“Tomorrow, I will be heading back home. This is one adventure I am never going to forget, that is for sure. You are one brave woman, my dear sister. I could never imagine Everdeen doing something like that,” Jacob said.
“Thank you, Jacob,” I said.
Hearing my older brother say those kind words, I hugged him tight as he was there for us on the entire trip. He had kept to his word, and we got back no problem.
My brother walked into his room, and Jonah walked me to my door.
“See, you did it. We made it back with no problem,” Jacob said.
After a few moments of silence, I knew I would have to talk to him about what was making him uncomfortable.
“What I said in the forest is true. I do love you, but what I cannot be is your wife. It would not feel right, and it feels like I am fighting against my conscience,” I said.
Jonah looked at me and breathed in. All he could do was take his hands and place one hand on each side of my face.
“All that I am wanting is that you do not leave the court. Since you have arrived, you have done so much good that no one could ever achieve. No woman can do what you have done. I will love you till the day I die,” he said.
After he kissed me on the forehead, he walked away from me. Making my way into my room and lying down on my bed, so much went through my mind. Jonah was right about one thing, though; I was not going home.
Chapter Eighteen
So many events from the last couple of days were going through my mind. I knew for sure that I was not going anywhere.
After getting dressed, I walked down the hallway at top speed. I had the letter from Lord Milo in my hand, and I wanted to hand it to the King as quickly as possible. Making it into the large hall, the King was talking to my father and brother. Jonah was nowhere to be seen.
“We have heard about the trip being a success, my daughter,” father said, smiling from ear to ear with pride.
Walking near them, I had the letter in my hand and handed it over to the King. He was shocked that I gave it to him.
“The response from Lord Milo, your majesty,” I stated.
Handing the response to the King, he opened the envelope and sat down in silence. My father backed up and stood beside me.
“Is the response going to work in our favor?” my father asked in a hushed tone.
“Just wait and see, father,” I replied.
After a moment of silence, there was a smile across the King's face and a look of relief.
“Well, you did the right thing, my lady, and with that, I do want to thank you,” he said.
Bowing to him, all I could do was say nothing because, to be honest, it was so stressful, but it was a mission that would affect many people. Lord Milo looked like he had no desire to hurt us.
Walking out of the hall with my father, we made it almost near the village until he wanted to talk to me.
“Your brother and I are going to be heading back home here in a few minutes. I know about Oren, and I am so sorry, but the choice is now yours to stay here because you are grown up. From what your brother has said, you have become fond of this Kingdom. The choice is up to you,” he said.
“My desire, for now, is to stay, father. Please be safe in your travel home. I’m sure mother and Everdeen are missing the both of you,” I said.
Jacob walked up to both of us, and we did a big group hug. My father smiled at me and walked away. He was leaving Jacob and me alone for a few seconds.
“Be safe, dear sister. I know what you want to do. It is a challenge, but you can overcome it. If you need anything, please write to me, and I will come as soon as possible,” he said.
He walked away, and all I could do was turn around and walk back to the castle as a few tears escaped from my eyes. Walking through this castle, I knew I was meant to be here. Plus, a part of me was hoping that Lord Curtis would keep his word about Oren.
Not knowing what to do next, I walked around all day, not wanting to remain in my room. Knowing that Jonah was going to need his space, I began walking up and down the halls. Before I knew it, the day was over halfway gone.
Sitting down on a bench, all I could think about was wanting to become the Dragon Master and remembering what Lord Milo and Curtis had told me about how no one truly knows who becomes the next master. Well, maybe that is the reason no one has become one, I thought to myself.
Oren was still on my mind, but then I realized that I love Jonah, but I wanted Oren more. Neither one of us knew it before it was too late. That is why I hope Oren will come back and not be afraid of a predicted future. It is up to him what his future will bring him.
Queen Aliza walked down the hall, and I got up and bowed down to her. She had such a massive smile on her face. She sat down next to me.
“I am so thrilled that you are back. The three of you were very brave to do what you have done. I only wish that someone else was here to see how much you have accomplished,” the Queen said.
Suddenly, the Queen had a sad look on her face, and she was staring down at the ground. Looking at her, I could tell she was unhappy about something, and it had to be the same person I was sad about not being here also.
“You are thinking about Oren, aren’t you?”
“It still shocks me that the King believed what that witch said. Grr, he is always someone prone to superstition, but he is our heir and the next to become King. Then all because one person predicts his future to be dark, he makes Oren run away,” she replied.
Grabbing the Queen’s hand, I gave it a tight squeeze. Looking at her, I could tell she was devastated that he was gone.
“Your son is strong, and I think he will know when to return,” I said.
“Oren loves you, and he was always enamored with you since he saw you singing under that tree so long ago. Oren said you were both young, and you had probably forgotten. He told me it was a moment he would never forget,” she said.
“It took me some time, but I do remember it now. When I was out there on the road, I realized that I do love Oren. I only hope he can feel that and have the strength to come back,” I stated.
For the first time, I admitted that I loved Oren more than Jonah. Jonah finally knew, and he was kind enough to respect my decision.
Nightfall was starting to set, and I was about to say something of encouragement to the Queen; however, a soldier ran towards us as he came from the gate!
“Your highness, dear lady, there are two men on a horse screaming for help. They do not seem to appear like they want to harm,” he said.
“Go, and inform the King. Take us down to the gate first,” she yelled.
We both got up and ran at top speed down to the gate. There were two men on a horse. One man is covered with a hood, and another man was injured.
The man pulled his hood down, and it was Curtis! Running over to the man that the guards were helping down off the horse was Oren! Oren was injured! Wherever they were, they looked like they had been ambushed!
“My God!” The Queen yelled.
Oren opened his eyes, and he looked at my face. All I could do was cry and smile at the same time. A guard picked him up and was taking him away.
“Have a healer come to the castle! Tell him Prince Oren is hurt!” the Queen yelled before screaming, “Do it now!”
Walking over to Curtis, he was standing there in pure silence. Like he had witnessed something horrible.
“Curtis, what is the matter?” I asked.
“My father…is dead. Lord Adeem invaded Daramir and took over. He has my mother captive! He hated that my father kept his promise. He did not want violence, but Adeem was not listening. So, one of his men stabbed my father. My mother told me to run here as fast as I could,” he replied.
Hearing him say all of that, I was at a loss for words because it was like nothing was wrong or out of place when we were there the day before. I was at a loss for where the hell Oren was all that time.
“Where was Oren all this time?” I asked.
<
br /> “Oren came to me on the outskirts of my father’s land. He was staying in my room, and I was hiding him. He was depressed and would not tell me anything, but after meeting you, I figured it out and when you told me about what my aunt had said.
When Lord Adeem attacked, I ran to my room to grab him and run, but he was shot with an arrow as we were leaving. I managed to pull the arrow out, and we jumped on a horse and began running like hell,” he replied.
We walked up to the castle and made our way to Oren’s room. Everyone was running in and out of the room. The King was walking out, and he was so pale.
“Your Majesty, this is Lord Curtis of Daramir; he saved Oren’s life,” I stated.
King Valkan walked over to Curtis and held out his hand.
“Thank you for saving my son. The healer has managed to stop the bleeding, but he is very hysterical,” he said.
We filled in the King on what happened after we left Daramir. King Valkan looked beyond shocked. Like he was not wanting to believe what he was hearing.
“Your mother is Lady Kris’s sister?” he asked.
“Yes,” Curtis replied.
“Lord Adeem has her captive?”
“Yes. Lord Adeem will not kill her. My mother is too valuable, and she will do what she must to survive. She was the one to tell me to run. Oren was hiding out with me as we have been friends for a while. He was injured when we were getting away. All I could do was ride for hours until I saw your castle. This place was the only place I could think of,” he replied.
The healer walked out of Oren’s room, with the Queen right behind him.
“The Prince is asking for you, dear lady. Prince Jonah is still in there. I will come back when it is light out,” he said.
After all of them walked away, Curtis and I walked into Oren’s room. He looked like a stampede of horses had run him over, but he looked at me and held out his hand. All I could do was run to him and hold his outstretched hand.
“I am so sorry,” he said.
“This is not your fault, but you are home now. Curtis brought you here,” I said.
Jonah sat in the corner, and he was keeping his composure.
“What will happen now?” Jonah asked.
“Prince Jonah, I do not know, but we need to be prepared. My mother will do what she can in her power to distract Lord Adeem from not attacking for as long as possible. Once the time is right, I will track down someone loyal to me and willing to spy to get us further details from within the castle,” Curtis replied.
Jonah and Curtis walked out of the room, leaving me alone with Oren. All I could do was lay down next to him and touch his face.
“You loved my singing,” I said.
Oren looked at me in confusion, but then his eyes widened.
“Ever since the moment I met you,” he said.
Looking at him, I knew that I could not let anything happen to him. A woman was being held captive, and now it was time for me to do what I was meant to do.
“Oren, there is something I need to tell you,” I said.
Curtis and Jonah then walked back in when I was about to tell him.
“Can I please talk to him in private?” I asked.
“No, I want them to stay,” Oren replied.
Looking at him, I knew it would be a lot for him to take, but I could not keep it to myself about the egg any longer. All I could do was take a chair and sit down next to his bed. Ready to tell him what I should have told him a long time ago.
Chapter Nineteen
Once I was finished speaking, Oren was at a loss for words. Jonah was standing there, speechless that I told him everything. Curtis had his mouth open too.
“So, that is why you stared at Giddeon’s statue?” Curtis asked.
“Of course. I came from a world where I saw nothing. There was a thought in my mind that I could make a difference, but from what many people told me when it came to becoming a dragon master, no one knew how it happens,” I said.
Jonah walked over to the other side of Oren’s bed and sat down next to him.
“Brother, we were going to tell you and father at a good time, but so much happened. Please forgive us,” Jonah said, bowing his head.
“Of course I do. No one knew that evil man Adeem was going to backstab his ally. That means he has no honor,” Oren said.
“But now he has my father’s men and my mother captive,” Curtis said.
Looking at him, Curtis was trying to be assertive about what was happening, but we could see the tears clouding his eyes and maybe his judgment. Now, Lord Adeem has more men than ever under his control, and Curtis’s mother is powerful.
“My love, you need to finish your journey,” Oren said.
Looking at him, I did understand what he was saying.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“You are meant for great things. Now your journey needs to be complete. Once I am healed, I am going to be well enough and able to fight. We all need to come together for independence. No one should be taken captive, but in my stead, you need to lead,” Oren replied.
Hearing those words, I knew he was right. Adeem was now powerful, and we did not know when he was coming and what he was capable of. Now was the time for me to see if I am what I want to be.
Oren then grabbed my hand and squeezed it tight.
“Will you still marry me? Once I am well,” he said.
Learning towards his ear, I whispered his answer.
“Yes, very much so. I will marry you,” I said.
Seeing his response, he had nothing but a smile on his face. He knew even though he left me; I wanted him back. This time I was not going to let him go.
Leaving his room, many people were running up and down the hall. I decided to make my way down to the village. When I got there, the King was waiting at the gate. Jonah and Curtis were right behind me.
“My lady, you should not be going outside the gate,” he said.
“Your Highness, there is somewhere that I need to go, but believe me, it is going to help us,” I stated.
“We will go with her father,” Jonah spoke up.
The King looked at us confused, but he moved out of the way so we could mount our horses.
Riding through the gates, we rode away and down the now familiar road towards my destiny. Making our way there, we jumped off our horses and went to the cave as fast as we could. I went running in and found the egg. It was so beautiful, and I picked it up.
In my mind, I did not know if I was meant to become the next dragon master. There has not been one for such a long time. A dragon was meant to hatch when there was a reason.
“Please, precious creature, I know you can hear my voice. A terrible danger is coming. If I am meant to be dragon master, please hatch,” I said.
All I could do was sit there. I heard Curtis and Jonah walk up towards the edge of the cave. Both of them walk towards me as I kneel on the ground with the dragon egg cradled in my hands.
“My God, I never thought I would ever see a dragon egg in my life. It is so beautiful,” Curtis said as soon as he saw what I was holding.
“We have no idea how long it has been here. My guess is hundreds of years. We found that egg in the mountains over there a couple of months ago and then moved it to this cave,” Jonah said.
Staring at the egg, I was hoping that the creature inside of the egg was listening to me because now was the time we needed help. I leaned forward and lightly kissed the egg. A part of me realized that nothing was going to happen.
“Let's go. I think I do not have it in me,” I said.
Both of them were shocked that, of all people, I wanted to give up.
“But you are the Dragon Master. Your journey has only begun,” Jonah said.
Walking past him, Curtis stood where he was standing. Not moving.
“Arabella, you need to come back,” he said.
Turning around, I ran back, and he was not kidding. The egg was moving.
“Back up,”
I said.
Both of them walked back to the mouth of the cave.
The egg began moving, and something within it began pulsating, and I could feel the same pulse running deep within my core. Did this mean that I was the one? The Dragon Master!
This was all new for me. I had never seen an egg do that before, until now.
“Precious creature,” I whispered, “You are needed!”
Suddenly, the shell began to crack, and I saw something looking at me from within. The surface continued to break, and I could feel from within the little creature moving around trying to push the top of the shell away. Then it hatched! Jumping from my hand and landing at my feet, I did not know what was happening. Before I knew it, a small green creature turned its head up at me.
Not wanting to scare it, I watched it until it opened its bright yellow eyes. It stood right in front of me, staring. I felt a deep connection building between us, so I hold out my arm and let it climb on me.
Looking at it, I had a strong feeling that it was a boy. It was an instinct within me.
“So what shall we call you?”
I was thinking for a few seconds for a name. It had to be something unique. Then it came to me.
“Welcome to us, Ryu,” I said.
Getting up from the ground, Ryu was holding onto my arm, and I walked towards the edge of the cave. The boys were waiting for me, and Jonah jumped up in shock, and Curtis did not know what to say.
“My God, you are the next master!” Curtis said with utter disbelief in his voice as he looked at the dragon on my arm.
“What is his name Bella?” Jonah asked.
“ Ryu,” I replied.
Looking at Ryu, I knew from that second that I had to be the next master. Because after talking to him, Ryu hatched. Darkness and fear are coming for us. Lord Adeem had a large army at his disposal. A woman and a dragon are going to protect anyone he hurts.
My name is Lady Arabella of Winterdom, and I am The Dragon Master.
About The Author
She was born in Northern California. Wife, mother to three exceptional children, and author of fantasy and adventure. Samantha brings adventure with a mix of fantasy to the pages. Advocate for people who have Russell Silver Syndrome and epilepsy.
The Dragon Master (The Journey Book 1) Page 10
