by J E Mueller
I nearly fell asleep twice and had to force myself to finally get out. When I exited I saw that Aylum and Soleia were playing cards on my bed.
“There she is.” Soleia chuckled. “Kept worrying you might drown.”
I shook my head. “Why didn’t you shower while you waited? You look like an exhausted nightmare.”
Soleia put her hand of cards down as she started going through my things. “Your potion collection is better.” She gave a small laugh. “Hope you don’t mind, going to just borrow some things.” Soleia held up a shirt and stared at it confused for a moment. “Wait, this one is mine…”
I gave a small laugh. “Guess it’s not borrowing then.”
She shook her head and with a pile of clothes in hand, headed into the bathroom.
Aylum collected the cards back up. “How are you feeling?”
“Less magically empty. Still equally drained.” I yawned.
“It is late. You should sleep,” he insisted.
“But what about you?” I had no idea what I was going to do with him. Wanting them both to stay was greedy.
“I’ll be here.” He shrugged. “I don’t mind the floor.”
That would be proper, but I would be lying if I said I was okay with him being anywhere but by my side. I sat on my bed near him, biting my lip as he absently shuffled the cards he was holding. After everything that had happened this weekend, would it be wise to stay so close together? We both knew each other’s feelings. Then again, after what just happened, my mind couldn’t consider anything more than sleep. Even a hug sounded like too much work.
“With three of us, nothing should happen.” I shrugged. “Should be fine, right?”
“Nothing will ever happen without your permission.” He smiled. “That’s how it should be. Two agreeing parties.”
“See? No worries then. Glad you can remain the gentleman.”
“I try.” He gave as much of a bow as he could from the bed.
I smiled, a little too pleased he didn’t argue it. That meant he wanted to stay close too, right? A yawn escaped my lips and I shoved the thoughts aside.
I flopped back on my pillows, enjoying the plush softness for a moment before my mind grabbed hold of dragon threads once more. “Will this person really be that easy to track down?”
Aylum nodded. “Soleia is a particular type of dragon, the easiest way to put it is a warrior dragon. Her gifts focus on things of that nature. You can even go a step further and say her magic would make her a professional scout. If she says she can find him, I believe her.”
“Why is this happening? They said they were working for someone.” I really didn’t want her to get hurt.
“I doubt that someone wants to be found. They will likely keep away from their minion that failed. Hopefully, we can just capture the fool, get some answers, and they will pay for their crimes.” The way he said that sent a shiver down my spine.
“What’s going to happen to them?” My voice was soft, even to me.
“Death if they’re lucky, but we also don’t know the full extent of any previous crimes. It’s unlikely they just started with hunting down and trying to murder students.” Aylum shook his head. “Either way, you should rest.”
“You need sleep too,” I pointed out the obvious, not sure if I was ever going to be tired enough to sleep.
“Agreed, but I’m staying up until Soleia is done.” Aylum shrugged. “We’re going to add an extra spell to the room. If anything tries to interrupt or dispel it, we’ll both wake up immediately.”
I sighed and got under the blankets. “I guess that makes sense.” My mind still had far too many questions to sleep. The ‘what ifs’ wanting to dominate my thoughts as they danced across my mind. “I don’t know if I can sleep tonight, even though I want to.”
“Things will work out. I swear.” Aylum moved close to hug me. When he tried to pull back, I held tighter reflexively. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” He shifted so we were cuddling close, but more comfortably.
“Sorry.” I murmured.
“Don’t be. I’m here for you.”
I leaned against him, comforted by having him so close, though it did little to slow the onslaught of thoughts. My head felt foggy from exhaustion, the swimming thoughts weighing heavily on my mind. “I hope this dragon mess gets sorted soon. I just want to sleep.”
Aylum gave me a thoughtful look as he rubbed his chin. “How about a story?”
“What kind of story?” I didn’t suspect it would help, but I was curious now.
“Ummm… How about some dragon history turned story?”
“Why not.” I yawned and laid down, pulling the covers up around me. “Let’s hear this story.”
“There once was a warrior dragon sent to the human lands of Niftshinma, what is now known as Umox, to begin his final trial. If he could survive for three years there living solely as a human would, Ragmenth would be allowed to join the royal guard. The royal guard were the strongest warrior dragons, and only the best of the best were even considered. The trials were always tough, and this one in particular weeded many out. For how could one live only as a human, when one needed to shift in order to use their magic?
“Ragmenth knew this was a normal final test. Nothing had been altered to challenge him more than the others. If the hundred elite could do it, why not he? Ragmenth knew how to use a sword and daggers, so he wouldn’t need his claws. Even without shifting his inner dragon would keep him warm so he didn’t need to worry about immediate shelter either. Three years was a long time, but for a pure dragon such as himself, what was three out of three thousand?” Aylum smiled down at me and I motioned for him to continue, curious to see where this would go.
“He agreed to the trial. If he used any of his magic, it would be done in an instant. There was no shame in not passing the final trial, but there was no trying again and Ragmenth was determined. Victory would be his.
“The first night the winds in the flatlands kept him up. The sounds of wild dogs following him kept him on edge. The second and third were no better. Even being allowed his sword, Ragmenth felt on edge knowing he couldn’t just throw his hand out and send his foes flying. He had never had to fight a beast on its terms before.
“The second week he found a caravan. Knowing it was best to join in with the local humans to make the years go by faster, Ragmenth offered to act as a guard. He spared with the caravan’s enlisted, and after showing his skill, he was welcomed. The caravan had few rules he needed to worry about. Stay alert for thieves, and stay extra alert for hedge wolves. The beasts weren’t particularly large, but their forest green coats allowed them to blend in perfectly with the surrounding shrubs, besting several of the strongest among the guard.
“Ragmenth had never heard of such creatures but who was he to say? After all, these people knew not that a dragon walked among them. They assumed he was nothing more than a mercenary for hire, looking for a small job before the next big bounty.” Aylum collected his thoughts for a moment, rubbing a hand along my back as the history replaying in his mind before he spoke again.
“As the days went by, Ragmenth came to know several of them better than he intended. Most of the caravan was very open and happy to talk about anything and everything. The places these people had traveled! Their lives knew hardship but they also knew greater joys than Ragmenth had ever considered. Their goals and desires changed with the wind, but they were never unhappy about that. They were at peace with themselves, enjoying life to its fullest.
“The days steadily turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. Ragmenth found it hard several times early on not to use his powers. The frail and magicless men and women braving the world consistently stunned and impressed him. He learned their techniques and shared some of his. Before he knew it, Ragmenth was no longer a guard for the caravan but considered family of the caravan.
“When his time was up, he ignored his summons home.” Aylum paused the dramatic effect working perfectly on me.<
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“Well? What happened?” I demanded.
Aylum chuckled, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face as he continued. “Five years after the three he was meant to stay, Ragmenth returned to his homelands with an infant in his arms. He came before the queen and swore he would pledge his life to the guard if the queen would see his child was raised in the palace, protected from the true terrors of the world. The ones he had really come to know outside his homelands.
“The queen agreed, but only on one condition.
“The child’s origin would not be known, and the infant would be raised as her child alone. Ragmenth bowed his head at his queen’s request, his heart torn. Ragmenth was no parent. He could protect the child, better than most any dragon, but raise? His former lover wanted nothing more than for her child to grow up loved and cared for. Ragmenth had no doubt that the queen would be the best suited. The child would learn all and want for nothing, and as for Ragmenth, he could do exactly as he had always promised. Protect.”
There was a brief silence as Aylum finished up his tale and I was surprised by the abrupt end. “What happened to the child?”
“She’s the first queen of the modern line,” Soleia replied from the doorway. “That gets into our history. There are no more purebred dragons anymore.” She yawned as she walked over and slid into bed with me. “You should be sleeping.”
“I don’t know if I can.” I shook my head.
Aylum sighed as he got up to set the cards aside before moving to my other side, laying on top of the covers. “Everything will be perfectly fine.”
“I promise.” Soleia snuggled close. “Shut your eyes. You’re more than safe here.”
Sighing, I did as she requested and was surprised with how fast sleep claimed me.
Chapter Thirteen
Daylight was a cruel mistress. It shined brightly into the windows and forcefully demanded that I wake up, as the light screamed into my face. I tried to turn away from it, but heard whispers and realized that Soleia and Aylum were already up. Did they ever sleep? I cracked my eyes open and saw them both talking near the balcony door.
“What’s going on?” The words were more of a yawn as I sat up.
They both looked over and shrugged.
“Nothing yet,” Soleia answered simply. “They seem to be continuing with the plan to send us home on break. The five days at home won’t be long, but more than enough time to catch my target.”
“Do you think whoever’s behind this will send someone else?” I asked, the thought only now crossing my mind.
“No,” Soleia replied immediately. “Not right away at least. Whoever has a problem with you will be rethinking things. They’ll be much more careful next time, but by then we should know more and be able to plan things better if not outright get this mess cleaned up.”
“I’m hoping the fool leads us right to who their leader is,” Aylum agreed. “If we can get everything resolved in that time, there will be nothing to prepare for or worry about.”
“I doubt it’ll be that easy to resolve.” I shook my head as a sigh escaped my lips. I needed to try and be positive about this. After all, I didn’t know exactly what they could do. Soleia being able to track this being was already a huge benefit.
“I agree. It won’t be easy to fully resolve, but not easy doesn’t mean it can’t be done in a short time,” Soleia countered smoothly before flashing me a smile. “There’s been no hint of anything astray here and no sign of my new buddy. I’m glad they learned to stay away, but soon enough I’ll be reacquainting them with my fists.”
Aylum raised an eyebrow at her. “So eager for a fight this morning.”
“It’s been too long since I’ve had a good one. We have to go easy on the humans. They break too quickly. Now I get to actually use some real force, so naturally, I am a bit excited.” Soleia crossed her arms. “At any rate we need to get ready and go to breakfast.”
“You’re right.” Aylum shook his head, “We should get ready.”
Soleia nodded and turned back toward me. “I will meet you again shortly. Going to throw a bag together like the school expects.”
“You’re not going to see your family?” I frowned, finally getting out of bed and walking toward them.
“I will be,” she explained. “They’ll be excited for the hunt, which means I really won’t be using anything I’m packing. Just an illusion to set the school's mind at peace. See you shortly.” Soleia opened the balcony door and vanished.
I watched the empty space for a moment before shaking my head. “I am so glad I have little to pack.”
“Likewise. Packing is never fun,” Aylum agreed.
We stood there in silence for a moment before I finally thought of something to say. “Thanks for staying. I shouldn’t keep you any longer.”
“It’s fine, and of course.” Aylum smiled softly. “I hope this break goes fast for you. You won’t have anything to worry about.”
“There’s always something to worry about, I just get to shift my focus to matters at home instead of some crazed dragon with a mysterious and vindictive master.” I shrugged as if it was nothing. “Not sure which could be worse, at least mother should be fine until she finds out about my plans to duel. She won’t be very happy about that.”
“I’m sorry she isn’t more concerned about your happiness. Didn’t she get to be happy?” Aylum asked curiously.
“I don’t know if anything actually makes her happy, but she certainly has no reason to be miserable.” I shook my head. “It’ll be fine, it is all just annoying. We should probably get ready and head down to breakfast.”
“Agreed.”
Neither of us moved. Neither of us seemed compelled to get done what needed to be taken care of.
“I’m going to miss you,” Aylum finally admitted as a light blush crossed his cheeks.
“I’ll miss you too.” It didn’t feel fair to leave so suddenly after that confession. Life liked to tease and taunt in whatever way it could. “You’ll stay safe, won’t you? I already know there’s no use telling Soleia that.”
He chuckled softly. “I’ll do my best.” He crossed the short space between us and wrapped me into a hug. “You take care as well. I’ll still see you at breakfast.”
I hugged him back, savoring the moment. After the chaotic trip that should have been relatively boring. It was nice to just have this peace, this solid moment of good. I squeezed him tightly for several seconds before looking up at him. Aylum gave me a light kiss, causing my heart to skip a beat before stepping away.
A knock sounded at my door and I sighed, wishing the moment would have lasted longer. It was surprising that no one had interrupted sooner. Aylum flashed me a smile before vanishing without another word between us. I dropped the silencing spell as I moved to answer the door.
Kismet was standing on the other side with Soleia behind her. “Hey, you hardly look ready. You doing okay?” she asked.
“Yes, just a slow start. Too much magic drain.” I left the statement open, leaving her to interpret the reply the way she wanted.
“I’m sure! What a strange few days for everyone. Hurry up then. Fenella is almost ready too. Can’t have her beating you downstairs,” Kismet teased, easing the tension from the moment.
I snorted. “Even on a bad day, I will still be ready before her.”
Kismet moved aside for Soleia to enter as she went to finish whatever she had been doing.
“No progress yet?” Soleia smirked knowingly.
I didn’t even bother trying to hide my thoughts as I shot her a glare. “Thank you for the entire thirty seconds of alone time.”
Soleia laughed a bit too hard as she moved around me to enter the room. “Let’s get you packed then.”
I shook my head but grabbed the duffel bag from the trip. “Packed.”
“You’re not bringing anything else home?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Nothing to bring. I’m ahead on everything I can be, and aside from the new
things I plucked and harvested for potions I have nothing else to take. Home has just as many clothes as I do here.”
“Fair enough.” Soleia shrugged. “Let’s head to breakfast then.”
I hauled the bag to the center of the living area I shared with the others. Kismet and Neveah already had their bags in the middle, ready for whoever was in charge of that to take them down. I added mine to the pile before heading down with Soleia.
Breakfast looked like it normally did with the dining hall filled with sluggish people and mild noise but the conversations gave way to the anxiety everyone was feeling. Some weren’t sure traveling home was the safest thing, others had the opposite opinion, maybe the school wasn’t safe. I couldn’t really say much, not without giving the dragon secret away.
At least it would be dealt with soon and everyone would be safe. In the long run, that was what mattered most.
“You look distracted,” Soleia commented as we sat down with our plates.
“I think that is just the state of things.” I shrugged poking at my omelet. The eggs looked a cheery yellow, a strange contrast to everyone’s mood.
“It’ll be fine,” Soleia stated for at least the dozenth time.
“I believe you.” I meant it too. “I just wish there was more I could do. Instead, I get to be shipped off home, hope not to squabble with mother, and maybe that father will be home for a night or two.”
“He’s still traveling a lot?”
“No more than usual. Being on the king's counsel is an honor, but it takes up a lot of his time, so he’s hardly home.” It wasn’t that he didn’t get plenty of time off, it was just that I was normally at school when he was home. Sometimes I wished I went to a local school, but it was probably best that I didn’t. Mother and I wouldn’t have survived being that close.
“Good morning, ladies!” Delmar greeted cheerfully as he sat down at the table with Aylum close behind him. “Everyone ready for a fun trip home?” He eyed me as he said the last part. “For us stuck going home and not slaying monsters.”
