After a brief rest the group moved on. They avoided most dangers. As long as there was no need to fight, they would naturally save the energy. Only once, as they passed through a narrow pass which was blocked by a towering six-legged beast, did they not have a choice. For safety the entire group teamed up. They first severed the beast's legs before Oru delivered the final blow to its head. The older man's weapon of choice was an unremarkable staff which had followed him through hundreds of battles.
Oru's skills left the younger warriors in awe. They realized that the captain might have been able to deal with the beast by himself. This was no easy feat. Even in the Capital City teeming with experts, with such skills Oru could walk with his chin held high. With such veterans among them, how could Feather Blade possibly fall?
Noticing the gazes on him, Oru remained indifferent. This beast was not the strongest opponent he had killed. Instead of being stunned it would be better if the younger warriors moved on quickly. The battle would definitely attract other beasts. They had to leave!
"Hurry up!"
"Yes, captain!"
"Ya!"
"Go!"
After the battle everyone was still filled with adrenaline. Even their voices were more energetic. They jumped on their horses and rushed along the pass. Beastly roars echoed through the thick fog. From time-to-time beasts would find their ways towards the group. There was simply not enough space to avoid them. However, these were not exactly powerful. The stronger warriors riding at the front disposed of them, often with single hits.
A few more minutes passed, and the group made it out of the narrow pass. Yet the fog only became even denser. Oru raised his hand, signalling everyone to stop. Those at the back were barely able to see Oru, rather reacting to the comrades in front halting.
"We have reached Ghost Reign Valley."
Oru's voice caused everyone to glance at Rey. Ghost Reign Valley was one of the oldest danger zones of the Boneplains. Usually travelling groups would avoid this place. There was nothing much to gain but a lot to lose. The ghosts of Ghost Reign Valley were not like the little birds Rey recruited on the way. They were elusive in their movements and could easily harm others. There was no need to take risks by entering the valley. However, everything was different with Rey among them.
The dignified woman took a deep breath. Her ability to control ghosts relied on an invisible aura she constantly emitted. Even without doing so consciously, she could attract smaller ghosts like those birds. But to recruit the ghosts of Ghost Reign Valley she had to put in some effort.
The warriors surrounded Rey as they suddenly felt an uncomfortable feeling wash over them. They remained silent, trusting in Rey. A moment later a chilling wail pierced their ears. The fine hairs all over their bodies stood up straight. Everyone looked around, tightening the grips on their weapons.
Only Rey looked upwards. There, a tall shadow was coming out of the fog. A black figure with ferocious claws and a large, disturbing maw. The expression in its eyes stood in stark contrast to its body, appearing wary and respectful.
"Who are you…?"
The raspy voice rang out, causing everyone to freeze. They glanced upwards and suddenly noticed the black ghost. No one could tell when it had appeared.
Rey didn't care for the others. A slight frown appeared on her face. How could this ghost dare to question her?! She let out a snort and increased the intensity of her aura. The ghost trembled. After a moment of struggle it floated to the floor, bowing as low as possible.
"My queen…"
Rey remained silent, condescending. She tuned her aura down again and waited a few seconds before acknowledging the ghost.
"Do you have subordinates?"
"Yes, my queen."
"Bring them here."
"Of course, my queen."
The ghost looked almost relieved as it scrambled to get away, disappearing into the fog. The others let go of much of the tension. Just now they almost thought Rey would be unable to subdue the ghost. This would have been a disaster, destroying all their plans.
For a while the group remained in silence. Some distant roars and wails could barely be heard. But it didn't take long for those to come closer. The subdued ghost returned with about a hundred subordinates of varying appearances. Some were only small ghosts like birds or rats with little ability. But there were also ghostly soldiers with real abilities, able to fight something like the earlier tunnel demon on their own.
Rey radiated authority and the ghosts had no choice but to immediately bow their heads in subservience. The queen raised her head, satisfied. With these ghosts under her command, it would be much easier to scout the rift later. Oru nodded lightly as well. After recruiting this initial batch, he waved at the others and the group continued. They planned to cross Ghost Reign Valley. If they could recruit some more ghosts along the way, it would be nice, but they wouldn't go out of their way to do so.
They advanced for a while, coming across a few more ghosts. Two of those manged to resist for a moment before Rey got them under control. Although these ghosts were not weak, this fact still caused Rey to frown. Ghosts like them shouldn't be able to resist her. What was the reason for that?
"Who dares to steal my subordinates?!"
Suddenly a raging thunder echoed through the air. The group was plunged into darkness. Rey could feel that the ghosts under her control was becoming agitated.
"Who is there!?"
Oru grabbed his staff tightly, shouting into the darkness. Tension overcame the group. Rey narrowed her eyes tightly. She could feel a gloomy presence hovering in front of them.
"A ghost king…"
Rey's whisper caused even Oru to show a grave expression. The word king was not to be used lightly. An entity called a ghost king was certainly powerful, able to reign over those of his kind. Although Rey was a queen at home, Oru wouldn't call her by that title as she didn't have the power to proclaim herself queen among the warriors of the Capital City. At most she might deserve to be called a ghost queen due to her unique ability.
As these things were going through his mind, Oru was about to jump off his horse, but Rey reached out to stop him.
"Let me do it."
"Hm? Don't take risks! We will fight together!"
"No. Me fighting alone is the least risky approach."
Oru frowned heavily. He glanced at Rey, not sure where her confidence came from. However, the ghost king didn't give his enemies a chance to deliberate. The world was stirred up as a massive, dark claw aimed for the group. Rey didn't panic. She closed her eyes, exploring the darkness with her other senses. She felt the advancing threat. Oru readied himself. If Rey showed any signs of being too slow, he would instantly act.
But Rey was confident. Over the last twenty years she didn't gain much new power, but her application and control improved a lot. Her will moved and the world suddenly heated up. A dark flaming shield formed in the air above the group emitting an evil, ferocious aura. Even Oru had to acknowledge that Rey's abilities improved a lot compared to the last time he met her.
In this world magic was a talent you were born with. Only seasoned sorcerers might delve deeper into the origins of magic. Neither Rey nor Oru were at such a level. Similarly people would be able to tap into their potential as they improved themselves. For example, Rey's ability to control ghosts would always be unique to her. However, her flaming shield was a spell others could learn as well should they have the necessary talent and enough strength.
A persistent hiss rang through the air as the ghost claw met the evil flames. Some of those with weaker wills had goosebumps all over their skin, feeling as if the shadows were dancing around them.
"Ghost king! Come, if you dare!"
Rey spoke in a cold voice as she jumped off her horse, hovering closely above the ground. She dashed away from Feathered Balde's group, her movements akin to ghosts. The others could only hear the fast-moving noise. Oru was sure that the ghost king chased after Rey. He ordered the others to stick together while he followed Rey. Although he trusted her, this mission was too important to take risks.
Suddenly Oru narrowed his eyes, spotting a black flicker in the distance. Although Rey's flames were dark, they were strangely distinct from the darkness produced by the ghost king. Oru could see a cocoon of black flames which was besieged by shadowy arms, terrifying claws tearing at the flames.
"Kaleer, you stand no chance. But I can make you an offer. Become my queen and together we will reign the ghosts of the entire Boneplains!"
"Do you think I need you to dominate all ghost? Hahaha!"
Rey laughed coldly at the ghost king's offer as her flaming cocoon began to stir.