A Ride of Peril(30)

I chuckled and cupped his face with my hands.

"Take care of yourself, big brother, and look after them as well. I'll see you soon."

He winked in response.

I pulled my satchel over my shoulder, waved goodbye to them all, and walked over to Draven.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice as smooth and calm as ever.

"Ready as I'll ever be."





Serena





We took three horses to Mount Inon, as time wasn't on our side. The stallions were purebred athletes, strong and fast, shooting through the jungle like arrows. We reached the volcano just as night unraveled around us in shades of indigo.

Inon welcomed us with limestone arms wide open. He guided us to another plateau on the western side of the mountain, where the other Dearghs had been kind enough to prepare dinner for us. It awaited us on large wooden platters.

After we ate, we followed Inon inside the volcano, into one of the chambers closest to the lava core. Draven took out the translated notes from the swamp witches' books, while Hansa and I sat in front of him, quietly watching as he prepared for the fire protection spell. 

He laid out all the ingredients we'd brought from the mansion, a variety of herbs, seeds, and dried roots. He used a wooden bowl to mix them all together. He looked up at Inon, towering behind us with a curious expression.

"This is the fire protection spell we talked about, courtesy of the swamp witches," Draven explained. "Do you have the powder I mentioned earlier?"

The Deargh nodded and reached out, revealing a small black leather pouch in his hand. Draven took it and poured its content into the bowl. The dust scattered over the herb mixture like bits of glimmering charcoal.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Remains of a fallen Deargh." Draven looked at me. "The volcano only accepts Dearghs. The spell is meant to fool the fire into thinking we are Dearghs, basically."

He then placed his hands above the bowl, palms facing down, and recited the words that would bring the spell to life. "We are not what we seem. We are spirits in stone bodies. We do not burn, for fire is our crown."

He clapped his hands twice, and the mixture instantly caught fire, a vibrant green flame that died out almost immediately. It left behind a dark green paste with limestone and crystal particles, reminding me of the mineral cleansing masks that Aida had once brought back from the American mainland.

The more I learned about this spell, the more I appreciated the swamp witches. In the absence of magic flowing through their veins, they'd learned to trick the elements with formulas and chemical combinations, fueled by the power of the word. The concept was extremely fascinating, and I was eager to understand it better.

I made a mental note to figure out a way to read through the swamp witches' book once we got back.

"I must say, Druid," Inon said, "you're either extremely brave or extremely crazy to do this."

"Do what, exactly? Swim through hot lava or sneak into Azazel's dungeons?"

A moment passed as the Deargh carefully measured his answer.

Hansa and I glanced at each other.

"Both," he replied.

"I've never been one to shy away from a challenge, especially not when we're so close to defeating Azazel once and for all," Draven said.

"I know you're young and motivated now that you have the swamp witches' spells, but don't let that go to your head, Druid," Inon said. "Azazel has seen many centuries come and go before you. He knows how this world works. He knows Eritopia's weaknesses and strengths, and he knows how to use them against anyone looking to undermine him."

Draven nodded, his eyes focused on the bowl.

"I'm not looking to discourage you in any way, Druid. I am merely trying to prepare you."

"I understand that, Inon, and I greatly appreciate it."

"That being said, do not underestimate the snake. It slithers, and it spreads its poison with great skill," Inon continued.

"So, what do you suggest we do, then?" Hansa rolled her eyes and looked up at him.

"It takes a snake to fool a snake. Be quiet. Be one with the darkness and one with the walls."

"We have a trick up our sleeve. Worry not, Inon," Draven replied.

"Be timely. The snakes sleep as the moon begins to set. Leave tonight, as the best time to infiltrate Azazel's dungeons is at dawn. My brother, Zur, is waiting for us on the other side."

"Us?"

"I am coming with you, Druid. You cannot swim through the fire alone. You wouldn't know where to go. The fire only listens to the Dearghs."


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