“Svana’s soul is trapped between our world and another. The only way to free it is to find another soul—a willing soul—to take its place,” Melifera answered.
“So, one soul trapped in an eternity of nothingness in exchange for another?” Eloise asked.
“Yes,” Melifera said.
“Is it not something worth doing to save your daughter?” Eloise asked.
“My—” Melifera choked.
“Your daughter,” Eloise said.
“I never told anyone,” Melifera whispered.
“You didn’t have to. I can see your face in her,” Eloise said.
“Does that mean… you’re the mother of all three sisters?” Jakobe asked, dumbfounded.
Melifera nodded.
“And if you’re half-dragon…”
“They have a quarter dragon blood.”
“They really are magical,” Jakobe said.
“It is why the dragon weapons work so well with them,” Melifera said.
“And why we gave them dragon guides. To help them along the proper path, and to help them unlock their true powers,” Palladin said.
“This is something that cannot be repeated,” Melifera said.
“What about to Svana? Does she know?” Jakobe asked.
Melifera shook her head. “She does not.”
“Doesn’t she have a right to?” Jakobe asked.
“I ask that you do not tell her—at least not until a time until the three kingdoms have been restored. Can you promise me of that?”
Jakobe paused as he contemplated her words. He didn’t keep secrets from Svana. Neither did he want to. Though, if he did consider her words, he realized that if Svana did know, it may distract her from what she needed to do, like he was a distraction for her.
“I promise.”
“Thank you,” Melifera said.
“It is time,” Palladin said.
Melifera nodded. “If my soul can be found—I would like to go to the ancestral plane to be with my family.”
Palladin stood, his long snout reaching down to rest on top of her head. “I would love nothing more, my daughter.”
Jakobe’s eyes widened and he listened to their exchange. If Palladin was Melifera’s father—that meant that he was Svana’s grandfather. He noticed the recognition pass across Eloise’s face as well.
When Melifera and Palladin parted, a giant cloud appeared in the room, full of darkness, and beautiful, bright lights. At first, they looked like stars, but they were all colors from whites, blues, oranges, and yellows. They were spirits. Jakobe watched with fascination as the light left Melifera’s eyes and became like the other spirits, transporting itself into the ancestral plane to swirl with the others, and then it was gone. It left the others and left the room entirely. Melifera’s body slumped until it collapsed to the ground. All the life out of her eyes. Jakobe wanted to run to her, but he felt Eloise’s grip keeping him from moving.
A light left Lingaria’s body as well, and the small dragon fell to the ground. Jakobe’s mouth fell open, and he noticed Palladin’s surprised expression as well, but the large dragon remained still, as if afraid to act while all this was going on.
After a moment, a bright light came back into the room, but it was much larger, and it took the form of a body on the ground. At first, it was undecipherable, but after a moment, the hair turned red, then the rest of the body came into focus.
It was Svana. Somehow, with whatever magical spell was cast, Svana had been transported into the volcano. Jakobe could barely keep himself from rushing to see her. Suddenly, all the swirls disappeared, and the room darkened to its normal hue.
Jakobe held his breath as he looked at the unconscious form of Svana. After what felt like a lifetime, everything calmed. Jakobe slowly walked toward Svana, until he was only inches from her. He dropped to his knees, staring at her unmoving form.
“Svana,” he whispered.
Her eyes opened wide.
16
Hekla
Exhaustion can be heavy on our hearts and soul. Exhaustion is much more than the physical. You can be tired, and need rest, but exhaustion is so much more. Mental exhaustion is heavier than any physical exhaustion. Taking care of one’s mind is as important, if not more important, than taking care of one’s body. So, be sure to rest all three of the necessities. Mind, body, and soul. If one of the three is exhausted, the other two will not function properly.
Reidlesiul, The Bravest, Seventh Dragon Elder, Eighth Age of Verdil
The tunnels to escape had been dark, but Hekla had used her scepter to provide the light. She was lost, but Jetevius had known the way. When they weaved through the tunnels, they came to an exit, which Jetevius had to help push. On the other side, they saw the sweet freedom of the ocean.
Ecthelion awaited them on the other side. He stood, his webbed feet gripping the ocean floor, and his arms crossed. He didn’t smile, and he didn’t talk, but his expression was full of I-told-you-so.
When Hekla turned around to see where they had escaped from, she couldn’t even tell there’d been a door there. Her eyebrows furrowed as she examined what appeared to be the side of an underwater mountain.
“How did you know—” Hekla started.
“I was once the king’s closest friend,” Ecthelion said. “I helped him refinish the tunnels.”
Hekla nodded. “You were right.”
He shook his head. “Do not concern yourself with that. I know you had to try. And I respect you for it. There is no time to linger and contemplate on it. We must go. I know where the exit is—so does he, and he will send men here.”
Hekla nodded. The three of them began swimming. Hekla didn’t have the webbed feet like Ecthelion and Jetevius, but the orb that formed around her as a result from her scepter’s magic had not failed her yet. However, it wasn’t fast enough. Over a dozen king’s guards flanked them. Each one of them wielded tridents, and they attempted to stab Hekla and her two allies.
Jetevius and Ecthelion had their own tridents, which they used to defend themselves as they continued to swim. However, it appeared they were weakening against the vicious attacks of the guards. And more of the king’s army approached from each side.
“I thought you said you were helping us escape. Did you not have a plan?” Jetevius asked.
Hekla frowned at Jetevius’ attitude. At least Ecthelion had been there for them. He had warned them and waited for them at the exit. What more could Jetevius want?
“I do have a plan,” Ecthelion panted.
As he spoke the words, a large school of fish appeared, as well as three whales. The sea creatures approached, knocking the king’s guards out of the way. A dolphin and a porpoise appeared, which Jetevius and Ecthelion grabbed ahold of. Hekla didn’t see an animal for herself, but she knew she had the scepter and Speltus to help her. Though, she was becoming tired.
Jetevius and Ecthelion were well ahead of her, and Hekla’s energy was failing. Tridents began to stab in her direction and against the shield the scepter provided. She was jarred from her place, shifting from the left to right several times. Hekla’s strength nearly weaned, when she saw someone familiar approach her. Her grin nearly split her face as she recognized the otter who’d become her friend. She reached out, putting her arms around the otter’s neck. Her bubble of protection allowed itself to cover both her and the otter as the friendly creature swam faster and faster away from the attacking guards.
Hekla looked behind her, and noticed they were increasingly leaving the guards behind, but she knew it wouldn’t be enough. After a few moments, the otter’s strength and speed began to falter. But as it did, another school of fish appeared, acting as a massive cloud to block the guards from reaching them. Hekla smiled as she struggled to hold onto consciousness.
The otter dropped her off on a familiar island. Hekla crawled onto land as her protective bubble dissipated. She turned around, placing her hand on the top of the otter’s head, and gently petted it.
“Thank you,” Hekla croaked.
The otter chirped excitedly.
“I’ll see you soon,” Hekla said.
She stood and began staggering forward. Before she could get too far, Ecthelion and Jetevius saw her and ran toward her. They helped her forward, and even though she wanted to show her strength, she gladly took each of their arms and used them to help her walk forward. She was exhausted.
“Are you all right?” Jetevius asked.
Hekla nodded. “I’m just tired. I need rest.”
“I don’t know if there’s anywhere safe here to rest,” Jetevius admitted.
Hekla smiled. “I know a place.”
They both looked at her curiously as she led them along the quiet streets of the island. The buildings of coral looked drier than normal, and she wondered when the last time it had rained, or a tsunami had replenished the island with saltwater. The Aequorans who wandered the island looked paler than usual.
When Hekla finally reached Luna’s house, she smiled. There were few people in the Aequoran kingdom Hekla could trust. This was one of them, though, except for Luna’s older brother William. Hekla didn’t trust him.
Luna opened the door as soon as Hekla began knocking. Before Hekla could say anything, the little girl grinned and ran forward to wrap her arms around Hekla’s waist.
“It’s good to see you too,” Hekla said as she reached down to clasp the young girl on the back of the head.
“I heard you left to fight in Telluris. I didn’t know if you’d return,” Luna said.
When the little girl pulled away, she had tears in her eyes and Hekla could see the overwhelming fear and joy in Luna’s eyes.
“I will always return, I promise,” Hekla said.
Luna put her hands on her hips. “That’s what Daddy said too. But he lied.”
“And I’m sorry about that, Luna. I am.”
Luna wiped her tears. Tears that had been shed because of Hekla. Hekla got onto her knees so she could look Luna in the eyes.
“Luna, is your mother home?”
Luna nodded.
“May we speak to her?”
“Let me fetch her,” Luna said as she closed the door.
“Are you sure about this place, Hekla?” Ecthelion asked.
Hekla turned to look at the old Aequoran. “Yes, of course. Luna and her mother Miralee have helped me on numerous occasions.”
Ecthelion nodded. “Very well. I will leave you here to rest then.”
Hekla raised an eyebrow. “And where will you go?”
Ecthelion ran his webbed hands through his long, seaweed hued and gray hair. “I have a favor to request.”
“A favor?” Jetevius asked.
“It may be a fool’s quest, and I may not survive it, but I know someone close to the king. Whether or not it will be for favor, or as a way to get close to the king, I know not.”
“And you didn’t mention it to us previously… because?” Jetevius asked.
“Yeah,” Hekla said, “like before we tried to talk to the king this morning?”
“I did not know my contact still lived…” Ecthelion said solemnly. “I thought King Renault had killed everyone close to him. I was wrong.”
“Who?” Jetevius asked.
Ecthelion shook his head. “No, I cannot divulge that information. It is not my secret to tell.”
“You will not tell us?” Hekla asked, her eyebrows furrowing.
“No,” Ecthelion said. “I will not. Rest assured, if I can convince them to help us, I will let you know at once.”
“And if whoever this is says no?” Hekla asked.
“Then I’m sure you’ll hear about my execution.” Ecthelion smiled.
“You’re willing to sacrifice yourself this way, but you wouldn’t enter the king’s chambers with us?” Hekla said.
“I knew seeing the king with you would be futile. This, however, has a chance of working.”
“You said you thought this person had been killed. How do you know they still live?”
“I saw them when I scouted the perimeter of the palace to aid you in your escape. I could hardly believe my eyes, but they yet live.”
“I expect you to return to us,” Hekla said.
“I will do my best.” Ecthelion grinned.
Jetevius placed his hand on the elder’s shoulder. “Be safe. Let the tide wash you down the correct path.”
Ecthelion didn’t respond. He simply nodded to Jetevius and returned his gesture by placing his hand on Jetevius’ shoulder. After a moment of silence, he nodded to Hekla, then walked away.
Hekla watched him at the door as he jumped back into the sea. She hoped whoever he was seeing would be receptive. All she could do now was hope and say a silent prayer to the Unseen Ones.
The door in front of Hekla opened, and a middle-aged Aequoran stood on the other side. Miralee appeared exhausted. She had bags under her beautiful jade eyes. Luna appeared, hanging on her mother’s leg, which added to the exhaustion of her mother’s appearance.
“Hekla,” Miralee said. Her face brightened slightly. “I’m glad to see you’ve made it safely. I’m sorry about…” She gulped. “William.”
Hekla shook her head. She remembered how Miralee’s son William had been responsible for taking Jakobe from their home after he’d been missing for a long time.
“It is not your fault,” Hekla said.
Miralee shook her head. “I don’t know what has come over my William. For him to have left home for so long and let us think he was dead. Then when he returned, to us, we find out that he’s under the king’s thumb? After all King Renault has done to the Aequorans? After he’d sent my husband to his death?”
Miralee began to sob. Hekla stepped forward and brought Miralee in to a hug. At first Miralee didn’t know what to do. It seemed that hugs weren’t a common practice for Aequorans.
When Miralee broke off the hug, Hekla saw streaks of darker green across her face as if she’d been crying.
“Miralee, I need your help once more,” Hekla said.
“What can I do?”
“I’m exhausted and I need rest. I don’t have anywhere else I can go.”
“Please,” Miralee said, “come in.”
Hekla and Jetevius followed Miralee inside the home. Once inside, Hekla looked around and noticed it was different than the last time she’d seen it. It wasn’t as clean as before, like Miralee hadn’t been keeping up with the house any longer, and it looked like it had been ransacked. A few of the shelves and counters had various displays on their sides rather than standing straight up.
Miralee led Hekla to William’s room. When Hekla stepped inside, she gasped. It wasn’t the same as before. All of William’s possessions were gone. The room was empty. There wasn’t even a bed anymore.
“I’m sorry,” Miralee said, “but if you need to rest, there is no longer a bed in William’s room.”
“What happened?” Hekla asked.
“Shortly after you left to find Jakobe, William returned to gather all of his possessions. I tried to talk to him. I tried to break some sense into him… but it was all in vain. He wouldn’t listen to anything I said.”
“I’m sorry,” Hekla said.
Miralee shook her head. “It is not your fault.”
Hekla nodded as she sat on the floor. She didn’t care if there was a bed or not. Hekla needed rest. She needed to sleep.
“What happened to you?” Miralee asked.
Hekla tilted her head at Miralee.
“Come now, I can see something troubles you. The look in your eyes, your exhaustion. It looks to be that you just left the king. That’s the same look I got after seeing the king. The look of hopelessness.”
Hekla nodded. “I did see the king. I attempted to, unsuccessfully, to talk some sense into him.”
“Did you now?” Miralee asked.
“King Armand, the Tellurian king, is no longer possessed by a dark wizard. My sister, Astrid, killed the dark wizard. Now, King Arm
and is restored to who he was before the dark wizard ever appeared. And he wants peace. I tried to convince King Renault to form an alliance with him, to bring peace back to the three kingdoms of Verdil.”
“I take it that did not go well,” Miralee said.
Hekla shook her head. “He wants King Renault’s head. He also wants the Caelestan king dead as well. And all he seems to care about is treasure. He said I’m not to return to Aequorus without their heads. I have little choice.”
“You’re not?” Miralee gasped. “You cannot.”
“Kill them?” Hekla asked. “No, I will not. We will find another way.”
“If you kill them. We will never be able to have peace between the three kingdoms ever again,” Miralee said.
The woman began to look visibly upset.
“Do not worry, Miralee. We will find a way to unite the kingdoms. Right now, one of our friend’s is getting help. But for right now, I need rest. I’ve had a long day.”
Miralee nodded. “I will let you rest then.”
When Miralee, Luna, and Jetevius left the room, Hekla laid down on the floor. It wasn’t comfortable. But Hekla didn’t care she was exhausted. As her eyes closed and sleep took her, she thought about Ecthelion, and his promise to get help. She could only hope he would be successful.
17
Astrid
Often times we do not need to be told what should be done, for we already know. It is in those moments that we question what is right and necessary, that we must also answer with the best possible solution for all people. We cannot just hold our own interests at heart, and in these difficult and defining moments, we not only show who are, we shape the course of our own history. Armed with that knowledge, always make the decision steeped not just in heart, but in strength of mind and you will never go wrong.
Pavrusion, The Infamous, The Eighth Dragon Elder, Ninth Age of Verdil
Astrid shivered as the guards approached her and Cayden. Her fingertips touched the bow on her back, but she didn’t want to use it. She never wanted to use it. All she wanted was peace between the three kingdoms of Verdil. Why was peace so hard to achieve? Why did people fight against peace so wholeheartedly?
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