Carlaylin looked more stunning than ever before. Her hair was worn loose. She wore a striking long green silk dress with stunning patterns that quite frankly fit her well. It looked beyond expensive and I had no idea where she got the money for that, but I left it be.
“You look… nice…” For a moment I stumbled on my own words, but the soon as I managed to scrape some courage together, I admitted, “Beautiful…”
Carlaylin returned a warm smile, her cheeks blushing.
“That’s better. You don’t look too bad yourself, Tyke,” she said as she hesitantly, but playfully, punched my shoulder. I could notice that she wasn’t too sure of her actions either.
Suddenly, the music changed into a slow, breathtakingly beautiful song that echoed throughout the entire ballroom. It was a soothing melody: the Land of the Dragons. My worst fear had been realized: a slow dance. If I had no self-control, I would’ve started hyperventilating.
Well, my heart did race nonstop.
Here Carlaylin and I stood, frozen on the spot as the other guests around us grabbed their partners and began to dance together. I knew this was my one chance, but I was still tentative.
I could feel as the chance slowly slipped away, but before it could vanish, I gathered all my valour, took a deep breath and held out my hand for Carlaylin who seemed bewildered by my gesture. I knew that if I didn’t act fast, she most certainly would.
And if that were to happen, what kind of a gentleman would I be?
Carlaylin seemed unsure, biting her lip nervously as her gaze scanned the room, looking at the others. I scarcely saw her like this. She confronts dragons, hijacks carriages and risks her life everyday like its nothing, but this… this she fears.
“Uh… It has been so long since I have danced. Even less so at a ball such as this.”
I returned a warm grin to her comfort.
“Follow my lead. We’ll make this a night to remember.” It seemed her confidence was leisurely returning as she took the chance and gently grasped my hand.
We pulled ourselves close together and began to dance. At first Carlaylin’s eyes were fixed on her own two feet, seeing to it that she would not miss a step or step on one of my feet since I noticed her to be wearing her boots. Soon enough she was getting the hang of it and could finally raise her gaze, self-assured that she would not make a wrong step. For once in a rare moment, I noticed that certain glow of hers returning.
As we waltzed on… where else to look but into each other’s eyes?
We gracefully dance on, following the smooth tune of this beautiful melody that drowned the ballroom in an overwhelming sense of mysticism. I gave her a spin, her hair twirling alongside her dress. I quickly stopped her and continued on with absolute fluency to the song. It was hard to resist the urge to smile, but who was denying it?
As the song came to its climax, which seemed to be the most divine part, I noticed as our dance gradually became slower and slower. Our surroundings faded away to just the two of us and the music… It felt as though we were the only ones left on the dance floor.
As everything else faded away into nothing, we gradually leaned in closer and gradually ended up with a long-lasting kiss. I’m not sure for how long, but long enough for a frail heart, such as mine, to skip a beat for longer than it was even possible for even a strong heart.
The song was reaching its end, but still lasted long enough for us to leisurely pull away, just so that I may look into her eyes. We were left speechless for a first in a long time and decided it to be best to rather remain in silence to make sure that this moment would last for as long as it possibly could.
The melody softened stopped and another began to play.
“I…” Before Carlaylin could finish her sentence, she looked intently into the distance. I couldn’t help but frown, wondering what was on her mind. Right before I could ask, she answered with, “…have to go.”
With that she left my side and swiftly moved right past me and across the dance floor, disappearing to the outside.
I remained frozen as my head turned into her direction. I could see her beyond the massive glass windows.
Carlaylin had met up with Justin, rapidly discussing something as they both treaded away from the ballroom. For a quick moment I felt abandoned, but I knew there must’ve been a valid reason, still…
There was so much I still wanted to say…
“Heh,” I chuckled to myself, trying to convince myself that I wasn’t disappointed or downcast… “Leave it to Carlaylin to be the radical one.”
No matter the attempt, I couldn’t convince myself.
As I returned my gaze to stare out in front of me, I noticed, just in time, my father’s slight smile before he looked away.
CHAPTER 32
BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR
CARLAYLIN
I FELT ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE for leaving Terrowin behind like that, absolutely awful! My first kiss, and more butterflies enchanting my heart than ever, and I had to go and be a bloody idiot and walk out on him…
Ugh, why didn’t I just stay a little while longer? Why didn’t I at least finish it off with something better than…I have to go?
I felt like face-palming myself into oblivion, but judging by Justin’s spooked expression it looked pretty crucial. I guess it pretty much drove my subconscious to meet up with Justin at an instant. I mean, he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important, would he?
I met with him outside the palace in the cold midnight air of Krea biting at my skin.
“Justin,” I scolded, “This better be important or so help me-”
“Yes, yes, and I’m sorry for the intrusion, but this is something you have to hear immediately!”
I was fairly reluctant in lending an ear since I was still rather mad – mostly at myself for ditching Terrowin – but at the end of the day I folded my arms and decided to sincerely listen to what my apprentice had to say.
“I overheard Thomason talking a while back and it sounded bad. Very bad. He’s planning on attacking the Krean Palace this very night!”
My arms dropped to my sides.
“WHAT?!”
He clasped my mouth shut.
“Sh! Not so loud! Someone might hear you!”
I ripped his hand from my mouth.
“They better hear me!”
My face was as white as a ghost’s. My heart had practically stopped. I was only now starting to calm down, realizing that I shouldn’t be irrational about this.
Yet, one thing I was absolutely certain of was the fact that there was no time for questions, only actions.
“Dammit, Justin! We have to warn the kings and tell them to take evasive action.”
I immediately turned back around and towards the castle, making a quick dash towards those life-sized glass doors I had come from, but I was suddenly stopped by what felt like a sharp piercing pain hitting me in the area just above my hipbone.
It was followed by a horrible burning sensation and I stumbled backwards, completely stunned, clasping down at my side with wide eyes. When I looked down I could see an arrow piercing my body. It was deep into the wound and I stumbled backwards, leaning against the pillar. The moment I looked up I saw two soldiers on the verge of attacking. Were it not for Justin’s swift arrows, I would’ve been cut down for sure.
Still in my momentary daze, Justin grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back, hiding me behind the pillar as more Brendwinian soldiers rushed by. He was worried sick by the looks of my wound and wanted nothing more than to help, but didn’t quite know how. I broke the arrow loose from the gaping wound and winced. Before long I raised my hand and examined it with a woozy gaze.
“It’s been more than enough weeks and I have been practising. Let’s see if this finally works,” I said, mostly to myself as I left Justin baffled on the spot. I slowly pressed my hand against the wound and watched as various white flashes webbed across the area surrounding the wound. I bit my teeth, for the pain was fairly agonizing for a heal
ing spell. When I finally removed my hand, the wound was completely gone. My dress was decorated in a large stain of dark red blood, but it proved to be little to no annoyance.
Blood really didn’t bother me. The first thought that popped into my head was that my gramps was wrong after all. Though the question of why my dad didn’t heal himself rose again. Perhaps it’s because he was too busy dying…
“Master…?” Justin asked with big eyes.
“Yes, I’m fine. Nothing to worry about. Let’s get going!” The soon as I took my first step forward, my mind was already set on making plans. I peeped past the massive pillar, only to notice an entire army of Brendwinian soldiers rushing into the ballroom.
“Okay. Ballroom’s out. Do you know of or see any other entrances that we can use to get into the castle? Any at all?”
Justin took a moment to dwell his memories and look around.
“Not exactly. Thomason’s soldiers guard and barricade all possible entries. The only entrance I see now is…up.” He pointed upwards. I followed his finger and noticed the top of the pillar to be leading to an open window that lead to the top floor balcony of the ballroom.
“Then I guess we have no choice. Quick! See if you can shoot me a path with your arrows that I can climb.”
Justin didn’t hesitate to aim and fire, sending an arrow whistling through the air until bounding off the pillar and falling to the ground.
“Sorry, master. It’s impenetrable. Can’t you use your magic to help you get up there?”
“I don’t know any spell that can help me in this particular situation, but not to worry. I have another plan!”
I grabbed Justin’s dagger and cut my dress until it hung at knee’s length, exposing the boots I kept all this time. What? A long dress is as far as I’ll go. Forget the shoes! That’s where I draw the line.
Not to mention, if I had an artum for every time I had to cut some of our clothing in order to get by, I’d be able to buy my own horse! Hmm… maybe I should start collecting…
“See if you can find another way into the castle! I’ll see if I can cut in through the top.”
With that left said, I straightened the strip of cloth and folded it around the pillar as I pressed one foot against the pillar. Bit by bit I started to climb the pillar, supporting myself with the piece of cloth I held in both hands, shimmying it up the pillar as I went.
The fear of heights was starting to get to me. Especially by the fact that I could die if I slip or take a wrong step but even once. For a moment I stopped to gather my courage, though I couldn’t fight back a gulp. It wasn’t long before I noticed Justin to still be standing down there - mesmerised.
“Justin, if I catch you looking up my dress, I swear I’ll roast you even before you get that raise!”
With a yelp Justin skedaddled and was off to find that other possible entrance. I didn’t have the time to search. I had to get in there, no matter if it’s already too late to warn the kings or not.
I made it to the top at an unbelievable speed and leapt in through the window in no time. I sneaked forward in order to get a good glimpse at the happenings down below. I peered through the railings, keeping myself as hidden from sight as possible.
Nevertheless, what my eyes caught was gruesome. Tables had been overturned and people had been evacuated, killed or held captive. The entire ballroom was a mess. I could’ve stopped it if only I could climb faster!
And no, I can’t just simply walk in through the front doors! It would be suicide, even for me.
I was just in time to catch a quick last glimpse of the two kings escaping through a secret hidden passage in the wall designed only to evacuate the royals themselves.
The entire ballroom was crowded with eager soldiers frozen on the spot as they seemed to encircle Rowan whose eyes darted around the ballroom at all these soldiers in deep question. No doubt he must have offered to stay behind in order to stall the enemy and protect the kings.
His sword was withdrawn and ready to kill indeed it was necessary. He was just as confused as I was at the intensions of these men. At the front row of soldiers I could see Terrowin, held captive by two large men. He seemed powerless against them and couldn’t escape their grips although he tried at his very best.
Thomason emerged from the crowd and approached Rowan with a careless, sinister smile.
“Thomason…?” Rowan said. “What are you doing? Help me!”
Thomason merely chuckled and shook his head, casually strolling across the opening until he was right by Rowan’s side.
The realization suddenly hit Rowan. He seemed shocked to find out that his friend was a traitor. He was no idiot. Even I knew that he could tell. He was a smart man.
Thomason took another step forward. “In the flesh!” he called with spread arms and massive pride. Terrowin’s eyes suddenly sparked with a dire realization and he called out to his father. “Father, no! He will-” Unfortunately his captives had his mouth clasped shut before he could yell out something that sounded immensely important.
“What’s the meaning of this?!” Rowan shouted in a rage as his grip around the hilt of his sword only tightened.
“Rowan, Rowan, Rowan… I think you know well. It’s time to let the truth roam free, my friend.”
“What? That you were the traitor that has continuously been delivering our plans and strategies to the enemy?”
Rowan lowered his sword at that. He seemed worked up and pretty much in a rage, but he didn’t burst out like I expected him to. Somehow he kept himself composed. Yet again I could see another resemblance between Terrowin and his father.
“Yes, I suppose. It’s only business as I’m sure you are well aware of. Perhaps I should also mention that I was the one who killed Cassius. Not a bear.”
Rowan was taken aback big time. The hit was so large that he stumbled backwards and almost seemed out of breath.
“You?” he said wearily.
“Your son tried to tell you, but you were too close-minded to believe him, to even consider it. The joke’s on you, my dear friend.”
“I am not your friend!”
“That’s not how you saw it only an hour or so ago… Come on, Rowan. You see what I have done? I’m a traitor. I’m a liar and a fiend in league with the enemy kingdom. Where’s that rage of yours?”
Rowan continued to stand down. He wasn’t about to let the anger overwhelm him. He wasn’t about to let Thomason get what he wanted and he wasn’t about to break under Thomason’s sickening will.
“Fight me. You have your chance. Take it,” Thomason said, bursting with self-confidence and pride. He spread his arms, waiting.
“No,” Rowan answered softly, his expression radiant with solemnity, “I will not fight you. I’m better than that. I’m better than you. I won’t stoop to your level because frankly, your blood isn’t worth spilling.”
Thomason’s pride fell to no more than a mere frown. He lowered his arms.
“Then drop your weapon.”
Rowan kept his pride. He wasn’t about to submit to the enemy. He was better than that. He wasn’t a coward. He was a commander. A hero.
“Never,” he stated firmly
“Drop it or I kill the boy.” Thomason’s rage was sparked and he shot a glance towards Terrowin as an indication to his captive to take action and hold a sharp dagger against Terrowin’s throat. The situation looked dire and the captive was not merciful. Terrowin bit down on his teeth. A trickle of dark red blood ran down Terrowin’s neck. Still he couldn’t get away.
Rowan sighed in defeat and reluctantly threw his sword down in front of him. The clang of metal echoed throughout the entire ballroom. He shot his enemy a livid look. It didn’t look like he was about to try anything else in order to ensure the safety of his son. Thomason nodded towards the captive and the dagger was sheathed. He was a pain in the backside, but also honest. I give him that. It was a relief, but it was far from over.
That’s it.
I knew I had to take
control over the situation before someone seriously gets hurt. I tried to channel my magic to use it as offence against the armada, but something was wrong. I snapped my fingers. I shook my hands and I even tried rubbing them together, but there was nothing. Not even a spark. The entire situation had me panicking and emotionally distraught. I guess I was worried about Terrowin and his father.
I was apprehensive.
It messed with my magic and I was not at all happy with it. I tried to calm myself and use the magic. I tried and I tried until all I got was a mere spark. I was hurriedly trying to fix this stupid magic of mine, but I couldn’t. Oh, maybe fake hallucination Justin was right. Maybe I really didn’t deserve the title of Wizard of Elements if I couldn’t even use my magic in life-threatening situations such as these.
How would I ever be able to save the bloody world if this magic of mine wouldn’t even work in times like these?
My face was red with anger and anxiety.
WORK, DAMMIT! my head screamed.
Thomason drew closer to Rowan and softly whispered something into his ear. It sounded something like, “All good things must come to an end, Rowan.”
As Rowan was caught off guard, Thomason instantaneously thrust his blade straight into Rowan’s gut. Blood welled from the wound as Rowan stumbled back. For a moment I could’ve sworn a spark of fire literally extinguished in his eyes.
I clasped my mouth in a shocking gasp and widened eyes, forgetting all about magic and a chance to help. Terrowin screamed and went into a fit, but no sound escaped the hand clasping his mouth. He struggled to get loose with all the power he had, but he was still pretty much stuck... too weak to do anything about it.
It got worse when Rowan collapsed to the floor in a pool of his own blood.
“Let the boy go,” Thomason ordered and Terrowin was released. He was quick to sprint off. Terrowin could’ve struck Thomason down on the spot in a bloody revenge, but instead he directly went to his father, collapsing by his side with a heavy heart.
United Dragons Page 24
