Dragon Soul

by Diana Green

  “What’s yours?” Valla demanded, annoyed by the leader’s superior tone. “This is a wilderness. We have as much right to be here as you.”

  “Easy,” Vadin murmured, resting a hand on her arm. “I’m sure these eldrin mean us no harm.”

  Eldrin! She barely kept her jaw from dropping in surprise. But of course, it made sense. If this was the world of the ancient demon army, then this was where the eldrin disappeared to, centuries ago. Since they were immortal, it stood to reason some might still be alive.

  “I can see you’re not eldrin.” The leader crossed his arms, appearing puzzled. “You look like none of the creatures of this land, unless you wear a magical disguise.” His brows lowered, and he moved forward with his spear. “What are you? Tell me now, or suffer the consequences.”

  Vadin hesitated in answering, but Valla saw no problem with the truth. If these really were eldrin, then they had once been allies of her race.

  “I’m a dragon.” She offered her hand. “The name’s Valla.”

  “A dragon? How is that possible?”

  “If you don’t believe me, I can show you. Just move back a few paces, and I’ll shift to my drake form.”

  “No! Don’t do anything.” The leader raised his voice in alarm. Perhaps he knew how hard she’d be to fight as a drake.

  “I assure you, we’re not a threat,” Vadin said, trying to calm the situation. “Just let us go on our way.”

  The eldrin shook his head. “You’ll need to speak with the council. They’ll want to know how a dragon came to be in this world.”

  “What if the empress sent them?” another of the scouts asked, face tense. “We can’t let them into our valley. The risk is too great.”

  “You’ve got it backwards,” Valla explained. “We don’t work for the empress. In fact, we barely escaped one of her packs. She’s probably hunting us now.”

  The leader stepped closer, searching her face as if for clues. He reached out and pressed his left palm lightly to her forehead. She resisted the urge to slap it away, since he wasn’t behaving in a threatening or aggressive manner.

  For a brief moment his hand vibrated with energy, and her mind filled with a pulse of light. He withdrew his hand and moved away, apparently satisfied.

  “I can sense no lie in what she tells us,” he said, addressing the other scouts.

  This sent them into an animated discussion amongst themselves. Meanwhile Vadin gave her a warning look to say no more. Despite his assurance that the eldrin meant no harm, he was obviously wary.

  After a few intense exchanges, the leader turned to Vadin and Valla. “If you are indeed fleeing the empress, the council may be willing to help you. But you’ll need to answer all their questions honestly.”

  Some of the tension eased from her shoulders. A helpful council seemed good, didn’t it? She glanced at Vadin, seeing how he remained silent and cautious. This was all a little out of her depth. What was the proper protocol when dealing with eldrin in an alien world? She had no idea.

  “Follow me,” the leader instructed, starting down the far slope.

  Seeing no reason to refuse, she fell into place behind him. A quick look over her shoulder confirmed Vadin was coming along, without requiring any prodding from eldrin spears. The rest of the scouts fanned out around them, forming a guarded perimeter.

  “This valley is our sanctuary,” the lead scout said. “It’s a rare privilege for outsiders to be allowed entrance.”

  “Doesn’t seem like you’re giving us much choice,” Valla retorted. “And I don’t see anything but more trees and rocks.”

  “Our valley is shielded by magic, so the empress’ prying eyes won’t learn its whereabouts.”

  “Ah. Clever.” She thought of the protection spell Vadin cast each evening around their camp. Perhaps the eldrin used something similar.

  In the next moment, the leader vanished from sight. Her heart skipped a beat, but she continued walking. She was getting somewhat familiar with the effects of sorcery.

  A few more steps brought her to an invisible magical wall. It resisted letting her pass, until a nearby scout spoke.

  “Asenthe.” As the word of power left the eldrin’s lips, the rigid barrier became fluid, allowing her through.

  Once on the other side, she gasped in surprise. What had seemed like an uninhabited valley, was in fact a beautiful haven. Sprinkled amongst the more common red conifers were groves of golden broad-leafs, gardens, orchards, ponds, meadows, and delightful dwellings.

  The buildings were made of wood, though it looked like they’d been grown rather than constructed. The shapes were graceful, mimicking organic lines of leaves and petals. A combination of pale gray and glossy honey-colored wood created intricate spiraling patterns around the eaves, entryways, and porch railings. Similar patterns decorated clothing worn by eldrin working in the gardens.

  “Welcome to our home.” The lead scout’s tone expressed a well-deserved pride.

  “It’s wonderful,” Valla enthused.

  “Though we no longer enjoy the luxuries of our cities of old, we can offer you a hot bath, clean clothes, and a meal.”

  “That sounds splendid.” She gave him a broad smile, choosing to ignore the wrinkling of his nose as he’d spoken of bathing and clean clothes. After walking dawn to dusk for many days, she and Vadin weren’t exactly fresh smelling.

  “Can we avail ourselves of your hospitality, before speaking with the council?” Vadin asked, coming to stand beside her. “My companion and I have been traveling some time now, with few comforts.”

  The eldrin nodded. “Of course.” Now that they had entered the valley, it seemed he’d decided to be a gracious host. “This way, please.”

  He led them along a charming flower-edged path that wound through the settlement. Eldrin straightened from their tasks and stepped out of doors to watch the new arrivals pass by. Clearly it was a rare event to have strangers in the valley.

  A group of young ones gathered, accompanying her and Vadin as they walked. These were the loveliest children she’d ever seen, their hair like spun gold, skin as fair as doves’ wings, and eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  “This is a rare blessing,” Vadin said, speaking to their host. “I understand eldrin seldom give birth.”

  “We have been fortunate,” the scout agreed. “These children are our greatest treasure.”

  Valla was touched by the wonder evident in Vadin’s eyes. He looked upon the children, as if they were a miracle, allowing them to circle around, peppering him with questions. He answered some but deftly turned the children’s attention to other things.

  As they progressed through the settlement, he entertained his small audience with magic tricks. First he made a glittering fish appear, swimming over the palm of his hand. When that elicited squeals of delight, he conjured a trio of turquoise butterflies. Next, a ruby-eyed snake coiled up his arm before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

  Vadin’s fondness for children was not something Valla would have expected. It was clear from his face that he thoroughly enjoyed interacting with them. His cares seemed to vanish, and his usual guarded expression softened.

  She couldn’t help wondering about his past. Had he once been a father or a brother? It was difficult to imagine Vadin himself as a child. What would he have been like back then, before the passage of years changed him to the man he’d become?

  She didn’t have long to contemplate these questions, however, for they soon came to a bathing house. Steam rose from vents in the roof, letting her know the water was indeed hot. What a treat!

  Their host gestured toward the entryway. “If you wish to bathe together, there is a communal—”

  “Absolutely not.” Valla wasted no time in clarifying that point.

  The eldrin blinked, perhaps taken aback by her vehement response. “Very well. If you prefer privacy, there are separate baths on either side of the building. We would be happy to clean and mend your current attire. Robes hang in the alcoves
by each bath. You’re welcome to use them `till your own garments are ready.”

  “Thank you.” She could hardly believe their good fortune. Of course there was still the council to deal with, but she wouldn’t think about that until after her much anticipated bath.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Within these walls, nothing but truth can be spoken. A lie will bring great pain…not because we seek to punish, but because the council must be free of deception.”

  Valla listened to the eldrin’s words, wondering what spells lay woven into the structure of the council hall to insure honesty. Magic certainly was good for a great many things. Prior to meeting Vadin, she’d had no idea how diverse its uses could be.

  Afternoon sun slanted through the tall arched windows. In its light, the polished wood floor and wall paneling glowed. Majestic curved beams supported the high ceiling, carved in the same spiral design seen throughout the valley.

  Five eldrin sat on a raised dais, the one in the center appearing to have the greatest authority. Unlike the other four, who wore gray robes, his garments were pristine white. A band of braided gold and silver adorned his pale brow.

  Though his face was smooth and his blond hair luxuriant, he gave Valla the impression of venerable age. Something in the way he spoke and the depth of his sapphire eyes, told her he’d seen the ages pass by.

  “There is no need to fear us,” he said. “As long as you are forthright in answering our questions. We, of this valley, are a gentle people. We never seek out conflict but only do what we must to protect our own.”

  “My companion and I understand,” Vadin responded. “Thank you for offering us hospitality.” He swept a respectful bow.

  Valla followed his lead, aware of the deficiency in her diplomatic skills. She was content, for the meantime, to let him do the speaking. His grasp of the situation might be clearer than hers, and she could always interject, should he stray in the wrong direction.

  Despite the council leader’s genteel manner, she wished for her sword or at least a dagger. They’d been allowed to bring no weapons into the hall, and her armor was still being cleaned and mended.

  Instead she wore a simple green robe, with silver spirals embroidered around the neckline and hem. Vadin wore a similar garment in blue. He looked good in it, his newly washed hair hanging in a shining curtain down his back.

  “We have been told you are a human male and a she-dragon. Is this so?” The council leader’s voice sounded calm and unhurried.

  “Yes. Your information is correct.” Vadin matched him in restraint, showing no perceivable agitation.

  Valla admired his self-control, quelling her own impulse to fidget. She’d expected the council to offer them seats, but none were forthcoming. So she and Vadin had to stand, like naughty children being grilled by their parents.

  “How is it you come to be in our world?” The eldrin leaned forward with this question, his gaze sharply focused. “I will remind you, no lies are permitted.”

  Vadin took a long breath and exhaled it slowly, studying the council. Valla wondered what passed through his mind. What would he choose to tell them, and what would he omit?

  “I opened a portal from my own world to this one.” He spoke the words quietly, the council reacting with wide eyes and murmurs of alarm.

  “You did this thing, opening a portal between worlds, on your own, without help?” The council leader clearly found this unlikely.

  Vadin hesitated then shrugged, as if seeing no way to avoid answering. “Two dragons provided energy for the spell. I could not have worked such magic without them.”

  Valla bit her lip, debating whether to correct his version of the story. Hathos and Oliana had not been willing participants. Would it be helpful for the council to know that, or might it create unnecessary complications? She decided to keep silent.

  “And why would you attempt such folly?” the eldrin demanded. “Could you not see the risks?”

  “I admit to being blinded by my desire for success.” Vadin looked genuinely remorseful. “In the days since, I have regretted my actions, many times over.”

  “What could you possibly hope to accomplish by coming here, to this world?”

  “I wanted to find someone…an eldrin woman. Asahni is her name.” Vadin’s gaze searched the faces of the council. “You may know of her. She is radiantly beautiful, even for one of your race. Her eyes in particular are unusual, a vibrant violet, like no other I’ve seen. She has a rare talent with sorcery, and her nature is fair and wise. If you have met her, even once, you would not forget.”

  The reverence in Vadin’s voice surprised Valla. Clearly, he had strong feelings for this Asahni, enough to move him to open an inter-world portal. But how was that possible? When would he have known, or even met, an eldrin woman? How could he be in love with one, if that was indeed his motivation?

  An irritating and unwanted pang of jealousy tightened her chest. She could never measure up to a magically gifted violet-eyed immortal. Her own strengths lay in bone, muscle, and blood, in bravery and battle. How simple and rough she must seem, compared to this celestial enchantress.

  Of course, it was ridiculous to think such things. What did she care if Vadin loved some immaculate eldrin damsel? His romantic liaisons had nothing to do with her. The two of them were nothing but reluctant allies.

  At least now she knew the reason for his actions, though it wasn’t what she’d expected. Could love really be the cause for all this? What about his animosity toward dragons? The source of that still remained a mystery.

  Caught up in her thoughts, she almost failed to notice the council’s discomfort. Vadin’s description of Asahni seemed to have hit a nerve with them, as they exchanged silent glances. The leader shifted in his seat and dropped his gaze momentarily to the floor.

  “You know of her?” Vadin asked, his manner intense.

  “Yes.” The leader’s lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw muscles tightening. “However, your search for her is futile. The woman you speak of, this wise and lovely Asahni, no longer walks in the world. Her time is passed.”

  “She’s dead?”

  The council leader took great care in answering. “She is gone from us, yes. The one you knew is dead.”

  Vadin’s shoulders sagged. “I am deeply saddened by the news.”

  “As are we, in the telling of it.”

  Valla couldn’t help feeling sorry for Vadin. The loss showed on his face, his regal demeanor breaking under the weight of emotion. He didn’t seem to know what to do or say.

  Perhaps it was time for her to speak up. With Vadin’s quest at a dead end, her own mission hung in the balance. The two of them had agreed to work together, as long as they both sought the empress, but what now? Though, she couldn’t guess what he intended to do next, maybe the eldrin would help her.

  “I have a different reason for being in your world.” She stepped forward and addressed the council. “When Vadin’s portal opened, the empress sent one of her packs through to attack. Two of my friends were taken prisoner, and they’re now being held in her dungeon. I have to free them and find a way home.”

  “This is grave news.” The council leader frowned, rubbing his brow. “I’d hoped the empress had no knowledge of the portal opening, but it seems she was ready and waiting.”

  Another member of the council spoke up. “We know she’s recently increased her pack breeding and forging of weapons. Perhaps she hopes to invade our old home world, if another portal opens.”

  “It is unwise to make assumptions,” the leader responded. “I remind you that our information is incomplete, as our last reconnaissance party never returned.”

  “But she’s obviously planning something,” the council member argued. “Surely it’s no coincidence that we find a portal has been opened between worlds, and she’s hunting the man responsible. We must take action now, before the situation worsens. If enough time passes, we’ll lose our chance to—”

  “Calm yourself,�
� the leader instructed, his voice stern. “We dare not give over to frightened fancies. Caution and patience have served us well in the past, and they remain our best path. Already one long-range scouting party has gone missing. I’m unwilling to risk more lives. For now, we should protect our borders and wait to see what unfolds.”

  The council member looked unconvinced but chose to keep quiet. From the sound of things, the eldrin seemed unlikely to offer Valla help. Still, they might provide valuable information.

  “Do you know a route for approaching the empress’ castle undetected?” she asked. “I believe my friends are being held underground, so—”

  “You can’t seriously intend to rescue them,” the council leader cut in, his voice hard-edged. “It’s beyond foolish, to consider such a thing.”

  “I’m past the considering stage,” she retorted. “I won’t leave them to rot in her dungeon.”

  “You know nothing of what you’ll face. The empress is powerful, beyond your wildest imaginings.” He grimaced. “Within the dark hills lies a mighty chasm. We believe it to be where the ancient demons first arose. It spews forth sulfurous fumes that fill the air with stench and color the sky yellow for miles around.

  “Something in that place gives the empress increased magical power. We don’t understand the connection between her and the chasm, but near it she is undefeatable. To challenge her there, in her own domain, is madness.”

  “My plan wasn’t to challenge her directly but to find a way to sneak in and—”

  “That’s not a plan but a childish whim…one that endangers our valley, as well as your own life.”

  Valla gritted her teeth. If this self-righteous eldrin prig didn’t stop interrupting, she was going to get seriously annoyed. He didn’t seem willing to listen to anyone, even members of his own council.

  As if sensing her aggravation, Vadin placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. She turned to meet his gaze. Pain and disappointment still darkened his eyes, but she saw something else as well. Was it determination?

  “I’ll help you free Hathos and Oliana,” he said. It was the first time he’d spoken their names. “I’m not sure exactly how we’ll manage it, but working together there’s a better chance.”