42

Funeral.

Slyfer stands for a few seconds just staring at the man, wondering what kind of deep hate could drive someone to such a state. Vinx floats closer and puts a hand on his cheek before saying. “Now is not the time, we need to help others as much as we can.”

Her words draws him out of the deep place he was in, he pauses for a second and then starts to move after determining the location where it seems the battle is hardest. He passes the huge beast and gives it a closer look. Its hind legs look almost too short for its body, but they are thick with sinew and muscle. The back is arched before ending at an almost non-existent neck. Its huge head is ugly and shaped like a pig’s with four tusks protruding from it, the two on the left have been ripped out and the strange angle of the head tells Slyfer its neck was broken.

He quickly passes it, not having enough time to inspect it in detail. The tent without its centre poles soon droops to obscure his vision. He quickly pokes his sword through and starts to cut as he makes his way forward. It’s not long before he starts to step on bodies. Human, Dark and High elves all mixed together! His heart grows heavier, as he thinks. –So much death and for what? I need to be better, be stronger so that people will fear me to the point it stops them from fighting.-

On the outside Ban and the rest watch has a lone blade makes its way along the tent. He had sent in his own men to do the same. He quickly recognises the red blade that belongs to non-other than his commander! “Form ranks, follow that blade. You and you grab the edges of where the tent has been cut and quickly split it!”

The blood pack quickly reacts and other warriors prepare. Slyfer is soon joined by other warriors and the previous hidden battle ground opens for all to see…. Ban swears under his breath as he looks at the bloody scene that was hidden previously. “It’s like cutting a bloating carcass to find nothing but worms inside.”

Bodies are mingled and mangled, eyes staring vacantly while their faces are set in what must have been the last moment of their lives. Here and there some struggles are still going on, but Slyfer’s group quickly dispatches them. The men hack away at any human they can find before Slyfer orders them to take prisoners; He feels like there has been enough death for one night. The men reluctantly follow the order yet some humans still “resist” and get killed for it.

They soon reach the centre of the mass of bodies and what they see brings them to a standstill. A group of dark and High elves have formed a tight circle around important officials, but what draws the gaze form Slyfer and the warriors with him, is right in the centre of it all is Jade with a tear streaked face holding a lifeless Old Sun. Slyfer takes a tentative step forward…. “No, no, no….” the entire night’s events seem to suddenly crash down on him and he falls to his knees. Old Sun had been an ally, yes they had differences, but somehow they had worked passed them and Slyfer had started considering the old man as a true friend. Memories of the short talk they had rushes through his mind. He looks down only to be reminded the clothes had been given to him as a sign of friendship and care. –He said he would follow me without objection, he was the first to accept me and in his own way always supported me behind the scenes.-

The circle parts and opens up after seeing friendly warriors arrive. Slyfer’s gaze wavers between Jade and Aldowin who is standing with Vanya by his side. Fira is hugging Jade and crying with her. The King has his hand on Old Sun’s chest; his face is pale and filled with sadness.

Slyfer takes a few deep breaths trying to control his emotions, but fails in his attempt in the end he gets to his feet in a daze and makes his way toward Jade. Rushing feet sound out behind him, but he does not care to look. In a zombie like state he comes to a halt his shadow dancing over Old Sun and Jade cause by someone holding a torch behind him. Jade finally seems to get life into her eyes and they turn to him. Her blank expression turns to one of grief and she starts to ramble.

“Slyfer, father he, he protected me a man came out of nowhere and was going to stab me the… then father just appeared and…. Save him Slyfer please save him, you know methods of healing don’t you?" Slyfer wants to reply but can’t find the words; he can only stand watching as his step sister begs for something that is beyond him.

His breath catches a few times before he replies in a croaking voice. “I am sorry Jade, there…. There is no way….I can’t help.” Jade shakes her head in disbelief before looking back at her father and cradling his head.

Her heart is in turmoil, her mind confused. She starts to mutter something under her breath very fiew but those with enhance hearing can pick it up. Each time she repeats it is like a searing lash to Slyfer’s heart. “Where were you?” Her voice grows louder until she is screaming while crying her eyes out.

Slyfer doesn’t blame her, in his mind he knows it’s just grief, but his heart feels different. The rest of the army soon reaches the place and Old Sun’s clan make their way to the front. At the sight of him lifeless in her arms many start to cry and lament as well.

Vinx on SLyfer’s shoulder continuously tries to console him. “Slyfer she does not mean it, its not your fault. You could not have known.”

He does not answer, he doesn’t care to. One of the only people that may have cared about him is dead. He bends down intending to touch Jade’s shoulder, but she slaps it away. He sits on his haunches for two seconds before slowly rising and walking away. Warriors part and make way for him. The Elvin Queen is suddenly at his side. “I am sorry for your loss.”

“……”

She does not mind him not answering, but soon continues. “It is times like these that will test your ability to lead, look how your men are turned towards you. They need guidance now more than ever.”

Slyfer is surprised at her words. “What is it to you elf Queen? Why do you care, or are you just gloating again?” His words are not unexpected and the Queen’s face does not change at hearing them.

She looks at her hands before turning her gaze to him. “I do not want to see an ally make the same mistakes I did.” Slyfer takes a deep breath before turning to Ban who had followed him, uncertainty on his face.

Slyfer’s voice rings out in the quiet darkness. “Ban, collect the bodies of our fallen comrades, give people a day to seek out and find their loved ones before starting burial rights. Make sure Lady Jade is kept safe and that she is closely monitored.” the last part he had added in a whisper. The uncertainty had by now left, Ban’s face.

Slyfer starts to walk again, but Ban’s question stops him. “What of the humans My Lord?” Slyfer does not stop, his voice rings out. “Burn them all, all but one, we need proof to show the council we were attacked.”

The captured humans start to plead for their lives promising to say anything if they will just be spared, but Slyfer just keeps walking. Before long he is gone from everyone’s sight.

The next two days are the worst the Dark Elf camp has ever had, a deathly silence had settled over everyone as they mourned their dead and prepared for the funerals that would be held the next day. Everyone was worried since Slyfer had been gone for one day after the fight, but once he returned the armour he had worn was washed to it previous shine, however, despite his frantic efforts he was not able to remove the signs that it had been in battle.

His face was set and determined and he soon took control of the proceedings for Old Sun. Jade and Slyfer had not talked ever since he returned, but he prefers it that way since he does not have the heart to face her yet. While he was away he had done nothing but hunt in his dragon form. Throwing his grief and pain into it, many creatures had been slaughtered, but none were wasted as he devoured them all, as if his stomach was an endless pit.

He did it all for one reason; to grow stronger, the growth spurts were starting to slow down recently and his size had only grown by small amounts. Slyfer had been worried but the dragons assured him it was normal and a sign that he was no longer a fledgling, but compared to a dragon in adolescent years. In truth the dragons are surprised and happy. It would take a normal dragon nearly a hundred years to reach this stage of its life.

During this time he was also in contact with Alric. The dragon had felt his pain and somehow their bond grew stronger with time. Slyfer only found out later that the dragon was causing havoc in enemy territory against Serina’s wishes. It was only now that he returned to the East side of the mountain that their bond grew strong enough for them to communicate instead of just feeling what the other is.

To Slyfer’s surprise Alric was understanding. It was only then that he realised the pain he is feeling is very similar to that of Alric. Slyfer was flying in the dark searching for his next victim when the dragon’s voice and pain flooded into his consciousness. -I see you have adopted my way of dealing with things.-

Slyfer was confused at first, but soon understood the meaning. –It can hardly be compared, I just wish to grow stronger to protect those I love.-

To this the dragon sighed before saying, -Aye, I too started this way, until my thoughts and heart was filled with nothing but the need to kill. After years of carnage and blind rage I found myself with no friends and enemies everywhere I went. It’s only later that I found out, that I had killed two fledglings in my rage…..they were the last two young ones of our race.- The pain at this statement only intensified until Slyfer struggled to breathe, but a feeling stronger then that dominated the pain, It is shame. A shame so deep it made the old dragon hate himself more than anything else.

It brought a lump to Slyfer’s throat. A dragon so powerful and mighty in his mind was in truth nothing but a culmination of hurt and regret. Slyfer’s thoughts were broken by Alric’s voice. –Don’t you dare pity me hatchling, or I will eat you! I made my own mistakes and even though I admit this to you I will to no other. For I am a dragon.- Those last words are all that was necessary for Slyfer to understand why Alric had never apologised to anyone for what he did and even if he did. What would it change?

Alric was quiet for a while and the two found solace in each other’s pain as air flowed under their powerful wings. Alric spoke after hours in which the two did nothing but fly. –Go back to the two legs, lead them, give them strength and above all prepare them. The things I have seen beyond the mountain are not to be taken lightly. There will be no end to the suffering people will have if Chronos wins.- After that Alric faded to the back of Slyfer’s mind.

Slyfer had then spent another hour in the air, before turning back towards the camp. Behind him the sun was starting to rise, slowly ushering a new day.

Another day passed as he prepared for the mass funeral that would be held for his adopted people. Jade still gave no sign of wanting to come out of her tent. Time and again he would find himself looking at it. Luna also picked up on the sad mood and was less playful and somehow more caring in an instinctive way. In the day that Slyfer had been gone it had nearly taken all of the blood pack to keep her calm when she woke up. Only after Vinx had explained with images, did the girl let out a whimper and sit down right where she was.

Vinx wanted to follow Slyfer that night, but Slyfer had asked for some time alone so she could do nothing but oblige. When he finally returned it felt to her like he was gone for ages. He was cleaned, but still wreaked of death, so she immediately got servants to prepare a bath. After that she and the other fairies quickly restored the armour Old Sun had given him to its best condition.

After the bath Slyfer found Trisha and Fira waiting for him. To his surprise the shaman was also there. He was the first to speak in a dry tone. “How can I help you?” His question was pointed at the Shaman who then lifted her chin before replying.

“I feel that we still have no finished our discussion.” Slyfer sighed audibly, not caring if it was rude.

“Did I not tell you, you could go? Why do you continue to pester me, do you feel so self-important that you want to make a bigger issue out of it?” His question caught her of guard, but before she could answer a different female voice chipped in.

“It is because of me that she is still here.” Slyfer’s consciousness instantly zoned in on the female tigress lazing in the sun nearby. It made her sit up and her pelt shivered a little at the attention.

“Why do you keep her here when you want to flee? Your stance has been made abundantly clear-“

The tiger’s voice cuts him off. “That is where you are wrong, after hearing what you had to say, I have come to regret my initial decision that along with what happened made me realise. We won’t be safe. If the black dragon’s army can already attack in the council’s backyard, what stops them from attacking my people?”

Slyfer inwardly smiled. In a way he hoped Old Sun was watching from wherever he was in order to see his death was not for naught, but had brought Slyfer allies! It was a small compensation, but one nonetheless. His silence was mistaken for reluctance and the tiger was about to speak again, but Slyfer’s voice cut it off.

“What are your plans, and what are the terms of this agreement?” The tiger was silent for a few moments before answering Slyfer’s question.

“First and foremost, I want to see your true form,” Slyfer only nodded while wondering why but gave the tiger time to list the rest. “Secondly, may race are wonderers by nature, we would like freedom to go where we want like it was in the old days. It is only recently that we have been forced to stay together for fear of being hunted.”

Slyfer shakes his head. “This I cannot promise unless we actually win the war and why do you want to see my true form?”

The tiger purrs and Slyfer realises it’s her way of chuckling. “The girl has spoken so much of your majesty that I have grown curious and want to see it for myself.” Slyfer looks over at Trisha to see her blushing. “Furthermore I understand your reasoning behind my other claim, but I want to know if you will support it…. if we win.”

Slyfer nods, “If we win I will ensure that you will have freedom to go where you want without being persecuted.” Slyfer senses the tiger lick her paw after looking at it for a second.

She stops then stands up and walks toward the tent entrance. “I only have two other requests; first you must represent us in the council.” To this the Shaman nearly falls over and starts to object. “Silence, I have spoken. I wanted to ask your daughter but she is clearly smitten with this boy, so will do what he says anyway.”

This time Slyfer wants to object, that it’s not true, but the gaze Trisha is giving him makes him rethink. His heart races and he feels confused. –Is it true, she is a strong woman with her own ideals and thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned from the female dragon it’s that a strong woman behind any man can help him to achieve greatness.- Slyfer thinks on it for a while before answering. “No, I do not accept this,” his gaze settles on Trisha who looks hurt and worried, “I will represent you, but only if Trisha serves as your heart that will whisper in my ear, I do not want a woman that follows blindly, but one with her own thoughts and feelings. When I lose sight of our objective she will represent you in getting me back on the path I need to be.”

This time everyone is silent. All the women look at him like he is a creature from another planet. The tigress suddenly purrs in pleasure before saying. “You are wise beyond your years and your answer has calmed many doubts I had. Then the last thing I want, food must always be prepared in every Kingdom under the control of the alliance, if one of my own were to travel to this Kingdom the best cook in the Kingdom must be called to serve. That is all.”

Slyfer nearly wants to laugh at the absurd request, but keeps it in. many problems arise in his mind like, who is to say the tigers will fit? Slyfer pushes the thoughts aside, not willing to look a gift horse in the mouth. He finally gives his approval. “Then it is agreed, I hope we will have a long and prosperous relationship. After the funeral I will show you my form in a secluded place.”

Trisha’s tail can’t help but move with happiness as she smiles, only after a while does she detect the disapproving look from her mother and when she does…..she ignores it completely!

Fira’s tail on the other hand is bristling with the hair standing on end. She is worried, worried that Trisha has somehow closed the gap that was obviously between the two and worried, because with this Slyfer’s power has nearly grown past her own father’s. Not only will the tigers and fairies follow him, but in her heart she knows the wolves will stand with him in a heartbeat!

Her Father will have to make peace with Slyfer….fast, as soon as this thought strikes her, her train of thought completely goes sideways and enters the realm of marriage! Her tail suddenly begins to wag as she looks at Slyfer then Trisha who was taking in her actions in the corner of her eye.

Fira quickly excuses herself and makes her way straight towards her father.

Trisha’s eyes only followe, confusion and worry showing on her features.

The next day, Slyfer is preparing for the funeral when ban enters and announces something that makes Slyfer go stiff and pale faced. “My Lord, Lady Jade is here to see you.”

While biting his lip, he only nods. Jade enters and Luna looks between the two while hugging her legs. She then looks at Vinx questioningly and says. “Trouble?” Vinx only nods and motions for the girl to stay quiet and watch. Slyfer had been too busy to teach Luna, so Vinx and the other fairies had taken the task on themselves.

Slyfer stands gripping his hands, his back towards Jade and not saying a word. Inside his heart is beating fast and he has started to sweat. Not even hordes of enemies had made him feel so afraid! Her words start to repeat themselves and he imagines how she must hate him.

Her voice a bit dry but without malice, rings behind him. “Slyfer please look at me.”

Slyfer shakes his head…. “I can’t.”

Soft steps sound behind him until she is nearly against him. A scent of flowers enters his nose, its familiar; something she always puts on. “Slyfer please….”

He slowly turns around and his blue eyes filled with guilt, quickly meets hers, before trailing away. She cups his cheek needing to stand on her toes to do so and forces his eyes back to hers. Tears form in her green pools before she says with a breaking voice. “IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT.”

He huffs and wants to turn around put she does not allow him to. Vinx and Luna lean forward wanting to take in every moment. “I am sorry Slyfer, I hurt you and it was wrong of me, I was just hurt and, and-“

He takes her hand in his. “I know you did not mean it, but does it make it less true? If I had not run off, If I had stayed and…” His jaw clenches and he takes a deep breath to control his feelings. “If I had stayed I may have been able to save him.”

Jade shakes her head tears streaming down her face. “No, you did the right thing if those troops joined the others….more people would have been lost. My father told me something before he died.”

Slyfer’s eyes snap back to her. Eagerness reflecting in every part of his being. She smiles at this while thinking. –My father is…was right, he seems untouchable on the outside but inside…- She goes and sits next to Luna and starts braiding her hair, much to Luna’s satisfaction. Jade’s eyes glaze over as she thinks back.

“Before,” she swallows hard… “Before my father died, he made me promise to look after you. He said that you are our last hope, that with your help the Dark elves would rise again, that our clan would rise again. He said he saw so much of my brother in you it scared and made him happy at the same time, his only regret was that he could not tell you this himself, before taking his last breath.” A tear runs down her cheek and she quickly wipes it away before taking a breath.

She finishes the braid and stands up. “You are now the last person I can call family, don’t you dare die before me!” Slyfer cant help but smile at her small serious figure. She suddenly steps forward and throws herself into his arms and starts to sob. A tear escapes Slyfer for the first time since the old man died and it feels like he finally has the right to grieve his passing.

Jade starts when she feels soft arms circle her from behind. Luna squeezes her against Slyfer then says. “No sad.”

Jade and Slyfer chuckle and Jade nods her head before saying. “Yes Luna, no more sadness.”

The sun is just starting to set when the beat of a drum starts up. It throbs with everyone’s hearts and no sound accompanies it, accept for the sounds of crying. A large procession starts to make their way out of the camp; strings of people carrying the fallen on their shoulders with stretchers made out of wood. A man’s voice fills the silence between each drum beat. He sings of life and then of death, the focus being the journey in between. His voice is deep and lamenting, but at other times happy and full of life.

Birds circle above in large flocks, something the fairies can be thanked for. Their chirps join the drums causing people to gasp in wonder. Slyfer, Jade, King Great Hunter and to everyone’s surprise. Pathfinder carries Old Sun’s stretcher. At first Slyfer thought it would be an issue when Pathfinder approached him to ask for permission but he had already made things right with Jade and Old Sun beforehand.

The procession stops a fare distance away from the camp and the people place the dead on neatly stacked pyres. Slyfer looks at the old man that is neatly wrapped in white cloth before saying. “Old Man, you placed your trust in me before anyone else did, you said I was the last hope for the Dark Elves to regain their past glory. I promise on my life that I will do this.” Swallowing hard, he turns around and makes his way down, heart heavy and jaw clenched. Jade soon follows with tears in her eyes after bidding her last farewell.

When everyone has made their way down from the pyres, they take up torches and walk closer setting them alight. Thousands are silent, but a voice deep and old reverberates through all. It seems not to come from around them, but from within their very heart of hearts. At first people look around confused, but their gazes soon settle on the only one whose mouth is moving…. Slyfer.

It is not him who is singing, but the dragons through him. The words are filled with power and even though most don’t understand the words, they can feel the meaning in their very bones! The drummers start to beat, their eyes closed as they almost enter a sort of trance. The fairies join in the song sweeping up all of the people.

Who shall sing me

Into the death sleep sling me

When I walk on the path of death and the tracks I tread are cold, so cold

I lived a life of valour and died fighting with tooth and claw

Now sing me to death’s sweet door

My merits may be few, or as vast as the endless sees

But Death, the true equalizer(1) has come and taken me

Who shall sing me

Into death sleep sling me

When I walk on the path of death and the tracks I tread are cold, so cold

I sought not death, but victory

Yet that was not the fate chosen for me

And so Death, the true equalizer has come and taken me

My memory lives through those who sing me

Into death sleep sling me, it is through you that I live on

All the people suddenly start to sing, somehow knowing the words…..

I will sing you

Into death sleep sling you

And the track you tread will not be cold, so cold

You indeed lived a life of valour, but I will not sing you, but carry you to death’s sweet door

Your merits were not few, and for me they are as boundless sees

The equalizer has come and taken you, but in my heart you are forever revered

I will sing you

Into death sleep sling you

And the tracks you tread will not be cold, so cold

Victory you got, for while you lay dying your enemies went with you

Your fate may have been sealed, but what a beautiful end in battle it revealed

In me your memory will live on, for it is I who sings your death song

The song ends and all is quiet Slyfer still in a trance lifts his hands towards the pyres. People watch in shock as the flames turn bright blue and like pillars of light, shoot into the sky! With that the draconic burial is over, if he had been in dragon form he would have burned them with his fire breath.

Slyfer slowly turns to the people who are still focused on him.

“Let it be known, that this will not go unpunished! I only joined you recently, but was welcomed by Old Sun and made a part of the clans. His hope was to restore the old ways to strengthen the bonds of your… no, our people!” Slyfer’s voice turns to one filled with determination and strength. “We have lost a great leader, but in return we have gained a chance,” his eyes go over the confused crowed and then he continues. “We have gained a chance to grow stronger, no longer will our clan be blind to the truth, and no longer will we bicker amongst each other, no. We only have one enemy. A great beast that has struck us the first blow and in doing so has wounded us greatly. Even now it sits and laughs thinking us weak.” His eyes once again scan the crowd. The people look defeated and despondent, but his next words changes it all. “This beast has made a grave mistake. Why you may ask? The answer is simple; WE ARE STILL HERE!”

Fists pump into the air and the people shout. Slyfer does not stop there; no he is far from finished! “We are wounded, but wounded beasts are the most dangerous of all. He has struck us a blow and failed to defeat us, his laugh will turn to cries of lament as we utterly destroy him. First we will purge his minions from the East, then we will set our eyes on the West and when we do the beast will know fear. For no mountain will stop the cries of his fallen hordes to reach his ears!”

By the end of his speech the people have been riled to near madness. All sadness has been turned to determination. Fira and her father exchange glances. He had argued with her the previous day saying Slyfer did not have as much power as she thought, but now….

Just as the people thought it was over, a tiger’s roar filled the sky. It made the very air vibrate with its strength more roars joins the first and by the time it ends. Slyfer is surrounded by multitudes of tigers. The Dark elves start to mutter some even cry out in fear, but Slyfer’s voice calls out once again. “Do not be afraid; welcome our allies for they too will help us destroy the beast!”

Deafening cheers follow this and the wolves join, howling in welcome to their new comrades. Grey King then goes and sits next to the tigress. To further cement this show of friendship, in the eyes of the people. The Queen of the high elves that is standing on a hill not far away takes in the scene dumbstruck and worried. She thought the tigers would join her people and now….

Slyfer steps forward and shouts. “Let us make haste to the capital, let us make the beast FEEL FEAR!”

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1- In death everyone is equal, there are no exceptions everyone dies and nothing you can do changes that. What is the difference between a rich man in a elaborate coffin and a poor man being buried in rags? That's why I call death the great equalizer.

I wont say much except that writing this really to me on a roller coaster ride, I hope you guys felt the same.

As always please vote and follow or favorite. When you do vote or not give a detailed review I ask that you pleaaaaase also give a thumbs up or down to the guys that have also taken the time to write a review. Remember if we reach fifty votes i will post an artwork.

For those who want a better feel at the type of music i was trying to describe please listen to this one and click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0PvZGVPiJU&list=RDz0PvZGVPiJU it gives me goosebumps when listening to it I actually took some of the lyrics, but mostly wrote my own

Thanks to those that gave donations it really gives a guy a good feeling to see his work is appreciated that goes for the voters too!

Hope you enjoyed the read leave a remark and let me know what you think, believe me I always read them.

@ Arkham- I am glad you noticed, I only hope that my grammar and spelling will improve even more. Be assured i am always working on it.