We cut our way through the clouds.
I kept my eyes closed and my face pressed against Zenith's back. I didn't want to see anything right now.
I need to fight Lilith.
That's all, just hold it together a little longer.
It's almost over.
I gripped Zenith tightly as I choked back tears.
Zenith didn't say anything.
Hours later we descended from the skies. Below us was a border checkpoint, manned by imperial soldiers with white uniforms and long spears.
Zenith's dragon landed with a boom that seemed to rattle the earth. The soldiers at the checkpoint came forward with wide eyes and awe.
"Holy shit! That's a real electric dragon!" One of the soldiers rushed forward to touch the beast.
"Connor, the fuck are you doing?"
The soldier with the outstretched hand looked over his shoulder at an approaching officer.
"C-checking for… contraband, Lieutenant."
The officer frowned deeply. "Uh-huh."
He stepped past the soldier and looked up at Zenith, then at me. His expression softened just a bit. "What does the RBA need in the empire?" He finally asked.
"You know I'm RBA?"
The lieutenant nodded. "You guys are the only ones who bother to stop. Everyone else flies right over the border. I guess they think they can outrun the dragoon on the station."
The soldier, Connor grinned. "But they never can, Lady Gail has a wind—"
"Connor." The lieutenant looked over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. "Go back inside."
Connor's shoulders slumped as he walked away.
The lieutenant turned back and gestured a thumb past the border. "Anyway, I'm sure whatever you have is important. Go ahead."
He turned to leave.
Zenith nodded and took off in the air with another beat of the beast's wings.
About thirty minutes later we landed in a village. It was small with a population of about 350.
Zenith looked over her shoulder at me. "We're here."
I blinked the tears from my reddened eyes. "What are you talking about? This is just a village." My voice was quiet and softened.
Zenith sighed. "This is a village in Lilith's territory." She pointed a finger at the main road. "Walk up that road and you'll find Lilith's mansion easy enough."
I nodded and moved to slide down.
Zenith gripped my hand.
I looked up.
She narrowed my eyes.
"My advice? Take a day of rest before you march to your slaughter. In this state you won't survive a second, let alone a minute."
My gaze fell.
She was right, Lilith would slaughter me like this. "That's the point," I answered.
"You can at least die with dignity." She replied. She then released my hand and reached into her pocket. She produced a silver coin.
"Here." She handed it to me.
I hesitantly took it.
"T-thank you," I replied as I slid off the dragon. Zenith sighed as she looked to the sky.
"Thank me if you survive, otherwise you're just wasting the sentiment. You don't thank the person sending you to your death." With that, she rushed her dragon forward and took off.
I covered my face against the draft.
When the dust settled I turned back to face the village, where everyone had paused in their tasks and looked at me.
It's probably because they don't recognize me, I never really left the mansion to visit the people.
I gripped my coin and entered the village.
The air smelled of cider and fresh bread. The cobblestone roads were worn and uneven.
Everywhere people eyed me with caution and skepticism. It was like they feared me. Did they know who I was? I guess it wouldn't take a genius to find out.
I found an Inn near the center of the village. There was a wooden sign that hung outside at a tilt.
I stepped inside and was greeted by an older man. He had just cleaned a table when he looked up. "Hey, son. How can I help you?"
I produced the silver coin. "I need a bed, and something to eat, if possible."
He smiled softly and whipped his hands with his towel. "Of course it's possible, come here."
He went behind his counter and grabbed a brass key from the back wall. He placed it down.
I took the key and placed the coin down.
The man didn't even examine it. He just gave me the copper exchange and pointed upstairs.
"Upstairs, end of the hall on the left, I'll call you down when your dinner is ready,"
I nodded and headed to my room with slow steps. It felt like my brain had an infinite fog surrounding it.
Like I was completely lost in reality.
And maybe I was.
I entered my room and didn't bother to lock or even close the door behind me.
I dropped down on my bed face-first and closed my eyes. It didn't even hit me, how tired I was until I dropped down.
Sleep came almost instantly.
— — —
A little while later I was awoken by a gentle touch on my shoulder and the smell of fresh stew.
I lifted my head to see the man from earlier with a bowl of stew and a mug of water. Along with a piece of bread.
"Hey there, I got your meal."
I sat up with a groan and extended my hands. The man placed the bowl in one hand and the mug in the other.
I set the mug down and picked up my spoon.
"Thanks."
The man nodded. He turned to leave and closed the door on his way out. I was left alone and ate in silence.
It didn't take long to finish, I just mindlessly ate. Scoop after scoop, I slurped it down. I couldn't even taste it anymore.
After I finished I went back to bed as easily as I had the first time.
I didn't dream that night.
In the morning I awoke to a knock on the door.
"It's open," I grumbled, too groggy to process.
The door practically flew open as someone rushed inside.
"My lord!"
I looked up to see Jinnah, my wet nurse. Wait, how in the hell? "What are you—"
Jinnah cut me off with a hug as she held me close. "You're alive, you're really alive! I can't believe it, but you're right here."
I blinked at the sudden embrace.
Jinnah pulled back just a bit and placed her hand on my cheek. "Are you okay?"
"How did you know I was even here?" I asked again, the sleep gone from my eyes.
"A woman." Jinnah answered, "She came down and told us to check the village inn this morning. I didn't know what I'd find, but it's you! It's… It's really you!"
She held me again.
"My lord." She whispered as she rocked my side to side. Her hands massaged my back.
We stayed like that for about ten minutes.
Finally, Jinnah pulled back and wiped her tears with a relieved smile.
"We can go back home and inform Lady Lilith of your arrival. She missed you too, she wouldn't stop talking about you."
My expression hardened. "Jinnah."
"Yes?"
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Anything."
I looked up to meet her gaze. "Can you stay in the village? Just for a few hours?"
She blinked. "Oh, but why?"
I rose to my feet and dusted myself off. "I want to surprise Lilith myself. If she sees us coming together she'll know."
Jinnah chuckled softly as she wiped her tears. "You and your surprises, okay." She stepped back into the room and sat on my bed.
I headed towards the door. "I'll pay for your breakfast too, do you mind eating here?"
She shook her head as she pushed her hands between her thighs. "I don't mind, my Lord."
I nodded and stepped out of the room.
"M-my Lord!" Jinnah called out.
I looked over my shoulder. "Hm?"
"Be safe, and I love you."
I smirked and closed the door.
"I love you too."
Click.
I walked downstairs to see the old man from earlier. I placed the coppers on his counter and pointed upstairs. "She'll be staying in my room, can you bring her breakfast?"
The man nodded. "Will do, son."
I left the inn and took the long walk up the main road. The fog in my head had cleared up, the Ouro in my body was strong.
And my will was unbreakable.
After about 20 minutes of walking Lilith's mansion came into view.
I remember I left the place a victim, and now I'm returning as a challenger.
I hope you're ready, Lilith.