Book 4. Chapter 28: Timone, The Ravenwolf Chieftain

Book 4. Chapter 28: Timone, The Ravenwolf Chieftain

Jake flew in his advanced glider with Ophelia in the seat in front of him. He pushed his flames through the single implement that allowed them to more easily control his thrust. He held onto his staff, which was pushed through what looked like a fighter jets engine, but really was just a tube with a controlled exit.

Ophelia and Jake would take turns, and because she wasnt expending mana on [Ride of the Valkyries], this was highly efficient. The glider was much more aerodynamic than a Valkyrie using her wings, and the ride was much more comfortable in his seat.

They were traveling on average over 300 miles per hour, their magically light aircraft gliding efficiently while they waited for their mana to be restored. They could push their speed much higher for a time, but eventually they would run out and slow down.

His mana would restore rapidly, and he would pull it from the girls using [Energy Sharing], repeating his running of the jet flames. The canopy allowed them to see where they were going, plus Ira was on the lookout as always.

Despite their rapid travel, Ira was able to anchor to Jake and monitor the void, even as the regular space traveled by them so quickly.

Ophelia pointed ahead of them at the canopy. There it is, Harmony Peaks.

The twin peaks were revealed ahead of them, though Jake knew they were probably well over fifty miles away still. They worked on landing and stowing the plane, opting for Jake to ride on Bloodberri the last several miles.

He called Bloodberri, Fhesiah and Tanda, and they traveled the rest of the way together.

Tanda was able to let Aisling know they were on their way, bringing the HQ node. No doubt, a welcoming party awaited them.

Tanda giggled. If thats what you wanna call itwell, lets hope for the best! Father would really get protective, hopefully hes not too mad

Jake frowned. He was really going to have to deal with an angry father-in-law?

Fhesiah smiled over at Jake. Its a good thing you dont have mine to worry about. Hed have told you to wait until you reached Nascent Soul. Since you couldnt cultivate, youd have had to become a god first.

Jake shook his head at that. Even if Jake could wait that long to be with her, he knew she couldnt.

She chuckled. Well, I was a bit different then? I was so focused on seeking knowledge and power, when I got my new lifeI decided to enjoy it to the fullest. Perhaps my mother would have helped me elope, thinking about it. But then youd have to worry about a God-like angry dragon coming after you.

Ophelia said, If my dad was still around, I think hed be happy for me. He would like you, Jake.

Berri tapped her lips in thought. They never told me about my dad, but they probably used him up and ate him. Theres not much emphasis on the father for the Dark Lamia, they are just sperm donors.

Blood nodded. If he really was a human hero like what that spider bitch claimed, they probably hate-fucked him to death.

Despite the dark turn this conversation had taken, Jake could tell the two girls were indifferent about this. Still, the idea he would have five wives, but only one father-in-law was a little strange.

I guess, Ill have to do my best to make the one I got like me then, huh?

Tanda smiled. I know hell like you! Um, after he tries to thrash you.

Dont you have his weapon, anyway? How does he fight?

Tanda was about to answer, but they were interrupted by a loud hawks screech. They had been nearing the peak, and were in a large clearing near the river that went between the two peaks. They were less than a mile away at this point, with five figures flying towards them.

Four were flying with their own wings, but one was being carried on a sort of harness by three of them. His party stopped, and Jake got off Bloodberris battlements.

As they got closer, Jake got a good look at the five. Of course, he saw Aisling, the crow beastkin woman. One was a raven woman, and it was the one being carried in the harness, a white wolf beastkin woman, that he knew was Tandas mother. Another woman was some kind of owl beastkin, and the last he guessed a hawk of some kind, judging by her feathers.

Finally, Jake was sure this man was her father, a ravenwolf man. He was carrying a spear and wearing auril leather armor, and Jake thought it was all stuff he or Tanda had taken part in crafting.

Jake had taken to mass enchanting leathers and weapons, trying to get the beastkin all over Highlands armed with effective equipment. After his auril heroes were well-equipped, even the better items were put up for sale, and some reserved for Hearthtribe as rewards.

The five landed a ways away, with Timone, Tandas father, ahead. Tanda started to rush forward to meet him, but she stopped, her ears flat on her head as she took in her fathers demeanor, listening to his hearts voice over the song of the world.

She had wanted to hug her father and mother that had returned from the grave, but it appeared they were taking care of this family matter first. Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)

Her ears stood back up again, her tail starting to wag. Jake, sensing her thoughts, it seemed she could tell her dad was putting on an act.

The faith magic inhibiting Jakes magic couldnt have as much impact on the flames of his Hearth. However, Jake found himself falling in an awkward glide as his footholds in the air near Timone were no longer strong enough to hold his weight to leap powerfully at Timone.

Timone harried Jake as he neared the ground, him stabbing out as Jake was unable to mount a significant defense.

Jake threw up a sacrificial barrier as various crows attacked in tandem, the flaming barrier lighting the odd creatures aflame. Timone drew up more auril summoning more of the crows, his auril heart beating and pulling in auril from the surrounding area.

Jakes eyes narrowed at this, understanding that auril heroes had significant endurance, especially on Highlands. He would have to go for broke, if he wanted to end this with the upper hand.

Timone charged once more, his dozen of ravens swooping in like arrows from different directions. Jake released his runic bubble of a powerful [Runic Magic: Cone of Cold], and added on two waves of frost, using his function in his staff to slam into him at nearly the same time.

Despite the magic inhibiting aura, Timone and many of his ravens were covered in a thin layer of frost, their movements slowed and brought to a halt. His auril quickly counteracted this effect, but his now-frozen ravens fell to the ground.

Jake quickly pushed his hearth flames into his staff, compressing them. He used his advanced control in this state to push as much of his flames as he could, as he released a [Scorching Ray] at Timone.

Timone created a barrier of auril, and Jake thought it was some sort of Templar ability that enhanced it. But Jakes ray scorched right through, slamming into Timone who tried to block with his spear as well, and lighting his chest aflame. Timone growled as he pushed his auril to fight against the powerful goddess-powered flames, and Jake thought he saw yet another ability being activated.

Some vitality of Timones was expended, his body weakened to dispel what remained of the effect. Jake was not idle while he did this, as he was focusing on his bond with Tanda to change his state. He moved to the state of the Avenger, pushing Hearthblade into his Champions spear.

Ira roared as it shifted Jake through the void at Timones flank, him swinging his blade down like an axe as he arrived. Timone didnt seem overly surprised, and shifted his spear haft and body to guard, but Jakes attack was powerful.

Timones guard was shifted as Jake cleaved heavily into his shoulder, his hearth flames burning the man. The ravenwolfs ravens struck Jake like arrows, but his [Purifying Flames] and Jakes Hearth worked to break down the effect, pushing the harmful deathly auril out of his body.

The two continued their dance of attacks and counters, Jake pressing his advantage as Timone attempted to heal. But Jake added blasts of hearth flames to the mix, the man unable to heal or mount a decent defense with his ravens.

Timone had been able to block Jakes spear with his claw before, but now he had to turn his body and dodge, taking minor wounds from Jakes large Hearthblade. His ravens deathly damage over time attacks were almost completely neutralized rapidly, either being destroyed by Jakes waves of flames, or burned away by his powerful [Purifying Flames].

Jake stuck to him like glue, until he landed an attack against Timones chest uncontested. The attack was blocked by a Framework barrier, and Jake was victorious.

Ophelia quickly cast [Renewal] on Jake, while Berri cast a healing spell on Timone. To Jakes surprise, the owl beastkin woman arrived quickly and covered Timone and Jake with healing auril. Her will manifested as a blanket of pure white snow, cooling and energizing his bodys ability to heal.

Jake was filled with vitality, and he could feel his body being strengthened. When flesh was replaced with healing spells, it wasnt as if everything was restored. The healing spell by Tandas clan-mother helped restore more of whatever was missing, like Jakes blood.

Timone let out a booming laugh. Well done, Champion Jake! You are truly strong, and your heart sings true. I can tell you will protect our Tanda, and protect the balance on Highlands the world itself knows it true! You may not do it as natures steward or guiding the beastkin as I have, but I will be around for a while yet. Once again, our people will have to change, and even the world itself will too. Hearthtribe and Clan Hart has already done an excellent job, empowering our people. You arent a beastkin, but you are good enough for my Tanda. I welcome you to our extended family.

Jake turned to Tanda, and she was beaming; her tail wagging and her smile wide. Her mother and other clan-mothers as well as Jakes girls all looked on with a fond smile, as Jake withdrew the necklace he crafted for her.

He had crafted several of the same necklaces, the five, now six hearts as one, now that he had some skill with [Manaweave Reinforcement] and access to better materials.

Jake placed it around her neck, hers being a more tribal version. It matched what the many beastkin would wear, and would protect her as well as looking beautiful. Her heart was represented as a golden one, Jakes red within in the center, and the other girls hearts on the outside.

The necklace was beaded and with claws and fangs inserted, matching the many necklaces of her people, even though a golden-mithril thread went through the center, covered by the other items.

As soon as he finished clasping it around her neck, he was nearly bowled over, her lips meeting his. He grabbed onto her waist, as she put all her weight on him. Her feelings of pride and happiness at becoming his mate filled Jake with the same joy.

The kiss was short-lived, as Tanda then bowled over the rest of her family members. She had thought them dead, and the relief and happiness of seeing them once again filled her with glee.

How could you not tell me you joined the Framework? I thought you were dead for real! And why didnt you just come down to visit us?

Timone grimaced. Wedidnt. But Lord Arawn paid a Price to hold onto our souls, to allow Cernunnos, Brigid, and Lugh to offer us a path. A few of us became members of their clergy, though Aisling refrained for now. As for visiting, Harmony Peaks is still in need of protection. If we left, calamity would strike.

Tandas mother Dhalias voice was both sultry and soothing. Look at you, daughter. Its only been a few weeks since I last saw you, but youve grown so well! Im so proud of you, for leading our people in their time of need.

Similar sentiments were given by her other clan-mothers, the two families then introducing themselves to each other. Ophelia and Dahlia scheduled a duel for later, and Berri traded hugs with each of the mothers, while Fhesiah finally met Aisling.

Alarm bells went off in Jakes mind, but Timone addressed Jake while hugging Tanda.

Now, I think its about time we talk about the HQ node. Were ready for it, its time for us to make our counterattack.