Rage

"The people who saw you, are calling you the Angel of Tel Atun, but you're not really an angel... are you?" she said softly.

"No... I'm just a man with a curse."

"Then thank you for using your curse for goodness," she said before leaving.

Blain was silent for several minutes as he pondered what he should say.

"Rest up boy, we'll talk later," he said, turning to leave.

"Wait..." said Ashlard.

Blain paused, turning his head to listen.

"Thank you."

Blain nodded, then just as quickly as the other two, left without another word. Runë slowly got up, before locking the door. She scampered around the room blowing out candles and extinguishing most of the lamps before coming back to Ashlard. She squeezed her nose and pulled a face, before pointing at the spot behind the wall where the bath was. Ashlard smiled, realising he smelt of ash and smoke.

With help, he slowly sat up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He was able to climb to his feet. His broken leg complained and he took weight off it. But with Runë's help, he hobbled quickly around to the hole in the floor. It was at this point, Ashlard realised he was naked. It hadn't even occurred to him that the fire had destroyed his clothing, he felt rather sheepish. When a light flashed passed his vision, and with a splash, Runë was smiling at him from the water.

Ashlard, sat down on the waters edge, hoping to slide in sideways, avoiding wetting his bandages. He felt soft hands grasp him gently, and with her help, he slipped slowly into the water. Ashlard began to hum, causing the water itself to tremble, even Runë let out a small gasp at the power. They floated together for a time, before Runë washed her hair, and helped Ashlard wash his. She scrubbed his back, and helped him get clean, before helping him to the edge of the bath. Ashlard caught a glimpse of her as she slipped out of the water and partially dried herself off on a towel. Returning, she helping Ashlard out of the water, he was completely stunned by her. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, the only flaw to her beauty was the purple scarring around her neck from where he had taken her voice... That familiar pang of regret...

With Runë's help, Ashlard was soon dry and back in bed, this time with Runë beside him, laying on his chest. She had neglected to put on a nightdress and the feeling of her skin reminded Ashlard his promise... Nobody will ever hurt you again.

Ashlard healed quickly, within just a few days, he was able to remove the splint. Walking however was still beyond him. The bone had fused, but was still soft. Runë kept busy attending to his needs, collecting food, helping him in the bath. But what she really wanted, was for him to feed, she knew this would accelerate his healing, but every time she offered her neck, he just kissed her. He was being stupid, she had time to heal herself, and as long as he didn't take too much, he could safely feed every few days, it didn't even hurt her any more. It brought a connection, she couldn't fully comprehend, she already knew he could feel her emotions and even hear her strongest thoughts. But she realised, with a small amount of concentration, she could do the same. Her heart swelled every time, she could see into his mind, and see how much he truly loved her, how much he needed her, how much she meant to him.

Ashlard for his part, was feeling hungry, but he was worried about feeding from Runë too often. She seemed not to mind in the slightest, in fact she had been trying repeatedly to entice him since the night before. He wished there was another way, perhaps if he could feed from someone else occasionally, Runë could rest. It was just so difficult when he craved for her in every way, Ashlard couldn't explain it, but instinct told him that it was normal, and fighting it caused him discomfort.

Ashlard slowly sat up, stretching his wings out, they had healed nicely, he considered pulling them back into his body, but figuring he was more comfortable having them exposed. Ashlard decided he wouldn't unless necessary, if he were different, he may as well make it obvious. His movement however caught the attention of Runë who was reading in a chair beside him, she closed her book and quickly moved towards him, flashing one of her beautiful smiles, his heart skipped a beat every time she did.

Runë sat herself on his good knee, pulling her hair to one side, and leaning into him. Ashlard though about it a moment, before kissing the nape of her neck, and wrapping his arms around her. What he didn't expect was for her to abruptly stand up, she was scowling, clearly upset, Ashlard wasn't sure what he should do, when Runë placed her hands on his chest, and with a firm push, shoved him flat on his back on the bed. Climbing atop of him, she pinned his arms by his side, pulled her hair across and leaned over him, almost begging him to feed. But still Ashlard refused to bite, so she did the next best thing, placing a finger in his mouth and piercing a fang, Ashlard was able to savour that heavenly taste for the briefest moment, before..

FLASH

Anger, confusion, desire, warmth, love... And something else... Pressure... something trying to escape, something strong.

FLASH

Ashlard opened his eyes, he was face to face with Runë, she was staring deeply into his eyes, before pulling her hair aside, and this time Ashlard accepted.

FLASH

Humming, beautiful humming, the pressure was stronger this time, Ashlard pushed his mind into it, expecting resistance, but it opened gladly, enveloping his consciousness in warmth.

It was quiet in this part of Runë's mind, no humming, but the emotions were all the stronger, he could feel her deepest thoughts, not as words, but the raw essence of the emotion itself. Every emotion was linked with memories, and each memory had it's place. Ashlard was able to sift through and experience her life through her eyes. Learning to bake with her mother, saying goodbye with her father, moving on with her sister, a sister... with dark brown hair, a beautiful smile... an agonising grimace, a metal spike...

FLASH

Ashlard exploded into action, his scales extending, he leapt to his feet, spinning around, trying to find the woman, trying to save her, his beloved's sister... But the room was silent, this wasn't the town of Thrarv, he was in a tower, with Runë... Runë... Looking around, he spotted her, curled up on the floor, clearly terrified, shaking with fear. Ashlard broke inside... Retracting his scales, he approached Runë slowly, as he got nearer, she looked up, crying, but no longer afraid.

"I'm sorry..." said Ashlard, bowing his head, tears rolling from his eyes, "I didn't know she was your sister..."

He felt her arms wrap around him, looking down, she was holding him tightly. Ashlard bent slightly, scooping Runë into his arms, cradling her as if she were a child, he carried her to the balcony, opening his wings, he lifted off from the tower, holding Runë tightly against his chest as he turned towards the forest. Blain was walking through the market square, he was looking for clothing to take to Runë, she only had that brown dress to wear, and he needed to introduce them to the King. As he was admiring a particularly ornate green dress, the vendor suddenly went wide eyed with shock , pointing upwards.

"The Angel of Tel Atun," he said with a gasp.

Blain spun around, craning his neck, he spotted Ashlard immediately. Please let that not be Runë he's carrying... Foolish boy, what is he thinking? And where is he going? Thinking for a moment, he looked in the direction he was flying, sighed, and started jogging back to the barracks, he may need help if they were returning to Thrarv.

It only took a few hours to travel to Thrarv by air. He didn't have to wait for Blain or his soldiers to catch up every few kilometres. The sky was bathed in deep orange hues as he landed on the outskirts of Thrarv. It was late afternoon, and the area was silent. Runë took him by the hand, leading him into the town. Ashlard surging with energy, returned to human size as they moved. They passed grass hutches, mud brick homes, and finally the burnt temple. Here Runë squeezed his hand and sniffed but wouldn't cry, she started walking again, leading in the direction Ashlard knew was the tree, and while stained with gore, Ashlard was pleased to see the many boot prints showing Blain and his men had taken down the bodies.

Runë just stood, starting at the great tree, she looked lost, Ashlard realised, she was expecting to find her sisters body here. Ashlard looked at the ground, there was lots of boot prints headed off in a particular direction. Now he lead Runë by the hand, to the outskirts of the town. There was a clearing, and as they approached, Ashlard could see slight mounds, side by side. Hundreds of them, in rows. Runë fell to her knees, silent tears streaking down her beautiful face. Staring at all the mounds, surely her sister was buried here. Ashlard had to remember to thank Blain. He realised that Blain was a hard man on the outside, but actions such as this, proved him to be just as good and gentle.

Once the sun had dropped, and the temperature began to plummet, Runë began to shiver with the cold, holding herself tight. Ashlard took her in his arms, wrapping his wings around them and beginning to hum deeply. They stood like this for several minutes before Runë looked up, gently kissing him, before a lone tear streaked down her cheek.

"Do you want to stay the night?" asked Ashlard.

Runë nodded softly, pulling away from the embrace, she lead him quickly back into town. To the far side from where Ashlard had landed, there was a modest stone building. Runë pushed the door open and stepped into the darkness, with Ashlard quickly on her heels. It was pitch black inside for only a minute, before the sound of flint on steel and a lamp flared into life. Runë walked to the far end of the room. Using the lamp she ignited the fireplace, bathing the room in soft warm light. It was modestly furnished, large armchairs sat either side of the fire. There was a rug in the centre of the room with beautiful patterns sewn into the fabric. Runë ducked behind a wall that separated this room from the next, the sound of cupboards being opened and closed and she reappeared carrying a wooden tray covered with fruit, cheese and some salted meat. Beckoning Ashlard closer, she placed the tray by the fire, sitting herself down, Ashlard joined her and they sat, enjoying each others company, while staring into the dancing flames.

After their meal, Runë lead Ashlard upstairs, and in a small room, was a bed, covered in soft furs. A wall covered in books was opposite and a chest, which she opened. Inside was an assortment of clothing and simple jewellery. Removing a green dress, she quickly removed the brown one she was wearing, slipping into this fresh one. She spun around, smiling at Ashlard and as usual, his heart skipped a beat, she was beautiful. As they made their way back downstairs, Ashlard noticed Runë pause at an open doorway, before continuing. As Ashlard walked past, he spotted, clearly from the doorway. It was a simple office, a fireplace at one end, a desk and chair at the other. Above that, was a family portrait, of Runë, her sister and their parents. It wasn't lost on Ashlard, staring at the face of the soldier buried in the forest, It's always going to be your choice.... You're the key...

Ashlard stepped out into the light of the fireplace, Runë had made herself comfortable on the rug. Her green dress folded neatly over the back of an armchair. Ashlard removed his clothing before laying beside her, she sat up, laying on his chest. She stared at him intently for a moment, Ashlard surged his energy, growing to his full size. Now she smiled and laid her head on his bare chest. Rolling slightly, he cradled her in his arms. She didn't complain, she was content as long as he held her, and he hummed gently, as he covered her with his wing.

The sound of hooves woke Ashlard just an hour before dawn, he gently shook Runë awake, handing her the green dress, she quickly covered herself. Ashlard led her upstairs and directing Runë to hide under her bed. He crept to her window, opening it and leaping into the frigid morning air. With just a few beats of his massive wings Ashlard was high above the treetops, circling the town, looking for the horses. Soon he made out a cloud of dust approaching from Tel Atun. Ashlard hovered for a moment. Confused, he could make out only three horses. Swooping in low over the road, making his presence known, Ashlard dropped onto the ground with a thud, and the horses skidded to a halt, before a familiar voice called out,

"You damned fool boy!"

"Blain?" asked Ashlard.

The lead rider dropped his cloak around his shoulders to reveal his face.

"Where's Runë?" Blain growled.

"She's safe, hiding in her house."

"Go get her, NOW!" Blain yelled.

But Ashlard stood his ground, "why?" he replied, standing upright he was as tall as Blain was sitting on his horse.

"There's a Knurlig war party still in the area, and you're asking me why leaving Runë alone in a deserted village is a good idea?" said Blain, his exasperation not lost on Ashlard, who immediately shoved off the ground with a snap of his wings.

STUPID! He thought to himself, why was he so stupid? He landed back at the house, quickly moving upstairs before whispering, "Runë?"

She stuck her head out from under the bed, seeing it was Ashlard, she flashed a smile. Taking her in his arms he suddenly felt silly for getting so worked up. Blain was probably right, but he was only gone a few minutes, and he had surveyed the entire area as he went. The sound of hooves announced Blains arrival, appearing at the top of the stairs, he looked around quickly.

"If there's anything you need, grab it now, we have to go."

Runë ducked into her fathers office, returning with a leather bag, she opened her chest, grabbing a handful of clothes, some books and ducking into the next room, a hair clip that must have belonged to her sister, this she put in her hair. The three of them made their way outside, the other riders accompanying Blain had thrown off their cloaks, Ashlard immediately recognised Raph and Con, both nodded in greeting as they saw him.

"You two need to fly back, quick as you can," said Blain, "We'll be right behind you."

Runë pulled the strap of the bag over her head, wedging it in the small of her back, before making her way behind Ashlard. He was nervous about such an impromptu learning curve for the both of them, but it was probably for the best. Crouching down, Runë put her arms around his shoulders, fitting her knees around his middle and finding purchase for her feet on his hips. Ashlard reached back, taking hold of her legs, he stood up without issue, noticing Blain watching them with interest.

"I'll keep watch from above," he said before turning and taking a few strides down the street. Ashlard had to jog for a few minutes, until the buildings opened up enough for him to extend his wings. Increasing his pace, he kept hold of Runë. She held on tightly, and with a soft flap and a short hop, Ashlard lifted from the ground. He kept flying low and steady for a few hundred meters out of the town, making sure Runë was comfortable before giving a few hard experimental flaps, and pitching on a sharp upward incline. Soon they were high above the treetops, floating from thermal to thermal in order to gain height. Looking down, Ashlard could see the plumes of dust from Blain and the others.

He'd been stupid, he knew... But this meant a lot for Runë, and that made it worth it. Ashlard continued to climb, getting higher and higher. Runë kept shifting around on his back, Ashlard twisted his neck around to see if she was okay, only to spot her beaming smile as she looked around in every direction, clearly enjoying herself. That did it, he'd take her flying whenever he had the chance.

After a few hours, the sun was high above, casting a warm glow on the pair, and Ashlard was able to see Tel Atun in the distance. Glancing around behind him, he could see Blain and the others still riding hard, but there was something else. A second cloud of dust behind them, it took Ashlard a moment, but then he spotted them... .Knurligs. But this was different, the rider at the lead wasn't dressed in fur's like the others. This one was in heavy bone armour, this must be their leader, the one responsible for attacking the town... The one responsible for all the hurt Runë had felt... And he will burn them all...

Pitching down, Runë grabbing tightly around his neck. Ashlard dived, the sound of rushing wind blotting out everything else. His trajectory would carry him over Blain, and directly towards the Knurligs faster than an arrow.

Fool of a boy, thought Blain, now he was in a race for survival. They had disturbed a scouting party as they left Thrarv, they were outnumbered three to one and it seemed their leader was heading the pack. Had they been properly rested, Blain could just keep going until they found reinforcements. But the horses had already run all night, they wouldn't make it another hour, let alone to the nearest checkpoint for call for help. But that was their only choice, and so they ran. Blain wondered if this was the same war party that attacked the town, or if there was something else going on. It was odd that they would be scouting a deserted village after all.

"Sir, above us," called Con.

Blain craned his neck up, to see Ashlard diving towards them, they were moving so fast Blain thought he would crash, Runë was clinging to his back, shielding her eyes from the wind.

"Don't you fool!" he screamed.

Ashlard began pulling out of the dive, shooting overhead, the wind almost knocking his off his horse. Either he couldn't hear him, or he didn't care, but if Runë gets hurt because of his stupidity... He'd kill him, either to keep her safe, or to stop Ashlard burning the world to ashes in a fit of rage.

Ashlard was low now, scraping a single claw on the ground as he flew, using it like a rudder to keep him steady. He wanted no distractions, he mustn't miss, one sweep with his flames and he'd turn back. Sucking in air, filling his lungs to capacity, he was going to make the Knurligs pay... For everything. Screeching with a sound similar to tearing metal, Ashlard sprayed burning white flames at the centre of the group, intending for them to all burn. But just as he sprayed, the Knurligs darted sideways, leaving their leader to brave the fire themselves.

With satisfaction, he watched the armoured Knurlig pass directly into the flames, the sound of the horse screamed for only a moment, more out of fear than pain, the flames were far to hot for anything to feel the burns for more than a moment. So it was a surprise, when a sword swung out, slicing the thin membrane of Ashlard's left wing, causing it to collapse immediately. Tumbling in the air, Ashlard twisted himself violently, shaking Runë free. Pulling her tight against his chest, a moment later he slammed into the road, Ashlard dug his claws into the ground, preventing him from rolling while he slid on his damaged wing for what felt like an age. Coming to a stop, Runë looked up at him, before slapping him hard across the face, quickly following it up with a hard kiss. Stupid...

Runë stood up, shaking slightly, Ashlard climbed to his feet. First checking over Runë for injuries, but other than a slight scratch on the back of one of her hands, she was just dusty. Even her dress was undamaged. Ashlard on the other hand, had lost patches of skin across his left shoulder and part of his wing, it was probably broken again, he found he couldn't extend it all the way out, but he could close it, or wrap around himself without issue.