“You’ve been to see him?” Svana lifted her head, her ruby-hued hair bouncing on her shoulders, and eyes wide.
“Yes, I had to. My kingdom needs help, even now it shakes and trembles as if it is going to fall from the sky.”
Svana’s eyebrows furrowed. “What causes that?”
Astrid inhaled deeply. “You’re not going to like what I’m about to say."
"Well, that wouldn't be the first time," Svana joked, brushing ruby strands from her face, as she tossed her head back and laughed at her little joke.
"It's not something to laugh at Svana, our kingdoms are in great danger." Astrid looked toward the Tellurian castle; her eyes clouded over.
There was a palpable change in the air, and the smile disappeared from Svana's face. She’d always joked with her older sister, but this seemed different. Astrid’s face was stern, her eyes hard, and her chin lifted. Whatever was going on was serious.
"Please don't tell me..." Svana’s words trailed off.
She knew there was only one thing that could cause her older sister's eyes to cloud over like that. Wizard.
Astrid nodded her head as if reading the red-haired one’s mind. "Yes, it's just as you suspect. The wizard behind the Tellurian king is not the only one that was poisoning the lands. There is a dragon who's magic holds up all of Caelestis. He was condemned there for his actions against humanity. He killed many humans, but I took pity on him. I went to Palladin to get him help."
"A dragon,” Svana whispered.
She thought a wizard was bad enough. Svana had her suspicions. Dragons were the only ones able to do magic, and she had wondered how the wizard had received his power. But she had heard the word dragon from Hekla’s mouth already. Were there two of them? Were there any more? She shivered.
“And?" Svana pressed her, wondering just what had become of the beast.
"I thought if I got him help, he would see that there were some men and women worth saving. I think it backfired. All along I thought he was sick and dying, when it turned out that he was just waiting. Waiting for someone like me to take pity on him and set him free, and worse, I gave him more magic which has the power to strengthen him. Currently, he is still holding up Caelestis, but I don't know how long his chains will hold. Aronus's magic arrows helped me to lock him down for a bit more, but if he gets loose, my people will die."
"So, there's definitely bad news. What's the good news?" Svana asked, trying to lighten the situation a bit, but knowing there was no easy way to do so.
"Yes, and Hekla is dealing with something similar," Astrid continued.
"I know." Svana shook her head, desperately wanting to forget the conversation she had with Hekla.
"Then you know of the dragon responsible for that darkness too, the undead surrounding the king are a result of a deeper, eviler magic than hasn’t been done in thousands of years. We must prepare ourselves to fight. Our only hope is to lure Duliogial—the dragon assisting the water king to come up on land where we can fight him. We then need to lure him to the caves and have him either replace or join Xolderan."
"Xolderan is the dragon holding up Caelestis?"
Astrid nodded, her emerald-eyes watering and her face dripping with despair. It was no small task they were faced with, and she wondered if she and her younger sisters would even survive a fight against two dragons, if that's what it came down to.
"Yes, and we're going to need all the resources and people that we can get to join us," Astrid continued.
“We’ve only just been at a battle,” Svana exclaimed. “Our people still need time to heal and rest.”
“I know, my sister,” Astrid continued, “but the very fate of these kingdoms rests on us.”
Svana's hand went to her side, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly. If only it could protect her and the people from what was to come.
It can--to an extent, Lingaria said.
Lingaria, the amount of magic and energy that you will need is more than you have. You are still recovering, as am I. We've both just come from the brink of death.
That is true, but this is what you were made for, Svana. This is the time you and your sisters were called for. It is why the Chosen Ones requested you three, and no others. It is why we are your guides. You, Svana, and your sisters, are the only ones who can save all of Verdil.
"Are you all right, my sister?" Astrid's face still emanated concern.
"Astrid, Melifera wasn't the only one who gave her life force. I nearly lost Lingaria in the process too, he needs to heal completely. A half-drained dragon guide will be no good in battle."
"I understand that," Astrid replied, “but if we sit back and do nothing then everyone will die.”
"Very well," Svana finally agreed. “I will go to King Armand and tell him the situation is dire. Perhaps instead of fighting against us this time, he will fight alongside us.”
"Yes, plead for his help if you must. Round up as many soldiers as you can and meet us at the tree line near Aequoris. Battle is coming," Astrid warned.
“Please take care of yourself, my sister… the days ahead will be long and hard.”
“Yes, possibly some of the worst we have ever faced.” Astrid inhaled deeply, rubbing her eyes. “This will test us in ways we have never been tested before.”
“No matter, it’s nothing we can’t handle,” Svana retorted in an attempt to lighten the mood with a sideways smile.
Astrid stepped forward and hugged her tightly, always finding it difficult to walk away from her younger sister, no matter how many times it happened. Svana felt the same.
“Be safe,” Astrid whispered, stroking her younger sister’s red hair.
Svana nodded her head at her sister's request, withdrawing from Astrid’s embrace. Her new focus on reaching the king and getting his help. It was the only thing in her mind that made any sense.
Jakobe, who had remained silent but listening during the entire exchange, stepped next to her to meet her strides back toward the castle.
"Svana, the Undead? Evil dragons?" Jakobe’s voice hung heavy with disbelief as they moved quickly along.
"I have no words," Svana admitted, searching for the right thing to say and finding nothing. The castle grew taller and taller, as they neared the entrance. Yet she felt farther and farther from the peace she so desperately desired for Telluris. The familiar roaring of the chained Toverak outside gates was almost comforting in a way. They snarled and growled at them, as they passed, and Svana’s face showed a slight smile.
"I'm glad to see that some things never change," Svana admitted.
"It's almost comforting… in a way." Jakobe offered a chuckle.
They entered the courtyard. Several of the guards nodded and smiled their welcome as the two passed by. It was quite something to feel like she was home. Telluris was home. This kingdom was home, and she would do what she had to do to protect it. That very thought relieved her. Even on the volcano with her sisters, she never felt she had a home. Not truly. The volcano was Melifera’s home, and perhaps Astrid’s. But it wasn’t Svana’s. However, Telluris… it was home. The thought increased her drive to see King Armand as quickly as possible and enlist his help. Surely, as soon as he knew the truth about what was going on in the other kingdoms, he would want to be a part of it.
"Svana!" came a familiar cheerful, feminine voice.
The elegant form of Emmeline approached, her face as lovely as ever. Lips radiating from corner to corner with a vibrant smile. Svana quickly saw the reason why, as Tristan walked hand in hand with her. His face just as alight, his eyes shining with more brilliance than Svana had ever seen. They were happy, truly happy. Svana felt a small tinge of jealousy at the thought, wondering if she would ever get that chance.
"Emmeline, you look..." She paused to give the lovely woman a once over. Emmeline wore a soft lavender dress, that covered her from neck to ankles. It hugged her waist, and flowed out like a cloud, dancing with her movements. "Elegant, as always."
"
Thank you," the woman smiled, wrapping her arms around her friend, as she released Tristan's hand.
"It's good to see you, alive and well," Tristan added.
"Yes, well, it's not without sacrifice," Svana said, letting the heaviness in her voice speak for the despair she felt at having lost Melifera.
"I'm sorry for the losses you have suffered," Emmeline said kindly, rubbing Svana's arm.
"I don't want to talk about it now. There are more important matters at hand to discuss. Do you know where King Armand is?"
"Of course. He's in the throne room," the lovely woman brushed her pale white hair from her face, and moved closer to Tristan, placing a gentle hand on his chest.
Jakobe nodded. "You two should come with us, you’ll need to hear this."
Emmeline and Tristan, beaming at each other, nodded and followed after.
The plush carpeted hallway had not changed, and the paintings on either side were just as lovely as Svana had remembered. She wanted to keep the memory of this place in her mind, just like this. Whole, and untouched. Much darkness had happened here, but things were beginning to return to normal. However, there was no telling what the next battle of the kingdoms would do to them.
They reached the main doors to the throne room, guards on either side, swords at the ready.
"Svana. Jakobe." The guards nodded to them before opening the doors.
"My dear, Svana! You're alive!" King Armand shouted jubilantly, clearly elated that she had returned.
"Well, just barely, your majesty. I'm afraid I have come bearing ill news."
"What… what ill news could there be?" He frowned, shifting in his throne as they approached. Svana looked back over her shoulder to see that Emmeline and Tristan still held hands, their eyes still stealing glances.
"Careful," Svana whispered to them, but the king chimed in.
"Not to worry, dear. I am well aware of their affection for each other. I have known for some time. I suppose the darkness didn’t allow me to accept it. They have my blessing, though. Now, tell me... what ill news do you have?"
Taking a deep breath, Svana’s head turning from Emmeline to King Armand more than once before she spoke.
"King Armand, I am afraid that the wizard wasn't the only being casting dark magic throughout the people of Verdil. The Aequoran king, too, has been corrupted. He turns a blind eye to an army of undead that a nearby dragon controls with dark magic. And the city of Caelestis only floats because a dragon named Xolderan is imprisoned below it. His magic keeps it from falling. Only, we believe he's tired of being captive and is trying to break free."
"What do these things have to do with us?" King Armand leaned forward on his elbow, watching her movements curiously.
"You're majesty… we need you. Our hope is to drive Duliogial from Aequoris, to the caverns below Caelestis."
"Then what?" the king asked, his brows furrowed. "Are you going to kill Xolderan?"
She shrugged. "We will do what we have to. We may have to kill him, or we may be able to keep both dragons there, imprisoned."
"It's not a very solid plan," he replied.
"I know, but it's one that requires all the help we can get. My sister, Hekla, has a plan that ensures both kingdoms will be saved. I don’t know all the details, but she has requested the aid of the Caelestan and Tellurian soldiers."
"The three kingdoms… united again,” he whispered, his face brightening. “Anything to ensure the peace and unity of our kingdoms," he said abruptly. "Tell me what you need, and you shall have it."
"Are you sure, your majesty?"
King Armand stood. "Your sister saved my life once. You all did. I owe it to you, to all of you. And I owe it to our lands to do what I can to restore peace. It is mostly my fault that we are divided in the first place."
His face clouded, and she could feel his guilt as if it were her own.
"Your majesty… you are human. We've all made choices we regret. Now is our time to restore what was lost, and working together, I believe we will be able to salvage it." Svana smiled kindly.
"I will send out orders at once. My men, and all of the Tellurian soldiers will be at your side. Do not fear," he reassured her.
"Uncle! What if they die?" Emmeline's face paled at his decree.
"Emmeline, my men, my soldiers will gladly die for this woman and for me. However, I know that Hekla will do her best to protect them. They will not go to battle blindly."
"Lives will be lost," Emmeline argued, leaning into Tristan, unable to bear the news.
"I promise you, Lady Emmeline, that my sisters and I will do all we can to save as many lives as possible. With all the kingdoms fighting together, we will be strong. And this is a battle to end all battles. A war to end all wars. After this, no longer will Tellurians be fighting Caelestans. No longer will Tellurians be fighting Aequorans. Once we all stand together and face a common enemy—we will be united. Trust me," Svana reassured her. Then she turned to the king. "Your majesty, have your men meet us at the tree line near the Aequoran waters.”
He nodded his head. “You have my word.”
"Tristan… will you fight?" Emmeline asked, voice shaking.
He didn't answer, but Svana could tell he had done something that displeased her, because the elegant woman immediately started to sob.
“I finally have you. No more games, no more waiting or wishing and hoping. And you choose to leave me,” Emmeline said, wiping the tears from her eyes.
“I have to,” Tristan whispered.
War was difficult for everyone, but at least this time the people would not be battling each other, but with each other.
That was improvement.
"I shall ring the bells," the king shouted after them.
"What does that mean?" Svana leaned in, to ask Jakobe.
"The bells sound across the land, it means the king requires everyone's help. It means we're about to march to war.”
Svana turned and nodded. "Thank you, your majesty."
Then she and Jakobe exited the throne room, to the sounds of a crying Emmeline, and bells.
43
Hekla
Anger is a powerful tool that you can use to your advantage. When someone is angry, they do not think clearly. Their impulse is quick to make mistakes. It is a weapon you can use against them. The trick is to find something that your opponent is quick to anger, not slow to anger. Slow anger is a strength. The more time they have to think about it—to plan, the more powerful it becomes. You can only use anger as a weapon if it is quick anger. Otherwise, you’ll lose the advantage you tried so desperately to create.
King Cedric the Just, Third King of Telluris, 474 A.V.
Hekla returned to the camp with Jetevius. It was a long, quiet journey. At first, Jetevius had tried to get Hekla to open up about her plan to bring the dragon and the undead army out of hiding, but she’d remained tight-lipped. She didn’t want to confess her entire plan until it was in motion. Hekla didn’t want word to leak to the king, or the dragon, in case a traitor was in their ranks. And, she had to solidify her plan before she could talk about it.
When they arrived back at the camp, everyone was restless. With so many Aequorans together, prepared for war, they were on edge, ready for the next move. She walked to the section of the camp she had left Ecthelion and found him directing a young scout to patrol the nearby area outside of the camp. She smiled as she waited for him to finish.
“You’ve returned.” Ecthelion smiled.
“I have.”
“You look well. I take it the news was good?” Ecthelion asked.
Hekla shook her head, but her smile didn’t falter. “Nope. It wasn’t good news at all.”
“Then why are you smiling?” Ecthelion asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
“I have a plan.”
“Do tell.”
“We march on Aequorus.”
“If we attack Aequorus—”
“We won’t attack. We are going to protest.”
; “Protest?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Explain.”
Hekla ran her hand through her long blue hair. “We will march—all of us—on Aequorus. We will make our voices be heard. We won’t attack, but we will be loud. We need to let the people know—we need to let the soldiers still in Aequorus know—that the king has sided with a dragon. A dragon who intends on exterminating them.”
Ecthelion frowned. “Will they listen?”
“We will make them listen,” Hekla said.
“How?”
Hekla’s smile grew wide. “While you are at the city, Jetevius, I, and a few guards will be paying the dragon a visit.”
Ecthelion’s eyebrows raised, intrigued. “What are you going to do?”
“Provoke him.”
Ecthelion’s lips scrunched together as he considered her words. “Interesting. You’re going to try and provoke him to attack Aequorus.”
“Yes.”
“Then everyone would see the dragon… and the undead.”
“Yes,” Hekla confirmed.
“But what then? Even if they come to their senses, and the Aequoran guards fight by our side, will it be enough?”
“No,” Hekla admitted. “That’s when we run… or swim rather, away.”
“Aequorans are not cowards,” Ecthelion said.
Hekla tilted her head as she looked at him. Of all people to say such a thing, he had to see the irony of him saying that. When the king became mad, he fled the city, and went into hiding.
“I realize I’m not the best example of that… but Aequoran guards are not cowards. They will stand and fight.”
“Good,” Hekla said. She stepped forward and tapped her index finger on his chest. “It will be your job to convince them to fight at the bank of the sea—with an army of Tellurians and Caelestans.”
His eyebrows shot up. “An alliance?”
“The undead threaten us all. If they kill all the Aequorans, where will they go next?”
Ecthelion nodded.
“Besides, Caelestis needs my help if they want to stay afloat.”
Dragon Scepter Page 33
