All Chapters of Aries Ascendant: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

There isn't another explanation.  All the other dragons are dead, or Hellspawned.  Or wandering around whatever blasted zone is left of Phantasma, worshipping the dark.  But I don't feel anything strange from my connection to Chrysalix, either.Nothing makes sense.We move forward, slowly, and I dismount Heru again.  I summon a simple electricity-enchanted sword and hold it in my right hand, with a Pyro flame readied in my left.  I actually hate using swords one handed but here we are.The floor is smoothed out again, but there is no noticeable differences in our surroundings. The cave is rough and unfinished, the wall behind us heavily fractured in spots.  The shadows are keeping their distance even now, and the heavy silence is around us again.  I want to scream just to break its oppressive weight.A glitter breaks the gloom ahead, and I zero in on its shine.  Stepping forward, I expect just a piece of a weapon, o

The portcullis stood wide, and we both saw no sign of any guards, neither standing at attention or patrolling the castle grounds."Seems remarkably relaxed," I commented to Heru, assuming my former, snooty persona.  "I would think they would have vassals here to receive us.  Must be a culture difference, indeed.""Don't overdo it," murmured Heru.  "You never did well in banquets or balls."I tried not to laugh, but a small giggle escaped before I could catch it.  Ah, well.  He's entirely correct, I distinctly remembered pitching some self-important Alpha werewolf into a punch bowl over a scratch he had given to a servant girl.  High class society and I didn't mix well.  I turned my attention to our surroundings, instead.The beautiful, crystal-like castle was even more brightly illuminated on the inside, the purple floor of the cavern changing to something almost like glass.  Heru's steps echoed, a bright, light sou

Still not breaking my stride, I Sensed everything around me that I could.  What I saw was ingenious, but not threatening.  The beautiful flowers were in something like ground plots above the hard cavern floor, light crystals suspended above to simulate sunlight.  The trees were the same, but it appeared that holes had been sunk into the floor and filled with dirt to support life. The walkways were paved the same as the enchantment, and the walls were not lined with instruments of torture like I had feared, but just the same as the rest of the cave.  I deactivated Sense and returned to the peaceful sunset scene laid out before me.  A breeze stirred the air, relieving some of the heavy pressure.  On approaching further, I noted that one side of the enchantment held a sea front, peaceful waves lapping a black-sand shore, and the other side of the castle garden was rolling fields reaching to the horizon, livestock dotting the landscape.  I felt my shou

I could feel the little dragon still sitting on my shoulder, so I know it isn't her.  The tapping grew louder as I approached the windows.  Not wanting to have to incinerate an arrow pointed between my eyes, I sidestepped and stood next to the window that I heard the noise coming from, and ever so slightly leaned forward.  Little Marshmallow plopped to the floor.  I could see fingers??I stepped forward and opened the window, the two halves swinging outwards.  I peeked outside, and had to step back as Essi came through partially.  He was grinning ear to ear!  I glanced down- we were literally in a tower, he had to fly up quite some way. I got distracted by his wings- they were almost see-through, but were emerald green, violet, and gold.  Intricate and beautiful designs coordinated the three colors into beautiful pearlescent patterns, shimmering like fiery opals.  I was surprised, at first, then laughed slightly as I r

"That isn't kind," he said.  "I'm telling the truth, you know.""I believe you believe it, then," I poured another drink, just barely missing the glass one way, then the other.  He attempted to steady my hand, but spilled it more."It's cold!" I cried."What's cold?" he slurred."The wine you're pouring on me!" I responded urgently, and hopped up.  The world seemed a lot more spinny standing, so I knelt instead, figuring out the easiest way to get the highly mobile wine glass to my lips.  It clacked against my teeth and I yelped a little."Oh, more wine will cure that," he flopped down fully onto his back, raising his hand to the sky, pointing this way and that as if he was directing music.  A pretty violet light left afterimages from his extended finger.  "Pretty much always does, for me.  That's probably why I never drink it.""You're going to have to drink more, or this fight will really be unfair," I pu