13th day of the season of death 2448

Azena had been laid out on a long wooden table which she recognized all too well from her forbidden visit to the Mother Tower. This time she had been urgently admitted by Mistress Nymia who sought to help her. It was a strange feeling. Normally, she would have been nervous to be surrounded by these authoritarian figures, but she was in too much pain to care. Her arm itched terribly and she couldn't do anything with it, because she lacked the energy and Nymia would stop her when she did find the determination to react.

- Show me her arm, Grand Master Terenas commanded sternly.

Nymia did so. She had to cut off the girl's clothes to save time. She had already shared the necessary information with him. Azena had never seen him in such a state of panic; he had immediately called upon the three Sages who were sleeping peacefully in their room. Third Sage Saphia was the first to arrive and she could not hide her emotions from the apprentice. With wide-open eyes, she turned to her superior with an anxious expression. She obviously wanted an explanation, but Terenas didn't have any words for her.

- It burns, the rebel whined weakly.

Nymia seemed just as worried, but remained calm anyway. Like the well-trained soldier she was, she waited for an order.

- Is it Noktow? Saphia asked, who couldn't help but distinctly pronounce the name, which now seemed to be taboo.

Since no one reacted, Azena gave her an answer with a nod of her head.

- Grand Master? Nymia asked. What is to be done?

- I don't know any other way, he confessed in a dark tone. We'll have to try a sacrifice ritual to appease his anger.

- But! Nymia exclaimed, shocked. We are not necromancers!

Meanwhile, First Sage Wirus and Second Sage Murun made their entrance, jars and vials of all shapes and colors in their possession. The newcomers observed the scene, but especially the blackened limb of the victim.

- I'm aware of that, my dear Nymia, but that's what he likes, insisted Terenas, whose features were hollowed out by stress.

- And you can't guarantee that it will work? questioned the pyromancer.

- I'm afraid so. We must try, for her and him, but especially for those who will be affected by this war. Otherwise, they'll be lost or worse, under Noktow's control.

Wirus frowned as Murun and Saphia grimaced slightly. Azena guessed that they were all worried about losing their one and only connection to the element of life and this made her slightly repulsed.

- Noktow won't be softened so easily, Wirus pointed out.

- It's our only plan, Terenas replied.

- Very well, but what will the sacrifice be?

- To heal an arm, give an arm, said the Grand Master, demonstrating the limb to be sacrificed: his own left arm. It is the exchange of life and death. That should amuse him.

Saphia uttered a squeak of disgust.

- Grand Master, you can't!

- Everything will be alright, reassured Terenas in a soft voice. This is a necessary sacrifice.

- You are too important Grand Master, objected Wirus.

- Exactly, said Terenas. He will take us seriously.

Azena didn't like the idea of being in the middle of a sacrifice ritual for the god she cursed so much, but it was better than dying, because she would let herself perish before complying with his demands.

An excruciating pain ran through her whole body like a breaking wave. She moaned, trembling like a leaf, her muscles tense.

- Azena, squeaked Nymia, suddenly emotional, her hand in front of her mouth. Should we inform Eldarytzan?

- Nymia, Terenas said with a sudden coldness that disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Why Eldarytzan? The archer did not understand what was going on with the blonde who was usually so strong-minded, but she did not have the ability to think about it. In any case, Nymia had been silent about it. So she must have regained control of herself.

- Make it stop, begged the teenager although she was uncomfortable with the idea of sacrifice.

She squinted her eyes, her face dripping with sweat. The pain faded a little, allowing her the use of speech again.

- Is it going to hurt? she dared to ask.

- I'm not going to lie to you, Terenas said. This is a very dangerous process. It attracts a lot of evil spirits and is traumatic for the participants both mentally and physically. However, you won't have to worry because Noktow obviously wants you alive.

- You will all put yourselves in danger for me and Turion.

- You are indispensable and you are our apprentice so it's up to us to protect you. You took an oath and since then, you are under our wing until you become an accomplished dragon rider. Now go to sleep. We'll take care of everything.

He ran his long thin fingers over her eyes to close her eyelids. At the mercy of her fatigue, which she fought with her last strength, she let herself be carried away by this irresistible desire. She could finally sleep as her Grand Master had ordered her.

✦×✦

A jolt awakened the confused senses of Azena who could not find the strength to move a single muscle. The burning sensation in her arm was the object of all her attention. She grimaced and groaned. Then she felt her breathing accelerating, clearly under the pressure of survival. She knew that the Creeper had almost reached her shoulder by now. It, unlike her victim, had an unlimited source of energy and eternal thirst. Azena could almost hear it whisper:

- Heart... sweet, sweet heart...

- Give her a potion of purity, ordered a stern voice that she recognized as Terenas'. The most powerful! An evil spirit must not take advantage of her condition.

That cruel voice from before... Was it really the curse? Or maybe...

- It's impossible Grand Master! Wirus insisted urgently. There are too many of them. Noktow mocks us!

- To the Dungeon! Terenas roared. Take her to the Dungeon!

- Grand Master? questioned a second man. But this place is so gloomy and damp...

- Don't argue Murun! his superior replied dryly. It's the safest and most secluded place. You know that I only want her well-being too.

Azena felt that the ritual was not going as planned and she felt guilty for putting her peers in such a mess. Sadly, there was nothing she could do for them and Turion still wouldn't answer her calls for help.

- Send a message to Reaginn through the fastest dragon rider available, said the Grand Master. Notify him of the situation.

A cry rang out. It belonged to a woman. Azena guessed it must have been Saphia. Afterwards, there was an intense heat wave and what seemed to be an explosion of light. It must have been a fireball.

Time passed and soon she felt someone lifting her from a cold, hard surface. The body heat and the frantic heartbeat of this individual brought her comfort. She felt like a rag doll. Her arm was bruised and she fell back to sleep despite the persistent pain eating away at her small body.

✦×✦

- Azena, whispered a cavernous voice.

It was once again that individual, that persistent half-dragon. The archer decided to ignore him; he was not important. She needed sleep. She needed to gain energy if she wanted to survive.

- Azena! called a second voice, this one much higher.

This time, she felt a wave of irritation emerge within her. Strangely, she felt fit enough to sit up. There were two yellow circles to her right which she recognized as the eyes of Argoshin. However, she had to wait until her vision cleared up to identify the second individual.

- As we meet again, purred the hooded wood elf who was having fun spinning a hooked dagger on itself with his fingers.

He was crouching down so he could stare into Azena's eyes, which annoyed the half-elf. She broke contact and examined him: he was wearing an outfit too big for his slender body, his teeth were dirty, his face was damaged by multiple scars and he was hunched forward. The identity of the person he was talking to was now obvious. Unfortunately, she was not in the mood to deal with him. She had a nasty headache and her arm was still burning almost all the way down.

- You look like a vermin, croaked the archer. Can't you go play somewhere else? Why are you the one standing guard over me?

- The tact in this young woman, Vyrius sneered sarcastically. To answer your questions: no, and because I'm in charge of the Dungeon when Master Ruvior is away.

- What a pain in the ass...

- I've been advised to take good care of you because you're not here for a lesson, but for protection. Honestly, you deserve one...

The tone of the wood elf's voice was poisonous, full of sadistic desires. Azena didn't know what was going through his head, but her assumptions were not positive. Enraged, she turned to Argoshin who was tied to the back wall of his small cell. His entire body was bare except for simple pants and his limbs, including his wings, were restrained by chains. His wrists were already red, irritated by the constant friction of his skin against the rough metal.

Shocked, the archer felt her heart twist with regret and she was stunned for a long time.

- I am the reason for this, she realized as she expressed her thoughts aloud.

Vyrius uttered a mocking sneer. If she could have reached him, Azena would have hit him, even if he was a master. She was still paranoid about the half-dragon, but he had never really done her any harm.

- I want to talk to him, she said, referring to Argoshin.

- Go ahead, said the wood elf with interest.

- Alone, she growled. I'm not your prisoner, but under your protection. Give me some privacy.

Vyrius continued his sniggering and disappeared into the shadows. His sinister laugh took much longer to fade than himself. Azena was almost certain that he hadn't really gone, but at this point she could do nothing more.

- I'm sorry, she said, avoiding the neutral gaze of the half-dragon. I panicked.

- I know, Argoshin replied simply.

He pointed to the teenage girl's arm with a head movement. She reached out her exposed arm towards the horned man. He looked at her silently, and the more the seconds passed, the darker his features became.

At last he spoke:

- You have very little time left.

Azena bit her lower lip, anxious about the direness of her situation. She embraced her limb like a mother with her child. The contact of her own body heat helped a little with the pain.

- They didn't manage to appease Noktow, did they? Argoshin asked.

- I guess not if my arm is still in that state, the teenager confessed, grimacing at the idea of the horror that Terenas and the three Sages had to face in vain.

- Well, you know... I can seal the Black Creeper. That's how I convinced your captain to trust me. That's how he let Sevia rush me here.

Azena's eyes widened as she realized she'd been completely wrong earlier.

- He stayed behind for the squad since they were in no condition to travel, she guessed as she blushed with shame.

Argoshin nodded and continued his explanation:

- He knew that Terenas might not be able to help you, but he had no other solution so he sent you to him. When he arrived at Myssa, I came to see how you were doing. I could see you weren't there. So he told me everything.

Azena felt a bead of sweat forming on her forehead.

- I tend to jump to conclusions...

- I'm aware of that. It's a weakness you should work on. But first, let's fix your arm, what do you say?

Azena smiled weakly and nodded. Then, the memory of Morcan's blood came back to her.

- Morcan! Oh no! Is he...?

- He's not well, the half-dragon informed sternly. That's another reason why your captain stayed in Myssa. I'm sorry, Azena.

He paused, probably to give the teenage girl who had just realized that a friend might die a moment's peace. He had guessed correctly if that was the case. The feeling of remorse weighed heavily on the archer's morale, but she couldn't afford to wallow. Not now.

- Anyway, we've got to get you out of here, she announced once she had recovered. I have to make up for my mistake... Also...

She was ashamed to finish her sentence, but she had to apologize to the half-dragon. She also knew that he was the only one who could save her from the curse that was afflicting her and who could mentor her. She had been foolish not to see it, but it was hard for her to deny her distrustful nature. It was such that for her, even an oath did not make something cast in stone. People always have a choice, no matter what the situation. No one is perfect, not even the Guardians of Aerinda. Now she would betray them to help this good-hearted being.

- Are you sure? Argoshin questioned, who seemed shaken by the dragon rider's decision. Do you realize that this action would be against the wishes of your Grand Master?

- It would be treason. I know, the rebel ended for him. Anyway, I have no choice. I must survive and Terenas has failed to save me. My fate is in my hands now.

- You're already growing up, he said with a slight smile.

- Yeah, how can you tell?

- I've been watching you for some time, he confessed with a slight blush. I knew there was a connection between us, but I was unsure what it was. I'm sorry too... I wasn't perfect. I was afraid you were going to fear me, report me to the others and they were going to hurt me.

Azena guessed that this unique being had not had an easy life as she did. He had surely been the victim of extreme violence, abuse and harassment, a much worse treatment she had received.

- In any case... I accept your help and to learn under your guidance...

- In that case, from now on, call me Master, he said.

- But, but...

- You're going to have to work on your tact and respect for authority too, young lady.

- It's abuse, the teenager grumbled and folded her arms.

Before she could protest further, she felt the ground shake slightly. Confused, she searched for the source of this strange event and finally noticed that her new teacher was pushing with all his might in an attempt to escape.

- You're crazy! she exclaimed.

Argoshin roared like a real dragon and in a moment of inspiration, he broke three of the four chains that held his body. He sprang forward with a powerful wingstroke and the last one broke easily.

Azena blinked repeatedly, both shocked and inspired by the half-dragon.

- Could you have run away all that time? she asked in amazement.

- Yes, I'm stronger than a man, which not many people know. I played the inferiority game because I wanted to talk to you. I knew you'd come sooner or later.

- Well, I'll be damned. I had no choice with that thing gnawing at my arm, muttered the archer.

When she turned her attention to the person she was talking to, he was now directly next to her. There were only bars separating them.

- It's a pact of honor then, said Argoshin. Besides, I vow never to hurt you intentionally. And to prove to you that I'm sincere...

He cut his left palm with a claw from his right hand. A few drops of blood started dripping from his limb.

- What the hell are you doing?! Azena exclaimed. No, no, I don't want a sacrifice!

Argoshin rolled his eyes and ignored her comment. He offered her his mutilated hand in the hope that she would accept his offering.

For her part, the archer was repulsed by the viscous liquid with a strange purplish hue. She grimaced without embarrassment. All the same, she shook the clawed hand of her new master.

- Disgusting, she commented.

The half-dragon had a satisfied smile. Azena let go and shook her hand vigorously to get rid of the blood.

- Why are you doing all this for me?

- I feel it's my duty as a half purple dragon, he said as he created an improvised bandage with the bottom tissue of his pants. I'm technically a bridge between mortals and the dragonflight of life.

- But aren't you just a hermit or something? Azena asked.

Argoshin was speechless for a long time. That's when the archer realized that she was a little too outspoken. Luckily for her, the half-dragon seemed to possess patience and great control over his emotions.

- It's nothing to do with that, pest, he finally declared. Don't forget our pact of honor. I promise to guide you on your path and in exchange, you make an effort to respect and trust me as an apprentice would. Now, let's get out of here before the wood elf returns.

- How are we supposed to get you out of here without attracting attention? asked the archer.

- We don't have the luxury of time, reminded the half-dragon.

He spread his wings, which were as wide and high as his cell, moved back to the back wall and charged. Just before he reached the door, he protected his arm by sticking it to his chest. He bulged his shoulder partially reinforced with scales and with all the weight of his body, he smashed his prison.

A cloud of dust blinded Azena, who coughed a few times. She was grabbed by a strong, forcibly driven hand.

- Which way? Argoshin asked. You must know this place better than I do. Guide me.

A wave of fatigue took hold of the aeromancer and she mumbled some incomprehensible words. Her body became as soft as a doll and she felt her consciousness failing. She suddenly was so weak that even the pain in her arm no longer existed at that moment.

- Forgive me, she heard.

Two strong arms lifted her up and she lost all sense of what was happening around her.

✦×✦

An unpleasant smell of horses and manure came to tickle Azena's nostrils. The image of the animal appeared in her mind, but it was not alone; it was accompanied by a rider in heavy armor as dark as the moon during the season of death.

- Noktow! she shouted as she stood up, out of breath.

At the same moment, she had opened her eyes. Panting, she took the time to observe her surroundings. A winged man was crouching in front of her, holding her left arm. His gaze seemed far away as if he were not really there. However, it was clear that his focus was on the limb, partially blackened by the evil curse that was affecting the young dragon rider. Then Argoshin's lips vibrated and he began to chant in a foreign language.

The pain of Azena's sick arm, which until then had been non-existent, resurfaced with vengeance. It was as if it was reacting to Argoshin, as if it was struggling. It became so intense that the archer let out a scream and felt her heart clench, but her new master did not stop his incantation.

- Stop, she begged. Argoshin, stop!

Rebellious tears rolled down her angular face and she bit her lips in a desperate attempt not to bawl again. Despite her blurred vision, she saw a stream of violet energy emerging from the half-dragon's entire body and making its way to her hand and then penetrating her skin like a leech.

The suffering was unbearable. At that moment, the dragon rider lost all rational thoughts and pulled her arm out of Argoshin's grasp. Argoshin tightened his grip and the tips of his claws pierced the fragile skin of the half elf, all without the slightest change in emotion. Blood surfaced and flowed slowly, dripping to the ground. Azena knew that if she kept pulling, the claws would open her veins. She couldn't afford to move, so she yelled and yelled.

Until finally the pain slowly subsided, giving her more and more respite. Not long after, she was no longer in pain, but she continued to cry, unable to hold her emotions back. It was too much. The torture had been too horrible for her nerves, which had not recovered as quickly as her body had.

- It's over, Argoshin whispered tenderly.

He let go.

Immediately, the teenager squeezed her numb arm against his chest and sniffed constantly. She understood that he had had no choice, but she was still affected by the aggressiveness of his actions.

- You were running out of time, Argoshin explained in a dismayed tone. I'm indefinitely sorry. I had hoped that you would not wake up during the procedure. And, uh... I couldn't allow you to move once it began...

Those words reassured the rebel girl more than she would have thought a moment ago. Although she had calmed down, her body continued to shake under the physical stress.

- Let me... ummm... your wound..., Argoshin said embarrassedly.

Azena handed him her limb, which was still bleeding slightly. The half-dragon placed his hand under his protégée's arm to support her and then closed his eyes. A short time later, the same flow of violet energy traveled from its original host to the wound, which closed in a few moments.

- There, said Argoshin after he was satisfied with his work.

Once again he let go of Azena. The latter observed the whole thing, amazed by this miracle. She was aware of the basic functioning of the element of life, but she had never seen it in practice in such a situation.

- It's almost supernatural, she said. It's strange... mysterious, but so pleasant.

She looked up and noticed that her interlocutor seemed tired, even more so than after he had finished sealing the Black Creeper. He had sacrificed much of his life energy to heal her.

- You're welcome, he murmured weakly. I need to rest... Unfortunately, we're running out of time again. They are looking for us... They think I kidnapped you... which is fine by me.

- What do you mean!? exclaimed the teenager, outraged.

- I must escape without them knowing that you're my accomplice. You must continue your dragon rider training. This is a vital aspect of your growth that I cannot teach you.

The aeromancer turned her head all the way around and identified their location: the stable of Archlan's Academy. No wonder she had awakened to the smell of horses and manure. Moreover, a stallion with a pretty ebony coat was watching them with curiosity and a semblance of fear.

- I understand, said Azena. I have every intention of respecting our pact of honor, master.

- I'm delighted, Argoshin replied with a smile.

He seemed satisfied with the behaviour of his new student and especially with her acceptance of their new roles. Deep down inside, Azena felt much better since then. She was finally going to be able to learn how to master the element of life correctly and thus, she was going to be able to communicate with Turion more easily. She missed the old wyrm and she felt sorry for him who was waiting patiently in a corner of her conscience for her to be ready to bear his soul. His patience and kindness for her was so vast that she felt constantly loved, even in his silence.

A yelp brought her back to reality. In front of her, Argoshin grimaced and turned his eyes to his right wing. It was partially burned.

- You can't fly away, can you? the archer asked.

- Unfortunately not, no. I was hit by a fireball during my flight here, the half-dragon explained.

- Tyrath could help you. He's not loyal to the Guardians of Aerinda, only to himself.

Argoshin nodded, approving the girl's plan.

- By the way... Why is my arm still blackened? she questioned, demonstrating her limb.

The half-dragon lowered his gaze to the ground as if he was ashamed.

- The curse is sealed, but it's still rooted in you. As you know, I'm only half a dragon, so I'm not nearly as powerful as a pure-blooded dragon. I've done what I can, but you will need to wear this mark until you meet a purple dragon talented enough to get rid of it or until you develop your own powers.

- I see, said the rebel who was a little disappointed with the news.

Embarrassed, she wanted to thank him, but she avoided the subject by taking action.

- All right, let's go find Tyrath.

As they planned, the duo made their way to the Dragon's Nest and, with luck, managed to get there undetected by the frantic guards searching for them.

- You'd make a splendid spy, Argoshin complimented.

- Let's just say that I had to learn which passages are the least frequented to escape from unfortunate situations, she admitted with a sly smile.

- Mischievous little thing, concluded the half-dragon.

- Very often, admitted the archer with a chuckle.

Once at their destination, she took a few steps towards the cave where she knew that Tyrath usually slept, and he came out like an overexcited ox. As usual, he had surely spotted his rider's scent and before she could even call him, he had rushed towards her.

- You're safe and sound! he exclaimed happily. Your energy! It seems to be back, right?

- Exact...

Her speech was interrupted by an alarmed hissed; Tyrath had finally noticed the intruder. Panicking, he growled, bulging his chest, defying the half-dragon.

- Calm down, said Azena, rolling her eyes. I accepted his help... I need to be trained to master the element of life.

- You what? barked the drake, whipping the air with his spiked tail.

- Please cooperate with us. You need to take him to a safe place. I'll explain later, okay?

She expected her winged partner to protest and adopt a stubborn attitude, but to her surprise, he relaxed and sat down.

- Fine..., he replied reluctantly.

- You're the best, complimented the teenager, knowing the effect these words would have.

Tyrath looked up majestically, content to satisfy his rider.

- Be kind, she added, squinting suspiciously. I'm going to find out if you've been improper.

This time the drake grumbled and let Argoshin sit on his back. The half-dragon turned towards her as if he was waiting for something. Of course, he wanted Azena to say goodbye or something. She sighed, uncomfortable with this kind of situation.

- Thank you so much for your help, she said after swallowing her pride.

- Come and see me tomorrow, the master ordered sternly. We have to start your training.

- Yes, master.

For once in her life, Azena didn't feel uneasy about calling someone master. It was a new feeling and she felt as if she had done the right thing by giving Argoshin a chance. If he was strange, but maybe he had a good heart.

The half-dragon saluted her gently, accepting the title used in his regard and Tyrath took flight, more graceful than any bird of prey in the sky, despite his gigantic size.

Azena returned to the academy without paying too much attention to the path she was taking. However, she had to think of an explanation for her return. All along, she watched her darkened arm with a curious mixture of anger and relief.

Once she was near the fortified building, a familiar voice stopped her:

- Azena! Azena! Praise Elysia!

She looked up and saw Mistress Valkirel running to meet her.

- And don't think you're going to get out of this so easily! she shouted, addressing a dragon rider whom Azena did not know. You were in charge of the academy's guard and you let a dozen grey elves sneak right under your nose! You put an apprentice in danger! Ohh! Just you wait, I'm not done with you yet!

She turned to the so-called victim and gave him a broad smile. This radical change of mood stunned the teenage girl, who suddenly felt the urge to run away from the blonde's instability.

- Poor guy, she mumbled.

- Are you all right? Nymia asked gently.

Azena would have cowered, but she didn't want to be beheaded today. She remembered Argoshin's plan and displayed a slightly more anxious expression.

- I managed to escape, she lied.

- You're not hurt? the teacher continued in a concerned tone.

With frowned brows, she began to examine the girl from head to toe in detail. Of course, she paused in front of the arm, which was still black.

- The curse...

- Oh it's okay, I assure you. The creature made the mistake of mentioning how to get rid of it, and who would have thought it was with animancy? I was lucky I had success trying it myself!

- Indeed you were... you who has so much difficulty with this element...

She observed Azena with suspicion and the teenager knew it. Anxious, the archer scratched the back of head and began to ramble:

- Ah well,I was lucky, eh? Well, I'll be going. I'm exhausted! But I'm fine, I assure you ! Have a good time scolding! Huh, um... I mean, good disciplinaring!

She realized right away that disciplinaring wasn't even a word.

- Well... Yeah, well, see you later. Oh... and the creature went north!

Actually, Tyrath had headed south, but Azena didn't want him found. She waved goodbye to the blonde and continued on her way to the fort that was so familiar to her. At last she was back home and she was looking forward to seeing her friends again: Fayne, Teriondil, Serfantor and Ariella.