Eight of Swords

[part 4] I'm sorry the ending is abrupt. I ran out of time but I hope you enjoyed
The Book of Dawn and the Palace of Reflection.

A tidal wave of questions suddenly crashed into my mind. How the hell did I just go from the devil’s nutsack of the Desert Pyhtian all the way back to my village in Kirin Peak? It’s a three day trip by airship and a week by Mistcurser. My confusion and daze left me speechless. Hajun reluctantly rose, watching Emily vanish just as she had arrived.

“My mother’s the Chief? “ I asked, turning to Hajun for confirmation.

“Your mother? Hajun’s confused expression directed at me. It was like he expected my joke to end, but stopped when I stared up at him with nothing to say. “Dawn, don’t you remember? Your mother passed away three years ago. You were there when the fever took her in the night.”

Solving one mystery has only given rise to another equally baffling question. Assuming my mother and father have already passed on, who the hell was our Chieftain? Hajun sensed my prolonged quiet and checked my temperature by placing his hand on my forehead. “You’re sure you're okay, love?”

“Y-Yes, I’m fine, just a little brain fog.”

“Well, use the blood from the head between your legs and give it to your brain. You heard the girls.” He pulled me from the bed with ease, guiding me towards the dress. I dropped the sheets and felt goosebumps prickle my bare skin. I instinctively shielded myself and then grabbed the black pants from his outstretched hand. “Regardless, get ready. Emily and Rayne are likely to barge in again.”

“Ra-Rayne, is here?” I turned my wide-eyed gaze on him.

With a final flourish, Hajun secures my exposed chest with a Sanda kimono jacket, tying blue and gold silk ribbons around my slender waist. “There,” he announces, “finished!”

I stare at myself in the mirror only to see a man I hadn’t recognized in over a decade. He was a nobleman, yet he shared my face. The warrior garb had been off-limits to me since my exile. The craftsmanship evokes a sense of pride as I run my fingers over it. I am the blood of the thunder God Sanda.

“Oh thank god you both have pants on.” I whip around, too stunned to see my little sister standing in the middle of my tent. My whole being yearned to run, reach, and embrace, but my instincts held me rooted to the ground.

“Rayne~” Her name slipped through my lips weakly. “You’re here…”

“Of course I’m here, dummy. Where else would I be on our Chieftain coronation day? You know it’s the skulking nighttime shenanigans, her favorite part of this.”

She recoiled at my silence. Rayne shifted her weight uneasily, reminding me of how she used to stand when she’d caught me playing with her toys. “What’s up with him?” Rayne looks at Hajun.

“Sorry, I’m just...” I hug my sister, first time in four years.

“Okay, no more honey apple wine for you, big brother.” She gently pushed herself out of my arms. “Just hurry up, okay?”

I silently nod, struggling to comprehend everything. I can’t remember if I passed out due to injury or perished in the trials. Felt too real, to be a dream. Or was that just a really twisted nightmare?

The wind gently swayed the leafy green Camphor trees. My kimono shining brilliantly in the blinking sun rays reflecting the royal blue and gold threads of my coat and matching trousers. Child giggling running past me, only momentarily pausing to offer me a polite bow before carrying on. The four of us marched up the grassy hell only to see roaring festive fires light up the village.

Kitsune maiden lighting traditional dance in unison and the crowd erupts into energized cheer. Roasted rabbit rolling over open flames, and dozens of hunters’ blue and silver warriors stand in line, awaiting the warriors’ blessing from their Chieftain.

“This chick must be one hell of a woman, especially since is the first female Sanda chief in our history.” I blink as we approach behind. I could make out sharp of the woman.

“This chick will certainly have your in scruff if you don’t mind yourself, little brother.” She says, turning to us with her back to the fire.

Rayne sighs, nudging past me to stand beside the Chieftain. “I told you she was going to kill you if you were late again.”

“As your future brother-in-law, I’ll take some responsibility for his tardiness.” Hajun smiles, standing on the chief's right, smiling warmly at me.

“Rayjin?” I stare at my older sister in open-mouthed shock.

Rayjin smiles broadly, opening her arms, and others do the same. My first step towards them causes me to tremble. My family, they were all here. This couldn’t be real, but I didn’t care. We were finally together. This is where I’m meant to be, where I can finally be myself. My chieftain’s councilor and protector of my princess, a prince from the Sanda. “Welcome home Kim Hyojong, A son of the Sanda.”

Rayjin gestures with a smile, offering her hand. I was about to approach her, but spun around at the sound of Emily’s frightened cry behind me. Flames engulfed her body, fear etched on her face as the heat scorched her flesh, burning it down to the bone.

“EMILY!” I cry out for her, my hand reaching towards where she was, but all I find is ashes. I yelled her name repeatedly, my lungs burning with each shout.

A loud gasp jolts me awake. I coughed up water relentlessly, clearing my lungs. I reach the riverbank, my body trembling from the cold of the night. Then, I foolishly looked up at the face of a pale woman in white, missing sockets where her eyes should be.

“Payra~”

(Part 3) TW: grammatically errors. Ya boy ran out of time XD

Bustling chatter, live music, and the sweet, prickly pear aroma of pale ale filled the inn. The tavern folk gestured with generous heads, nods, and polite smiles as I made my way through the commotion. My eyes locked on the familiar apple green eyes. “There he is. Please have some.” Mirussa gestures to the empty seat.

As I sat down opposite her, questions arose in my mind, but disappeared when I saw the food. Vulture blacken pie, lentil soup, pearberries, and cactus fruit water. A wild growl erupted from my hungry stomach, but I was too famished to care as I went for the bird. One by one, I devoured it all.

”Slow down Dawn, or you’ll choke to death before you can make it to your destination.” Her melodic laughter filled the air, a smile on her face as she picked berries, a finger idly twirling in her long, slate-colored hair. Eh? Where are you headed anyway, if you don’t mind me asking?” She asked, popping a wolfberry in .

“The Palace of Payra.” I answer between mouthfuls then use the back of my sleeve to wipe the slick grease from my lips.

I felt a prickle of unease when I caught a few locals staring at us. They whispered amongst themselves, seeming to dissect my words. A flicker of interest, mixed with other undefined emotions, flashed in her eyes, only to vanish as quickly as it came.

“Payra Palaces,” Her piercing look made me feel self-conscious, so I sipped my cactus fruit water to regain my composure. “The Palace of reflection is abandoned, untouched for years. Why the hell would you go there?”

“I’m looking for someone.”

“Someone?” She asks, rolling up her cotton white long sleeves, leaning on the table to reach for another berry.

“My younger sister.”

“I’m sorry to inform you Dawn but, if she is there the chances of her survival are extremely low.” My eyes jolt up, reconnecting with hers, waiting for her to explain.

“What?” My eyebrows rise.

“Payra Palaces is a curse castle. Only the spirit of a violent Wolven priestess haunts those halls now.”
"Please,” I snort. “Spare me your townsfolk's ghost stories.”

“This is no children’s fable.” Her eyes harden and all traces of the nurturing maiden were gone. “Listen to me fox.” Mirussa leaned in close after sweeping a gaze around the tavern for listening ears.

“Payra was a high priestess falsely accused of murdering her eldest sister, Mayra, the chieftain. The high priestess was severely punished. The desert heat beat down on her as she hung from the clock tower, sentenced to death by crucifixion. Her body may be gone but her soul is a prisoner in that Palace.”

I took a breath, finished the fruit water, and set the mug down. “Her last words were a warning to the people of Wolfwater Ridge: she would kill anyone who dared enter her temple. Just as the sun’s heat left her to die, she immobilizes her victims, draining all their happy memories, leaving them empty shells.”

I feel my cheeks flush with fear, clinging to the hope my sister didn’t suffer the same end. “That’s rubbish. You’re telling me everyone her believes in ghost stories?”

When I was met with no smile, and those apple green eyes held no warmth, just a stony, unwavering expression, my tongue stilled. I force my mana into a white knuckle grip for even considering the possibility Rayne is dead. I refuse to bury another sister. “If what you say is true, then I must act quickly.” I forced myself to stand, but immediately sat back down when I felt my head swirling.

“I have to find her.”

The surrounding room becomes a dizzying blur. “Mirussa, Mi-Miruss~” My hand clasped to the side of my temple, attempting to steady myself. The wolf made no move to assist me, watched as I stood, then collapsed on the tavern floor. My body felt rooted to the spot, refusing to cooperate as I tried to move. Silence fell, all eyes on me. “I told you’re in no condition to go anywhere. The thing about cactus fruit is.

“Yes, it has amazing dehydrating healing properties but has the nasty side effect of paralysis, hallucinations and drowsiness. Sorry I forgot to mention that bit Foxy boy.”I could hear the scrape of wood on wood, followed by her footsteps, as Mirussa and three other male wolves stood over me.

“You see, Payra, on her last dying breath, she cursed our village of Wolfwater. The rivers have dried up, forcing our prey to leave, and our firstborn children are born dead. Harvest demands life for life. You are the blessed one that will save us this year. Thanks to your sacrifice, our village’s future is safe for the next century. Thank you Foxy. Grab his legs. We have to move fast. Payra likes her sacrifices fresh.”

I lie on the floor in shock as I half asphyxiate on my blood. Two pairs of strong hands pull me up, grunting as they heave me off the ground. The jostling sends fresh waves of pain through me as I cough up more blood. I battle semi-lucidity. Wind is battering me as I fall. I hit something with a splash. God, I hope it’s just water. But for as much as it hurt, it could’ve been celestial steel for all I knew. I sink deep into a rapid current. Water floods my lungs and gravity pulls me under. I fight against my body’s desire to drown but the pain of it all. this. I refuse to die like this. I still have so much to do. I have to find my sister. I have to help Emily restore her land. But first I need to get through these Goddamn trials.

The darkness is pulling me in further, the pressure and pain consumes me. Fighting to stay conscious, my vision blurred into white, and I was swallowed by the dark, murky depths. Soon I can see a flaming cyan light.

“Come now.” The familiarity of a husky male voice washed over me. “Yah. Kim Hyojong!” A groan was the only response I could muster to the dead name I’d abandoned long ago. “Are you going to sleep right through the crowning?” I jolt upright when I felt have firm hand smack my bare . My eyes fluttered opened straining against the blinking fireworks light striking through the silky curtains of my tent.

My tent?

The Kirin sheets, pine scent, and carved dresser left me bewildered. My house sigil of the thunder Kitsuné tribute carved into the handle of the chest and bander hung at the entry.

“Hyojong?” I flinched, snapping my attention to the man. I knew this man, the fire Kitsuné from Central local trading post, Hajun. “My love, are you okay?” He paused at my bedside, studying my curiosity with a hint of worry in his brown eyes.

Wait, did he just say my love?

“Y-yes,” I promptly answered. Distracted by his single article of fabric. The white linen cloth wrapped around his waist, followed by his bare sculpted chest, tight abdomen and damp crow black hair. “Just a bit tired, is all.”

“Well,” He crawls into the goose down plush bed on top of me, pecking my lips with a soft kiss. My cheek heats at the welcome yet unexpected gesture. “As much as I would like to spend the day in bed with you, my dear, the court will be furious if we delay the crowning any longer due to our,” He pauses slowly dancing his fingers down my stomach, down beneath the sheet stopping just shy above sensitive part of my hip causing me to in a tight breath. “Distractions,” Hajun whispered between light kisses on my neck and ear.

“Well, you sir, you certainly aren’t helping the lump in my lap go down.”

I whimper out a breathy moan as he continues to trace absent minded circles on my thighs then nips at a tender part of my neck.

He gently nudged me onto the bed, his warm lips leaving lingering kisses on my lips, neck, and shoulder before playfully nipping at my chest. “I never said I wasn’t willing to face your family's wrath,” says Hajun, his smile wicked and mischievous as he pecks my nose.

“Late yet again!” The tent flap suddenly tore open, startling me, but Hajun laces his arm around my waist, keeping me in place. “See what I tell you. Always tangled up in the sheets between these two.”

“Emily, are you completely oblivious to the meaning of privacy?” Hajun turned over his shoulder, looking at her.

“Nope,” The half-blooded Kitsuné saunters over, plopping herself on my bed beside us. I inch closer to Hajun, pressing my cheek against him to conceal my flushed face. I’ve been an at Foxhole for more than half a decade, but under Emily’s amused stare I faltered.

“Not when it comes to tribal affairs. The prince has been summoned by the Chief to join her for the royal pack roast. It is her coronation night, after all.” She nonchalantly inspected her fingernails. “Now put your away and make haste before the Chief comes in and gets you herself. “

Chief, her?

(Part 2)
Regardless, I will keep my promise, even if it costs me everything. “I will find you Rayne.”
My eyes locked onto the light, tunnel’s end, a mile away. I plant my heels in the earth, draw in a breath, feeling the electric pulse drumming in my veins. With a twist of my boots, illuminating cyan webs covered my body.

“Ayaka, the Kitsuné queen, lend me your fiery courage. Show me the true meaning of haste.” I offer a quick prayer, then burst into motion, sprinting toward the exit, leaving the world a swirling kaleidoscope behind. My feet rush towards the exit.

The wolves lunged at me, their teeth bared and their jaws hungry, but my exceptional speed became my saving grace. I ducked under a fallen tree trunk, sprang up, and ran towards the rocky ledge.
And I am. Just. about. There.

I ran out of the darkness. Sunshine floods over me, my hands reaching up to the sky. Driven by the last of my strength, I surged forward, my legs propelling me towards the wide canyon. The wolves halted their pursuit at the cliff’s edge. My relief was short-lived when a sharp cluster of jagged rocks tore my right trouser pant leg. Its edge slicing into the fabric, eating away at the skin of my flesh. White hot agonizing pain coursed through me as I tumbled down the rocky slope. The impact produced a sickening, loud snap from my right leg. I plummet through a thicket field of dried out thorns and vines. Pebbles assaulted my backside as I shielded my eyes from the worst of it. The drop felt endless, but luckily for me a 50 foot wall and my ready batter rib cage broke my fall.
Oxygen abandoned my lungs from the collision. My peripheral vision faded to black, and blood oozed into my eyes. The swirling heatwaves envelope me, blurring the world around and all sound fades.
I am awakened by the sound of creaking wheels rolling over cobblestones. The cart bumps along, but its movement was consistent as the sun blazed through the tent awning. My head pounds, and my sight comes in and out of focus. My stomach churns, forcing me to shut my eyes and fight the nausea. I caught the scent of sand, vanilla, and wolven fur. A followed by a lovely face emerged, featuring apple green eyes and a heart-shaped contour, framed by long, straight slate hair. Her skin was the color of warm, beautiful clay, mirroring the warmth of her smile.

“W-who? A-ar-e”

“I’m Mirussa~,” she cut in, saving me the trouble of speaking. Her fingers, light as Kirin silk, brushed the damp hair away from my forehead.

“Could you tell me your name, sir?” She asked.

“Dawn,” I replied. She turns her back, grabs a leather waterskin, and holds it to my lips.

“Drink.” I give the wolf a narrow-eyed look. “It’s just cactus fruit water, silly.” She said, popping off the cork then takes a long swing herself.

“See detective?” When I didn’t move, she sighed with impatience. “You’ve been unconscious in 112 degree heat for Gods knows how long. You’re dehydrated. So drink, don’t drink, but I’d much prefer you alive.” She again offers me the waterskin, and this time I take it.

I welcome the refreshing taste of water but am surprised yet satisfied with the liquid inside. The subtle flavor and melon-like fragrance of prickly pear berries captivated my tastebuds. Relief washed over me as I collapsed onto the rocking wagon. I force myself awake, only to see a blurred form wrapped in a cream cotton sheet being thrown into a stone well. I fought for the strength to delve deeper, seeking more information regarding my whereabouts, but once more, the blackness consumed me.
“Rest now. We’re almost there in the village.”

The smell of clay, fresh lavender, vanilla, and something metallic awakened me. The room whirls and tilts, revealing the entire small space. Darkness shrouded the walls, but an enormous egg-shaped window poured moonlight into the space. The sound of festive cheers, clinking mugs, and laughter suggested a celebration taking place outside. Unable to resist my curiosity, I winced as I pushed myself up from the straw mattress, drawing the muted wolf maiden’s attention from her cross-stitching.

“Well, well, well, Mr. Dawn, you’re up at last.” The wolf maiden stands, heading over to my bedside. A bowl of fresh bandages and bloodied water rested on the nightstand beside the bed.

“How are you feeling?” Mirussa struck a match to light a nearby lantern.

“Like anxiety has taken the bump on my chest and Mist powered railcar has run over my corpse.” I cradled my head in the palm of my hands. “What is this place?”

“Welcome to Wolfwater village. Please excuse the excitement outside. You’ve found us amid our annual harvest festival.” Mirussa informed me as she lifts the sheets to inspect my leg. Anticipating a broken femur, I feel a knot of nerves tightening in my gut, turning my stomach. But there was nothing, only a pale pink scar, the sole evidence of previous injury.

“That cactus fruit water works miracles, especially when combined with your body’s natural healing power. It’s fortunate that you have efficient regeneration abilities.”

Dazed, I glance from the wolf maiden to my injured leg, then the tools. A collection of veils, diverse seeds, and stacks of blood-soaked fabric lay in the corner. “You’ve gotta be hungry, right?” She asked, proceeding to clean up the remaining medical supplies. “Once you’re ready, come on down and join us! We’ve got plenty of food and ale.”

“I can’t.” I snatched the sheets from my lap. “I need to get going.” My ribs ached fiercely, but I clenched my jaw, enduring the waves of pain. Mirussa catches me just as I’m about to fall from the bedside.

“Oh, no you don’t. You’re not fit to travel the desert, especially at night. “Here,’ She tosses me a clean auburn tunic and freshly steamed black britches. “I’ll be waiting for you when you get downstairs.”

The sound of the door clicking shut indicative of her exit, leaving me to my own pursuits. “Bossy one, isn’t she?”

I tilt my head, staring at the door frame the wolf just departed through. She kind of reminds me of Emily. My family’s childhood friend, who’s as close as family despite her unique ancestry. I can’t help but to smile at the comparison. My heart jumps, knowing that she at least survived these trials alive despite her elimination. A wave of loneliness swept over me. I’d grown accustomed to having her here next time in the tournament without even realizing it. As much as I’d hate to admit it, I missed the way she looked at me. I like was someone dependable, like Rayjin and Rayne. As children, I would , calling her the girl from nowhere. I found her in the middle of a burning vineyard behind our tribal shrine. That was the same day Raejin….

Damn it.

Mirussa is right. I’m too weak to trek across the dry expanse, especially in the darkness. Three days remain, but I’m running out of time. Throwing the shirt over my shoulders, I took a quick look in the mirror, hoping I appeared presentable. I left the room and joined the villagers at the inn after a slow descent down the spiral staircase.

The Book of Dawn
(Part 1) TW: Blood, fantasy violence, language

My back slams into the hard rock. A heated argument erupts behind me among the seven massive desert werewolves as they steer me towards a rocky cove. Sweat drips from my forehead as I push my blonde bangs aside and trek through the harsh Pythian desert. My chest heaves from exertion, my lungs burn from the scorching heat of the hostile sun. This is the honorable accolade I received by conquering three nerve-wracking challenges in the most ruthless tournament in Heleon history.

The Blood trials are a long-standing Heleon tradition. Every year, the Grand Central Council celebrates Maya and her children, Ayla, Adriana, and Aegaeon, with a festival and tournament in Central State. The Lunar trio receive blood offerings in an exchange for Mist, our most valuable natural resource that provides endless mana across the realms.

It’s the only competition in which everyone, regardless of their nationality, gender, or social status, can take part. Except for Battle of the Races, of course. It’s an invitation only the brave, bold, and borderline bat- crazy would accept. Then again, this is my second time entering this tourney.

But what other choice did I have? I had a promise to keep.

Although, this year’s trails are proving to be far more difficult. They are downright brutal. In certain situations, quite cruel from what I’ve witnessed other competitors’ failure. Every Heleon being, be it Vampire, Fae, Demon, Kitsune, Dragon, or any other persons, faces rigorous testing in this tournament. This competition dissolves the pleasantries and strips you to our very core. You’re forced to prove their valor through strategic challenges to earn Maya’s blessed gifts. Failure often results in bloodshed or death, courtesy of the lunar triplets. The governing body of the Imperial Grand Central Council makes certain of at that moment we sign our blood contract.

Blood lust and prestige entices hundreds of thousands of species from all corners of the world to witness the brutal spectacle. For centuries, people prepared for this moment. I have only trained for three years. Seventeen contenders entered for the title of Blood Brawler this year. Only four of us remain. Many champion nominees aim to represent their kingdom’s honor, stand among the elite and attain everlasting glory. I could give a rat’s about glory and honor. My freedom, enough gold to find my sister, was all the persuasion I needed to join this lavish blood bath. She’d been missing for over a year.

“Get back here, maggot slave!” Their alpha barked, rushing towards me. I can hear them debating which limb they’ll devour first.

I did not come all this way to be puppy chow!

My breaths came out in heavy gasps, mixing with the rhythmic thud of my leather boots against the cave floor. The occasional sandy mud hole reaches to ensnare my ankles. A pack howl rang in my ears. The bone-chilling sound appeared to originate everywhere and nowhere at once. It came from above. No, it came from further.
“They’re just a half mile to the east to the open plains.” I said.

I dart my eyes downward from my rocky outpost, seeing no one. I shut my eyes, swiveling around to listen for the rough sounds of grunts and barking. Echoes rebounded, crawling high above the scoria walls.
“Make that a quarter west and an eighth of a mile northeast.” I corrected myself.

I wrench myself upright from the wall. Five minutes into this last trial, and I’ve already cracked two ribs. I’m a fool for thinking I could make it through these damn trials alive for a second time.

these games. I curse this world-class division into the deepest, darkest depths of damnation. I don’t want any part of this eternal glory or honorable mention . But, I’d rather face down a dangerous path to freedom over a peaceful slavery.

Damnit

In hindsight, I wish I had funded little sister’s freedom when I had the chance. Instead, I’m stuck here playing the Grand Central Council’s little game. Find Payra Palaces of reflection, seek the prophecy, then ring the tower bell. The Demon Prince Asmodeus instructions for my last task echoed in my mind. It sounds simple enough, but never trust a Demon. They have thousands of motives, 95% of them malevolent. Angels are no better either.
Shame overwhelms me, and a knot tightens in my stomach. Raging power pleading with me to release it as I attempt to contain the hot blue electrical sparks crackling at my hands. “I will find you Rayne.”

I swore on Rayjin’s grave that I will not lose another sister. I can’t help but cringe with guilt when I think about my older sister dying in that burning shrine. Rayjin was my father’s favorite, while he loved Rayne and put up with me. I couldn’t blame him after what I did. Rayjin was a fearless leader, the future Chieftain of our people. Strong, kind speaker and a natural and expert Sanda Kitsu lighting wielder. She was everything I’m not. Maybe I deserve this hell.

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Well me. Umm brb to plot with myself []

* rolls dice * gets a 4

* rolls dice * gets a 2

* rolls dice * gets a 4