Chapter 45: Drums of War

Chapter 45: Drums of War

Do we really have to run? Luke asked Jax after a few minutes of jogging down the castle halls. It was fun, and it reminded him of running down the halls in school, but the odd looks they were getting from the palaces staff only got more and more embarrassing the longer they did.

Yes! If theres a chance of there being another war, I need to know. Right now! He yelled back, picking up even more speed.

Sighing he picked up his own pace as he chased after him. Easily keeping up with the other cultivator.

When they finally got there, the view took Lukes breath away.

The garden was ethereal in its beauty. Butterflies of every color and size drifted through the air, their wings shimmering in the light of the Theoss suns. Tiny rainbow colored hummingbirds flitted from flower to flower, and flamingos and peacocks paced languidly on freshly trimmed and perfectly manicured grass.

A winding stone path, snaked through between flowerbeds, and under tall fruit-bearing trees. A small waterfall in the distance emptied into a peaceful lotus-covered lake. Filling the area with the soothing gurgling sound of water, and the musical chirping of birds.

Slowing down, Jax made a cone around his mouth with his hands, and yelled. REX! At the top of his lungs.

For a moment every creature in the garden stood still and stared straight at them, before continuing with their lives. Curious about the humans that had broken their piece, but continuing on with their simple lives.

Ive told you not to do that, you loud asshole! A voice shouted back from deep within the garden.

Grinning in spite of his earlier rush, Jax marched forward. Trampling on the grass with reckless abandon and sending rabbits scurrying out of their way. Hesitating briefly, Luke sighed and followed after him.

I already ran all the way here, might as well go all the way. Poor garden though.

They found Rex, leaning with his back against a tree, his finger held out in front of him and on it a large blue and white butterfly. Slowly and gracefully beating its wings.

The New Guy said one of your brothers died.

Luke suppressed the urge to cringe at how callously Jax had delivered the news.

No. Rex responded flatly.

What? Luke frowned.

Jax opened and closed his mouth, before staring at Luke, disgusted. What kind of sick jokes do you like to tell? You fucking asshole. How can you just say stuff like

Sick joke, my ass. What's his deal? Luke stared at Rex. Does he not know that his brother is dead? But then, why would he just deny it?

Its not a joke, and Im not lying. Maybe you just dont know? He said, crossing his arms under his chest. I know what I heard.

I would know if one of my brothers died. He furrowed his eyebrow, and the butterfly flew off his finger, and began flying in loose circles in front of him. It was my cousin.

This fucking guy. Luke fumed. Well, thanks for being clear.

Oh. Jaxs eyes narrowed. How did it happen? Was

The Rebel. Rex interrupted him.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I need to go home. Jax mumbled, pacing back and forth. Wheres Cyzicus? He needs to let me use a teleportation altar.

Whos the Rebel? Luke asked.

A rogue cultivator at the Hero-tier. She came to the island sixty years ago, and shes been trying to supplant Cyzicus as Emperor ever since. Said Rex.

First Sophia the Cyclops, and now this character? Whats with this island and squatters?

Is that how it works? If youre strong enough, you just show up somewhere and take it? Dont the gods interfere?

Rex scoffed as if the very idea of the gods doing anything at all was ridiculous, but didnt say anything.

Rex. I need you to

Jax, calm down. Rex leaned back, and closed his eyes. Even if you do go home, what are you going to do? Fight the Rebel? Fight her warriors? You're a single mortal. Nothing you do will make a difference. At best youll die a quick death.

What am I supposed to do then? Huh! Stay here and train while she butchers my family?

Is that what I think it is? Jax whispered under his breath, his eyes wide in awe.

Its so fast. Luke thought to himself, as the griffin cut threw the air, growing larger and larger with every second that passed. Going from a spot in the sky, to flying above their head in seconds, and then touching the ground at their feet, moments later.

The second it did, Lukeus stumbled off, and fell on his hands and knees. Moaning and heaving as he emptied the contents of his stomach.

Im never riding that thing again!

Its not that bad. Nel said defensively, floating off its back, and landing gently on the ground. Her eyes darting over Jax and lingering curiously on Luke, before she lunged forward and caught Rex in a hug. Howve you been?

Good. He mumbled, shoving her away.

Are you ready to go? She asked.

I am.

Good. She turned to Luke. How are you settling in?

They boiled me alive. He lifted a hand, and pulled back his index finger. A girl threw fireballs at me. I saw Arke destroy a part of your castle, which was cool. She also killed some dead guy, and then blasted your grandpa through his throne. He rattled off. But I got this ring and this sword, plus a massive amount of debt. So I guess I cant complain. Thanks for recommending this place.

He flashed her the most obnoxious smile he could, and gave her a thumbs up.

Well, Im glad you seem to be having an exciting time. Id love to stay and chat, but we have some work to do. She knelt next to Lukeus and slung him over her shoulder before tossing him back onto her steed. Hop on Rex. There's no time to waste.

Wait! Jax knelt on the and prostrated himself before her. Take me with you! I need a ride!

Who are you?

Im Jax of Clan Skyscar. My family might be in danger.

A glimmer of recognition passed through her eyes. Where do you want to go?

North. Across the river, to Sixra. If you cant go all the way, I understand, but if you can take me across, Ill be eternally grateful. He said, his face still planted in the ground.

She looked at Rex, and he frowned, before nodding imperceptibly.

Sighing, she shrugged her shoulders. Fine, get on.

Leaping to his feet, he eagerly climbed on top of the beast without a shred of hesitation. Fearing that she might change her mind.

Thank-you! He bowed.

Can I come too? Luke asked suddenly.

They all looked at him oddly.

Why do you want to come? Nel asked.

Well, it's that or staying here and boiling myself alive, every few days. And because I dont want to be here when shit inevitably goes down, thats why.

I understand not wanting to train, but Im afraid that Sylphie can only carry four people. Sorry.

Thats okay! You know what, Ive been slacking off a lot lately. Why dont I stay here and train, and Luke goes with you. Lukeus eagerly climbed off the griffin. Besides, hes Luke, I'm Luke, there's practically no difference between us. No difference at all. And honestly, we both know that Im not the mission type of guy Nel. This guy fought a Warrior-tier giant, if what they say is true. Much better choice than me, dont you think. I think so. He said inching further and further away from the Cat-bird, before taking off in a sprint in the opposite direction. Youll do great Luke.

I think hes growing on me.

She watched him run off, both annoyed and with mirth in her eyes. Fine, you can come.

Great. Luke grinned, and cautiously climbed onto the griffin. Where are we going by the way?

She grinned at him. Grandfather wants us to deliver a message to Sophia.

Oh.