My Dragon Cultivation System: Rise Of An Empire

Gong… Gong… Gong…

The bell rang again and again. Aeron and Nyella rushed out of their chambers and saw soldiers already running across the courtyard, dressed and armed for war. The noise of armor clanking and orders being shouted filled the place.

They hurried to the wall and climbed up to the top. The generals were already there, standing with King Rollo, while soldiers checked the traps and siege weapons that had been set earlier.

"What is going on? It is not even dark yet," Nyella asked quickly.

The king's face was hard. "The scouts saw them. They are only a few miles away, and in less than an hour darkness will fall. That is when the hydra strikes the walls."

"So this war will come after all," Aeron said under his breath.

"You thought it would not?" Nyella turned to him.

"Not like this," Aeron replied. "I still cannot believe it. That creatures which are not even living would rise and fight us here on our own land. What do they even want?"

"Then ask them that when you capture them," Nyella said. "For now, we must get ready."

At that moment Ser Devic climbed up the wall beside them, with Sira at his side. Both were already in their battle armor.

"You are not yet ready, your highness," Devic said firmly.

"Ser Devic," Nyella said, with her face frowning. "Did we not agree that you would not fight this battle? That you would leave for the capital instead?"

"Yes, we did," Devic answered.

"And?" Nyella pressed.

Devic bowed his head slightly. "Forgive me, my princess, but I cannot leave. You need every strong arm you can get tonight. You cannot expect me to run away to Ivarion while you stand here to face this horror. Even your father, the king, has ordered me to remain here, and I will not go against his command. Allow me to stay and fight at your side."

"Perhaps he is right, Princess," King Rollo said. "We need every man, every sword. We even made peace with enemies so they would fight beside us tonight. Why then should Devic not? Allow him."

Nyella took a slow breath, her eyes still fixed on Devic. At last, she nodded. "Very well. But if we survive this battle, then at dawn, you will leave for the capital. That must not change."

"Of course," Devic said quickly. "If we win, I swear it. Thank you, your highness. Now you should go and put on your armor. We will be waiting to fight beside you." He looked at Aeron as well. "You too, Young Dragon."

Aeron only shook his head and followed Nyella down from the wall. Behind them the soldiers were lining up, bows and crossbows placed on the ramparts, boiling oil heated, and heavy stones rolled into position. The sky was already growing dim. Soon it would be night.

At the armory, Aeron and Nyella began fastening their battle suits.

"What if fire does not burn them?" Nyella suddenly asks in a low voice.

"There is nothing that fire does not burn," Aeron said. "Even metal can melt, if the fire is strong enough."

"If you say so," Nyella answered softly. Her eyes searched the room, and she frowned.

"What are you looking for?" Aeron asked.

"My sword," she replied. "I cannot find it."

"What if someone took it?" Aeron asked.

"No one would dare," Nyella said. "Everyone here knows that sword belongs to me."

"Did you check your room?" Aeron asked.

Nyella blinked, then let out a small sigh. "True. I forgot about that. I will be right back." She turned quickly and left.

Aeron was left alone in the armory, the muffled sound of the bell still ringing faintly in the distance, as the night crept closer.

It didn't take long before Aeron noticed a sudden movement in the room. He stopped and turned quickly.

"Who's there?" he asked.

Silence. Nothing was there. He frowned and continued preparing his gear.

Then he heard it again, another faint movement. He spun around, scanned with his eyes, but again he saw nothing. This time his hand went for his sword. As his fingers touched the hilt, a shadow darted behind him. He turned just in time, as his blade met a heavy strike that had been aimed straight at his heart.

The impact forced him back a step. He steadied himself and raised his sword again. He looked at the attacker, someone fully cloaked in black, and had a mask on.

"Who are you?" Aeron muttered.

The figure didn't reply. Instead, the assassin rushed at him with incredible speed. Aeron braced himself, lifting his sword high and they began fighting.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Aeron realized quickly, this was no ordinary fighter. This was a trained assassin. The movements were sharp, precise, and much faster than his own. He had no time to strike back. All he could do was defend.

He blocked and dodged again and again, each hit coming closer, heavier, faster. Then, with quick thinking, Aeron kicked out hard, striking the assassin's side. The figure staggered back a few steps. Aeron caught his breath, only for his eyes to widen in shock.

Another shadow appeared behind him.

It was as if the assassin had doubled. The second one wore the same black cloak and mask.

Aeron's heart sank. Fighting one had been hard enough, now two?

They closed in without mercy. Blades flashed from left and right. Aeron blocked one strike with his sword, twisted, and barely dodged another by moving his body aside. His arms burned from the effort, his lungs tight as he barely breathed. Then one blade cut his shoulder, sharp and deep.

"Ah!" Aeron winced as he stepped back. Blood began to seep through his tunic, but he refused to give ground. Gritting his teeth, he raised his sword again and pushed forward.

Just as the assassins closed in to finish him, a voice rang out from behind.

"Stop!"

The assassins froze and turned their heads. Standing in the doorway was a young woman. She was beautiful, with an air of familiarity Aeron couldn't explain.

The assassins exchanged a glance, then without a word, they darted into the shadows and vanished.

Aeron lowered his blade, panting. He looked at the woman confused. "What just happened? Who are you?"

The lady did not answer. Instead, she walked over, grabbed a piece of cloth, tore it, and tied it firmly around his bleeding shoulder.

"There's no time," she said quickly. "The Hydra is here already."

Before Aeron could speak, the sound of the city bells intensified.

Gong… Gong… Gong…

It was the alarm. The enemy was at the gates.

Aeron's chest tightened. He looked at the woman once more, but she had already turned away. There was no chance to ask more. He ran out of the armory.

Outside, he met Nyella. She held something in her hand and called out, "Guess you were right. I found it in my room."

Her eyes caught the blood on his shoulder. "What's that? You're wounded!"

"Don't worry, it's nothing," Aeron said quickly.

"What happened?" she pressed.

"Don't worry," Aeron repeated. "We need to head to the lines."

Nyella gave him a worried look, but then nodded and ran off to join the soldiers.

Aeron turned, rushed to where Draco was waiting, and climbed onto the dragon's back. The mighty beast spread its wings, and together they soared into the sky.

As they rose above the kingdom walls, Aeron's eyes widened in shock.

Before him stretched an endless army. Thousands upon thousands of skeletal creatures stood in formation with weapons.

The sight made Aeron's blood run cold.

"The Battle of Bones had begun." He thought.

"..."