#xdemi

 I would find a pretty wife and she’d be the model lady of the court. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, but I’d prefer a woman who wasn’t so….proper. I’d love to be with a woman with a backbone, intelligent, funny and not willing to put up with any shit. A few kids down the line would be great too, but I was far from ready for that leap of faith. I sighed deeply as my hands started to get sweaty. I tried taking a deep breath because I would not let this anxiety get to me, but how couldn’t I? Not after what Brandon had written to me in the letter. In all honesty, I didn’t think my absence would mean much. From a political standpoint yes I could see it, but from my own family not really. Heh...nothing like a bit of self depreciation to start the day off right. I was a great older sibling to the rest of my siblings, but as a child I knew my parents had it rough. I was a mischievous and terrible brat when I was a kid. I could never sit still and just relax. The only time my parents could get me to relax was when I was studying for my lessons. It was a good thing I was a nerd. My mother reading all those myths and legends didn’t help because it only made me rebel more. 

 My father had the honor and terrible job of dealing with my horniness when I was a teenager. I like to think I mellowed out with age. I kinda miss hearing my parents struggle and fuss at me for sleeping with a bunch of noble daughters. I got a lot better at hiding and sneaking about the palace and sneaking out of the girl’s homes. Reminiscing about the past made me feel a bit better though. Just a bit though. My mind drifted back to the letter and what it contained. 

 “Hey Ka’seem, I hope you are well on your grand adventure big brother. I don’t want anything I say in this letter to deter your path. You made the decision that was right for you, and that is the most important thing for you. First things first, the kingdom was thrown into a bit of chaos the first few weeks. Mother was convinced that you were kidnapped and probably dead somewhere. Father figured you were taking time for yourself before he realized you were gone too long. They eventually cornered all of us and asked if we knew anything. Rosemary cracked under the pressure first. The guard was sent out pretty far, but I imagine that you are pretty far by this point. Father wasn’t too pleased and he was mad for a while, but he had other things to worry about. 

Mother worried herself sick and is currently on bedrest, but the doctors said she is recovering well. The triplets miss you a lot, but they are doing great at their lessons though. They said they would do it for you. Ra’lee has been quite upset; surprisingly, he was depressed for some time. He’s usually the collected one, but he said he just missed your annoying voice. Unfortunately, Verity was incredibly upset by you leaving. I think she has cried more than our mother. She sleeps in your room every night and refuses to sleep anywhere else. She really misses you and it's honestly heartbreaking. She’s slowly getting a bit better, but she won’t leave your room still. 

Now for the bigger news. Zella told me that she informed you about Caleb and their relationship. In reality I knew about it for some time, but I didn’t know how she could manage it. The other day she came forward about it to mother and father at dinner. Needless to say, father lost it. He was yelling and barking orders at everyone. Caleb was brought forward and father called for his head on a stick. Surprisingly, mother was the one who stopped him and heard them out. It took quite a bit of convincing from myself and Zella but they agree to let the relationship go on. I think father is hoping it fizzles out. Mother said that she wants us to be happy. I could tell that she also didn’t want us to run from home either like you did. I hope the very best for them regardless. 

Also! A bit of good news and it's kind of embarrassing too. I asked Raven if I could court her and she agreed! I don’t think I had ever been more nervous in my life! Father has declared me the heir apparent and I reassured him many times that I wasn’t going anywhere. Still have to wait till I’m of age to ascend the throne. I think you would like Raven...I really like her. Here’s hoping I don’t screw it up. I hope to hear from you soon big brother. We all love you and miss you. Also try writing a letter to mother and father sometime ok?”

 I sighed deeply as I thought about what I would write to my parents at this point. Visiting had crossed my mind, but not until I found the hammer. If I returned now I’m sure they would hold me hostage in the dungeons so I couldn’t escape. I would not let this journey be in vain. Even if the damn thing wasn’t real, I at least wanted the adventure, maybe even some proof of it existing in one way or the other. I looked at the rising sun and thought happier thoughts. Going this early in the morning was better since we had access to more light then we did at the other temple. 

 “Ka’seem?”

 “Hmm? Yeah?”

 “We need to make a turn on this road ahead.” She leaned forward and tugged the reins to the right and we silently continued our journey. This silence between us was starting to get uncomfortable. I let out a huff as I turned in the saddle. Serena let out a yelp as I threw my leg over her head to look at her. Gently but forcefully, I took the map from her hands and she looked away from me. 

 “I would prefer if those pretty blue eyes looked this way starlight.” I tilted her chin back to look at me. I loved seeing that red hue overtake her face when I called her that. “We should talk about this...it was never my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. You can let me know that I am. I won’t get mad I promise. I rather you tell me then I misunderstand your feelings and actions.”

 “I….I know that. I was just a bit...flustered.” She looked at me with a pout. “I’ve never kissed someone before so the feeling….it was good...really good.”

 “Oh yeah?” I couldn’t stop the smile from forming on my face. It was nice to know how good of a kisser I was once in a while.

 “S-Shut up!” She punched me lightly in the shoulder, but a smile crossed her lips regardless. “It’s just a new feeling is all. No need to get a big head over it.”

 “Alright alright…” I turned to get back in position so I could lead Sun, but feeling Serena tug on my shirt, I turned and had the pleasant experience of feeling her lips on mine again. This woman was going to be the death of me I swear. I carefully pulled her closer by the waist and I smiled as she giggled into our kiss. I pulled back and chuckled as her face turned colors. “Feel better?”

 “Yes I suppose I do.” I turned back and gripped Sun’s reins and kicked him into a quick gallop down the road. The entrance to the cave was just a few more minutes down the road. That kiss put a pep in my step for sure. The worries of my family and decision seemed to just melt away. The road was starting to get a bit rocky as we went up the mountain path. My Sun was a soldier though as he carried us up with ease, Serena was holding on tightly and I couldn’t blame her. It would be quite the fall if Sun lost his balance. Thankfully, we reached the entrance with relative ease. Serena dropped down with wobbly legs and I laughed as I hopped off. I took the time to appreciate how Serena looked this fine morning. 

 Her long hair was braided over her shoulder and she was wearing a shirt that showed off the top of her breasts and a tight brown corset. The white pants were probably a bad choice but her ass did look good in them. A blue capelet was hung around her shoulders and her swords were slung across her back. I noticed that she had a dagger strapped to her left leg. She smiled before she entered the cave and I gave Sun a quick pat as I followed her. The cave seemed to be quite deep, but a temple wasn’t supposed to be here. There was only supposed to be some sort of altar and a riddle to reach the final resting place of the hammer. It was a bit easy compared to everything else we faced, but maybe there would be something to halt our progress. I hoped that I could manage this with my injuries. 

 “Ka’seem...are you coming?” “Of course starlight….” I bumped her shoulder with mine as we walked on. “I think I should have brought a lantern.”

 “I see you haven’t been paying attention.” She patted her hip and I noticed a lantern on her hip.

 “It’s a bit rude to look at a ladies ass.” She laughed as she lit it up and the fire illuminated the cavern. She passed me an extra one and I attached it to my hip. A few bats flew by and I ducked quickly as it almost hit me in the forehead. 

 “Are your injuries doing alright? I know they were bothering you yesterday.”

 “It’s a bit sore but it's manageable. Don’t you worry your pretty head.” She looked back at me worried but didn’t press the issue further. I walked beside her in silence until we hit a fork in the road. “Why am I not surprised by this?”

 “Dulka just loves to put us through the ringer. I would think he would have a problem with us running through his temples like this.”

 “You think some divine wrath might hit us?”

 “Possibly...still not a believer in the gods?”

 “After all that we saw I think I might be. Although, this guy had such a stick up his ass. I would love to punch him in the face once. If I get smitten then it was worth it. I think this guy is just a piece of shit.”  

 “I agree with that. I’d love to give him a hard time.” I glanced at her and was surprised at the dark look that crossed over her eyes. She looked at me with a smile and the angered look was gone. 

 “Do you...have some personal vendetta I should know about?”

 “Depends...would you believe me if I told you?”

 “Try me.”

 “I’ve...ran into Dulka before. He was less than friendly towards me, much less respectful. He did something horrible that I would rather not talk about. Like you said when we met...this is a journey of vengeance.”

 “I...I’m sorry to hear that.” I looked her over as she said it and I could tell she wasn’t lying. That revelation alone turned my whole world upside down though. This whole journey made me think that the gods existed, but hearing Serena confirm it sent my mind on a trip. What could have possibly happened that she had to take vengeance against a god? She had to know that facing a god would not work out well for her. Hearing her talk though made me realise that she didn’t care. It seemed my companion had more secrets then she let on. Possibly dangerous and exciting ones if I continue to tag along with her.

 It was kind of hot actually.

 “I think we should separate Ka’seem.”

 “Huh? You really think that’s a good idea?”

 “We don’t have much choice in the matter. It will be much faster to split up.” “Yeah but after the last few places we’ve been too, I would rather you stay by my side.”

 “It sounds like you have a problem with me doing things on my own.”

 “No, I just want to keep you close and safe is all.”

 “I can take care of myself just fine Ka’seem...you don’t have to worry.”

 “Yeah well I will worry and besides...if I remember correctly you got eaten by a leviathan at the last area. You sure did a good job taking care of yourself.”

 “If I remember correctly I only got swallowed because you dropped me!”

 “How the hell is that my fault?!”

 “You boast and brag about how strong you are, but you dropped a woman no more than 125lbs!”

 “The cavern was shaking! Anybody would have dropped you! I was trying to protect you! What kind of man would I be if I can’t even do that!”

 “I thought you were all about female empowerment!” “Not when it comes to you! I thought you were somewhat intelligent, but I forgot blondes are as dumb as fucking doorknobs!”

 “You need to watch your mouth when you speak to me!” The cave started to crumble a bit and I threw my hands up in frustration.

 “Look even the gods are pissed at you! Just listen to me and stop being a bitch!” Serena and I glared at each for a few moments before she turned and went down the left path. I turned as well and went down the right one. If she wanted to be stubborn then I would let her. She could take care of herself just fine apparently. Who was I to stop her?

 Moving further to my potential doom, I put my hands on my hips as I came across another fork in the road. Pulling my ponytail tighter, I went left this time. More bats flew over my  head and I hoped none of the little bastards shit on my head. If I was lucky they would shit on Serena’s head. She wasn’t the type to come crying back but I sure wish that she was. How was I wrong for wanting to keep her safe? As a man, hell as a gentleman, it was only right that I would. I was more than aware of her capabilities, I just have a protective nature. I rubbed my forehead to try to somehow clear her from my thoughts before I gave myself a headache. I walked further on as I felt a breeze further down the cave.

 Spotting a light, I jogged onward and shielded my eyes from the brightness. I had to catch myself as I almost went over a cliff. Hearing my heart thunder in my ears, I looked up at the sun shining into the open area of the cave. Looking down, I spotted a structure of some sort surrounded by an odd liquid. The red color reminded me of blood, but I’m sure it was probably poisonous. I just had to find a way to get down there. Seeing movement from the corner of my eye, I spotted Serena a little ways away. She spotted me as well and she glared and turned away back into the cavern. I rolled my eyes as I thought about scaling my way down.

 “The only problem with that is if I lose my grip...that stuff could be poisonous or acid….” I scratched my head as I saw no easy way to get down. “Looks like I’ll have to traverse the maze….” I relented and walked back through the cavern. I was surprised that we hadn’t gotten any opposition considering the last few places we had been. A spider queen, multi-headed snake and leviathan were annoying as hell. I could only imagine what was lurking in these caverns. I spotted a cavern heading down and smirked in silent victory. It would seem I’d beat Serena to our prize, well more like mine since she didn’t care about the hammer. Shaking her from my head, I slid down the rather steep slope carefully. I relit my lantern and paused as I heard something move behind me. I held my hand against my daggers as I quickly pivoted around.

 “Serena?” Not liking that I didn’t receive a response, I slowly backed up. I kept peering into the darkness before I figured whatever made the noise left. “Must have been some animal…” 

 This was the most common location for a place of worship for Dulka. I could also be wrong and this wasn’t a place to worship him. If I had to guess he probably had this as a backup place. The structure in the center of the cave wasn’t as large or grand as the others. It was a good thing I had packed my notebook, also a good thing we didn’t have to trek through any water. I’d be pissed if my notes got ruined because of it. I wanted to chronicle everything that I experienced. Also, if I ran into Dulka or if he cared at all, I’d be sure to tarnish his name into the ground with all the research I did. Although it seemed as though Serena was hellbent on kicking his ass. The noise behind me had me worried though, because if it was some animal I’d prefer if it ran past me or at least attacked so I wouldn’t worry anymore. 

 I had an uneasy feeling creeping up the back of my neck and it was usually when I felt like I was being watched. I continued my descent nevertheless, and I saw a section of the cavern had given way, I peered down and sighed at the nasty drop. Thankfully, I could jump to the other side of the gap with relative ease. Taking a few good steps back, I ran quickly and leap other the gap. Like I thought the jump was easy, but my ribs had begged to differ. I sucked in a sharp breath as they grew sore at the sudden harsh movement. Rolling my shoulder, I went on ahead. I had to admit I was worried about Serena and her wellbeing. I was stubborn at times but I wasn't a complete asshole. I groaned as I came across another fork in the road. 

 “This shit is endless. I’d at least like to see some sort of end goal.” I’d have to keep going down but it seemed more like I was climbing and descending all at the same time. Hearing some rocks move behind, I turned quickly and let out a sigh.

 “You could at least say my name Serena…” She walked out of the darkness with a frown and crossed her arms at me. “Ok...silent treatment...if you wanna keep being mad I won’t stop you.” I turned away from her and continued down the right path. I was surprised that she had gotten over here since she last looked far away. I guess the cave system was more intensive than I had originally thought. I felt a breeze again and jogged forward and was met with a much better sight. The structure ws much closer now, but the drop to get to it would be pretty bad still. I looked at Serena but she wasn’t even looking at me. “You could try to at least be a little excited about this…”

 She raised a brow and rolled her eyes and walked back into the cave. Feeling my patience start to fade, I stormed after her. I guess she could tell I was pissed because she started to walk faster. I was about to grab her arm but she cut a hard right into another cavern. I angrily followed her down the path. “Serena! Hey! Would you stop being so damn difficult?!” Just as I was about to grab her arm again she stopped and I crashed into her. I was about to adjust myself but the momentum sent us falling into a hole I didn’t realize was there. We both grunted and groaned as we tumbled and I was reminded about the way we first met. Although this wasn’t really the time or place to reminisce about it. I hit the ground with a hard thud and my body was screaming at me. My lantern had blown out and I sighed as I tried to light it again. 

 “Serena you alright?” Silence. “Serena...shit…” I tried to light the damn lantern up quicker but the shit was being difficult. Finally the lantern roared to life and I held it over my head. The sight I saw before me was the stuff of nightmares. I had never felt such raw fear course through my body like I did then.

 The walls were dripping with fresh blood and what I’m sure was the innards of some poor creature. That was also when the smell invaded my lungs. The smell of death and decay was heavy in the air, so much so that I could barely breathe. The taste of death had even filled my mouth, leaving a taste so disgusting that I also lost my breakfast. I looked around and stood up quickly as I realized what I landed on. Tons and tons of flesh from gods know where was piled in chunky meaty messes all over the room. The floor was so blood stained that it looked almost like someone painted it. Old bones were scattered about the room and I had never seen anything so horrifying. My clothes were soaked in blood and all of that was finally what it took for me to throw everything up. My eyes stung and were wet from throwing up and I shakily wiped the tears away. I should have never even said anything about nothing being here like the other temples. Whatever was here seemed much worse...much much worse. 

 “Serena…!” I whispered in a panic as she shot through my mind. The fall had probably knocked her out. I grasped my lantern and frantically looked around. She shouldn’t have fallen far since we fell together, but she was nowhere in sight. “Serena...please answer me…” I cursed to myself as I tripped over something and the lantern blew out again. “Fuck fuck…”

 I cursed repeatedly in my head as I tried to light this shitty lantern. I heard something shuffle and I didn’t know if my heart was racing because it was either Serena or whatever made this mess. I didn’t know if i should feel relieved or terrified. All I knew was that we had to make this trip quick and run and never look back. Finally catching a light, I raised it to get a better look around again. I let out a relieved sigh as I saw Serena sitting up in the corner of the room. I made my way over as she slowly stood. She didn’t look too bad which was a good thing. Her clothes were a mess just like I thought they would be because she wore white. 

“Serena thank god-” I stopped immediately as she gazed at me. I watched in horror as blood started to flow from her lips, blood as black the harshest darkness. That alone was unsettling but when her jaw unhinged and teeth almost a foot long that looked as if they could tear through flesh like butter. Her jaw expanded and lengthed almost a full two feet from her face..

 It was then that my mind registered that I should probably be moving. I fumbled with my daggers as I took some steps back, but once again, like an idiot, I tripped and dropped the lantern. The light flickered and from the shadow on the wall, Serena had transformed and was now making a disturbing guttural sound. I found the lantern and when I turned the monstrous things teeth snapped right where my hand just was. I climbed over the hunks of flesh and ran for the exit, the fucking thing was fast. I turned and felt sick looking at the thing. It ran on what I could see were twelve legs and its jaw snapped quickly like an alligator. I gasped as the thing ran up the wall, I ducked as it chomped at me. 

Cutting a hard left, I went sliding down the cavern. I thought I might have put some good distance between myself and the beast, but I thought wrong...very wrong. The thing bit into my shoulder and tossed me around like a dog with a toy. I stabbed into it with my dagger and it released me and I was sent sprawling out on the ground. My shoulder burned in pain. It licked its lips and charged at me again and I got up and tried to stab at it. One of its arms grabbed my wrist and its jaw chomped at me. I slashed at its open mouth and blood rained out of his mouth. It roared loudly and I covered my ears as my head rang. The beast turned and slammed its tail into me and the air was knocked out of my lungs. 

I coughed some blood out as I rolled down another slope, I tried to slow my descent with my dagger but I went over the cliff. I gasped and groaned as I bumped and hit many rocks going down. I landed in the red water, which to my chagrin turned out to be thick pools of blood. I think a bone might have been broken, I watched as the thing crawled down the wall. I slowly stood up and readied my dagger, my body was screaming at me to rest or run. I wasn’t a quitter and I’d go down fighting to discover this hammer. 

 The beast charged at me and I ran at it too. I was slowing down but I kept up the fight regardless. It tried to snap at me and back away quickly but I kept up my assault. It slunk under the blood and I braced myself as I saw it occasionally peeked its head out. I had to get out of this blood because I could barely move. I backed away so I could stand in the middle structure. I’d have a much easier-

 “Shit!” I jumped out the way as it threw a body from the blood at me. Using the body as a wall, it lunged at me. This smart bastard had distracted me and went straight for my jugular, I fell back into the blood and held its snapping jaws at bay with my daggers. I had to push it off or I’d drown in the blood, not the way that I wanted to go out. It’s arms were becoming a problem as they dug into my ribs and stomach. I felt another bone crack and I tug my feet into it to try and push it off. I managed to push it back but it charged at me and caught my arm in its jaw. I stabbed my dagger deep into its eyes but It would not let go. A broken arm was not what I needed on this fucking journey. Taking a different approach, I curved my dagger to cut its throat, but it did a death roll like an alligator. It took me by surprise but I kept up with its momentum and rolled with it. 

 Even if my arm was torn off I would not stop. It could take it if it really wanted it, this would never halt my progress. I raised my dagger ready to chop it off once we stopped rolling, just as I was a few inches away from doing the deed I heard a war cry from above. I watched as Serena fell through the air like a warrior angel and stabbed the creature in its back. It howled and released me and it flung Serena off its back. 

“Ka’seem get up!” I ignored her and ran to help as the creature slapped her with its tail and she fell back into the blood. She hopped up quickly and pulled her second sword from her back and fended off the attacks. I held my arm and charged at the beast, I would be damned if I let this thing attack me and not get my own licks in.

 I expected the thing to strike at me and when it did, I slashed its tail off. It turned to snap at me and Serena cut the side of its scales. “Ka’seem you have to get the back of its throat. It has a high intelligence so it might catch on!”

 “Right!” I whistled and it shrieked at me angrily. I ran towards the creature and it followed diligently. Once I was up on the structure, it used one of its arms to grab my ankle. Serena ran forward to attack its neck but it turned its body and grabbed her by the neck. I gasped in shock and it seized my throat as well. It slammed Serena against the ground a few times before throwing her against the stone walls of the structure. It hissed in my face and threw me against the wall too. Serena groaned as she sat up and it stalked us like a cat. This fucking thing was unbeatable. I thought that we might make some type of leeway together but nothing worked. “Serena get out of here...it would kill me if you died because of me.” 

 “That is not...happening…” She stood up and motioned for me to follow her lead. I got up and readied my daggers. I gritted my teeth as we ran at the bastard and it moved toward us too. I leaped over its snapping jaws and landed on its back. Serena had snapped one of her swords into its mouth when it tried to bite me. Now the blade was sticking from the roof of its mouth. That didn't even slow it down but thinking quickly, Serena sat on its face and stabbed her other sword into it. “Kill it!”

 I held tight to the raging beast and stabbed deep into its neck it convulsed harshly and Serena and I were thrown off its back. I was ready to fight but once I saw that it stopped moving, I let out a haggard sigh of relief as I sank to my knees and held my arm. Serena walked over and retrieved our weapons from the corpse.

 “I’m glad I packed so many bandages.” I chuckled as she knelt down with a pained groan. “That was a pain to deal with it.”

 “Yeah you seemed to know what it was.”

 “A shapeshifting creature known as a Xdemi. They can perfectly replicate any creature. The only thing they can’t do is talk. As you can tell, incredibly dangerous and will strike at anything that moves. I ran into a few on my travels.”

 “Heh...scared the hell out of me.” She helped me up as we walked into the stone temple. The walls seemed to pulsate as we followed a glowing green light. We stopped as a floating gem hovered in the center of the room. Serena moved forward to touch it and I grabbed her arm. “Be careful...please…” 

 She gave me a reassuring nod as she held the stone. I watched with wide eyes as a map appeared on it. It showed our current location and a large beacon symbolized with the insignia of Dulka flashed. I knew where that was and my heart leaped out of my throat.

 “Serena it’s the hammer!” I smiled excitedly. “That’s a week's journey from here on horseback! We did it! We actually did! Ow fuck!” I hissed at my injury and Serena carefully held my arm.

 “We should rest for at least two weeks Ka’seem. Before you say anything….! We can travel to our destination but rest the other week there. We need to lick our wounds so to speak.”

 “I actually agree with you starlight...we could use a break. Also...I’m sorry...about before I mean. I was way out of line.”

 “I should apologize too. I just got a bit frustrated and took it out on you.” I chuckled and kissed her hand. 

 “I forgive you starlight.”

 She smiled and handed me the map stone and she wrapped her arm around my waist as she helped lead me out of the cavern. I figured this place would be straightforward and it was to a point anyway. I would have to send Brandon a note about this. He would probably lose his mind over this. I was finally in sight of my goal and I was almost there. Another two weeks and I would have the hammer in my hands. I wanted to know so much more about Dulka, and why he was so protective over his secrets. It seemed he wanted no one to find his hammer, because that creature was otherworldly. I looked over my shoulder and the Xdemi, I hoped I would never have to see one again.

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