by Lisa Rector
Aneirin tugged her and Einion down the hill along a path, which led them to the river. Moss-covered rocks crept along the banks, and trees with long low branches hung over the water. The path was actually a road broad enough for two carts to pass. As they walked, Aneirin told Ahnalyn about the realm.
“It’s always warm here, either spring or summer. The growing season is continuous. The land flourishes in gardens and crop fields. Many emrys live in secluded cottages, but a few live in the city. The city is mostly for government and cultural development with schools and universities. As you can imagine, when you live forever, the development of skills and talents is continuous. More knowledge to learn, technologies enhanced—endless opportunities. Some of the emrys live in the city for a time but retire to the countryside for a season. Our lifestyle is relaxed yet industrious,” Aneirin said.
“Where are the dragons?” Ahnalyn asked.
“Oh, they’re everywhere in the hills. Most of them find a quiet hollow to lie in, preferring grass and trees. Except when they’re hatching their eggs. Dragons are protective of their young, so they find a cave in the mountains. Baby dragons are careless with their flames. There’s less to burn in a cave. We’ve had wheat fields catch fire before.”
“How did the emrys come to be Dragon Riders?” Ahnalyn asked.
“The first emrys was created to be protector of the last dragon egg a couple thousand years ago. She hatched the egg with the light from her heart-center. A green dragon was born, clutching a matching dragon stone to her breast. She was raised by the emrys, and the dragon gave the stone to her. When the emrys touched the stone, they learned they could see into each other’s minds. A bond formed, and the emrys and dragons have remained together since,” Aneirin said.
“If she was the only egg where did the rest of the dragons come from?”
“As the story was told to me, the dragons can never become extinct. If one dragon is left, it makes an egg on its own. The species will always continue this way. We have thousands of dragons now.”
They neared a cottage, far different from the ones Ahnalyn was used to with their patched together, thatched roofs. This cottage was sprawling with huge front windows, a gray stone façade, and shiny slate shingles on the roof. A vibrant flower garden wrapped around the house.
Ahnalyn’s mouth dropped. This was a palace compared to the house she had shared with her father.
They stopped to rest under a tree near the river, and Ahnalyn nursed Einion. Her stomach growled. It was close to suppertime. “I’m hungry,” Ahnalyn said, as she snacked on a few hard crackers.
“My apologies. I know it’s late,” Aneirin said. “Cephias should be along soon. He won’t leave us out here in the dark.”
Aneirin took off his cloak and stripped off his shirt.
“What are you doing?” Ahnalyn exclaimed.
His boots hit the ground with a muted thud. “Going for a swim. It’s been days since I’ve had a bath.” He wiggled his pale toes in the moss.
“Yes, because now is the appropriate time to do so,” Ahnalyn said, rolling her eyes.
Aneirin didn’t answer. He dove right into the river and swam out to the center where the current was swift. He drifted downstream before turning to swim against the current.
Ahnalyn watched in astonishment. He’s swimming up the river! His arms and back muscles bugled with each stroke. Where had he been hiding those? Ahnalyn stopped her mouth from hanging open. She couldn’t let Aneirin catch her staring, so she looked down and hummed at her son.
Drenched, Aneirin climbed up the bank. The water was rolling off him. “That feels much better!” Steam rose off his body, which now glowed. In a few minutes, his skin was dry, as well as his pants. He pulled his shirt and shoes back on.
“I see Cephias coming,” Aneirin said. “Let’s prepare to leave.”
They flew toward Mared. Aneirin told Ahnalyn they’d stay the night in the city.
As they approached, the city sparkled in the twilight due to the shining, white stones used to build the houses. Many homes had porticos with soaring columns while others had graceful arching doorways and windows with pointed rooftops. The streets were laid in white stone. Ahnalyn peered into elegant garden courtyards with sculpted topiaries, rose standards, and fruit trees.
They neared the center of Mared. A massive stone platform rose in the square. Cephias touched down on it, and Ahnalyn and Aneirin climbed off. Cephias nudged Aneirin in a brotherly affectionate way, practically knocking him off his feet before flying away.
Ahnalyn adjusted her eyes in the gathering dusk. She scraped her boot over a groove on the platform. As she squinted, she saw the image of a rearing dragon carved in the surface.
Aneirin explained the square was where the emrys gathered for events. The capitol building stood before them north of the courtyard, a university to the south, the library in the west, and a cultural center in the east. The columned buildings spanned at least two stories high. Streets converged at the square from both sides of the buildings and reached out like spokes of a wheel from this central point.
Dragging on her feet, Ahnalyn wondered when they would eat and sleep. She gave Aneirin a sidelong glance of exhaustion, hoping he received the message.
Aneirin smacked his head. “Right, I’m a little carried away.”
He grabbed her hand, and a surge of energy swept through her, enlivening her.
Aneirin led them down one of the side streets toward a stately building. Ahnalyn didn’t see any sentries or guards—not a soul in the streets. An air of reverence saturated the stillness. The night was silent as the sky lit up with stars. Ahnalyn’s heart sped up. Where’s Aneirin taking me? A façade loomed over her, presenting a pair of golden double-front doors.
Aneirin pushed open the doors, leading them down a short corridor. Ahnalyn wondered at the audacity Aneirin displayed in entering such a venerable edifice. Without hesitation, he pushed open two more double doors, and they entered a magnificent hall with sweeping high-arched ceilings and rich tapestries hanging from the walls. The empty floor space revealed light golden tiles that glowed from beneath, lending a subtle light to the room. At the far end of the room, a dais raised two elaborately decorated chairs.
Two emrys stood in front of them, a man and a woman. Both were dressed in gleaming white with their silver-white hair long down their backs. To Ahnalyn they looked to be barely thirty years of age. Each wore a delicate silver crown over their brow. The woman wore a green dragon stone around her neck; and the man, a silver one.
As Aneirin approached, the woman held out her arms and spoke in an ethereal air. “Aneirin, you have returned safely. We felt your presence enter Gorlassar and were overjoyed.”
Aneirin approached her, stepped up onto the dais, and touched his forehead to hers and did the same with the man. Aneirin uttered a greeting to them in Emryn and stepped off the dais.
The man spoke. “Your journey was without difficulty?”
“I wouldn’t exactly say that.” Aneirin gestured to Ahnalyn and her son. “Father, Mother, I would like to introduce Ahnalyn and her son Einion. Ahnalyn, this is Lord Ithel and Lady Meinwen, my parents.”
Ahnalyn stiffened, unsure what to do. Aneirin didn’t say they were coming to see royalty. He neglected to mention they’re his parents! Recalling her short days as a lady and her manners, she bowed her head and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Aneirin, she’s dead on her feet!” His mother exclaimed. She waved her hand, and a woman entered. “Laney, show Ahnalyn and her son to a comfortable room. Fetch her warm food to eat. Be quick before she faints.”
Ahnalyn slumped her shoulders. She gave Aneirin a finally look and followed the woman out a side door.
***
Aneirin stayed to talk with his parents. “We have pressing matters to discuss. It would be best to hold a council in the morning.”
“I assume this has to do with the mortal realms,” Lord Ithel said.
Aneirin squa
red his shoulders. “Yes. A tyrant from Rolant is conquering the realms. He has succeeded with Terrin. A massive army has gathered, ready for war. Talfryn has limited numbers of people to fight. They will fall without aid.”
“And you want the help of the Dragon Riders,” Meinwen said.
“If Dragon Riders flew to their aid, we’d crush them.” Aneirin struck his hand with his fist. “Terrin would regain power, and the people would be free.”
“I do not doubt. Why are you concerned in such mortal affairs?” His father asked.
“Their world has good people who do not deserve to live under oppressive rule. Their world is as beautiful as ours,” Aneirin said.
His mother smiled. “I believe you darling. I also think it has to do with your feelings for this half-emrys.”
Aneirin’s face burned, but he didn’t waiver. “Ahnalyn is important to me.”
“She brings darkness with her into our realm, Aneirin,” Ithel said.
“She cannot help her mortal heritage. I see great potential in her, Father. She’s young, she will become a powerful emrys,” Aneirin assured.
“Unless she yields to the darkness inside her,” Ithel said.
Aneirin clenched his fist. “I don’t see how that’s possible if she stays here.”
His mother spoke again, her voice transcendent. “Ahnalyn lives in two worlds, Aneirin. She will have to make a choice. You cannot force her to choose the light no matter how much you want her to. A battle rages inside her. You cannot predict the outcome.”
Aneirin closed his eyes and calmed the irritation that rose inside him. “She will choose the light.”
“For your sake I hope she does,” his mother replied.
“What has become of your dragon stone?” His father asked.
“Lord Caedryn tore it from my neck while I was unconscious. He took Ahnalyn’s as well. He has dangerous power. When I stood before him, he emanated empty, cold darkness,” Aneirin said.
“This is most distressing. I assume you mean to return and retrieve the stones,” his father said. “You must think of Cephias and Seren. You cannot betray your sacred duty as a guardian.”
Aneirin held his hands out. “I know. It’s my fault their stones are gone, but I will retrieve them. I refuse to have my connection with Cephias severed. Their lives will not perish due to my mistakes.”
“I wish it were not so,” Meinwen said. “I do not wish for you to leave the dragon realm again.”
“I have no choice,” Aneirin replied.
Meinwen’s eyes twinkled. “There’s always a choice.”
Aneirin set his jaw. “Then I’ve already made mine.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
COUNSELING THE COUNCIL
Aneirin came to her early, before Ahnalyn rose. She woke to find him standing over her.
“Are you watching me sleep?” Ahnalyn asked in alarm. She noticed a silver circlet, similar to the one his parents wore, above Aneirin’s brow.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you. I wanted to make sure you were settled and to tell you I’ll be in council this morning. Take your time waking up. Laney will bring you food, and you’re welcome to look around the palace or the city. I’ll find you when I’m done. I want to take you somewhere this afternoon.” Aneirin grinned at her.
Why did he have to look so roguish when he smiled? Ahnalyn sat up, tucking the covers under her armpits to protect her modesty. “I want to come with you. I need to speak to the council. Wait a moment, and I’ll dress.”
“That’s not necessary. In fact, it would be better if you don’t. They’ll be furious. Let me have time to ease them into the idea of having you in the realm.”
A yawn brought Ahnalyn to her senses. She glanced at Einion in the bed beside her. Though not altogether convinced, Ahnalyn did have to admit this was a foreign world and she a tainted outsider. Ahnalyn cocked her head and weighed Aneirin. She had trusted him thus far.
“All right. Thank you, for telling me.” Ahnalyn watched as Aneirin left the room and then rolled over, wrapping her arms around Einion. Maybe she could fall back to sleep.
***
Aneirin couldn’t believe how easily Ahnalyn had conceded to his coming to council alone. He grinned at the memory of her tousled locks fanned out on her pillow. He had been watching her sleep. Only for a few minutes, but he couldn’t help it.
Aneirin shook his head. He had to put on a serious face. The council was beginning and the mood in the room was surly.
Sitting around a vast circular table, a dozen emryn lords and ladies had gathered in the council room off the main hall. Among them was Urien, Aneirin’s eldest brother and leader of the dragon army. Since Aneirin called the meeting, he stood with his parents, in front of their chairs, ready to start.
Lord Ithel greeted them. He explained that his son had called the council upon his return to Gorlassar. Immediately a murmur of discontent resounded around the room.
Aneirin balked. One voice’s discontent rose above the others. He zeroed in on an emrys with a long, pointed face, Lord Caledu, Niawen’s father. Aneirin’s eyes closed with disappointment. This would be a daunting task to win over the council with him on it. When had he been awarded this privilege? Caledu despised Aneirin and blamed him for Niawen’s leaving the realm. As the main supporter of the laws, Caledu rejected passage of his own daughter back into Gorlassar.
Lord Caledu spoke. “What shall be his consequence for leaving Gorlassar? I cannot believe you allowed him to call this council, my lord Ithel. He must understand the laws of this realm are to be obeyed and were not established to be tread upon.”
Several members of the council tapped their fists twice on the table, the sign of agreement.
Ithel raised his hands in a motion for peace.
Caledu spoke anyway. “His consequence is banishment. We all know this. The mortal realms bring corruption.”
Aneirin’s pulse quickened. This will prove difficult. “I called this council for a different reason. You can discuss my disregard for the laws later. I have more pressing matters to address.”
Caledu narrowed his eyes. He wouldn’t openly express outrage in a volatile manner, but it was written deep in his countenance.
Urien stood, and fire glow bounced off his coal black dragon stone. “While I disagree with my brother’s rash actions, we should hear him out. He called the council. We shall give him the floor.”
He turned the time over to his brother. Aneirin explained what he saw while flying on Cephias, giving much detail as to the size of the army and the threat Lord Caedryn posed. He told the council how Terrin had been conquered and how Talfryn would be the next to fall. Aneirin left out the parts involving Ahnalyn because the council knew why he’d left the realm. The matter had been thoroughly discussed before Aneirin departed and was a sore topic to everyone present.
“Lord Caedryn is spreading darkness before his presence. We cannot allow such darkness to continue,” Aneirin finished.
Lord Ithel spoke. “My son would like to call on the help of the Dragon Riders.”
Several of the lords glanced at one another. Most of the ladies sat expressionless. Aneirin knew it was several millennia of patience that allowed them to look so indifferent. But he knew they were not without opinion. The council members were the eldest emrys in the realm. The oldest, his mother, the High Emrys, was over four thousand years old. The youngest, not including him, was barely over three thousand years. Aneirin was a child in their eyes. It would be difficult to sway them.
A lord who had long twisting braids dangling in front of his ears spoke. “Our realm is well protected and hidden. Even if the mortal realms were to fall, no one can access the portal.”
“You have missed the pleasure of meeting Lord Caedryn. I don’t know the extent of his powers. How are we to know he could never enter here? What powers might allow him to reach the entrance?” Aneirin asked.
“You’re a mere child, Aneirin,” a lady in a violet gown said. “Your knowledge o
f such circumstances cannot correctly gauge the proper course of action.”
Aneirin flared inside but held his expression relaxed. He knew everyone in the room could sense his reaction, which was impossible to hide. Her comment was fact but also an outright insult.
“It’s true. We don’t know much about this half-race, and few of us have ventured into the mortal realms.” Aneirin turned to his brother. “Urien, your daughter left. And Niawen left. They’re producing heirs. A mixed race has begun. The half-emrys are somewhere in the mortal realms. We need to understand their powers and abilities.”
A dark blonde emrys with long lashes and a petite nose spoke up. “What of this half-emrys you brought into our golden realm? We all sensed when her presence entered. Her heart weighs heavy with sadness and despair. She’s filled with darkness.”
“Then we must send Ahnalyn out,” Caledu said as he leaned smugly back in his chair.
Aneirin took a deep punctuated inhale before he spoke. “Your own granddaughter! That is not an option. Her light grows every day. Her darkness fades. If allowed to stay, she will become an Emrys of Light.”
“We don’t know that,” Caledu replied. “It matters not who she is. I cannot accept her.”
Aneirin looked at his mother, who at this point had been standing silently with her hands clasped together in front of her. “The High Emrys does. She can sense the pure in heart. She can see that Ahnalyn is a good person.”
“Your feelings for this half-emrys cloud your judgment,” Violet Gown said.
“My feelings for her give me judgment. We all have bleak hours. Ahnalyn will burn brightly. You’ll see.”
Lord Ithel held his hands up again. “Why should we care about this Caedryn?”
“He is darkness. He’s evil. I fear we don’t know enough about the half-emrys to fully understand what he’s capable of,” Aneirin said.
“I agree,” Urien said. “I dare say. What have you learned so far?”
