Lake of Souls Chapter 20

Previous Chapter

Our journey to the life kingdom was uneventful. It only took the whale a couple of hours to bring us up to the border. Along the way I watched Filon sleep, ate a little of the rations Curant had brought us, and contemplated our journey so far. Against all odds we had managed to stabilize most of the world. Nothing was perfect or completely fixed but at least we were on the way to fixing it. Once we helped the life kingdom that would hopefully start helping all of the other kingdoms heal faster as well.

When we arrived at the border the whale opened its mouth to let us out. I gingerly climbed out holding Filon up high trying to keep him from touching the water. He had finally dried out at some point during the ride and I didn't want to wake him up by getting him wet again. I held him high above me as I walked to the shore. Once there I turned and looked back to the whale, "Thank you for helping us. Trust helped cut a lot of time out of our journey. Safe travels and hopefully we will see you again."

The whale bellowed out a soft call in response. Soft for it at least. I could feel Filon stirring in my arms as I balanced him and the bag of rations wrapped around my right arm. I slowly walked us up to the beach while talking to Filon trying to wake him, "Filon darling I'm going to need you to wake up. At least for a little while till I can find us somewhere to sleep for the night." I looked up and realized I had been paying so much attention to Filon I hadn't realized it actually was night time.

As I gazed into the night sky I noticed a particular patch of the sky that was devoid of stars. I frowned slightly not remembering there ever being a dark spot in the sky but it was possible I just hadn't noticed it before. I heard a soft groan from Filon and I looked back down smiling, "Well hello there darling. I'm glad to see you're starting to stir. My arms are getting tired unfortunately."

Filon sticks his tongue out, "Alright put me down then. I was rather comfy but I guess I can walk for a little bit. Though I demand to go back to that position when we go back to sleep."

I laughed, "That's fine by me. However, we need to find somewhere to lay down for the night."

At that moment we heard footsteps approaching. Filon and I instantly crouched down ready to fight. A voice came out from the darkness, "We mean you no harm King Xea and Filon. We are soldiers of the life kingdom come to meet you is all. We have a carriage ready to take you to the castle for the evening. It will still be a bit of a journey so you may sleep on the way if you need."

Filon looked at me and grins, "We've got an escort. It's nice to go somewhere and be greeted with kindness for once."

I nodded, "The people of the life kingdom were very kind to me the first time I came here as the vessel. They treated me like a real person before I thought of myself as a real person. Thankfully I think I already know what's wrong here and I already know how to fix it. So let's go for now and head to the castle." With that we both went with the soldiers and climbed into the carriage they had prepared.

Inside of the carriage was Filon's armor and sword. They had been fully cleaned and polished. His blade had been sharpened to a razor's edge as well. His sheathe had been fully repaired and repainted showing its full glory. Filon beamed in joy and stuck his head out of the carriage window, "Where did you find all of this? I left it on the other side of the water kingdom hidden in some rocks. How did it find its way here?"

One of the soldiers chuckled, "Believe it or not a small pink dragon swam all the way here with your things on its back. It came out of the water like a giant salamander and came to us. He was very cautious but polite. He let us know who all the armor belonged to and that you two would be coming soon. He's actually still here in the kingdom I believe. I think he's waiting to see you two if I had to guess. Do you know who it is?"

Filon grinned and nodded, "Don't know his name but I think we're definitely going to have to learn it now. Xea can you believe he swam all the way here just to bring my armor and sword."

I looked up from where I was studying Filon's sheathe, "You are absolutely right. I knew he was following us but I didn't think he would come this far." I now spoke louder for the soldiers up front, "Please still take us to the castle for now. We've both had a grueling journey here and could really use the rest."

I heard the crack of a whip and the carriage began to move. Filon settled back into the carriage and looked over at me, "What are you looking at? It seems to have enraptured your attention."

I went back to studying the sheathe again tracing my fingers over a design of a dragon running down it. I looked over at Filon, "A dragon? Did they use to populate the fire kingdom? Perhaps that is what those salamander creatures I saw in my visions were. Descendants of dragons who use to live in the fire kingdom."

Filon leaned against my shoulder yawning, "There are old stories passed down by the people of the fire kingdom. That there once were dragons who used to live in the volcanoes. They bathed in the lava and hoarded any of the riches the volcano produced. Things like that gem sitting in the pommel of your blade. One of the Fire King's before the one you dealt with started a war against them. He led many soldiers to fight the dragons and thus also led many to their deaths. However before his passing he eliminated every single dragon from the kingdom. For the soldiers who survived they received sheathes adorned with the imagery of the dragons they had fought. The sheathe I have has been passed down in my family for six generations. Of course the first time I finally meet a dragon and you have to save me from it."

I kiss the top of his head watching his eyelids fluttering as he tries to fight the sleep overtaking him, "That was also a very big dragon and we were trying very hard to not fight it. I'm sure if you had to you could fight a dragon. I think you might even win against one too. Now stop fighting sleep. I'll wake you when we get to the castle and then we can climb into a real bed." Filon nodded and closed his eyes fully. I laid my head back doing the same.

I woke up to Filon shaking me gently, "Xea we've made it to the castle. The sun is just starting to come up and I don't want to be here when it's fully up. So come on, let's go find a dark room and go back to sleep."

I groaned softly, cracking my eyes open, "Okay grab your things and I'll get my sword. Soldiers please take us to a nice dark room. No sunlight for us please. I promise once we've had some actually good quality sleep we'll be ready to talk and help. Please lead the way." I climbed out of the carriage with Filon and kept my head down as we followed the soldiers. They didn't take us to the former King's room like I thought they would. Honestly I was grateful they didn't. I wasn't sure I could sleep in the same room as where I killed the Life King. Soon we were in an area of the castle that seemed almost abandoned.

The soldier who had been leading us stopped and opened a door revealing a large bedroom. There wasn't much in the room except for a bed that seemed built for someone like myself. The soldier smiled, "Here you are. This is about the darkest room we have. Just come out once you've slept. You'll probably find the beginnings of a great feast when you do more than likely."

I nodded at the soldier, "Thank you very much. This is very much appreciated. Good night to you and we'll see you all soon." With that Filon and I went into the room placing our things down. We both collapsed into the bed. Filon didn't bother with the rest of his clothing and curled up into my chest. I wrapped my arms around him and we both finally fell into a truly contented sleep.

Waking up the first sound I made was a groan. My whole body ached from top to bottom and I felt like I had been beaten with a boulder. The first noise I heard was Filon making a similar groan. I could feel him rolling into me, "Oh dear gods Xea why does my everything hurt? You did all the heavy lifting and all I did was watch over you. So why do I feel like I got into all those fights with you?"

I sighed and ran my fingers down his back, "I don't know Filon but I'm sorry you feel so poorly. I mean you know we could just keep hiding out in here. We don't have to go out just yet."

Filon laughed and placed a kiss on my chest. I felt electricity arc through my whole body and my breath caught. I could hear him softly giggling before he started rolling out of the bed, "As wonderfully delicious as that sounds unfortunately I'm starving. Plus if we stay in here I'm liable to die again. Not sure I would be able to control myself."

I could see him ever so faintly in the glow from my body giving me a mischievous grin. I rolled over quickly so he wouldn't see my blush as I pushed myself out of the bed as well, "I suppose you are right. I am starving as well now that I think about it. Let's go and see what's going on. Though I suppose it would probably be best if we find you some fresher clothes. While I don't mind seeing you in rags that look like they may fall apart at any moment, others may not appreciate the view as much as I."

I could hear Filon muttering under his breath now. Something about it was a good thing that I was so cute or he might have to smack me. We headed out of the room now to find two guards at the entrance of our room. One of them had a fresh pair of clothes at his feet that he handed Filon. I waited outside the door while Filon changed and decided to talk to the guards, "So how long did we sleep? Is there the beginnings of a feast going on out there yet? If so Filon and I are both hungry. It's been a bit since we last ate."

The guard to my left spoke, "Both of you were asleep for close to a full day. Yes the festivities are about to move into full swing quite soon. There should be plenty of food as well as there are many people who would like to see you. You've done great things as you've come back to our kingdom. Our lands were sick and slowly you have begun to heal them King Xea. I hope you continue your work personally."

I smiled and nodded. At that moment Filon came out of the room in fresh clothes. I grinned and pulled him close, "The guards here just told me that the festivities should be starting soon and there should be plenty of food. Let's go eat and dance. I think we both deserve it after everything we've been through on the way here. After that I'm going to heal this kingdom and then the real healing can begin."

We both made our way back to the entrance of the castle with the guards in tow behind us. The closer we got the more noise we could hear coming from outside. As we walked past windows I could see outside and that indeed many people had gathered outside. I could see sunlight starting to break over the horizon and I smiled looking at Filon, "When the people here throw a party they will go for quite some time. The last time I was here I missed much of it because I was still far too afraid to be around people. Hopefully that won't be the case this time around."

We got to the front entrance and threw open the doors. The people all turned and let out a loud cheer, "King Xea! You've awoken and joined us. Come eat with us and drink with us." I laughed loudly and went out into the crowds with Filon next to me. We gathered food immediately and started eating with gusto. People came up and congratulated us for helping so many on our way here. We both talked occasionally around mouthfuls and paid special attention to not drink too much. Day had broken quite some time ago and it was a glorious day. A number of people had passed out and were sleeping off their food and alcohol. I looked out into the forest near the castle and saw a small pinkish form watching us.

I smiled and poked Filon nodding slightly in the direction of the forest. He smiled back at me and leaned over to me, "Go talk to him. He wants to see you but I think much like yourself he's a bit too afraid to come forward."

I chuckled and stood up telling the groups of people around me, "I'm going to go for a bit of a walk. Work off some of this food so I can come back and have some more." I started walking towards the forest now keeping an eye on the small form that was still studying me. Once I got closer he skittered off further into the forest I assumed to get more privacy. I made my way further into the forest now looking for the small dragon. I saw a clearing up ahead now and he was sitting in it basking in the sun.

I stepped out into the clearing, "Hello little one. I would like to say thank you for bringing Filon's things across the water kingdom for him. I never did think to get your name back when we first met. May I ask it of you now?"

The small dragon nodded though he kept his head down as if he was nervous to be around me, "I am called Laflur partially because of my pinkish coloration. You're welcome as far as bringing your companions things. I saw him leave them behind when you entered the water kingdom and I know how much they probably meant to him. I'm a good swimmer so I thought I would bring them over. However, I have another reason for coming."

I sat down now trying to appear as non threatening as possible, "I assume it has to do with Solare."

Laflur nodded again, finally seeming to get a little more comfortable. He slowly turned his body to face me, "You need to understand he will stop at nothing to kill you. You've humiliated him in front of all of the other dragons as well as killed the Air King. He will always be right on the edge of your vision waiting for you to slip up and he will pounce the second he sees a mistake." Laflur took a deep breath now trying to fight back tears, "That's what he did to Baunt."

I feel an immediate rush of adrenaline hit my system as I now take a deep breath trying to keep the rush of anger in check, "Please explain what you mean"

Laflur backed off a little from me sensing the anger that had come over me, "Solare was one of the Air King's most loyal followers. He believed that our kingdom was superior to all of the others and that we deserved more than everyone else. When you killed the Air King, Solare was overtaken with fury. However he is cunning above all else. When he saw Baunt confront you he figured he would let Baunt weaken you and then he would come in and take the final blow. After that he would kill the weakened Baunt and finally there would be no one in his way to take over being the head of the dragons.

While Baunt did not rule us he was a de facto leader. We would all often look to him for wisdom or what to do when there was a crisis. Solare being the elder between the two of them resented Baunt immensely for this. However he knew if he just outright killed Baunt that no one would follow him. But if Baunt died due to some other cause then perhaps Solare could worm his way into being leader.

When he saw Baunt befriend you and agree with you instead of killing you, Solare's anger only grew. In that anger he quickly came up with a plan. Solare had already bullied many of the manticore into following him so he would use one to assassinate Baunt. As soon as the two of you started heading for the border Solare found the biggest manticore he could and tasked it with killing both of you. He knew even if his plan didn't work all the way the manticore should hopefully still kill Baunt. That alone was worth it. If he could become the leader of the dragons he thought there would be nothing you could do to stop him. Now obviously you've proven that to be untrue which means you're next on his list. King Xea, he will stop at nothing to kill you even if it means sacrificing others. Please watch yourself and your companion.

Now I know you have a party going on and I've said what I need to so please keep what I've said in mind but go enjoy yourself. You deserve it for everything you've done for our world."

I slowly stood now, my anger having dissipated partially while Laflur talked. It had been replaced with a cold resolve that I would make Solare pay for what he had done. Not by ending his life but by outing him for what he really was. A monster who would clutch at any straw given to him just for the illusion of power and respect. In that way he reminded me greatly of the Air King which only fueled my resolve. Laflur had backed away from me misinterpreting my emotions.

I smiled and took a knee, "Thank you for coming and letting me know all of this. That makes my path forward clearer and gives me a better idea of where to look. If you would like to come join our party I'm sure everyone would love to see a real dragon. It seems that your kind are a rarity to be seen in the other kingdoms these days. I also understand if you are feeling a bit shy too. I once was like you in that regard so it is okay. Goodbye for now Laflur. I'm sure I'll end up seeing you again."

I now stand up and start walking back to the party. I still have to help heal the land plus I should probably check on Filon and make sure he is okay. I can hear the scampering of feet behind me but it stops at the tree line. I smile to myself slightly as I break into a jog to get back to the party. I arrived in time to see Filon finishing a large mug of what smelled like alcohol. He saw me and gave both a guilty look as well as a mischievous grin all at the same time. He ran towards me and jumped up his hands hitting my shoulders which he used to pull himself up before wrapping his legs as much as he could around my waist.

I laughed slightly, "Well hello there, I see you have been enjoying yourself in my absence. However you have also made mistakes. I see that grin on your face and I know what it means."

Filon pouted slightly before kissing my neck, "But Xea I was bored and alone. So maybe you shouldn't have left me alone. Though maybe I could have been more patient. I'm sorry Xea."

I took a deep breath pulling the fire running through my blood under control before speaking, "Honestly I'm not terribly surprised. I knew leaving you here by yourself might result in this happening. Apology accepted but I'm sorry too. Now you climb down before mistakes are made and let me do one more thing. After that we will go find our bed and curl up."

Filon slowly climbed down still pouting, "I'm not tired though. If we're going to bed I want to look over your body some more."

I shook my head and smiled, "Alright that works too I guess."

I now walked up towards the castle entrance before turning around and calling out loudly, "Everyone here I want to thank you so much for throwing us this wonderful feast. I came here though to help you not just have your food and drink. Now I will help this land and let the true healing of the world begin. There is nothing particularly wrong here in the life kingdom but the land has forgotten how to live on its own without the Life King supporting it. So I'm going to help remind it. All I need from everyone is to be quiet for a while and let me work."

The noise of everyone around slowly died down until it was silent. All eyes were on me now but I ignored them as I found a patch of grass and sat down. I closed my eyes and placed my hands palm down to the earth. I allowed my conciseness to flow out and become one with the kingdom. I was nothing more than another tree spreading wide roots and connecting with everything. I could feel the heartbeat of the kingdom as a slightly labored sensation. It was trying but it simply didn't remember how to live on its own. There had been a Life King here guiding and nurturing it since it had first been born. Now that the head was gone the land was lost but it was trying.

I took a deep breath and looked into myself looking for the spirits that wanted to be part of the land. I could hear them clamoring and calling out in unison for me. I released over a thousand souls into the earth and watched them intertwining into the land itself. The heartbeat of the land sped up at first but then slowly calmed back down. Soon the land was breathing in slow steady breaths and the heartbeat was now pleasant to listen to. The land now seemed content no longer having to try to breathe but doing it naturally. As I started to pull my consciousness back to myself a voice stopped me, "Welcome back Xea. I'm glad to know that in my absence you're doing as much as you can to help the world. You truly are trying to bring this world to an era of peace and prosperity."

I spread my consciousness back out trying to find the Life King. I couldn't find him but I decided to speak anyway, "Thank you. Your words when we last spoke have stuck with me. I have tried to be a good person as much as I can, though I often find it harder than I would like to admit."

I hear the laughter of the former King, "Being a good person is often harder than any of us want to admit. However being a good person is it's own reward Xea and those who truly try will find themselves rewarded in immeasurable ways. I haven't come simply to talk philosophy though I've come with something more specific in mind. Think of it as a reward for being a good person if that helps."

I laughed now myself, "What wisdom have you come to dispense then? I am happy to hear it."

Suddenly the Life King actually appears in front of me. He crooks a finger at me beckoning me to come down to him. I take a deep breath and force my consciousness into a form again. I found it to be a little easier this time than the first time. It doesn't take as much effort out of me. I kneel down in front of the Life King.

He grins at me before flicking me in the forehead, "You've been stressing yourself out about your companion ever since you almost killed him. The big secret though is that all you have to do is control your emotions. The souls in your body and your unique gift respond to your emotional state. Excitement, anger, and all the strong ones that course through us as people currently dictate your abilities. With time and training you'll be able to fully control all of it but for now simply don't let them overtake you. You won't be able to hold it for long but for now at least you can give him a kiss. Just remember to not lose yourself. However if you ever need a boost in your power then let your emotions run rampant. You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish." With those words he flicked me in the forehead again and suddenly I was knocked back into the real world.

I took a deep breath now and opened my eyes. I looked over to see Filon staring at me with half closed slightly sleepy eyes. I smiled at him and wiggled a finger beckoning him over. He hopped up and half ran to me. Once he reached me I smiled softly at him and whispered, "I want to thank you so much for being with me this whole time. I know you do not always feel like you are helping but trust me when I say that without you I would not have made it this far or even close. So I wanted to get you something nice as a thank you present and now I finally can."

With that I took a deep breath and leveled out my emotions before cupping his face and staring into his beautiful green eyes. I leaned in to him and kissed him. A deep long passionate kiss before pulling back with a smile right as I felt my emotions starting to tip out of control. Filon stared at me in shock and happiness lost for words.

Yay!!! For those who have been following this heartbreaking journey, how happy are all of you right now? I'm so happy I could finally bring them together even a little bit. I hope you enjoyed this story. If you did then please heart, subscribe, and feel free to leave a tip. You can now also pledge 3 dollars a month to me and help support me as a creator. If you do, you get the benefit of having my stories at the top of your subscription feed anytime I post something new. Till next time. You can find the link for the next chapter and the original short story below.

Next Chapter

Original Short Story