Spirit (Legend of the Dragons Book 1)

by Denelle Elison

  She had held it all in for so long that she actually felt the moisture in the air. Letting the magic do with it what it wanted. Clouds began to form overhead, the wind howled all around her, and leaves swirled around the grounds below. She swayed with the wind and the trees around began to sway as well. There were shouts below warning everyone to get indoors. They thought that her magic was a sudden monsoon. The water she released from the sky was a torrential downpour.

  Not knowing how long she stood there, she turned to the southern mountains, waiting for them to pull her to them. Conjuring her fire she took a deep breath and blew, twirling as she did so. More shouts were heard but she wasn’t paying attention as the fire took scorched part of the tower around her.

  “Fire!” shouted a guard from a lower tower. “There’s a fire up on the southern tower!”

  Guards entered the castle and ran up to the southern tower. Briahnna looked down at all the melee and stopped. She forced another downpour of rain to put the fire out and collapsed to her knees, sobbing into her skirts. Was she any better than Jerrick?

  “I guess now we know where you come from,” Liam said, pointing his sword at her.

  Briahnna jumped to her feet in surprise. She had no idea that he had followed her.

  Liam had never seen anything so magnificent and terrifying in his life. All he could think about was his prince, and that he needed to protect him. If that meant eliminating Ahnna, he would.

  Briahnna backed away from him.

  “Are you a spy then?” he asked.

  “No,” she said. “I swear, Liam, I was kidnapped by black market slave traders. You have to understand. I would have said something but we were being beaten and whipped down there. I thought that’s how things were. I thought that if I told Prince Desmond who I was that he would end me.”

  Liam nodded, keeping his sword level with her throat. “We will tell him now.”

  “No!” Briahnna sobbed. “Atira will hate me! Desmond will think I’m a monster.”

  “Atira won’t hate you,” Liam said, lowering his sword and sighing. “She might be angry for a little while, but that girl loves you. She will forgive you.”

  Briahnna looked at her feet. “What of Desmond? He will think of me as a monster won’t he?”

  Liam shook his head. “That I cannot tell you. Desmond has many prejudices against the magiks, and rightly so. But it is my duty to tell him.” He turned around to walk away from her but she stopped him.

  “Wait!” she stepped closer to him. “I will tell them. They need to hear it from me. Just give me some time. Please?”

  “I will only give you a day,” Liam said.

  “Five!” Briahnna insisted.

  “Three!” Liam growled. “If you have not told him by sunset on the third day, believe me, I will stick you in the dungeons as a prisoner of war and tell him that you are a spy. Why else would you need so much time?”

  “I’m not a spy,” Briahnna stated unemotionally.

  “Then prove it to me by telling him sooner rather than later!”

  Footsteps pounded up the tower stairs and Liam growled at the guard. “The fire’s been put out!”

  Chapter 33

  Rumors of a Northerner came early the next morning. Desmond was always leery of the Hyperboreans. They only sought power and gain. What could they possibly gain from coming here at this time?

  “He’s here, Desmond,” Liam said, entering Desmond’s study. “I’ve been waiting for him at the front gate all morning. He’s a messenger from Master Obishren, ruler of the Hyperboreans.”

  “He calls himself ruler now, does he?” Desmond asked sarcastically. “I wonder how many he had to eliminate for that title.”

  “Only a few,” sneered the messenger as he waltzed in unannounced.

  “I’m sorry, Prince Desmond,” said Rowan, kneeling on one knee, head bowed in submission. “He would not wait, even with a sword at his throat.”

  Desmond motioned to Rowan that he was dismissed and scrutinized the Northerner. Hyperboreans were large in stature, thick and muscled. He had once heard that they were nearly indestructible because of their thick skin and hulking bodies. They were made for the extreme cold. “What do you want?”

  The messenger tilted his head and watched Desmond intently. “I am Avisherey. And I am here on behalf of Master Obishren to offer Thornhold assistance in your war against Mageia.”

  “Why would you want to assist us?” Desmond asked unemotionally. “Haven’t you also accused us of taking your citizens?”

  “We no longer believe that Thornhold is at fault,” Avisherey said in his thick accent.

  “And that’s it? So now you want to help us?” Desmond asked skeptically.

  “I think we both know what will happen if they let the boy loose once more,” said Avisherey. “You don’t stand a chance. Let us help and we can bring in equipment and weapons of which you have never in your life dreamed. They can withstand his magic. I am sure of it.”

  “Why now? If what you say is true, you could have gone against the magiks a long time ago without us.” Desmond watched the man standing still as a statue. “What is it that you actually want?”

  “You want honesty?” Avisherey asked menacingly.

  Desmond nodded unflinching.

  “We want the magiks gone, to exist no more. We want the forest burned. We want access to the Southern Seas.” Avisherey shrugged. “Do they even explore the seas? What are they protecting in their magical shield? What lies beyond our four kingdoms? They close off their border to keep us all out because they are afraid that we are taking their people. But is that really why they closed them? They think they are all-powerful. And they are. They will beat you and take what is yours. What will they do with your people? Do you think they will treat them as equals?”

  Desmond clenched his fists.

  Avisherey smiled. “No. You do not. No one is equal to an individual who controls the elements. Your people are below the magiks. Your people will truly be slaves under their rule. I heard that Jerrick of Tristeil is so powerful that he could take out your entire kingdom with a raise of his hand. He scares many, and many would give him an entire kingdom to make him happy. Don’t you think that once you lose, he will probably be your successor?”

  “Enough!” Desmond spat. “I think you already know my answer. You act as if you will stand with us and leave us alone after. We all know that you will not. And I do not believe in executing an entire civilization.”

  “No,” Avisherey said, stepping forward. “You will need us soon. I will stay a little longer and await your true answer. Whether or not you believe as we do, you do not want your people to be enslaved to them.”

  “Nor do I want them to be enslaved to you!” Desmond stood.

  “I will be at the Inn Capitale. You can reach me there when you have changed your mind,” Avisherey said, turning on his heel and leaving Desmond’s study.

  “Would you like me to go and take care of him right now?” Liam asked.

  “And start a war with another kingdom? Please by all means. What more do we have to lose?” Desmond asked sarcastically.

  “What does he mean that they no longer believe that we have taken their people?” Liam asked.

  “I don’t know.” Desmond sighed. “He seems to be very suspicious of the magiks. Either the magiks came up with a reason to go to war against us, or Hyperborea is causing war between the Kingdoms for their own gain. After everything we’ve been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if they both plotted against us.”

  “I thought King Rinald and your father had been friends,” Liam said.

  “My father thought so too until he declared us the enemy.” Desmond glared down at his cane. “The magiks are not what we thought they were. I agree with Avisherey in the fact that the magiks want more than we thought they did. They think they are above us and they always have. We were fools to think that they thought of us as equals.”

  “Are you going to make an alliance with Hyp
erborea then?” Liam asked.

  “No,” Desmond said, shaking his head but wondering if he really had a choice.

  Briahnna stood outside the door and listened to the men talking, feeling her resolve melt with every word Desmond spoke. He’d think her a spy for sure now. Standing frozen in her spot she didn’t notice till it was too late that the men were on their way out of the study.

  “Ahnna!” Desmond said surprised at finding her standing there.

  Briahnna looked at Liam, a plea in her eyes. He shook his head slightly and cleared his throat. “Now isn’t the time, Ahnna,” he said.

  “The time for what?” Desmond asked, his countenance brighter upon seeing her. Briahnna wondered if a Northerner really had just stopped by.

  Desmond looked at her wanting her to say something. Anything really. She looked petrified standing there unsure of herself, and when she looked that way he felt like she would turn and run just like she had the day before. He didn’t want her to.

  “Actually,” he said, trying to keep her from bolting. “I have something that I’d like to show you.”

  Briahnna relaxed and squared her shoulders and Desmond sighed inwardly with relief. She wasn’t going to run today.

  “This way,” he said, leading her away from his study.

  “May I ask what it is that you would like to show me, Your Highness?” Briahnna asked.

  “That would ruin my surprise,” he said.

  “Your surprise?” she looked at him and smiled slightly.

  “My surprise for you,” he corrected.

  Briahnna stopped. “You have a surprise for me?”

  Desmond stopped, looked back at her and shrugged his shoulders. “Sort of.”

  “I don’t think I can accept any gifts,” she said.

  “Why not?”

  “I’m your sister’s lady’s maid. It would be inappropriate,” Briahnna said, turning away to walk back to her own room.

  His arm shot forward, and he grabbed her almost falling. “I’m a little tired of falling all over myself for you.” Briahnna blushed. “Will you please just come with me? It’s not really a gift,” he said, wanting to slam his head into a wall.

  She nodded and followed him in silence.

  He stopped in front of a room that she had never before entered. Desmond opened the door and summoned her in and she hesitantly walked through. It was a large private library, with books lining the walls and a few couches in the center surrounding the most marvelous pianoforte she had ever beheld.

  “This was my mother’s private library,” Desmond said, sticking a hand into his pocket and pulling out a key. “It’s no longer used. I had it cleaned this morning. I thought that maybe you would like to play again.” He watched her wander to a wall and run her slender fingers over the books. Then she walked slowly to the piano and sat down on the bench. Looking down at the keys she ran those slender fingers over them as if they were the most precious things she had ever touched and began to play. She carefully started her tune getting acquainted with this beautiful masterpiece of a piano. She heard its melody, her heart, and began pouring herself into it.

  Desmond stood listening for a few minutes, not wanting to disturb her. He made his way around the piano. She didn’t even notice the clomp of his cane and he was able to watch her face. There were tears streaming down it, and he slowly walked around to sit beside her.

  Briahnna jumped when she felt Desmond’s thumb caress her cheek. She reached up and felt her wet face, not even realizing that she had been crying. His hand dropped, he exhaled, and looked down at the keys. Briahnna scooted away and began to stand but Desmond reached out and grabbed her arm.

  “Sit,” he demanded.

  She sat back down.

  Desmond started to pluck out a familiar tune and she laughed. “You play?”

  He raised his eyebrows at her and kept chopping up the piano with his tune. She joined and soon they were trying to outdo each other with their duet. Not that he was succeeding, but he was trying. He kept leaning over and swiping her hand off of the keys. She reached over and began playing his part as well.

  Desmond laughed. “You cheat in everything you do, don’t you?”

  She finished the song lavishly, laughing at his mock appalled look.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “My pleasure,” Desmond said, taking out the key to the room and handing it to her. “You are welcome to come in here and play whenever my sister gives you time.”

  Briahnna took the key and cleared her throat, making up her mind. “I have something to tell you.”

  Again Desmond saw her noticeably stiffen and clench her fists. She was getting ready to spill and run. He wanted desperately to hear what she had to say but he didn’t want her to ruin what they had just built so he stopped her. “Didn’t Liam say that now is not the time?”

  “He did,” she said, exhaling and looking away.

  “Then I suggest you heed his advice and wait.” Desmond stood. “He usually has sound judgment. Not always, but usually. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing more beautiful music emanating from this room.” He bowed his head slightly and left without another word.

  Chapter 34

  “You dare to have a meeting without me?” Rinald bellowed as he entered the tent.

  “We have decided that you will not do what it takes to end this conflict once and for all,” Lord Braxton stated calmly. “We all agree that sacrifices need to be made and things need to change immediately. If it makes you feel better, we have decided to have a peace conference with King Estrod.”

  Rinald closed his eyes and exhaled in frustration. Jerrick was sitting at the head of the table. Rinald looked directly at him. “A peace conference?”

  Jerrick stood and gestured for King Rinald to take his seat at the head of the table but Rinald stood his ground. Jerrick nodded. “We have agreed that if King Estrod steps down as King of Thornhold, along with his heirs, we will end this war. We will be lenient with his people and start a new regime where they will be free and have the rights they deserve given to them.”

  King Rinald looked around the room in disgust. “You all agreed to this?” Though some did, many did not have the nerve to look him in the eye. “What have you been threatened with? What or who has you so scared that you would agree to this unreasonable idea?” He looked at Jerrick. “Do you even know how that kingdom is ruled? Most of those slaves may not earn money, but they work for their keep, save but a few! Every place has a bit of a corrupt society within,” he said, glaring at Lord Braxton and Lord Kirtzene. “The reason for our war is to abolish the traders who corrupt their society and bring our citizens home! Not to take over!”

  “They obviously don’t have control of their society!” Lord Braxton intervened. “We need to bring it under control!”

  “Not by taking their king from them!” King Rinald roared.

  “What good is this war then?” Jerrick asked calmly. “If not to take over, then what?”

  “To take back what is ours and to agree to terms where those corrupt slave traders have to answer for their crimes,” Rinald insisted. “It would take more years than this war would take to introduce a new regime. We would be dealing with civil unrest, revolutionaries, a constant call to war! Am I the only one who sees this?”

  “Could you not take care of those things without actually going to war?” Jerrick asked.

  “We all know that King Estrod insisted that he didn’t have magiks. We need to get in and take care of these issues ourselves.”

  “Then what?” asked Lord Braxton. “Do you really think that it makes sense to hand everything back over to King Estrod after all is said and done?”

  “I do not want to take over their kingdom!” Rinald growled.

  “Then send in a dignitary who will eventually rule it in your stead,” Braxton said easily.

  “And who would that be?” Rinald asked, already knowing his answer.

  “Our most powerful magik of course,” Lor
d Braxton stated, gesturing to Jerrick.

  “And if King Estrod does not agree?” King Rinald asked.

  “Then we take care of the rest of his walls and army,” Jerrick said, stepping forward. “Haven’t we tread lightly enough? Aren’t you ready to get your daughter back?”

  “Not if it means taking those lives that you so easily brush aside,” Rinald said, turning around to leave the tent. “Let us just hope that King Estrod has enough sense to step down.”

  . . .

  “I am here,” King Estrod said, glaring at King Rinald. “I have read your terms.”

  King Rinald looked at Jerrick. “You sent him our terms already?”

  “Of course he did!” King Estrod exclaimed. “Your esteemed elders weren’t about to let you come and alter their plans.”

  “Estrod,” Rinald began, “take the terms given you, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you keep what is rightfully yours. We just need to go in and make changes and take back our citizens.”

  “Rinald,” Estrod pleaded, “We have looked! We have questioned and sent decrees promising to return them to where they rightfully belong. We don’t have your magiks! If our traders have taken your magiks then they do not want to be found! I don’t know what more you want of me!”

  “They have families that have been left behind. They would answer your supposed decrees!” Jerrick sneered. “You have either been fooled or you are a good liar.”

  “You do not belong here boy!” Estrod said, pointing at Jerrick. “It is clear that you have lost control of your own people, Rinald,” he said, looking again at the King. “I cannot agree to your peace terms. This child will not rule my people. He is corrupt and he will enslave them even more than he believes them to be.”

  “Estrod, see reason,” Rinald said. “Too many lives are at stake here. We will take down your walls, no matter the consequences. Your army will be eliminated. Don’t sentence them to death.”

  “I can see that you don’t want this,” Estrod said calmly to King Rinald. “Why are you doing it?”