by C E Johnson
It would be nice to stay down here. Her dazed mind was giving her bad advice.
You will not stay underwater! Ammolite’s words thundered in her mind.
Swim! Xena commanded in an equally loud voice. Emily swam more vigorously with their urging, but as her magus faded and depleted, small cuts began to form on her body. She glanced in a daze at the faint colors of blood that began to twist and swirl around her in the water, like drops of energy leeching away from her core. Her lungs were burning.
Continue! Xena and Ammolite commanded together, Focus! Their determination kept Emily’s arms and legs moving.
Thank you, Emily gasped to her bondsmates as she broke the surface. She coughed and sputtered while floating on her back, gasping for air. That was foolish. She concentrated on Elizabeth’s portion of the spell, allowing her friend to continue her underwater breathing until she surfaced several minutes later. The sun had disappeared over the forest and Emily’s mind felt as dark as the gloom around her. “Can you swim me in, Little Bit?” Emily whispered.
“I’m so sorry,” Elizabeth moaned as she studied Emily and realized her condition. Blood and fatigue draped on Emily like a heavy veil. “I made a huge mistake … I should have come up the first time you pointed.”
“I’ve drained my battery down to this level before. I’ll be fine soon.” Emily spoke softly while relaxing on her back as Elizabeth pulled her along. “I just don’t want to faint and have my mouth go underwater.” She realized Xena was by her side, paddling silently, giving her mental support and bits of her own energy.
“I can’t believe I stayed down so long.” Elizabeth’s eyes were brimming with tears.
“I just need a little rest.” Emily lost track of time as they swam.
Carefully pulling her to the shore, Elizabeth kept Emily’s head above water. Horses were brought, and Isabelle and Luke rode next to Emily on their return making sure she didn’t fall from Beau. Emily was too tired to notice Elizabeth studying the treasure she had found, a long case of wood, seemingly untouched by the watery elements, dark and mysterious.
* * *
That night after a long nap and a recharging session directed by several elven healers, Emily’s heart settled into a normal rhythm. She and her friends were allowed to join Queen Elaina and a group of elves forming a meeting in the war chamber. The conference hall was another beautiful open-roofed room in the castle, dominated by an enormous table of oak. Queen Elaina sat at the head of the table with the lead warriors of different elven clans seated around her.
The discussion was about the approaching war. Emily slumped in her seat, still tired from her magus-expenditure, but she attempted to listen closely to the heated exchanges at the table.
Queen Elaina was debating the direction she wanted to lead the elves. “I’ve always wanted to stay out of the conflicts of Acaceans, but I don’t think this is a battle where we can stay on the sidelines.” She stood and walked slowly around the table. “Samil has taken my son, our prince, hostage. Furthermore, Samil is organizing legions of magicians, his Oath-bound, which include dragon-riders. His massive land armies grow bigger with his every conquest.” She stopped beside the chair of an older elf, with dark hair peppered with white. “Ultimately, Samil hopes to wrest the power of Acacia from Tiamat and the multicolored dragons.
“What is the fear to our lands?” The older elf asked. He wore a heavy green cloak trimmed with a dark fur. “I can’t imagine he would dare to challenge us in our forest.”
“He has unlocked many dark secrets from the spirit world of Ater to give him more power,” Elaina began in a low voice. She fixed the cloaked elf with her green eyes. “I believe the forces he’s unlocking will eventually come for us.”
Dr. D spoke up, adding his calm, but compelling words to the argument. “I believe the power of the undead that Samil unleashes in this war will be just a taste of what Acacia will have to endure if he wins. The wraith-spirits may even be using Samil as their tool and I wonder what devastation will erupt if he’s victorious.”
The queen furrowed her brow. “There are rumors that Samil has brought a powerful weapon through a planet-bridging portal to use against my daughter, Princess Emily.” She moved around the table to stand next to Emily. “I’ve called this council to decide our involvement. We must decide if we will commit to war.”
An ancient elf, the oldest of all those present, stood to speak next. He was a tall man with bushy white eyebrows and a black surcoat over gray mail. He was wearing a greenstone necklace. Dr. D leaned toward Emily, “The greenstone necklaces are given as medals for honorable service in war. He’s battled in several of the ancient elven wars. The stones also have healing powers.”
The elf cleared his throat and spoke with a gravelly tone, “I’ve seen more wars and battles than anyone at this table. I hoped to be through with wars in my lifetime. I, for one, think the elves shouldn’t get involved in this conflict. Leave this to the short-lived mainland Acaceans. You remember the last time elves took sides in a dragon war. We lost an entire fleet in the Vatten Sea to the enemy dragons with their unexpected attack!”
“What happened to the fleet that was destroyed?” Emily whispered to her father, wondering if the story might relate to the sunken fleet she had explored with Elizabeth. “Who were the elves he’s talking about?”
The gathered warriors heard her quiet question, and all became silent as they looked to Queen Elaina, who answered slowly, “My grandmother, Queen Valerie, was aboard the command ship.” Her voice was heavy and sad. “Thousands of years ago, there was a dragon war … a war in which the multicolored dragons were fighting against a magician named Drakus. He was a great-great grandfather to Drogor, the magician who attacked our Sky Castle. Drogor as you know is also Samil’s grandfather.”
Their family history of creating conflict has endured for thousands of years, Xena growled in Emily’s mind.
“Drakus fought with scores of dragons that were bonded to magicians under dragon-oaths, formed with the help of a magician named Loff Retz.” Elaina’s face was grim. “Loff was a nexus, a magician who could help in the finding and forming of bondsmates. Drakus even convinced the Alitis to fight with him.” The room suddenly felt cold to Emily. There were so many similarities between Drakus, Drogor and Samil. Her mother continued, “The elves wanted to avoid the conflict and remain neutral. They initially refused to help the multi-colored dragons. They chose to send a fleet, including Queen Valerie and our greatest scholars, back to our original elf lands across the sea to remain safe until the battle was over.” She licked her lips and played with a braid of hair. “Drakus, his dragons, and the Alitis, however, launched a surprise attack, destroying the fleet during their departure and sinking many of the ships. My grandmother was killed in the chaos.”
“Did the elves join the battle after the assault?” Emily’s heart ached as she thought of all the elves who died on the sea that day.
“Yes, the remaining elves were furious, and they became fully committed to the battle.” Elaina smiled sadly. “Our remaining forces joined with groups of Acaceans and the king of the multicolored dragons, Arach. Eventually Drakus was killed and victory was assured, but our clans suffered such horrible losses that we still haven’t replaced those who died even today. The king of the dragons, Arach, also died in the battle.” The queen went to her seat, but she didn’t sit, placing her hands on the back of her chair. She faced the full council. “I hate to squander more lives, but I feel we should commit to this battle.”
Another elven clan leader cleared his throat and quietly stood to speak. He was thick-bodied for an elf with a triangular silver beard that he stroked thoughtfully as he spoke. “Perhaps we should again leave the mainland and go back to our older northern cities. We could leave this time well before this battle gets started. I don’t think Samil would have any way to attack us at this point. He would probably be very happy for us to leave.”
The queen shook her head slowly as the man returned to h
is seat. “I understand your concern. You know I love our people and I’ll fight with my life to preserve the life of every elf in our forest. If the council decides to sail to the northern elf-lands, I’ll support the decision and help guard the exodus, but I must fight to save my son.” She locked eyes with each of those at the table. “If anyone will fight with me, I’ll take your help with open arms. I promise if one of your sons or daughters is ever captured, I’ll fight relentlessly to get them back. I pledge to never leave an elf behind. I cannot run from this battle.”
Crittenden stood. “I’m with you, my queen. This isn’t the time to run. I can feel evil extending to the edges of our lands and I’m convinced this is the time to stop Samil’s advance. He has sent many emissaries to our lands over the last decades, always pledging to spare our lands if we stay out of his conflicts. But if he does conquer the mainland of Acacia, who knows if he will truly honor his pledge. Perhaps the undead will control his mind and our forest will be the next to fall.” He slammed his fist into the table. “After our forest, what’s to stop him from going toward our ancient northern cities?”
His passion seemed to stir the elves and steadily more clan leaders around the table stood and pledged their support until even the oldest clan leader also stood and joined with the others. A decision had been made. Elaina allowed herself a small satisfied smile. “Tell us your thoughts concerning this battle.” She sat, nodding to her husband.
Dr. D remained in his chair, urging Emily to stand. He pushed on her leg under the table. Emily stood weakly. “My brother, Aramis, advised me to pick the location of this battle. He suggested we bring Samil to us. I would like to fight on the Plains of Talval, where the fields merge with the edges of the elf forest. This location will keep the enemy out of your forest but will still allow you to use the magic and strength of your homeland. I’ll return to Angkor with my father to guide an army that is even now being formed. We’ll visibly assemble on the Plains of Talval and hope Samil comes to meet us on our battlefield.”
“The elves will remain hidden until the last moment and Samil won’t truly know if we’ve pledged our armies against him,” Crittenden said in a hushed voice, appearing pleased.
“Exactly, perhaps Samil will focus on the visible army with your elven warriors out of sight.” Emily smiled hopefully at Crittenden as she spoke. “We don’t want Samil to know of our alliance.” Emily sat back down. She wished she had more fire within her to add power to her speech, but she still felt so cold and tired.
“How large is the army from Angkor?” Elaina’s hands were folded in front of her on the wooden table.
Emily inclined her head to her father. “The army isn’t large, but it’s growing. There is, however, a second army approaching to help our cause. A fleet of ships filled with warriors is coming from the Javan.”
“Why do the Javan give you aid?” The thick-bodied elf asked Emily. He arched an eyebrow in surprise.
“Because of Aramis. He’s known to the Javan as Hadrian. Through strength and courage, he became a king among the Javan. His soldiers are sailing to join the battle to fight for his freedom. With your permission, I propose they come through the northern rivers and disembark on the shores of the Vatten Sea. The warriors would also remain hidden in the forest until the time of battle. Once we’re all assembled, our generals can plan out our strategy.”
The elderly clan leader turned to the queen, coughing to clear his throat before speaking. “Some may question if we should allow outsiders from the West into our forest. I for one like the idea. We have a large enough harbor to allow their ships into our port. We can lead their armies to our border and keep them supplied with food.”
“What of the dragons?” Crittenden asked while glancing to Emily. “How many will fight with us?”
Are you ready for your appearance, my link? Emily asked Ammolite. She had already told her mother of her bondsmate. “I brought an emissary from Tiamat,” Emily announced.
Ammolite descended gently, landing on an enormous tree branch above the heads of the council. Her scales sparkled in the lights from the room catching the rays which came in her direction, reflecting them with multicolored brilliance. Beautiful, Emily whispered. “I would like to formally introduce to you my bondsmate, Ammolite, princess of the dragons.” The elves all talked excitedly among themselves.
Ammolite bowed her neck. “It’s a true pleasure to meet the queen of the elves and such an honorable council. The elves and dragons have had a rich alliance for thousands of years. I’m pleased that we will battle together against Samil’s evil.” Ammolite detailed the dragons who would fight with Tiamat.
The council appeared impressed by Ammolite and as the meeting ended, many of the clan leaders approached Ammolite to talk with her individually. Eventually all members of the council left the room, and Dr. D led Emily’s friends to their quarters. Only Emily and Elaina remained.
The queen gracefully climbed up into the tree to sit next to Ammolite and Emily slowly joined her. “You shouldn’t have used so much of your energy,” Elaina chided her gently.
“What we do for our friends,” Emily spoke softly with a half-smile. She felt so weary.
“I wanted to see Ammolite up close,” Elaina murmured as she gently ran her long fingers along Ammolite’s scales. The scales glistened with a deep green color. “I met with Tiamat once years ago. I didn’t know if I would see another multicolored dragon in my lifetime. You’re magnificent.”
“You flatter me.” Ammolite held her head upright in pride.
“What’s going to happen in this war?” The queen’s shoulders sagged, and her arms hung limply at her side. “Am I doing the right thing?”
“This will be a massive war,” Ammolite’s voice was filled with sorrow as she answered. “Many will die. I hope we’ll be victorious, but I’m not certain. I’m sad to see Emily and your elves pulled into such a horrible conflict.” Ammolite lowered her head slowly.
“Elves fight when we have a cause worth fighting for.” The queen continued to run her hand along Ammolite’s scales. “You are allies in need, who we trust and respect. I’ll be proud to fight by your side, Dragon-princess. Because you’re my daughter’s bondsmate, you’re now my family. I just hope in the process of fighting we’ll also get back my son.” Elaina hesitated for a moment before leaning toward Ammolite’s head and speaking in a hushed voice, “Will you honor me by helping me give Emily a gift that might help her in this battle?”
“Of course,” Ammolite answered, widening her eyes of molten gold.
“What gift?” Emily was curious. She leaned against Ammolite. Her eyes were so heavy.
“You told me about your assimilation of portions of Suci’s aura,” Elaina began. She brushed a stand of hair behind Emily’s ear. “Elves also have the ability to give a portion of their own aura to another, in a manner similar to what you experienced with Suci’s kill-spell.” She kissed Emily lightly on the forehead. “I want to give you a portion of myself.”
“Would it hurt you?” Emily loved her mother so much. She didn’t want her to lose a part of her essence.
Her mother didn’t answer her question. Instead she kissed her once again. “I want to boost your knowledge of the elves and to grant you a fraction of my strength.”
“Are you sure?” Emily asked while hugging her mother.
“With Ammolite’s help, I think this gift can be performed rapidly and without too much difficulty.” Her mother hugged her back. “This transfer is a common elven gift from a mother to their daughter, usually performed at around your age.”
“I would be proud to accept your gift,” Emily whispered, “but will this weaken you?”
“A bit,” her mother admitted, “but this is what the elves do. Every generation passes a portion of themselves, and with it comes fragments of knowledge from all your ancestors.” Emily nodded “Lean against me,” Elaina directed. They leaned their backs against each other, and Elaina started the process, whispering words in the e
lven tongue. Emily felt green magus flow, touching tentatively against her mind. Instinctively she raised her shields against the intrusion. “Lower your shields,” her mother urged.
It’s similar to our vinculum, Ammolite whispered.
A portion of her is fusing with us, Xena added.
“It’s almost overwhelming.” Emily pushed her shields down, allowing the energy to move unabated through her mind. She trusted her mother without question. She closed her eyes and bathed in memories and knowledge from prior elven generations. Her energy returned, and her heart was filled with joy.
C H A P T E R 3 3
Plans
The next weeks were very busy. Emily, her father, and her friends journeyed back to Angkor where the army organized by Cameron and his horse-clan greeted them. They led the formation slowly to the Plains of Talval to the edge of the elf forest as more and more Acaceans emerged to join the growing army. When they arrived on the Plains of Talval, the army from Angkor set up their camp in the open fields on the border of the forest. A large contingent of Lacerta also arrived for the war. The lizard people were led by Luce, the clan leader whom Emily had saved. His troops were their battlefield engineers, immediately going to work on a series of traps and tunnels just beneath the ground where they predicted the fight would occur. Meanwhile, Achcat Tat sailed around the coast with his fleet to come down the northern rivers into the Vatten Sea. The Javan formed camps along the border of the forest under the canopy of the branches and Achcat Tat was added into the planning phases of the battle.
