“Of course, that’s not what I want,” she said with irritation. “What I want is to know if I can trust you, and this imprisoned beast. I want to know that Caelestis will be safe, and its people will live. The only thing is, I don’t know what’s true and what’s not.”
“I have a suggestion, and it’s the only thing I can think of at the moment,” he said, watching her every movement.
“Oh? And what’s that? Kill the Tellurians? Here’s something… killing them will not save Caelestis.”
“No, although when this is all figured out, that will be next on the list as it was always. If I may, is there not someone you know who can help bring healing to Xolderan?” he asked, eyebrows raising slightly.
Astrid gasped slightly, wondering if he knew about Hekla and her ability to heal. That was the only thing that came to mind, when he asked her if she knew of someone who could heal.
“You speak of my sister?” she asked, wondering how he knew.
“Indeed, I do. Word spreads fast, even to the sky kingdom. I know that she has the power to bring healing and considering that it has been passed through the ages that only dragons are capable of magic, I can’t help but wonder if it is I, who shouldn’t trust you,” he said with a meaningful glance.
“What exactly are you accusing me of?” she asked.
“Nothing, just saying--I think we both have secrets. I have reasons not to trust you, just as you have reasons not to trust me.”
That silenced her for a moment, as she wondered if Hekla would be capable of such a thing, at healing Xolderan. If she was capable of it, would she want to? What would they do, if the dragon was healed and was strong enough to break off the chains himself? What if he turned out to be evil? As Astrid wondered all these things in the core of her being, what was the truth.
“Very well, but it is not my sister I will go to see. Do not act until I return. I promise to make the journey quick. The dragon’s life, our kingdom, and the people’s lives… all rest on this very thing. Please, I am begging you that if there is one good bone in your body… do nothing to bring further harm to our people until I return.”
The king seemed to be irritated by her request, as his face flushed, and his eyebrows squinted tightly. Then he took a deep breath, and relaxing, he smiled at her.
“Very well, you have my word. I will give you until you return before I make another move.”
She nodded her head, and turning her back to the king, Cayden at her side, they hurried out of the castle. It was then that Astrid knew they would need help. Astrid would seek out the Grand Vizier to see if he would allow her to use the whistle to call the Sky Ethereals. Where they were going, they were going to need it. They didn’t have time on their side.
“What are you thinking?” Cayden asked as they left the castle.
“Sky Ethereals, I need to see Palladin.”
“Palladin, the Great?” There was a deep sense of awe in Cayden’s voice. “Do you even know how to get to him?”
She nodded, but she didn’t have time to explain the situation.
“More secrets?” he asked.
She nodded again and hurried toward the Vizier’s tower. Hoping that he wouldn’t argue her need for the whistle. When she reached the tower, she took the steps to his room two at a time, her fist knocking loudly on the door.
“Astrid, you needn’t always knock. You know I am here.”
“Please, Grand Vizier, I need the whistle for the Sky Ethereal so that I can get to Palladin and get help to save Caelestis.”
The look of surprise on his face, made him look all the more aged as his forehead crinkled even more.
“Palladin? You know where he is?” he asked,
“Indeed, I do, but I need to get to him quickly. If I don’t, Caelestis could fall. This is my only chance.”
He nodded to her, pulling the whistle from the pocket inside his robe, and handed it to her.
“Take care with this child, and do not abuse the privilege of riding the sky beasts.”
“I won’t,” she answered.
“Please, can you tell me how Quimby is?” Astrid asked.
“He’s doing better and resting. The path to recovery will still be a long road. It could take several months to years before he will regain his strength and learn how to use his opposite arm. He’s in his room, you may stop in to see him before you leave.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Vizier. You have done the kingdom a great service today,” she said, showing him the whistle.
“Yes, well, just be careful, and get back to us in one piece,” he said, and she thought she detected the slightest bit of concern in his voice.
Nodding to him again, she hurried down the steps where Cayden was waiting.
“Did you get what you needed?”
She nodded. “Yes, I just want to check on Quimby and then we can be on our way.”
Astrid left Cayden outside once again as she entered the tower. She went to Quimby’s room, knocking lightly on the door.
“Enter,” he said.
As she walked in, she was relieved to see his color had returned somewhat, and even though his arm had been removed, she was grateful that he looked a little better.
Astrid again wondered what she could have done differently that would have changed the outcome of the situation. She was supposed to be the one in charge—the one who was deemed worthy of ruling Caelestis by the Unseen Ones—the one given a dragon guide to help her along. And yet, when an unknown formidable foe appeared… she was weak. She’d trained for this.
What happened to him is not your fault, Astrid, Aronus said.
If I was only stronger…
Don’t say that, Aronus said. You’re stronger than you know.
While Quimby did look better than before, he was still obviously unwell. His face was covered in sweat, which for a member of the Caelestans, was a rarity. They took after their bird cousins with the lack of perspiration, but Astrid couldn’t place all her faith in that fact. He was half Tellurian, and Tellurians did sweat.
His eyes showed red veins and drooped as he struggled to keep them open as he looked at her. She wondered if he were drowsy from the injury itself, or if the Grand Vizier had given him something for the pain that caused fatigue.
Astrid took a few cautious steps forward and sat on the bed to look at him. Quimby smiled up at her as he tried to scoot away from the edge of the bed to give her extra room. He wasn’t successful as he was too weak to more than a fraction of an inch. She reached her hand out to his forehead and pushed his long, white hair out of his eyes. His forehead burned. “How are you feeling?”
“Not bad, considering,” he said with a weak smile as he looked at her.
His eyes closed and a light snore emitted from his mouth. Astrid moved her hand away from his forehead and his eyes opened once again.
“Astrid, it’s good to see you. Have you come to visit?” Quimby asked.
Astrid’s eyes bulged. Had he forgotten so soon that she had come to visit him? He’d only been unconscious for a few moments.
“I’m not feeling too bad, considering,” Quimby said.
Astrid bit her lip. It was a repeat of what he’d just spoken to her moments ago. His fever was too much. Astrid hoped he was being cared for well enough. She didn’t want to leave him. He didn’t need to be alone.
Astrid, we need to go. You know that. We cannot stay here with him, Aronus said.
Astrid’s lips pinched together. I know.
“Are you sure you’re well?” Astrid asked.
Quimby laughed. “I’ll be fine. They say I’ll be fine. Though, I’m told it may be a few days, or even a few weeks until I’m ready to leave this forsaken bed.”
Astrid’s eyes bulged. A few weeks? Surely, he wasn’t that sick? Sure, he’d lost an arm… but did it go further than that? Had whatever these creatures were have poison? His wound looked like it was well bandaged in white cloth. Astrid trusted the Grand Vizier knew what he was doing. At least, she
hoped she trusted the Vizier. She’d always been a little skeptical of him, but he’d proven where his loyalties lay in the past day. At least, she hoped. “Are you all right?” Quimby asked.
“Indeed, I am. I have to leave now, but I’ll be back as quickly as I can. I have to do something to try to save Caelestis.”
“What are you going to do?” he asked.
Astrid shook her head. “I can’t say a thing, not until I do it. I don’t even know if it will work. Please be well, I’ll be back as quickly as I can,” she promised.
Quimby nodded his head, his eyes looking heavy. “Well, then in the meantime, I’m going to sleep,” he said with an apologetic smile.
“Yes, get your rest. You’re going to need your energy.”
“I always do… when you’re around.” He laughed.
“Glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor,” she said with a smile and wave, before she turned and exited the room.
Before she stood and strode halfway to the door, she turned around and saw his eyes closed once more. She paused. His snore echoed through the room. It sounded like a mix between a man and a bird, with a slight whistle on his exhale. Her head tilted as she looked at him. He was in rough shape, and more and more she wondered if it were her fault for not being stronger, for not being able to stop the creatures before they nearly ripped his arm from its socket.
She pushed herself forward and shut the door quietly behind her, confident that he would be fine, or at least confident that the Grand Vizier would take care of him. She needed to carry on with her journey to see Palladin. And she would do her best to hurry—so she could return to Quimby.
Astrid exited the tower and blew through the wood instrument, the small wood device making a deep harmonic sound that lifted into the sky, and in response, the giant of a beast could be seen circling overhead. His wings so large they blotted out the sun. His blue chest, and green back shimmering in the sunlight as he descended. The flapping of wings was soon heard, as the beast landed in front of her
Petting his head gently, “it’s going to be all right,” she said softly, before clambering onto his back and turning to Cayden. “Well, are you coming?”
Cayden looked from her to the massive bird’s body, and then back to her. Gulping, he silently climbed onto the beast with her, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist as they took to the air.
“To the Volcano of Shadows, winged one!” Astrid urged the creature, and as they soared through the air, she hoped like last time, she would be able to get there and back in time to rescue those she cared about. It was a gamble to think that Palladin would help them, but she had to try.
36
Svana
Denial does not make an individual strong, nor does acceptance make a being weak. It is the balance of the two that creates the necessary traits in a person required to live their life to its fullest extent.
Palladin, The Great, Ninth Dragon Elder, Tenth Age of Verdil
Svana stood, eyes searching the shoreline for an empty boat to travel across the waters.
“I’ll be right back; we need a way to cross.”
“Svana, it’s all right… I’ll just give you my magic.” Hekla held up her scepter, tip tilted toward them.
Svana shook her head. “No, Hekla, you need your rest. You’ve done enough.”
She didn’t give Hekla a chance to argue, as she took off in the opposite direction in a full run, scabbard bouncing against her hip as she ran.
Behind her, the sound of boots hitting the soft sand and dirt of the shoreline quickened their pace in pursuit. Svana didn’t turn around to see who followed. She didn’t care. All that was on her mind was finding a boat. She needed to return to Telluris. There was still much work to do.
“Hey, Svana, wait up. I’ll go with you.”
Not turning to acknowledge Jakobe’s presence, Svana quickened her speed. She bit her lip, a slight smirk coming across her face. How long had Jakobe been chasing her? He could chase her a bit longer.
“Yeah, if you can keep up!” she laughed, breaking into a full run.
She ran down to the water’s edge, not seeing a single boat in sight. Svana pinched her lips together as she turned toward the woods following the heavily wooded tree line.
Jakobe quickly caught up to her, wrapping her arms around her, forcing her arms to her chest as he gave her a big bearhug, and they both laughed.
“I guess I’m not as quick as I hoped,” Svana teased.
It felt good to be smiling, even if it was only for a moment. Still, it was a moment of bliss, and she treasured it.
“Not really, but you’re a talented fighter. So, all is forgiven,” he teased her.
Jakobe had meant the comment as a compliment, but it was just a painful reminder that Lingaria was dying. She could feel her dragon’s absence like a sledgehammer to the heart. Time was ticking. Svana was playing around, and her dragon was dying.
“Let’s just find a boat and get to the island on the water,” she said flatly, her voice bitter.
“Hey, what just happened?”
“You don’t seem to understand how useless I am without Lingaria. He’s the reason I’m so skilled at fighting. Without him, I am nothing.”
She slowed to a walk, heavily scanning the forest. Where were all the water vessels?
“That’s not true, Svana. You’re talented without him, I think you rely too heavily on his magical influence. I think without him, you assume you’re not as good, but you are. You are, Svana. Not many a female can wield a sword the way you can. I wouldn’t give up on yourself, just yet. I know I haven’t.” His lips stretched upward warmly in a smile, the dimple in his cheek just visible.
“Yeah, fine, knock it off.” Her cheeks reddened under his gaze, and they turned back to the task at hand.
“You don’t take compliments well,” he said quietly.
“I don’t see any boats, do you?”
Now was not the time to sink into his eyes or think about how deeply she cared about this man. If she didn’t steer the conversation away, they were going to be delayed even longer from getting to the island.
“All right, I understand,” he said, dropping the subject, before he joined her in fervently looking for something that would carry them across.
“Here it is!” she exclaimed jubilantly, as she stumbled across broken brush and branches a little further in covering a worn wood vessel. Jakobe hurried to her side and helped her uncover it. Together they drug it out to shore, and Svana motioned to her sister and the others to join them.
“Think it will be strong enough to carry us all?” Isabella asked, eyebrows lifted quizzically as she studied the tan ship.
“It’ll be fine,” Svana reassured her with a smile.
They pushed it out from the shoreline. Four of them clambered in, as Jakobe pushed them away, out into the open waters before he hopped in himself.
Jetevius and Jakobe took it upon themselves to row the women to the island. In spite of all that had happened, and all they had discussed, silence hung over them like a thick storm cloud. Every so often, the sound of the oars dipping into the water pierced the quiet. Water dripped from the paddles, a comfort to their ears as they waited to reach the shore.
All the while, they searched below the surface for any sign of those who still served the king and would seek to harm them while they rowed.
When they reached the shore, Hekla climbed out first onto the mossy shoreline of the island. Svana followed suit, and they helped pull the ship up, before Jakobe hopped out and tied it up with seaweed rope.
“Are you sure we’ll be welcome here?” Isabella questioned, hesitant to leave the safety of the small wood craft.
Hekla offered a friendly smile. “It’s practically my home, here. You’ll be welcome, I promise. We just have to watch for the guards who still follow the king, and I assure you there aren’t many.”
Isabella nodded. “Very well then.”
The four of them followed Hek
la’s lead, as she walked the cobbled pathway leading through the pastel colored coral homes.
Hekla looked around to make sure no one else was watching them when she extended her hand and motioned for everyone to come closer. “Look.” She pointed out a few small bushes of vibrant, multi-colored berries. “The Aquaberry. Not only delicious, but it has tremendous healing powers. I’ve looked all over Aequoris, and it doesn’t grow anywhere but here.”
Isabella gripped the berries gently in her fingertips. “I’ve heard of this, but I never thought I’d see it with my own eyes.”
Hekla grinned, as if she carried some well-known secret. “There, that’s where Miralee lives. She’ll take care of us, I’m sure of it.”
Nodding, Isabella followed quietly, along with the others, as Svana quickened her pace to walk closer to her sister. Hekla knocked, and as the door opened, Miralee’s face lit up with a bright smile.
“Hekla! I thought you sure to be dead! The king has his men looking for you, you’re not safe here!”
“Nonsense, Mira. The soldiers left in the army of the king who still remain loyal are very few, I fear no repercussions from them.” Hekla’s voice so strong and confident, that even Svana took notice.
“Mira, your son...” Svana said in almost a whisper.
“Is he…” Miralee’s voice shook with the question that followed next, “is he dead?” Her eyes watered, face slightly reddening as she fought back tears.
“No, goodness no,” Svana interrupted. “He got away, he came after us and we fought him, but he disappeared.”
“Please, please don’t kill him…” she pleaded, a tear escaping.
“No, we won’t,” Hekla promised. “I fully believe he is under influence of the king. A king who is using the darkest magic I’ve ever seen…” She stopped herself from explaining further.
“What do you mean?”
“Please,” Svana interrupted. “My sister has depleted much of her energy, and magic to keep us alive. May she be allowed to rest?”
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