Chapter 35
Zogar
If I drop the bags, I could fly faster, but I can’t risk a return to the Darkness, given that infernal demon’s curse upon Rosomon, and I must have some means to provide for my wife. To provide for the family I hope we’ll create.
Even burdened, I can outpace a swarm of wyvern, but I know less about the abilities of the demons chasing us.
I keep those thoughts to myself as I beat my wings, flying as fast as I can while weighed down.
Given their weight, even if she were at full strength, it would have taken Rosomon a great deal of time to secure all these bags across my back.
Stashed there, the load would be nothing for me, but clutched in my talons, the burden alters my wind resistance, slowing our progress.
We just need to reach the shield. The wyvern won’t cross into Lymbo.
I feel certain of that. The air is too still and thick for their wings.
But I’m less certain about the demons. Lymbo was created so that only dragons could cross, but clearly the minions found a way, and I’m less familiar with the many new demon species that have contaminated the population here.
I know little of the realm from which they were expelled—some place called earth—and some of the most powerful demons may be able to access their magic in hostile environments.
No, I reassure myself. If they could have crossed, they would have invaded the Light already. I only wish I was certain.
My breath can exterminate a legion of minions, but I don’t want to go into any kind of battle carrying a still fragile Rosomon. She’s suffered too much. Far too much. I’ll never forgive myself for that.
The swarm is gaining, but I tuck up my legs as best I can. I’ll drop the gold if I have to.
Burning an opening in the black shield, I quickly fly through and reseal it quickly. I traverse a league or more, before looping around to get a full view of everything behind us.
No creatures followed. None I can detect, and I almost drop the bags, in my shock-infused relief.
“Are we safe?” Rosomon asks.
Yes, my love. No demons or wyvern crossed through, and I will carry you to safety.
Her thoughts fill with images of the Light—of Saxon and Tynan, of her father and brothers whom I have yet to meet.
I cloak my thoughts from her, as I consider my choices. I could fly us directly back through the veil—that’s what she expects—but we don’t know what awaits us. We don’t even know how much time has passed. Plus, she is weakened and tired.
I almost lost her today, and I can’t wait another moment to tell her I love her, even if she doesn’t love me back.
I could tell her while we’re in flight, but I want the moment to be special—both for her and for me. Swerving, I head for the plateau.