A Dragon's Awakening

by Aya Knight

  “Thomas,” Kale heavily panted, still shaken from his restless sleep. “I had another dream of Zasha.” Kale looked down, gripping his sheets tightly. Could it all have been a dream? No, that can’t be—I don’t know how, but I am certain it was real. “I have something to tell you.” Kale paused a moment in thought before glancing up at Thomas. “She is my mother—and a dragon, currently in human form, like myself. I believe it has something to do with a collar she wears beneath her scarf. I must find her.”

  “How can this be?” Thomas’ eyes widened. “Are you certain you are not confusing your dreams with reality? I cannot understand why something of such importance would not be revealed to us much earlier.”

  Kale explained all details of the dream, including Zasha’s foretelling of the opportunity they would soon have to find her. He also informed them of her promise to reveal all answers they desired to know about her secrecy.

  “I honestly do not know how I’m supposed to handle this. Do you really think she could be my mother? I’ve always assumed my parents must have fallen in the great dragon war. To think she might actually be alive…feels so surreal.” Kale planted his face within the palms of his hands. Though his heart told him Zasha was truly his mother, his mind still had doubts. “There is so much happening right now. How am I to remain sane when everything is so confusing?”

  “I cannot answer if she is your mother, or if what you saw was merely a dream. However, I promise you we will find the answers together.” Thomas smiled, and Kale could see Neelan and Illadar nodding their heads in agreement.

  “Kale, we are all here for you and will do all we can to unravel this mystery. I have told you before—I’m not going to leave your side.” Neelan ran her fingertips down his back and for the first time since he woke, Kale saw that she and Illadar were clad in the clothing they had worn prior to drinking the potion. Neelan giggled at his expression. “Yes, our clothing was returned before dawn’s light. Our horses are also waiting within the kingdom’s stable. But for now, we must quickly leave for the keep. Judith left earlier and will be waiting for us in the main hall.”

  Judith greeted them with a warm smile; she appeared stunning as always. Her arm-length, white satin gloves complimented the pale peach gown she wore, accessorized by an elaborate gold necklace.

  “It is time my friends; the moment we have all longed for. Father is already in the keep and the frost elves should arrive at any moment. We must hurry.” Judith motioned them to follow her.

  The door opened to reveal a horde of citizens gathered behind many guards who ensured they each kept behind the large rectangular shaped area. They instantly spotted King Valamar upon a wide raised platform with four guards to each side.

  Two guards approached Judith’s side as she continued to lead the way toward her father. As they walked past the citizens, many bowed while others tossed freshly picked flowers in her path. It was obvious those loyal to the King truly cherished her as their Princess and were thrilled by her return.

  “Hello, father.” Judith curtseyed, taking position by the King’s side. “I shall see you all soon,” she softly spoke while smiling at Kale before directing her attention toward the crowd. She raised her gloved hand to greet them and cheers immediately rang out within the keep.

  One of the guards led Kale and his comrades to the side of the raised platform. They were positioned toward the front of the huddled citizens who eagerly awaited what was to come.

  King Valamar held his arm out and the crowd immediately grew silent. “Bring in the culprit!” he loudly ordered, pushing his red velvet cape over a shoulder.

  Four guards, in full suits of armor, approached. They pushed a wheeled wooden stand with two crossed stakes that held Jedah securely in place with thick black chains. The former General’s cold, heartless eyes gazed around at the angry crowd who immediately erupted with chaos. The bordering guards struggled with their shields to push the citizens back as they shouted and threw rotted produce at Jedah. Despite the crowds’ response, Jedah still bore no expression of remorse for his actions.

  King Valamar glared upon him with disgust. “Jedah Bladewell, you are hereby exiled from the kingdom of Mirion, and I am sure I speak for the other ruled territories when I say you shall never set foot upon the continent of Ravondore again.” As the audience cheered, the King once again raised his hand in authority. “It now begins.”

  The crowd grew deathly silent as a layer of ice mysteriously began to form in front of the wheeled stand where Jedah stood. The small, frosty circle rapidly began to creep outward, expanding across the stone floor. Many citizens staggered backwards in fear as the ice moved closer toward the perimeter where they stood.

  A nearly simultaneous exhale could be heard as the frozen layer stopped inches short of the guards and citizens. The inexplicable frost then began to creep upward along the wooden posts, and soon each breath Jedah released came out like a thick fog from his mouth.

  “You cannot stop me,” Jedah sneered. “I will rise again—and you all shall die.” His dark eyes scowled toward the King.

  The chains binding his wrists and ankles soon became coated with a layer of ice—then the unknown presence was finally revealed.

  Two tall, slender male elves appeared, one to each side of Jedah. As their claw-like nails touched the chains, they snapped effortlessly in two. Though Jedah was free from restraints, he did not move, remaining immobile as if paralyzed in place.

  Kale watched in silence as their pale blue robes fluttered gently, though no breeze was present. The high collar of their attire slightly concealed their pale faces, yet did not obstruct their long pale-blonde hair from flowing past their shoulders. Wrapped around their heads was a pointed crown which matched the color of their robes. The look within their nearly translucent eyes appeared detached from all emotion, and their hollow cheeks gave a menacing appearance. They spoke no words as their hands waved toward Jedah’s motionless body. The crowd continued to watch in silence as frosted rope emerged from the ground, slithering around Jedah’s appendages and binding his limbs tightly together.

  Jedah appeared to regain movement in his body and yelled out in agony. It was the first sign of weakness Kale had ever seen from the vile man. Jedah’s muscles flexed as he struggled to break free, still grunting in pain. He looked toward the sky, releasing a loud scream which caused spit to fly from his mouth.

  The frost elves placed a hand on each side of him and then, just as mysteriously as they had arrived, the frost elves and Jedah began to fade into a glacial mist. The final sounds of Jedah’s piercing screams could be heard echoing off the stone walls before they disappeared from sight.

  “It has been done,” the King spoke while holding both hands above his head. “My people, we are free from his cruelty. I make this promise to you today; I will strive to right the wrongdoings Jedah has brought upon Ravondore. Though, I cannot undo the horrible losses which have occurred, I will not stop until Mirion, and our brethren across this vast continent, rejoice in a new world where balance will be restored.”

  As the King spoke, Kale saw Illadar look away from the others to hide the pain he felt at the thought of his deceased wife.

  The crowd erupted with vigorous cheers and Kale relaxed as relief swept over him. He still had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his gut, but he tried to remain optimistic about the situation. Before Kale and his friends could slip away in the midst of the rejoicing citizens, King Valamar caught sight of them.

  “My dear friends, please, join me.” The King motioned the four toward him, which left them with no choice but to respectfully obey.

  As the crowd settled, the King was handed a long sword by one of his personal guards. He continued on to explain to the citizens of Mirion that it was Kale and his friends who rescued the Princess and fought bravely against Jedah’s men.

  “Kale, Illadar, and Neelan,
it is my honor to offer you three a place here within the castle as knights to the royal family. Thomas and I have already discussed this matter and he is prepared to support your final decision.” The King looked toward Neelan. “To have humans and a high elf living together harmoniously would be a stupendous milestone for our world.”

  Neelan quickly glanced away to hide her reddened cheeks. Though, she longed to live among humans in peace, Neelan still hadn’t come to terms with accepting what she truly was. In her heart, she still felt as though the crowd might be looking upon her with distaste. However, if there was one thing both she and Kale had learned throughout their journey, it was to not hastily judge others. Thus, she shook her thoughts and turned to face the muted citizens who awaited their reply for a place within the kingdom.

  Kale was the first to take a step forward. “Your Highness, the honor presented means more to me than you know and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. However, I apologize, but I must decline.” Kale could hear gasps from surprised individuals within the audience.

  “You see,” he continued, “it is not that I do not enjoy my time here in your magnificent kingdom, but I have something of dire importance I must do.” He smiled. “I suppose it is safe to say I’m a free spirit. I would like to remain unbound, where I can aid all in need of my help across Ravondore. Throughout my journey, I’ve opened up my heart more than I could have ever imagined. I never wish to stand back while others suffer.” Kale’s blue eyes met with the King’s. “Should you ever need me, though, I will always be of service. You are truly a noble King.” Kale bowed.

  Neelan moved toward Kale’s side, “King Valamar, I thank you dearly for your kindness. You are a truly wonderful and accepting King who has made me feel welcome within your kingdom, and among human kind—something I never thought possible. However, I too must decline your gracious offer. My heart follows Kale to the end, and I will not leave his side.”

  Illadar’s decision was not as easy. Mirion had always been his home. This was the kingdom where he had built so many wonderful memories. He glanced upon Kale, Neelan, and Thomas as his dark lips slanted upward into a smile. Illadar suddenly became certain of his future. Without his wife, Mirion held nothing more than visions from his past; it was time to move forward with his life.

  “I will be stayin’ with them as well, Your Highness.”

  Kale looked to his side, surprised, yet thrilled, with Illadar’s decision.

  King Valamar and Judith smiled as they nodded toward the group in approval. Though the three would not become knights of Mirion, one by one the King had them kneel before him as he dubbed each a hero, eternally welcome within the walls of the kingdom.

  The King moved closer to Kale so only he could hear the next words. “I have something to give you before your departure. Please wait for me within the great hall. Your friends may join you as well.”

  Kale nodded as he and his friends were escorted back to the large castle door. The keep roared with cheers and cries of gratitude as they made their exit.

  Shortly after they entered the hall, Kale began to anxiously pace in a large circle. What could King Valamar possibly have to give only to me?

  Neelan urged Kale to settle down and relax as she tugged gently on his arm.

  “Do you know what is happening, Thomas?” Kale pressed the old sorcerer for answers.

  “I mustn’t say a word. The King will reveal what is happening very shortly.” He winked. “I can assure you, however, it will be well worth your wait.”

  Kale tilted his head back in frustration as he rolled his eyes. “You know I hate when you do this.”

  “You are far too impatient, young one.” Thomas laughed to himself.

  Luckily for Kale, he didn’t have to endure the pressing curiosity for long. Judith and King Valamar soon entered the room. Illadar immediately dropped to a knee as they approached.

  “We will have none of that today. For now, we speak as friends. Please stand.” The King smiled warmly. “I am grateful we finally have the opportunity to speak without interruption, Kale. I will not waste your time with meaningless chatter as I am aware of the quest you desire to embark upon. Regrettably, I know all too well of the dragon eggs you seek.”

  It all began to make sense to Kale—this was the conversation he and Thomas had in private; the old sorcerer had told him everything. Despite the King’s knowledge of Kale and his journey, he was still unsure as to the full extent of what was happening.

  “Do you remember the vision I shared with you of Jedah embarking upon his final mission to become a knight?” Thomas questioned.

  Kale nodded as he suddenly recalled it was Thomas who aided the King with the enchanted item on Jedah’s quest. Thomas was the one who could piece together the puzzle of events which had happened since.

  “Yes, Kale, Thomas helped me fill many gaps which I have been uncertain about since that very day Jedah left on the delivery mission.” King Valamar spoke as though he could read Kale’s expression. “The package was to be delivered to Eldawin as a peace offering. It was in hopes of having them unite with our kingdom. At that time I was unaware they were the eggs of a dragon; they had been mislabeled as gryphons by my father’s advisor many decades ago. My intention was to give the Lord of Eldawin this gift so they would have the ability to travel between our cities with ease. Quite honestly, if I had known these were dragon eggs, I would have kept and attempted to hatch them myself. To have dragons protecting our kingdom would have been a vital advantage to ward off any opposing threats who may seek to attack.”

  “We are not petty animals that you can train. A dragon is not a creature which one can own,” Kale snapped as he interrupted the King.

  The thought of King Valamar’s words sickened him and for a moment, made him remember why he loathed humans so.

  “Yes, I do know this now—and I am deeply sorry. I’m certain you will be able to find the eggs. You are both brave and determined.” His expression was comforting and his voice revealed sincerity in the words he spoke. He truly was apologetic for his actions in the past. “I would like to present you with something very rare and extremely valuable, in hopes of making amends for my horribly poor decisions in the past.” The King’s hand disappeared inside of his cape. Within seconds he withdrew a short, thin vial illuminated with a vibrant blue substance. “Thomas cares deeply for you and has informed me of your situation. He has told me what you truly are and how you long to return to your true form.”

  Thomas placed a hand upon Kale’s shoulder as he smiled toward him.

  “This potion is the last of its kind in existence. It has been kept within a chamber, along with many other powerful concoctions and enchantments for centuries. The room itself is guarded by powerful magic—only to be accessed by a true King of Mirion.” The King’s cheeks were spotted with pink and Kale could tell he felt a sense of pride in his statement.

  “Pardon my interruption, but I still don’t understand what all of this is about. What exactly am I supposed to do?” Kale began to grow uneasy with the situation as he nervously shifted in place.

  “Do not be wary.” The King’s eyes filled with excitement. “The potion, Kale Firehart, will permanently return you as you once were—a dragon. It has the ability to reverse all magic placed upon an individual. You will no longer have to live a life as a human and can resume your true form.”

  Kale’s eyes grew wide as he watched the King carefully pull open the cork. “Drink this and you will have the wish you have so longed for. The effects will not occur for at least an hour which will give you an ample amount of time to safely exit the kingdom. Please accept this as my humble apology for all I have caused you to endure.” King Valamar extended his arm as he carefully held the vial toward Kale.

  “See now, you stubborn dragon, I told you I would help find a way to change you back.” Thomas spoke
happily, his green eyes twinkling with glee.

  Kale’s heart raced. The offer caught him completely off guard and he was left with no time to gather his thoughts or prepare his mind for such a life altering decision. He began to glance nervously around in a panic, his insides churned nauseously.

  “Do what your heart tells you. I am staying by your side regardless of what you choose.” Neelan caressed his cheek, wrapping her other arm around his as their fingers interlocked together.

  Kale had endured major transformations, not only in appearance, but within himself. Kale was and always would be a dragon. It was how he had been born into the world and no amount of magic could change that. His outside appearance as a human mattered little to him now. Throughout his journey, he came to realize that how one looks does not reveal who a person is.

  Because of this new found insight, he was confidently able to make his decision.

  “I choose—” Kale paused. Though he made up his mind, the reality was still frightening. “I choose—Neelan.” He glanced toward Neelan whose face lit up with surprise. “I want to be with you until the day I leave this world. The thought of never being able to caress your body or to kiss your lips is unacceptable. I love you, Neelan, and I always will.”

  Her violet eyes sparkled like he had never seen before and a blissful smile appeared upon her face. She leapt into his arms, pressing her chest to his as their two hearts—though different beings—beat as one.

  “Are you certain of this decision?” the King questioned as he withdrew the vial.

  Kale’s eyes glazed over with guilt. “I sincerely apologize, Your Highness; I did not intend to insult you in any way. I truly do appreciate your generosity with such a rare and generous gift. But, I am more certain about this decision than I have ever been before.”