Autumn Awakens

by M. J. Padgett

  “Do you recognize him?” Wil asked shakily.

  “No, I—gah!” Henry shouted as the man rose quickly. He drew his sword again and held the man off. “Who are you? How did you penetrate our defenses?”

  The man, much taller than I had expected, took in his surroundings. He’d been shot seven times and stabbed in the heart, yet he stood alive and—perhaps not well, but alive. He was also younger than I would have thought a giant dragon would be, but again, I was not well-versed in dragon lore. The man shivered and, realizing his own nakedness, gasped. He attempted to shield himself from view, but he was a dragon-turned-man standing in the middle of an open-air courtyard. It was useless.

  “Someone find this man a set of trousers and coat!” Henry ordered. Meanwhile, one of the villagers offered a potato sack. Henry took it and thanked the villager, then cautiously handed it to the naked man.

  “Th-th-thanks,” the dragon-man stuttered. He coughed several times, a thick black smoke escaping his lips with each huff. “Wh-where am I?”

  “You have attacked the kingdom of Schwarzwald. Where have you come from, and how did you enter our kingdom?” Henry demanded.

  “I’m... I-I am... E-Ethan. My name is Ethan... I think.”

  “You think?” Henry questioned, eyeing the man as if he were a common criminal. I knew criminals, and I knew well when they were lying. Ethan was not acting. The guy was as confused as we were.

  “I... I don’t know. Where is... What is this place?” he asked, looking up at the castle.

  “The heavily damaged Salien castle. Who sent you here and again, how did you enter?” Henry grew annoyed.

  “I don’t know,” Ethan said, shivering. Finally, someone returned with clothing. Henry retrieved it and shielded Ethan while he dressed.

  “You attacked our home, threatened the lives of our people, and you know nothing?” Henry demanded.

  “Henry,” King Marcellus interjected. “Perhaps we should give him a moment?”

  “I... No, I don’t need... My name is Ethan Gregory. The last thing I remember was...” he paused, thinking. His eyes darted along the cracked stones in the courtyard, but his mind was elsewhere. “The last thing I remember was feeling funny like my skin was itching. Then I woke up here.”

  “Where did you come from?” Marcus asked, several guards flanking him.

  “S-Savannah? I think... Yes, I’m from Savannah,” Ethan said.

  “Georgia?” Calla asked, causing the man to spin around to look at her. His brown hair was a bit unruly, and his brown eyes were frightened. He was approximately nineteen, maybe twenty.

  “Y-Yes, Georgia. Where am I now?”

  “You’re in the kingdom of Schwarzwald... Germany,” Calla replied.

  “What?” he yelled, spinning around. He’d make himself puke freaking out that way, but I didn’t blame him.

  “You mean to say you have no idea how you got here? Do you remember what you just did?” Marcus asked.

  “N-No! I didn’t do anything!” Ethan defended, then took in the damage to the castle. “I didn’t... Did I do that?”

  “Don’t worry about that,” Calla said. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warmer, and we’ll figure this out.”

  “No, I’m not—just let me go home! How did I get here?” Ethan asked, one second away from losing all control.

  “Hey, hey, hey, it’s okay. You’re not in any trouble. We’ll help you, okay?” Calla asked, her voice suddenly quite soothing and calm.

  “How did I do that?” Ethan asked, pointing to the castle.

  We all glanced around at each other, no one among us willing to be the one to tell him he was a fire-breathing dragon only a few minutes ago. Finally, Jeanine stepped forward. Ethan tensed at her approach but let her place her hand gently on his forearm.

  “Honey, you were a dragon. Do you really have no memory at all?” she asked.

  He chuckled. “A dragon? Come on, lady, seriously?” He paused, observing her. “You can’t be serious?” He stepped back, taking her in as if she were a lunatic.

  “I’m afraid so. It’s okay—”

  “It’s totally not okay! You’re trying to tell me I somehow turned into a dragon and flew all the way to Germany to tear down a gazillion-year-old castle? How does that even happen? Why would I do that? It makes no sense!” The shoe dropped, and Ethan lost his mind. “You people are crazy. You’re a nutzo cult, that’s what you are, and I’m getting out of here!”

  He took two steps and fell to the ground. People all around gasped, but Thaddeus only chuckled.

  “I keep saying, no matter how big and bad you are, the dart gun will get you every time.”

  Chapter Ten

  Ethan’s unconscious body was transferred to a makeshift jail cell until he could be evaluated further. I wasn’t happy about it, but to err on the side of caution was probably best. Jordan kept stealing glances at Petra who worked hard to pull information from Ethan while he slept through a series of magical scans I didn’t understand. Jordan tried to pretend it didn’t bother him there was another guy their age around, potential competition, but it was obvious he was concerned.

  Henry stood guard over the cell while Petra performed all manner of enchantments and spells, all failing to provide us with any additional information about the dragon-shifting man.

  “Briard, would you relieve Thaddeus of his dart gun, please? A lot of good a sedated dragon does us.” Henry was annoyed, but I was glad to know Thaddeus would be without the gun from that point on.

  “Yes, sir,” Briard said, then went to perform his assigned task. I thought that might be an interesting thing to watch, Briard trying to relieve Thaddeus of his beloved dart gun, but I chose to stay in case Petra found anything of use inside Ethan’s brain.

  She sighed heavily and stood. “Nothing. Whoever spelled him did a great job. We won’t get anything more until he wakes, unfortunately.”

  “Humph,” Jordan snickered. “Serves him right for attacking my brother and sister.”

  “He didn’t know what he was doing, Jordan,” Petra argued. “I’m sure once he wakes, we can get somewhere. Until then, I think it’s best to leave him locked in here.”

  “I agree,” Henry said, then shut the heavy iron door behind her. Petra exited the area, a cool basement that boasted three identical cell-like rooms. The only thing about them that made them any different from a jail cell or dungeon was the furnishing. The Saliens even treated their criminals lavishly with plush sofas and comfortable beds.

  Another guard entered the room and observed Ethan.

  “He looks so innocent like that,” she said, then, “Ravenna has asked for your presence in the hall. Queen Aline and King Agustus have arrived and reunited with Princess Clara. They are eager to discuss the next steps, including what to do with Caroline Manchester.”

  “How is she?” I asked.

  The guard turned to me and smiled sweetly. “From what I hear, she is expected to survive and will not turn, but she is quite delirious with fever and is unable to wake fully.”

  “That is unfortunate,” Henry said. “She appeared genuinely regretful for her actions against my wife and her siblings years ago. I do hope Seline and the others will have the chance to speak to her again.” What happened between them was none of my business, but I assumed it had something to do with discovering the truth about their abilities. It was a lot to accept, and I doubted everyone took it as well as my family.

  “Kindly guard Ethan and inform me the moment he wakes, Maggie” Henry said, leaving the guard to her work. I followed him up the winding stone staircase Jordan and Petra had already used.

  The access to the basement was close to the dining hall, and when we reached the top of the staircase, I could hear the ruckus from inside. My anxiety kicked in. I had never been good in large groups of people, not even large groups of friends. Something always went wrong when I was in a group of more than a handful of people, and I found it difficult to focus on anything but what might go
wrong. It basically ensured something would go wrong.

  Henry opened the heavy double doors wide, and the noise blasted me in the face.

  “I’m just saying, I agree with Ely. Meetings would be more productive if we elected one person from each kingdom to attend them,” someone said with a frustrated sigh.

  “That’s what kings and queens are for,” someone said.

  “We’re family. No one’s opinion should be excluded,” another said.

  “But Ely has a point,” Cecily said. “When we are all here talking, our kingdoms are left without a ruler.”

  “Perhaps we could place our generals in charge when we are absent?” Sierra asked.

  “That would be me, so...” Felix began, then said. “We could elect an official to carry out the task instead.”

  “Right and end up with a power-hungry maniac who will team up with the evil and overthrow us all, probably turn us into rocks or something instead of wolves,” Ely snapped sarcastically.

  “Well, the hall isn’t big enough for everyone. I’m glad we’re like one big happy family, but with the kids and everything else, there’s just not enough room,” Calla said.

  “I agree, but that brings us right back around to where we began. What do we do about it?” Jay said.

  “We could build a bigger meeting room,” someone offered.

  “This isn’t even a meeting room! It’s the dining hall! Which, I might add, is a stinging smack in the face every time we meet in here. I died right there,” Ely said, pointing to a seat across from him.

  The room erupted again while Henry and I watched from the doorway. I heard someone approach from behind and turned to see who or what it was.

  “Oh, dear me. Are they all in there fussing again?” Ravenna asked.

  “Yes, your Highness. The same issue as before,” Henry replied.

  Ravenna clicked her tongue a few times, then went into the room. She whistled loudly, gaining everyone’s attention. The room soon fell silent.

  “We do not accomplish anything this way,” Ravenna said. “I agree with Ely. Let us elect a member of each kingdom to attend the meetings. As for family, I suggest we spend the time we have together enjoying each other’s company rather than sitting in a meeting. I vote we have a Harvest Ball this year.”

  “A Harvest... Mother, don’t you believe there are other, more important things to concern ourselves with than a ball?” Marcus asked.

  “I do, but that is for the elected officials to manage. The rest of us can plan the ball. Besides, there is much to celebrate. Weddings, births, newfound family—we should celebrate what we have while we can. We do not know the future,” Ravenna argued.

  Marcus considered her words, then relented. “It’s fine with me. King Agustus, Jack, King Benjamin? Your thoughts on the matter?”

  The three I assumed to be Agustus, Jack, and Benjamin shared a look, then nodded their consent.

  “Good. Let us commence with the vote, then everyone else can go plan a ball,” Marcus said. “Let us begin with the vote for Schwarzwald. Any volunteers or nominations?”

  When no one responded, Marcus said, “Alright then, Wil it is.”

  “Wait... I didn’t—” Wil protested, half-standing with a look of pain on his face.

  “I’m the king. I have other matters to attend for our kingdom. You and Jay have the most experience in the matter of fighting evil,” Marcus said.

  “Then, why not Jay?” Wil argued.

  “He is still training Brody in recordkeeping, the proper way this time. None of that junk you wrote the first time around. You are our appointed liaison. Get used to it. Now, the vote for Goldene Stadt?”

  Sierra and Cecily looked around at their family. “Jack?” Sierra offered. “You see things very differently from the rest of us. I think your unique perspective is beneficial.”

  “I agree,” Cecily said.

  “As do I,” King Agustus agreed.

  Jack nodded. “Fine by me. Besides, Hayden and the kids like visiting so they can hang out while we do the boring stuff.” The room chuckled, then the vote went to Schattenland.

  “I’d like to manage that task if it’s alright with everyone,” a woman said.

  “I think Sutton would be a great fit,” Hayden agreed. All nodded, and it was settled.

  “That brings us to our new friends. Who among you would prefer to be the liaison to represent Weisserwald?” Marcus asked, looking directly to me.

  “Um...” I began, thinking it was technically up to Ophelia and Jordan since they were the Royals, but even they looked to me. The other families had already been through the wringer with their own issues, but mine was green as a lizard. We were all confused and scared, and eliminating anyone from the discussion seemed unfair to me.

  “Would it be possible for all those representing Weisserwald to remain present until we’re more comfortable with the situation? None of us have our memories of the past, so it’s intimidating.”

  Marcus looked around the table, then said, “I think that’s fair. Anyone opposed?” When no one spoke out against the idea, he said, “Well, now that’s settled, I’m outta here.” He all but ran from the room and everyone who was not voted to stay left with him.

  Ravenna squeezed my arm. “You’ll be just fine. Stick with them, and all will be well.” She smiled again and wandered off with the rest to plan the Harvest Ball. I saw Jeanine talking with Calla. Jeanine paused her conversation to glance up at me. Her eyes were sad, guilt-ridden. I couldn’t ask her about it then because the meeting was beginning.

  “Henry, would you stay to offer input for the armies of the land?” Wil asked.

  “Of course, if all are agreed I should speak for all kingdoms?”

  “Sure, whatever dude,” Jack said. “What’s this big thing you called us here for?”

  Wil stood. “By now you have heard of Jeanine’s son returning. He brought many with him, but among them were the missing royals of Weisserwald, Princess Autumn and Prince Joel.” He pointed to Ophelia who blushed and Jordan who seemed more than disinterested in the whole thing. His mind was on Petra, I knew it.

  “Any word on what Rose is up to?” Sutton asked.

  “Nothing new since they arrived by portal this—”

  “Portal? Like a hole in the sky kind of portal, or some other thing you call a portal? Because if they came in a real portal, then that’s the coolest thing ever, and I think I’m gonna need to see it,” Jack said, solidifying that he was officially my favorite royal among the group of dozens.

  “Yes, a real portal and no, you cannot see it,” Wil scolded. “Moving on, we have limited information about the curse and Jeanine’s ability to amend it as Ravenna did with the Salien children, but it is foggy in her memory. We planned to visit Fiona in Goldene Stadt to discuss the missing pieces.”

  Jack nodded. “That should be fine. She’s been hard at work deciphering texts and translating some weird scroll thing.”

  “Oh, no!” Ophelia yelled and looked at me. It was then I realized I was still standing while everyone else had taken a seat. “We left your mother’s book at the hotel!”

  “Her book? What book?” Wil asked.

  I grumbled, angry with the stupid hounds that had ruined a perfectly good opportunity to sleep—something I still hadn’t done. “It was a journal of sorts, a lot of history and another part of the Song of the Lost.”

  “An additional part to the song?” Wil asked. “Do you remember it?”

  “I do,” Ross said. “Give me something to write with, please.” Wil slid a pad and pen to Ross, who began jotting notes. While he did that, we continued our discussions.

  “We might be able to send a small team to recover the book. I will look into it,” Henry said.

  “No, no. It’s not worth the chance. Besides, I’m willing to bet you caused some commotion back in America based on my view from here when the portal opened,” Wil said.

  “No, kidding,” Jordan said. “I think our secret’s out.” />
  Wil sighed. “The people were bound to discover something amiss at some point. After the events in Greenville, it’s a wonder the entire world isn’t questioning what is going on. Regardless, we must stay true to our mission. With the arrival of the dragon shifter—”

  “The who now? A dragon whowhat?” Jack asked.

  “Okay, usually I think Jack’s a doofus, but I’m with him on this one. A whowhat?” Sutton asked.

  “We were attacked by a dragon only minutes before your arrival,” Wil informed. “That is why the square was bustling, and the castle is damaged. Do you not look at anything around you?” Sutton blinked a few times, put off by Wil’s bluntness, but I was with him. You’d have to be walking with your eyes closed not to notice the mess left by Ethan.

  “Honestly, we thought maybe Jeanine had another accident and didn’t want to be rude and ask about it,” Jack said sarcastically, making me wonder what accident my mother had. It wasn’t the proper time to ask, but it piqued my interest. “So, what or who is this dragon? A creature sent by Rose? How did it get in?”

  “All valid questions,” Wil said. “I’m afraid I cannot answer any. Thaddeus sedated him before we could get any decent information, but if he is to be believed, he remembers nothing.”

  “He has a name. It’s Ethan, and he was scared. He wasn’t lying to you,” I said, wondering what they said about us when we weren’t in the room.

  “How would you know?” Wil asked, genuinely curious.

  “We are—were—detectives in Jacksonville. It’s our job to interrogate criminals, but I agree with Park. He was a little cocky, but it was a show. The kid is terrified,” Chris added.

  “The guy is weird,” Jordan said, earning a stern look from Ophelia.

  “Is he dangerous?” Sutton asked.

  “He did try to kill us,” I admitted, “but I’m not so sure he was of sound mind when he did. He has no idea how he got here. The last thing Ethan remembers is being in Savannah.”

  “We’ll just have to wait until he’s awake to get more. Right now, I think we need to gather as much information about the fairies of Weisserwald and the Reichenbachs’ curse as we can, so we can devise a solid plan to take out Rose,” Wil said. “Meanwhile, if someone could attempt to decipher the remainder of the song, that would be wonderful.”