The Battle of Arbal, as it would later be known, was a grueling and decisive battle with as much importance as the Defense of Stadelitz, only Arbal was far more successful than the other one due to several factors. The defenders won a decisive victory that went on to becoming the first of many in retaking Tragoria back, which by this point had already been damaged by the hellish army as far as the eyes could see.

Those who were evacuated from Arbal slowly returned to their town and started the repair and reconstruction of their town. Most of the buildings were damaged and some were in ruins due to the intensity of the attacks.

While the demonic army seemed to be able to get the upper hand if they kept attacking, the arrival of the dragon riders and their dragons quickly turned the situation around. Both riders were Tragorian Lycans that were obligated to help their homeland as best they could, helped by their dragon partners, wo contributed the most. The azure dragon, Azureath, froze most of the enemy combatants and threatened to freeze even more of them before the rest of the attackers either retreating or surrendering. This was exacerbated by the death of one of the dragon-like flying demons, which was downed by one of the riders.

This successful defense, helped by an unexpected reinforcement, quickly turned the situation around, at least for the border. While this did not change the situation within Dusdolf, it wasn’t as decisive as an all-out attack from a region taken over by demons. This defense happened at the same time as the successful defense of Stadelitz, meaning that two key strategic points were secured, and they could start thinking about starting a counterattack.

All of this were reported to the Council in Avicelis by Eshdar. He also reported the condition of the survivors, including him. He was glad that the injuries would not permanently cripple him, and he was far from death, but he would be out of commission for several weeks to let his body to heal.

The reports gave Anarim, the one coordinating the efforts, to start coordinating the communications of the operatives along the border region, and to finally start preparing to capture Tragoria back from the demons.

However, Anarim was worried of Eshdar’s condition after his grandson told him about his injuries. Thus, after the reports were compiled and in the process of being relayed to the Council, he switched to a private line to talk to his grandson.

“(I’ll be fine, grandad),” said Eshdar. “(I won’t need to fight for a while, not after getting a severe concussion).”

“(Are you being treated by a surface doctor?)” asked Anarim.

“(A good human doctor. Why?)”

“(Are you sure the doctor gave you the right diagnosis? Hellhounds aren’t exactly covered in medical schools, you know).”

“(He said we’re similar enough to Lycans that it isn’t a problem, maybe except our eyes, horns, and tails. That, and he had treated wounds of friendly hellhounds).”

“(But you’re a Hunter).”

“(And Hunters are foxes, yes. But it didn’t matter. Werefoxes and werewolves only differ in size and permanency of their form, he said. Apparently, werefoxes don’t have a human or a feral form, so it’s like a turned werewolf).”

“(In any case, you’ve risked your life enough. I am not trying to pull you out of the frontline, but I hope you’re not the stubborn type).”

“(Hey. I am your grandson, right? I thought you said you know me better than I do).”

“(Not after you’re an adult).” Anarim chuckled. “(And especially not when you spent several years living with the werefox tribe).”

“(Yeah. You got a point there. Anyway, grandad, I have a question. It’s about this crest I found).”

“(What crest?)”

“(Got it from a dead hound. He seems to be wearing an armor salvaged from a hound’s royal guard. Still in great shape even after the fight. It’s pretty unusual, considering their hatred against anything monarchy-related).”

“(Hmm. Yes, that is unusual. I have heard that hellhounds on the surface with past Royal allegiance would be lynched just because they supported Royals once. Heard about it from a hellhound who owed us in Stadelitz. Out of curiosity, what’s the crest look like?)”

“(It’s made of bronze and circle-shaped. There is a rather prominent monogram, but that’s it. Nothing else).”

“(Monogram?)”

“(Not just any letters, either. It’s ancient Hordo. You know, the kind with runes, and such?)”

“(How can you tell?)”

“(You gave me a dictionary on ancient Hordo and I read it. I’m pretty sure it’s still back in my house in Summinat. I don’t remember the phrases and words, but I remember the letters. This one has a very prominent ‘W’ and a much smaller ‘E’).”

“(I see. Tell me, Eshdar. Is there a crown above the monogram?)”

“(Crown? Well…there is a peculiar shape over the two words. It doesn’t look like any crown I’m familiar with. Though, it does remind me of my headdress).”

“(What does it look like?)”

“(Two antler horns…with dangling chains and rings).”

“(Hmmm. I see. Well, I thought I recognize it from somewhere),” said Anarim. “(But…keep it for me, will you)?”

“(I’m not someone who keep trophies. You know that, right?)”

“(It might be important. You don’t get a lot of royal crests in the hands of the enemy, so it’s good to preserve what’s left of our legacy, even if it isn’t ours. Anyway, I gotta go. I will be travelling to Avicelis to report on your success. Take a rest, okay, Eshdar? You’ve earned it).”

“(Alright, then, grandad),” said Eshdar.

“(Then rest well. You’ll need it).”

Anarim closed the line, with Eshdar thinking that his grandfather was talking about the battle that would come later, not realizing that, on the other side of the line, Anarim’s expression changed. His cheery, old hellhound expression was replaced with a serious and grim one. He knew the significance of the crest, and for him, it was closer to home than he wanted. He would prefer Eshdar to track down and connect the lines about the crest, knowing that sooner or later, he would know the truth and Anarim must tell him.

Knowing that the crest was out there, it was time for Anarim to act. He could no longer stay back and be the advisor. In fact, no one would after the decisive victory. If there was a time to act, it would be now. As a former king, he had the skills necessary to plan a counterattack in the way of the Hunters of the Outer Realms. He already knew who started the attack and only hoped that it would not be devastating later.

Maybe he should tell everything to the Council.

***

The timely arrival of the dragon riders was given a mixed response from those they saved, specifically the civilians who returned to their homes. Many were elated and in awe of the dragons and their Lycan riders, but others were wary as they had no idea what dragons were and why they were there. They assumed that they were the same as demons, which did not make any sense to anyone else. In the end, the whole question whether they were demons or not was quickly dismissed as another prime example of fear of the unknown and the general frustration of recent demon attacks from within Dusdolf.

But despite the worry around the dragons, most were grateful that they fought for their side. Their timely arrival changed the situation around, while also returning a sense of optimism to them. They were already fed up with the constant loss, the grim reality of demonic slavery, and the Tragoria region in general, which fell to the demon’s hands.

Soon, some people who remembered the big news from before the Incursion recognized three of the four that saved them. Hans Rezmirn and Adeline de Rochefort were specifically named in the front-page news of their safe arrival, while the azure-scaled dragon, Azureath, was the last one. It somehow made them popular, even though it wasn’t their intention. Nevertheless, they appreciated it, especially Hans. For him, being appreciated by the public, both as a Lycan and an adventurer, was something he wanted ever since he risked his life volunteering as one of the passengers of the unproven transoceanic trip.

For Lilac, she was glad that her brother was safe. Still, she was incensed by his absence in her life, and also the loss of communication between the two, for three years. The only evidence that he was still alive was from the news. She did, however, remember that Hans and Adeline were ambassadors for Ternor, representing Tragoria. He did give a reason, as outlandish as it may seem, to her.

“I still can’t wrap my head around your reasoning,” said Lilac. It…sounded too outlandish to me.”

“Believe what you want to believe,” said Hans. “You can ask Adeline and she’ll give you the same reason.”

“Well…if you say so,” said Lilac, still confused.

“I know I make it sound simple, but the truth is, if it wasn’t for Zenithia’s sacrifice, we might not even meet. In fact, the demons will be the least of our worries.”

“Sacrifice? But Zenithia…”

“She sacrificed her omnipotence while severing this reality from its fate. We helped her, of course, but then time dilation happened and now I’m late by two years. In fact, I was planning to go back after I learned a bit more about fighting when Pol Hain was devastated by a light pillar. You were in the news, you know. At least I know you got out okay.”

“Wait, hold on? The news? Was I mentioned in one of the papers?”

“Apparently, one of the survivors saw you and a Lycan escaping the village after saving a different survivor. You were last seen in Wayfer. I simply assumed that, from that point on, you tried to survive.”

“I got a couple of helps,” said Lilac while she turned to Ifrit, who was talking with Eshdar and Albert nearby. “If it wasn’t for those three…I might not even last this long.”

“I should thank them later. But for now…I’m so glad you end up fine, Lilac. I’m so, so glad.”

“Not…exactly fine. Not with this form.”

“Who cares? You’re still the same Lilac to me.”

Hans did not hesitate to hug Lilac despite her snake/wolf appearance, which seemed so peculiar, even for someone who had seen many different races in Main. As for Lilac, her brother’s fluffy fur gave her a sense of warmth that seemed to elude her after losing her own fur. Apparently, despite gaining a snake-like appearance, she was still warm-blooded, so she was still alright despite the chilly winter season.

The extra warmth from her brother was appreciated. She missed her brother dearly, and after three years of uncertainty and high hope, they were finally reunited.

Soon, though, Lilac noticed the wolf apparition that followed Hans. He looked much bigger than any wolves Lilac encountered, almost the size of a bear. There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t tell what.

“Your friend?” asked Lilac, pointing at the wolf apparition.

Hans noticed that she could see the wolf, and said, “He is, in a sense. His name is Fenrir. I let him inhabit my body while we’re out of the continent. There are…certain side effects.”

“Like what?”

“I’ll explain later. For now….”

Hans looked beyond Lilac to find Ifrit, the subject of what he was trying to discuss with Lilac about. Lilac turned and also knew what her brother was trying to say.

“I can tell you miss him as much as you miss me,” said Hans. “But…I sense a bit of reluctance. Is it because of what he did to you?”

“You make it sound bad.”

“Bad or not, the fact that my sister now looks like a cross between a snake and a wolf has something to do with him makes it important for me.”

“So, you think it’s not a good idea to restart our relationship?” asked Lilac.

“You missed him. I can clearly see that. Why the change of heart?”

“Unlike you, Hans, he was dead. Ifrit was killed and I saw him plunge into the ravine. Even if he survived, somehow, his injuries were fatal. He was presumed dead for three years. Three years, Hans. I never once believed that you died, but I witnessed his death. It’s different.”

“But you haven’t moved on from him.”

Lilac sighed. “Somehow, I haven’t found anyone as unique and as tormented as he was…is. But…after knowing certain things…I don’t know if I can ever look at him like before.”

“I can’t pretend I know what you want, Lilac. That is your choice to make. I can only give you an insight. Our lives diverged more than we thought.”

“I know, I know,” said Lilac with a sigh. “I’m amazed by how both our lives changed as soon as we got separated. It’s almost like the wheel of fate turned the moment it happened.”

“I think it’s more like we met someone who changed our lives forever,” said Hans with a smile. “I don’t think we’ll ever survive up to this point if that someone is not present. Well, in my case, it’s not ‘someone’, per se. More like a dragon.”

“You really do respect her, don’t you?”

“Very,” said Hans. “About Ifrit, I think I’ll talk to him. You don’t mind, do you?”

“I don’t,” said Lilac. “But only if we’re together. Don’t want you ending up destroying this place more than it should.”

“Now, why should I do that?”

“I don’t know. I just feel like you have somehow gained some powers. Don’t deny it. I know you did.”

“Well, yeah, but…”

“We’ll do it together,” insisted Lilac.

Hans sighed, though he couldn’t refuse his own sister for such trivial matter.

As Lilac and Hans decided on what they should do next, Ifrit was wondering about the dragon Hans had with him. Now that Lilac’s brother was back, he would start pestering him about why Lilac looked like she did. If he was anything like Lilac, he would be acceptable. However, Ifrit had a feeling that Hans could be reluctant, especially since he knew Ifrit had a demon blood in him and that was the reason why Lilac turned. The corruption caused by his essence caused it. Ifrit was more worried of becoming the prey of the azure blue dragon than fighting demons. Demons, he could understand, but dragons? Something about Azureath gave him a mixed feeling of fear and awe.

“(This can’t get any worse),” said Ifrit to himself. “(Is this what many boyfriends fear? Meeting with a doting relative? Well, Hans does not look like a doting brother to me, but considering they’re orphans, he’ll be very protective of her).”

“He can be that protective, especially for those he loves,” said a voice.

“But the corruption! If it isn’t for me, she might still be a Lycan. Hans might not like how his sister looks now and he’ll think I’m a bad…wait, who are you?”

“I am beside you, little one.”

Ifrit turned to face the azure blue dragon, who growled and showed its teeth to him, grinning. He let out a surprised yelp, but then realized something peculiar about the dragon and the way it talked to him.

“You’re…talking to me?”

“I am,” said the dragon. Her female voice was smooth, yet gave out an aura of wisdom, tempered by age and experience beyond what Ifrit could imagine. Ifrit could tell, given the branding scar all over her body. He could only imagine the torturous ordeal she faced against those who branded her. He could only assume that she exacted her revenge a long time ago.

Then he realized that she was talking with his language, which he remembered would have a detrimental effect.

“But aren’t surface dwellers…?”

“This is our magic,” said the dragon. “It was once devised by the dragons who once walked this Earth to voice their intent to humans. In time, it became complex, and before long, the magic made us understand any language on Earth, even the ones claimed to be forbidden. The only weakness are languages from a different reality or languages far more ancient than the dragons that made it.”

“So, at some point, you know how to speak Hordo without burning your tongue?”

“We are talking with two different languages, hellhound,” she explained. “You speak your tongue and I mine. The scholars of the Order called it ‘Live Translation Spell’. I will settle with calling it ‘The Gift of Tongues’. I extended my Gift to you, to let you understand what I say. You reply, accepting the Gift.”

“T-thanks. So, now I can talk to anybody with my native tongue.”

The dragon nodded.

“Well, so much for learning Tragorian. At least, now I can voice my intent much clearer to surface dwellers. But, uh…since this is a Gift, then you can gift it to anyone else?”

“I am capable of that, but I won’t do it.”

“Why?”

“Languages are identities. They tell where you came from and who you are. And besides, some secrets are best told in a language only you can speak. Remember this, little hound. Languages can be a gift, but it also can be a weapon. Your words can be mightier than the sword you carry, even more so than the pen. Civilizations rise and fall not from swords, but from language.”

“Oh. Right.” Ifrit did not expect to be given such great wisdom from a dragon hailing from another land, but it seemed that she had no problem conversing with him.

“Ah. I see you’ve been acquainted with Azureath,” said a male voice.

Ifrit turned in response to that comment to see Hans and Lilac walking towards him. Ifrit was still a bit worried of Hans having his way on him, but the Lycan did not seem to indicate any animosity. Instead, he offered his hand to the hellhound, which Ifrit accepted.

“I don’t believe we have been introduced yet,” said Hans. “Hans Rezmirn. I’m Lilac’s brother.

“I’m Ifrit Schelkz,” said Ifrit. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“My sister said you accompanied and protected her as you travel. I am grateful for that.”

“Yes, well, uh…,” said Ifrit. “If there’s anything wrong with it….”

“If this is about Lilac, don’t worry. Lilac didn’t mind, so I won’t,” said Hans with a smile on his lupine face. “We both agreed, as brother and sister, to accept what others are doing unless someone or something causes them distress. She’s not in distress, and she’ll be mad at me for thinking that you’re not the best for her. But I suppose I still must tell you that she did not expect the ferocity of a hellhound to be greater than a Lycan in heat.”

“I certainly did not say ‘in heat’!” snapped Lilac.

“Well, uh…. Should we discuss this somewhere more private? The eyes of your dragon’s…quite judgmental.”

“No, no, she’s a friend. Azureath always has that look. She’s far older than the two of us combined, assuming you are still in your 20s. Anyway, Lilac wants to talk to Azureath about dragons. We can get occupied with each other.”

Ifrit started thinking that this would be the moment where Hans would tell what he really wanted to say, away from Lilac. He understood if Hans did not want him to be with Lilac anymore. Still, he could try and persuade him otherwise.

As they walked to the edge of the town, Hans said, “I suppose we can talk here while Lilac’s preoccupied. From the fluency of your Tragorian, I’d say it’s the Gift, isn’t it? She already took a liking to you, that Azureath.”

“Look, Hans, I know our relationship is a little unusual,” said Ifrit, already tense from the waiting despite Hans’ attempt to keep it a relaxing atmosphere. “But I love her. I didn’t mean her harm. I did not even know I’m a half-Infernal until I returned to life. I wasn’t that well-versed with anything surface-related, so—”

“Hey, hey, calm down. You sound like you’ve offended her father or something,” interrupted Hans. “Whatever you’re implying are just your imagination. I am not going to tell you to sod off or stay away from her or anything.”

“Oh.”

“But this depends on Lilac, not me,” said Hans. “You must understand that she might no longer have any feelings for you, not after she believed you died. I don’t want this to become a warning, just a suggestion. You understand, Ifrit?”

Ifrit understood, but at the same time, he felt rather disappointed that Lilac was actually thinking about it. Nevertheless, he already accepted that ever since he accepted his other self. He understood the reasoning, and thus he wouldn’t feel obsessive.

“I understand,” said Ifrit with a sigh. “It’s not like I’m the same hound I was from three years ago, anyway.”

“Again, this depends on Lilac. You certainly still have feelings to her, so it’s not both ways. Then again, that’s not the reason why I want to talk to you. I told Lilac about this.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“It’s about Tragoria. Ifrit, I still can’t thank you enough for accompanying and saving my sister, but you left a big mark when you escaped the night of Sidve’s burning. The hellhounds that were hunting you down did not stop with burning the village to the ground, but they made something far worse. I could only observe from the sky as I checked the situation of the village before Azureath was forced to get away when we were attacked by winged demons. But I caught a glimpse of a bright portal. You know anything about this?”

“Portal? You mean like the one we use to cross to the surface?”

“The reason I know much about this demonic incursion is because I went around, helping to liberate Tragoria with my allies, both old and new. There is a lot that’s happening in Main that’s far worse than the demonic incursion, so believe me when I say this incursion only happened because no one expected it.”

“You expected this to happen?”

“I already faced the light and won. Demons from the depths of hell does not seem that bad, especially how easily we liberated Angla and retook around one third of Tragoria in just a span of months.”

“I never heard about this development.”

“Angla’s deep in Tragoria and we chose not to communicate. Better not give them a chance to counter with subterfuge, right? Me and my friends won against the demons, but we found something else. Portals…or gates, are cropping up all over the region, turning the once lush and green land into a hellscape of nightmares. It will take years for it to naturally heal once we got the region back, but then the portals were the problem. You said you cross one to reach the surface? What did you do?”

“I ran through one that’s open right in front of me,” said Ifrit, trying to remember what happened that night before he met Lilac. “I didn’t do anything. There was a portal and I crossed it by accident. Before I knew it, I was no longer in the Underworld.”

“Where did you end up? How didn’t they find you after a week or so?”

“I was in a forest. I was exhausted and fainted. Lilac nursed me back to health and taught me Tragorian. I think they didn’t know where I was. Maybe that portal closed behind me. If it’s still there, it will illuminate the forest at night.”

“Then they’re a better hunter than I thought, at least before the demons screwed their brains,” commented Hans. “Anyway, the burning of Sidve…was also the start of the hellish incursion. Those who were not killed by the demons were enslaved. They were once people I knew, but when I saw the enslaved humans…there were nothing identifiable from them. They were husks. Ghouls corrupted beyond recognition. Whatever human in them was no more. And then, that damned portal. You really, really sure that portal you came through did not linger around?”

“No. I am sure of it,” said Ifrit, confident.

“I am asking you this because…the irony of the whole thing was that the new portal was made from the remains of our home.”

“What?” said Ifrit, surprised.

Hans nodded.

“Are you implying that I have something to do with that? Hans, I ran with her. Sure, I killed one or two hellhounds inside your home, but I certainly did not make a portal! I don’t even know how to open one, let alone know one of them would lead to Sidve! Is it because I’m a half-Infernal? I didn’t even know I was a half-demon. Ask Lilac. Or Albert. They can confirm it’s true.”

“I can trust Lilac, Ifrit.”

“But you don’t trust me.”

“If I don’t, we won’t be standing here chatting. You’d be my prisoner.”

“Well, that makes sense. But still, I don’t even know what I’m doing. My first priority back then was to run away from my pursuers. I was, and am, a former prince of the House of Schelkz, meaning that, for them, I’m public enemy number one. Summoning a portal to start a hellish incursion is not something I had in mind!”

“Ifrit, calm down,” said Hans after he sensed the temperature around Ifrit started to warm and his pendant, one used to detect hostile magic, vibrated. Ifrit, upon realizing what he did, managed to cool down.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“No, I should be the one sorry,” said Hans. “It sounds like I’m accusing you unfairly. It’s just…I need answers badly. Do you know how it feels when the world changed so rapidly while you thought it’s merely an hour?”

“Well, I can,” said Ifrit. “I can relate. I died for three years. The last thing I remember before waking up was plunging into a ravine.”

Hans, remembering what Lilac said about Ifrit being presumed dead, suddenly realized that his complaints seemed relatable once Ifrit told him about his own story and his own shock. This ended up causing them to bond, and make Hans understood Ifrit. Just like what Lilac said, Ifrit was a tormented soul who found happiness with her.

After they talked about their stories to steer away from the investigation, Hans soon returned to the topic by saying, “I want to help retake my home. This is the best I can do after being absent. I want to know if the portal can be countered with magic spells from Main. I mean, I learned a lot about the continent, and I wish to apply what I learned from my experience here, maybe even help as a Tragorian.”

“Maybe you haven’t met the right people yet,” said Ifrit. “Have you ever met anyone who had been heavily involved with the Incursion?”

“I have. He’s the second hellhound I ever met. His name is Zagreus.”

“Well, I don’t know who this Zagreus is, but I know that he might not be enough. We both desperately needs some form of alliance. We need heavy hitters like you. You need people who already knew what’s at stake.”

“So, you’re proposing an alliance?”

“I’m surprised you haven’t started thinking about that earlier.”

“I didn’t know there is an active effort to stop the incursion other than Zagreus. Also, I don’t think anyone, especially distraught Tragorians, would easily trust a Lycan riding a dragon, especially a special dragon like Azureath.”

“How special?”

“Special enough to be called the Daughter of the Eternal Frost?”

“Ah. Well. I guess that sounds important.”

“I mean it, Ifrit. She’s snowstorm incarnate. You do not want to mess with that dragon. But even if she’s as good as a dozen of them, she’s still one dragon. Unfortunately, Azureath can be quite prideful about this. Can’t blame her for being a proud dragon, though.”

“If she’s not enough, how about asking your friends from Main?”

“We are here because we are freelancers. We are affiliated with Ternor, and they are affiliated with the Order of the Dragon. Simply put, they don’t want to turn this into a political incident.”

“So, aside from you four, who else?”

“They’re all in Angla. I can take you there with Lilac if you want.” Hans paused for a while, contemplating what to say next before he said, “Ifrit.”

“Yes?”

“I mean it when I say I thank you for protecting my sister. You may think you brought this upon her, but from what I can tell, if it wasn’t for you, she might not even be here. Sidve will fall to the enemy one way or another, and I hate to see her…fate if you weren’t there. This isn’t about you anymore.”

“But those hellhounds were searching for me. I was a deposed prince, and my presence is a threat to them. I carried the name Schelkz, and for some it’s a name associated with ruthlessness.”

“Your family’s problems have nothing to do with you. And again, this isn’t the case anymore.”

“How can you be so sure? You weren’t there when they attacked.”

“Yet I am sure you are as much a victim as the people of Tragoria. Again, Ifrit, it’s all in the past. You are no longer that past. You are the future. You don’t need to be the inheritor of a tainted reputation, but you need to know that it’s time you face it. If you are willing to sacrifice your life to protect one girl you barely knew, then I know you are on the right track.”

Ifrit was touched by how Hans could talk like he knew everything even though the hellhound situation wasn’t exactly something he experienced before he returned home. Maybe he did know a bit more than Ifrit, maybe even more by being directly involved in fighting the incursion back. Maybe Hans could even be part of them, and it would be a twist that would…

No. He shook his head. He could not think like that anymore. It was time he discarded his old, paranoid self and be someone who could trust others as much as he trusted the first people he considered friends. Lilac, Albert, Eshdar, and poor Sammael were his first allies on the surface. Then, Rhynsa, Arnulfe Anubis, Wepwawet, and Sahia taught him that allies could come from any background, be it Fuzandres, a Jackal, or a surface-born hellhound. Rhynsa and Kasker, in particular, taught him the two sides of his family’s ruthlessness, and how they dealt with the fallout.

They all helped him understand that he wasn’t alone. This time, he was given a chance to trust the brother to his lover, who had proved that his intentions were also for the good of many.

Without even hesitating, he nodded and smiled, signifying his trust on Hans.