Heartscale

by Lola Ford

  As they progressed across the bridge, Mero, Graith and Alix were all soaked. Graith could only compare it to being outside in the heaviest torrential rainstorm he could imagine. So late in the autumn season, a deep chill sank into his bones and he began to shiver. Alix was crammed against Zel so hard that she was growling again - this time the noise was lost to the falls.

  Graith urged Mero to speed up as the end of the bridge neared. Once back on solid ground the horse gave a mighty shake, sending water to once again coat Graith. He wanted to stop and change but knowing that Zel was relying on him to get her to the dock prevented him from doing so.

  This side of the city was different than before. Still dark and wet, the buildings were shorter and in straight lines. One building towered above the rest, like a jewel among mud. He assumed it must be Kelna’s lord’s manor.

  He wondered briefly if the knight that Lord Arish sent had gone there, but it didn’t matter. Zel had said her eggs were at the dock. So, to the dock they would go.

  A stiff breeze blew up the straight alleyway, causing Graith to start to shiver. He was almost there. That’s what he kept telling himself. Even Mero had started to slow, his hide quivering.

  A sudden flood of emotion from Zel to them warmed and reinvigorated them. Feelings of purpose and direction, as well as pride and caring.

  We are almost there. I can feel them. They can feel me too.

  The trip since entering the city had been all downhill, and this section was no exception. Hope flared to life in Graith’s chest as masts and rigging came into view over the tops of the buildings.

  They were so close.

  Large warehouses lined the wharf as the identical buildings fell away. A strong odor of fish hung in the air and shouts could be heard over the din of the waterfall. A guard waved them over as they neared.

  “Oi! What are you folks doing down here?” He eyed their wet forms, frowning. “Did no one tell you to buy oil slicked cloaks before crossing the bridge?”

  “My son is interested in the ships. Promised him I would bring him down to see them after the harvest. Just got into town,” Graith’s voice shook as he spoke, but he hoped that the guard would think it was from the chill not fear.

  “You might want to head to an inn and get warmed up. There’s only one this side of the river -”

  “Oh, we will! The lad just really wants to see a ship before we get settled in,” Graith cut in.

  “Alright then. You do you. Civilians have access to the first two thirds of the pier. After that is a military only zone. Someone’ll stop you before you get there.”

  Graith just nodded and Alix pulled himself up enough to wave. Urging Mero to start trotting again, they headed down the dock.

  Graith’s head turned rapidly as he heard Alix whisper, “Zel, stop moving, I think you’re getting larger!”

  The tarp was twisting and writhing. He slapped the reins across Mero’s flank for what seemed like the first time ever. They needed to get down to the other end. Needed to get Zel to the ship with her eggs before she grew too large.

  Graith! I can’t stay small! Zel told him frantically.

  Hearing that, Graith pulled the cart between two warehouses, hoping that they weren’t noticed.

  No such luck.

  “Sir! I’m sorry you can’t be back here! Please back your -” He cut off screaming.

  Graith could feel the rear axle of the cart shatter as Zel rapidly expanded outward. Alix jumped into the front, grabbing Graith as they both got away from the wagon. He caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye, as blue as the sky.

  Her eyes however were a menacing red and she was growling.

  Before the sailor could run away, she had grabbed him in her maw, breaking his neck at the same time. Alix screamed running further back into the alley. Graith understood. It was one thing to see the gentle side of the dragon, another completely to see the beast.

  The Alix and the sailor’s screams however had drawn attention. Zel was taking up most of the space between the two building, blocking Graith’s view. But he could hear shouts and screams. He rushed to untie Mero from the wreckage of the cart. Grabbing the three saddle bags and throwing them over the horse’s wide back, he led Mero away looking for Alix.

  They needed to get out of there.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Nerie

  A week - it had only been a week without Aldis - but to Nerie it could have already been months.

  Nerie was in King Soren’s study and he was talking about the main products from each region around the country. She wasn’t really paying attention, slumped in her seat, knee bouncing up and down. Soren had his back to her, so he didn’t know that she was less than attentive at the moment.

  You know he’s fine. Mother has checked in on him every two hours since he left. Kiriga’s voice manifested itself into Nerie’s mind.

  It’s not that I’m worried about him - mostly - but it’s the fact that he’s not here, Nerie complained.

  I’m here.

  Nerie felt Kiriga’s mental-self wilt slightly.

  Sitting upright, Nerie frowned.

  Of course, you are. And I love you. But I miss Aldis.

  Come see me? I’m with Ilex right now, Kiriga asked, her voice hopeful.

  I can’t just leave Soren in the middle of the lecture.

  “Yes, you can.”

  Soren turned from the map and books he had been referencing.

  “Huh?” Nerie’s face nearly matched her scarlet hair as she wondered if he could hear her thoughts.

  “Go see Kiriga. Ilex told me that she’s summoning you, and that you said you couldn’t leave.”

  He sat the book he was holding down with a thud.

  “Oh.”

  Of course - all the dragons could hear her as she spoke to Kiriga - she had just forgotten that Ilex would then tell Soren.

  “I’ll go with you. Ilex says he could use some eye ridge scratches.” Soren walked over and extended his hand to help her up.

  They walked through the multiple rooms until they reached the access door to his courtyard. The set of double doors was already open, and the two dragons were lounging in opposite corners.

  Nerie walked over to Kiriga, hugging her neck. It seemed she had grown so much recently that Nerie could barely touch her fingers together from either side.

  Leaning against the dragoness, she gazed over at Soren. From a distance, other than his broad shoulders, he could have been Aldis. Nerie let out a long, slow breath. She probably would have cried, but she seemed to have run out of tears three days ago.

  Ilex had his head on the ground, so his eyes were just at the right height for Soren to scratch. After a few minutes and both eyes thoroughly sated, Soren walked over to Nerie and Kiriga. He gently scratched Kiriga’s eye ridges while looking her over.

  “You’ve grown quite a bit haven’t you Kiriga?” he asked smiling.

  I have! I can’t wait to be big enough to carry Nerie! Her voice was clear for both Soren and Nerie.

  “You’ll be flying before you know it. Don’t forget to do your wing exercises that Soros and Eras showed you!”

  He laughed, giving her a stout pat on the shoulder.

  I’ll be the fastest dragon ever!

  “I’m sure you will be!” he said with all seriousness.

  Nerie smiled at Soren, then frowned looking at Ilex.

  “Soren, why are Ilex’s wings so small? He can’t fly, can he?”

  She’d never seen the green dragon leave the ground other than scaling sections of the palace.

  “It’s just the type of dragon he is. Both Soros and Eras have told me that they had ancestors who couldn’t fly. Just a chance of the gene showing through.”

  He turned to face his dragon whose eyes were closed but he wasn’t asleep quite yet.

  “But someday soon you’ll get to see him run.”

  “He runs?” Nerie asked surprised.

  “Faster than a horse. And smoother too.”
Soren nodded. “He also likes to dig. Would spend hours underground if he could.”

  Nerie looked at Ilex with a newfound appreciation. Hearing her thoughts, he preened a little, turning so the sun hit his scales just right.

  “I know you miss Aldis. I do too. So does Alaena. But time passes quickly, and he’ll be back before you know it, as long as you don’t linger on it.”

  Soren’s smile faded just a little.

  “What can I do to keep busy? Outside of the time that I spend with you, Queen Alaena, and my mother?”

  While the routine was nice, it also left much to be desired in the way of variation. It also gave her plenty of time to brood about Aldis she’d discovered over the course of the week.

  “Have you thought about attending the daily court session?” he asked.

  “I hadn’t.” She frowned, looking away from Soren, “Karina told me that Astra attends daily.”

  “She does. However, you are the heir to the crown. It’s about time you started to make public appearances.” He shrugged. “It’s up to you though. I won’t force you to go, but I will tell you it’s in your best interest.”

  “Doesn’t the royal court meet during lunch time? I’m here with you.”

  She didn’t want to go, but she didn’t have a good reason not to.

  “Yes, but we can always meet later in the day or we can start meeting on set days of the week. At this point, you’re well versed in how to care for Kiriga - other than flying of course. The stuff about the country, while important, you have plenty of time to learn about.”

  He laughed while she thought it over.

  “I’ll let Karina know that I would like to attend tomorrow,” she said finally.

  “Good! I’ll let Alaena know too. She can accompany you if you would like,” Soren said.

  “That’s all right. I would like to go on my own, the first time,” Nerie said, standing from where she had slid down Kiriga’s side to rest against the golden dragoness.

  Soren chuckled, but didn’t say what was on his mind.

  “Have an enjoyable time.”

  I’ll be in our garden, Kiriga said as she too stood.

  She then lithely leapt onto the rooftop and walked away.

  I’ll see you there, Nerie told her.

  “I’ll see you in two days then,” she told Soren.

  He walked her to the main hallway that connected the maze that was the palace.

  The next few hours were spent with Karina, choosing what to wear and how to do her hair the following day. When Myha arrived for dinner, Nerie was lost in thought. So far, the only people she’d met in the palace were the council members. Most were Soren’s age or older. She didn’t remember seeing anyone as young as she was.

  “What’s on your mind Pumpkin?” Myha asked from the doorway.

  “Mom, I’m seventeen, aren’t I a bit old for you to call Pumpkin?”

  Nerie turned to face her mother.

  “You’re never too old for me to call Pumpkin. I’m your mom.”

  Myha walked over and hugged her tight.

  “Now, what’s going on in that head of yours. I’m not Kiriga, so I can’t just hear your thoughts.”

  “Soren -” Myha made a face as Nerie used his first name, “Soren suggested I start going to court. Daily, or at least a few times a week. I agreed and am going to go for the first time tomorrow.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Myha told her, sitting them both down on one of the couches.

  “Only, well, Astra goes to court all the time, according to Karina,” Nerie said, confiding in her mother. She hadn’t actually voiced her concerns about her older half-sister before.

  “I’ve told you before, the people who are bullies are the ones that are hurting inside.” Myha hugged Nerie. “How do you think she feels? She lost the throne to a sister she had never met before, and now her brother’s left.”

  Nerie was quite sure that Astra was glad Aldis was gone - seeing as she hadn’t bothered to show up to say goodbye - but she kept this to herself.

  “I know Mom. I would just rather avoid her altogether.”

  Nerie ran her hands over the silk of her dress. Her palms were sweating at the thought of a possible confrontation.

  “Then ignore her. Prove to yourself that you’re the bigger person. Anyways, you’ll have a lot of fun. I’ve been going every now and again. I’ve even made a friend!”

  Nerie looked at her mother in surprise.

  “You did? What is she like?”

  In the same manner that Nerie was known to flush, Myha turned a dark red.

  “Well, he is quite wonderful. He’s been showing me around the palace, since I can’t be with you all the time.”

  “Oh?!” Nerie nearly squealed in excitement. Myha had dated a few men during Nerie’s childhood, but nothing ever came about.

  “Well, what’s his name?”

  “Sir Ahlwin,” Myha mumbled, still embarrassed.

  “Well, I can’t wait to meet him!”

  Nerie clasped her mother’s hands in her own. Smiling, they continued to talk late into the evening. Long enough that Nerie only briefly ran outside to hug Kiriga good night and scratch an itch that she had been complaining about for an hour.

  Sinking into the soft sheets of her bed, Nerie was asleep instantly.

  ***

  The morning dawned earlier than she would have liked. Her eyes were gritty as she tried to blink them open, and a cold draft was hitting her face. When Karina came in, carrying her tray of breakfast foods, Nerie nearly squawked in protest as the draft was worsened by the open door. Karina didn’t say anything, but Nerie knew by the way the tray was set down that it was time to get out of bed.

  Walking over to the small table Nerie surveyed her meal. Now that she had been around for a while, her favorites had been singled out. While not quite the spread it used to be, each meal filled her up more than nibbling on a dozen different things.

  Kiriga’s meals were no longer delivered with her own. Instead, large cuts of meat were placed outside the kitchens and she had to fetch it herself. Not that it mattered. She was large enough now that crossing the rooftop of the palace took only moments.

  After eating, bathing and dressing she found the queen waiting on her. Lessons with Alaena were much shorter than normal. Alaena first went over the protocol of court and how Nerie should introduce herself. Apparently, there were small cliques and - while as Princess and Heir she would be announced on arrival - she should go around and introduce herself on a more private scale. They went over how she should introduce herself - as Crown Princess Nerie of house Therius - and what responses she should expect.

  Knowing that there was much preparation to do before Nerie could arrive at the Solar - where court was held - Alaena left. Once she’d gone, Karina went to work getting Nerie into the gown they’d chosen the evening before. It was a soft buttery yellow and contrasted nicely with her red hair and freckles. Unlike most of her dresses, this one had long sleeves with golden cuffs around her forearms. The bodice had a flat and wide collar that modestly accentuated her chest. The skirt seemed to be made of several layers of fine silk, each a slightly lighter shade of gold, wrapped layer by layer and gathered at her right hip.

  Then the hard part - they had decided to do her long tresses in an up-do that would be curled. A rod of metal was heated in a small brazier and then her hair wrapped around it for short periods of time. Nerie sat eerily still as Karina worked, afraid of having the hot metal touch her skin.

  Then it was time.

  While most of the palace was situated to the east of the kitchens, the great hall, and the Solar were both to the west. Nerie had only been to the Solar once before, when she first had learned her way around the palace.

  The far wall was solid glass, with doors leading out to the sprawling gardens that surrounded the palace. She still hadn’t gotten a chance to explore them.

  She straightened her dress one last time and stepped inside the large room. Every ey
e turned towards the princess.

  “Attention Please! Welcome Her Royal Highness, Heir Apparent, Princess Nerie!” The steward said, his voice booming.

  If everyone hadn’t been looking at her before - they were now.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Nerie

  The room was silent as everyone turned to watch Nerie enter.

  Most of them were much younger than the members of the Curia, and Nerie wouldn’t have been surprised to learn they were their children. She was caught looking at everyone, as they looked like a garden of flowers. Pastels must be in fashion, because Nerie didn’t see a single woman in a darker color. The men however, seemed to be in darker tones, with pastel accents.

  Realizing she was just standing in the doorway, Nerie stepped into the room. Immediately, everyone bowed low to her. Alaena had told her this would happen, and that they would wait for her command to rise.

  “Thank you all for welcoming me. Please rise,” she said, her voice thin but steady as she commanded the large audience.

  As one, they all straightened. Then it was like a dam burst. People rushing to meet her, kiss her cheek, her hand, introduce themselves. It would have been overwhelming, had she had time to think about it.

  There were names. So many names. She hoped Alaena or possibly even her mother, might have a list of attendees for her to review later.

  She didn’t know how long the introductions went on for before she heard someone clear their throat behind her.

  “Come now! We will all get to meet Her Highness as I’m sure this will not be her only time joining us.”

  Nerie looked over her shoulder to find a tall muscular man standing there. He had pale hair and his eyes were nearly golden they were such a light shade of brown. He was smiling down at her.

  He bowed slightly, and then straightened.

  “Allow me to introduce myself your highness, I’m Wilm, eldest son of Lord Brodin of Mazen. You must be weary. You’ve hardly moved from the doorway in an hour. Please, join me for tea?”

  Wilm extended his hand, and Nerie lightly placed hers atop it. He gave it the customary kiss in greeting, however he didn’t release it afterword, instead leading her to one of the small tables that lined the room.