The Ascending

by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

  King Dhuruhn and Queen Beihryhn sat upon their throne dais, waiting for Jaax and Jahrra to approach. Prince Eairhyut and Princess Eairheihn were also present, looking like bored teenagers on either side of their parents. An audience of some two hundred nobles and courtiers stood near the front of the chamber, their gazes fixed on the young woman and Tanaan dragon who had just entered into their domain.

  Jahrra swallowed a lump in her throat and tried not to trip as she started following Jaax toward the platform. Along the way, she spotted Tollorias and Sapheramin, as well as Ellyesce and a few other familiar faces of those she’d met during the past few days. Seeing her dragon friends and Ellyesce helped lift her spirits a little.

  It seemed to take an eternity for Jahrra and Jaax to cross the room, but they managed, both of them bowing to the king and queen once they reached the dais.

  “Your majesties,” Jaax said, “we have done as you requested and given you a week to make your decision. We respectfully request an answer to our plight. Will we be able to count on the aid of Felldreim and the Creecemind dragons in our world’s struggle against the Crimson King when the time calls for it?”

  Jahrra held her breath as both she and Jaax waited for the king’s reply. Their plans from here onward relied heavily upon the answer they received. Would they immediately rally all those provinces who were, at this very moment, quietly making their own plans and waiting for the call from the Coalition? Would they leave here and begin their trek to Ghorium, hoping they’d have enough willing fighters on their side once they arrived? Would Dhuruhn and his deadly frost-breathing dragons lead the charge against their common enemy?

  Finally, the king drew in a long breath, preparing to give his answer. “Your dedication to this cause is commendable, Raejaaxorix, and I will not deny the stirrings in the east pose the potential for a threat. But the truth is, the Oracles’ prophecy has never been looked at in its entirety, partly because much of it is lost. Is this girl who stands before us truly the human child promised those many years ago, and if so, how is she to bring down the greatest and most powerful tyrant our world has ever known?”

  Dhuruhn turned his question onto those standing to the side. Ice as cold as the walls of the throne room coated Jahrra’s stomach, and she felt her hands begin to shake. He was going to turn them away. After all Jaax had done to prove Ciarrohn was a threat and what his rising to full power once more could do to the world. They were going to turn their backs on the rest of Ethoes and hide in these frozen towers far away from it all. The ice inside Jahrra’s stomach started to burn like acid. And for some reason, Keiron’s smug face appeared in her mind, his cruel, mocking laughter echoing in her head.

  “You will not join us,” Jaax hissed between clenched teeth. “Are you so selfish and blind to deny what your own eyes have seen and what your own ears have heard?”

  King Dhuruhn turned his ice blue eyes onto the Tanaan dragon standing before him. He bared his teeth and growled, “Do not lecture me on selfishness and blindness, Raejaaxorix. I know well your history and your past, and you cannot stand before me and tell me you have not made those same choices for yourself once. I refrain from dragging my people into a bloody war because we lost too many the last time Ciarrohn sought power. There are not enough of us left to sacrifice, and I will not risk the future of my kind.”

  “If Ciarrohn rises to power again, there will be no future for any of us!” Jaax snarled back.

  “Silence!” Queen Beihryhn boomed, standing up and glaring down at Jaax and Jahrra. “You come here requesting our assistance, and you have your answer. Felldreim is safe from the evil will of Cierryon. Our magic is too strong for him to break.”

  Despite the fact the female Creecemind was far larger than Jaax, he stood his ground, the anger rolling off him like heat pouring from a fireplace.

  “Nothing will stop the Tyrant once he has control of the other provinces of Ethoes, do you not understand that? He may not come for your land right away, but he will come for it. And that same magic you think is strong enough to deter him will be the very thing that draws him like carrion crows to a battle field.”

  “Mother, Father, I ask permission to speak.”

  Jahrra, who had been totally caught up in the whirlwind of the argument between the three dragons, had momentarily forgotten about the other two Creecemind on the dais. She blinked up to the queen’s left to find Prince Eairhyut rising to address his parents.

  The queen huffed out a frustrated breath and said, “Speak, Eairhyut.”

  The prince bowed his head to both his parents and said, his voice carrying to include the entire court, “Would it not be wise to strike at the Tyrant now, while his power has not yet reached its full potential?”

  Dhuruhn snapped a flinty gaze at his son, but the prince did not back down.

  “We do not know that for certain, Eairhyut.”

  “I agree with my brother,” the princess stated, joining the conversation.

  The courtiers and diplomats who had been so intent on Jaax and Jahrra now found themselves interested in what looked to be an impending family squabble between the royals.

  “What do you know of war, Eairheihn?” the queen asked her daughter. “You and your brother were born after the last conflict, a conflict which resulted in the loss of more than two thirds of the Creecemind race.”

  Her eyes glistened when she spoke her next words, “I will not put my people through such a terrible trial again.”

  The princess, who had seemed full of confidence just moments ago, withered a little. She gave her brother an imploring look and he, too, sat back down, though with some reluctance.

  Jahrra gritted her teeth. For a while, she had thought the royal siblings had made some headway. Now, it looked like they were back to where they had started.

  Dhuruhn nodded somberly to his wife, and she settled back down as well. He then let his head fall forward, as if the weight of the world had transferred to his icy crown. When he lifted his chin again, his eyes were filled with an ancient weariness Jahrra knew she’d never be able to comprehend.

  “I am sorry, Raejaaxorix, and Jahrraneh Drisihn, but I cannot sanction an act of war against Ghorium. I cannot risk the safety of my people, or the citizens of Felldreim, at this time. That is my final word, and I will not give you hope that I might change my decision. You and your traveling companions are welcome to stay in Nimbronia for as long as you need, but if I get word of you stirring up trouble, you will be banished from my kingdom. Am I understood?”

  The growl in his voice told Jahrra he wasn’t all that sorry about his pronouncement, and she had to fight the urge to scream in frustration. Beside her, Jaax was wound so tight she expected him to snap apart if he moved a single inch. Instead, he drew in a long breath and gave a quick jerk of his head, not quite a bow, but an acknowledgment of his understanding, nonetheless.

  “We do not wish to stay,” her guardian replied, in his most controlled, diplomatic tone. “We will leave tomorrow morning while the weather permits safe travel.”

  Jaax turned around, and Jahrra with him. He indicated for her to start walking, but as he stepped behind her, he glanced back over his shoulder and said, “You are making a mistake, your majesty. I only hope you realize that before it is too late.”

  Dhuruhn gave no response, and as they made their way to the exit, the people standing witness began whispering and murmuring amongst themselves.

  Jaax burst through the door, Jahrra jogging to keep up with him. Her bad knee twinged a little, but she ignored it.

  “Jahrra, wait!” Ellyesce called out above the din of courtiers.

  Jahrra glanced quickly over her shoulder to spy the elf pushing his way through the crowd to catch up with her, Tollorias and Sapheramin right on his heels. Ignoring them, she continued after her guardian, now heading for the far end of the great chamber where a large window opened out onto a landing.

  In her haste to match Jaax’s long strides, Jahrra almost bumped into the people who h
ad jumped out of the dragon’s way earlier.

  “Excuse me!” she called over her shoulder. “Sorry! Just need to get to that window over there.”

  Jahrra caught up with Jaax just as he stepped out onto the patio. She was out of breath, and her knee was aching again, but before she could ask him what he was doing, her guardian drew in a great gust of air and then let it go with a fiery roar. Emerald and turquoise flames ripped through the air as Jaax vented his frustration. Overwhelmed by the heat, Jahrra dropped to the ground and covered her head, grateful for the layer of snow beneath her to keep her cool.

  Finally, the roaring stopped, but the ringing in her ears lingered.

  “Jahrra!” Jaax said in surprise. She felt his shadow move over her and heard the crunch of his feet in the snow. “Are you alright?”

  “Fine,” she groaned, pulling her hands away from her head so she could blink up at him. “Just trying not to get singed.”

  “Forgive me,” her guardian breathed wearily. Anger still snapped in his eyes, but that alert strength he always held about himself had slipped away. Instead, he looked worn down, wilted even.

  Jahrra rolled over and got to her feet, careful to keep weight off her knee. Already she felt it swelling once again. Great. Now, she might have to take the crutches with her when they left in the morning.

  “Of course,” she said in response to her guardian’s statement. “I feel like doing the same thing right now.”

  Jaax caught on to her attempt at humoring him, and he smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

  Before either of them could say anything else, a winded Ellyesce exclaimed, “What is going on out here?”

  “Just venting my frustration,” Jaax explained, in a subdued voice.

  Ellyesce eyed the blackened patch of granite on the side of the castle wall and lifted a dark eyebrow. “I see,” he said.

  “Jaax, Jahrra,” Sapheramin called out from somewhere behind Ellyesce, “I am sorry.”

  From the pained look in her eyes, Jahrra knew she meant what she said.

  Jaax dropped to his haunches, his body language suggesting both defeat and exhaustion. “How on Ethoes will we stand against Cierryon without the help of the Creecemind?”

  Jahrra had never seen her guardian look so hopeless, and it frightened her. She glanced at Ellyesce, then the two Korli dragons standing just inside the opening in the wall. None of them were forthcoming with an answer, so she dug deep to find what little optimism she had left.

  “Look, we know Kehllor plans to seek help from the Nephaari, and we have all the Coalition members from the other provinces to help us.”

  “And the elves of Dhonoara as well,” Ellyesce added. “We have yet to see who our allies in the east have rallied.”

  Jaax cast his friend a pessimistic look. “We could also have no one awaiting our call to arms,” he murmured.

  “Or,” Ellyesce pressed in a firm voice as he stepped out onto the patio with Jaax and Jahrra, “we could have more supporters than we expect. Do not lose faith now, my friend. There are factions still at work for the good of our world that we have not yet discovered. They have every reason to remain hidden, for now. When we arrive in Dhonoara, we will rally our people together, and you might find we have strength even without the Creecemind dragons.”

  Jaax furrowed his brow and then nodded, standing up and shaking himself like a dog. He tilted his head and flicked his eyes toward Jahrra, before acknowledging the elf with a wry grin. “Well said, Ellyesce. I will hold out hope for a while longer yet. But tomorrow, we begin another leg of our journey, with the dream of a bright future to lead our way.”

  Ellyesce smiled and turned his gaze onto Jahrra. A little of her unease melted away, and she returned his gesture of friendship.

  “I say we return to our rooms and finish packing. It would be best to leave before dawn, and it will take us a while to get the horses loaded up.”

  The elf stepped aside to allow Jahrra re-entry into the central hall of Castle Nimbronia, Jaax close behind. As the three dragons, elf and young woman made their way back to the upper floors of the eastern wing, they discussed all the options spread out before them. Sapheramin and Tollorias agreed to stay behind for the time being to gather their scattered Korli and Tanaan brethren.

  “We’ll also keep working on Dhuruhn and his family. Perhaps, I can convince the prince or princess to sway their father,” Tollorias growled in that low voice of his.

  Dervit, who had not attended the meeting, came out of his own room to hear his friends’ news.

  “You’re back!” he exclaimed. “How did it go? Will the Creecemind king come fight with us?”

  His excitement soon waned, however, when he saw the looks on everyone’s faces. His ears drooped, and he sank back onto his haunches. “They won’t help us?”

  He removed his cap and wrung it with his hands, darting his eyes back and forth between Jaax and Jahrra. “Why?”

  “He fears for his people,” Jaax answered simply, his raw disappointment from earlier still lingering in his tone. “Too many Creecemind were lost in the past, and he will not risk it again.”

  Dervit looked absolutely crestfallen, so Ellyesce stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder. “Do not fret, Dervit. We still have allies who have not yet made themselves known. We’re hoping once word gets out we’re on the move, those who wish to overthrow Cierryon will join us.”

  “So, do you want us to reach beyond the borders of Felldreim, then?” Tollorias asked. “Shall we begin a preliminary call to arms?”

  Everyone glanced at Jaax, waiting for his answer.

  He was quiet for several moments, his eyes cast down and his thoughts directed inward.

  “Yes,” he eventually said.

  “Just the dragons?” Tollorias added.

  “No, not just the dragons. We will take anyone willing to fight for the freedom of Ethoes, no matter how small their part in our world might seem.”

  Jaax glanced down at Dervit as he said this, and the limbit straightened a bit, casting aside his despondency.

  “Excellent!” Sapheramin beamed. “Although, I cannot say I particularly enjoy war or the pain it causes, it is good to know we are finally ready to do something about that festering pestilence in the East.”

  She bore her teeth, and Tollorias gave her a wicked smile.

  “So I guess this is farewell for now, then?” the Korli dragon asked, one brow arched over his golden eye.

  Jaax nodded. “For now, but not for long. Thank you, both of you, for your help and friendship throughout the years.”

  “And thank you for the leadership you have given us, especially after the passing of Hroombra,” Sapheramin replied, her voice catching a little.

  She turned to Jahrra, her eyes bright and her smile warm, and lowered her head. “I am especially grateful for getting the chance to meet you, Jahrraneh Drisihn. You are a shining star in the darkness that has left us blind for so many years. I fully believe you will be the one to lead us home.”

  Tears prickled at the corner of Jahrra’s eyes, and she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Sapheramin’s neck. Well, as far as she could reach them at least.

  The Korli dragon made a small sound of surprise, then laughed.

  “Thank you, Sapheramin. Your uncle meant a great deal to me, and I see so much of him in you.”

  Sapheramin sniffled a little and nodded once, then looked to Tollorias. As they turned and walked back down the corridor, Jahrra felt a slightly uncomfortable tug on her heartstrings. She hated saying goodbye but she held onto the hope that she would see them again soon.

  Jahrra, Jaax, Dervit and Ellyesce returned to their own rooms after that, determined to get all their belongings in order before dinner. Since Jahrra had most of her stuff put away already, she spent the early afternoon hours taking another hot bath and just relaxing. Who knows when you’ll be granted such a luxury again after today, she reminded herself, trying not to let that fear well up and wrang
le control once again.

  After her bath, she changed into a fresh set of clothes. Just as she was contemplating what they would do for supper, Saria knocked on her door.

  “Excuse me, Miss, but the dragon Raejaaxorix wanted to know if dinner could be brought to your room this evening?”

  Jahrra smiled. “Yes, that would be wonderful.”

  The girl grinned, gave another curtsey, then said, “I’ll go see to it, then.”

  Jaax, Ellyesce and Dervit arrived a half an hour later, just as their food was being delivered. As they ate, the four of them discussed the journey ahead of them. They would descend the Great Hruhnan Mountains and continue on a northeasterly route, using the wilderness to cloak them from their enemies. At one point, Jaax turned to Dervit and told him that if he wished to stay behind in Nimbronia, he was free to do so.

  “I know you wanted to see the world, but we are headed into true danger now, and I cannot guarantee your safety. We will all understand if you choose to stay behind.”

  Dervit looked the dragon square in the eye, the dragon he once feared, and said in a stern voice, “I will not be left behind. Like you said earlier, every citizen has the right to defend his or her home and family. You all are my home and family now. There is no other company I wish to keep.”

  Jahrra smiled and gave a joyous laugh, despite the serious atmosphere hanging in the cavernous room. She scooped the limbit up into a tight hug. For someone who would be facing down impending death very soon, she couldn’t help but enjoy the little bit of happiness her friend offered her. Both Jaax and Ellyesce nodded their approval of the limbit’s decision. Their small companion had weathered all the hardship he’d faced so far, and they only hoped he’d continue to do so. The four friends toasted to friendship then, both old and new, and to the souls that had passed before them, now keeping watch from the great beyond.

  “I’m going to get some air,” Jahrra said when the meal was over.

  She stood and stretched before heading out onto her balcony. She needed a few minutes away from everyone, just to think about this new turn her life was taking. She leaned against the half-frozen balustrade, watching the mountains in the east fade from lavender to gold to slate as the sun set somewhere behind her, and thought back to the day she, Jaax and Ellyesce left Lidien behind. It seemed like years ago, but really, it had only been a few months. Suddenly, Jahrra felt much older than her barely eighteen. And now that she had the future ahead of her, one that looked far more daunting than promising, she knew she would have to be stronger than ever before. She had spent the past several years learning, growing, training, becoming who she was, and now, she was finally going to be tested. And, with this test, there would be no second chances.