“So, where do you play in all this?” she asked, emerald eyes wide as she listened from her crisscrossed position of the hard dirt floor. The dampness under Astrid seeped through her clothes. Quimby’s rounded form stood nearby, his breathing quiet and rhythmic as the dragon shared his story. Cayden’s warm hand still rested on her shoulder, and she knew it was out of concern for her well-being.
“Well, being young myself, I lost my temper. I’m not proud to admit that I killed many, many humans in that time. I couldn’t stand to see the loss of so many of our young. My brothers and sisters, and in retribution I acted out in anger. It took me a long time chained down here to see the error of my ways. As a dragon I should have been more understanding, but I suppose I was never gifted the amount of grace and wisdom as those on the council. I take responsibility for that.”
“Now, all I long for is a chance to redeem myself after years of aging away in solitude and despair. I know the world of man is not without its imperfections. I know there are a great many who die on a daily basis because of greed, and pure hatred. I do not begrudge that fact, but as a beast of magic… can I not use that to help restore some of what has been destroyed? Isn’t that our very purpose? What the Unseen Ones themselves created us for?” his question hung in the damp air, and Astrid felt pain shoot through her heart.
“So, was it the dragon realm or the Unseen Ones who put you here?” she asked softly.
“It was both, and Astrid… carrier of dragon magic yourself, I assure you with everything in me, I do not harbor any ill-will. I understand, I do. I just want a short time to live my life free before my last breath is taken from me. Only no matter how much I plead, they won’t allow me to be free. My magic is what holds up the sky city. Without me, there is no replacement.” His eyes heavy, he repositioned himself again, his large body stretching across the hard dirt floor of the cave, and he laid his head down on his clawed feet again.
“There has to be a way to right this wrong, I’ve no doubt about it. Surely centuries of your service are enough to fulfill the punishment inflicted. With magic abundant in the realm of dragons, there has to be another way to keep Caelestis afloat. I’m angered that nothing has been done, and that you have been chained as long as you have.”
Astrid could feel anger bubbling up inside of her. Its fire white hot, surging through her veins. It was an injustice that had been done to the beast. No matter what he had done in the past, the Unseen Ones and the Dragon realm had come leaps and bounds from them. She didn’t understand why he, above all creatures still was forced to suffer and knew it would be up to her to figure out a way to save the beast, and the Caelestan City.
“I see the fire in your eyes,” he said sadly, “and I appreciate your indignation, but there is nothing you can say, that I haven’t already tried.”
“You don’t know me very well, Xolderan. I vow to you that I will do what I can to help rescue the people of Caelestis and ensure that you live out what is left of your days in freedom. I don’t know how yet, but mark my words, I will ensure it.” Resolutely she stood to her feet, watching his deep red sides rise and fall gently with his breath.
Her first order of business was to deal with King Bertram, who she could feel in her bones was only going to cause further problems in an already complicated matter. Then, she would beseech the Unseen Ones, or the Dragon Realm to grant magic to the sky kingdom to float of its own accord. Then she would ask one final favor and see to it that Xolderan was freed to live the last of his days however he wished. Even though her gut told her all was not as it seemed, she knew that the dragon could have blasted her, but he had made no effort to harm and that had to stand for something.
“Well, I don’t know if you will be able to accomplish what you set out to do, but I am thankful for your unmerited kindness. I realize that it would be much easier for you not to trust me, and I’m already chained, you could just be on your way. Back to your life on the surface to do as you please, pretending that you never met me. So, thank you, for your kindness. If I never see you again, it has been my honor to know you.”
Astrid couldn’t help but feel pity for the beast, she would have had to be heartless to do as he said.
“You will see me again, until then, take care, Xolderan. You will be freed,” she promised. With a nod of her head, she turned her back and began exiting the cave again, making her way to the surface. She would not be derailed by anything anyone said or did in the days to come.
Astrid, he admitted himself that he killed many humans out of anger. Who’s to say that he won’t do it again, when he is released?
He’s been locked away for centuries, has he not already paid his debt, Aronus? Why does he continue to suffer, when there are so many that have committed atrocities and they are allowed to run free as if they never did anything wrong at all? She retorted. Anger fueled her every move, and every thought.
She darted through the tunnels with quick efficiency and just as they neared the top where she could see the evidence of light pouring in, several oddly shaped shadows seemed to appear out of nowhere forming a barricade between them and the outside world. In the semi dark she could hear growling and snarling, and cold fear gripped her like ice. Her heart sped up, as she tried to decipher what stood between them and freedom.
“Astrid,” Cayden whispered quietly, “get back here, and hurry,” he was trying to call her back into the dark.
“I’m coming,” she whispered, tip-toeing backwards so that she could keep her eyes on the beast’s movements to see if they began advancing on them. “Where’s Quimby?”
“Here,” he said, his voice shaking. They had not expected to discover anything under Caelestis and had not prepared for such. Now, Astrid regretted her decision, and as she pulled her bow, she wondered if it would be enough to ward of the creatures.
Aronus, I need light. I can’t see a thing!
At her request, a small orb of fire sprang forward, illuminating the path ahead of them.
“How did you do that?” Cayden asked.
“Not now!” she shot back.
To their dismay, several short beasts with fangs protruding from their mouth over their lips stood, chests heaving with deep ragged breaths. Atop of their heads, were short pointed horns, and scraggly fur caked in dirt covered them from head to toe. Like a monkey, they could stand on their hindlegs, but their small slanty eyes, were like dragon eyes, yellow and piercing.
“What in the gods are those?” Astrid asked, before one of the creatures raised its furry paws, nails as long as tree branches, aimed directly at her, as they began running toward the bewildered group.
“Fight, Astrid!” Cayden called, and she heard the sound of metal as he pulled his sword out. She reached behind her, quickly pulling out her bow in one sweeping motion to let loose her magic arrows.
“How can they even walk with nails that long!” Quimby shouted behind them.
Astrid shook her head. “I don’t know but they’re headed right for us!”
Cayden rushed forward, sword drawn, and immediately was in the fight of his life as the monster’s teeth and claws seemed to be everywhere. Astrid let loose her arrows one right after the other, finding it hard to aim accurately in the dimly lit cave.
“Aronus! Help!” she shouted without thinking.
27
Svana
No king or peasant alike gains anything from living off the spoils of other people’s hard work and toil. No good will ever come from it. Either you lose the value of the work, or you lose the integrity of the one who takes credit for it. And if a king, he loses repute amongst his people. If he is peasant, he loses what little he has.
King Martin the Truthful, Third King of Aequoris, 491 A.V.
Their peaceful moment watching the sunrise was cut short, as the weight of what lay ahead descended on them.
"Perhaps we can talk more about us, if we get out of this alive," Svana responded, squeezing his hand. "For now, I have to get to Hekla. She's the only one I kn
ow who can save Lingaria. We are running out of time."
"I know," Jakobe answered, his eyes searching hers earnestly as he released her fingers from his grasp. "How do you suggest we get there?"
She pointed not far off from where they stood. "There's a boat just ahead. I think if we can reach the Aequoran floating cities, they should have some idea of where she is. My sister has friends on the islands, the very ones who helped us to save you."
"Yes, I remember," he answered, and they hurried toward the boat, Jakobe untying the rope that kept it anchored to shore. "Get in, Svana, I'll push us out from shore," he urged her.
Nodding, she stepped into the dark wood base, and made her way to the bow to take her seat. The sound of water splashing behind her, confirmed that he was easing them away from shore. With a large shove, he hopped into the stern of the boat, and they were eased out across the water's surface.
"Grab the oar," he urged her with a smile.
"How can you be smiling? There's so much at stake, and if I lose my dragon guide..." Svana couldn't bring herself to think about what would happen if she lost Lingaria.
"You won't lose him. I promise I will do everything I can to help you save your dragon. I know how important he is to you," Jakobe assured her. “And besides, I’ve grown to like the little, though annoying, creature.”
Svana laughed through her sadness, hoping with all of her heart his statement was true, but in that moment, the vision of the water lands in the distance was the only true essence of faith she had to hold onto. Jakobe gripped an oar and paddled on one side, as Svana paddled on the other. They reached an easy, fluid flow and sped toward the Aequoran islands.
"Keep your eye out for anything under the surface, in case the Aequorans are planning to attack us," Jakobe warned.
"I don't think they'll come after us," Svana said confidently. “They had their chance, and they walked away. I'm sure word of that will reach someone of importance," she offered with a light laugh.
"Yes, well, I hope you're right." His tone was far from playful, and the look in his eyes was of fear and worry.
"You needn't be fearful," she whispered.
"I am, when it involves your life."
"What do you think? They aren't going to kill me; my sister would never allow it."
"Yes, but she isn’t here. Svana, I almost lost you once, I can't bear the thought of losing you again."
His voice had taken on an edge, and she couldn't bring herself to turn around to see him offer her anymore comfort. She had to stay focused on what was to come. As they neared the islands, its lush shrubbery, and fruits clearer as they got nearer, the lovely corral homes of all pastel hues danced across the island.
"Didn't think I'd end up here, again," he breathed.
"You remember? You were at the edge of death," she said.
"I remember bouts of consciousness. When you first brought me here… I remember hearing your voice, willing me to live."
"Is there anything else you remember…" she breathed.
Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered the time she spent with him on the island. The things she’d said to him, and the moments they’d shared. It was a time of sorrow, but it was also a time a warmth, and she wondered just how much he remembered. Had he remembered her vulnerability? Her weakness. She had given in to her emotions and confessed her feelings for him. Svana remembered it well, and she wondered if he would recall the warmth of her lips on his, even as he lay in partial death. It was a moment of weakness for her, but it was also a moment of strength. She had given in to her desires, and yet, when she had, she’d never felt more complete in her life. Yet, she hadn’t talked about it. She hadn’t even thought about it. With all that she could inside of her, she tried to lock it away and pretend it hadn’t happened. But it had. And all she could think about was wanting it to happen again. To feel his lips upon hers once more. Svana wanted to feel even more than that. She wanted his body to press up against hers. She wanted him to kiss her back, hard—to push her up against a wall, and the two of them let their desires be known. Svana tingled all over her body as she shook the thoughts away. No, she couldn’t have such thoughts… such desires. She still had too much left to do. If Lingaria were there with her, she knew the dragon would have something to say. Svana needed to focus.
"I remember the feel of your lips on mine, the first time I felt them. I had hoped it would be under different circumstances, but even in semi-consciousness, that is something I would never forget."
"Oh, Jakobe..." she breathed, stopping her rowing motions. She gingerly shifted around to look at him. "I don't regret it, but perhaps... when this is all over, that too is something we can revisit."
"Well, I'm looking forward to that." Jakobe smiled.
Jakobe had stopped rowing as he looked at her. His innocent face looking at peace for the first time in days. Svana wanted to reach out and touch him, but she resisted.
"Then, let's hurry up and take care of this so that we can get back to some normalcy of life."
"That's the best thing I've heard during this entire trip," he answered honestly.
They picked up their oars and began rowing quicker. It wasn't long before the edge of their boat hit the base of the water island. They docked on the shore that curved into the water. Svana jumped out, pulling the boat further up, and tying it off.
She led the way as they walked the path toward Luna's house. Svana praying with all her might that Hekla was there and would be capable of saving her dragon. She could feel herself tensing as they approached their destination.
They followed the path down where it curved among the aquaberry plants and lush vegetation. As Svana raised her shaking hand to knock, the door opened before she had a chance to make her move.
“Svana!” Miralee stood in the doorway, her eyes slightly scrunched, a forced smile on her face.
“Miralee, how are you?”
“I’m afraid things aren’t well. My son has run off again, even though he convinced me he was happy here. I don’t know what to do anymore. The king is on edge, demanding that even the Aequoran surface dwellers bring him whatever fortune and supplies we can gather. He threatens our very livelihood stating that he will send his guards to raid our homes if he is not content with what we give him.”
Svana could feel her face paling, as the lovely woman spoke. “My gods, I’m so sorry! Is there anything I can do to help you?”
Miralee shook her head. “No, I just hope that something is done about him, and soon. I don’t know what’s going to become of our people if he continues on as he has.”
“And your daughter? How is she?”
“As well as to be expected, please come in. What brings you here?” The woman gracefully stepped back from the entrance, allowing Svana and Jakobe to enter.
She looked from Jakobe to Miralee, wondering if she dared discuss the true reason she had come to Aequoris, knowing it could very well mean life and death for Lingaria if she didn’t.
“Miralee, what I am about to say may seem unbelievable to you, but I need you to trust me. I don’t know what else to do, and we’ve run out of time. Also, I am going to have to ask your discretion as I go underwater to find my sister.”
The seafoam-green skinned woman nodded her head. Her diplomatically large eyes focused on Svana’s face. “Absolutely, I won’t say a word.”
“Thank you,” Svana gingerly removed the carrier from her back, and swung it around to show Miralee. “This…” she said, as she cradled the little beast in her arms, “is Lingaria. He’s my best friend, and my guide. He’s dying, because he gave his life force for me. I need to find Hekla to save him. In the meantime, he needs to rest. Can I trust him to your care?”
“Absolutely,” the woman said, nodding.
Svana passed Lingaria to the woman’s delicate arms. Miralee held him tightly to her chest and hurried to the back of the house where she had once watched over Jakobe.
Just as she left the room, the front door burst ope
n, and a familiar face showed itself.
“Ah! Not Hekla, but I’m assuming her sister?” the man questioned.
“Yes, who are you?”
“I live here, what are you doing here?” he demanded, angry green eyes watching her every move.
“I was looking for Hekla,” she answered just as Miralee emerged from the back of the house, along with Luna.
“Big brother!” she exclaimed happily, rushing forward to throw her arms around his legs and squeeze him tight.
“Let go, Luna. I’m here on official duties from the king,” he barked at her, and she stumbled back, large droplets of tears forming on her childish face.
“Don’t speak to your sister like that! What’s gotten into you William?” Miralee appeared from the back and put a protective arm in front of Luna, to push her back to safety.
“Like I said, I am here on official orders of the king. He wants Hekla caught, and since she isn’t here and is nowhere to be found, I will be taking this abomination in instead.” He looked Svana up and down, eyes blazing.
Guards moved forward to take her and Jakobe captive, their boots clanking against the hard ground. He communicated orders with his eyes to the guards, and they moved with every nod of his head.
“Son, they’ve done nothing wrong! Leave them be!” Miralee pleaded, fear shining in her large eyes as she backed away from her son. Her eyes full of tears and fear that her only son could do such a thing.
“It doesn’t matter. They are associated with the magical one. The king will want them. I will not disappoint the king,” he said, turning his back and marching out into the sunlight. “If you see Hekla… you are required to report it to the king right away, or you will be considered a traitor and imprisoned.”
Dragon Scepter Page 19
