Hand in hand, Astrid and Cayden stepped onto the platform of the cave and made their way inside. Torches lit the walls, and not far off, the sound of gentle snoring echoed against the sides. Astrid felt her heart palpitate with excitement at the prospect of seeing the white beast again. She wondered if Melifera would be there. It had been too long since she had seen both, and as the familiar smells surrounded her, she realized how terribly homesick she had become.
“Palladin, oh Great Palladin!” she called out.
The soft snoring turned to snorts of irritation as the great dragon was jolted from his slumber. At that moment the whole cave lit up with the light of fire, and they jumped back with closed eyes, afraid that they would be singed. Only when they opened their eyes, there was no fire.
“Come forth, child, and bring your friend,” Palladin said, his great deep voice reverberating through the cave.
“Yeah, I think I’ll just stay right here,” Cayden said.
Astrid gave him a stern look, pulling him along with her. “Come on, I need you…”
Standing before Palladin for the second time, Astrid took in his size comparing it in her mind, to Xolderan. Palladin was far larger, and far more intimidating, though she wouldn’t have placed bets on either of them in a battle.
“What brings you home, child? Surely you don’t have another sister in need of saving?”
Astrid shook her head. “What do you mean?”
“Never mind that, why have you returned home?”
She bent her head, studying the dirt ground, and the few pebbles and rocks that littered the bottom of the cave. How was she to present her request to the dragon elder--a request to set free the beast Astrid knew was capable of such atrocities?
“Something troubles you?” he continued.
“Great Palladin, I know that my request may seem unorthodox, but I have failed to figure out another way.”
He nodded his wide white head.
“It won’t be the worst thing that has occurred recently, please continue.”
She inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of what she was about to ask, knowing that it could all backfire on her if he was able to help her and Xolderan took advantage of it. But she nearly paused at his choice of words. What else had occurred recently that Palladin would be aware of?
“All right, my request is regarding Xolderan,” she said softly, squinting in response to the anger she anticipated was coming.
“Xolderan!” Palladin growled the name, eyes widening. “That beast has no right calling himself a dragon!” he roared, and bursts of smoke discharged from his massive nostrils.
“Your greatness, I know that he has done great evil, but I’ve come to beseech you on his behalf. He has aged much and grows weaker by the day. The magic he used to sustain Caelestis so that it remained floating in the sky also weakens, the sky kingdom trembles with the threat of falling. If Xolderan dies, the kingdom will fall, and many lives will be lost. The Caelestans cannot exist in Telluris, their bodies would not be able to handle the harsh conditions. Please, I beg of you… can you do nothing to help me? I must save them.” She fell to one knee in reverence, head still down and Cayden mimicked her action.
Palladin stayed silent for some time, before he opened his massive jaws again, his voice steady,
“Xolderan has committed a great many atrocities. He has destroyed civilizations and taken many thousands of human lives. To keep the kingdom of Caelestis lifted high and watch over their well-being was his punishment for eternity.”
“Yes, I understand, but he will not live forever. Please, I have seen him, spoken with him. He is weak, your greatness. I have seen the age in his eyes, in his movements. The chains that hold him, have left marks on his skin. No matter the evil he has done, does he deserve to die that way? Are we all not capable of being better when given a second chance?”
Palladin’s eyes softened, as she spoke. “Astrid of the Bow, wisest of all. You have made your point, but I ask you this… if I can provide a way to help him, I wonder, what happens if he escapes?”
She smiled sheepishly, shrugging her shoulders in response. “Your greatness, I had hoped that you would know what could be done. Perhaps Melifera will have a solution?”
Paladin’s shoulders dropped, “You have not heard the news?”
Astrid shook her head.
“I’m afraid that Melifera gave the last of her life force to save your sister… there was nothing I could do to stop it. It was what she wanted.”
“What?” Astrid yelled out, eyes burning with tears, a lump gathering in the back of her throat. “Tell me it’s not true! Tell me she’s not dead?”
“I wish it could have happened any other way, but there was nothing that could be done.”
“You could not have saved her?”
“My dear Astrid, it does not work that way. I know it’s hard for you to understand now, but everything happens for a reason. Lingaria used his life force to help save her, but it was not enough. Melifera longed to be free of this world, and with the three of you gone, her mission is complete. She wants to join the Unseen Ones, and yet she still lingers in spirit form watching over you and your sisters.”
Inside, Astrid was breaking. Melifera had been the only mother she had ever known. She felt the grief descend over her like a cloud, and an emptiness formed inside that she knew would never leave.
Standing to her feet, she folded her arms across her chest and closed her eyes, tears still falling as she forced herself to breath in and out.
“Melifera,” she said in a whisper.
“I will give you what you seek, dear one, but you must make sure that Xolderan understands that if he does anything to harm the humans he cares for, his life force will end.”
Astrid nodded her head, unable to speak for the heartbreak that gripped her.
Cayden placed his hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently, and she turned to look at him, studying his handsome features. His dark eyes gazed back at her intensely. “I don’t know who this Melifera is, but if there’s anything I can do to help… I’m here for you.”
She nodded again, as Palladin disappeared from sight.
“What!? Where did he go?” Astrid asked, panic through her voice.
All that was left was wisps of smoke where he once lay.
Cayden shrugged his shoulders, pulling her to his side firmly, where he could wrap his arm around her waist. “I’m sure he’ll be back, he said he was going to help you.”
“I don’t even care about that anymore. I just want Melifera back.”
“Who was she?” he asked.
“She was like a mother. She taught my sisters and I everything we know. She taught us how to fight, how to parry. She taught me how to loose an arrow, how to aim. Everything we know about battle was because of her.”
He nodded his head. “Now I understand.”
They remained standing for a while, until the light outside grew dimmer and no longer lit the cave. Sitting on the ground, Astrid scooted against the wall, her eyes still burning and throat raw. A wave of sleepiness came over her and as she fell asleep, she felt Cayden’s warmth right next to her, pulling her in.
In her dreams, she and Melifera were united, Melifera running toward her, wrapping Astrid in a warm hug. Tears immediately sprang to Astrid’s eyes.
“Are you really gone?” Astrid asked, the very words causing her heart to twist in pain.
Melifera nodded her head, eyes shining. “Yes, but it’s not a terrible thing that has happened. I was ready for this. You know that. I warned you all before you left the Volcano of Shadows that I could not continue on, and what better reason to leave, than to give the last of my life force for one of my daughters.” She nodded, her hand reaching out to caress Astrid’s cheek. “It was the greatest honor I’ve ever known, and I couldn’t imagine leaving your world any other way.”
“I know,” Astrid said, voice low, tears still falling, “I’m just going to miss you so much. It was already hard. All
of these things. There’s been so much loss, I suppose I just assumed you would always be there.”
“I know, my dear, but that isn’t logical, is it? All life must end, it is the only thing that is certain.”
Astrid nodded again. “I know.”
“Come dear, let’s not waste this moment with sad goodbyes… walk with me. Tell me about your life, and adventures.”
“There’s not much to tell.” Astrid took a deep breath. “Aronus is a smart mouth know it all, who constantly tells me what to do.”
Melifera laughed, and the sound was like music to Astrid’s ears.
“Sounds like you two are getting along splendidly.”
“When he isn’t abandoning me, yes,” Astrid said, and they both laughed. “Everything else is… hard. Death, war, restoring the kingdoms. None of it has been easy. I wish some things were.”
“Ah yes,” Melifera said, “As is such with life, dear, but you are wise, and intelligent. You have much to gain, and the kingdom has much to gain from your leadership. Trust yourself.” Melifera leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “You’ve made me very proud, just keep fighting.” And with that, the woman began to disappear.
Astrid could feel the tears fill her eyes again. Their time had been too short. The dream over too fast.
“Melifera!”
“I love you, daughter. Take care.”
“I love you!” Astrid cried out, desperate for the woman to hear it before she completely disappeared.
With the last trace of her being, Astrid saw the knowing smile on her face and felt at peace. Then one last thought filled her dream-state. Daughter. What had Melifera meant by that? Astrid remembered having a mother. Melifera was like a mother to all three of them, but she wasn’t their real mother… was she? Perhaps Astrid was focusing on the words too closely. Perhaps Melifera meant that Astrid was like a daughter to her. Astrid’s eyes fluttered open, and Palladin still lay across from her, his large yellowish eyes blinking at her.
“Did you get to say goodbye?” he asked.
“Did you do that?” she reciprocated.
“No, she did. She knows you are heartbroken. Anyway, I brought this for you.” Nodding to his left, Astrid saw a blue bottle with white light swirling about inside.
“What is that?” she asked.
“That my dear, is the purest form of dragon magic there is. Only ever used in times of utter distress, the whole of the dragon realm had to agree on its use before I could take it. This will heal Xolderan, but he will not be freed. His purpose now, is to serve the Caelestans, and although that means that he is in chains, we never agreed that he should live his life in pain. Take this to him, have him drink it, and remind him that if he tries to do evil, the Unseen Ones will end his life.”
“Why, why does he have to be chained?”
“Because, like Lingaria, Aronus and Speltus… who were chosen to serve human masters, so was Xolderan. Until he learns the value of human life.”
“So, what if he knows the value already?
Palladin shook his head. “I suppose he didn’t tell you that once we have a taste for human blood so to speak, it never goes away?”
“Do you mean he drank human blood?”
“No, I mean, once we take a human life force, there is nothing like it in the world. The feeling that comes after, as the essence goes to the outer realm. That very essence is connected to our center as a dragon, so when we take a human life, it’s like lighting that center, and he has done that thousands of times. He will never be able to be trusted again.”
Astrid was rendered speechless, feeling the full effect of guilt on her shoulders. “So, once a dragon kills a human… that feeling never goes away.”
He nodded regally. “And is heightened with every human death. It is like a drug, Astrid.”
“So, what happens if I give him this magic and he frees himself and goes after the Caelestans?”
“The safeguard is that if he uses that magic for evil, it will suck his life force just as quickly as it restored it, thus returning him to the dying and weak dragon that he is.”
“Very well,” she nodded, still trying to wrap her mind around everything. “Then I must go, the fate of the Caelestans is at his mercy.”
Palladin nodded his head. “Safe journeys, daughter of the bow.”
Astrid and Cayden quickly returned to the Sky Ethereal, bottle in hand and flew back to the caves below Caelestis to bring the dragon magic to Xolderan.
“You’ve returned,” Xolderan lifted his head from his large paws, eyes wide as Astrid entered the large cave with Cayden close behind her.
“I told you I would try to figure out a way to get you out of here, and I wasn’t lying. I’ve brought you something, I’m begging you… please don’t make me regret it.” She swirled the bottle in her hand, the white light inside growing brighter.
Mouth slightly opened, his teeth glistening saliva. Astrid took a step back, arm retreating to grab her bow in case the deep red beast decided he was hungry for a green haired woman.
“What’s this? Afraid are you?”
“Hmph.” She smirked. “Not so much of you, but your teeth.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t eat human.”
“Yeah, not anymore,” she retorted.
Her gut trying to warn her that perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to help the dragon, but Astrid just couldn’t handle seeing a sick, dying, dragon in chains.
“No, no, you have my word. I won’t eat human flesh. It’s a bit tough, anyway.” Xolderan’s black tongue flicked out, licking his lips, as if about to have a delicious morsel of food.
“Okay, well, actions speak louder than words.” Astrid took another step back, half-tempted to turn and run, and never come back. What difference did it make if she saved him or not? Sooner or later, Caelestis would fall, and they would need to find a new place of refuge. She wondered if the sky kingdom could stay up forever.
Not without magic, Aronus reminded her, and she nodded her head.
That’s right. So, whether it’s Xolderan or one of their guide dragons, as she assumed, they would have to pay the price. Someone will have to pay, and that payment is a dragon enslaved for all of eternity.
She could sense Aronus nodding. Suddenly the pure magic she held in her hand didn’t seem like enough. Nothing seemed enough. If she healed Xolderan, he would be stuck, chained. If they beseeched Palladin for help, chances were one of the sister’s dragons would be forced to bear the burden. Either way someone would be enslaved here to free Xolderan, who she wasn’t sure was entirely innocent. In the meantime, the kingdom of Caelestis would continue to tremble, and shake, terrifying its inhabitants.
“What are you waiting for, emerald lady?” he asked, smoke huffing from his nostrils.
“Fine,” she finally decided.
“Open your mouth, because I’m not getting any closer to those teeth.”
Xolderan heartily laughed. The sound rumbling the tavern, igniting the sounds of broken rocks tumbling from the walls.
“All right,” he said, jaws wide. Astrid tossed the whole thing into his mouth, afraid to get too close. Worried that he may take her arm, or worse if she was close enough.
“Aww, you didn’t even unwrap it for me,” he pouted. “Crunchy though, suppose I don’t mind…” he paused, dull yellow eyes widening, before they closed.
His entire scaly body seized up, as if frozen in time. A white light emerged from his mouth, like a waterfall in reverse. It lifted into the air, settling over the deep red body of the beast like a blanket. It covered him from head to tail, so bright it was nearly blinding.
The beast remained unmoving as the brilliance lit up his entire body. Then, after a time, it gently began to fade.
“What’s going on?” Cayden asked, placing himself in front of Astrid, in case she was in danger from Xolderan, who hadn’t moved for quite some time.
“I don’t know.” She gently pushed him away. “I’m all right, Cayden.”
Watching the beast, she withdrew her bow, unsure of what the repercussion of the magic would be.
Then suddenly, his eyes flew open, and he leapt to his feet. Talons digging into the dirt and rock ground. He opened his mouth wide, and she darted out of the way of the huge fireball that emitted from his lips toward the open hallway they had entered through.
His dull yellow eyes sparkled brilliantly. Now they were a clear green, and his dull, dark scales that had been almost a blood red, were just as bright as her sister’s hair.
“Well, I have to admit, I haven’t felt this good in years.” He shook his entire body from head to tail, as if shaking off water, then began chanting something under his breath.
“What are you doing?” she asked, horrified that she had terribly misjudged the beast.
“Well, first, I’m going to break out of here. Then I’m going to kill you, and your friend. Then for fun, I’m going to destroy Caelestis… and if I’m feeling particularly enlightened, I’m going after Palladin too. That old dragon can’t possibly be strong enough to fight me… not now,” he said with a roar, and rumbling laugh, as he threw his head back.
His claws ripped at the chains that had been melted into the floor, large rocks covering them. Something she was sure had been the result of Palladin’s handiwork. Even as she watched, she could see the metal bending, and distorting.
“I don’t think so,” she said, grabbing her bow out, and loosing several arrows.
Make them last, Aronus. He cannot be set free. She begged her dragon.
I’ll use magic to do what I can, but they won’t hold him for long.
Astrid nodded her head in response to him, wishing she had just listened to Palladin, or trusted her instinct.
“Stupid girl, you think some weak magical arrow is going to hold me?” he cursed and yelled, spitting something under his breath at the arrows that had wedged themselves in the chain links. Instead of loosening the chains, his back arched, and he let out a roar so loud, Astrid was sure it would call attention to them from miles around.
“What was that about!?” she yelled, loosing another arrow at his chains.
“ARGH!” he roared again, blasting forth another ball of fire, this time directly at her. She had to dodge to avoid being hit.
Dragon Scepter Page 29
