Taber

by K Fisher

  “I understand. I believe we can start the journey up the High Mountains. If we create enough of a stir, the dwarves will come to us before we reach their homes. If I can speak to their leader he will remember my face and story. Although they may not be the friendliest when we first meet them, the tides will turn soon enough. If I have my way, you’ll not be apart from Silthia for long and we’ll not risk our lives or hers in the cold.”

  “Begin. Before I change my mind,” Silthia huffed, head jerking towards the trail headings beyond the edge of the forest. The start of the road upward was paved in trampled and cleared undergrowth, footprints scattered along the icy ground from dwarves and villagers that had returned to their villages nestled in the mountains.

  “If the dwarves are the only beings able to withstand the cold, how do we plan to galivant our way to them, exactly? And we are just going to walk the trail as far as we can with a dragon? What about those who pass us?”

  Bethinium started walking ahead, Silthia moving swiftly behind. Her body was close to the ground as her horned tail swiped across the frozen grass like a snake. They both glanced over at each other and shared a knowing smile, only Silthia looking back at Alni when he was finally answered.

  “The time for sneaking is over, boy. Taber knows we are here, and now it is just a race to the key.”

  Alni kicked up his heels and quickly caught up to them, the three travelers approaching the trailhead together. He opened his mouth to talk back to Silthia but she was quick to speak once again before he could inquire further. “I may not be able to get to the top, but I will fly ahead several hours as high as I can and find us some food. I shall meet you up the trail, it will quicken this journey. If I find a dwarf, I will collect him before he alerts the others and we can deal with him when you arrive.”

  “Be careful,” Alni said, the ache in his chest beginning at the mere thought of her being hours away instead of just at the forest’s edge. The more distance the two put between each other, the more the ache intensified. It was the bond, Silthia had explained to him at one point, but that was about the extent of the information she had divulged to Alni about any of it. A promise to a King of Dragons, let alone the Mystic Dragon, was never broken. It was different than the ache of sadness Alni felt over leaving Dora behind. The pull of the bond was a spell that propelled two very different beings together in an agreement without them doing it by their own choice. Missing Dora? It was something Alni threw himself into with only a little hesitation, something he chose.

  Silthia’s amethyst eyes watched them both for a moment longer before she pushed off from the icy ground and into the air, her wings spread and beat at the wind as she was launched towards the mountainside and into the sky. Her wings left behind a dusting of what almost appeared like snow, the cold frost raining down on Bethinium and Alni before they started back up the trail.

  “Bethinium, what if Taber already has the key?”

  Bethinium’s brown eyes were focused on the trail ahead, steps long and quick as he ignored the wood directional sign at the forefront of the path. It seemed he already knew which of the ways they would be taking up the mountain and it left Alni with some relief that he had a true idea of their bearings. Bethinium’s voice was gruff and low, almost unfamiliar as he answered him.

  “If he has the key, we will only be a short way behind him but if we go to the key before he does we can ensure this ends. I need Taber far away from the Yurel Oceans. His little necromancer friend, too. Now, let us work on some magic and take advantage of this surely freezing adventure we find ourselves in.”

  “You already taught me how to make a fire, I can make one when we meet back up with Silthia again.”

  “Yes, but wouldn’t it be much warmer to carry a flame close?” Bethinium continued up the trail, hands leaving his pockets as he pulled off the glove on his left hand, turning so his palm was facing upward. Closing his eyes, Bethinium said no words, simply walked on with his eyes closed. A few moments later, a flame erupted in his hand making Alni jump back away from him as the warmth bit at the open air between them.

  “Doesn’t that-”

  “Hurt? No, not at all. Close your eyes, Alni. Focus on pulling the warmth and the energy from the living things around you. Imagine a small strand of energy leaks upward from the ground beneath you and trails up your body until it becomes magic in your hand. This is the natural way to create the emotional response your magic has become. Warlocks are taught to pull and to bend magic and energy to what they desire. Because the magic seeks to protect you, it’s much harder to teach you this connection; you must break past the guards you have up and learn to summon what you desire. You are a warlock, whether elves possess magic, or not. A mystery in this world that we will call a blessing.”

  Alni closed his eyes, walking forward as he focused on the hard ground beneath his feet and the crunching incline upward into the cold morning. He pictured heat, warmth filling his body and trailing upward to his exposed hand extended before him. The magic was almost instant, filling him with a joy he hadn’t felt since seeing Dora the previous night. When he opened his eyes, Alni knew he’d see a flame hovering above his palm.

  Instead, his foot caught under a rock, body stumbling forward and nearly sending him sprawling out against the ground. The flame in his hand launched outward when his body jerked, smashing against the side of a nearby tree. Bethinium cursed, murmuring something under his breath before the fire in his own hands disappeared. A small patch of snow near the pathway melted to nothing, the water trailing along the ground until it reached the scorched spot where Alni’s fire had met the tree, controlled by Bethinium’s pointed finger as it extinguished the flames.

  “Try not to burn down the mountain, Alni. We have a lot of training to do before we meet up with Silitha, again.”

  Chapter Nine

  The Elven Lands, Castle Herrick

  As Dora observed the attendees of the counsel meeting, she found herself disappointed. It was not for lack of power, as she had the most powerful leaders amongst elves, humans, and fairies in her presence. The dwarves had declined, which was not surprising, and the dragons were without a leader after the end of Mallor’s reign and the death of their previous King. That being said, most were in attendance including the remaining living members of her own family. Although they were all divided in leaders, the land under Dora’s reign and those who resided within outpowered the others. They may have led their people, but they were all in agreement to the kingdom she ruled.

  What was truly disappointing about it all was knowing that these powerful leaders had simply allowed a traitorous snake to trick them and take the throne. Sure, Mallor had dragons behind him instilling fear into the lands but surely the combined power of the races could have taken him down in the end? Why had it all come down to her inexperienced group to end him? In the final moments, she had to fight for the throne her bloodline demanded she occupy, while her family cowered and the lands obeyed a murderer with none of her people’s blood within him.

  It was a concept she had much more pity for before taking the throne back. She did not want masses to die and the way the throne had been reclaimed was the best possible outcome for the situation, but it did not leave her feeling safe about her position among them. Even as she sat at the end of the long, eloquent wooden table in her dining hall with her guards, she looked at the leaders before her and could see nothing but cowards that would bow for the one who led, whether they were evil or good.

  How did she know they didn’t all truly support Mallor’s beliefs and wish the dragons were enslaved and Desin forced to obey? Even those in her family could be plotting to take her down, surely not fearing her as they had feared Mallor and his army. She was simply a young woman who had not had her formative years in the castle among their customs… Killing their king and taking over the throne.

  When she had first taken back the throne she had Silthia and Alni, a dragon and half-elf capable of powerful magic, an unheard of concept
among their kind. She had Bethinium, her warlock and right hand. Now, she was alone and it was becoming painfully clear she was not obtaining the sleep she so desperately needed to think clearly when she needed it the most. Food turned to ash in her mouth, the countless sleepless nights she was plagued with left dark bags under her eyes and a twitch at the edge of the bloodshot golden orbs.

  Her short black hair was messy, unkempt despite her best efforts to tame it. Although she had taken time to dress herself appropriately in a long, green satin dress she would have otherwise burned in a past time, knowing it would gain favor with the leaders who prided royal mannerisms, Dora still felt like they believed her a madwoman despite Marianne’s best efforts to convince her she was sane.

  Even now as she spoke of the strides they were taking in rebuilding Glade and the Elven lands, she felt their scrutiny and questioning gazes. The voice in her head speaking louder than her own as it spewed nonsense into her tired mind.

  They believe you are young. You’ll never be half the Queen your mother was, or half the leader your father had been. You are an imposter.

  To her left, Dora’s aunt sat with her hands clasped in her lap politely. Her long ears were heavily pierced, resting against the side of her head as her head bowed with respect, receiving the orders Dora laid out for them all. Her strong features were complemented with long, flowing brown hair, the delicate and innocent appearance further supported by the soft, cream colored modest dress she wore. A vision of beauty, and Dora knew little to nothing about her. Getting a read on the aristocratic relative was something she desired to do, but could not summon the time and energy with her current schedule, despite needing the backup and support of the leaders more than anything.

  “I will ensure those in Glade know they can begin building on the scorched lands, Your Highness, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say you have taken on a lot since taking the throne. Many have healed and plans are falling into place, perhaps if you took some time off and presented some duties to others on the counsel, we can assist you further,” Dora’s aunt spoke softly, honey dripping from the words, words she did not yet know if she could trust.

  “I am doing wonderfully. Perfectly well rested, Anita,” Dora quickly responded, shaking her head as she met the eye of each leader in turn. “I thank you for your offer of help and concern, but this is what I was born to do, and I will do it. I will not stop even after Desin is safe and rebuilt from the terror that befell it before. There are a great many things that must still be put into place, and I assure you I am prepared for each of them in turn. I am quite disappointed our people allowed such a fraud to place them under control, and I will do everything in my power to set right that wrong. Until we meet again,” she finished, bowing her head to the leaders as the sounds of chairs pulling from the table were heard.

  They bowed and spoke their goodbyes, guided to the exits and out of the dining hall. Through it all, Anita remained seated at the table. Dora slowly lowered into her own seat, golden eyes fixed on her family member as she tried to get a feel for her energy and any deceit that may have been hiding just below the surface.

  “Do you wish to speak further, Anita?” Dora inquired, clearing her throat as she reached for the goblet in front of her, stopping short when she didn’t remember pouring it herself after first bringing it with her. Leaving it alone, she turned her chair to face her aunt, the closeness unsettling but necessary.

  “I am only worried about you, Elladora, I know you have been through a lot and experienced so much in your life. I do not want this position to harm you in the long run, please trust that I have your best interest at heart when I ask what I can do to help,” Anita said softly, boldly extending a hand to rest it upon Dora’s shoulder softly. “Whatever is the matter, truly?” Her light brown eyes were soft and gentle, easing her words into her mind like a warm, cozy blanket.

  “Nothing,” Dora lied, no intention upon sharing the voice and presence that teased her at night and her journey to find the hidden apothecary. “Again, I thank you for your concern, but I must focus on the plans at hand and moving forward with attempts to assist the dragons in finding new leadership.”

  “Of course,” Anita nodded, standing and bringing her hand to her side once again. “I will still extend my assistance whenever possible. I will be close by and here if you need anything. Until then, I’ll report your orders. Sleep well, Your Highness.”

  The last of her words left a chill in the air, one Dora could not place. Was it from the similar words she had heard from the being that came to her at night, and now her aunt, or was it simply her own mind?

  “Thank you.” Dora bowed her head, standing as well.

  The guards behind her straightened up, preparing to leave and follow her wherever she needed to go without question. But when her aunt left the dining hall, another guard entered in her stead. He stopped before Dora, bowing his head low as he spoke. “There is a man who has come to meet with you and bring warnings, he insists you know him. I have been asked to bring the message.”

  Hope soared in Dora’s chest, despite knowing that if it were Alni, the guards would have all ushered him in after recognizing him immediately. Already word of him had started to spread throughout the lands, much as news of herself had. Still, there was a small part of her that wondered if he had returned from his journey with the others.

  “Who is it?” she inquired.

  “He goes by the name of Atair, Guardian of the…Bridge?”

  Chapter Ten

  When Atair waltzed into the room, he looked about as smug as one could be. With a wiggle of his eyebrows, he approached the table quickly, pausing only when the guards swiftly fell into line next to him. It was a silent warning that he was running up to the new leader a bit too hastily, so he eased up a step with his hands in the air defensively, Marianne scrambling in at his heel.

  “Hey, hey. The little Highness knows me! We’re old, new friends, aren’t we Dora?” he said softly, a twinkle in his bright blue eyes as he winked at her.

  “Phillip and Marianne, please stay. The rest of you leave us for the time being,” Dora said quietly, suspicion clear in her shadowed eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest and observed Atair.

  Not much time had passed since she and Alni had escaped his watchful eye in the middle of the night and headed to the castle. He had been suspicious of their mission and the Stone of Dragons in their possession, certain bringing it to Mallor would seal all of their fates and doom them to dragon fire. After stealing back their things in the middle of the night and running from his camp, Dora had been certain they would never see the warlock again.

  It had not been terribly long since she last laid eyes on him but it was clear the return of balance was being good to him. He appeared to have gained some weight, the smooth, twilight skin of his face was filled out and cheery, no longer defined and angled as it had been when she previously saw him. He had long abandoned the dirty cloak he wore at the bridge, now settling for a clean, eloquent red tunic, an eye-catching color that forced him to stand out.

  Noticing her calculating stare, Atair took another step towards the table and pulled out a chair, leaning against the back casually as one long leg crossed at his knee. His elbow landed on the table, hand reaching for a half-empty goblet that had been left behind. Observing the contents, he sighed and placed it back down on the table before looking over to Marianne with a lingering eye.

  “You are a good looking woman,” he said with a smirk, the flirtatious words earning a huff and disapproving shake of the head from Marianne. Turning back to Dora, his smile remained. “I am elated you both were able to succeed in your task. I have to say, I was shocked beyond reason when I heard Mallor was dethroned and the dragons freed. I didn’t think it could possibly be true and my people were finally free from the terror of dragons and the King, especially not when I heard it was due to the efforts of a half-elf, rogue dragon, and the rightful heir to the throne,” he said casually, no anger or dista
ste in his words, only a nonchalance that was hard for Dora to place.

  “So, you came here for what reason? To let me tell you we told you so? Well… We told you so,” Dora responded, shrugging as she reached a hand out to pull out her own chair, but Phillip grabbed it first, her guard pulling it out for her as she sat. “Thanks,” she murmured, eyes back on Atair.

  “I suppose that is completely fair. But I’ve actually come with some logic and a proposition. First, I must get an apology out of the way,” he said, eyes suddenly serious as he leaned forward and broke some of the distance between the two of them. “I kept you from your birthright and you taking back Desin. I stood in the way when my one purpose has always been to keep the people free and safe. Being able to bring them back to Glade and help them build a home in which they could finally stay was an experience I feared I’d never get to see.”

  Without another word, he bowed his head with respect. An immediate flush of discomfort surged through Dora, unsure what to do with the apology and his words - not at all prepared for them in the first place. “You’re fine, really. Things are slowly going to right themselves.”

  No, they will not. You are a fool to think such things. A fake that poses as a leader.

  Atair’s voice broke through the evil words in her exhausted mind, bringing Dora’s focus back to the meeting at hand. “I told you once before that I worked under Mallor and left his reign when told to use my position to terrorize the people, that I refused to use the magic Desin had blessed me with for his wishes.” When Dora nodded, he continued. “All I ever wanted was to serve Desin and protect the people. Now the people that I protected are safe and I serve no further purpose. I have no family, no land, and although I know there’s room for me to build in Glade with the others, that is not where my heart is.”