“Sounds like gibberish to me!” another yelled.
“King Theodore, what do we do?” they asked, turning their backs on Elias, focusing on the king.
Prince Braden watched from the back, holding his breath as his father rubbed his chin. Men shifted as the king tried to focus.
He finally spoke. “What Elias says rings true. These parchments did foretell of Prince Paulsen’s attack on our kingdom, and the rest give heed to actions yet to come. But what I hear is a race between dragons, a battle between the red dragon of Soron and the green dragon. And when we win, we hold the future.” The roars of support were as deafening as the dragon’s.
“Your Majesty,” a small voice from the back broke through the cheers. “What about the market?”
The study quieted as they awaited the king’s response.
“You’re concerned with the market at a time like this?” The king asked.
The man cowered. “Your Majesty, excuse my concern, but we have been plagued with disaster this last year, from the princess’s capture, the battle, and now the threat of this dragon. Before we stop the preparations, you need to know how much we need this market. The kingdom, the people, and the vendors: we all need it. The traders have been stocking their goods and the weavers and artists have been working for months. Rebuilding the grounds and the village has taken every effort from us. Give us one day to rejoice before going back into action. One day of celebration before moving forward. The dragon is gone for now. We will follow it, but give us this respite. We have lost so much. Don’t make us lose this too.”
Braden swallowed hard as the memories came back to him. He recalled the screams as Paulsen attacked and their hopes went up in flames.
His father’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “You are right, good sir. We have lost too much, and I hear your request. We shall have a day of rest before we battle.”
Madeline sat in her tower room, staring out the window, watching the sunlight reflect off her necklace. She stared at her hand, feeling the cool weight of the dragon’s scale. A dragon’s scale! A marker of magic, an invitation to adventure. She looked out towards the Dragon’s Gate arch, twirling the necklace in her fingers.
CHAPTER FOUR
The candles flickered in the early morning breeze, dimming the light in the castle library. Stacks of books leaned precariously over the edge of the tables, small pools of candle wax spilled out, dripping onto the floor, hiding the normal order of the room. Elias ran from table to table, searching through papers and ancient texts. After the king’s meeting and the impromptu agreement to overlook the imminent danger and proceed with the market, Elias locked himself in, determined to find the truth behind Eleanor’s cryptic words. Hunched over the papers, Elias looked up as the sun rose over the horizon. A signal of the approaching day, a deadline weighing on his heart.
Unfurled scrolls and piles of parchment lined the long wooden tables. Elias scoured the documents, hoping to glean a bit more information about what was to come. His mind repeated the king’s speech, hearing the misconstrued words, twisted for the king’s purpose. Now Elias felt the burden to prove the danger of their situation.
Sweat beaded up on his temples as his fingertips neatly traced line after line, hoping something would pop out, a new meaning discovered in the dim candlelight. Frustration rose as the letters blurred together beneath his weary eyes.
“Eleanor,” Elias whispered desperately. “Help me. Show me what you knew. Uncover the hidden secrets that continue to elude me.” The wind blew against his closed eyes, rustling the papers beneath his fingers. They scattered around the room.
Elias watched as one roll stayed on the table. The others fell to the floor, discarded by the wind.
“Thank you, my dear,” Elias sighed. As his eyes skimmed the pages, his mouth opened. What seemed so hidden before now stood out as the only interpretation. Elias’s fingers swept line by line, speeding up as the words etched themselves into his mind. “The red dragon. It can’t be,” Elias mumbled in disbelief, lifting his head as the trumpets began.
Running to the window, he peeked outside. As far as his eyes could see, crowds surrounded the tournament fields, pressing towards the gates. He bent his head, knowing his time was running out.
The trumpets blared. Crowds moved forward, waiting for the large wooden gates to open. Vendors lined the outside of the stadium, scurrying to add final touches. The air filled with the sweet scents of freshly baked bread, honey rolls, and wildflower bouquets. Bright streamers waved back and forth, inviting people inside the decorated tournament grounds. Giggles, laughter, and shouts of joy rung out as children danced in a circle to the impromptu music.
Princess Madeline looked around, feeling her heart swell. Soulful music filtered through the air, harmonizing with fits of laughter. The children wove in and out of booths, playing their game of hide-and-seek while the elders played their own game of bartering.
Madeline stood to the side with Daniel, spying Emmett put a small daisy behind Sophia’s ear. Standing by one of the flower booths, the sweet mixture of flowers lingered over them as they waited for the opening announcement. She looked up at Daniel, excitement shining in her smile as she leaned back onto his chest. One of his hands held her securely; the other rested atop his sword hilt. Conversations settled as cheers erupted around them.
Above the crowd, on the balcony overlooking the tournament field, King Theodore and Braden appeared, their crimson robes waving. The king stood tall, scanning the area below. Madeline watched his eyes twinkle, knowing that as he saw the crowd, he was also calculating their profit.
With a quick wave, he brought Braden to the forefront. And for a brief second, the prince’s perfectly maintained face betrayed his giddiness, as the adoration from the crowd below poured onto him.
“Ladies, gentlemen,” his voice cracked, “this celebration is about spring. It marks growth from the bounty of the hillsides, the new births of our herds, the blossoming of creativity from our artists, and the rebuilding of our town. So fill your baskets, your wagons, and your cups in celebration of the season and the joy that brings us here today!”
Madeline looked down when she felt a gentle pulling on her hand. “Are you ready?” Daniel asked with a smile playing at the edge of his lips and a twinkle in his grey eyes.
Madeline smiled back. “You heard the prince. It is our duty to have fun today.”
“It’s my duty and my joy,” Daniel said, bowing down and holding his hand out toward the fairground gate. Madeline giggled as she took his hand and ran inside.
The outside of the grounds paled in comparison to what stood before them. The stands were filled from top to bottom and edge to edge with vendors, booths, and animals. Sellers shouted numbers and animals brayed. Hours melted into each other as Madeline and Daniel bounded from stall to stall sampling the food, delighting in the art, and dancing to the music.
Madeline turned, hearing her name.
“Daniel,” she said, “that’s Sophia’s voice.”
Madeline ran ahead, dropping Daniel’s hand as she darted between the tables and booths. She searched for her friend, slowing down only when the crowds thickened near the entrance. She smiled as Emmett’s familiar green robe came into view, and laughed when she saw the bundles of colorful gowns falling out of his arms. Sophia twirled into view, modeling two different gowns.
“Princess Madeline!” Sophia squealed in excitement. “Aren’t these the most beautiful gowns you’ve ever seen?”
“They are beautiful!” she agreed.
Daniel held in his laugh and raised his eyebrows at Emmett.
Sophia twirled around again. “I know you have your gown already decided, but I was thinking for me, for your wedding, the move up north...” she rattled off other events as Madeline smiled.
“I don’t think you need any excuse to buy something that beautiful.”
The girls looked through the other dresses, amazed by the craftsmanship and delicate embroidered designs. Afte
r an hour, Sophia had her dresses sent to her parents’ home, and Emmett dropped his arms in a gesture of relief.
A new voice called out. Madeline’s heart skipped. She recognized Elias’s face hidden beneath the scowl and saw his white knuckles tightened around a scroll.
“Elias, what is it?” she asked, running through the crowd.
His eyes darted around as he spoke. “It’s the king. We need to stop him. Where is your father?”
“Elias, what are you talking about?” Daniel asked, trying to grab his arms and calm him down.
“There’s no time to lose. It’s right here.” Elias unrolled his papers, pointing to a specific line.
Madeline and Daniel leaned over to look. Her stomach dropped as she read the words.
“The red dragon dies?” Madeline asked, looking up to Elias for answers. “I thought you said we already captured the red dragon.”
“We did, a long time ago. There is only one red dragon left,” he said forcefully, pointing directly to the banners waving in the wind above.
“The red dragon of Soron,” Daniel whispered, looking up at the dragons displayed on the golden banners.
“It’s the king; we need to find him now. Where is he?” Elias demanded, pulling at her wrists with urgency. “Your Highness, we need to protect him.”
“I don’t know,” Madeline said, looking around frantically, trying to find his crimson robe in the crowd. Her heart leapt in her chest, and tears welled in her eyes. They ran between the booths, leaving a trail of fallen bread, flowers, and scarves in their wake. People hardly had time to move to avoid the princess in her race to find the king.
“Father!” she yelled, seeing his robe in the distance. Engrossed in conversation, King Theodore admired the woven blankets Prince Elliott and his vendors displayed. The sight of him eased the worry in her heart, and she slowed to a walk, composing herself as a princess.
“Father” she said, walking toward him. Her feet stopped in shock as her neck pulsed with heat. A new feeling of dread filled her. She watched the green dragon rise above the edges of the stadium, digging its talons into the newly rebuilt wooden thatching and stone columns.
Without warning, the dragon lurched forward and shot a burst of fire directly towards the king. Madeline screamed, watching her father disappear beneath the orange flames.
CHAPTER FIVE
With a last puff of smoke, the green dragon arched its neck and lunged away toward the forest. Flames shot around the fallen king, as the crowds ran in alarm. The peaceful sounds of the market turned to chaos as the villagers and merchants rushed out of the field. Knights came running, dumping buckets of water, extinguishing the remnants of flames and burning embers before the damage grew.
Princess Madeline knelt beside her father. The rough ground bit into her knees as her hands wrapped protectively around her father’s. Badly burned but still alive, King Theodore tried to raise his hands but stopped, the effort too much for him to handle.
“Daniel,” Madeline half-sobbed, trying to keep her composure. “Help me. We need to get him inside.” Her eyes glistened. “Daniel,” she whispered, looking back at her father.
Daniel ran and returned with healers to help transfer the king inside. They raised his body carefully, carrying him gingerly from the grounds to the castle. The charred remains of his velvet robe fell clumsily to the side as a line of people walked behind him.
The king’s study filled with silence, the air thick with emotion. No one dared break the silence as they waited. A steady line of healers paraded through the study to the attached bedroom chamber, determining the extent of his injuries and the proper treatment.
Princess Madeline sat at the king’s desk, looking down at the scattered parchments, tracing the delicate lines and pictures as they waited. Daniel rested his hands on her shoulders in support. Braden paced the room, looking for any distraction. Their heads jerked to the door as Elias came out of the king’s chamber. His tight lips and pale face spoke multitudes.
Madeline’s heart jumped, her eyes filled with waiting tears. “Is there any news, Elias?”
He looked at her with a heavy sigh. “He’s been through a lot. The burns were severe. Your Highnesses, I am so sorry,” he said, shaking his head.
Princess Madeline choked out a sob and buried her head in Daniel’s chest. Prince Braden stared ahead, focusing on his father’s favorite wooden ship, clenching his jaw to stop the trembling in his chin. He balled his fists tightly, white knuckled, struggling to maintain control.
“What do we do now?” he struggled to ask.
“I don’t know,” Elias said. A cough rang through the air.
“Elias,” a raspy voice coughed again. “Bring them here.”
Madeline’s heart skipped as Elias frowned. “Your Majesty, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s too late for that, too late for worrying. I won’t miss sharing any last moments with my children.” His voice cracked as the words came out.
“My King, please reconsider.”
“I have considered, and I have decided. Bring my children here at once!”
Elias lowered his gaze and hid his face under the shadows of his hood.
Madeline and Braden walked forward hesitantly. Her heart pounded.
The room was dark, darker than she remembered. Drapery drawn, the small candles next to the windowsill only illuminated a small area. A handful of healers stood against the far wall, avoiding eye contact as the prince and princess approached. Each step broke the silence of the room.
“Oh Father,” she cried, running to his side. Dropping to the ground, she felt the cold tile as she grasped his hands in hers. She wept, feeling the tears fall down her cheeks and drop to their entwined fingers.
Prince Braden stood back, taking in the sight. Wisps of smoke trailed in the air above the king’s bed. The scent of burning sage clung to the drapery. King Theodore lay on the bed, his skin covered as much as possible under layers of bandages. Pockets of singed red and black skin and small slivers of eyes showed through the shroud.
“Father?” Braden asked.
“Yes, my children, it is I,” he choked out, his voice now a raspy whisper. “We have much to discuss.” He lifted his finger for silence. “I know Elias has spoken with you, but I am not certain he has told you the whole truth. My wounds are bad, and before I go, I want, no, I need to see that you two are taken care of. My last promise to your mother was that I take care of you…and I have,” he murmured.
“At least, the best I could, the only way I knew how. And now it is time for you to take your place. Madeline, without delay, you and Daniel must be married. It is time for you to start your new life away from here, where your love may blossom into a new kingdom. And you, Braden, you must lead.”
“Father…” Braden hesitated.
“You’ll be better in no time,” Madeline chimed in quietly, trying to speak between her tears. “We don’t need to talk about this.”
“There isn’t time!” King Theodore croaked. “There isn’t time.” He raised his hand to stop their refusals. Slowly, he lifted his head and looked them in the eyes, “There is no discussion. Consider it my last order. I want to see you both settled, as you deserve to be.”
“Father,” she begged, “there’s time.”
“Madeline, please don’t. You may not understand right now, but you will. All I ever did was out of love. Every order, every drill, every restriction. It was all out of concern and love, and that continues now. I am going home; it is time you both made your own. Part of my heart, the best part of my heart, died the day your mother did. It’s time for me to be whole again.” His eyes glistened as he looked at their faces.
“But this doesn’t make sense. It isn’t time. Please,” she begged, tears falling off her face.
“My dear,” King Theodore said, reaching toward her. “There is rarely a good time for these things. They happen. Not by plan, sometimes not by chance, but they happen. We can either accept tha
t and move forward or plant our feet and remain stubborn.”
“Father, I can’t. I just can’t leave you.”
“My sweet daughter, you will never leave me. You are here, and I will always be here,” he said, motioning to her heart with one hand and holding his with the other. “But we can’t afford to stop. We must rise above the waves and move the kingdom forward. That is the price we pay for leading. It is our duty to show the way when others would falter. And that is what I need you to do.” He stopped to rest and looked in their eyes.
“Braden,” he said. “Your shoulders must bear the weight of the burden. The kingdom now depends on you. It is up to you to defeat this foe and secure peace for our land. You cannot fail. Everything you have wanted is now yours. We will not wait any longer. I will see to it that you are each in your new station by morning. Braden, you are the new king, and Madeline, you will wed your knight.”
Braden joined Madeline next to their father, holding onto each other’s hands as they watched him drift into sleep, wondering if they would get the chance to see him again. They sat together quietly until their tears stopped and numbness took over.
Elias peeked into the king’s chamber and frowned. Lighting a fresh bundle of sage, he called the stewards and wizards to him.
“There isn’t much time, and there’s much to prepare. The king has spoken, and his orders are clear. If we’re to arrange these ceremonies for tomorrow, we must begin now.” His green robe sparkled in the candlelight as he pointed to different walls. Men scattered under his direction. As the commotion settled down, Elias noticed the silence from the other room.
“Princess, Prince,” he said gently. “We really must prepare for tomorrow. Although not intended or planned, tomorrow you will begin your new journey as king and as a married princess. As much as there is for me to prepare for the ceremonies, you must also prepare. Tomorrow is a busy day and will take all your focus and strength.” He reached out for Madeline, and she rose slowly, looking back at her father one last time.
The Dragon and Princess Madeline Page 3
