"Speltus! Where are you?!"
If only you looked to see, and not to find, he responded. Hekla studied the boat, larger than a fishing vessel but smaller than a cargo ship, and struggled to comprehend how she had been able to push it with it such ease. On the water, it seemed to sail forward of its own accord until she noted the hand-carved dragon at the bow of the ship. Jewel encrusted eyes glinting under the sunlight.
"Is that you?" she asked of it, and the eyes appeared to blink in response. "For safety's sake?" she asked.
He didn't answer, but she knew it to be true. The boat glided slowly across the water, peaceful waves lulling it back and forth. Hekla sat at the bow, her foot hefted on the seat and elbow propped up as she looked out over the water. The beautiful city of Aequoris rose out of the horizon, jutting toward the sky as if the arms of the city longed to embrace the sky kingdom once more.
She had a long way to go before she reached its shores, and waiting in silent surrender on the waters surface allowed a whole dredge of things to claw their way into her mind. She tried to refocus her attention on the task at hand, but the dark watery depths around her reminded her of just how alone she truly was.
"Svana, Astrid!" she yelled out, willing they would appear before her.
Willing somehow the weight she felt was just a dream and they would be there to rescue her. To tell her it was all going to be all right as they had when she was younger.
"Hekla, do not despair. You will see them again. You will attain your rightful place as the queen, and all will be well." Speltus spoke in comforting tones, but it fell on deaf ears.
Hekla could only think about what she had left, and how she had failed so many times. "How will I ever defeat the king of Aequoris, if I cannot do a bit of magic?"
"You can do magic, and you will defeat him," he assured her.
Hekla turned her attention back to shore. It had grown reasonably smaller in her time on the water, and she debated turning back and running home.
"That won't solve anyone's problem, dear Hekla."
"Stop reading my thoughts!" she commanded.
Leaning over the side of the boat, Hekla dipped her fingers in the water.
"What are you doing?" Speltus asked her.
Hekla ignored his question, swirling her fingers in the water.
"Don't think you're going to jump in there and swim back to land. You must keep going," Speltus said.
Hekla started to protest when to her dismay, she realized during her moment of weakness, a small army of Aequoran soldiers had made their way to them.
"Ready yourself! They come," Speltus yelled at her. The small fleet of ships had surrounded the front of her ship. Unafraid, she stood tall and faced them, noticing their cannons aimed at her vessel.
"Please!" she yelled, "I am no threat, I mean you no harm! I come to aid the lands of Aequoris in a battle against Telluris!" Her voice was lost on the wind, and soon more large cannon muzzles had joined them.
Hekla yelled louder, "please, I want only peace!"
There was no response from the soldiers, and a moment later a cannonball came flying at her ship. It missed by a few feet and landed behind her. Water sprayed on her skin, and into her boat.
"Speltus!" she yelled out in fear.
"You know what to do, Hekla," he answered quickly.
Hekla nodded, and thrust her staff straight out. There was no doubt in her mind about what she must do. "Pyrem Orbium Expandum!"
A great ball of fire appeared in the air near her orb, and she made a circular motion with her staff. The flaming ball did the same.
Hekla pulled her wrist back, and as she thrust it forward as another cannonball hit the water near the bow of her vessel. She flicked her wrist, and yelled "Expandum, Expandum!"
The fireball she conjured split into several impressive sized orbs and propelled forward.
At the sight of the flaming spheres coming toward them, the small fleet of Aequorans began to vacate the area, returning to their lands.
Not wishing them harm, Hekla yelled "Ceasum Pyrem."
Instantly the flaming balls disappeared into thin air. Relieved the Aequorans had fled, she fell back onto the seat of her boat, and inhaled deeply.
"Something tells me that's not over, Speltus. What do I do if they come back?"
"If? Oh, they will and they will bring many more with them this time. Pay attention because we don't have a moment to lose. I should have taught you this before we even left the shore."
He appeared before her, shaking his head.
"Listen, like the levitation spell, this requires a different form of magic."
Hekla's eyes grew wide. "I will not do magic that will harm you, Speltus. I cannot." She folded her arms across her chest.
"You stubborn woman, let me finish! This magic is different in that you will combine the elements of water and air. Prepare yourself, you will have to think beyond what you know for this. Are you ready?"
Hekla shook her head. "What makes you think I am ever ready?"
Grimacing at her, he continued speaking, "Hekla, grab the orb at the top of your staff in the palms of your hands and cup it."
Speltus gently closed his paws in front of him as if he carried something very delicate. "When you have firmly cupped your orb, say the words 'Orbium Expandum Aquum purum.'"
She did as he commanded her, and from the top of the orb, a translucent sheen of magic flowed out like a waterfall. It traced her form, and circled around her body, covering her from head to toe. As it created a seal in front of her, her staff began to vanish.
"Speltus!"
Speltus continued to hover calmly, bringing his fingers to his moistened lips. "Shhhhh, no need to fret, Hekla. All is going as expected. Except," he paused. "We have company."
37
Astrid
Not all men are wise. In fact, many are fools. It all depends on which brain they are using.
King Rowan the Observant, First King of Telluris, 240 A.V.
Astrid exited Caelestis with Quimby by her side, each downward step mirrored the spiral of her quest. With each step closer, it felt like she took a step backward. To get closer to the king, meant traveling farther away.
So be it. She shook her head.
"What bothers you?" Quimby asked.
"How many times do I have to prove myself?" she asked.
"You've never proven yourself to the Grand Vizier. I expect once should be enough."
"You are, of course, correct. Thank you for your honesty and kindness."
When they reached the softness of solid ground, she increased her stride. There was no sense in dragging it out.
You must gain their trust first, Aronus advised her.
I know you're right. I was so close, but now, I'm going in the wrong direction!
Your time will come, Astrid. I assure you. See the good humor in it. To get closer you must go farther away. You yourself have had these thoughts.
Sometimes, I don't like it when you're right.
Would rather I was wrong?
"Well, Astrid, here is where we part ways."
"Quimby, can you allow at least a few of your kinsmen to aid me?" Astrid did not doubt her ability to fight, but the extra hands would be helpful. Fighting alone would be a trial as she'd already seen.
Her experience suggested it would end with her running for her life.
"No, I'm afraid not." Quimby offered no explanation, just turned his back and began to ascend the steps back into Caelestis. "I have advised the soldiers, that if you succeed, they are to allow you to pass," he said, his face forward.
He was half-way up the steps before Astrid accepted there would be no one to help her.
That's not entirely true, Astrid.
Then I suppose we should do what we must, she said with her face hard set, and eyes focused on the barely visible camp of Tellurian fighters.
She walked persistently forward, her arm reaching to grab her bow. Once her hand rested firmly on the grip, she
raised her left hand to pull back the wisp of smoke that would appear when it was time. The odd feeling of holding nothing, while still maintaining an archer stance, had become second nature to her.
Yes, Astrid, you've certainly learned how to use your weapon effectively and it would seem that your timing could not be better.
Thank you, Aronus. You have been a great benefit to me.
As they neared the encampment, Astrid mentally recounted how many soldiers she had seen the night before. Well over thirty. It would not be an easy task, even with Aronus' help.
Her approach finally got the attention of the resting troop. Several soldiers stood, hands on their left hips where their swords rested. Behind them, their comrades blinked sleepily as they crawled from their tents. The whole encampment began to come alive as they muttered among themselves about her return.
"Captain Alastair," a beady-eyed man yelled over his shoulder. "The witch has returned."
Astrid's nostrils flared at him, and her fingers tightened on her bow until they turned white.
Hold your tongue, Astrid, Aronus warned her.
I didn't say anything... yet, she responded.
"Yes, bring your captain to me. I wish to have a word with him," Astrid called.
She lowered her bow to watch the entirety of the encampment with hawk-like intensity. It would only take one well-played surprise attack, and Astrid was certain the soldiers could over power her.
Keep your focus, watch their every move, Astrid reined in her thoughts. You have Aronus, he will not allow you to fight them on your own.
Spoken as if I'd said those words myself, Aronus assured her.
"Where is your captain, good sir? Surely he has not left in shame?”
"And why would he do that?" the beady-eyed man asked, sneering at her.
"Because," Astrid laughed. "He let a woman slide right past him."
"I would not mock our good captain, if I were you." The man's face contorted, his eyes narrowed and teeth bared.
"That's enough," the captain warned him. He had emerged from his tent, stern-faced.
Upon seeing Astrid, his gaze steeled and his muscles went rigid. "Welcome back, witch. Have you come to turn yourself in?"
Catching his unwavering stare with her eyes, she shook her head brusquely. "You know that's not why I'm here." A grin played on her lips as he took a step forward.
"So, clarify, why did you come back? Surely it wasn't for me?" he said, with a subtle wink.
Astrid rolled her eyes. "The Caelestans have sent me here," she said with emphasis on every word.
"Is that supposed to frighten me? We are a whole army, and you are but one puny girl. In what world do you think that you could beat the lot of us, assuming you don't run off, of course?"
His comrades behind him laughed, and the sound of gentle clanging could be heard as they began to make their way forward.
"I have bargained with the Caelestans, and they have agreed to let me spare your lives," she said.
"Is that so?" the captain asked. "How generous."
"But you must leave this mountainside."
The captain laughed. "Oh, is that all we have to do? Run away with our tails tucked between our legs? All because some wench tells us so. I don't think so. In fact, I believe we'll gut you right here."
They're going to come after me. Time to fight.
"I assure you, Captain Alastair, this is a fight you cannot win." Astrid raised her bow and prepared to nock her arrow.
I do not wish to kill any of them, but it will be what it will be.
At the sight of her bow, the captain tilted his head back and laughed. "Do you think that I am afraid of you and your witchcraft? We fight with swords and strength, you will not last against us!"
"Let us determine that for ourselves," Astrid pulled her elbow back, and released.
The arrow wisp flew with staggering accuracy toward the captain's head. The beady-eyed man sprung forth, thrusting his shield to deflect it.
The sudden stampede of warriors coming after her was abrupt. Having no time to think, she released another arrow, trusting Aronus would aim it in a way beneficial to her. The man closest to her, groaned loudly, holding his chest where the arrow struck. He tumbled backward onto his hind end.
Astrid started to run, putting space between her and the army so that she could figure out a course of action.
I should have planned this better, she thought as she stumbled to get away. Her foot caught on a rock, and she fell forward. With not a second to lose, she rolled on her back, and prepared for the men to jump her, but the days of merely walking around, never being challenged made them slow. She scrambled to her feet, noting that the approaching throng all had their swords drawn.
Act quickly, Astrid! Aronus insisted.
I know, Aronus, but what am I to do?
Just keep loosing arrows at them, and trust me.
I'm not trying to kill anyone unless necessary! She argued.
The Vizier commanded you to rid the mountain of the Tellurians. I don't think they're going to run, Astrid.
Astrid let out a yell of frustration and then let loose another arrow. It struck a man right in his thigh, and she saw him tumble to the ground.
Just keep letting them fly! Aronus commanded.
Astrid did as she was told, and one after another, the arrows left her bow, Aronus directing them to their intended target. As she struck the soldiers, she watched with satisfaction as they fell onto the rough terrain. There was no time to think about anything else, save for the feeling of conviction that grew as each body fell on the dirt.
You have to do what you must, her dragon guide reminded her.
I'm well aware. She let another arrow fly, and it hit an advancing soldier directly in the chest. He let out a groan and fell sharply. Both of his hands gripped the arrow firmly, trying to remove it. As he slumped forward, the arrow disappeared.
Astrid noted that the captain was nowhere to be seen, though the men clad in ragged leather armor, continued advancing on her. With their swords drawn, they had backed her so far away from their encampment that she found herself a few steps from the treacherous vertical mountainside she had barely overcome the night before.
"And where is your brave captain?" Astrid provoked, watching them carefully.
"Shut up, wench!" a soldier said, lunging at her with his sword drawn.
Astrid darted out of the way, the sound of rocks crumbling behind her. She risked a glance behind her and saw the cliff’s sheer drop.
An arrow flew past her ear, and it jolted her attention forward. With the cliff behind her, and a few of the warriors drawing closer, she was running out of options. Her eyes searched grimy faces, and the surrounding terrain to try to find a way out.
"Looks like you've run out of time, witch, you've got no where to go," the soldier said.
Astrid let another arrow loose and saw its receiver tumble backwards.
"You still doubt me?" She yelled to the soldier.
He let another arrow fly, and she threw her body forward, rolling onto the dirt covered ground. She missed getting struck, but her forward roll landed her at the feet of black haired man with soulless eyes. His mouth turned up in a tight-lipped grin.
"Hand delivered yourself to me, eh?" One of his calloused hands reached down to grab her, and as she shifted her body out the way, but she felt a painful tug on her head.
"Ow!" She yelled out, aiming her bow at him, but he kicked it out of her hands with a leather clad foot. Pulling her upward, with her back against his chest. She had no choice but to comply. His right arm wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her hips flat against him.
"Let me go!" she screamed, flailing with her free hands to scratch and pull at his grip on her hair.
His deep laughter startled her. "The witch has no powers without her demon bow!" he yelled raucously, gathering the attention of the remaining soldiers.
"Take her back to camp, make sure the Caelestan's get to see their her
o," another soldier demanded.
"Yes, and then we behead her and leave her body at the entrance to their kingdom," another yelled out.
"Here, here!" the remaining soldiers cheered.
The dark-haired man's left hand slid from her emerald hair to her throat in one slick motion. Gripping her neck, he pulled her head back so as to lean down and whisper into her ear, "shall we behead you, my beautiful one? Or shall I make you my wife?"
With his hand closing tighter around her throat, her body froze. She struggled to piece something together about his stench.
Control your sharp tongue, Astrid. Now is not the time, Aronus' voice of reason broke through her thoughts.
What must I do?
Whatever is needed to remove yourself from the situation.
Yes, Aronus.
Astrid forced a nod against his tight grasp. The action of which caused him to loosen his grip on her throat, and she sucked in a deep breath of air.
"Can you imagine sharing a tent with me?" he continued, the words slithering through his teeth like a snake through grass.
She bobbed her head up and down quickly, knowing she would not be out of harm's way until she could free herself from his hold.
At that, he released her throat completely, sliding his arm down to join the other at her waist so that he could maintain a firm hold on her.
"So, it's settled! We are to be married," he leaned forward to whisper into her ear again. The stench of his breath making her eyes water. He said the words as if he was offering her a gift, and her stomach lurched at the visuals it provided.
"Marry you or death?" The sarcasm in her voice so soft, it went right over the lusty-eyed man's head, as she pretended to consider his offer.
"It's a bargain don't you think?"
"Oh yes, quite." The man swung her around to face the remaining soldiers.
Seizing the opportunity, Astrid used her feet to jump up from the dirt as he swung her. He tightened his grip, which allowed her to swing both legs back into his codpiece. The man let out a groan and released her immediately. With seconds to spare, she rushed to her bow and lifted it in the air. She didn't hesitate as she aimed an arrow at each of the remaining soldiers, their bodies falling quickly, one right after the other.
Dragon Sword Page 25
