by Nira Steele
“Are these new?” Andie asked with a little frown.
“No they’re really old. Just see how you fare with them.”
Sighing quietly Andie turned a card over….
Then she gasped out loud. A beautiful image of a dragon was shining up at her. She turned over another of the cards, then another, and another. Spreading them out she began covering the table with them.
Andie could hardly believe what she was seeing. The variety of dragons was absolutely astounding. There were so many different types, such incredible colours and features.
“What are you doing?” Tessa murmured.
“These are gorgeous,” Andie declared. “I had no idea dragons could vary this much.”
“They don’t anymore. Most of them perished during the Sundering, remember? There are only four Houses left.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Andie muttered in response.
Staying focussed on her cards Tessa then began describing the appearance of the remaining dragons.
“You’ve already met a red dragon so you’ll instantly recognise his kind. The white ones are the Lunarians, you’ll see them painted everywhere around this house. Terrathians are dark brown and they have a beautiful sheen – it’s a bit like oil on water. The bluish-green ones are the Marentians and their wings are almost like fins.”
Andie’s eyes started raking over the cards. Despite Tessa’s descriptions she still could not properly identify any of those Houses.
“Can I ask you something?” Andie said quietly.
“Fire away,” Tessa muttered.
“Would it be possible, I mean would it be okay if I could see you as a dragon?”
“It’s still forbidden. My father asked but they won’t allow it,” Tessa murmured as she looked up.
“That’s a shame.”
“I’m not happy about it at all. It’s so unfair and we have his royal grumpiness to thank for it.”
“What do you mean?” Andie asked with a curious frown.
Rolling her eyes Tessa replied, “We’re not allowed to do anything which might cause Darius to leave. It’s ridiculous. We are all grounded so we don’t upset him.”
Andie shook her head as she decided to let the subject drop. She had no desire to see Tessa getting riled up again. Besides there had already been enough talk about Darius today. Pursing her lips, Andie went back to studying her cards.
By eight o’clock she had flaked out over her couch.
Tessa thought she resembled a painting as she draped over the lounge chair. When her mother came over she could not help but comment.
“We have our own Raphael posing over here,” Tessa joked with a smirk.
“Hardly,” Willa responded with a little chuckle. “I’ve never seen a classical picture with the subject’s mouth hanging open.” Smiling warmly she gently touched the side of Andie’s face.
The contact instantly roused Andie from her sleep.
“How are you feeling?” Willa asked her gently.
“I’m a bit tired. It’s been a long day,” Andie responded groggily.
“You can relax now. We’ve got some space,” Tessa muttered from the floor. “Lord Laurentius won’t be back for another three days.”
“Yeah and you paid for it,” Andie commented with a little grimace. Sitting up slowly she briefly rubbed her eyes. “I should’ve told you all about Darius. I should’ve done it straight away,” she muttered.
“No harm was done,” Willa said smoothly. “To be fair we are hardly in a position to be judging you for it.”
“It’s fine. I understand you have to protect yourselves.”
“You weren’t deceived to safeguard my people,” Willa declared crisply. Raising her chin she then began frowning rather seriously. “It was done so you would bond with Overlord Darius.”
“Well it sure worked. You should see how she coddles him!” Tessa declared with an impish grin.
“Yes, and it gives me some cause for concern,” Willa admitted. Sitting down next to Andie she placed a hand upon her arm. “So tell me. How did you find the young Overlord?”
“He was really intense, quite clever… very good looking too,” Andie admitted with a little wince. She shook her head as a slight blush rose in her cheeks. “To be honest he was a bit overwhelming.”
“Just be careful if you find yourself alone with him again,” Willa advised her fervently. “His allure can easily turn into something else.”
“Oh mother,” Tessa drawled as she glanced up from under her brows. “I think she knows about being careful around men.”
“He is quite young,” Willa reminded her. “I doubt Darius has mastered the tenets of Virtus.”
“Okay, you just know I have to ask what that means,” Andie said with a smirk.
“In our society we have a set of virtues all men aspire to,” Willa explained. “They cover every aspect of life, from politics to personal relations. “The word ‘Vir’ in Latin directly translates into ‘man’ in your language.”
“Wow,” Andie breathed. “I’ve never thought of virtue as a guy’s thing.”
“Your people’s version of virtue differs from ours,” Willa noted as she inclined her head. “Self-discipline is one of the main qualities of Virtus. The higher the status of any man, the greater his exercise of self-governance must be.”
“I think I understand,” Andie responded with a nod. Rubbing her chin, she realised just how much of an opportunity she was getting here. “So your society is based on Roman culture then? I mean the old type, from back in the Empire?”
“We follow the ways which were established in our ancestral home,” Willa advised her. “But not the original version of Virtus as it focussed on achievements through battle. We shun those values now as they led to the pursuit of endless conquest. Virtus covers every aspect of life, not just a man’s appearance to the public.”
Andie smiled, inwardly thrilled to be learning about their culture.
“That’s great! What little I know of Roman history never covered anything like this.”
“Our society has never received good press,” Tessa chimed in from the floor. “Human historians have a habit of portraying us in a really bad light. We’re gluttons, we revel in violence and we want to take over the whole world. Oh, and we have the morals of a dockside whore,” she added with a frown.
“What a charming way of putting it,” Willa commented with arched eyebrows. “Unfortunately my daughter is correct in her declarations. Personally, I have always found these misconceptions to be a great shame. There are standards for every Draconarid, irrespective of their age or gender. Women have their own ideal of Virtus and self-control is at its very core.”
“Pudicitia,” Tessa spoke in fluent Latin as her eyes rolled whimsically towards the roof.
Willa shook her head as she chuckled softly at her daughter.
“As you can see it takes time to cultivate these characteristics,” she pointed out. “My people are disposed to having passionate natures in their earlier years. They can be well into their first century before they fully master self-control.” Then she paused for a moment to look straight at Andie. “This is why Overlord Darius concerns me.”
“Oh, I see,” Andie spoke quietly. “Is there anything I should be doing about it?”
“Just be aware how you behave towards him,” Willa advised her. “Do not make any gestures which could be misinterpreted.”
“Lay off the coddling,” Tessa muttered with a cheeky side glance.
“Yeah, I get it,” Andie responded with an awkward smirk. Rubbing her chin, she began considering how little she knew of these people. “You know I would really like to learn more about your civilisation.”
“That would be excellent,” Willa replied with a smile. “We should allocate some time for the proper tutelage.” Sighing quietly she then rose gracefully from the chair. “Well ladies, I think it is time I went and found my husband.”
She glided off towards the coat rack and retri
eved her cloak from a silver peg. Opening the door she then disappeared out into the night.
It was almost eleven o’clock by the time Willa returned with Terenus.
Andie nearly fell off her chaise when they came bustling in through the front door. She had passed out on her couch again, unable to keep her eyes open any longer.
Terenus charged straight into the house with his robe swirling all around him. Glancing briefly towards the lounges he then made a beeline for the kitchen. Willa managed to get ahead of him, cutting him off in front of the large oven door. Gently shooing him to the side she carefully retrieved his overheated stew. Placing the plate on a padded cloth she then passed it over with a spoon. Terenus took it eagerly from her hands, barely moving as he wolfed it down. Once he was sated he shuffled into the lounge area where he dropped into the nearest chair.
His wife glided up beside him carrying a glass of red wine.
“Bless you,” he muttered as he took it from her hands.
Willa sat down next to him and glanced sideways at her daughter. Tessa caught her hint and began coughing as she fussed over the card deck. Andie joined in, tapping her cards into a small stack on the low wooden table.
“Very well then. I shall fill you all in on the news,” Terenus conceded with a sigh.
It turned out an emergency meeting of the Council had just been held. Once Thaddeus was informed of Andie’s discovery, he had made the decision to convene an Assembly. It took some time to gather all the Magisters but once they were seated he made his announcement.
He revealed to them exactly who the red dragon was.
Tessa let out a loud gasp as her mouth dropped open. Willa sat back in her chair, her eyes growing wide as she glanced towards Andie.
“It had to be done. There were too many rumours circulating,” Terenus told them with a slight frown. “Careless whispers were spreading everywhere.”
For a moment Andie froze before sitting upright spluttering, “I didn’t tell anyone but you guys!”
“It’s alright. We know you weren’t the source,” Terenus assured her. “Remember what I told you about the guards?”
Andie literally deflated with relief.
Terenus continued on and described what happened next. Once Thaddeus had made his declaration the whole chamber had erupted into debate. The meeting dragged on for over three hours as every guild leader wanted to express their opinion.
They all had their own ideas about what should be done with Darius. Some were insisting he be forced to reveal himself to the Council. They believed he held information which was vital to ensuring Lunaris’s defence. Others were campaigning for his immediate release, or expulsion to be more precise. He was seen as a potential threat which could attract a surprise attack.
Arguments broke out as the conflict raged on and on.
It took the intervention of the Lunarian Overlord to calm them all down. The mere appearance of the ancient Draconarid was a rarity as he never interacted directly with the Council anymore. These days he preferred to delegate matters to Thaddeus or his oldest son, Lord Laurentius.
“It was like witnessing the arrival of a god,” Terenus murmured between sips of his wine. “When Overlord Tiberius appeared the whole chamber fell silent. The air seemed to fill with an aura of tranquillity, as if the very atmosphere was enthralled by his presence.”
His wife and daughter leaned forward in their seats, hanging on every word he said.
“So what did he decree?” Willa asked intently.
“The whole affair is in the hands of Lord Laurentius. The Magisters are forbidden from interfering. This isn’t a matter for their petty squabbles as the fate of House Solista is at stake.”
“Marvellous. I wish I could have seen it,” Tessa breathed.
Raising his eyes Terenus’s face took on a distant look.
“It was as if he had just stepped straight from the halls of the Pantheon. Ah, it truly was a glorious sight. He looked so strong and vigorous, almost glowing with life. I could not help but be pleased he was forced to appear.”
“Tiberius’s attendance will do much good,” Willa murmured. Terenus turned towards her with a little frown.
“He also commanded the Magisters to stay silent. They are not to utter a word about this matter. So ladies -”
“I am sure they understand,” Willa responded immediately.
“But what about Andie? Will she be staying?” Tessa asked.
“Of course,” Terenus assured her. “We’re meant to continue as normal. Or what passes for normal around here these days.”
Andie and Tessa shared a little smile.
“Well ladies, I’m all done in. It has been a very long day,” Terenus stated wearily. Rising slowly from his chair he shuffled off towards his room. His wife and daughter watched him furtively, their eyes sliding sideways as he disappeared.
“How long do you think it will take?” Tessa whispered quickly.
Glancing towards the hallway Willa responded softly, “It will be all over town by lunchtime.”
Andie knitted her brows as she glanced at both of them.
“Hey, are you talking about Darius because I thought -”
“Shush!” both women responded in unison.
“Sorry,” Andie murmured with a sullen shrug.
Tessa narrowed her eyes as she whispered, “They could threaten to poleaxe people and this would still get out. We haven’t had an event like this in a long time.”
Willa lifted a hand to cup one side of her face.
“That being said, we must ensure this news does not come from us,” she spoke quietly. “It’s probably best Andie stay indoors until the excitement dies down. No trips to taverns and only leave the house for your daily flight.”
Andie could not argue with her logic. Nodding silently, she slumped forward and began rubbing her cheeks.
“I think it is time we all got some rest. It has been a dramatic day,” Willa said with a gentle smile.
Slowly they all rose to their feet.
“Would you like a sleeping draft?” Willa offered Andie quietly.
“No thanks. I think I’ll pass out as soon as I hit the bed,” she responded. Andie was so exhausted she was guaranteed to get some sleep. It would be the fitful kind however, filled with fragmented memories of her day.
Quietly they headed off to their respective rooms.
✽✽✽
Andie started the day peacefully. Determined to keep a low profile she spent the morning inside Tessa’s home. She watched from her couch as everyone departed, smiling sweetly as they headed off to work.
Then she bounced to her feet. It was time to make herself useful – yes, it was time to embark on a cleaning binge.
She began her crusade in the kitchen, first attempting to open up the huge iron oven door. Over and over she tried unlocking it but in the end it just would not budge. Andie wasn’t happy about giving up but the strange contraption was worse than a bank vault.
Rallying herself, she then went and raided the large storage cupboard. Locating a broom and a dustpan she immediately began to cheer up. After an hour of continuous sweeping Andie was feeling much better about everything. Housework had always been one of her favourite strategies for dealing with stress. It was satisfying, very practical and it always burned off loads of nervous energy.
Packing away the broom and dustpan she then began preparing for her daily flight. As she started donning her riding gear, her thoughts turned to Darius. Andie had fully understood Willa’s warning but what harm could be done by her kindness?
Then she remembered Darius’s behaviour when they met in his cave. He did get a bit flirty with her, especially towards the end of their encounter. Had she actually minded it? Not really if she was honest with herself.
All the same it was probably best to curb her behaviour. She knew she was being too affectionate when he was in his dragon form.
Her trip to the platform today turned out to be free of any dramas. To her surpr
ise Andie found there were very few Draconarid out and about. Free of this concern, she started thinking about the last few days. With the interruptions of Lord Laurentius there had been no opportunity to speak to Darius.
She still needed to convince him he should be staying in Lunaris. Andie needed somewhere private, a place where nobody would overhear them. Briefly she considered returning to his cave but then dismissed it as a bad idea. She would disappear again and then the guards would be sent out to find her. Smirking to herself, Andie realised she might get to see some white dragons though….
Fortunately Marcellus already had a task for them. It turned out her big scaly friend needed to bathe occasionally.
“There’s a good sized lake nearby,” Marcellus advised as he positioned Darius’s saddle. “Head straight east for ten minutes and ye will find it.”
“Thanks,” Andie responded, patting Darius’s snout briefly.
“Much better today isn’t it?” Marcellus commented wryly. “I wasn’t sure if ye would be getting a visitor.”
“Yeah, he seems to be good for his word,” Andie remarked with a little smirk. She had found it a great relief to not find Lord Laurentius here.
Once she saddled up they headed off for their flight immediately. Taking Marcellus’s advice they easily located a swimming spot.
Gliding above the icy lake Andie gazed around at the magnificent landscape. Tucked between two rows of sharp peaks, the long stretch of water was lined with sturdy pine trees. It was like a scene from a documentary with the still dark surface reflecting the landscape like a mirror.
Reaching the far end of the lake they found a small clearing where they could land. Hopping down hastily from the saddle Andie then turned to face Darius.
“Wait a minute!” she blurted out as she pushed her goggles up onto her forehead. “I just wanted to say you should be… staying….”
Her voice trailed off as she froze in place. It was her guilt, stalling her mind as she looked up into his face. Staring blankly she was hit with a wave of regret. Did he know she had revealed his secret?
