by Aya Knight
“Let me speak, dragon child!” Brig’s face shook as he spoke. “In a time when the darkness of despair lies upon us and it feels as though so much has been lost, you must open the window of your heart and allow in the light.” His mood had completely changed. “Some things are worth fighting for—and I assure you this is one of those things.”
“All right, I’m listening.” Kale crossed his arms. “What exactly is it that this red one wants me to do?”
“There are more.” Brig smiled.
The room grew silent and Kale caught himself awkwardly glancing around. “More of…?”
“More of you.” Brig shook his head. “No, no, no, I mean more of your kind—dragons! You are not the last.”
“What!?” Kale straightened his posture, sitting immediately upright. “How could you possibly know this? Where are they? Tell me now!”
“Kale, mind yourself!” Thomas interrupted as he placed a firm grip onto Kale’s shoulder. “Listen to what he has to say. Our time is running short, we must soon leave or risk Brig’s safety here in Tyrione. We do not know if the guards already seek us.”
Kale breathed as he gritted his teeth. “I understand. I’m sorry, Brig, please continue.”
“Yes, yes, as I was saying, you are not the last dragon. Well—you weren’t, before becoming a human, that is.”
“I am still a dragon!” Kale snarled as Thomas cast him an admonishing glance.
“Control yourself, boy. I am doing you a favor by telling you this information.” Brig pointed a dirty nail in Kale’s direction. “Many years ago, three dragon eggs were to be transported to Eldawin by a human. Along his journey, a dragon who dwelled within the desert, the Emerald Prince, caught scent of his own kind and fought to retrieve them. He only meant to protect the eggs, unsure as to why a human had them to begin with. His attempt was futile as the eggs sank beneath the Earth’s surface, never to be seen again—until now. The red one is certain they have fallen into an underground cavern, safe and unharmed. Only you, Firehart—born a dragon—can save them from extinction. You can reshape this world.”
“Kale,” Thomas gleamed with excitement for his friend, “do you remember the vision I shared with you? It’s astonishing how we seem linked together now, as this all unravels before us.”
Kale wrinkled his forehead in thought, when suddenly it dawned on him. “General Jedah! The package he was assigned to deliver for his quest to become a knight. With your memories as our guide, we could find the vicinity where they sank.” He glanced upward. “It all makes sense now; the reason the dragon attacked—he was protecting the unborn hatchlings of our own kind.” Kale tightened his knuckles. “Jedah must be stopped or the Emerald Prince will have died in vain.” Kale paused. “Wait a moment, how can we be sure this isn’t a trap? This red one you speak of could be working with Jedah in order to lead us to death.”
“I can personally assure you the red one is not in league with General Jedah. The red one means well and even appears to have true concern for your well-being. However, the choice to proceed will be yours. I am but the messenger.” Brig flicked another ball of earwax to the glass-covered floor.
Kale didn’t need to analyze the situation any longer. Despite the uncertainties and possible dangers which lay ahead, there was absolutely no way he would be able to decline; especially if there were eggs remaining. He was willing to try, given the one chance of hope for his kind.
“We should leave now. I’m sure the guards have been alerted of our absence.” Neelan adjusted her bow.
“Indeed. It is time. If there are no enchantments which will prevent it, I can transport us out of the kingdom once we find seclusion outside.”
“We should be all right. The enchantments bound to our city are to keep others out, not in.”
Illadar, Thomas, and Neelan made their way cautiously up the tunnel, keeping a keen eye on the windows in case a guard patrolled nearby.
“Come here, boy.” Brig spoke in a low tone. “Should you find Malakhar, please lay him to rest quickly. It is time his pain and reign of bitter hatred toward the world finally ends.” Tears formed to pool in the corner of Brig’s eyes.
“Are you all ri—” As Kale spoke, Brig held out a palm to stop him from speaking.
“Though, ashamed to have been related by blood to someone with such a cold, hollow heart—he is still my brother. We were born on the same day; twins, though not alike in appearance, nor personality. Some say twins share an eternal bond between one another. We never did. Neither of us cared to be near the other, and I made certain to keep my distance.”
Kale stopped—shocked beyond words. He placed his hand upon the old elf’s arm as he nodded his head.
Brig forced a smile; he understood the message Kale sent with his gesture. Kale would do his best to ensure Malakhar would receive a swift death.
Once they were certain no guards were in the immediate vicinity, the four quickly gave thanks to Brig. Even Neelan was grateful, though she remained distant. Within moments they walked around the side of Brig’s home, squeezing against the wall of a neighboring house.
“Move quickly, we mustn’t be spotted while limited to such a narrow space,” Thomas whispered to the others.
They emerged onto another small street which bordered the back entrances of many homes.
“This should be secluded enough. Now, get us out of here, Thomas.” Kale was anxious to return to the forest with the news they had acquired from Brig. His heart also leapt at the thought of seeking hope for dragon-kind.
“Come, gather, and hold onto my arms tightly, as before.” Thomas closed his eyes, prepared to begin chanting the magical language.
“Halt!” A voice rang out, softly echoing down the enclosed stone street.
Thomas’ eyes shot open and the other three turned defensively.
“Lorin!” Neelan called out.
To their side, stood the golden-haired guard. His silver eyes appeared weary and for the first time since Kale met him, his flawless face was blemished with dim purple rings beneath his bottom lids.
“Don’t do this Lorin; I had to do what I did. You have got to trust me.” Neelan continued to plead her case, but Lorin abruptly silenced her, placing a finger gently upon her lips.
“I am not here to turn you in.”
Neelan tilted her head in confusion as she stepped back from the touch of his finger which had remained upon her mouth.
“I was spotted earlier by a patrolling guard. They know you placed an enchantment upon me and fled. I have stalled them until now; they are scattered across the city in search of you and your companions. I was sent here by the elders to personally scout Brig’s home. They do not suspect I would seek to help you after what you had done to me.” He glanced down as though hurt by her actions.
“Bu—”
“Please, let me finish Neelan, time is short.”
She quietly nodded.
“I agreed so I could ensure your safe escape. I don’t believe they are aware that your friend is a sorcerer.” He gestured toward Thomas. “Although it pains me, I want you to promise you will not return here again. The elders informed the guards that should you enter these walls, your friends will be sentenced to death and you are to be imprisoned within the pit for the remainder of your life.”
“They will not catch me,” Neelan attempted to stubbornly argue, though her heart raced at the thought of being trapped in complete darkness for hundreds of years.
“Promise me!” Lorin’s voice was demanding, inflicted with sorrow.
“I—I promise. I won’t ever return to the kingdom again.” Although Neelan despised her father and the memories Tyrione held, the finalization was frightening. This was goodbye forever.
“If you are here to ensure a safe exit, why in Pan’s name did you stop us?” Ka
le was tired, hungry, and irritable.
“I needed to warn Neelan. You, however, can return if you’d like. It would be quite nice to see your head perched upon a stake at our gates to ward off more filth from coming our way,” Lorin snickered.
“You’ll die for that!” Kale leapt toward Lorin, wrapping his fingers around the elf’s neck as he squeezed firmly.
“Enough!” Neelan shoved Kale off of Lorin, glaring at both men. “Now is not the time. Both of you need to stop behaving as though you were children.”
Lorin looked to the street. “I apologize, Neelan.” Without warning, he pulled her into a tight embrace. He leaned down to her long ear, “I also came to say farewell. Please be safe,” he whispered, releasing his grip. “I’ll ensure the council does not know you were here—Brig will not endure punishment for assisting your cause. Though, I cannot understand why you would seek a dark elf, I am sure it is important. Please leave now, with no worry of what shall happen here.” He bowed before turning to leave down the dark street.
Neelan gave a final glance toward him before returning to her friends. “Let’s go.” Her words were monotone and short.
They each gripped tightly onto Thomas’ arm as he once again resumed a clear state of mind. “Kalora Xenari.” He called out, then they disappeared from sight.
With a zap, they were flung through a void before being tossed onto the leaf coated ground of the Forest of Forgotten Whispers.
Kale, Illadar, and Neelan groaned in discomfort as they slowly staggered to their feet.
“At least you didn’t vomit this time.” Kale half-jokingly teased Illadar as he gripped his own stomach to ease the nauseating sensation.
“Make haste across the river, we do not need a third encounter with Rees’Lok,” Thomas urged.
With everything that had happened, Kale nearly forgot about the snaggle-toothed orc.
The four hurried across the running water and made way through the protected area of the forest where the dryads dwelled. Though Kale displayed a casual exterior, his insides were fluttering at the thought of seeing Judith again.
“You came back!” A shaky voice called out.
Kale squinted through the darkness in the direction of the sound. A round figure moved closer until he could see the hundreds of creases on the old woman’s flesh. The tip of her long crooked nose led to a bumpy bridge between two, close-set, black, beady eyes. Her thin, near balding, grey hair revealed many fat moles scattered across her scalp. This was quite the opposite of what Kale expected upon his arrival. He fought the urge to shudder and step away from the old woman he knew was truly Judith—the stunning Princess of Mirion.
“Y-yes, I told you we would return.” He finally choked the words out, forcing a smile.
Judith wrapped her stumpy, sagging arms around Kale’s torso. “I am so glad you have come back safely.”
“Thank you,” Kale awkwardly replied.
“I hate to come between such a warm reunion,” Neelan crossed her arms, “but we should go inside now. We aren’t staying long.” She narrowed her eyes as she glanced toward Judith. “One night, at most.”
Normally, Kale might have stubbornly argued, but his desire to put a stop to Jedah and find the truth behind the dragon eggs drove his will to keep moving forward. On top of all else, he was starving and exhausted—the thought of going inside to rest was incredibly appealing.
“I knew thou would return to us.” Elanya stood within the entrance of the massive tree. Her cascading white hair and pale flesh stood out dramatically against the darkness which wrapped around the tree in all directions.
They entered the familiar circular common room when Judith began to moan as her elderly body collapsed upon the floor. She curled into a fetal position, whimpering softly as her limbs began to stretch in length. The deep wrinkles on her skin flattened as the flesh tightened over her muscles. Her sun-kissed, sandy blonde hair sprouted from her scalp, replacing the grey frizz.
“Do not look at me!” Judith cried out as the transformation completed its process. The frumpy clothing draped from her thin frame.
“Thou should leave thee to change attire.” Elanya motioned them to another, smaller room. “Thou saw a glimpse at ye pain Judith endures each day from ye curse. Let us speak now while thee recovers.” She maternally glanced toward Judith.
“We’re just going to leave her in this state?” Kale questioned in concern.
Elanya nodded, “’Tis something she hath gone through for years. Judith desires to be alone during this time; now come.”
They obeyed and wearily entered the cozy, candlelit room. Within moments, three beautiful, brunette, dryad women carried in silver trays piled with fresh fruit. Kale’s animalistic instincts took control of his motor functions, causing his arm to shoot out and grip a handful of berries. He immediately shoved them into his mouth, chewing loudly. The realization of just how hungry he truly was sunk in as the sweet juices ran down his throat.
“Thank you,” he unclearly mumbled, taking careful note of Thomas’ disapproving glare.
“I must speak to thee, now, before Judith hath finished resting.”
Kale nodded, though disappointed he couldn’t further indulge in the delicious food without interruption.
“Did thou find information?” Elanya softly spoke, leaning toward Kale.
“Mmm-hmm,” Kale replied, swallowing the remaining portion within his mouth. He continued on to explain everything they learned during their time with Brig. Kale shared the news of dragon eggs still existing within the world. In his heart, he knew the dryads were on their side and could be trusted.
“’Tis great news for both thou and Judith.” She smiled. “To know there is hope brings joy to thine heart. Thou must make leave tomorrow. Eat and rest now; thou must decide which path to embark upon. To free Judith—or seek ye dragon eggs. Ye choice may bring great rewards—or despair. For every action, there shalt be a consequence.” Elanya stood, silently returning to the room in which they earlier left Judith.
“Do ya’ have a plan?” Illadar asked as he lifted a wooden mug to his lips.
“Not really,” Kale admitted. “I honestly don’t know what to do. Choosing to seek Malakhar first might result in someone else discovering the truth about the dragon eggs. If anyone managed to retrieve them before us, it could end all hope for my kind. I know Brig said only I could save them. But, if it’s only a matter of them resting beneath the earth’s surface, then I don’t see why another person couldn’t stumble upon them. On the other hand—if I don’t hunt Malakhar now, we may not have another opportunity before he returns to Mirion. Once he reunites with the mass of Jedah’s army, there will be no hope of saving Judith at this time.” Kale sighed as he shoved more berries into his mouth.
“We will figure it all out, don’t worry.” Neelan sat by his side, smiling soothingly.
No sooner had Neelan begun to comfort Kale when Judith entered the room. She immediately made a straight path toward Kale, seating herself on his other side.
“I apologize that you had to see me like that. I was so engrossed with your return, I nearly forgot the effects which would occur upon me stepping within the tree.”
“Maybe next time you should pay better attention to your surroundings.” Neelan leaned forward, glaring past Kale at the Princess.
There was tension in the air and a heavy silence engulfed the room.
“This yellow fruit is fantastic. Sweet, yet soft and juicy.” Thomas nibbled on a flat square slice in hopes of softening the mood.
“How long will you be staying this time?” Judith’s lips curved into an alluring smile which caused Kale to uncontrollably stare.
“Answer her.” Neelan nudged the back of Kale’s head, intentionally breaking his focus.
His eyes fluttered. “Um, not too long. We will b
e gone by tomorrow.”
“So soon? If I may be so bold, will you please tell me why? You have only just returned.” Judith placed her hand gently upon his.
Kale uncomfortably dodged Neelan’s jealous stares. “We have another mission I cannot discuss openly. I do hope you understand.” He was still too unsure of the outcome to get Judith’s hopes up.
“I see. Well, I do hope you will come back soon.” Her hand caressed his.
“I will return. That I can promise you,” Kale reassured the Princess.
“All right, Kale,” Neelan tugged his arm, “I think it is time for you to get some rest now. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”
After a brief debate, Kale finally gave in as he piled a few more helpings of fruit into his mouth before standing to leave. He entered the familiar sleeping quarters, then slid his shoes off, and climbed inside one of the hanging, woven hammocks near the wall. His head ached as fatigue and thoughts from their extended day fought within his mind. He pondered his newly acquired knowledge of potential hope for saving dragon-kind, making him feel closer than ever to returning to his true form as a mighty black beast. The image of three baby dragons filled his mind, causing a smile to form across his face. The overwhelming joy of retrieving the eggs and finding a way to
hatch them swarmed within his mind as he drifted into a dreamless slumber.
“Thou must wake!”
A sharp whisper rang in Kale’s ear which startled him awake. “Wh-what’s happening?” He asked, running a hand through his sloppy black hair as he wrinkled his forehead in confusion.
“Shh! Silence boy. Thou mustn’t wake Judith. I shalt explain the situation to her come morning.” Elanya towered over him as he slowly swayed within his hammock. “Word hath come that there shalt be an attack upon Braxle before dawn’s first light. Thou must go to protect ye town.” She urged Kale to his feet. “Give me thy sword.” Elanya held out her hand impatiently.
