Ashes and Kingdoms

Chapter Two

Jiji............ Patchy......

There is one light in the dark house. Outside there is not even the light of the stars, and the darkness looms just that far apart from one wall. Failing to withstand the pressure, the family inside looked blue at each other, even now that every roof would collapse.

This neighborhood, close to the border between the province of Nornicom and the Dorfaye Autonomy, had at last been abandoned by legion soldiers. It means that neither the land nor the inhabitants are worth protecting. There are now many defectors living in the neighborhood who joined the rebellion three years ago. There are such runaways who cannot enter the tribal society of the Dolphaes and cannot return to the centre of Nornicom.

It has been a good annoyance to people like their families who have long lived in the land and earned their living in the boring agriculture and livestock industry. Even though there is nothing I can do about it where I resented it, and thus leaning against each other every night and holding it to the fire of a small lamp, hatred is solicited not only against the natives, but even against their fellow countrymen who rebelled.

When we should have had one bonfire on all sides of the village, we also had enough fuel. But when all sides turned eight, and more light was needed, the firewood ran out in an instant. I also used livestock manure that I had dried because I was a Dolphin, but it wasn't enough.

In the end, this is how I ended up just lighting a small fire in each house. Outside the walls there is a crisp, dry sound. Even though it's summer, cold air sneaks in enough to tremble from the gap.

As it were, sooner or later, everyone in the village would gather at the temple for an evening. By then, the number of people will have fallen considerably.

When the man with the children's shoulders thought that in gloom, suddenly, the lamp fire shook.

"Ah......"

Disappear. The young children leaked a scream of despair. but the shaky flames sparked a dazzling glow against expectations the next moment.

Surprisingly, the family accidentally let themselves off the lamp. But the wind that arose in the movement was unbeatable, and the little fire was burning brightly. So much so that it almost looks fun.

A fierce roar shook the darkness in the ears of a flashing family. Unlike that of the beast of darkness, a voice that is rough and powerful, stirring up the fighting will of those who hear.

Everyone was relieved for a while after the aftermath disappeared. Somewhat the man who returned to me rushed to the door without stopping his wife and opened it.

There was no blue light surrounding the roundabout, and many neighbors appeared at the door just like him.

From nobody, "Give me that," a voice goes up. He breathed when he saw the tip shown by more than one finger.

"The flames...!

At the end of a whisper street, over a fence showing the boundaries of the village, on a bonfire platform that should have been chilled out.

"How bright"

The flames were burning, dazzling enough to take people's eyes and captivate them.

The man stared at it with his eyes narrowed. The curious kids come out and stick to his hem. A long-forgotten emotion overflows the man's chest, the children's faces.

"It's the Dragon Marquis."

At the same time as the man snapped, there was a joyous voice everywhere.

"Welcome home! Master Elecia has driven away the darkness!!

"I heard you winging. Must be dragon wings!

With the momentum of having already regained the world, the villagers shouted in their mouths, clapping their hands and dancing even though it was the middle of the night.

One of the children who was clinging to the man said, fighting drowsiness.

"Dad, what's everybody saying? Ryu, you're not here?

"Oh, now he's gone."

The man caressed his little round head gently. For the kids who were still walking around when they rebelled, both dragons and dragon marquises are just fairytales to listen to. The story of the Empire, and Nornicom's place in it, and how it relates to ourselves, is still far away from the world.

Maybe the battle starts again. Perhaps in return for the sheltered flames, we will offer crops and livestock without them.

The man hid a slight anxiety through his chest, grinning and lifting up my young child.

"Anyway, we can sleep safely and well this evening. Come on, we need to get in bed now."

Is that okay? For the sake of family safety, you may not only offer wheat, but also take a weapon in this hand.

(Even I can fight)

Unaware of where the fighting spirit to dispel anxiety would spring from, he was alone, clenching his fist.

Earlier than it was known that the return of Flaming Dragon Hou was being whispered, Eastern Commander Glaus followed Nornicom's state capital, Comris. I had to. A subpoena was received from the council, threatening to charge him with treason if he did not respond.

Glaus forced his men to stay away and took only a few escorts to the Imperial Capital.

From east to west, turn back on the former battlefield and cross the state border Tiol River in front of Acte. Horse-riding hooves echoed on the bridge, and the vibration was transmitted to the river surface - sensed by the water spirits. In an instant the Spirit retraces the stream. Unseen in the eyes of man, through the world just outside the world, upstream, to the far north hills. And convey hidden water into the ground, further east - under the Lord in the meadows.

Liane dipped her hand in a spiral in response to a voice calling to her heart. And then he nods and sees the chief's tent in an unconscious manner.

I've already decided what the clan wants. Neither does Liane intend to contest it now. Still, I hoped that the later this news arrived, the better.

"I can't help what's happened."

With a sigh of goodness, she slowly headed to the tent.

Of the few tents lined up in summer residence, the most gorgeous colour is the residence of the chief. Inside, the brunette sheikh was just taking care of the bow. I raise my eyes with someone who came in without forgiveness, and frown when I find out that it is a curser who has no control over the chief.

The usual reaction, but Liane now had difficulty ignoring it. That and this is the woman's fault, and I get irritated. stuck together, she said.

"Sheikh Senion, the Spirit has informed me. The general crossed the Tiol River. There are only five offerings. I guess you're going to hurry up and come right back."

It won't even protest, a whisper of irony. Senion waved one hand and left it.

"It has long been the same for the raw white councillors in the Imperial Capital to appreciate even moving one stone for days. They hung me up, and there's no easy way to talk about it. Liane, my heart is already set."

"I know. I was just guessing. … let me check again one last time. This fight is not for him, it's for all of us. I will not fall with the Fire Dragon Hou. That's for sure, isn't it?

"Terrible."

Senion roared in displeasure and stood up with his bow down.

"I gather all together and tell them that the time has come. You must inform Lord Elecia. We should be on the northwest hill."

"... ok"

I really didn't like it, but Liane left the tent knowing. Liane is - or the tribal cursers are traditionally those who call upon the Spirit of the water. Because to live in this dry land, a few rivers will be the lifeline, going slowly from the far west mountains through the hills to Nara.

As Liane, who has been inherited from her ancestors and has a familiar nature to the Spirit of the Water, I did not want to get close if I could, such as to the Fire Dragon and the Dragon Hou, which are far more powerful than the familiar Spirit, but also the power of the opposite pole.

But now, the desire to see how the other person would react to this news prevailed.

Ride the back of a familiar goat and head to a small tall hill northwest of the settlement. As Senion said, Dragon Horse Elecia was running a horse on it.

The lady, who could hardly manipulate the horse at first, now wore a single move. There's nothing irritating or whimpering about watching. Most importantly, during horseback riding practice, we cover ourselves with the power of dazzling hot flames, so the nearby Liane doesn't have to feel too bad either.

Elecia seemed to have noticed early on that Liane was coming up. Just as she reached the top of the hill and descended from the goat, Elecia also slowed the horse to a slow pace, circling around and then stopping him.

"Looks like there's been some movement."

Faster than Liane opened her mouth, Elecia said satisfactorily. Liane comes with a cock and becomes a thorny voice.

"If you knew, maybe you could come down first."

"I just saw your face and guessed."

Elecia doesn't laugh at eagle fried and tackle it. Liane struggled to contain her frustration.

This is it. This, naturally, eagle fried. You're frustrated with dignity and paper attitude.

I laughed bitterly that there was no choice around because it was fire and water, and some people fought over the battle of women who toured the Senion there, but if Liane told me, it would not be such a problem.

(Not because it hosts the power of flames. I'm upset because this woman is too much of an Imperial aristocrat.)

Of course, Liane knows no other aristocrats of the Empire. But I could imagine that Elesia would be typical of a noble woman. I take such situations for granted, where I am valued, treated politely, and where requests take precedence. No, naturally too much, not even conscious.

Those around me are overwhelmingly inferior, and therefore do not react to this hostility.

(Nor am I tenacious in trying to attract Senion's interest. As a member of my tribe, I am angry with the Imperials)

First of all, I wouldn't do it if I were on my own.

Liane told her blurring as she felt her anger swell up in her again.

"The general has been called back to the Imperial Capital. Senion's gonna make a move."

Put me in your truck. I can barely add that.

About three and a half years ago, everyone made a fuss when a blazing flame crashed pulling black smoke. If you rush, the identity of the dragon was the blurry dragon and the dragon horse. This one nursed him kindly, but the recovered Elecia sat straight under the chief. Besides, he convinced me to join the Nornicom rebellion again.

(I take it for granted that others move for themselves)

As Liane was staring, Elecia responded with a bitter smile.

"You still seem to disagree"

"It would be obvious. Senion is our leader, not your servant. It's no big deal about the Empire. All the Empire pushes is strangling us a little bit. It's a tax street, it's a congressman's currency. It's not enough to enslave a lot of people in Vern's time, it's trying to change us from our roots."

I won't do the same to you.

"I already did. You're involving us in an empire of politics and vengeance. You make a natural face, and you believe it's for us. He looks like an Imperial."

Liane snorted hun and slapped the cane in her hand with her fingers harshly. They don't say anything, so I look west while I'm stuck.

"Since Senion was put on you, I've had no choice but to send the Spirit far away to explore the movement of the Empire, but let me tell you, it won't be long. Those people, leaving them alone, will destroy themselves. We have nothing to do with this."

I don't know.

Elecia said and smiled. A seemingly lustrous, but powerful grin. When Liane was frightened, Elecia turned away and slapped the horse in the neck once, then looked back again - this time, clearly cold, and shot her through.

"Then sell me the favor of the monk. If the empire perishes, I will be the king of Nornicom. It doesn't matter how your new neighbor behaves."

"... to those you can't catch with bait, that's why you make threats. You don't admit you're a reciprocal. If it was a word of gratitude for your cooperation, I would have reviewed it, but, as it turns out, the Imperials were imperials."

Liane discards uncomfortably, turning her back and spanning the goat, running down the slope.

Elecia dropped it off and exhaled small and fluttering.

Needless to say, Liane's point was to be aware. It is now time to ensure that the Dolphins take sides and regain Nornicom to discuss the Emperor. For that reason, I had to use every hand I could to capture Senion in an ungrateful attempt to be cursed.

(If you get the capital back, you'll be on my floor. Don't break your vows)

Senion's voice and face rose to the back of his brain. Elesia trembles and holds herself. I was heartily relieved, such as to entrust my body to that man who was crude and abusive and did not resemble my late husband. But to move him, we had to do it in the best interest of our ability.

Of course I'm not stupid with Senion. Liane thinks that Elesia has conquered Seniors, but the reality is that Seniors are only allowed to stay as guests if they have plans as well. By making Dragon Hou a "guest” i.e. a pawn, his authority increased more than before. Those who still insult young chiefs are almost gone, too.

Elesia and aristocracy. Senion's position and intentions were readily readable. Knowing that it was being used, he greatly thanked Senion, looked like he was unilaterally benefiting, and begged for assistance in the form of a plea.

Senion understood it generously. I got a tear complaint from a zero beauty, and I was wondering if there was a man who couldn't move. That's how he dressed up in front of the people and asked for her as a further reward.

(Yes, this is just a deal)

Elesia told herself strong. I wonder if those dirty fingers crawl around my skin, and the caries run. Elesia embraced her hatred while holding the reins to prevent the horse from fleeing frightened.

and signs of mean inclusive laughter came through my mind.

Don't tell me that, didn't you warn him? Holding me is the same as holding a flame. Still wants to play with fire, I'll entertain you till you burn out. "

Genshas. He hasn't really materialized since he was badly hurt three years ago.

I'm really sick of this. How many times do I have to tell you that your jokes aren't funny?

Elecia responded with great relief, but there was a warm bitterness in her mouth, even though she said it was not funny.

She turned southward as she deceived the horse that softened at the signs of the dragon. Far away home, Nornicom. Three years have passed, but will everyone remember the Lord who was? My hands were unconsciously rubbing my flank. This is where he was hurt in the last battle. The second iron arrow swept through the belly of Elesia, shooting through what was Genshas' neck, and pierced the wings of the flame.

No more, I didn't really think I was going to get killed. Though I was going to make it look like that and run away.

Chas, if they point that crossbow at me again, I'll put it away now, okay?

"I can't do the same thing twice. Besides, first of all, you'll find it and break it down, won't you?

Of course. That's a threat to the dragon, but even if I don't show up on you, if I'm shot into the horseback squad, there 'll be no comparable damage to a normal bow and arrow. As soon as we find him, we have to crush him.

Elecia pulled her hand back when she realized she was exploring an ancient wound that had no marks or pain.

After a while when she regained consciousness, she asked Genchas. I was wondering if even dragons would lose their lives to weapons like that. The answer was yes or no.

- It can be so wounded that it can no longer be materialized, but existence itself will not be erased. But from a human point of view, "dead” would be the same thing.

With so many wounds, the power imparted to the partner of the bond will also be insignificant. Tactically, both dragons and dragon horses will no longer be in the bill, which means it's like dying, he said.

I'm not going to die without vengeance.

Elecia grabbed the reins and bit her back teeth off.

And I don't condone the luxury of self-destruction.

Sooner or later the empire will perish - yes Liane said. But I don't know if they're dying sick people, that's what I don't care about.

I will definitely hold your breath with this hand.

If the Empire is going to destroy itself, he will stick a blade of vengeance up his throat and remind him of the pain the Tius family has been savored.

It has to be, my partner.

Genshas' pleasant voice trembled in his heart, and the growl emitted by a dragon without entity sucked into the blue sky.