Chapter 79 The Gauntlet Begins pt1
On the highest ridge of Dragon Mount, along the crest and cliffs high above Hellbane is where the Gauntlet lays in wait.
We’ll battle the elements of earth, sky, and fire simply to get there. Once we arrive, there’s no telling what death-defying dangers will await, and what we will have to do to get through to the end.
I listen quietly as Thorne describes the start of the path we must search for, how working together will be the only way to succeed. His words are harsh, without a trace of the affection that’s grown between us since I arrived here.
“In the end,” Thorne says gravely, “You’ll face a challenge unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. A decision that will solidify who among you is capable of being a leader. We’ll learn who among this year's fodder has what it takes to be a true slayer.
“With Alric’s passing, and Malachi missing, you will be at a disadvantage. You will face challenges that only they could have helped with, and yet, you must endure.” The sword drops, now pointing at each of us in turn. “May you live long enough to die honorably for Amaranthine.”
I exchange glances with Zaries. What could possibly be worse than what we’ve encountered in the short time we’ve been in Hellbane? We’ve faced dragons, deception, and betrayal. We’ve faced those who were meant to train us trying to kill us. What could wait at the highest peak of the mountain that could still shake our resolve to become dragon slayers?
Zaries seems to be wondering the same thing as I watch confusion and doubt skitter over his features. Maybe we’ve become too cocky, maybe we believe we’ve faced the worst so nothing else can compare.
Yet I have a feeling we’re about to experience what true fear is and come to the realization that we’ve never conquered it.
“So now you must mount your steeds and fly into the unknown.” Thorne’s mouth is a thin line within his rough beard. His lips are nothing but a white line of tension. “If you return, do so as a Dragon Slayer, or not at all.” He turns his head as if to survey the courtyard, somehow stalling on each of us even though he cannot see. His face pauses on me for a moment longer, his stiff stance growing more rigid before he drops his head and turns away.
The courtyard, although filled with hundreds of people, has gone so quiet you can hear tears of fear and sorrow hitting the cobblestones beneath the servants’ feet. The soft plink of emotion left unspoken, the silent goodbye of one who loves with such ferocity and yet must watch the object of their affection depart for what could be the last time.
I hadn’t realized the regard the servants of Hellbane felt for us until this moment.
As we mount our alicorns, servants and guards walk by and pat our knees or stare as we guide our mounts through the crowd. Yet every person we pass turns their back on us and walks away. No one looks back after their farewell, no one cries or begs for us to stay. They simply say goodbye and go back to their lives.
If we return, their hearts will open again.
If we die, then there will be no more tears lost.
At the gates of Hellbane, I see Maggie waiting for me. Her green high-collared dress looks rumpled and her gray hair flies in wisps around her face. Her cheeks are ruddy, full of emotion, but she doesn’t speak as we approach.
Bright green eyes seem to scream words of affection and hope as her fingertips brush mine. I smile at her, opening my mouth to speak, but she shakes her head. A single tear slips from her eye as I pass under the gate, or connection breaking. Like all the others, she turns her back and walks away without a word.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think we were walking to the gallows,” Sylvain whispers once we’re out of earshot of Hellbane.
“Are we not?” Zaries asks, turning from the head of our procession and looking over his shoulder. His usually calm eyes are filled with trepidation as he looks from me to the cliffs beyond. The same path which delivered us here is the path in which we will leave, possibly never to return.
“Try not to think about it,” Oberon says gently as he nudges Fred’s side and catches up with Zaries. “Let's focus on what's ahead, not what we leave behind.”
Syl comes up beside me and takes my hand. From Luna’s back, she’s almost shorter than my hips. I reach for her, squeezing her hand in mine, our eyes locked. We silently swear to each other that this won’t be the last time we embrace. We vow without words to protect one another, no matter what.
This will not be our last day.
It can’t.
Slowly, my eyes rise to the peak high above us. Enshrouded in storm clouds, the ominous rolling thunder and lightning is a grim reminder of what lies ahead.