The North (Closed)

[KieranSoares]

"Seeing stones are not a gift to be given lightly, and you may find use of it yet," Odessa rumbled softly as she shook her head at the offered gift. She circled the Blackstone pillar gracefully and sat down beside it. A long, raking claw mark decorated one otherwise blank section, which she regarded with a silent stare. Looking back down to Riley, there was something incredibly mournful about her as she regarded the young Rider.

"I said it before, but in another life... I would have been there for your mother when she found herself alone, whether I followed Ephriam to Scotland or he remained here. I would've been there to see her to safety with us or her father's kin. I would've gone to war with her, and I would've been there for you and your siblings as you grew. I am sorry I wasn't."

Even though Odessa had had little control over how anything turned out, there was still a deep melancholy there for having missed the continuation of Ephriam's line. Moreso, she grieved that the Blackstones had gone through so much without her there to bear some of the burden.

"Ephriam was my world," she nearly whispered. "I felt him fade away the day he died, even so far away. Seeing you here today... It hurts, but it also gives me a melancholy sort of gladness. I see him in you. He would've admired your spirit, little Fox.'

 

[heartofcourage]

"If she hadn't have suffered, she wouldn't be the Rider Queen." Riley said softly as Odessa offered her the words of regret again at missing Ephriam's family. "None of us should have to live with regret. When you meet her, you'll understand."

"I'm sorry that any of this had to happen. I'm sorry that your first time meeting my family is in such a time of sorrow." Riley gave a bitter sort of laugh, humorless as she stared up at the great dragon. "And I'm tired of apologizing. I'm tired of feeling sad. Can we just start from the beginning?"

"My name is Riley Ellowen Ghis. I was born in Trondheim after the fall of Inverness. I have a younger brother name Soma Ephriam Ghis, and a little sister named Tatianna. My husband's name is Andre. My dragon's name is Marth. Before all of this happened, I wanted nothing more than to explore the world and live freely. I suppose I know how Ephriam felt when he was called upon to serve his purpose. When we return to Scotland, I suppose I'll lead the Northern Riders. I don't know that I have much of a choice."

Riley spilled everything that was bottled up inside to this dragon who silently listened. There was nothing that could have stopped her from talking, the heavy weight in her chest lifting with each passing word and moment.

 

[KieranSoares]

The dragoness listened and beheld Riley with a forlorn sort of respect, offering her undivided attention. When Riley finished, she bowed her head in reverence to the Caller.

"Then I shall introduce myself properly in kind. I am Odessa of the Reven line, daughter of Storas and Kamara of Greece, chosen heir of Eshai of Ararat as Lord of the Judges. I have been Riderless for the better part of a century, but have served in Ararat's defense regardless. I once dreamed of glory, but I have come to understand what broke Ephriam. I take on Ararat's defense with pride, though I do not shed blood happily. It will be a happy day when the Judges may rest a while knowing that enemies and opportunists do not hound them all sides. And should that day come before Lord Eshai's passing... I would travel far and wide with our order's historians to gather the stories of our predecessors. I would see that our libraries expanded with history and legend for Judges to come."

She laid down, lowering her head to Riley's level, offering a weak but reassuring smile. "You are a Blackstone through and through, it seems. Caller, Rider, captain, adventurer, and defender. Ephriam's mother and mine told us stories growing up of how nearly every Blackstone has been a warrior, but it always came second to family. Perhaps it was because there was only one child each generation for so long. Perhaps it was because Margaret instilled a deep protectiveness in the family. Or, perhaps the Blackstone line's abilities of mental reach and empathy are the cause. Whatever the source... I see the tradition has held. And I have tried to hold to my own family's tradition of defending our kind from not only the Hunger, but those who would see dragons go extinct."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley's eyes fell briefly to the floor as Odessa spoke of the world that she was sworn to create and uphold. When she raised them again, it was to look at the long, deep groove in her family's pillar. A dragon claw had created it in a fit of anger. She knew who the artist was, and she didn't begrudge her for a moment.

As early morning commotion started to fill the fortress, Riley let out a small sigh and let a knowing smile cross her lips. "The one good thing about more Blackstones means you may have another chance for a rider. My little sister has yet to claim a dragon of her own. She's as fearless as any of us but still kind. She has had troubles since birth, but she sees herself as no different than anyone else. She'd honor the name of Blackstone."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I would be honored to meet her. But let's get your mother back on her feet first." Odessa rose, brushing by the Blackstone pillar. "Xia Hou will be looking for you soon. No doubt some of our number have been awake most of the night preparing things for those who will follow you north. And I believe the Speaker means to join us. I will be his temporary partner while Lord Eshai remains here. Gather your partner as well, the others will want to take off as soon as they're outfitted."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley gave her a nod, leaving to gather Marth and get him ready for flight. She had no idea what she would find when she got home, but she still held out the hope that she wasn't too late.

Thunder rolled across Edinburgh, shaking the castle as those living there slept. A dark cloud, not counting the weather, had settled over the city. It was gloomy, cold, and silent. Dragons and riders camped outside of the city, waiting for any word about Fiona's condition. For their part, the family had closed ranks. No news escaped that wasn't carefully controlled. They were still in a war even if they were fighting for Fiona's life. If the enemy knew how dire the situation was, it might open the city up for fresh attack.

In a large, richly decorated apartment, a single candle burned while Yasmine worked. It was her turn at watch. For the last three days, Fiona hadn't been awake. She still breathed and functioned, but she was in a deep sleep. It had taken a toll on her family, so much so that few were allowed in to see her anymore. Yasmine sipped at her tea, glancing into the shadows to the figure on the bed. She made careful notes in her journal, readying to pass off her watch to Alex. Fiona had been getting progressively worse, even if it seemed that they had stemmed the tide the last few days. Her veins were growing bruised and darkening, and she had lost an enormous amount of weight. She was quite literally a ghost of her former self.

Noticing movement, Yasmine stood and made her way towards the bed, pausing to touch Sam's shoulder gently. "Welcome back." Yasmine said softly as she noticed Fiona's eyes open, taking in the room with a lucid motion. "It's been three days." She gently mentioned as she picked up Fiona's wrist as checked her pulse, noting that it was still strong.

"Riley?" Fiona whispered, her breath coming in slightly labored gasps.

"No word yet." Yasmine answered, picking up a cloth to wipe her face with cool water. "Sam is here. Soma and Tati are sleeping. It's early morning and a storm is coming through."

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam stirred slowly with a deep inhale when Yasmine touched him, hazy and unfocused until he heard Fiona's voice. He sat forward, ignoring stiffness and discomfort from occupying a chair in Fiona's room instead of a bed for days. He glanced toward the window, seeing the vast white shape of Schaller asleep just beyond. Each time lightning flashed, his scales lit up brilliantly.

"Hey, love," he murmured softly, turning his attention back to Fiona. He'd been completely absorbed in staying by her side the entire time, leaving command to his officers. All he'd done since Fiona had gone into her three-day slumber was draw, carve, read, write, or stare helplessly at the ceiling praying for someone- anyone- to help his wife or hurry his daughter home with a solution.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona eyes slowly traveled to the sound of Sam's voice, stopping only when she found his familiar green gaze. "Eldere." She murmured softly, unable to speak much.

"I'm not sure what journey you've been on, but it must have been long." Yasmine murmured, keeping the conversation as light and unassuming as possible as she offered Fiona a sip of cool water.

Fiona took the liquid gratefully, drinking her fill until she turned her head to refuse more. Her brow furrowed as she thought about Yasmine's words, wondering just where she had gone. She had walked for a long time through the mists. She could hear snippets of conversations but hadn't seen anyone. She could have sworn that Riley had been there, but only briefly.

"I traveled." She murmured as Yasmine examined her fingers, noting that the darkened shadows had started to pool at the tips.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam watched Yasmine's examination and listened to his wife's sparse words in silence for a long moment. He had been quiet since Fiona's outburst that resulted in her being restrained and regularly sedated. When her strength had given out to even put up a fight and she'd begun sleeping whole days away, Alex had switched only to pain medication, allowing her lucidity when she was awake. Sam had watched it all in relative silence, listening but rarely speaking beyond what was necessary. The only time he left her side was to look after his children.

Dzana and Schaller regularly came to the window to check in, the two Elder Dragons deeply worried for their Callers. Schaller was still cut off from Fiona, but that didn't stop him suffering lethargy and a bit of weight loss himself. Thankfully, he'd been confirmed free of the disease that ate at his Rider. Dzana, still new to Sam's mental inner workings, kept silent vigil as his protector in a way only her own fledgling had known previously. Dzana shared in Sam's pain, watched him revisit all his dearest memories, and comforted him as he considered the very real possibility of becoming a widower.

As Sam contemplated Fiona's terrible condition once more, a distant awareness came over him of something fast approaching. Something over the trees, cutting through the wind and rain at high speed. He stood in an instant with the aid of a crutch, his gaze turning southward despite there being no window or line of sight to the horizon.

"Someone's home, eldere," Sam murmured in Erygonian to his withering mate. "... Andre?"

At that very moment, Rikke gave a friendly fire signal to the Edinburgh garrison, circling and letting them identify her before she came into a fast landing in the castle courtyard. A soaked, miserable Andre Ghis and his passenger slid off the saddle as guards came hurrying to meet them. It was this very scene that several onlookers could see from the upper windows. It would only be minutes before Kate was alerted. Alex was among the first to greet Andre and his charge as they entered the main hall. Andre immediately ordered towels and dry clothes for the timid Leopard beside him, while many around them stared out into the rain waiting for Riley and Marth to reappear.

Within the hour, the Leopard, Baris, was in Alex's office to speak with him and share her knowledge. Thus, the Hunger finally had its name and details in one of Alex's journals, proving Vincenzo Ambrose's prior ideas about the mysterious blood disease to be true. At the same time, Andre took a moment to dry off and warm up before he was summoned by Kell to Kate's office. They'd been woken and heard Andre brought someone back, but there was no sign of Riley or any other aid.

"Your Majesty," Andre murmured as he stepped into the office. "Lord Protector." He bowed slightly in respect, having always treated Kate's branch of the clan with a bit of reverence for their titles. He looked absolutely exhausted with dark rings under his eyes, his dark hair pulled back roughly and his beard unkempt. "We... we found a lead down south." He didn't lift his eyes to them, almost ashamed. "I found someone willing to come back with me to help Fiona hold on a little longer. But Riley, she... She made me come back without her. She went to meet with an order that might have a cure, if they're willing to cooperate with her." He couldn't express how worried he was, nor how horrible it felt to return without Riley and with no idea if she was safe among a group of potentially hostile former Arbiters. Standing before Kate and Kell, he sighed quietly. "We met with a doctor in Byzantium who knew Ephriam Blackstone. Apparently they were in this order together in their youth. He took Riley to meet his comrades. It's up to her to convince them to come and help."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate listened in silence as Andre explained to her the situation. When he was done, she blew out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers before she finally spoke.

"So, we have little to offer right now save for what Riley brings to us...if she ever returns to us..." Kate muttered, knowing that none of this was Andre's fault. "I want this leopard vetted quickly and put to work. If they have anything of use, we need to know it now."

Kate turned to look at Kell, knowing that he would handle it all. "And, as usual, not a word to anyone. We keep this all close to the vest."

 

[KieranSoares]

"No one outside the family," Kell confirmed quietly, heading for the door to interview the Leopard himself. Once the door closed, Andre half-collapsed into a chair out of worry and exhaustion, dropping his head into his hands.

"She's coming..." Andre murmured to Kate. "I have to believe that. It's just a question of whether she can convince the Judges to help." Glancing up, he met Kate's eyes. "How is Fiona?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"How is she?" Kate asked, turning back to him with her hands on her hips. "Dying. If Riley isn't here in a matter of days, it will most likely too late."

She had broken that news to too many over the last few days and there was little emotion left. She had been the one to remain stoic and calm in the face of losing her sister-in-law and her brother in the same go. Not only that, but she also stood to lose Schaller and with him, their might against a dangerously precarious border.

"Make your peace with whatever Gods you believe in, Andre. This could be the end." Kate murmured.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Gods don't save people. People like Riley Ghis do," Andre murmured, more to himself than to Kate before quietly excusing himself to clean up and get some much-needed sleep. He could only hope that by the time he woke, his wife would be there with some kind of solution.

By noon, the storm has grown angry, pelting everything with wind and rain and shaking the whole of Scotland with thunder. Patrols and defenders were not spared from duty for the weather, but shifts were shortened and changed out more often to avoid too much fatigue. Despite regularly being offered time off to be with his family, Soma Ghis kept working hard to organize and keep the soldiers sharp and ready for the eventual push toward Inverness. Clan Ferngill had dug in and put up immense defenses with Clan Royer aid, including black powder weapons, Riders, foreign mercenaries, and swarms of soldiers both professional and levied. The lands north of Inverness had been bombed over and over for all able men and boys to join the fight, sometimes against their will. Soma knew this, and had already begun a campaign of offering safe passage to Ireland for defectors. With Ireland fully reconnected to Scotland and the North, they had the room and supplies to take off some of the immense pressure Kate and Edinburgh had been under. It would still be lean, but not impossible.

Come evening, the storm quieted. Misty rain still fell, but the wind and thunder had died away. The clouds were beginning to thin, revealing the hazy shape of a moon sliver high above. That was when Schaller suddenly stirred and looked south, sensing a distant Elder Dragon fast approaching. Without a word to anyone at the castle or thereabouts, Schaller exploded into flight and sped toward the English border.

Below Marth, the ruined and battle scarred Hadrian's Wall passed silently in the mist. Behind him, a dozen other dragons and Riders followed, including Odessa and Speaker Xia Hou. "A few hours to Edinburgh!" Marth called back to the small fleet of dragons. "Fall back and let me signal the defenders when we get close!"

"Defensive positions!" A Judge's dragon suddenly shouted, spotting a massive white figure in the mist ahead. The Judges drifted into a practiced layout, close enough to aid one another but far enough not to knock into each other in a fight. The figure was up on them in moments, and a brilliant green flame lit the dark fog in a signal Riley and Marth would recognize as one of peace. Schaller pulled up hard and rounded back as Marth passed, matching speed to drift above him and see Riley.

"Little kit," Schaller choked out in relief, visibly aggrieved and desperately glad to see her.

 

[heartofcourage]

All of the riders were exhausted but had agreed to push onward to make haste. The weather had turned bad over France, but it was luck that it had turned to mist just as the sun was setting. Riley's eyes scanned the scenery, looking for any form of danger when the call went out that there might be a dragon incoming. She expected to see that bitch Stila but was pleasantly surprised to be met with Schaller.

"He's one of ours!" Riley called back to the other riders as Schaller let loose his flame and then circled to take a position above them.

"It's good to see you, old man." Riley called to Schaller, letting the hood of her cloak drop back to reveal her face to the wind and mist. "It's been a long journey. Take the lead, perhaps a slower pace. We haven't rested since we left Byzantium."

 

[KieranSoares]

Schaller glanced back at the unfamiliar Riders and their partners, noting the primarily southern features among them. Even if it was late spring in Scotland, it was likely too cold for most of them to be comfortable. Tilting his wings in time with Marth, they slowed the pace. The Judges mimicked them, drifting into a looser formation to allow some to ride the wake of others for a rest. The slower pace also meant the Riders could safely hunker down to get a bit of sleep.

"She's still with us, but only just," Schaller called to Riley. "Soma is ready to tear Clan Ferngill apart, Kate is struggling to hold the family together, and Ireland is doing everything they can to take pressure off with supplies. It's all balanced on the edge of a knife. Morale is barely holding after the horrors of Hesperus and the battles thus far." He didn't want to bring her such dire news, but he knew she needed to be caught up. "But with Ireland, Arslan Khan, and now the newly-freed Council of Mull supporting us, there is hope for a good year ahead. If we can get your mother through this... The North will rally their spirits."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley loosened her rigging, letting the leather pieces drop to her saddle as she stood and let Marth gently drift closer to Schaller. When she was close enough, she leapt to his claws, grasping the smooth surface with a practiced ease. It only took a few moments for her to climb his scales until she was settled on the nape of his neck. She couldn't help melting against his scales, hugging him as tightly as she possibly could. She knew he was hurting, but it was also selfish of her. She needed him more than she cared to admit.

 

[KieranSoares]

While she couldn't hear the telltale sound of his chest igniting over the wind, Riley quickly felt him warm beneath her to offer what comfort he could. And while her connection with him was not as strong as Fiona's, she felt his spirit encircle her own like an embrace. "Stay with me, little love," he rumbled. "I think we both need each other right now."

With Schaller on point and Marth beside, the small fleet of dragons settled in for one last stretch. Scotland was cast in mist and darkness below, but the sky grew clearer as they went. It wasn't til the cold, early hours of the morning that Schaller and the other dragons began to descend while gently waking any sleeping Riders.

Below, Northern night watch saw the flame signals and immediately hurried to alert their officers. Other Riders took to the air to patrol and make sure the new arrivals weren't followed, while the Judges looked on in interest. The first to touch down was Marth, making sure there was plenty of room for the others to land. Schaller came in for a soft hovering landing closer to the castle doors.

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley slid down Schaller's scales effortlessly, glancing up at the castle doors and watching as her aunt emerged at the commotion. It was early, even the kitchen fires had yet to be lit, but there was little sleep to be had lately.

"I see you made it." Kate murmured as she glanced behind Schaller to take in the new dragons and riders that had joined them.

"I had to go out on my own. They are here as my guests and I will vouch for them." Riley said, straightening her cloak and clothing from the brutal winds that had battered at them most of the way.

"We will still need to check them, no matter how you might trust them." Kate insisted, watching as Riley tilted her chin at a familiar defiant angle.

"These are not people that will put up with that kind of treatment, I'm afraid. You and Uncle Kell will simply have to trust me." Riley said calmly. "And the longer we debate this, the less time they will have to help my mother."

"Riley..." Kate warned quietly.

"It's also my life on the line." Riley muttered as Kate placed her hands on her hips and sighed deeply.

"You and I will talk later. Take whom you need for now to your mother." Kate said as she stepped aside to allow everyone to pass.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I speak for these people," the Tiger Xia Hou spoke up as he approached from Odessa's side while his fellows gathered at Steris's beckoning to follow Riley. None of the Judges seemed particularly concerned with Kate's caution, nor her authority, save for the Speaker. Xia Hou took a moment to look at Kate, putting together what few clues he had with his knowledge of the North. "Your Majesty, I presume," he murmured with a bow. "On behalf of your niece and out of respect for Ephriam Blackstone, we come in peace."

"That remains to be seen," Qira's voice rumbled from the shadows beside the doors, his golden eyes taking in each Judge with utmost focus.

"As Speaker of the Judges of Ararat, I take full responsibility and command of my fellows. Allow them to work uninterrupted while time is of the essence. I will submit to all questions," Xia Hou assured them.

"Lead on, Lady Rider," Ser Steris muttered to Riley. "We must see what we're dealing with in order to make a full plan of treatment."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley left Xia Hou with Kate as she motioned for the others to follow her. As she walked through the halls, she wondered what she was going to find. Her mother had still been bright and alert, even if violent, when she had left. Her heart raced faster the closer that she drew to the royal apartments. In front of the door, she paused to gather herself before she knocked and opened the door without waiting for a response.

"Da?" Riley called as she motioned for the others to stop and wait as she quietly entered the bedroom.

Fiona was sleeping, propped among a mountain of pillows to try and help alleviate the pain that pulsed in her bones. Her face was gaunt, thin enough that her cheek bones were sharp against her skin. The breath left Riley's lungs at the sight, and she staggered before she caught sight of her father sitting beside the bed.

"I brought help." She murmured through dry lips, scared to look back at her mother.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam was barely beginning to stir as Riley spoke again, having been deep in a depressed sleep beside his wife as he waited to know if his daughter found help, or had even survived going off alone at all. Once he fully realized she was standing before him, he was out of his seat in an instant to pull her in against his broad chest. "You bloody fool," he growled at her even as he gripped her like his life depended on it. "When Andre came back without you... I'd 'ave come an' hunted you down myself if I could've." He kissed her forehead and pulled back a little to look down at her. "He said y'found someone..." Seeing movement behind her through the open door, Sam took in the sight of the road-weary but deadly focused Judges waiting in the hall. All of their eyes were either on Fiona, or darting over Sam to look for signs of sickness.

"Can we trust 'em, love...?" Sam whispered to her, not breaking eye contact with Steris in particular. "I... I don't like the look of 'em."

 

[heartofcourage]

"They will either heal her...." Riley murmured as she dared to look at her mother again. "Or kill her. I have warned them than I will be on the other side of that sword if they try."

"Da, he's Ephriam's best friend. He came out of loyalty...mostly." She tried to explain to him to soothe his fears. "I cannot tell you all of what has happened just yet. They are eager to see Ma and see what can be done."

She glanced back towards the other room and knew that this was an instance where she needed to take charge. "Go fetch Alex. I won't leave her alone with them. I swear that to you."

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam nodded slowly, straightening up and taking hold of the cane he'd begun using now that his knee was mostly healed and could take on weight. He walked heavily, but he was balanced and growing strong again. He stood tall as he walked through the group of Judges, making eye contact with each one as he towered over them all. "You 'ave the protection of the Princess of Inverness... Don' squander it," he warned them quietly before disappearing down the hall.

Finally, Steris entered and the others followed, each carrying their own personal satchels of belongings as well as materials they might need. None approached Fiona at first, save for Steris. As their master physician, he would be the most knowledgeable and be responsible for Fiona's health overall. Pulling on gloves, he stepped forward and looked to Riley. "In case she lashes out, steel your mind. No Callers or dragons should have physical or mental contact with her. Once we stabilize her, I would like to make a circuit of all local dragons and Callers to make sure the Hunger isn't rooting anywhere else. But right now..." He gently took Fiona's wrist, examining the blackness crawling up her fingertips. Dark veins spiderwebbed along her neck and jaw as well. Checking her pulse, Steris began speaking to one of the other Judges who already had a journal and ink ready.

"Patient: Fiona Margaret Blackstone. Female adult Fox, note human in form," Steris muttered, his assistant taking rapid notes. "Caller of the Reven line, afflicted by blood contact with the Elder Dragon Hesperus who suffered with Hunger multiple centuries while hibernating. Patient's pulse is slow but steady, suffering malnutrition and blackening veins. All signs suggest advanced infection." Despite how professional he was, Riley could see how affected Steris was by the knowledge that this was his dearest comrade's granddaughter suffering before him. "Leave room for the attending physician's notes as well," he muttered, placing Fiona's hand down gently. He placed a hand on her neck, but avoided restricting her breathing, before leaning in to examine the dark veins on her face and to check her eyes. He wasn't taking chances with the possibility that she might wake and lash out.

 

[heartofcourage]

Despite the darkened room, Fiona winced as her eye was pried open. She woke with a gasp, both eyes darkened by the illness, but still ringed with bright blue. She stared back at the stranger as his face was a breath away from her own. She made no movement, knowing if she did it would only startle the stranger.

"Water. Please." She whispered, dying of a thirst that never seemed to be sated.

Alex had been hiding broths in the cup lately, making sure that she got nutrients. She hated choking it down with every fibre of her being. She only wanted cool, fresh water and would have killed to have it if she had the strength.

"I could...no sooner kill or harm...you. I did this...to myself." She whispered to Steris, informing him that the emaciation had been on her part to control the fury that churned just beneath the surface.

A sudden frown came over her face as she continued to stare at Steris. There was something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. "Why? Why is he...here?"

"To help you, Ma. He can help you with your illness." Riley murmured as she stepped closer to the bed.

 

[KieranSoares]

Steris pulled back as Fiona woke, studying her eyes closely. "Rider Queen," he murmured. "I am Steris of the Judges of Ararat, and I will be taking over your care along with my colleagues here." He didn't mention Ephriam just yet, letting Riley decide if and when they'd share potentially upsetting information. "You are deep in the clutches of a dragon blood disease known as the Hunger. But I am confident that you are not beyond my reach just yet. Tell me where you are experiencing pain, and tell me of any dreams you've had lately. Both will help me decide where to start."

His aide approached with a small nod of acknowledgement, ready with the journal to record her responses. The other Judges took seats or unpacked materials on tables.