Vera's Song (Creatures of the Lands Book 2)

by Natalie Erin

  Kia smiled and looked at Ionan. “Can you take us up into the sky so I can figure out how far away we are?”

  “How far away from where?”he asked. He stretched his legs, echoing Ana’s yawn.

  “Mt. Deathern,” Kia told him. “You know, the big volcano that helped to kill off pretty much everyone during the First Despondent.”

  “Why on earth would we want to go there?” Keota asked, shocked.

  “Wait a second,” Casiff said, slowly glancing at Kia. “We aren’t going to visit...her are we?”

  “Sorry Casiff, but you knew you were going to have to face her again sometime,” Kia giggled. “And sometime happens to be today.”

  “But does it have to be now?” Casiff turned bright red and dropped his face to look at the floor.

  “Well if Casiff doesn’t like whoever we’re going to see, then I’m in.” Ionan got up and walked toward the opening of the cave. “Let’s get you up high.”

  Kia followed the dragon and climbed on his back carefully. He flew gently, carrying her much higher than she ever could’ve flown on her own. She looked out and spotted the volcano easily on the horizon. “Not as far away as I thought,” she smiled. “Only a few days away.”

  Vera beamed proudly downward, her heart filling with joy. There was blood everywhere and the task had taken days, but she had done it all by herself. A little dragon hatchling, no bigger than Vera’s front paw, looked up at her in curiosity. She raised a four-spiked tail in the air, her turquoise scales shimmering in the darkness of the cave, the green feathers on her wings ruffled. She had Vera’s eyes.

  The hatchling peeped and Vera laughed lightly. Ionan always wanted a little girl, she thought. And now I’ve given him his wish.

  The black magic still bound her so she couldn’t move, but Vera was more determined than ever to escape from the cave. My daughter won’t die down here, she thought, and she began thinking of more clever ways to break free.

  Unexpectedly, the bind on her mouth disappeared. Vera opened her mouth once again, relieved that she could relax the muscle, but found that the magic on her legs still held. She must’ve used a stronger spell on my feet than my face, Vera thought. The stupid witch doesn’t know everything.

  She heard loud footsteps outside, and she feared Wyntier was coming back. She hid the hatchling against her side as the door was blasted open and she looked into the face of an old red dragon, peering into the room.

  “No Wyntier here,” he said before noticing Vera, his eyes widening. “By the Creator. What’s happened to you? Are you alright?”

  “Thank goodness you’ve come,” Vera said. “I’m Wyntier’s Changer. He’s locked me up here using dark magic. I need your help.”

  “I don’t know if I can fit in there, sweetheart. I’m too big,” he said, looking inside the room. “I’m Bloodbath, by the way. I’m a friend of Kia’s. I’m looking for your Accompany so I can kill him.”

  “Everyone is. And I’m not asking you to set me free. I need you to get my daughter to safety,” she said, bringing the small hatchling out from behind her back. Bloodbath looked at the child, surprised. As the hatchling began crawling to him, Bloodbath protested, “I hate to rip a hatchling away from her mother. If we kill him today, we won’t have to worry about your child being safe.”

  “But if he lives today, we do. If Wyntier finds out that I have a daughter he’ll never leave her alone. She’ll be his slave as I was. This child needs to be as far away from him as possible. There must be someone you know who can watch her, keep her safe from Wyntier,” Vera begged.

  “Where is the father of the child?” Bloodbath asked.

  “If you know Kia you must know Ionan. He’s my mate. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to her,” Vera said. “I’m counting on you to do a favor for both of us.”

  Bloodbath nodded. “My sister just lost her mate and her daughter to Ortusans. Her name is Sunset. She’ll watch over her until you’re free.”

  “Thank you. Now you must take her, and hurry,” Vera insisted.

  “I cannot leave you here. Not when Wyntier is coming back for you,” Bloodbath argued.

  “There’s nothing you can do,” Vera said. “The magic binding me has to wear off or the person who cast it has to set me free. Find Ionan. He’s the only one who can help me right now.”

  Bloodbath nodded. He put his head down so the child could climb up onto his head. The hatchling looked back at her mother, and Vera nodded encouragement. But the hatchling only ran back to her mother, screaming her head off.

  “I don’t think she’s too eager to go with me,” Bloodbath said.

  “Let me sing her a song,” Vera said. “That should calm her enough to convince her to go with you.”

  Vera snuggled her daughter closer, opened her heart and sang:

  “Come, sleep, dear child,

  Let your dreams come fly.

  Don’t let your tears fall,

  Even fall do mine.

  Though, perhaps, we may,

  Be apart, far away,

  Remember this song,

  We’ll meet again someday.”

  Mirabelle cooed happily. Vera kissed her daughter on the head before looking towards Bloodbath meaningfully. The baby dragon happily hopped up on Bloodbath’s head without further hesitation, giving a happy peep.

  “Does the child have a name?” Bloodbath asked before backing out of the cave slowly.

  Vera smiled. “Yes. Mirabelle.”

  “A good name. I’ll find Ionan and return to free you as soon as I can,” Bloodbath said before taking off into the sky. Vera watched them go out the open door sorrowfully as she looked down at her bonds. Perhaps they too would wear off soon and she’d be able to walk out of here easily.

  She thought that her prayers had been answered when the bonds fell away from her feet. She walked joyfully out of the cave, rejoicing at the strength the sunlight gave her, only to be met with Wyntier and Nineva, who were standing outside in the snow.

  “Looks like we need you once again, Vera,” Wyntier said. “Seems like you’re not quite as useless as we thought.”

  “Where’s the book?” Nineva snarled, approaching Vera with her magic once more. Vera changed into a dragon, saying, “I’m not sure. And I’ll be damned if I let you get your hands on it again.”

  Before Wyntier could give her an order Vera rose up on her hind legs and slammed her body into the mountainside. Wyntier and Nineva jumped out of the way as dozens of rocks came flying down from the top of the mountain, burying the entrance to the cave under hundreds of bricks of stone.

  “Your magic only gives you the power to destroy,” Vera said triumphantly, staring into Nineva’s eyes. “You’ll never dig through all these rocks. The snow and ice will freeze the book inside for good. Not even your fire will be able to break through.”

  “NO!” Wyntier strode forward and slapped Vera across the face. Reeling from the blow, she turned to flee but Wyntier pointed at her, saying, “You stay right there! Nineva, come.” He helped his wife onto Vera’s back and the Changer stood there, unable to move. He climbed onto Vera’s back as well and pointed south. “Fly that way, and don’t stop until I say so.”

  “What are you going to do with me?” she growled, heading in the direction Wyntier had requested. She hated that she had to obey his every command. Now that it was against her own will, she couldn’t bear to listen to his orders.

  “That’s none of your concern,” Wyntier said. “Your job is to take orders and do as I say. Maybe this time, you’ll get the job right.”

  The group never thought that they’d want the cold from the Ice Borns back so quickly. They were gathered around the bottom of a large, threatening volcano, one that was bubbling menacingly and seemed quite active. The surrounding land was filled with ash, rocks and hardened lava that had turned black. There was nothing surrounding Mt. Deathern for miles, except for a house that seemed entirely built from volcanic rock, sitting quaintly at the bottom of t
he volcano that seemed ready to gobble it up. Even though the Ice Borns weren’t that far away, there seemed to be a certain type of magic over the land that made Mt.Deathern extremely hot even in the cold winter.

  The wolves panted in their winter coat, hardly able to bear the heat. “I hope we’re not staying here too long,” Lilja complained, looking up at Kia.

  “That’s up to Wyntier,” Kia said. “But I doubt he’d be stupid enough to come here, unlike us.”

  “One thing I could never figure out is why she chose to live here, of all places,” Casiff said, staring up at the volcano in terror.

  “It’s the only place she could get away from Malaki,” Kia said. “Though I think the location itself was poorly planned.”

  “Mommy, I’m scared,” Kennu said, shrinking against his mother’s side.

  “Me too Auntie Kia,” Soran said, clinging tightly onto Kia’s legs.

  “It’ll be okay, little darlings. You’ll like this once you meet the fairy who lives here,” Kia reassured them.

  “Oh please, can’t we just find somewhere else to go?” Casiff whined from behind her. “I really don’t want to have to face her again. She’ll probably roast my face.”

  “Oh, if Vixen hasn’t roasted your face by now, then no one will,” Vixen laughed at her husband. “Who is this woman that has Casiff so afraid?”

  “I’m certain that you won’t like her very much, Vixen,” Casiff said in an upset tone. As they reached the edge of the volcano Keota noticed a small chair set up outside the door of the small house. Kia led them all toward it. A fairy about eight years older than Kia was spread out awkwardly in it. Her arms fell over one side and her feet fell over the other. Her bright orange hair brushed against the ground and she snored quietly.

  “Flare,” Kia said, quietly at first. When the fairy didn’t hear she shouted loudly, “Flare!”

  The fairy in the chair jumped and fell to the ground with a thump.

  “Ow. What in the world?” She looked up slowly, then smiled as she saw who it was. “Kia!” she rose to her feet and swept the younger fairy into her arms. “It’s so good to see you again, little sis!”

  “It’s good to see you too, Flare.” Kia laughed and pulled away from her sister. She began to point out everyone in the large group. “That’s my husband Keota, his Changer Ionan, our son Kennu and his Changer Allie, and you know Snow Drop. Those two over there are Ana and Maekrel. The wolves are Lottie, her brother Lilja, his mate Cornia, their pups and Lottie’s pups. You remember Casiff, that’s his wife Vixen, and the other two children are Nineva’s kids, Vivianne and Soran, and their Changers Melodi and Zorna.” Kia took a deep breath and smiled again. “Everyone, this is my sister Flaria, but most people just call her Flare.”

  “Quite a big group you got here,” Flare laughed, looking everyone up and down. “I heard the stories about you. Quite impressive, defeating a plague.”

  “Yeah yeah, everyone talks about it. It’s no big deal, really,” Kia said, waving her hand.

  “I’m going to have to talk to you later,” Flare said, pointing at Casiff. “But I have to say you couldn’t have come at a better time.”

  “And why is that?” Kia asked.

  “Because Kael is over. Looks like it’s one big family reunion,” she said with a smile.

  “Kael is here?” Kia looked shocked. “I can’t believe it. He never comes to visit anyone.”

  “Well he is currently sitting in my kitchen with Nicholas.” Flare told her sister happily. “You remember Nicholas, of course.”

  “Yes I remember him. He used to tease me constantly.” Kia looked up at Flare with a grumpy expression. “He called me moss-head.”

  Flare laughed and her orange eyes sparkled before she rounded on Casiff. “Casiff, I sill haven’t forgotten what you did to me.”

  “Oh great, here we go.” Casiff sighed and moved closer to Vixen, grabbing his wife’s arm.

  “What did Vixen’s Casiff do to you, Flare?” Vixen asked. She turned to look at Casiff questioningly.

  “All I have to say is that I lost several pairs of under-britches to his sticky little fingers.” Flare threw her head back and laughed while Casiff turned bright red.

  “I was a child with a crush! I would never do such a thing nowadays,” Casiff insisted.

  “Is that so? You seem to have no problem going through Vixen’s panties,” Vixen protested, her hands on her hips.

  Casiff’s cheeks turned even redder than Vivienna’s hair. As the group laughed, Flare led them inside. The front room was surrounded by walls painted the colors of fire, while the floor was made of wooden planks that had been laid down and attached to one another carefully. As they walked into the kitchen, the heat hit them. Most of the home was built into the side of the volcano, and while Flare seemed quite comfortable, the others began to sweat.

  “Maekrel and I are going to stand with the wolves outside,” Ana said, wiping her forehead. “Just to get some fresh air.”

  “Me too,” Ionan gasped. The rest of the group left Kia, Keota, Casiff, Vixen and the children with their Changers in the kitchen. Kennu and Soran both clung to Kia’s legs while Allie and Zorna tugged at their Accompanies’ sides. Melodi sat in Vivi’s pocket, a small mouse once more. The kitchen was large and open, the sunlight shined in through two large glass panes in the ceiling. Two men sat at the table. One was about seven years older than Kia. The other was barely twenty.

  “Kael! Where’s my hug?” Kia spread her arms wide as the younger of the two looked up at her.

  “Kia!” he ran over and hugged her tightly. “I haven’t seen you in ages!”

  “That’s your own fault, little brother. You should come to visit more often.” Kia ground her fist gently on his head, ruffling up his short, turquoise hair.

  “Knock it off sis! You know I don’t like it when you mess up my hair!” Kael smoothed his hair down, shaking his head.

  “Hey, it’s moss-head.” The older man rose to his feet and walked over. His hair was long and the color of pure silver. His tan skin was smooth and without wrinkles.

  “Hi Nicholas,” Kia sighed in obvious dread. “I want you guys to meet my husband, Keota.”

  “This tall, skinny thing?” Kael looked Keota up and down, rubbing his chin in thought. “He’s not good enough for you, Kia. You should get rid of him while you can.”

  “Nice to meet you too,” Keota said sarcastically.

  Kia giggled. “I think it’s a little too late considering he already fathered my son.”

  “If he looks anything like his father you should just kill him now out of mercy,” Nicholas laughed.

  “Daddy is better than you are. You’re just a mean man!” Kennu walked forward and punched Nicholas in the leg.

  “Hey there, little guy. I was just playing.” Nicholas smiled at the boy. “What’s your name?”

  “Kennu!” he said happily.

  Nicholas scooped the boy up and placed him on his hip. “I’m your Uncle Nicholas.” He smiled at Kennu. “How old are you, Kennu?”

  “This many!” Kennu held up four fingers.

  “No honey, one more finger,” Kia told her son. Kennu stuck one more finger out and smiled goofily, giggling.

  “Hi Kennu, I’m your Uncle Kael!” Kael came up and stroked the five year old’s short green hair.

  Kennu reached out and poked Kael’s small nose. “I got your nose, Uncle Kael, and you can’t have it back.”

  “Oh, please can I have it back. I need that to smell with,” Kael begged.

  “Okay.” Kennu poked his uncle in the nose again and laughed. “Daddy, come get me!” the child said, reaching his arms out toward Keota.

  “I’m coming!” Keota took his son from Nicolas and spun him around until he giggled.

  “He’s adorable, Kia,” Flare smiled at her younger sister. “He’ll get along great with Mela.”

  “Mela?” Keota asked.

  “My four year old daughter.” Flare explained. “Kids, come meet
your Aunt Kia.”

  A young girl came running down the hallway to them. She had sky blue hair that was put up in pigtails that were perfectly curled. Her eyes were orange, like her mother’s, and she wore a white dress covered in lace. “Here Mama!”

  “Slow down Meladronia! You don’t want to fall.” Nicholas shouted. He stuck his arms out and lifted his daughter up. “This is Mela. Mela, this is your Aunt Kia and your Uncle Keota.”

  “And I’m Kennu.” The green haired boy stuck out his chest as if to draw attention to the muscles he didn’t have.

  “I want to meet her!” Soran came running up from his sister’s side and looked at Mela. “I’m Soran and I’m six years old. Older than all of you!” he said proudly.

  “Why don’t you three go play in Mela’s room.” Nicholas said, putting Mela down on the floor. She ran toward the hallway. The boys chased after her and Allie and Zorna both followed.

  “I wanted a girl so bad,” Kia smiled at her sister. “But I got an adorable little boy instead.”

  “ARAVON!” Nicolas shouted, leaning into the hallway.

  “What the hell do you want now?” a boy’s voice called back nastily.

  “Come meet your Aunt and Uncle!” Nicolas’ voice boomed, echoing off the walls.

  “What if I don’t want to meet my Aunt and Uncle?” the boy yelled back. “What have they ever done for me?”

  “You have no choice, Aravon! NOW!” Kia could hear anger beginning to form in her brother-in-law’s voice.

  “Why don’t you come and make me!” Aravon yelled back. Nicolas pounded his fist on the table and stomped down the hallway. When he came back he was dragging a skinny, small sixteen year old boy by the ear, with navy blue hair that was shoulder length and a scrawny, bony face. Part of it had gotten caught in Nicholas’ tight grasp.

  “Let go of me!” Aravon struggled against his father’s hold, looking malicious.

  Nicholas pushed the boy in front of Kia and stepped back. “This is Aravon, the boy who currently holds the title of world’s worst attitude.”