Gods of the Sky: The Eternal Balance, ch.4

    Natherael stood in the parlor of a small house nestled in the heart of the city, it was cold here with no fire burning in the hearth and only the dim glow of sparse candle light to reveal her surroundings. This house was not abandoned but it was the closest thing to it, the furniture was faded and in disrepair and anything of value such as paintings and the like were long removed leaving only faded marks on the walls.

    Naschazel crossed the room from the door behind Natherael, she looked the place over and inspected the shutters and windows. "This is perfect." She said, turning back to Natherael and the man who had led them here who was closing the door from the street behind him.

    "It's not much but I hope this will serve your needs, my lady." The man replied, stepping passed the Valdonan woman and walking into the center of the room. "This home once belonged to one of our more prominent members but as suspicion of the cult grew he had to leave the city. Our brothers and sisters have been using this as a meeting spot for some time now."

    Naschazel walked to one of the arm chairs and threw herself into it rendering a cloud of dust and the groan of the wood. "I thank you for taking us here." She said, "As well as your cooperation."

    The man shook his head. "Not at all, my lady. I am just a servant to Lord Durnnir, to aid his kin is the highest honor."

    "We will not be staying long." Naschazel replied. "Come daybreak my father will be here and we will be on our way."

    Natherael's eyes widened as the dragon cultist took in a sharp breath, almost unable to contain his excitement. "Is this true?" He asked, taking a step forward. "Lord Durnnir is coming?"

    "He will." Naschazel replied, standing. "But first I must get word to him." She turned away from the seat and walked passed the man and to Natherael. "While I wish it wasn't so I must leave you for now." She said. She placed a hand on Natherael's shoulder. "Promise me you won't leave this building until I return."

    "Why?" Natherael asked. "Where are you going?"

    Naschazel stepped passed her and went to the door. "One of Vernnir's towers is nearby, deep within the forest across the lake. I won't be able to fly there and alert the locals to my leaving so it may take some time." She looked over her shoulder, her burning eyes locking onto Natherael's own. "Fear not. I will be return. After all, I was tasked with protecting you and I am not one to abandon such a mission."

    With that she opened the door and stepped outside glancing back at Natherael just as the doors closed behind her. Natherael was left in this house with no other alley than the dragon cultist himself and she wasn't sure if he could be trusted in the same manner as Naschazel.

    "Worry not." The dragon cultist spoke, almost making Natherael jump where she stood. "I was asked by Lady Naschazel herself to watch over you and see to your safety." He took off his cloak, draping it over one of the armchairs. "Are you hungry?" He asked. "I don't have much but I can prepare something for you."

    Natherael watched him as he crossed the room to one of the doors to the right of the hearth. "You've done enough for me already." She said, "I couldn't possibly ask-" Just as she spoke her stomach let out a low growl. She had left the tavern without even taking so much as a bite of her food.

    The man chuckled to himself as he opened the door he stood before. "I'll have something ready shortly." He said. "It won't be fancy but it will take the edge off your hunger."

    He disappeared beyond the door, leaving Natherael in the room. She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her lips, a smile of relief and contentment. Has it been so long since someone was genuinely nice to her even though they knew her nationality? She walked with a lighter step to the chair Naschazel had used briefly and seated herself. There was little else to do now but wait yet somehow she didn't mind that.