The Spawn of Winter [Tagalog]

Chapter 17: A Dragon

The Senoas Realm

Winter Kingdom, Winter Palace

"Straighten your stance."

My foot kept on tapping the soil of the training ground that was coated with snow. My brow raised when I saw how uninterested he was with my instructions.

As it was only his first day, I allowed him to take action based on his knowledge and skills. I let him control the sword in his own ways. But as I could see, he is slack and stiff. He couldn't even hold his sword properly. His stance has too many openings that may pose a threat to his vital organs.

"The sword might slip on your grip, hold it tighter!"

Jared's jaw clenched but obeyed. His dark blonde hair was tousled by the cold wind. While his eyes burned with frustration. He would bite his lips every time his sword fell and before I could even envy the sharpness of his prominent jaw, I shook my head.

"Am I checking him out?" mahinang bulong ko.

Napabuntong hininga ako habang nag iisip ng paraan kung paano mapapadali ang pinapagawa sa akin ng hari. Simula pa kagabi, matapos ang mga salitang binitawan ng kanyang ama ay hindi na siya nagsasalita o sumasagot sa akin.

"Damn silent treatment."

I would appreciate that kind of behavior for my own gain. But in my current situation, the need to know everything about him and his mother, required a lot of talking.

"Being stubborn will get you nothing," malumanay na sabi ko bago naglakad papunta sa kanya.

He was in the middle of the training ground still swinging his sword. Ang katahimikan sa palasyo at ang ilang tagapagsilbi ay nakapagbigay sa akin ng kaunting kalayaan na itago ang totoong katauhan ni Jared.

Jack Frost didn't say anything about his son's existence. Or if I should keep it a secret to anyone but myself. But I have this strange feeling, like a curse from a grim reaper... that if I try to speak of it to someone, I might write my own death.

"Jared, look at me."

He took a deep breath but didn't pay me a glance. My eyes followed his action when he put the sword in its sheath. He did look calm, but the contempt in his eyes was drawing a line that I should never cross.

"Mas mapapadali ang pagbalik mo sa Mortal Realm kung makikipagtulungan ka sa akin."

Hindi siya sumagot. Kahit ang kaunting emosyon ng aking banggitin na makakabalik siya sa mundo ng mga mortal ay hindi niya pinansin.

As silence enveloped us my head bursted with the thoughts I kept on denying. But one thing did strike a discomfort within me. Patch was right, I was never good with communication.

My eyes shifted to the right as the wind blew. Across the stubby barricade of rocks that surround the training ground, was a field of snow that glimmered through the sunlight. The view was calming but Jared was still silent and the feeling of embarrassment started to crawl on my skin.

"Let's cool that burning frustration of yours first," nang sabihin ko iyon ay lumingon siya sa akin.

May dumaang emosyon sa kanyang mukha. Nawala ang madilim na paraan ng kanyang pagtitig at napalitan ito ng katanungan. Ibinuka niya ang kanyang labi ngunit hindi nagsalita.

He licked his lips instead but I knew he wanted to ask something. Hindi ko alam kung saan o kung paano gagawa ng paraan upang totohanin ang aking sinabi.

Grumble.

Umakyat ang init sa aking pisngi ng tumunog ang aking tiyan. Nag iwas ako ng tingin at pikit matang naglakad paalayo.

"Es!" sa halip na magpakain sa kahihiyan ay tinawag ko ang aking pamilyar.

There was a big thud when my familiar landed on the snow. The huge white wolf wagged its tail as the snow touched his paws.

"Woah," puno ng pagkamangha ang boses ni Jared mula sa aking likuran.

Inabot ko ang balahibo ng aking familiar at mas bumilis ang pagkawag ng buntot nito dahilan upang bahagyang humangin.

"Ano 'yan?" mahinang tanong ng demigod, tila takot na marinig ng malaking lobo.

"This is my familiar. Ang pangalan niya ay Escape."

Naramdaman ko ang paglapit ni Jared at nang makita ni Es ang demigod ay pinakatitigan niya ito gamit ang pula nitong mga mata. My wolf is not aggressive but not also the type to love cuddles. And I could feel that Es is assessing the demigod.

"Where did it come from? Is that even real? Why is it huge? Mas malaki pa siya kay Patch," tuloy tuloy niyang tanong.

I was about to brag, but chewed the side of my cheeks instead. "Everything here is real."

Restraining myself to say that if he wanted to know if Es is real... he should let him bite him.

"Saan siya galing?" pahabol niyang tanong.

"Es came from the Spirit Realm. He is the protector of my soul, hindi siya kagaya ng lahi na kinabibilangan ni Patch. It's a long story but for now, I would like to dine at my favorite tavern."

Nilingon ko siya sa aking tabi. Hindi na madilim ang kanyang aura at tila nakalimutan na niyang hindi niya ako iniimikan. He may deny it, but his curiosities will eventually tear down his nonchalant facade.

"Let's eat first before I tour you to the largest centro of the Winter kingdom."

Jared was still dazed as he admired my familiar. Ito ang unang beses na nakita niya si Es dahil wala siyang malay noong nakikipaglaban kami sa harpies. Tinapik ko ang aking pamilyar at bumaba ito sa lupa.

I reached my hand to the demigod, to help him reach Escape’s back. But what caught me off guard is when he suddenly created ice stairs from himself and climbed up.

The coldness of the place didn't help to flush off the sudden heat on my cheeks. Tumalon ako paakyat at naupo sa unahan ni Jared. Ramdam ko ang init mula sa kanya kahit bahagya siyang umusog palayo sa akin. Inayos ko ang aking kapa at hinigpitan ang pagkakatali ng aking buhok.

"Sigurado ka… na sa unahan mo gusto pumwesto?" tanong niya.

My hands gripped on my familiar's fur. "Riders are always at the front. Why? Do you have the ability to ride a nine foot beast?"

"That's not what I meant. Wala bang harang o upuan para rito?"

"I don't need it and Es isn't comfortable with a saddle. Either you hold on to his fur or my coat."

Nilingon ko siya at mukhang hindi siya mapalagay dahil ang likot ng kanyang mga mata. Dumudulas din ang pagkakahawak niya sa balahibo ni Escape at panay ang paglulumikot ng kanyang hita paglayo sa akin.

"Kung kinakabahan ka, maglakad na lang tayo."

Galit siyang tumingin sa akin. "Sinong may sabing kinakabahan ako?"

"There's no need to feel embarrassed. Hindi kita sinisisi kung nakakaramdam ka ng takot."

"It's not like I'm scared."

"Then stop fidgeting."

"Fine. But I did try to find another way for you not to feel it."

Kumunot ang aking noo. "Feel what?"

Nang hindi sumagot si Jared ay humarap na ako sa unahan. Tumigil na rin ang demigod sa paggalaw mula sa aking likuran. Hindi siya humawak sa akin na ikinangisi ko.

"Dnats up en evom won," my familiar stood up after my command.

Mabilis na dumako ang aking mga mata sa mga puno at halaman na malapit sa paligid. Nasa likurang bahagi ng palasyo ang training ground. Napadali ang aming paglabas ng palasyo dahil wala itong naglalakihang harang at mga kawal.

May ilang hayop na naglalaro sa nyebe na pumukaw ng aking atensyon. Mga ice fox, snow fairies at mga icerfly na lumilipad sa mga bulaklak na namumulaklak, kahit naambunan ang mga ito ng nyebe.

I yelped when my familiar almost tripped on a big rock that was heavily coated with snow. Bahagyang tumagilid pauna si Escape dahilan kung bakit napahawak sa aking baiwang si Jared at nagdikit ang aming katawan.

"Sorry," mabilis siyang lumayo sa akin.

My focus suddenly flew elsewhere at the sudden scene that had happened. When the distance between us faded, there was something hard nudged my back. Despite the fabric of my cloak, it didn't do anything to hinder that thing... for me to feel it.

Ang Winter kingdom ay hindi nagkakaroon ng mainit na temperatura. Ngunit sa saglit na pangyayaring iyon, nakapaghatid ito ng init sa aking mukha.

No one dared to speak between the awkward air as we stride along the snow. But I couldn't ignore that scenario in my head. My mouth felt like I had eaten a variety of spices, as my cheeks still burned. My eyes searched for the vast sky to soothe my mind.

Through the delicate sky and clouds that looked like expensive wool, are birds of different kinds that glided and chirped above us. But an enormous creature suddenly blocked the sky. Narinig ko ang mahinang pagsinghap ni Jared nang dumilim ang nilalakaran ni Escape.

"What the f**k?" he cursed.

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang humawak siya sa aking baiwang. Hindi ko siya sinaway, nakatuon lang ang aking atensyon sa lumilipad na dragon. Hindi ko ito inasahan ngunit nakaramdam ako ng pagkatuwa.

I smirked as I saw the dragon's golden eyes. "Tighten your grip around me."

Magsasalita pa sana si Jared ngunit napalitan iyon ng sigaw nang mabilis na tumakbo si Escape. I felt the gush of wind as it gave me the adrenaline rush I missed for years. I chuckled when Jared buried his face on my back.

Hindi nagtagal ay humabol ang malaking dragon at naunahan kami. Wala akong balak magpatalo, mas binilisan ko pa ang pagpapatakbo na halos abutin ng kalahating oras. Ngunit sa huli ay nanalo pa rin ang malaking dragon. Marahan ang galaw ng dragon sa pagbaba nito sa kapatagan.

"Owbee!" sigaw ko bago tumalon.

I tackled the guy who owned the dragon and we both fell to the bed of snow. I laughed as he tried to push me away.

"Why are you here?" I asked as we both sat on the ground.

Owbee's brows furrowed. "Who is the guy?"

"Do not answer me with a question. I asked first."

"I became a tour guide," sagot niya habang hindi nakatingin sa akin. "I have never seen that guy. Why is he... with you?" he questioned again.

"He is the—" I cleared my throat. "I was assigned to train him. And mind you, that guy is really annoying."

Binalingan niya ako ng tingin. Ang singkit niyang mga mata ay tila sinusuri ang aking buong pagkatao. My insides trembled as the need to hide from him hovered in my chest.

"Is this a coincidence?"

Ang seryoso niyang tingin kanina ay napalitan ng pilyong pag ngisi. Tinatapik ng kanyang kanang hintuturo ang kaliwa niyang braso habang siya ay nakahalukipkip.

"What do you mean?"

"My mission is a living being, a mortal girl to be exact. I have heard Farran and Kaia also received a mission... with some guys. Tell me Zana, are these affairs that are given to us, are punishments or a contract of marriage?"

Gusto kong matawa dahil sa kanyang sinabi. Mabuti at napigilan ko ang aking sarili na batuhin siya ng nyebe. I was happy that I had the chance to see him. But the idea in his head was so absurd that I wanted to push his pale face into the snow.

"Crazy guy! Minsan nasosobrahan ka na sa talino!" Hinampas ko siya sa kanyang braso.

"Still using that language?" he smirked and ruffled my hair.

Hindi nagtagal ay narinig ko ang mga papalapit na yabag sa aming pwesto. Si Jared at isang babaeng may maalong buhok at maamong mga mata.

Nakaramdam ako ng bahagya awa para sa babae. Dahil kahit na isa siyang mortal, malaking parusa para sa kanya si Owbee. Mas malaki ang pagkamuhi ni Owbee sa lahi ng mga mortal. Mas malaki kaysa sa galit na mayroon ako.

"I don't like what you did, Zana. Leaving me for another f*****g guy?" iyon ang lumabas sa bibig ni Jared na aking ikinagulat.

"What did you say?" Tumayo si Owbee sa pagkakaupo at mabilis na nilapitan si Jared.

They have the same height and both are good looking guys. But their personalities, do not really mix well. I have to do something because Owbee is a hot tempered guy and Jared—oh, he is too cocky and unpredictable.

"I don't usually repeat myself but if your ears are broken. I will say it again… f*****g guy," Jared smirked, completely taunting Owbee.

In a blink of an eye, a shriek was heard. A huge ball of fire was thrown to the demigod. Luckily he managed to block it with an ice shield. But I melted because of the heat.

"Jared, stop provoking him! And Owbee stop being so hot!" I shouted as my heart beat raced like crazy.

Owbee is a fire wielder and he lives in the Fire Kingdom. And the demigod really pricked my friend's temperament.

"Hot, huh?" narinig kong sambit ni Jared.

Nagsisimula na naman siya ng gulo. Nakakainis talaga ang dilang mayroon siya dahil napakatabas no'n! Para bang hindi siya nag iisip kapag may pinapakawalan siyang mga salita.

"Owbee!" the girl shrieked again when my friend's right hand engulfed with fire.

Owbee is pissed as the scorching heat doubled. I became worried about Jared's safety and for his ego. There was a part of me that wanted to help him. But there is a little voice in my head, that I should let him face the consequences of being unable to control his mouth.

Nagpatuloy ang dalawa sa pag atake sa isa't isa. Si Owbee na panay ang pagbato ng mga fire balls. Habang si Jared ay sinasangga ito gamit ang bloke ng yelo. Jared did try to throw an ice spear but it was too slow. Before it could even hit Owbee, it melted.

That demigod has no match against Owbee since he couldn't master his own powers. I sighed and snapped my fingers. A tall wall made of solid ice separated them. That made them stop since my friend cannot melt my ice magic.

Mabilis kong nilapitan si Owbee at binatukan. "Hot headed!"

"He started first!" sumbong niya.

My eyes narrowed at him. "It doesn't matter! His death might be the death of us!"

"Owbee..."

Napukaw ng mahinang boses mula sa babae ang aking atensyon. Nanlaki ang aking mata nang mapansing nawawalan ito ng balanse. I dashed to her side the moment she swayed.

"You idiot! Why isn't she wearing a coat or something that will warm her? Nakalimutan mo ba na mortal itong kasama mo at hindi kagaya mo na may mainit na ang temperatura ng katawan?!" my voice rose at the poor state of the girl.

The mortal girl lost her balance and fell into my arms. I was about to carry her when Owbee appeared beside me and took her.

"I will see you at the palace," he muttered and rushed to his dragon.

Napaka iresponsable talaga ng lalaking iyon pagdating sa mga babae. Hindi ko maiwasang kaawaan ang mortal na iyon dahil isang Owbee Nicolas Monalter ang kasama niya.

"Is that your boyfriend?" tanong ni Jared na ikinabigla ko.

Hindi ko napansin na lumapit siya sa akin. Napakuyom ang aking kamao nang mapansin ang namumuong pawis sa kanyang mukha. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin sa paligid ngunit dahil sa kanyang ugali ay napunta siya sa mapanganib na sitwasyon.

"Hindi," tipid kong sagot at sinenyasan siyang sumakay kay Escape.

"Sino siya?"

Hinayaan ko ulit na humawak siya sa aking baiwang dahil kailangan naming mabilis na makarating sa palasyo. Ang pagpunta sa centro ay kailangan naming ipagpaliban.

"Bakit ba tinatanong mo?"

"You're the reason why I have sleepless nights. As I still wondered why the f**k you had to bit my ears," he whispered next to my ear.

Napalunok ako at tumahimik na lang. Pinatakbo ko si Escape at tila nawalan ng saysay ang malamig na hangin upang pakalmahin ang aking magkabilang pisngi na nag iinit.

Nang makarating kami sa palasyo ay mabilis na itinuro ng mga tagapagsilbi kung saang kwarto naroroon sina Owbee. Si Jared ay tumuloy sa kanyang silid ng walang imik. Nang makapasok ako sa kwarto ng aking kaibigan ay nakita ko siyang nakasandal sa gilid ng bintana.

Naabutan kong natutulog ang babae. "How is she?"

"She is fine."

I pursed my lips. "Is there a problem?"

I knew Owbee when there is something bothering him. He will gaze at nothingness while standing like a stone.

"I never wanted to associate myself with the mortal race but look where I am now, touring a mortal," he started and sighed.

"What did you do for you to have that mission? Why can't you just turn it down?"

"The goddess Hera knew how to punish me."

"Oh.." that explained it.

Marahas siyang lumingon sa akin habang kunot ang noo. Inutusan niya akong tumabi sa kanya gamit ang kanyang hintuturo.

"How about you, Zana? Where have you've been?"

Napalunok ako. "Nothing in particular. I just, well... the king hired me to personally train the guy you saw earlier."

His eyes were like a hawk that was waiting to strike. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang saan ang kaalaman niya tungkol sa halos isang buwan kong pagkawala sa Senoas Realm.

"There's something about that guy… that seemed off to me."

My breath hitched by his comment. Hindi ako mapakali sa aking kinatatayuan dahil sa kanyang mga katanungan.

I reached for his shoulders and patted it. "Y-yeah. I'm glad you noticed. He's weak, that's why."

Pilit akong tumawa ngunit hindi pa rin nababali ang seryoso niyang tingin. Pakiramdam ko ay kakapusin ako ng hininga. The only way out of his question is to lay a trap.

I cleared my throat. "I have to tell you something..."

"Why did you suddenly become serious?"

"Owbee, believe it or not but… there's a prophecy that might hinder the peace of our bloodline," I started hoping he would believe me.

"What?"

"I had said this to Farran when I met her. But I still couldn't think of something to defy the prophecy."

"There's no prophecy I haven't heard of, Zana," he responded with dead eyes.

The friendship I had with him is not enough to know the meaning of the expressions in his eyes. But I hope he will still listen.

"Indeed. But I promise you, it's real. A goddess mentioned it to me!" my voice elevated a little.

Natahimik kami ngunit ang mga mapanuring mga mata ni Owbee ay nakatitig lang sa akin.

"Tell me more about it," he replied.

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