Daniel let out a silent sigh of relief when the city of Vul De Rah finally came into view. The trip had been an extremely long and tiring one. From what Oros had told them, the ride from Vul De Rah to the Spirit Forest was around half a day, mounted and running at a decent pace. The slow trot that they moved at resulted in almost a full day of travel, every moment of which was spent scanning for threats, assessing every new variable, or ignoring the occasional glare from gawking Dae atop their Cro’kan. Granted, much of this was alleviated by their growing interest in Katrina, who, over the course of the day had learnt the language, and was now having full-blown conversations with the Dae riders. They treated her very respectfully, and some showed far more interest than others. Especially Boros, who seemed to have taken a particularly close interest in her.

  “Finally here,” Robert said, with a sigh. “It doesn’t look like I imagined.”

  Daniel looked out at the valley before them. The land was draped much more naturally with green grass and trees. It looked normal compared to the colorful brilliance they had seen in and around the Spirit Forest. Oros told them that the spirits infused their energy into everything around that place. Even the air they breathed within the forest was infused with elemental energy. Daniel didn’t quite know what that meant, only that it changed the way everything looked. Now trees looked like trees, and the grass was green.

  Daniel then focused on Vul De Rah. It was placed in a reasonably strategic position between two large hills fortified with massive stone walls. The walls curled up the hills, maintaining their height, standing thirty or so feet tall. Daniel grinned and looked at Robert. “This looks a lot like a medieval city, doesn’t it? Only… grown out of the ground.”

  “Yeah… so crazy.” Robert was mesmerized by the scenery, and pointed excitedly at it. “Look at those towers… they look like those spiral seashells.”

  Oros rode up beside the two. He said something in his language, gestured down the hill into the valley and began to ride down.

  Daniel felt the nudge of a Cro’kan’s leathery face against his shoulder. He turned to see Katrina sitting atop it. She said nothing, but gave Daniel and Robert a playful grin, before spurring it forward with an enthusiastic “Hyah!”. Daniel glanced at Robert, who shrugged and began walking after Oros and the riders who had passed.

  ~

  The massive gates of Vul De Rah swung open without so much as a creak. Daniel could hear warriors atop the palisades shouting down in their strange language. Oros shouted something in return and ushered the group into the gates as soon as they could fit inside. As they entered, Daniel saw small but sturdy stone structures rising from the ground, as he had observed on the hill, not like they were built, but grown, all with unique and beautiful designs. The first structures through the door looked like they belonged to traders and other merchants who displayed their wares and were seen haggling in front of their shops.

  It wasn’t the strange structures that caught Daniel’s eyes, however; it was the immense sight of the Dae who crowded the opening to this large city. The occupants were all different colors. Daniel saw people who were blue, green, red, yellow, and much more. They wore fascinating clothes as well; cloaks and colorful sashes, with jeweled hats and other adornments. Some warriors also patrolled, though they had cloaks of black instead of the crimson of Oros and his riders.

  The warriors ran toward Oros and his group, clearing people out of the way and making a path for them. As Oros passed, they brought their fists to their chests as some sort of salute. Trailing behind the Dae, Daniel turned to see if he could find Robert, but he had fallen behind in the group and was out of earshot.

  He looked up to his right and tapped Katrina’s knee, gaining her attention. “Hey, can you ask Boros why these warriors are saluting Oros?” It really didn’t matter, but Daniel was curious.

  Katrina turned and asked Boros his question. He laughed and answered her. She turned to Daniel pulling her reins a bit to slow her mount. “He says that Oros is the oldest son of their father, Agron of House Ignos. So, I guess he’s royalty or something.”

  Daniel rubbed his brow. “Why would they send royalty out to go investigate a disturbance in the forest? Is that place really that important?”

  Katrina shrugged. “I guess we’re going to find out soon enough. Look at this place though, Daniel. It’s absolutely amazing!”

  Daniel scanned the surroundings again, noting the overbearing immensity of the colorful crowd. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever even dreamed of. And, Dan is fine.”

  Katrina chuckled. “Alright then, Dan. Can you believe that only two days ago, I was trying to plan out a way to ask my dad for some extra money, so I could afford a trip to Europe?” Her smile broadened, and her eyes began to water.

  “And now you’re in some alien city, riding a dinosaur.”

  Her smile suddenly faded, and she looked down at her hands, holding the reins tightly. “I just… my parents probably think I’m dead or something. How does this even work? I mean, will we be able to find a way back home?”

  Daniel shrugged, glancing behind him to see if Robert had gotten closer yet. He glimpsed the guy, having a somewhat hushed conversation with one of the riders. And looking absolutely terrified. Daniel’s vision shifted to Katrina again, whose demeanor was in stark contrast to his. “I don’t know, Katrina. Seeing as how our main concern is staying alive and well; I’d say we can revisit those questions at a later date.”

  “Agreed. And, Kat is fine.” She smirked before trotting ahead beside Boros and asking him some more enthusiastic questions.

  They worked their way deeper into the massive settlement, past the center, which looked much like the opening. Shops and merchants cluttered the area, bustling with colorful people going about their business. Then they approached a massive and well-defended gatehouse that blocked a road going up a steep hill. As they traveled up, Daniel admired the strategic significance of such a defense. Finally, they reached the city’s apparent seat of power. A large palace that sprawled over the entire hilltop. There were two towers that covered the flanks of the opening, and several warriors and attendants gathered as Oros and his party entered the courtyard. Oros halted the group and dismounted. Daniel walked to Robert, who missed his chance to help Katrina from her mount. Boros had taken it upon himself to do so. Daniel approached her, then followed Boros to the small greeting party that Oros was already talking to.

  After some pleasantries were exchanged, Oros signaled Daniel and his two companions to follow through a broad courtyard lush with vegetation and into the magnificent palace. The first thing Daniel noticed when he entered the structure was how refreshing the air was. There was even a little breeze that blew past them. I wonder how they do that, he thought, impressed by the fantastic ventilation.

  As they walked through the halls, Daniel noticed small balls of flame that floated at the top of the walls. Every few yards on both sides, there sat another one, and then another, all the way to the end of the hall. Watching the Dae start the campfires for the last two nights had caused a great deal of confusion and contemplation in Daniel. They would look at a spot, point their palm at it, and a fire would burst from nothing. When asked about this, the Dae just smiled and said it was the power of the spirits, as though it was a foolish question.

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  Finally, they reached what Daniel thought was the throne room. It was a massive space, with at least a dozen warriors on each side, all clad in the crimson cloak and bone helmets he had seen so far. As they walked past, Daniel could see they had full plate armor underneath but made from the same bone material as their weapons.

  Oros stopped before some steps that led up to the slightly elevated throne in the middle. Perched on this throne was a slightly more mature looking Dae. His hair was still pearly-white, his cloak a substantial and luxurious crimson. He looked a great deal like Oros and Boros, his complexion the same, only with some slight wrinkles on his face. Atop his head was a polished metal crown that gleamed with a golden light. His eyes focused on Daniel and his companions, and he sat forward.

  ~

  Robert looked from side to side nervously. There were so many Dae standing around with weapons. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, he looked at Daniel, who was standing between himself and Katrina. His face was calm and collected, like he had seen this all before. He’s either fearless, or he’s very good at hiding it, he thought. He watched the older Dae on the throne study them, and he leaned forward as Oros introduced them.

  “My Lord Ignos, Hego of Vul De Rah! We come before you, successful in our mission to investigate the disturbance in the Spirit Forest.” Oros bowed his head, and the rest of his party fell to one knee. Robert dropped to his knee, and soon after, Katrina did too. Daniel remained standing and bowed his head the same way Oros had done. The old Dae narrowed his eyes at Daniel but said nothing.

  Oros proceeded to explain what Robert had told him over the course of the last two nights. “I have sensed the will of the spirits of the forest myself, father, and I do not believe these humans to be a threat to us. I have broken bread with them and can vouch for them personally.” Oros turned and gestured toward them. “They are lost, and I would ask that we shelter them until we can learn more of what they are and how they have come to be here.”

  Robert’s heart lifted at the words. Here was this creature from another world, sentient and honorable, trying his best to defend these strangers and help them in their time of need. The thought brought him hope.

  “Avria,” the Hego called, looking to his right side. From behind him, a warrior walked into view and removed their mask. Her face was a mild gray, with delicate and smooth features and long white hair that was fastened behind her ears with fabric bows. She had brilliant yellow eyes and near-perfect features, save a scar that crossed the upper left side of her eyebrow, and a small one across her right cheek. She held herself with a feminine yet athletic form.

  “Yes, Hego Agron?” she said, walking beside him and bowing slightly at the waist.

  “Please tell my son what you have learned at Vul De Mar and from King Yomin.” Hego Agron looked at Oros grimly. “As soon as the spirits told us of the disturbance, I sent Avria to the capitol to consult the King. What she discovered was troubling.”

  “Yes, my Hego.” Avria bowed and looked at Oros. “It would seem that there have been several incidents in Lokkadonia involving unknown creatures falling from the sky after a bright flash. There was one who was brought before the king but was raving and uncooperative. The High Espi-Dae decreed that it was, in fact, a demon and was purified. King Yomin then advised that all future incidents should be handled similarly.”

  “What!?” Oros shouted. “They burned them!?”

  The words caused Robert’s heart to sink, and his eyes widened. Wait… there are others? They burned one of us!? Robert’s heart began to beat faster as panic set in.

  “What’s going on?” Daniel asked, probably noticing the obvious change in atmosphere.

  Robert relayed the message in a whisper.

  “They have been ordered to kill us.” Daniel clenched his fists, and looked around the throne room.

  Robert turned back to Hego Agron on his throne.

  “We have been ordered to let our Espi-Dae purify them, Oros.” Avria continued, “they are demons, and the High Espi-Dae has spoken,” She pointed a grey finger at Robert and the rest of them, walking down a few steps. “Will you deny the will of your King? Will you deny the will of your Hego?”

  “I will not deny the will of the spirits!” Oros yelled, looking at his father. “You must believe me, father. I am not some whelp whose opinion is to be discarded. You must believe me. I have seen it from the spirits themselves. Ask them! They are not demons, or the spirits of the forest would have purified them long before I arrived.”

  Avria scoffed and folded her arms. “Neither am I, Oros. I saw the body. I watched the King make his offering to the spirits. Do you doubt their will?”

  “Silence, you wretch!” Oros bellowed, angrily setting his jaw.

  “Enough!” Hego Agron shouted after his son’s insult. “You will not speak to my Ward in such a way, Oros. She speaks correctly. We must honor the decision of the King.”

  “Was it a command, father?” Boros asked, stepping from behind his older brother.

  Agron looked at his youngest son, his glare softening.

  “Did the king command that you purify these humans? Or did he advise that we do so?”

  The Hego chuckled at his son’s logic but sat silent, nodding.

  “Young Kryo, it was not a direct command,” Avria said.

  “Then we do not have to go about it the same way. Listen to us, father, please. There must be another way to test the humans, to see what the spirits truly favor?”

  Hego Agron took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His wrinkles became even more prominent for a moment. He opened them and exhaled, looking at Robert and his companions. “We will let them face the trial of Doxo. If they succeed, then we will reevaluate the decision.”

  Oros and his brother looked at one another, then in Robert’s direction.

  Robert could see it in both of their eyes—this was not going to be an easy task.

  “What...?” Robert swallowed hard and looked back and forth between the two brothers. “What is the trial of Doxo?”

  Oros hung his head and cursed. “It is a trial of combat.”

  “Long ago,” Boros began, “there was a warrior named Doxo. He was said to have seduced and impregnated the Queen of Rexun when she visited his King on a diplomatic mission. The King demanded that he be brought before him and answer for his crime. Doxo approached the King’s city with an army and challenged him to open combat for his honor. He announced that he not only would be victorious but that a spirit would appear and prove his innocence before all Eleutheros. The king chose a champion-- his greatest warrior. They had a fight, and Doxo defeated him. Before he could slay the King’s champion however, a spirit did appear and prevented the killing blow, saying that he was innocent and that the king must embrace the unborn child as his own.”

  Robert blinked his terrified eyes at the tale. “What, so we have to fight your father?”

  “No,” Oros huffed, becoming more flustered and taking over for his brother. “Over the centuries, it has become a sacred tradition. In the rare event one’s honor is at stake or if you must prove your innocence, you challenge someone to the trial of Doxo, and prove you have the spirit’s favor. It is rarely invoked nowadays though… because a spirit never appears. This is a surprising turn of events.” Oros looked at his brother. “Fortunately for us, you are the ones being challenged.”

  Katrina pulled in closer to participate in the conversation. “What do you mean, fortunately? I can’t fight! I know Robert can’t either.”

  “That means you will be able to choose a champion to fight in your place,” Boros said, looking at Katrina. “We will fight for you.” He gestured to his brother.

  Robert’s heart lurched again, being thrown another scrap of hope that they may survive this terrible mess. He then looked at Oros. “Thank you. I can’t tell you what this means to us.”

  Oros smiled at them both. “It is a matter of honor, Robert. I promised you we would ensure you a safe transit; and I intend to keep my word.”

  Robert felt a surge of emotion tug at his heart. This man, a being who wasn’t even human, was willing to risk his life to save his, and that of Daniel and Katrina’s, complete strangers.

  “Wait,” Boros said. “We need one more volunteer to fight for us.” The young warrior looked back at the group of riders with whom they had traveled. “Who will fight with us?” he asked with a grin, but to his astonishment, he was met with blank stares. After several moments, it became apparent that they were not going to step forward. Boros looked to Eslan and Vikko, the other two leaders of their pack. “Will you not help them?”

  The two Dae just looked away. Then suddenly, a young warrior behind them raised his hand and stepped forward, but before he could say anything, Eslan grabbed him and shoved him back into his place. “Do not embarrass us in front of the Hego, you fool!”

  With that, Boros glared at the two men. “I see now the extent of house Bodilla’s honor. You may have preserved your image in the eyes of my father… but you have made an enemy of his heirs.”

  Oros put his hand on Boros’ shoulder, probably keeping him from saying anything worse. “Do not concern yourself with the matters of cowards and fools, brother; we have another warrior who will fight.”

  “Who?” Robert asked, looking back to the group of Dae who were now very obviously avoiding his eyes.

  Grinning, Oros turned to Daniel, several feet away, looking utterly unaware of what was going on.

  “What?” Daniel asked, in complete confusion.