Raythum bowed his head and took a knee in an offer of his respect for the queen. “The privilege has been all mine. You have been a gracious host, and it’s my hope I can repay your kindness one day in the near future. Milenthia and I thank you.”
He rose to his feet and offered his salutations to the Elves. He considered all of them friends now, and it seemed as though he had even earned the respect of Irrian. He bid them all adieu, before climbing on to Milenthia’s back. Once situated, he offered one last wave goodbye, before Milenthia took off into the cold morning air.
They circled the city once, to show gratitude for what they had been taught, then headed due west over the Ruvenkan mountains.
They both reveled in the silence and enjoyed the early morning flight. All around them nature sprung into life as the creatures awoke from their long night of slumber.
Milenthia broke the silence first. So where are we headed? I can’t discern a destination from your mind.
I felt unsure of where we should head until we set out this morning. I’ve been away for almost four months. A lot has changed, and I think it would be wise if we returned to Havenbrook. He paused when he sensed a small amount of irritation from Milenthia. He realized he had told her what to do again and backtracked. That is if it is okay with you, I would like to head back to Havenbrook. I’m not sure if you have other plans. This seemed to assuage her irritation.
I think your plan is a wise one. I know your family must be worried about you. I know you haven’t sent any word since we bonded several months ago. She chuckled. Are you sure you’re ready, though? A Dragon hasn’t been anywhere near Havenbrook in centuries. We might create quite a stir. She didn’t want to agree with his plan and ached to be back in Agripina, but thought her visit home would have to wait.
I think there will be excitement more than anything else. Yes, I’m sure my parents are worried. Let’s show up and give them the surprise of a lifetime. He wanted to head home, but feelings of apprehension crept up. He had been gone a long time and didn’t know what to expect.
It took two and a half days for them to travel back to Havenbrook. Raythum couldn’t believe how quick they made the journey. He had never been to the other side of the Ruvenkas before, but just the journey to Riverfell took well over three weeks on horseback without stopping anywhere.
His heart warmed as he began to see familiar landmarks. There would never be any place like home, and Havenbrook was his home. He never expected to feel this way, but his emotions overwhelmed him as he spotted the tall, thick walls surrounding the city. He suspected the towers would have spotted them by now, at least he hoped or he would have to issue a stern warning to the soldiers manning them. He scanned the horizon for some sort of alarm. He expected, and hoped for a lot of fanfare when he returned to the city, but so far, nothing happened to mark their arrival.
A couple of moments later, his fears dissipated as he heard the blare of a horn—the first sign the guard had spotted a possible enemy. He could see soldiers lining the wall and wished he was close enough to see the looks on their faces.
Milenthia climbed higher in the air to ensure they were well out of harm from any possible arrows. She reached the perimeter of the city, and began a counter-clockwise circle. Back when Dragons and Humans co-mingled regularly, this act signified an ally. They both hoped someone on the ground remembered what they were doing.
They could see several of the soldiers lower their weapons as news spread that they appeared to be allies. Milenthia continued to circle the city as she flew closer to the ground. Raythum was delighted when he spotted several civilians leaving their homes to come out and see what was causing all the commotion. Many displayed fear and trepidation at the sight of a large Dragon coming closer to the city, but calmed by the collection of soldiers.
Several cheers erupted when they identified him as the prince, bringing out even more people who had yet to grace the streets of Havenbrook. Raythum directed Milenthia to the center of the city where the palace sat on a large hill, surrounded by thick walls and even more soldiers. He told her to land in the courtyard, and Raythum felt warmth fill his heart as he spotted his parents, and brother, standing on the palace steps as they came in for a landing.
He slid from Milenthia’s back and stood at her head. His parents and brother made their way into the courtyard and approached them, with Norlun not far behind. When they stopped, Raythum registered the smile and pride evident on his parent’s faces; Tirell’s look of disdain, however, wasn’t lost on him either.
“I would like to introduce you to Milenthia.” He turned and said “Milenthia, I would like to introduce you to the King and Queen of Havenbrook.”
Milenthia lowered her front legs and bowed her head, bringing it down flat to the soft foliage growing in the courtyard.
His father, Lokan, studied the magnificent bronze beast sitting before him with wonder and awe. He didn’t know what to say, but he needed to say something because she still had her head bowed. “Please, please rise. We should bow before you.” He waited for her to rise. “I’m Lokan; this is my wife Syrelle, and my son Tirell.” He motioned to each of them. “Whatever you require is yours, all you need do is ask.” His show of excitement and honor spread through his whole demeanor. The queen too, held a look of pure awe in her eyes.
Raythum walked over to his mother and gave her a hug. His father embraced both of them. “It is good to be home and we have much to discuss.” He turned to Milenthia and said his words verbally so everyone would hear their conversation. “I know you must be hungry. Feel free to feed in the forest east of the city. It is free of Humans and you should feel safe to hunt at will.” He patted her, showing all how close they were.
She nodded her head and leapt into the air. She flapped her wings and headed in an eastward direction. All around the city, children cheered and ran following after the magnificent Dragon.
Lokan still appeared shocked at the morning’s discovery, but was quick to usher his son indoors. “You must be hungry too. Come, come, we will have chef prepare you breakfast, and you can describe how all of this transpired.”
Raythum laughed. “You have no idea how good that sounds. I’ve been waiting for some good home cooking. Make sure whatever is on the menu, there is a lot of meat. The Elves could only offer me fruit and vegetables as they don’t eat meat and my blood yearns for it.” He noticed the astonishment on all of their faces when he mentioned the Elves. His father opened his mouth to speak, but he cut him off. “Later. I will explain everything later. Right now I would like to get inside, change into some fresh clothes, and fill my stomach.”
He walked down the long stone corridor toward the dining room; his footfalls echoed the length of the hall. He felt refreshed for the first time in weeks. He had always made fun of people who said there was no place like home, but he had to admit that it did wonders to lift one’s spirits. His homesickness had been much more than he’d been willing to let on, and it felt so good to be in familiar surroundings.
He reached the closed doors to the dining room and could hear the cacophony of conversation from within. He took a deep breath before pushing the door open. He expected the entire council, given how much noise he could hear from outside, but only found his father, mother and Norlun seated at the table. He noticed the absence of his brother, but he wasn’t the least bit surprised. He had felt the cold detachment emanating from Tirell the moment their eyes locked.
They all turned and watched him walk into the room. Lokan motioned him toward an empty seat to his right. He’d only been gone a couple of months, but he looked older, and even a bit wiser. He had set out from Havenbrook a child, but returned a young man. The way he carried himself—even his gait—conveyed a sense of honor and nobility. His father couldn’t have been prouder.
Raythum took his seat, and before his rear hit the smooth wooden chair, his father began questioning him. “So, son, where would you like to begin?”
“By getting some food, I’m starve
d.” They all laughed at him. He had always had an insatiable hunger. Some things never changed. Right on cue, the door from the kitchen burst open and several servants carried in trays of food. He lifted the lid off the plate. Steam billowed out and carried with it the mouth-watering aromas of smoke and salt. A large piece of ham sat before him and he tore into it. He alternated by stuffing warm biscuits covered in butter and fresh eggs into his mouth.
He looked up to find they all stared at him as he stuffed his face. “Sorry. This is all just so good.” He ate with a fierce hunger, but he needed to start talking. He washed down the food with a long draw from his mug. The water trickled out the corners of his mouth. He wiped it away with a napkin and breathed before beginning.
“You all are aware that a lot changed here for me very quickly. I couldn’t take it all in at once, and I needed some time to digest and come to terms with my new roles.” He made eye contact with them all in turn. “Once out of town, I couldn’t help it and I threw myself into Norlun’s books to better understand the history of the Keepers, and what would be expected of me. I found all of the information fascinating, and I wanted to know more.” He turned and looked at Norlun. “I still have more I would like to know, and I have several questions for you, Norlun, but it can wait.”
Norlun nodded his head. “Of course, I hope I have the answers you seek, but by all means, continue.” He’d expected the young man to come back seeking more information. Most people new to the position often did.
He paused, letting them hang on the words, eager to learn more, while he stuffed more food into his mouth. “It took me a couple of days to digest all of the new information. I set out on a southeast course, with no destination in sight. For all I knew, I would end up in Riverfell, but maybe I would end up at a different destination.” He shrugged. “I had no idea, and I didn’t care.”
“One day I heard the noise of a struggle and went deeper into the forest to investigate. I stumbled into a mess and decided to take action. Several poachers were attempting to subdue Milenthia. I joined her and between the two of us, we fought them off. I noticed she had a wound on her shoulder, right where her wing connected, and she couldn’t fly. Seeing as I would never have another opportunity to be in the presence of a Dragon again, I offered to stay with her while she healed. When it finally did, we were about to separate and go our own ways, but we bonded, much to our amazement. In an instant I became a Dragon rider.” He shook his head with the renewed truth of the statement settling on him.
“A Dragon rider! A Human Dragon rider at that. It has been centuries since this has happened. Do you understand the importance of this?” Norlun asked.
“I didn’t at the time, but believe me when I say, I do now. We traveled to Agripina and the Dragon elders instructed us to visit Ferrindale where three riders would train me.”
He continued to describe his eight weeks of training in Ferrindale. He answered their questions while he continued to fit food into his mouth at every opportunity presented. It took most of the morning.
“Which leads us to our arrival in Havenbrook this morning,” Raythum finished. He felt exhausted and yearned for a nap, but felt it unlikely that he would get one on this day.
Lokan looked proud. “You have done more in one act to smooth relations with the Dragons and Elves than you’ll ever understand. What does this mean for our future?” He got up to pace in excited anticipation, rubbing his hands together. “With the Elves and Dragons that is. Do you think they will allow more riders? It could give us a significant advantage in a battle”
“We don’t know yet. Milenthia and I will have to head to Agripina to meet with the elders and share the results of our training. I have no idea how they’ll react, or what it will mean for future riders.” His father looked disappointed, Raythum continued. “Something you have to understand, this isn’t something you can force. You don’t wake up one morning and decide you are going to bond with a Dragon. The proper connections have to be present in the Human allowing him, or her, to bond with a specific Dragon. Many Humans may have the necessary connections deep within them, but will never know because they’ll never in their lifetime meet the right Dragon. It is as if the gods have preordained the bonding and it would only be possible if they will it.”
Norlun respected his words. He understood the process, and had thought it all but impossible in this day and age. He nodded his head in acknowledgment. “And we’re not weapons. I’ll fight to protect and uphold all I have sworn to, but I won’t go out on a tour of conquest just because we can,” Raythum said with steel in his voice.
His father took the verbal berating from his son well, and sunk back in his chair. “What of the Elves? We haven’t had a relationship with them for several generations. It’d be nice to have an ally of their kind.” He sounded hopeful.
Raythum nodded his head. “Queen Pirphul seemed very receptive to opening relations. She reiterated your words, and mentioned her hope for peace between our two races.” This brought a smile to his father’s face and he seemed to regain some of his excitement.
Syrelle took the break in the conversation to speak up herself. “I cannot begin to express how proud of you I am, my son. I suspected when you were born you were a special boy. Then again, I think most mothers feel this way toward their offspring, at least to some extent.” She smiled and tilted her head to him. “But the way your life has changed the past several months, and all in a positive manner, leaves me to believe you have even greater things to accomplish before your days grow old.” She patted his hand with her own.
Raythum stood and came closer to his mother. He gave her a hug. “Thank you for your kind words, mother. My only wish has ever been to make you, both of you, proud.” He could see a tear trickle from his mother’s left eye. She brushed it away. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to retire to my room. I think a nap is in order.”
They all rose to their feet. Lokan patted him on the back. “Of course, son. What of your drag… I mean Milenthia?”
“She’ll more than likely stay in the forest. You saw the way she riled everyone up when we flew in to the city. But we’re always connected and share our emotions. She is eating several elk she chased down, and has indicated to me her plans for a long afternoon nap.” He chuckled thinking of her enjoying herself.
“Very well. We‘ll speak of other matters later,” Lokan offered before leaving the dining room with Syrelle.
Norlun approached Raythum. “I know you have your mind set on taking a nap, but we have urgent matters to discuss. Could you spare a few moments to indulge an old man?” Norlun eyed him with the same spark Raythum knew and appreciated. His nap wouldn’t be forthcoming now.
Raythum sighed. “But of course. What is so pressing?”
Norlun brought a finger up to his mouth. “Not here! Can you accompany me to my quarters?”
“Lead the way.” He motioned to the old man curious to know what could have them needing a secure location just to talk.
They walked down the dark corridor toward Norlun’s quarters. Once inside, Norlun offered Raythum a drink, which he turned down. He wanted nothing more than to get the conversation over with so he could retire to his quarters. He took a seat in his favorite oversized chair.
“So tell me, what’s so urgent?” he asked the old wizard.
Norlun knuckled his beard for a long time, which grated on Raythum’s nerves. After a long pause, he said, “It’s your brother. I’m worried.”
Not waiting for the old man to draw it out, Raythum spoke up. “What is it? Is something wrong? He seemed like his old, irritating self this morning.”
“No, no, he is fine, physically. It’s what he’s been doing while you’ve been away that has me concerned.” Another long pause…“he is back to his old interests and has become infatuated with the teachings of Luther again. I’m fearful of the path he’s headed down. Don’t get me wrong, I knew Luther. His powers as a wizard were strong and he could’ve done great things in his lifetime, bu
t he took a turn down a dark path—a path that cost the lives of countless innocents, and led to his own demise. A tragic end of my doing…I failed to react back then, and I don’t wish to make the same mistake again,” he said while wringing his hands.
He had no idea why the old man had brought this to his attention. It sat well within the realm of Norlun’s domain, or at the very least his parents. “Why bring this up to me? Can’t you handle this?” He waited for Norlun to respond. As the old man opened his mouth, Raythum continued. “By all means, Norlun, do whatever you deem necessary to steer him from this path.” He stood to leave the room. “If there is nothing else, I will leave this in your capable hands.”
Norlun could tell the young man was eager to retire for the afternoon, but the importance of the issue seemed to be lost on him. “He’s gathering followers, Raythum. I’m afraid it might already be too late. Even if we can steer him away from this path, who is to say one of his acolytes won’t rise up and take his place? This is a battle we are always going to face; there will always be a threat. We must take care of it before it can spread.”
Raythum turned around and faced him. “So what is it you are suggesting then?” He became worried at Norlun’s expressions.
Norlun sighed. I’m not saying I have an extensive plan, but something needs to be done so I’ve assigned a novice to infiltrate his close group. Not much has been revealed yet, but gaining trust takes time. I would suggest you find a way to talk to him about this. Coerce him into abandoning the entire endeavor, but in a manner in which no one else is interested in taking his place. This must end here and now. I fear you may be the only one capable of persuading him. After all, he is your brother,” he pleaded with the young man; trying to express the importance to get him to act.
Raythum looked at his feet and let out a long breath. He was beginning to feel overwhelmed again, and it seemed that his duties continued to grow every day. “I’ll see what I can do, but it’ll be a couple of days. I need to get settled, not to mention I need to come up with a way to approach this.” He shoved his hands through his hair, resigned to the fact that he would have to deal with this one way or another, and he did not look forward to it.
The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series Page 21
