by Jay Lynn
“Hello?” she called out.
Neck straining, she listened closely for any form of reply.
“You arrived much quicker than I expected,” said a deep feminine voice.
Jerking back, Isabelle and Jade glanced at each other with puzzled frowns.
“Cassidy?” they questioned simultaneously.
Walking out of a darkened overhang, the green dragon appeared in the glistening sunlight. She peered at the two humans prior to lowering herself to the ground. No smile pulled at her scaled lips as she sat in silence.
“Cassidy, I am so pleased to see you,” Jade greeted fondly. If anyone would know to where the warrior had ventured off, then it would be her. “Have you seen Alec?”
Jade’s words seemed to linger in the air for an extended amount of time. The small grin on her face melted away as the dragon took longer and longer to answer.
“I fear you are too late, Jade. Alec departed some time ago.”
Mouth moving soundlessly, the noble’s head pulled back. “What—whatever do you mean? Why is no one aware of this?”
“Yeah,” Isabelle agreed. “If Alec was going on a journey, then why did he not tell us? Even Malcolm has no idea where he went.”
Cassidy sighed, expelling a wisp of smoke.
“Alec didn’t tell anyone because he knew those he cared for would try and stop him.”
“Try and stop him?” Isabelle repeated dumbfounded. “Is he in some type of trouble? Alec should know that I would gladly fight alongside him—no matter who his enemy may be.”
A small, sad smile pulled at the corner of Cassidy’s lips. She had no doubt that the feisty sage would do just as she claimed, which was why the prince chose to depart as he had.
“Pray, Cassidy, where is he?” Jade asked stepping closer with fingers tightly intertwined.
“Alec has gone to Ellfraya, realm of the dragons, to fulfill his part of the prophecy.”
“When do you expect him to return?”
Silence.
Jade moved nearer and placed a hand on the green creature’s leg. “Cassidy?”
The dragon bowed her head and looked to the side. Alec’s final request was more difficult than she surmised.
“He’s not coming back, is he?” Isabelle concluded.
Jade whirled around with wide eyes. “I do not understand,” she said, her gaze darting between the two. “Why would he not return?”
Cassidy shifted to peer back at the noblewoman. “Do you recall the white dragon form Alec can create?”
Both ladies nodded, leaning forward as the dragon began to speak.
“That creature is a manifestation of his soul. Alec’s power is in his blood, like a dragon’s. It is his very life force. According to the prophecy, the magic gifted to your ancient king by Emperor Draco and Empress Shiori must be returned in order to unite our races.”
“Wait,” Isabelle said, waving her hands. “So, Alec is going to use his power on the dragon rulers like that day he mistakenly did with you?”
Cassidy nodded. “The emperor and empress are connected to all dragons. To transform them will transform us all. However, once this power is united with its original owners, it will not flow back to its host.”
“Did you not say that Alec’s magic is his life?” Jade questioned.
“Oh my stars,” Isabelle gasped. “He’s going to sacrifice himself. That’s why he didn’t tell us. Alec knew that he is going to die.”
“That cannot be!” Jade spun around searching Cassidy’s yellow gaze. “Tell me she is mistaken. How could you let him depart knowing his intent?”
“Do you think my heart is as cold as my scales?” Cassidy returned sternly. “Alec means a great deal to me as well, hence why I carried out his will and awaited you here. This has always been the fate of the marked one. Had he not asked it of me, I would be by his side now.”
Did they really believe it gave her any pleasure to sit here while the prince carried out his final task? Cassidy wished as much as any that there was another way to bridge the gap between their two kinds.
The harsh tone of the dragon’s words caused tears to form in Jade’s eyes. “Is there…is there not another way?”
Releasing a huff, Cassidy forced her voice to soften. It wasn’t Jade’s fault for the helplessness of their situation. Never knowing of the prophecy, the shock of Alec’s deemed fate could not be easy for her to bear.
“Peace does not come without price, Jade. There is no other way.”
A roaring filled the noble’s ears. Leaning heavily against the dragon, she was sure that her heart had stopped beating from the sorrow of Alec’s fate. Lifting trembling fingers, Jade touched her lips. It would seem her fears had been well justified, Alec was saying goodbye. Closing her eyes tightly, Jade curled a fist against her chest. She could not imagine what must be going through his mind. To know that the path fate had chosen for him would lead to his death, and yet, still have the courage to face it head-on, took a person of incredible strength of heart. That didn’t mean he had to meet it alone.
Inhaling slowly, Jade opened her eyes and looked straight at Cassidy. “Come, my friend. Let us not delay another moment.”
The dragon frowned. “What are you speaking of?”
“I speak of Ellfraya.” Jade peered at Isabelle, then back at Cassidy. “Even if there is nothing we can do, Alec deserves to have the people he cares for by his side. It is my turn to lend him some of my strength. We cannot allow him to carry this burden alone.”
Watching the unwavering determination in Jade’s eyes, Cassidy could feel her resolve lessen. No matter the length of time she spent in their company, these humans still managed to catch her off guard.
“I’m coming too,” Isabelle said, moving to stand on the magical creature’s other side. “Jade’s right. Alec has always been there for us. Let us offer our support this final time.”
Snorting loudly, Cassidy stretched out her long, glossy wings. “You must promise to remain by my side at all times. While humans are welcome in Ellfraya, Azurartain is a sacred mountain where only dragons reside. As far as I am aware, Alec is the first human to ever set foot upon its stone. There are many who may not take kindly to either of you intruding.”
“I am willing to take that risk,” Jade told her sincerely.
“As am I,” Isabelle added.
Cassidy studied the two women for a long moment. She had promised to look after Jade. However, she never said that she wouldn’t bring her to him. As long as she protected the determined woman, then she would be keeping her word.
“Very well. Let us go find our Alec.”
Chapter 21
Cloak wrapped tightly about his shoulders, Alec gazed at the passing scenery with renewed interest. Ardys had descended from the clouds shortly after crossing the border into Ellfraya. Alec had switched dragons during a brief stop while still in Malyndor. The ebony warrior was less inclined to have a rider than his fiery companion. Below, the thin layer of snow was quickly melting, giving him a clear view of the rolling valleys and high mountains. Alec wasn’t sure what to expect of the dragon realm. The rumored fire and brimstone covered lands was sure to be false, yet the lush, thriving landscape hadn’t come to mind either.
Well into their journey, Alec’s escort was flanked by additional guards. In the distance, a large mountain jutted up through the horizon.
Ardys adjusted his wings, heading straight for the massive rock. This was their ultimate destination. Azurartain was more than the tallest mountain in the realm, it was the sacred home of the royal dragons themselves, and the place where the ceremony would be held. It was here that Alec would meet his fate.
As they grew ever closer, Alec studied the wondrous sight. Three main peaks dominated the mountain in increasing heights. On the far left, a series of caverns was carved into the lowest peak like a private mountain village. Most of the dragons living on Azurartain had caves linked to those entrances. The second peak was the dwelling of Emperor Draco
and Empress Shiori. Below, a few openings could be seen scattered down the rock where the highest ranking dragons resided. A path was cut into the stone leading to the right and up the curving ridge towards the tallest point of the mountain. There, a large circular platform stood. Positioned directly beneath the stars, this spot was linked to the very magic of the world.
Landing on the lowest incline, Ardys and Tatsu folded their wings as a large, pale blue dragon came to meet them. His silvery eyes studied Alec crossly as the human dismounted to stand beside his friend.
“Who is this human that you dare to bring to our sacred home?”
“Calm yourself, Izor. Prince Alakaid is welcome here by order of our exalted emperor,” Ardys replied, standing his ground.
The opposing creature scoffed. “Him? The marked one? I don’t believe such a claim. Are you certain that he has not deceived you? Humans are quite good for employing such tricks.”
Tatsu strode closer with narrowed eyes. “You are the last of us who should be commenting about tricks. With the moon almost in position, who are you to deny the marked one passage? Or is it your intent to stop our great leaders from strengthening their power?”
Izor jerked back with a snarl as several of the dragons watching the exchange began to whisper.
“There is no question of my loyalty,” he snapped.
Alec took a few steps. “If you’ll allow me, I can settle this quarrel easily.”
The fierce creature shifted his gaze to the human with a glare.
The sage paid him no mind. If these dragons needed more proof than the word of Ardys and Tatsu, then he would show them instead. In the center of the mountain, off to the right, was a large pool. Two massive dragon statues decorated the rim at the edge of a sheer drop where the water overflowed into three waterfalls. It was upon the closest waterfall where Alec lay his focus. Holding out his hand, he said not a word. The mark on his back started to glow, as did his eyes. Alec’s aura swirled around him like specks of starlight. The water spilling out of the pool slowed to a crawl prior to changing its direction. It looped into an arch and flowed back into the lake. Waving his hand, Alec twisted the stream back to its original form. He then released his control of the element, allowing the water to continue its normal flow.
Turning to look back at the other dragon, Alec questioned, “Are you satisfied?”
Izor grunted, spinning around to disappear through the growing crowd.
A small green dragon moved forward to take his place. Bowing, the creature greeted them excitedly. “Welcome, marked one. Their Majesties have sent me to act as your escort. Follow me.”
Spreading his wings, the dragon lifted into the air and hovered as he waited for the others to join him.
Peering back at the small gathering, Alec’s tense form didn’t move. How many more of these dragons were like Izor? With the ceremony so close at hand, he knew that he couldn’t trust anyone save for his guardians.
“Come Alec,” Ardys encouraged.
Exhaling with a short hiss, Alec mentally shook himself.
“Stay close at all times,” the red creature advised quietly.
Alec didn’t miss the way his friends were both intently watching the others crowded about the flat peninsula they had landed upon. They’re not sure who can be trusted either, the sage thought. Climbing onto Ardys’s back, he pressed his lips together. It would seem he had ventured from the pot into the frying pan so to speak. So much for a warm welcome.
Following their new escort, Ardys took him higher up the mountain towards the second peak. Two black dragons were stationed as sentries outside the main carved entrance. They watched the companions silently. There was no change in their expression or any forthcoming remarks upon seeing Alec. When Tatsu and Ardys each went to pass, the guards bowed their heads respectfully.
Alec lifted a single brow. “Do you know them?”
“All living here know the Takai by sight,” their escort informed him kindly.
“What is a Takai?”
There was a short pause before he answered, “In your language, it would resemble a general or an advisor. They are of the highest rank below our great Emperor and Empress.”
Alec gazed back at his friends with a classic half-smirk. “You never mentioned that either of you had such esteemed titles.”
“Mine was from a long time ago,” Ardys informed him, brushing the comment aside.
Tatsu, on the other hand, flashed Alec a rare smile. “Impressed?”
The prince laughed. “Indeed.”
Continuing along, Alec found that the great dragons’ titles were not the only thing of which he had no knowledge. In his limited experience, a mountain cave was dark, fairly enclosed and bore plain ridged rock. Azurartain was so much more than that. Deep within the tunnel, the high ceilings were covered in small shards of glowing crystals. They gleamed in the darkness like tiny, far away stars. The corridor opened up into a massive space. Sunlight reflected off of a waterfall flowing at the very back of the chamber into a deep pool. The water was ice blue, revealing various crystals which lined the sides of the rock beneath the surface. The lake led to an underground river that linked with the outside waterfalls.
Tall tunnels were carved on both sides of the space and even above them in a clever tunnel system. Yet, Alec’s eyes were locked on a large outcropping in the center of the water. Rising up in the shape of a vase, the arched rock formation had a flat shelf with a private ray of light shining upon it. Trees basked in the warm glow and a smaller waterfall seeped over the edge.
Alec didn’t need the others to tell him this was the very place where the royal dragons lived. Such a splendid location, like a gleaming jewel out in the water, could not possibly belong to anyone else.
Clearing his throat, their escort directed his new charge to the left into another set of darkened tunnels. Once out of the sun’s light, the ceiling came to life, illuminating itself. The size of the crystals grew until they were a mass of rolling waves upon the ceiling. Walking past the various rooms and tunnels, Alec noticed that the number of precious stones was increasing. At the end of the corridor, the small green dragon stepped to the side and bowed his head.
“Please wait inside,” he told Alec without any further instructions.
The prince slowly walked through the doorway with a hand unconsciously gripping the hilt of his blade. Stepping out of the shadows, he entered a chamber as strange and unique as the one with the hidden lake. This space didn’t possess any water as far as he could tell. Solid rock, the entire space was made up of clusters of large pale crystals in various shades. An open walkway hovered above the ground as it coiled around a central tower covered in stalagmites. The rock formations gleamed as if dusted with millions of diamonds.
Drawn to the pulsating energy of the thick pillar, Alec headed straight for the floating path and began to climb. Arms swinging by his side he rushed onward. He couldn’t say what possessed him to embark on this eager journey. It was almost as if something was calling out to him. At the top of the tower, Alec slowed his pace. His lips parted while his head tilted back to take in the entire splendor of the sight greeting his eyes.
A massive tree dominated the top of the dais. It was like nothing Alec had ever seen before. The tree’s thick encrusted roots were draped over the edge of the rock while the frosted branches stretched up towards the seemingly endless ceiling. Yet, those features paled in comparison to the small clusters of crystals covering the branches like blossoms. Alec could no sooner count them than guess the number of stars in the heavens. Without being aware, the sage found himself at the base of the tree. He gazed at the bright, gleaming foliage as if in a trance. The energy radiating from the tree was oddly familiar. It called to him, pulling him closer still. Reaching out, Alec’s fingers brushed a sparkling leaf.
Though his feet never left the ground, Alec felt like he was mentally jerked forward through a veil of white. The blank scenery sped by until he was deposited on the edge of a land sc
ored black like soot. Dragons covered in plated armor etched with runes stood on each side of the battlefield. They were not the only warriors present. Swords and scepters clutched in their fists, humans, both with and without magic, surrounded a pair of shimmering blue and purple colored dragons. A figure appeared across the way from the shadows. Alec could not see the human’s face, but its presence spurred both sides into action as they charged forward in a bloody clash.
Alec jerked back, stumbling a few steps as his mind tried to sort what was reality. What was that? The strange images had been too detailed, had felt far too real to be a dream. Fingers curling into his palm, Alec felt a slight tingle lingering behind.
“Welcome to Azurartain, Prince Alakaid,” said a deep female voice from the air.
Alec spun around to see a dark blue dragon come to land on the edge of the platform. She was unlike any dragon he had ever seen. Her scales were a royal blue with swirls of purple and green like a peacock. The translucent jewel on her head changed colors as she moved to study the human with sharp, pale blue eyes. She was not the largest of her kind, however, she was the most majestic creature Alec had ever laid eyes upon.
“Thank you, Empress Shiori,” Alec told her with a bow. “I owe my guardians much for seeing that I arrived safely.”
The queen’s gaze passed over the other dragons slowly. She offered each of them a slight nod prior to looking back at Alec. “I see only two are present.”
Alec stiffened. Peering momentarily to the ground, he took a deep breath.
“Cassidy remained in Stafford to carry out a…final request.”
Tilting her head to the side, Shiori sat down while she studied him quietly. “So, you do understand what is to come,” she observed. “And yet you came willingly.”
Turning to gaze back at the tree, Alec released a humorless laugh. “I suppose it does seem strange for someone to journey so far only to knowingly meet his death. Death…has not frightened me for some time. It comes to us all. I have no desire to end my life so quickly, yet…” Alec peered back at Tatsu and Ardys. A small smile touched the one side of his mouth. “Yet, if returning the magic in my blood will ensure a better future for those I care for, then I will meet that fate with my head held high.”
