The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 78: The Morning After

Chapter 78: The Morning After

I awoke as the stench of smoke seared my lungs, clutching at my sword even as I rolled to my feet. The morning’s gray light was stained with filth, an ever-spreading plague we’d been fighting for months. Billowing clouds of darkness rolled from the village our squad had taken refuge in, and the blood drained from my face as maniacal cackles rent the air. I drew my sword and took a shaky breath, standing in formation aside the other members of my squad. The smoke and fire twisted as hulking creatures strode through, impossibly immune to the hellish heat of the burning cottages. My blade clattered from my hand it turned, piercing my soul with its fiery gaze. It had horns and scales and a tail and claws and fire and...everything went black.

"Found you..."

I wrenched awake as the fiendish voice invaded my mind, clutching the blanket with trembling hands and staring wildly about the room. My chest heaved as I gasped for breath, my clothes clinging to my sweat. The cool morning air slipped through parted curtains, and I shivered as it caressed my clammy skin. After a moment, my heart slowed and I rested a hand against my head, rubbing between my horns. I felt completely drained, both body and soul, my mana reserves empty. It was my second time feeling this way, but that did little to comfort me.

A sleepy yawn meandered through the air as Trithe stretched her arms above her head. "Morning already?" She asked, laying her head back on the pillow and closing her eyes.

I didn’t respond, mostly because I didn’t yet trust myself to speak. I drew my knees to my chin and hugged my shins, trying to stop myself from shivering. Whatever that had been, it was certainly no dream. Another vision, perhaps? Yet this time I took a third party’s perspective, some nameless soldier in a faraway land. His fear tainted me, amplifying my own of whatever monster they’d been fighting. And that voice... I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to forget the sound of crackling embers that intruded on my mind.

"Bad dream?" Trithe mumbled, rolling over to look at me. "Happens to everyone their first time."

Nodding weakly, I resumed staring out the window, watching as dawn broke. The grays gave way to golden light as the sun crested the mountains, throwing dusty sunbeams into the room. Trithe’s bed shook as she stood and began dressing for the day, putting on her usual provocative leathers and skirt.

We were in the inn of some small village, the same who’d requested our aid with the goblins. After the slaughter yesterday, I thought I could sleep through anything, but it seems I was mistaken.

"What do demons look like?" I asked in a small, wavering voice.

Trithe looked over, hands behind her back fighting with the laces of her blouse. She blinked a few times, clearing away any remnant drowsiness. "Demons? Where did that come from?"

I lowered my head, resting it back on my knees. After a moment, her gaze softened and she sat beside me on my bed. "Help me with these laces, will ya? Thanks. And don’t worry about the nightmares. Looking at all that blood for the first time is tough on you."

"I’ve killed before," I said softly.

She stiffened, nearly pulling out of my hands as she leaned forward placing her elbows on her knees. "I suppose that’s true. But why ask me? If anyone would know what demons look like, shouldn’t it be you? The invasions still coming, so I doubt anyone alive has seen one before."

"Oh."

She stood as I finished, casting me one more glance before unlocking the door and stepping outside. "Don’t be late for breakfast. I heard they don’t bother saving any for people who sleep in."

After several minutes, I recovered enough strength to stand and dress. Pausing beside my bed, I looked down at the sheets, which were darkened with sweat. Did they charge extra for something like that?

Putting the thought aside, I grabbed the rest of my things and stumbled down the stairs. Inns in Enusia were a strange combination of a pub and hotel. The kitchen and common area took up the majority of the ground floor, while the innkeeper’s quarters and guest rooms were built on the upper. The village was out of the way, and the only rush they ever got was the annual flow of festival pilgrims, which had long since dried up. As the only bar in the region, farmers and townsfolk crowded in at night, but we had the place to ourselves by morning. Soltair waved me over the instant I descended the stairs.

Reluctantly, I left the safety of the railing and hobbled over, leaning against the heavy wooden chairs and tables scattered throughout the room. My foot caught on a raised floorboard, and I stumbled forward. Sotlair blurred in his chair, dashing forward and catching me in his arms as I fell.

"Xiviyah! What’s going on?" he asked, easing me into a chair.

"I-it’s nothing," I said unsteadily, tail twitching as the spinning in my head finally stopped.

"She was like this when I woke up," Trithe said idly, leaning back and folding her arms. "Asked me something about demons. Probably just a nightmare. We all know she wasn’t exactly fond of our little quest yesterday."

"Take it easy," Soltair said, turning back to me, "we can rest here another day if you need."

"I’ll be fine," I mumbled. If it was anything like the last time I had a vision, I would be good to go in a few hours.

The innkeeper made his way over in a few minutes, carrying a heaping tray of steaming food. While the aroma tickled my senses, I didn’t have much of an appetite and only picked at the breakfast.

"Found you," I whispered, echoing the haunting words from before. They had come as the vision faded, but I hadn’t been lucid enough to remember if they were referring to the soldier or myself.

I remained at the inn for several hours while Soltair and Trithe wandered about the village. Occasionally, I’d hear the delighted squeals of children and could imagine Soltair showing off some cool trick or magic. In the few days since we’d left the Divine Throne, he’d lightened up a lot, often engaging Trithe or myself in spirited conversation. He reminded me of the Soltair shortly after I was found, his purpose and calling as a hero clear as day, unburdened by the politics of Enusia. Although he treated me equally with Trithe, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would change. Sun’s prophecy was particularly worrisome, and I was reminded of Fate’s reluctance to trust visions of the future. Just what had Sun told him about me?

My thoughts were interrupted by the piercing whinny of a horse. I walked to the window, testing my legs and finding them fully recovered. Outside, several villagers were speaking with a haggard-looking rider slumped over his saddle. I pulled away as they helped him dismount and began collecting my things. The door to the inn burst open and Soltair strode through, a serious look on his face. "It’s time. The basilisk has started moving."