United Dragons

by Calista Lambrechts

  I felt no rush, no trouble. For a first there roamed a great calmness in my soul, but it felt as though it might be short-lived the moment I set foot beyond the doorway.

  Ay. Politics, eh? By each passing second I closed in on the palace, but my intensions weren’t set on the enclosing ball, but instead on the secret dining room located beneath the castle. There was more to the invitation than just a ball. I had no right to tell my companions about this. It was strictly for my eyes only. The message was understood and I was well on my way. Like usual, I intended to be on time. I couldn’t stand being late. It just wasn’t one of my traits.

  Yet, it wasn’t long before my attention was drawn to the forest isles to my right. It sounded like a struggle. My gaze jumped between the stony path up ahead and the dark forest beside me. I was constantly questioning myself whether I should go see what the trouble was all about or to ignore it and make straight for the door which resided on the lower areas of the cliff face. There was the clashing of swords and the grunts of men hard at work on killing one another… Or perhaps a late training session? It took me no more than a minute to finally decide. My mind had given in to curiosity and led me deeper into the forest with a hand resting on the smooth hilt of my sword.

  I followed the peculiar sounds until finally reaching some sort of a glade, roofed by the entwining branches of the towering forest trees. The moons were visible beyond the trees and hung in the air, shining light upon the gloom of the woods. I sneaked closer until I could hide myself behind a tree close by, noticing the trouble to be no more than a nuisance of four men lost deep in combat with murderous intensions towards one another.

  I cocked my head, unable to be sure of what to make of this entire endeavour. Instead, my thoughts switched to shock the soon as I noticed one of these men to be my very own father. After another moment I realized that he was the one to be under assault by these three men that had once been four, for their numbers were decreasing with every kill my father managed to make. A bloody carcass or two lay motionless amidst the battle of three against one.

  “Assassins?” I asked myself, baffled, for they were not armed in your regular authorized legion armour. The entire occurrence made me wonder what ever could have happened to my very own assassin that tried to kill me so many times before. I felt a weary chuckle pushing itself up my throat at just the thought, but it soon died out.

  I narrowed my eyes and leaned in closer, hands still rested on the sturdy trunk of the tree.

  Father seemed to handle them pretty well, but the fight eventually grew overwhelming and got to him. He swiped at one of the assassins, but his blade was blocked by another sword and he was pushed back, stumbling until falling against one of the trees. My father soon found himself on the ground. Even I knew that to fall in battle was one of the worst possible fates to undergo, for you might as well be dead.

  I pursed my lips into a thin line and stepped back, igniting my fire magic until it wreathed around my fingertips. I was ready to strike in order to defend my father, but the battle took care of itself… Father was outnumbered. His enemies were closing in at an alarming rate to take the last strike, but my heart skipped a beat the moment my father’s eyes turned to fire. The moment his gaze darted upwards to meet his foes, a heat wave hit them like a sonic boom and sent them staggering backwards.

  He pushed himself to his feet, a solemn frown fixed on his face. A line was crossed and Father was driven to anger and the strife to fight for his life. A ball of flames appeared in the palm of his hand and he set the blade of his sword on fire. The flames of the fire danced wildly and Father threw himself at his enemies in a fury. Like a pro swordsman he disarmed his attackers and killed each with strident attacks.

  He leapt into the air and decapitated one and burnt the other whilst he drove his flaming sword into the heart of another. I was breathless and caught in a daze of disbelief. I could feel as my heart thumped against my ribcage. I didn’t know what to think, what to feel. My emotions were a mixture of disbelief, amazement and somewhat livid. My father… he was a wizard, just like I, and he had never told me… never even said a single damn word. And here I was, trying to hide my own fire magic with all I had from this very same man who proved to be just the same…

  Though, I doubt any others knew of this.

  Nevertheless, I continued to watch as he left the battlefield right after straightening his clothes. I gulped and came out from hiding the moment he had disappeared from sight. My eyes fell down onto the few bodies littered across the forest floor, drowning in pools of dark red crimson.

  The wind blew through my hair and swept the leaves off the earth.

  I looked down at one of the bodies and kicked him over. There was no coat of arms, no symbol as to indicate from where this man had come or by whom he was sent. It remained a mystery. I was set on finding out, but my scavenging was quickly drawn to the money pouches strapped to their persons. I pursed my lips and quickly studied the area in alert before kneeling down to snatch their earned coin. What? They weren’t quite in the condition to use it any time soon, now were they?

  With one last look I hesitantly made my way back to the castle where I soon entered through the large clandestine door, leading to the dining room I was summoned to be at. I closed the door behind me the soon as I entered.

  The room was finely decorated by the richest of items and the dining table stretched out for what seemed like miles… Okay, perhaps it was a bit of an overstatement, but you get the idea. A red silk cloth embroidered with fine patterns decorated the table. Numerous foods as starters like rolls of freshly baked bread, fresh fruits, exotic cheeses and vegetables and etc. were spread out from one end to the other, though to me they seemed to be more of an ornament and a means of showing off rather than anything else.

  Everyone stood around, lost deep in conversation. I could see the presence of ambassadors, advisors, councillors, commanders and all of the highest authority involved with the regal families themselves at a daily bases. It wasn’t just Ysellian but Ruthai, Messidaia and Thrastol too. All except for Brendwin, that is. And by my guess, I’d say Mihindri sided with Brendwin as well.

  “Terrowin!” Father called with a smile on his face. I looked into the direction from where his voice came from. He beckoned me closer. He had cleaned up nicely, managing to hide any signs that he was in a battle very well.

  I gave a sigh and descended down the set of stairs until I was reluctantly standing by my father’s side. He rested a hand on my shoulder as he introduced me to a noble from another land.

  “This is the ambassador of Messidaia, sir Freswick.” It appears that he had already told Freswick about me. I gave the man a forced smile as I shook his hand. He had a firm grip.

  “I am honoured,” I said politely. Freswick seemed most excited.

  “No, I should be the honoured one. I have heard a great deal about you and so far your reputation precedes you.”

  I felt somewhat uneasy, for I wasn’t quite in the condition to take this all to mind. All I did was shake and smile like some emotionless slave, feigning to care. I stood around in silence whilst every soul around me was having a good time, until all were called to take their seats. Father was one of the highly significant men that had been given the privilege to be seated at the one end of the table, accompanying the king of Ysellian himself by his side. The other end occupied the king of Krea and his own posse of authorised men.

  I sat near father, but not at the end. I occupied the common row.

  There was a booming of chatter and conversation until the king of Krea stood and hushed his guests with but the slightest gesture of his hand. We were all gentlemen and obeyed. The room soon fell into a deep silence.

  “I bid you a good welcome to Krea,” the king said with kind and righteous smile. “It is an honour to have you all gathered here tonight. I hope that all is to your liking and that you will have a pleasurable stay. Safety is promised and I will make sure that all your desires are answered. Now, as you
all know, Brendwin has proven to be quite the threat. We have gathered here today – tonight – to unite our kingdoms and roam as one. I am sure that you are well aware of the upcoming war Brendwin has declared upon Ysellian. We foresee boundless destruction and endless ruin. Our armies are great, but still it is not enough and I fear we may face disaster, but the help of this alliance, I am sure no country will fall to their will again and it will most surely benefit all.”

  He lost me hallway through the big speech. I wasn’t one for long talks and profound political matters. My gaze wandered elsewhere as the king’s words turned to no more than a muffled out voice. I kept playing with the knife that lay beside me. Help Ysellian blah blah, advantages and favours of trades at lower costs to all who help and lend soldiers blah blah. It was your typical story – the two main kings of Ysellian trying to sweet-talk their way through to the other countries in order to gain their favour and support. Whether through means of bribery or talk of benefit, I didn’t want any part. Not in any part of this war…

  Anyways, I was bored out of my mind. I’m sorry, but I am not one of those philosophical kinds who sit and actually listen to important babbling with all thought currently available. I know such people… excluding these gathered here tonight. I thank the dragon lords Carlaylin isn’t one of them either. Well, I do guess it depends on the matter discussed. Talk about the renovation of taverns and inns, the hijacking of any form of vehicle both land, sea and air and matters concerning the dwarves and situations that holds complete chaos as a result… then you have her full attention.

  I was knocked out of my daze by a quick unnoticeable shoulder bump by my father. My eyes met his and he seemed most unhappy. His eyes gestured me to stay focused and listen. To him there was no time to go off lollygagging. I sighed, lowered my arms below the table, slumped my shoulders and took a crack at listening to what the man had to say, even though it was against my will.

  The entire speech shifted between the two kings and other men that liked to give their own opinion. After a while my suffering was brought to an end as the king finally announced, “Please enjoy the provided food and I hope you will enjoy the upcoming ball.”

  With that the king sat back down again and out came the servants carrying platters loaded with a wide array of strange foods both indigenous and foreign. To be honest… I’d rather just skip to the desserts.

  Everyone around me was engaged in conversation both formal and informal. My father’s, of course, was completely formal as he talked strategy and proposals with King Geoffrey and Thomason that sat on the other end. I gave a loud sigh, luckily unable to be heard by others in this noise. I looked at the food in my plate… The last thing I was was hungry. I have long since lost the desire for food. I’m never hungry anymore…

  Though I do suppose that’s a bad thing. Carlaylin always tries to force me to eat. She says I have to eat at least something or I might just starve to death without even realising it. I appreciated her concern and I always believed that she was right, but hey, she’s not here to force me now, so... No food. Instead, I played with it by use of the fork.

  “Hey, Terrowin, right?”

  I looked to my left from whence the voice had come from. It was the boy sitting next to me. He was about my age and dressed in the yellow robes of his country: Messidaia.

  I tried to force a smile, though it was rather weak.

  “Yes, Rufo, is it? You’re the son of Messidaia’s councillor?”

  “No less. I know you well. You’re Rowan’s son. I am honoured to finally make your acquaintance. I have looked forward to this very day. Meeting you was a possibility, but I believe it has just become reality.”

  Too much flattery, but no complaints here. Even though I appreciated the attention and the honour, yet again, I felt this to be somewhat awkward. I never knew that I was so renowned amongst the lords of other countries.

  “Wow,” I said with a single chuckle pushing up my throat, “I never knew I was so… popular. Nevertheless, you have a prodigious reputation of your own! Not all can rid their realms of a lich.” My tone was of excitement. Rufo was indeed well known in my book. The jungles of Messidaia were plagued with a lich for more than a hundred years. Rufo, though no more than the son of a mere councillor, defeated it in the deepest depths of the country.

  Rufo couldn’t resist the glory and sycophancy either.

  “Well, I’m not the one that killed Cerberus singlehandedly or rid the ocean of the Kraken! Those things are enormous!” If I didn’t know better, I swear I blushed. Killing Cerberus or harpooning the kraken in my former days wasn’t a mere stroll in the woods. I spent my time with Cerberus on the volcanic regions when mu former master, Merlin, had called for it. I defeated the Kraken when I accompanied the ship with my father on the way to Ruthia for another set of political business.

  “Don’t be fooled by legends and or myths. In these lands, almost anything is possible. Your reputation greatly increased and grew widespread when you found the chalice of everlasting life.”

  “Yes, but at least you didn’t lose it.”

  I raised my eyebrows in awe before I laughed. Rufo laughed alongside with me. I can’t believe he lost an item of such value. Oh well, at least it made for a good time and good conversation. We laughed and talked until his father called for his attention to discuss something. He bid his goodbyes and left.

  I was on my own once again. I snorted before grabbing a strip of cucumber and ate it. What? I wasn’t looking. I just grabbed. Besides, I could hear Carlaylin’s voice in my head, scolding me for not eating.

  I rested my elbow on the table as I chewed the cucumber stubbornly, feeling more comic than grouchy. It was good to have met Rufo. He was quite the man.

  In the meantime, I could overhear my father talking to his comrades that had approached him to thank him for his former duties he had performed. Just some harmless eavesdropping.

  “You really saved my ass out there, Rowan,” the one said as he took my father’s hand and shook it. They then sat down by his side since the king and Thomason were off somewhere else. The one sat with their hand on my father’s shoulder.

  “One can’t just leave another alone to die,” Father said with a proud smile.

  “Good thing too, my friend. Swell kid you have there. I hope he’s just as righteous on the battlefield as you are...”

  “Yes, yes. Terrowin’s a good kid, but you should’ve seen his brother. Travis can best absolutely anyone,” Father’s pride turned to sorrow as his voice trailed off. My heart skipped a beat. It may have been jealousy, but it’s hard to know your father honours your other sibling over you.

  “Ah, I’m sorry. It must’ve been hard for you to lose him.”

  “Brendwinian bastards…” Father slowly shook his head as his gaze dropped to the ground. He took a shaky breath. “I’d do anything to get him back. Even trade in Terrowin if I had a choice…” That last part he said in a soft and mumbled tone, but I still heard it. Oh damn right, I still heard it – loud as day.

  My face flushed red with anger and I hit the table with my fist and abruptly stood. The thud was so loud, even the other end of the table could hear it. The entire room was silent and all eyes were focused on me.

  At first my enraged eyes were fixated on my father who looked up at me with questioning eyes. Later I looked around me. Everyone seemed shaken. I cleared my throat and said, “Excuse me, but I believe it’s about time for me to go.” Without another word or awaiting an approval of some sort, I stormed off and burst through the double doors that led to the lower halls of the palace.

  Father looked around him, noting the glancing eyes. He tried to excuse himself and calmingly came after me. The dining room returned to its former chaos.

  My father was good… too good. He found me in the kitchen. I sat at one of the tables with my head buried in the palm of my one hand. I was heartbroken, but consumed by rage all the same – drying to drown my sorrows in another bottle.

  “Terrowin, what
on earth…?” he asked abruptly as he stood by the kitchen doors. I passed over his remark with no response. Why do I even have to reply in the first place?

  Father slowly approached and warily sat down next to me.

  “Terrowin, what was that all about? You made a mockery of the Belanos name!”

  The anger coursed through my veins at the pace of a darting arrow. I instantly raised my head and met my father’s eyes. I took a sip from the bottle of wine and slammed it back down onto the table.

  “Well, I’m sorry I’m not Travis. He probably wouldn’t have!”

  Father looked rather taken aback. It appears that he may begin to realize the situation.

  “Terrowin?” he asked, referring to both his realisation and the wine in the bottle starting to boil. I looked down and noticed the wine technically boiling over and out of the bottle. My fire magic was acting up in correspondence to my wrath. I gave a loud grunt and pushed the bottle away with alarming force. I practically threw it off the table as it shattered upon the tiled floors of the kitchen.

  “I heard,” I said, biting the anger in between my teeth and swallowing back the tears reluctantly forcing up. It felt like I had swallowed a marble.

  “I heard… Why? WHY?! Why the bloody hell can’t you just accept me for who I am? Am I not your son too? Or… what? Probably just some other reject you clearly didn’t want. Oh, perhaps I was an accident as well. Why don’t you just call me a bastard and walk away if I’m clearly so disappointing to you!”

  Father looked beyond shocked, his eyes widened.

  “Ter-”

  “Save it! Can’t you see that your apologies help nothing! You say you’re sorry and continue to traitor me behind my back. Your word means nothing to me! Not anymore…”

  Father’s eyes dropped to the ground, his eyebrows knitted. He looked stunned. No matter. I’ve lost faith in the man. He tried to put his hand on my shoulder, but I shoved off and stood. I couldn’t meet his eyes. Instead, I just made for the door. There’s a ball to attend to. The only bright side of this day was the chance of getting to dance with Carlaylin.