Chapter 15
Charles and Bobble stepped out into the heart of the cave, and Charles saw just how big a dragon could be. All he could see was a scaly red foot, but it was more than enough. The claw was as big as his hand; the whole thing was almost as long as he was tall. Charles wasn’t nearly as interested in seeing a dragon now, but he couldn’t turn back.
Bobble flitted up towards the ceiling. “Wise One, I have brought him.”
Charles drew back, pressing against the wall, as the giant head of the dragon came down from the ceiling, pausing when the huge, blue eyes were level with Charles. It hovered, staring at him, and then it blinked. Somehow that broke the tension. Charles swallowed and said, “Hello.”
The dragon drew back and curled around herself. “Hello, human.” Her voice echoed against the walls of the cave, making it sound like there were several dragons watching him.
“Charles,” he said without thinking, then realized he may have made a mistake and added, “What should I call you?”
“The names of dragons are too complex for human lips. What am I called on the outside?”
Charles could think of several things, all of them said by Amertious, and he suspected all of them were varying degrees of rude. Then he remembered the name the hermit had used. “Flamebringer.”
The dragon leaned back. “Flamebringer. Yes, that will do.” She turned back to Bobble. “So why did you come with a human?”
“We wanted to ask you to share your great wisdom with us.”
“And this pup could not stay in the human lands like the princess and the singer?”
Charles could tell Bobble was as taken aback as he was by Flamebringer’s knowledge of the others, but Bobble recovered enough to say, “We wished to ask your indulgence to answer two questions for us, and one requires Charles to be present.”
Flamebringer’s head swooped down, her neck twining around as she studied him. “So why did you choose this pup to receive a mantle of power?”
Bobble was wringing his hands again. “In truth, I did not. That is the second question.”
Flamebringer’s head came even closer, almost touching the sweater. “What is the question?”
“Well, you see, I added a locator spell.”
“Yes, I can see that.”
“So what went wrong? If you would be kind enough to share your wisdom.”
“Nothing.”
Bobble sighed.
“You are disappointed. That is odd.”
“I appreciate your wisdom, but that’s what everyone says.”
“Then maybe we are all right.”
Bobble stared at his hands, but didn’t answer. Flamebringer continued to stare at him. Charles wished Phichorian was there; he always knew how to break the silence of these moments.
It was Charles who finally spoke. “We had another question, if you wouldn’t mind.”
Flamebringer’s head slithered around on her snakelike neck. “You are getting brave little human. Go ahead, ask your question.”
Charles opened his mouth to ask, but he realized he didn’t really know the question. He considered asking about the Kingstone directly, but he had the feeling that Flamebringer had been asked that before and, if she hadn’t answered then, she wouldn’t answer now. And Charles thought there would be a way to get the answer. She hadn’t eaten them, he thought that was a good sign, and she’d answered their first question. She seemed to find them amusing, so the direct route probably wouldn’t work.
Flamebringer pulled in closer. “You had a question?”
Charles could tell he wasn’t amusing anymore. He’d have to get back on her good side. He looked around the cave, hoping for inspiration. “I’m sorry. I was distracted by all the treasure. It’s really impressive.”
Flamebringer looked around. “Yes, humans do find it interesting. They always try to steal something.”
Charles was surprised by Flamebringer’s apathy. “Aren’t you proud of it?”
Flamebringer made a gesture that could have been a shrug. “They are pretty, but they are worn out.”
Charles looked at the stones by his feet. They seemed as dark and sparkly as any. “What do you mean by ‘worn out’?”
“I’ve drawn all I can from them.”
Charles had to ask, “Drawn what?”
“Nourishment.”
“You eat the gems?”
“Humans can be so limited in their views.”
“It’s just someone in our group insisted that you would eat us.”
“And you still came?”
“Well, we had to. So you wouldn’t eat us?”
“Three hundred years ago, yes. But after we reach maturity, we do not eat meat. We hatch a clutch of eggs then find our treasure and build our lair. We draw nourishment from the essence of the gems. The force which makes then sparkle, if you will. Unfortunately I stayed here too long and grew too large. It is a risk we all take; we never know when we may fall into a deep hibernation and grow just enough to be stuck. It is why we keep hoards. But you are interested in this?”
Charles really was, so it was easy to say, “Yes,” with sincerity.
Flamebringer preened a bit, clearly enjoying the attention. “As you noticed, I had a very good hoard. It has lasted me three hundred years.”
“So what will happen if you have nothing new to eat?”
“I will lose power. If I could get out and get even a small amount of something new, I could combine stones and create something with more power.”
Charles didn’t think Flamebringer seemed dangerous. In fact, he felt sorry for her. Charles reached into his pocket and took out the stone he’d been given at Kirjavale. “Would this help you any?”
Flamebringer swooped in and looked at the stone. “Malachite. I haven’t seen one of those in four-hundred years.”
“Want it?”
“You would give it to me?”
Charles nodded.
Flamebringer looked skeptical, but she held out her hand and Charles dropped the stone into the curve of her claw.
Flamebringer stared at the stone. “You are most generous. But what did you start to ask?”
Flamebringer seemed to be in a better mood. Charles knew he wouldn’t get a better chance.
“We need help defeating an army of shades. The hermit of Ironvale said you were the only —” What to call her? Not a person. “the only being who might know about the Kingstone.”
“The Kingstone? Yes, I do know a little bit.”
“What is it? How does it work? Can we use it?”
Flamebringer glared at him, then saw the stone in her claw and held her temper. “I know nothing like that. Many years ago, I was entrusted with something...” Her voice drifted off as she scanned her treasure. Her claw dove in and pulled out a polished, dark-blue, seven-sided stone as long as Charles’s hand and as thick as his thumb. She turned her hand and the stone dropped into his palm.
“I am not sure what it does, but it is related to the Kingstone. I will give it to you in trade for what you have given me.”
“Thank you.” Charles realized that wasn’t formal enough, but Flamebringer had already turned her head away, curling it around herself and settling in on top of her treasure.
Bobble flitted over and nudged Charles in the direction of the door. Charles hadn’t needed the warning. He could tell Flamebringer had lost interest in them and it was best they get out of there before they started to annoy her. “You are a very noble being and will be remembered for your great knowledge.”
That seemed to please the dragon. Charles hoped it would buy them time as he ducked into the narrow tunnel.
* * *
Outside, Charles and Bobble spotted the camp easily. Phichorian had put his bright-red cloak over a tree branch. As they crashed through the brush, Charles called out, “We’re back,” to be certain Phichorian and Melissina would know it was them and not an attack.
“You’re safe,” Melissina said as soon as they were
in view. “Did you get close? Did she help?”
“Let them breathe,” Phichorian chuckled. “Nice to see you again.”
Charles grinned at him. “We saw her.”
Phichorian clapped Charles on the shoulder and led him to a mossy rock by the fire. “There’s some fish and mushrooms in the pot. I’ll get plates.”
“Bobble went in first,” Charles said as Phichorian got dinner arranged for them and Melissina tapped her foot, impatient for the story.
Melissina turned to Bobble.
“There isn’t much to tell. I went in to the heart of the cave and found the dragon. I greeted her with the ceremony she was due, but before I could bring up the question of the Kingstone, the dragon sensed that there was a human outside and I was forced to bring up the question of the sweater before the Kingstone. I brought Charles in and it ended up being a good development.”
All eyes turned to Charles.
* * *
While they ate, Charles told Phichorian and Melissina all about the encounter with Flamebringer. Bobble chimed in every so often to add his observations.
When Charles got to the Kingstone, Melissina leaned in. When he told them about the stone, she exclaimed, “You have it?”
Charles held out the stone. Melissina reached for it. She held the stone in both hands and wrapped her fingers around it.
“There is clearly magic there.” She held it out to Phichorian.
Phichorian held the stone between his hands. “I see. Powerful stuff here. Did she explain how to use it?”
Both Charles and Bobble shook their heads.
“Pity. I suppose that makes a better story, but I could have made it work.”
Melissina looked like she couldn’t decide whether to be amused or exasperated. “Do you have any ideas?”
“I was hoping you would.” Phichorian held out the stone.
Melissina took it back and stared at it.
“Have you seen the Kingstone?” Phichorian asked.
“No. Father never let me near it. I’ve only seen the door.”
Phichorian sighed. “Well, that’s something. At least we know where it’s kept. Maybe once we see it, we’ll know exactly what to do.”
Charles didn’t think Melissina looked any more convinced than he was. On the other hand, Phichorian didn’t look very convinced himself.
Melissina went on anyway, “So you think we should go back?”
Phichorian nodded. “That’s where the Kingstone is, and where your father is. The real question is, do we trust the hermit and the dragon? If we do, then this will help us win.”
Melissina wrapped the crystal in a bit of cloth and tucked it in her pocket. “You’re right. That is the best chance we have. So we go home.”
Charles smiled to himself. His way home was close to the castle too.
Phichorian offered Melissina more from the pot, then Charles. “We’ll have to plan how we’ll get in. It will be crawling with guards.”
Melissina nodded. “But it’s futile to plan until we see what we’re up against.”
“You have an idea?”
“Vale-Royal. It would be a good base of operations. It’s close to the castle but outside the outer walls, fiercely loyal to Father, and small enough that it could be ignored by Necorious’s troops. If Bobble would be willing, it would also be a good place to use as a base for scouting out the town and castle.”
“I am yours to command.” Bobble bowed.
“Thank you, Bobble. Then we’ll leave for Vale-Royal in the morning.”
Chapter 16
Vale-Royal was the smallest town Charles had been in yet. It was also empty. Charles scanned the skyline; he didn’t see smoke, but the place didn’t have the empty feeling that the deserted castle village had had.
Melissina reigned her horse in and dismounted. “Everything looks all right.”
“Then where is everyone?” Charles asked.
“Bobble, go and scout out the castle and the town. See what you can without putting yourself in danger.”
Bobble saluted and flitted off in the direction of the castle.
“Put the wagon somewhere safe and we’ll have a look around.”
Phichorian brought the wagon to the hitching post. Charles climbed down, taking his time to hide the fact that he was still no help with the horses.
Melissina was waiting for them right where she’d been. “We’ll make for the town square. If there’s a gathering in the town, we’ll see it. Draw your blades.”
This time Phichorian did not argue. He held his sword beside him and stayed close to Melissina as they walked through the deserted streets. Charles stayed close to her too, although he suspected his reason, that Melissina was the best swordsman of the three of them, wasn’t the same as Phichorian’s. It wasn’t a large town, and they hadn’t been walking long when Charles heard voices.
A quick glance at Phichorian told Charles that he wasn’t the only one who had heard them. Charles listened more closely. There were many voices. He couldn’t tell how many, but it could have been the whole village. They didn’t sound like the organized chaos he was coming to associate with armies. It did sound panicked and chaotic though.
Melissina sheathed her sword. Charles and Phichorian copied her. She was drawing her royalty around her. By the time she reached the crowd, there was no mistaking her for anything but the future queen. She was noticed the moment she entered the square.
Charles stood very straight, feeling like a member of a royal guard. Phichorian stayed close to Melissina. Charles positioned himself on the other side of her.
By the time Melissina had reached the central green, most of the people had seen her and were bowing to her. Phichorian stopped two feet behind her. Charles did the same.
A man stepped forward. Charles suspected he was a blacksmith from his barrel chest and sooty apron. He also had an air of command which suggested he was a mayor of sorts. The man bowed low, then spoke quietly. “Your Highness, there was a rumor you had escaped.”
“I was at Kirjavale when it happened.”
“I see. Many will be glad to know that. But you cannot stay here. The guards have been summoned.”
“Summoned?” Melissina sounded as shocked as Charles felt.
“Not because of you. If we had known, we never would have...” He fumbled for words.
Melissina interrupted him. “Then why were they called?”
The man grasped that opening gratefully. “Elsbeth. Marina’s youngest daughter. She always explores, but now she has gone missing. We called the guard to help in the search. And we wanted to be certain, if they found her, they would... understand the situation and not overreact.”
“I see.”
Charles could tell Melissina did, just as he did. If the guards were informed of the circumstances, there was no way they could claim to have mistakenly killed or captured the girl.
“When will they be here?” Melissina asked.
“Another hour. Maybe two.”
“That’s unacceptable. We’ll have to organize now.” She marched to the smooth rock in the middle of the green. “Good citizens,” She projected her voice to be heard over the crowd.
“Your Majesty, just because we had to travel to the castle to speak to the guards doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be any guards nearby.”
As the group quieted, Melissina lowered her voice. “Good citizens, we must begin the search for Elsbeth at once. Where is Marina?”
A sobbing woman was brought forward. Charles felt a pang as he thought of his own mother wondering where he was.
Melissina put her arm around Marina and gave her a comforting squeeze. “We’ll find her.” She sounded so confident, Charles half believed she already knew where the child was. “Now, do you know what game she was playing when she disappeared?”
Marina dabbed at her eyes. “Pirates and sea-serpents I think.”
Melissina stroked Marina’s arm as she spoke. “Then she will have been looking for water. Is t
here a path to the stream?”
“By the bakery, Your Highness.”
“And is it guarded?”
There was a buzz of conversation as they tried to determine who was on duty.
The blacksmith finally spoke. “It seems there was a changing of the guard at that time.”
All eyes turned to Melissina. Charles was impressed at how she handled the crowd. Only one person, a scraggly man in a long coat, ran for the path. The rest waited for Melissina's direction.
“Very well, then we need to send two groups to the stream, one to go in each direction. You,” she pointed to the blacksmith, “will lead one group and you,” she pointed to the baker, “the other. Now, let me see.” Melissina let her eyes drift over the group. Everyone fell silent, even Marina stopped sobbing.
And then Charles heard it. He could tell everyone else heard it too. A small cry.
“Where?” Melissina whispered.
“The well,” someone called.
Melissina ran across the green to the well, Marina, Phichorian and Charles at her heels.
Melissina turned to Marina, “Call down to her.”
“Elsbeth? Are you all right, darling?”
“I fell in!” The small voice echoed up from the depths of the well.
“We’ll get you out, dearest. And there’s a surprise.”
Melissina was scanning the crowd again. She pointed to a young woman. “What is your name?”
“Katrine, Your Highness.”
“Katrine, how are you in small places?”
She shrugged, “Fine I guess.”
“Very good. You will go down and get her. I want you, you, you and... you on the rope.” She pointed to the blacksmith, the baker and two other large men. “Marina, keep talking to her and keep her calm. Phichorian, Charles — be ready to help them out.”
Melissina stayed by, ready to direct the men on the rope. Katrine sat on the edge of the well and let the blacksmith tie the rope around her waist. She clung to the rope as she was lowered down, the men on the rope straining to keep the rope steady as they lowered her slowly. Marina kept up a steady stream of mindless chatter, telling Elsbeth how she would be out any second.
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