Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 606: No Way Back ()
The beginning of time... what did it even mean? It was a statement that could have many meanings, and none all at the same time.
For as far as the history books spoke, as far back as millennials ago, the beginning of time was marked by the advent of the dark empire.
The rise of the Dark Lord, the enslavement of the great beasts of Asvar, the beginning of one supreme reign and world dominion, it was the oldest tale told, a tale as old as time itself.
But was this truly the beginning of time? Was there a world before that tale? And what was the world before that tale? Was it a time of complete peace? A blissful existence trampled on by the dark empire?
Had there ever been a time the stronghold had known true peace freedom, all species independent of each other and what had those times been?
Above all else, had the dark empire been the true enemy from the beginning? Or as it was with many souls, had the passing of time bred greed and darkened hearts?
It was a question not many could answer, not even the dragons who had seen many centuries to their rights.
Not even the lifespan of dragons could ward off the reality of life and death, how many dragons that graced the skies in this age had seen the days before the advent of the dark empire? There were not many... perhaps, there was none...
Who could tell the truth that needed to be known? The Black Sea, the birthplace of forlorn beasts... truly, it was an evil many had allowed themselves forget, an evil that had been kept at bay by that very dark empire.
Was it not ironical? How one found it hard to recall any commendable acts when they had been sullied by sin upon sin?
One could only wonder, if there ever came a time the dragon dynasty came to an end. How would they be remembered? As protectors? Or just another oppressor?
But what did all that matter? What did the future or the past count for when the present was at stake?
"My Liege." A voice reached King Jian through his thoughts.
King Jian’s dark gaze lifted slowly from his desk to settle on the unwelcome presence.
Was there even a presence he still welcomed? No one here was the one he wished to see... the one he craved to see with a growing, maddening desperation.
If he could not see her, could not be with her, why would he tolerate the presence of anyone else?
But King Jian did know the answer. Because he still had to find his way back to her... his way back home, and take back his fortress and its people along with.
"Starron..." King Jian growled out, his tone low and dangerous.
His eyes flashed, telling of his predator right on the surface and it had been so for the past two days or more since arriving here in Fort Blazed.
Lord Starron lowered his head to a bow, warily watching King Jian.
"Speak... I will not snap and set you ablaze." King Jian assured,
Though his animalistic tone did not sound all that reassuring, at least not from where Lord Starron was standing.
"The mages have reported back. They are yet to find the ley lines on this side of the dimension." Lord Starron reported slowly.
No ley lines...the ley lines with which they had portaled into the dimension of beasts were nowhere to be found on this side of the dimension, and what did that mean?
No way back...
It was not even a thought King Jian wanted to contemplate.
"That is not what I wish to hear... they will find it, and they will do it as soon as possible." King Jian said blankly.
"They will have to seek it out beyond the walls, but the mages are not so confident..." Lord Starron began but he cut himself off when King Jian fixed him with a look.
"I do not care about their confidence. If they have to go down to the depths of the Black Sea...that is exactly what they will do." King Jian made it clear.
Lord Starron opened his mouth to speak but a hand on his shoulder kept him silent.
"Lord Cassian." Lord Starron greeted, inclining his head to a small bow.
"I will see to it, My Liege. They will be accompanied by Orin and Ranjor but that is as much as we can spare at a time." Cassian relayed instead.
King Jian nodded slowly but his gaze changed at Cassian’s next words.
"It will take some days at least..." Cassian began to say but trailed off at the deadly glare his words earned him.
"But Rauron has already begun determining the best and safest route...we can expect his report soon, he is as excellent a navigator as he is a tracker." Cassian quickly assured King Jian.
"I am well aware of that." King Jian murmured, sucking in a sharp breath to stay his predator.
Cassian nodded to Lord Starron and Lord Starron understood the message, taking his leave.
When it was just Cassian and King Jian left, Cassian spoke.
"The portal was greatly damaged by Verothrax’s magic and the sudden void collapse... even if we were to find the ley lines, rebuilding a portal of that magnitude would require resources we do not have on hand." Cassian said directly.
"Cassian... We cannot ascertain the extent of damage Verothrax’s magic has dealt as we portaled away at the very moment it happened. The White Dunes is the closest fortress...if anything goes wrong, they will be greatly affected. My stronghold is in danger..." King Jian trailed off.
"I...left her... do you understand, Cassian? Neveah...my rider, my woman is in a whole other dimension and I do not know how to get back to her...so do not tell me about difficulties."
"We must return to the stronghold as soon as possible, and at any cost." King Jian said in a low but firm tone.
