The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 67] DYLAN: A Turbulent journey

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Dylan gazed out over the railing. The land below was splintered in a million pieces, some the size of a city block, others the size of mountains. From a distance, it resembles a pile of wood chips halted mid fall.

<> Doward lamented next to him.

Dylan’s team was among twenty assigned to Tulven, a nation beset by demonic beasts, and they were on-board one of six airships heading for the eastern seaborne. The brief reprieve was a opportunity to take stock of the tumultuous changes to his life.

“Hello!” Said a cheerful voice behind him. Free came up and joined him in admiring the view. “Why did you decide to be a hero?” She asked suddenly.

“What?” Dylan croaked out, ignoring Dowart’s laughter.

“I was speaking with Nang.” Free explained. “She told me everything. Why did you risk your life to save that girl?”

“It sort of happened.” Dylan answered miserably.

Free raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting more. Deciding truth required less effort, Dylan relayed the story of his encounter with Soul Skyfell and his peculiar demand.

“So that guy is even turning others into heroes…” Free chuckled.

“You know him?” Dylan was surprised.

Free hesitated. “I do. Is that a problem?”

I suppose not, Dylan reflected. “No, you aren’t responsible for his actions. Besides, even with the mess he thrust me in, I’m still grateful for his assistance that time.”

“Has he always been so selfless?” Dylan inquired.

Free nodded. “You could say it’s in his blood.” She smiled wistfully. “Same as my own shapes me.” Dylan sensed a sadness but didn’t pry. We’re only temporary allies.

“So if it isn’t heroic aspiration, what drives you?” Free asked.

Dylan deliberated. “I seek to redress a past wrong.” He finally admitted. There are people I must kill, and one travels with us.

Free’s upbeat demeanor faded at this admission. “I knew someone who spoke of righting wrongs. Hopefully, your motives are more commendable than his.”

Not liking the mood, Dylan changed the subject. “I hear you’re a druid. Could you tell me about your training in Vigil?”

Free’s face lit up. “Oh, it was so amazing I almost didn’t want to leave. How much do know already?”

“Nothing.” Dylan confessed.

Free beamed. “Vigil is the only outside territory ruled by tyrants. It’s basically their embassy to the human world——They’re fascinating creatures. The forests sit in the mountains northeast of the Green Hell, a few days from Bastion. Not only is there the widest array of wildlife, in one valley called the Fogwoods time works in all types of weird ways, some places fast, other places slow. It’s marvelous for experimentation. You can complete a project, and come back shortly after to see how it’s performing months later.”

“If you were having such fun, why didn’t you stay?” Dylan asked.

“A sense of responsibility.” Free sighed. “My siblings are out there doing their best, I couldn’t be the only one hiding away, especially with the power I wield.”

Free held out a hand. Small roots converged on her palm, weaving themselves together in the form of a bird. Small leaves resembling feathers covered the body. Flapping its wings twice, it took off and flew away. Dylan had never seen magic like this.

<> Dowart chimed in. <>

Free watched her creation soar. “I’ll leave my mark on the world by thwarting what she was aiming to achieve.” She whispered softly. Dylan didn’t understand but felt her determination.

“Trouble’s coming.” Darius announced. Dylan nearly jumped finding the large man behind.

“What do you mean?” Free asked, recovering quicker from her companion’s stealthy appearance.

Darius said nothing but stared ahead. They joined him, attempting to find where he was focused. Approaching them was a splinter of earth rising above the rest. On top was a woman dressed in black.

“August Terrance is protecting this fleet.” Free said. “Surely she’s not crazy enough to attack?”

“The madness in her eyes says otherwise.” Darius countered coldly. “Also, look closely at the ground below her.”

A dark crimson covered the splinter’s surface. Dylan noticed it was moving. “Is that… blood?”

As if in response, the liquid surged upwards, rising as pillars before diving towards them. While the wind barrier repelled the assault, a layer of red spread out overhead with drops raining through.

“I’ll engage the enemy.” August’s voice rang out. “Stay on course.”

The immortal flew out and forced back the high pressure streams with blasts of air. The woman turned her attention to this new foe, approaching on a pool of red the size of a small lake. Blades of blood and wind collided to obscure their vision.

“What’s going on?” Nang called out as she rushed over.

“Torak’s disciples have been targeting airships.” Free answered. “That must be one of them.”

Dylan frowned glimpsing the woman’s crazed face. Those aiming to destroy the world are enemies. He surveyed the fleet and noted the decks filled with saints spectating the battle. She’s truly insane to attack this gathering. Then, from the corner of his eye, he spotted a falling shadow. Twisting through the wind barrier, it dropped onto the lead ship.

“There’s another one.” Dylan shouted.

Weaving through surprised onlookers, the shadow darted inside. A second later there was a ear-shattering crash, and the airship decelerated. The shadow emerged from another exit and jumped to the next ship.

“She’s after the engines!” Someone shouted. “Don’t let her inside!”

Everyone scrambled after the intruder but she slipped through the crowd with astounding ease and speed. Soon there was another explosion.

“We’re next.” Nang said, casting a white silvery net around the ship. Her eyes went wide as the shadowy figure leapt straight through it. “Impossible.”

With the power of the Greater Mystery of Magma, Dylan struck out with Resplendent Delusion. The shadow dodged around him, and he struggled to follow. The pitch black cloth covering his opponent made tracking her difficult. Just as she’d finally escaped him, she paused. All the entrances were sealed shut with a layer roots. More reached up and lunged at her.

The intruder backpedaled, avoiding another of Dylan’s blows. She drew a dark sharp blade and drove into the deck. Her body then deformed into a thick smoke that seeped through the gap.

“No!” Free cried out.

They all raced below deck to find the intruder by the engine, her blade raised high. However, before she could swing down, a second shadow appeared behind her, wielding an enormous scythe.

There were three flashes as Darius split the air with his vicious weapon. Barely evading, the intruder turned and barreled past them. Just as fast, the ninja dashed in pursuit. By the time they’d returned above deck, both were gone, and all was quiet.

<> Dowart observed.

Indeed, Darius had scared off an intruder who had outmaneuvered dozens of saints. What’s the secret behind this power? And why is such an individual traveling with us?