by Nira Steele
Andie’s eyes moved upwards, filling with a magical image.
Pure white scales reflected the sunlight like soft fresh snow. A long thick neck stretched up far above her into the air. At the top sat a magnificent reptilian head capped with two sets of pearlescent horns.
It was like something from a dream. The huge head turned towards her and snaked its way down next to her face. Large nostrils flared briefly before an enormous blue eye moved into her vision. She stared mutely at the large iris, marvelling at the pale blue lights dancing within it.
Well if this was heaven she was more than happy to be here.
“Am I dead?” Andie whispered raggedly.
There was a loud huff as the eye disappeared from view. Then the atmosphere crackled as a small burst of air shot over her.
The white dragon had vanished, replaced by a figure she knew immediately. Squinting through her watery eyes Andie could not believe who it was.
Thankfully Lord Laurentius could shapeshift back into his long white robes. It was a small mercy but a very welcome one at this moment. For the briefest of instants she was genuinely elated to see him. Andie felt slightly ill as she gazed up into the perfection of his face.
She knew somehow he had managed to catch her. It was a miracle as she had been barely seconds from hitting the ground.
Then her heart nearly stopped as she realised he was frowning. Laurentius’s eyes were fixed upon her in a cold hard stare. He hadn’t narrowed them though – they were sitting wide open now. It seemed like he had just been genuinely shocked by something.
Andie had never thought him capable of such a look. He seemed both surprised and angry with her at the same time. Flinching slightly she dropped her gaze to the tiles. However it wasn’t just his eyes which had caught her attention just now. She could not help noticing the two sets of pearlescent horns curling up out of his hair.
This really was like witnessing a god. Now she could literally see why he was worshipped like a deity. There was nothing mortal about him. He was too surreal, too powerful. But she knew this incredible being had just saved her life.
“Thank you, your Lordship,” she rattled out. It was a bit pathetic but it was all she had to offer.
He gave her no response. Instead he continued staring down at her like some ridiculously gorgeous statue. Standing in the sun’s fading rays his whole being seemed to glow with a pale luminescence.
Andie winced as she continued to feel the intensity of his glare. Closing her eyes she welcomed the shadows which were quickly overtaking her. Vaguely she recalled the terrible event which had led to this moment. She already knew there would be a high price to pay for it soon.
She let out a tiny sigh as everything went black.
Chapter 15 - Sad Tidings
Andie woke up rather dazed and confused this morning.
Sitting up slowly she felt quite stiff, like she had been particularly busy the day before. Retrieving her watch from the bedside table she released a gasp when she saw what time it was. Somehow she had managed to sleep in till almost midday.
What had she been doing to wear herself out like this? Lurching to her feet, Andie patted down the crushed mass of her night gown. These cotton sleeping smocks really scrunched up during the night.
Stretching her back, it released a creak like an old wooden door being opened slowly. Andie began frowning as she tried to recall what she had been up to yesterday. She vaguely recalled the trip to her aunt’s house and Darius appearing in his human form. Then she flew back to Lunaris but she could not remember ever landing.
Then it suddenly hit her.
Andie stood there trembling as the memories flooded back. She could almost feel the searing heat of the flames again. Then the sickening click of the unlocking stirrups began echoing through her mind….
Stumbling backwards over the floor, she sat down heavily upon her bed. As everything tumbled through her head she released a wail of despair. It was awful – like the worst kind of nightmare. Pressing her hands to her face Andie moaned pitifully to herself.
Her howl of distress had Tessa bursting into the room within seconds. Dashing straight over to Andie, she then began barraging her with questions.
Andie was in no condition to be answering her queries. Coughing loudly the tears began welling up in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” Tessa muttered as she immediately backed off. Dropping to her knees she leaned forward and clutched onto one of Andie’s legs. “I’m just happy you’re still alive.”
Andie shook her head as she gulped down a few breaths.
“Here, have some water,” Tessa offered as she rose to her feet. Collecting a glass from a nearby table she pressed it into Andie’s hands.
After having a few sips Andie released a shaky sigh.
“Thanks,” she gasped out. “My back, there’s something….”
“You’re fully healed,” Tessa interjected swiftly. “Don’t let it concern you for another moment.”
Rolling her eyes back into her head Andie murmured, “Thank goodness.”
“I will leave you in peace for now,” Tessa said quietly. “I can see this has all been a huge shock for you. When you are ready you can come out and speak to us. Both of my parents are home today.”
“I’ll join you now,” Andie breathed raggedly as she blinked away her tears. She already knew why everyone would be here. Andie was in strife for what had happened yesterday.
Rising to her feet she squared her shoulders and followed Tessa into the lounge area. Once she saw Willa and Terenus the tears started threatening again.
“I - I can’t begin to apologise enough for this,” Andie stammered as she dragged a trembling knuckle across her cheek.
“Nonsense,” Willa said smoothly. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Now come here, take this handkerchief and sit with me.”
Willa placed a soft cloth into one of Andie’s hands as she smiled up at her. Then she encircled her wrist with her slender fingers and gently pulled Andie down.
Andie slumped compliantly into the seat right next to the graceful matriarch. Willa closed her eyes and began to whisper in her native tongue. Andie immediately felt it – the soft soothing calmness flowing into her. It was only faint but it was still a very welcome sensation. Taking a deep breath Andie relaxed and soaked up every ounce of it.
Over the next few minutes they discussed what had happened the day before. Fortunately everyone was well aware of what had happened at the tower. Darius’s attack had been visible to anyone on the upper levels of the township.
Andie admitted Darius had transformed into a human when she was visiting her aunt’s house. She did not go into any specifics but she did tell them his reason for changing. He wanted to tell her in person he was going to depart from Lunaris. She then shared her idea of having Darius stay with her aunt. They all agreed it had some merit but it would not be possible now.
Because Darius was gone. Terenus tried to deliver the news as gently as he could.
“He disappeared after his attempt to incinerate Lord Laurentius,” he said calmly. “We’ve sent out guards to locate him but I doubt they will have any luck.”
Unfortunately this wasn’t the only shocking piece of news today. When Andie had flown over the township a meeting of the Council had been under way. Laurentius was present at the time addressing all the Magisters.
“So Laurentius didn’t provoke Darius?” Andie asked with a curious frown.
“What do you mean? He was standing right before me when the alarm was raised,” Terenus advised her. “He did disappear after it though.”
“That’s amazing. I thought he was harassing us on our return flight,” Andie revealed. “When we were rising up the cliffs something invisible was flying around us.” Unable to hide her surprise she held her handkerchief in mid-air.
“So who else around here can hide themselves like a Lord?” Tessa murmured. “If it was a commoner then Andie’s Eye stone should have allowed her to see them.�
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The two older Draconarid shared a look.
“Let us not concern ourselves with such matters,” Terenus stated. “We have far bigger issues to face right now.”
Terenus then informed Andie her allegiances had been brought into question. Immediately after the attack a number of the Council members had become agitated. They started debating if Andie had been involved in the incident. A small angry Magister had spoken up, declaring she must have directed the assault. He was attempting to accuse her of the worst possible thing.
A plot to kill a member of the royal house.
Then something unprecedented in the history of Lunaris had occurred. Willa had walked straight into the Council Chambers.
Dressed in a long ocean blue gown she had smoothly glided into the room. All the Magisters were so stunned they immediately rose from their seats. Reaching the centre of the vast circular space she then made an announcement to the hall. Holding her chin up, Willa had declared Andie was seriously injured during the attack. She had been unsaddled from Overlord Darius as he set part of the palace on fire. He let her plunge to the ground, making no attempt to save her at all.
At this point Terenus joined his wife in the middle of the Chamber. Speaking loudly he had decreed Andie could not be accused of any crime. She was not a citizen of Lunaris so their laws did not apply to her.
Mumbling and grumbling the Council had conceded to his point. This was extremely fortunate as the punishment for such a crime was execution.
“You were never in any danger. It was a spurious accusation to make,” Tessa said softly. “The Magister who said it comes out with all kinds of ridiculous things.”
“How could he even think it?” Andie muttered. Pressing her eyes shut, she wondered if she would have been better off plummeting to her death.
“He’s an idiot,” Terenus stated brusquely.
Tessa leaned close and gave Andie a little nudge.
“I have to ask. How did you end up falling out of the saddle?” she inquired.
“I’ve got no idea. All I remember is a wall of heat,” Andie responded quietly. “Maybe it caused the stirrups to unlock?” Just thinking about that moment made her stomach churn.
Tessa looked at her father as her face formed into one of her fierce little scowls.
“It was only a matter of time before Darius lashed out at someone,” she asserted. “Frankly it’s a miracle it didn’t happen sooner.”
“It would appear he was provoked though which raises a number of questions,” Terenus pointed out.
“It is concerning,” Willa muttered. Looking at her husband she asked, “Will you speak to Thaddeus now?”
“I will give him Andie’s account immediately. This new information should confirm she was not involved.” Rising from his chair he strode towards the front door. Before exiting he paused and turned back to face them. “None of you must step outside while I am gone. You will be set upon the moment you leave.”
The three women nodded back.
“Just stay put for now. The protections on these walls will keep you safe.” Then he was gone, disappearing swiftly through the door.
Just as Andie suspected there must be some kind of security imbued into the house. Impressive as this may seem she doubted it kept everyone out. Lost in her thoughts she barely noticed as Willa moved towards the exit.
“I will not sit idly by while others pass judgement on my ward,” the proud Draconarid declared. Then she too had left the house.
The two young women found themselves alone.
“I think you should prepare yourself for some news,” Tessa murmured.
Andie watched as her friend started rubbing her hands together.
“Okay Tessa, what do you know?” she asked quietly. Smiling weakly the little blonde pressed her hands into her lap.
“I’m such a giveaway aren’t I?”
“Please tell me what you can,” Andie implored as she touched Tessa’s arm. “If it’s going to be rough I would rather hear it from you.”
Sighing heavily Tessa turned her eyes towards the window.
“Very well then but go and get changed first. I suspect you may need to be presentable soon.”
✽✽✽
Andie walked briskly through the corridors with her head bowed down.
She never got to hear Tessa’s warning. The moment she was dressed a loud knock echoed through the house. Returning to the living area she found Tessa hovering at the main door. A pair of leather clad guards was standing outside in the corridor.
The tall blond men insisted Andie come with them immediately. She had been summoned to the office of the Magister Officiorum.
Moving along the corridors Andie hugged her cloak to her chest. Her escorts strode along in front, clearing the way ahead of them. Arriving at Thaddeus’s doorstep they ordered her to go straight inside. Moving cautiously through the waiting room she avoided looking at the furnishings this time. Heading directly for the internal door she then carefully pulled it open.
To her surprise she found Willa standing silently next to the old Magister’s desk.
“Come in my dear,” Thaddeus muttered with his head bowed down. He was studying the pages of a huge book opened upon his desk.
Andie moved forwards into the room. Willa smiled and nodded towards Thaddeus’s desk.
“Yes, come here,” the ancient Draconarid murmured as Andie approached him. Once she reached his table he looked up at her. “Are you fully recovered?” he asked with a warm smile.
“I am, thank you,” Andie responded quietly.
With his smile fading, Thaddeus sat back in his ornately carved chair. Stroking his beard he then made a statement.
“As Solista’s Overlord has left our House your services are no longer required here. You must return to the human world immediately.”
His words hit Andie like a punch in the stomach. She stopped breathing as her knees almost buckled underneath her. Dropping her chin she tried to hide her shocked expression.
“Everyone here must contribute to our society,” Thaddeus advised her. “Without a purpose I cannot allow you to remain.”
“I understand,” she mumbled.
Flourishing his feathered pen Thaddeus then dismissed her. Nodding silently Andie slowly turned to leave. Sucking in a shallow breath she was too stunned to be registering anything properly.
“Oh, I forgot to mention something,” Thaddeus added. Lowering his pen he rummaged through some papers on the edge of his desk. “Here we are… the royal family wishes to thank you for your services. They are extremely grateful for the assistance you have provided to their House. Your efforts will be recorded by the Archivist so all may know of your endeavours.”
Astonished, Andie turned back and blinked at him.
The old Magister leaned forward and locked his eyes onto her. He began studying her intently as his voice dropped deeply.
“You must never mention what you have seen or done here, not even to the closest of your kin,” he dictated. “Your knowledge of my people must be concealed from the human race. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Andie replied quietly.
“If you are able to maintain your silence then we may call upon you again in the future. Would you be open to such an opportunity?”
“Absolutely,” she answered back immediately.
“Good, good,” Thaddeus muttered. Suddenly smiling, he then gave Willa a little nod. Turning his attention back to his book, he flicked a hand towards the door.
Willa glided over and gently placed a hand onto one of Andie’s arms. Smoothly moving forward she began guiding her away. As they entered the waiting room she pulled the door closed behind them.
“Well done. I know those words were hard to hear,” Willa said softly as she paused for a moment.
“I’ll be okay,” Andie responded sombrely. “I really should have been expecting this. I’m just glad none of you are in trouble.”
“Do not be concerned about us,” Wi
lla replied with a little shake of her head. “Anyone who attempts to besmirch my family will pay dearly for it. The fool who accused you of treason shall be receiving my special attention.” She then released Andie’s arm to allow her to arrange her hood into place.
“Thank you for defending me,” Andie said quietly.
It was done. She was going home.
As they walked along the corridors Andie tried not to think about what lay ahead. Better to not dwell on it and keep her composure for now. Once she was back in the human world there would be plenty of time for grief. She just wanted to hold herself together and show her very best face to these people.
Pulling herself up straight Andie followed behind her guardian.
✽✽✽
Tessa was utterly heartbroken by the news.
Despite knowing what was likely to happen the little Draconarid was still visibly upset. Staring wide eyed at her mother she looked like she could not believe what she was saying. Releasing a strained little gasp she then turned and bolted straight for her room.
“She will recover,” Willa said quietly. “Let us go and prepare you for your journey.”
Willa led Andie down the corridor to her bedroom. Opening Andie’s large cupboard she then retrieved a leather bag from the back. Placing it upon her bed, she began folding up her clothes.
Andie found her black college satchel and started loading it with her things. Numbly emptying her dressing table she glanced around at her lovely room.
This was so damn hard…. Giving her head a little shake she refocussed her thoughts. There had already been enough sadness here today. Andie had found some strength though, some consolation in Thaddeus’s words. She now knew she had a real chance of returning to Lunaris.
There was also the message of thanks from the royal family. Their declaration of appreciation had staved off the crushing gloom.
“May I tell you something?” Willa asked as she folded one of Andie’s dresses.
“Sure,” Andie responded.
“I was very impressed with how you fended off Overlord Darius.”
