing his hands up in victory. Catching himself, he turned his head to see Zira.

His smile faltered.

Eri was clinging to her tail, a strip of cloth in her hands. Her own smile fell away as their eyes met.

Neither knew who won, and to make it worse they both realized something crucial.

They weren’t with their partner.

Now what? he thought, baffled.

Just… Get on his back! Zira shouted. Her annoyance at her suggestion flowed through their bond.

Felix didn’t bother responding, instead he glanced back to the front of the dragon and gulped. Never had he been this far back on Zira, and now he was on an unfamiliar dragon’s back.

At least Kyrith has stopped swinging his tail… he trailed off as the dragon tossed him a worried expression over his shoulder.

Out of the corner of his eye, Felix could see Eri was having the same dilemma as him…

Nothing to it, he lied to himself. Just have to turn around and crawl.

With another deep breath, Felix begged and pleaded with his mana to not fail him now. He started the perilous journey.

His first problem was turning around, which had proven to be more difficult than he imagined. At this part of Kyrith’s tail, it quickly tapered. With little room, he had no choice but to let his legs dangle as he turned.

Finally, though, he was past that part.

To his relief, Kyrith had slowed considerably and the crawl up to his back wasn’t that bad. But that was where his next challenge came to him, finding a place to sit.

He hadn’t thought about it until now, but the spot he would normally use on Zira didn’t match up exactly with Kyrith. He had only a rough idea of where Eri sat.

Not seeing any other choice, he took the most obvious spot up near the dragon’s neck. Settling down onto it, he began shifting uncomfortably. The ember dragon was larger, making it more awkward for him.

Wait, how do I tell him I’m good? He let out a frustrated groan, this was turning out to be a terrible mistake. And to add insult to injury, he would soon have to be holding on for dear life. There was no way he could predict the dragon’s movements…

Another look over to Zira and he saw Eri, again, in a similar situation. However, she reached down and patted his partner’s side before wrapping her arms around Zira’s neck.

Seeing that, he decided to mimic her and patted Kyrith before he too wrapped his arms around the dragon.

That, apparently, was enough. The two dragons shared a look with each other before slowly turning and starting the journey back to the manor.

And what a fun ride that was…

Tal’s hands quivered as he sat in his chair, his mind returning.

What have I done? He balled his fists, sickened by the scene around him. To make matters worse, he remembered all of it.

Tal… The voice of Cassius caused him to flinch.

The bodies still sat in their own respective chairs, along with the Admiral. The older man looked ghastly to him.

Tal, listen–

He ignored the god and instead focused his attention on the only other living being present. “Admiral– Antony, I’m… I–”

“This isn’t your fault. If anything, it is mine. I should have known that he would put a curse upon you.”

Tal sank deeper into his chair as the Admiral stood.

“I must go, there are preparations that I must make…”

He said nothing in reply, only giving the slightest of nods.

Cassius finally managed to get through to him. Listen to me. This was unavoidable, the moment the High Prophet made his appearance was the moment this was going to happen. I can only do so much in my current state. If you need someone to blame, I am it.

Why?! Tal demanded. Why must I be a pawn for everyone to use? Why must it be me who suffers?

Silence.

Even you are using me, he went on. For a moment, Tal wished it was his brother who had won their fight. At least then, I wouldn’t have to suffer like this!

The god spoke again. I suspect it was always going to be you. However, you are right in being angry– No, furious at the world, including me. None of this was supposed to happen.

“Then what happened?!” Tal shouted out.

Are you sure you want to know? It is a depressing tale–

“Tell me,” he hissed.

Very well.

Darkness claimed his vision…

***

The world exploded into view before him, focusing on a familiar continent.

This is Elmorra, the first empire. It was said to be older than even the Fey, and it was composed mostly of your kind.

For centuries it had been in a state of decay, until it simply collapsed under its own weight. What came out of it, though, was the period of renewed energy. It was a violent time, no doubt, but it was also a time of growth.

The continent shifted and changed as time passed. Cities rose and fell, only to rise once more. Some were even familiar, such as Ancor. It fell three times, first with the empire, then to war, and finally to famine.

Time froze.

However, all good things must come to an end. This period was unsustainable. It started in the heartland of the continent. Crop failures.

Soon plague began to spread, sweeping through the kingdoms and countries. Eventually, it led to more war. But this time, it wasn’t just a matter of pride or territory, but of simple survival.

This was not supposed to happen.

An incorporeal form appeared next to Tal, a sense of dread enveloping him.

Why not? Tal asked.

Because this happened once before, to the Fey. Just as they were pushed to that lonely island, they too were pushed away from their homeland. They sought refuge in the unclaimed wilds of the southern continent.

The difference was at that time, it was a disease and not war. This disease attacked the one thing they could not live without, mana–

Mana?

Yes, Tal, your people call it holy energy, but the Fey call it mana. There was a pause, as if Cassius was waiting for him to question further but he chose to remain silent.

Anyway, this disease corrupted mana, poisoning it even. It slowly pushed them out and away, until the Fey had completely left.

This sounds different than what you said happened to us, Tal said.

Is it? Crop failure for humans is very similar to the mana corruption that happened to the Fey. The difference is the Fey banded together while Humanity fractured even further apart. That is, until your people found something to believe in.

The world faded, replaced by scores of people kneeling and praying.

The truth, Tal, is that what would become the Holy Triumphant started with good intentions. Your religion did only what Elmorra had done, bring your people together. Your prayers created a new god.

For a time, the situation started to improve. However, the same phenomenon that caused the slow collapse of the first empire had begun to take shape within your religion.

Greed and power.

It became corrupted, turning from a beacon of hope into a bastion of righteous fury. And the people at the top had honed their silver tongues, using your faith for their gain. They twisted the truth, lied about events, and staged attacks.

They turned Humanity against the Fey, claiming it was them that led to their strife.

Tal shook his head, he was becoming overwhelmed with information. However, there still remained one question that had yet to be answered.

You said none of this was supposed to happen. You have yet to explain that.

He felt Cassius sigh. Once upon a time, a young boy called upon me, he began. He was starving, his parents riddled with disease. He called upon me to make a bet, to take a chance…

What do you mean? What happened? Tal pressed, unsure where this was going.

Tal, I am the God of Chance. People used to pray for me to help even the odds. As for what happened? I gave him a chance, a chance to change his life. It was small, the odds completely stacked against him, but that is why gamblers came to me. I was their only hope.

I…don’t understand, what does that have to do–

Cassius stopped him.

That young boy? He became the High Prophet.