“Oh my goodness,” Arweyn finally murmured in the lowest of whispers. “We did this Kainan, I can remember.” He hesitated before speaking, he was staring at a man sat upon a rock, his face calm but focused as if he was quietly awaiting someone.
“Amerdril,” he whispered knowingly, turning to her. “This is Amerdril, my protector, I can remember him.” Kainan’s face showed the sudden shock that had now began to overwhelm him. It really was true. They had both lived a life before.
Arweyn looked at the figure of the man sat upon the rock. He was firm in his features stubble covered his dark face. He was muscular and strong and wore the battle armour of the Dermock family.
“I remember him too.” She began walking towards him. Then turning she stared at a young woman, dressed in a grey gown. Her red hair tied back off her face. Arweyn’s hand wavered in front of her. She wanted to touch her, but was afraid she would break her. She turned to Kainan.
“Elspeth,” he offered and she nodded. It was Arweyn’s lady in waiting. She took a deep breath as she felt tears sting her eyes. Turning she reached for him and Kainan pulled her in close, holding her tight. He looked at her. Her eyes flared at him, gleaming with a strange white sizzle of energy. Kainan’s eyes locked onto hers, and his too began gleaming with the strange white sizzle of energy, as the memories of their past, flooded back to them.
Ten ~ Five Hundred Years Previous
“My King it is hopeless. Gemini’s dragons are slaughtering us. The longest we can hold them back is another month. Half the army has already been destroyed.” The King paced.
“Amerdril, I will not surrender to that monster.”
“My King that was not what I was suggesting, but why not look at the prophecy again?” The King looked at his Protector. The tall dark man stared waiting for an answer. His mind pondered on it. He was a great King, a strong King; all his life he had lived for his people, he could no longer bear to watch them taken or slaughtered by the evil Gemini and his dragons, he knew now there was no choice. He nodded.
“Go and fetch my brother Amerdril, and my wife and mother.” Amerdril bowed his head and left the Great Hall at once. The King paced and then stopping he thumped his hands on a table, angry with himself for not being able to find another way to defeat this devil.
“Kainan,” a woman’s gentle voice called to him. He spun around and smiled. She was the only one who had kept him sane during these past months.
“Arweyn,” he said, holding out his arms to her, she fell into his embrace. “I am sorry I have failed you and the Kingdom.” She shook her head at him, trying to hold back her tears.
“No Kainan, you have done everything possible to defend us, Gemini’s dark magic is too powerful for us, it is not your fault.” He lent into her hair, inhaling her scent, she had such a calming influence on him, and life without her was unimaginable.
“I am going to have to put the prophecy into play.” She drew back from him.
“Kainan no,” she begged, but he shook his head.
“I have no choice. If I do not, the entire Kingdom will fall. Those who survive Gemini’s dragons will become his slaves. I cannot allow that to happen.”
“Kainan I am scared, what if it is a fallacy.” He shook his head.
“Elrone would never have given it to my ancestors if it was not true. So far, everything it speaks of has come to pass the invasion, the dragons. Arweyn if I do not, there will be nothing left.”
The door to the Great Hall opened, his twin brother Prince Gareion walked through. Kainan smiled at him, reaching forward they embraced.
“Brother it is time. I no longer have a choice.” Gareion nodded to his brother and walking up to, a large wooden table he pushed the contents of it to one side and opened the scroll. Just then, their mother walked through the door.
“Kainan, Gareion. It has been decided then?” Kainan nodded greeting his mother with a kiss to her cheek.
“Yes mother.” The four of them then lent over the scroll.
“I know where we can hide the people. Brother, do you remember when we were boys and we used to explore the Shankar Mountains?” Kainan nodded, he remembered.
“The forbidden chambers,” he replied grinning. Gareion grinned back with a nod.
“Yes the huge chambers would hold thousands of our people. It is an ancient place, disused and forgotten over the centuries, Gemini would have no knowledge of this.” Kainan looked at his mother as she raised an eyebrow at him. The ancient chambers of Shankar had been a forbidden place, but as young boys they had, without their mother or father’s knowledge explored them. He patted his brother’s back.
“Of course, it is only three days down river from here, even taking children into consideration. Well done brother,” Kainan congratulated. Gareion’s smile beamed across his face. The King turned to his mother.
“It will hold them all. The chambers go deep inside the mountain. Gareion and I explored them, what ten years ago?” He looked at his brother.
“Yes about that,” Gareion replied, smiling at his mother’s frown. “What, we were boys!” he laughed, raising his hands to her. She twitched a smile as she shook her head at him.
The King thought. “From what I remember we swam across the lake to the Roahar falls and found the entrance by luck when we were searching for the water-dragon.”
“Yes brother, it was only a small gap though, remember. We shall have to think how we will get the people through the falls.” Kainan scratched his head, and then pointed at his brother.
“I remember Ophidian telling me about the underground lakes he lives within. I will go and see him, he may know of another way into the chambers. We are going to need many boats. How many do we have?” Kainan turned to his brother. He puckered his lips as he thought.
“Twelve I think.” Kainan shook his head.
“That is nowhere near enough. We have three thousand people at least, and then there are the outlying villages to consider. We will have to build more, fast.”
Gareion continued to read the scroll. He frowned. “What is it?”
“It says here that the enchantment will take your souls from their mortal body. In time you will be re-born, you will find each other again and return to Malgar, more powerful than either of you can imagine.” he looked at his brother.
“Kainan by doing this you will absorb the wizard’s power from the sword, but your life here and now will be ended.” Arweyn grabbed her husband’s arm.
“How will we remember, what if I cannot remember you?” Her faced showed the panic and fear she felt, even though she knew there was no other way, Gemini was too powerful. Reaching for her, he pulled her to him.
“How could we not remember each other my love. We will bind our souls. The power from the sword will lock everything together. As long as Gareion does his part and protects the sword we will return, more powerful than ever and if Gemini still reigns we will defeat him and save our people.”
“Kainan, how do we know this speaks the truth? How can we be sure that we will return with all this power to defeat him? How do you know we will return at all?”
“Arweyn, you have to trust me. Gareion and I have read the prophecy many times, we know it inside out. Elrone would not have left it with us if there were any doubt. He battled Gemini all those years ago back on earth he was the one who got the Deragan Sword from him. Had he not, all our worlds would now be ruled by darkness. Earth has fallen man without magic is weak against their enemies. I will not allow him to take our world. He may reign for a short while, but I will be back to destroy him and take back what is ours. Please have no doubt it is my destiny to defeat Gemini, but not now, not at this time.” He looked to his brother. “Gareion will take as many as he can, Wizard Nael will go with him to help protect the sword and to place various clues which will help us in years to come to find each other and to bring us back here. The rest of the people will have to go to the chambers, or they will die.” She nodded.
“I know you are ri
ght. I, I just do not want to lose you too.”
“Arweyn,” he said sadly, pulling her into his arms and gently wiping away her tears with his thumb.
“My love if there was any other way.” She nodded.
“I know I am just scared.”
“Me too, but we have to bide our time. We will be back.”
His mother stepped forward. “My son I am so proud of you for doing this.” She took his hand. “Please I wish to speak with you alone.” She walked him away from the others to an adjoining room.
“Mother, your magic I cannot feel it!” Kainan cried shocked. His mother, Starre, shook her head.
“Kainan I have transferred all my power and knowledge into the Crown, as did Elrone before he died.” Kainan’s mouth opened but before he could speak, his mother silenced him.
“Kainan you and your brother are from two great lines of powerful Kings. The mark you bare upon your body is the first in your line. You bear the symbol of the Dragon, the mark of Malgar and the Twin Swords of your heritage from Albion. Your father Aranthor was a great man, magic was not his forte, but great strength, and wisdom was. My father, as you know was the King of Albion on Earth, until his brother Gemini took it all from us. He gave to me his magic as I now give to you, ready for your return. We have sealed the Chamber and hidden scrolls ready for your return. Gareion has already begun to set a number of clues ready for your return. Please do not be cross with Gareion we knew you would come to this decision. Your brother will start a new life and build a new city on the world of Zyon. He will seal the portal to Malgar. My son I believe without any doubt that you will see your brother again. For I have already placed an enchantment upon his soul so you will be re-born together.
“Mother how can this be?” he questioned. She placed her hand upon his arm.
“Great prophets come from the spirit world my son. They are here to guide the good. Sometimes it is not within their power to defeat great evil, especially when dark magic is involved at the time it descends upon us. They create a prophecy, special people like you, Gareion and Arweyn are here to save the less fortunate souls, and it is and always has been your destiny to defeat Gemini. The scroll did not come from Elrone. As a child of ten, I had a dream, a vision of the future. I tried to warn my father about my uncle Gemini, but he would not hear a bad word said against his twin. My father was an honourable man, a just King and saw only the good in people. This was his downfall. Gemini took the city by surprise; my father could do nothing but surrender to save the lives of his people. Banished, we hid for a year in the depths of the black mountains.
It was there that I first met Elrone. He had been searching for us since the overthrow. He made plans with my father to kill Gemini and get back the Twin Sword. Of course, my mother and I could not see or have anything to do with battle plans. Had I known I would have shown him the scroll that appeared in my hands on the morning they left for the attack; it is a prophecy Kainan of things that were to come. They made no sense to me as a child but now I know it is about you, Gareion, Arweyn, and the future of Malgar. The spirits have given you the chance to destroy Gemini, but not here, not now in this time but in the future. The spell written within the scroll is incredibly powerful. It will put them all into a magic sleep freeze them if you like in time. Until such time as you return and it is safe for them to return to their homes.”
“Mother this all sounds incredible, what about their homes? If too much time passes there will be nothing left for them to come back too.”
“I know and this is where the enchantment comes in. You can place the whole city under the same spell, hidden within a deception cloak, making it seem withered and destroyed.”
“How can we do all this if you have relinquished all your powers? I do not have that kind of power.”
“No Kainan, but the sword does.” Kainan touched the hilt of the Deragan Sword.
“The sword?” he questioned. She nodded.
“However my son in order to bring everyone and everything back to as it was you will need the Gameron Sword both swords must be re-united and joined. Only then will you have enough power to bring them all back to life and destroy Gemini. You may by then have enough power and magic to bring back some and I would suggest to you that you bring Meladrom the dragon back first, he will remember everything.” Kainan nodded as he thought.
“If we freeze all the dragons Gemini may run out of blood that would be enough to kill him. Would it not?” His mother nodded.
“That could take hundreds of years Kainan. You know he has Meladrom’s mate and child.” Kainan nodded sadly at the fate of his dragon’s family.
“How long will it be before we are re-born?” She shrugged.
“Kainan, I do not know.” He looked down to the ground sadly.
“I will never see you again.” She flung her arms around him and held him.
“I will always be here,” she said, placing her hand on his heart. “And so will your father.”
“Can I not freeze you too?” he begged. She shook her head.
“No. I must ensure everything is in place for your return. The people will be frightened Kainan, I cannot leave that responsibility to Gareion alone.” He nodded, biting his lip. Sadness and concern etched his face as he rubbed his chin.
“I know you are scared, but you are strong like your father. You have ruled these last years wisely and the people love you. I know you and Arweyn will come back and kill that bastard and his evil dragons. The future of Malgar is in your hands Kainan. You are their King.” Taking a deep breath, he stood tall.
“Yes mother, I will not let you or the people down.”
The alarm began ringing furiously.
“Damn it!” Kainan cursed. He bowed to his mother.
“Son be careful, it is not your time to die,” she warned. He nodded, and then left.
“Gareion?” the King questioned as he returned to the great hall.
“Black dragons,” his brother replied
“In the city,” Kainan asked, Gareion nodded. “How many?” he asked, as he felt his heart sink at the news. This was the first time they had past the line of defending soldiers and dragons.
“Four,” his brother replied. Kainan nodded.
“We can take on four.” He looked to his wife. “Stay inside, away from the windows.” She laid a hand on his arm.
“Please….” she begged.
“I will,” he replied, leaning forward and kissing her. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She watched as the brothers left.
As they made their way to the courtyard, Amerdril handed Kainan his armour, mid-stride he put it on, strapping on a short sword across his back.
“Gareion, you are not going up.” His brother grabbed his arm.
“Kainan,” he implored.
The King shook his head. “No, if something happens I want you to take as many as you can through the portal. Those left behind will have to save themselves.” Gareion began to protest. The King stopped midst stride, leaning closer his brow furrowed as he gave Gareion a hard look.
“It is not open for discussion brother, get inside.” Gareion glared at him. His brother was so bloody-minded it was no use trying to defy him.
“Fine, just do not go getting yourself killed or I will be pissed!” He snapped, marching off angrily. Kainan chuckled to himself, giving a shake of his head before continuing.
“Meladrom!” he yelled at the skies above him. Within seconds a great green winged dragon appeared.
“You hollered my King,” he replied as he landed behind him, giving the King a nudge with his snout.
“Yes my friend, we have four black dragons attacking the city.” The dragon growled angrily as Kainan climbed upon his back. Meladrom sought revenge desperately. They had taken his mate and his child from him. Every opportunity that arose to kill a black dragon Meladrom was ready. Within moments, three other dragons appeared and landed in the courtyard, their riders armed and ready climbed upon their
backs.
“Rohan and Sharelle ride alongside Erandril and Forde,” the riders nodded, glancing at each other as they mounted their dragons. “Galtec and Amerdril, you are with me.” Amerdril nodded and mounted his dragon.
The King raised his sword and Meladrom took off up and into the clouds. Soon they were above the city; ahead of them, they could see the black dragons, swooping down low across the city and shooting flames from their giant jaws upon the people down below. There was panic in the streets as the people, scrambling like ants, tried to flee the flames. Kainan and Amerdril flew alongside each other. Kainan signalled the other riders.
“Forde, Sharelle, that one,” he pointed to a black dragon which was attacking the city square. They both gave a short nod and then banked left.
“Amerdril you and Galtec distract that one, Meladrom and I will take it from underneath.” Amerdril nodded and pulling hard right he and Galtec flew towards the black dragon attacking the city school. On seeing Galtec and Amerdril, the black dragon immediately pulled up into the skies and began to pursue them.
The King signalled for the attack. Drawing his wings back Meladrom headed into a dive, Kainan held fast.
“Take him from underneath Meladrom,” the King cried. Meladrom swooped down silently underneath the black dragon. Standing up upon the dragon’s back, Kainan withdrew the Deragan Sword.
“Higher Meladrom,” he cried. The Dragon lifted up a few feet, Kainan took the black dragon by surprise, slicing open its belly.
“Hard right,” Kainan cried, as he sat back down on Meladrom’s back with a thud. The black dragon roared in agony as his inside whipped away from him in the wind. Dropping heavily from the sky, Kainan sat back watching as it plunged from the skies, crashing into the ground below and then disintegrating into black dust.
“Well done Meladrom,” he praised. Suddenly his dragon shot left. Kainan grabbed hold of his scales as he banked hard. A black dragon was upon them. Meladrom suddenly roared.
Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 02 - Meladrom Page 21
