Chapter 34: Myrain Viscounty [1]

After completing his quiet stroll through the rose gardens with Lady Alyse, Craig returned to the lively ballroom alongside the heiress.

Together, they spent the remainder of the evening greeting the visiting envoys and dignitaries from the other three Great Duchies.

By the time the ceremonial feast drew to a close, the high nobles departed for their quarters to prepare for their long journeys back to their respective territories the following morning.

The next day arrived swiftly, the golden rays of dawn breaking over the jagged peaks surrounding the capital.

The first thing Craig did upon waking was mentally call forth Dark Sister from the Temple of Dragons

While Soul-Dreamer remained behind in the cavernous warmth of the Temple of Dragons to tend to her fresh clutch of eggs, Chaosbringer refused to leave his mate’s side unless his master was in grave danger.

That left Dark Sister—the restless, green-and-purple-scaled dragon who had been aimlessly roaming the sky above the crimson castle.

More than eager to answer her master’s call.

Dressed in a tailored dark tunic, Craig pulled on a pair of soft black leather riding gloves.

Over his shoulders hung a fine royal crimson cloak, embroidered with the intricate gold-and-black crest of House Darkstar.

As he stepped through the heavy front doors of the Crimson Castle into the crisp morning air, he found Ser Hughway waiting at the top of the grand marble stairs, a warm, bright smile on his face.

The moment the Guardian Knight caught sight of the Seventh Successor, he pressed his right hand over his heart and offered a deep, respectful bow.

"Good morning, my Lord."

Craig gave a silent nod, adjusting the cuffs of his gloves as they began descending the wide steps side by side. "Are the preparations for our departure complete, Hughway?"

"Everything is moving according to schedule, Lord Viscount," Ser Hughway explained smoothly as they walked. "Just as you requested, the imperial scribes sent advance missives to the Myrain Viscounty yesterday.

The administrative center, Heaven’s Net Castle, has already been alerted. The local barons, and top government officials are currently gathering in the main hall, awaiting your grand arrival. Your summons has been heard and honored across the entire north-eastern domain."

Craig nodded approvingly, looking out over the sprawling city skyline. "And how do you plan to reach the viscounty, Hughway? It takes nearly a week on horseback, and I intend to fly."

Ser Hughway chuckled softly, waving his hand. "You need not worry about my journey, my Lord. Beneath the central keep of Heaven’s Net Castle lies the mystical transportation magic circle linked directly to the City of Dragons.

I shall utilize the Duchy’s private transit line. I will likely arrive at the viscounty just after you do."

"Good," Craig replied.

ROAAAAAAAAAAAR!

Suddenly, a deafening, sky-rending roar shattered the morning quiet, echoing off the basalt walls of the Crimson Castle.

A massive shadow swept across the courtyard, blocking out the morning sun.

The air violently rushed downward as a gigantic beast with shimmering emerald and deep purple scales descended from the heavens.

Heavy winds whipped up clouds of dust across the courtyard as four massive, iron-like talons slammed down onto the stone paving.

Servants, minor attendants, and guards who had been bustling about the courtyard instantly shrieked in terror, scrambling behind pillars and hiding behind heavy wooden doors to escape the terrifying aura of the 4th-Tier beast.

Dark Sister folded her massive wings, bringing her broad, horned head down level with Craig.

Craig walked up to the colossal dragon without a single trace of fear, extending a gloved hand to gently stroke the warm, armored scales beneath her jaw.

"Ur’drak sae, zhar’il..." Craig whispered in the soft, ancient cadence of High Darkstarian.

(Good dragon lady, my fierce princess....)

Dark Sister let out a low, vibrating rumble of pleasure that rattled the cobblestones beneath their feet.

Swinging himself up using the leather riding harness bound to her neck, Craig settled securely onto the crest behind her head.

From high atop the dragon’s back, he looked down at Ser Hughway, who was standing on the courtyard steps with a somewhat sheepish, awestruck grin.

"I’ll meet you in Myrain, Ser Hughway," Craig called out, his cloak billowing in the wind.

He leaned forward, his golden eyes locking onto the north-eastern horizon as he barked his command in High Darkstarian:

"Vael’sor, Dark Sister! Mor’vash Myrain!"

(Soar into the sky, Dark Sister! Take me to Myrain!)

Receiving the absolute order of her soul-bonded rider, Dark Sister unleashed a fierce roar.

She expanded her giant wingspan, snapping her wings downward with violent power.

BOOM!

A localized shockwave tore through the courtyard, sending dust flying as the massive dragon launched herself straight into the sky.

Within seconds, Dark Sister transformed into a sharp violet-and-green streak, soaring high above the clouds toward the north-eastern territory of the Duchy.

Down below, Ser Hughway dusted off his shoulders, watching his lord vanish into the horizon with a satisfied smile.

Turning on his heel, the Guardian Knight hurriedly re-entered the Crimson Castle, picking up his pace as he navigated the grand marble hallways toward the underground transit chambers.

As he rounded a corner leading into the central keep, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Ser Hughway! Wait!"

Hughway paused, turning to see Arya rushing down the hallway toward him.

Her face wore a sweet, innocent smile, her servant skirts fluttering as she hurried to catch up to the Seventh Successor’s lead knight.

For a fraction of a second, Hughway’s eyes darkened into a cold, lethal glare as he recalled the subtle warnings Craig had dropped regarding potential rats within their estate.

But before the maid could notice the shift in his expression, the veteran knight smoothly wiped his face clean, replacing his sharp look with a bright, easygoing smile.

Arya never noticed the danger that had just brushed past her.

Arya put on a bright, innocent facade, her eyes wide as she stood before the Guardian Knight, tilting her head like a curious child.

"Ser Hughway! Where are you heading in such a hurry?"

Ser Hughway saw no reason to lie. "I am heading to the Myrain Viscounty to join my master, the Seventh Successor."

Arya’s eyes lit up, a sweet smile spreading across her face. "Lord Craig is my master too! I should be by his side to serve him. Please, take me with you!"

Inwardly, Ser Hughway snickered with cold disdain.

Every instinct as a knight screamed at him to draw his blade and strike the treacherous maid down right where she stood.

Yet, just as the urge flared in his chest, the memory of his private conversation with Craig echoed in his mind.

The Seventh Successor knew full well that Arya was a rat planted by the Sixth Successor, yet he had deliberately chosen to keep her alive and unsuspecting.

’My Lord is keeping this poison around because she still serves a purpose in his grand board,’ Hughway thought, keeping his composure tight. ’If I refuse her or act out of line, I risk ruining my master’s play.’

Suppressing his disgust, Ser Hughway forced a warm, approving smile onto his face and offered a slight nod.

"Very well," Hughway replied, waving his hand for her to follow. "Pack your essentials quickly and join me at the transportation circle. The Lord Viscount will surely require his personal maid upon our arrival at Heaven’s Net Castle."

Arya beamed, bowing hastily before turning to gather her things, completely oblivious to the shadow of death hanging over her head as Hughway led her toward the underground transportation circle.

Ser Hughway was having a premonition that taking Arya was going to be his worst mistake.

He could tell from the look in her eyes, she was more desperate than determined.