“Svana, we were never meant to battle a wizard. How do you plan to do such a thing? What if he kills you? You were only meant to battle Armand,” Hekla protested, grabbing her sister’s arm, and pulling her back. “Please, don’t put yourself in harm’s way.”
“Hekla, we’re past this. You know that,” Svana jerked her arm away, put off by her sisters sudden concern.
“No! I don’t care how much time goes by; we are never past this. I watched you almost die tonight, and you expect me to be all right with the fact that you are going to go up against a wizard that may or may not exist, single-handedly?”
Lingaria’s lithe scaled body suddenly appeared before them.
“I can assure you, young one, that if there is a wizard... as dark as this Jaques fellow claims, and if he does really exist, I will be by her side every step of the way. You have nothing to fear. Therefore, you are the chosen ones. Cling to that knowledge, Hekla.”
“Lingaria, what are you doing!?”
“I told you before.” Lingaria glanced around. “No one around can see me, and I can reveal or hide myself to whom I choose.”
“That’s convenient,” Hekla muttered under her breath.
“Speltus and Aronus can do it too,” Lingaria confessed, his wings flapping slowing as he hovered in front of them.
“Then why don’t they just come out whenever they please?” Hekla said indignantly, her arms crossed.
“As with all magic, everything must be practiced with the greatest of care. If they were just to pop in and out as they wish, there would be issues. Not to mention, the greatest issue being that each of us is the source of your weapon’s magic, and your guide. We must be careful how we exercise our powers. Just as the Unseen Ones watch overall, Palladin and the dragon elders who have passed on to the celestial plain, always watch over us. If we abuse our power, we very easily can have our magic taken. Then we will be of no use to you, or anyone. We will become a shame to the dragon realm.”
“Are you serious?” Hekla’s arms unfolded, and dropped to her side, her staff lying on the ground at her feet.
“Indeed,” Lingaria said with a flick of his tail.
Speltus and Aronus appeared then, the three dragons hovering in air, flapping in unison. Their colors to match those of the women they belonged to.
“So, why show up now?” Astrid asked, brushing her green hair from her pale face.
“You mentioned a dark wizard. That goes against the rules of magic. From this moment on, as in days before, we will be by your side. Whatever is going on, goes against the realm of dragons and the rules of the Unseen Ones.” Speltus spoke solemnly, his eyes fixed on his young master.
“Surely, if there is some dark magic at work, you would already know, right, Speltus? Are you saying this is the first you’ve heard of it?” Hekla bent to pick up her staff, and began pacing back and forth, clearly disturbed by the whole situation.
“Dear Hekla, of course we can sense there is something dark at work. Until now, we had no idea what it was. There is a shroud over it, a sort of magic wall if you will. It has kept everything on the other side hidden from us.” His royal blue wings, contrasting with the sapphire of Hekla’s hair and eyes, and the navy and azures of her armor. She stopped pacing and stepped in front of him.
“Then why not warn us? Why not warn me? What if something had happened to Svana because you kept secrets?”
“She makes a good point,” Astrid stepped up, angered that their dragon guides had kept secrets from them. “You could have put us all in harm’s way.”
“No, I promise you that the moment we knew what exactly what was going on, we would have warned you,” Aronus finally spoke.
“You are supposed to be our guides. Shouldn’t you have guided us into the truth that we were about to face something dark, and unknown?” Hekla’s voice had raised, her eyes flashing with the waves of anger.
“Hekla, you are still so young in your mind. What good would have come from telling you that there was an unknown darkness that lay ahead, but that we had no idea what it was, or where it was coming from.... only that it existed?”
That quieted her for the moment, and she let her staff droop. The three sisters glanced from one to the other, and the back to the battlefield full of bodies. They had a decision to make, but it would not be easy.
“My sisters, I know that it is hard to understand, but I do think that they did this for our benefit. Now, we are wasting time. Let us tend to the duties that we can and take care of our people. If there is a dark wizard, or some dark magic at work, it is our job to warn our kingdoms. As much as I hate the idea and know that we are putting Svana in harm’s way... Telluris is her kingdom, therefore King Armand is hers and Lingaria’s to deal with as they deem fit. We must step away from that and protect those we have been ordained to protect.” Even as she spoke, Astrid’s heart broke. She had always been the protector of her sisters and to tell them that they had to go on their way, they had to look out for their own people was just as difficult now as it had been when they had departed the Volcano of Shadows.
“No, I will not let Svana be put in harm’s way!” Hekla yelled, anger clear in her voice and pierced eyes that she was being forced into yet another situation she wanted nothing to do with.
“Sweet sister, you have come so far, and done so much... but you know that what Astrid says is right. We must take care of our kingdoms and our people. For the good of all people.” Svana gently stroked Hekla’s arm, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “Besides, I have this snarky dragon to help... trust me, I’ll be fine.”
Hekla did not look convinced, but she accepted that if she didn’t warn her people, there could be more bloodshed. She sighed, knowing she would have to let Svana go, and trust that Lingaria would do as he had been called to do. Even if the future seemed wildly uncertain.
“Fine, I will do what I must. So, help me, if something happens to you, Svana, I will kill King Armand myself.” Fire flashed in Hekla’s eyes.
“If something happens to her, we will all help you,” Lingaria said sternly.
Speltus and Aronus both nodded their heads in agreement.
“Then it is settled. We return to our respective homes,” Astrid said, grabbing her sisters’ hands and holding them tightly. “Be safe, my dear ones, we will see each other again.” She released them, and turned away, knowing that looking back would break her heart. Caelestis needed her, and in this moment, she needed them too. The bodies of the dead would have to wait.
“I will send a messenger when we have figured out what to do with our deceased,” Svana called after her, and then she was off and running toward the Castle of Telluris, a single focus on her mind.
Hekla stood paralyzed for a moment, watching the flow of her Svana’s hair as she ran against the wind. She looked to Astrid and nodded.
“It’s hard,” Hekla admitted.
Astrid tilted her head. “What’s hard?”
“Growing up,” Hekla said with a half-smile.
“I wish I could still be with you two to protect you,” Astrid admitted.
Hekla placed a hand on her eldest sister’s shoulder. “I know you do. But it is our time to grow up and make you and Mother proud.”
Astrid grinned. “I am already proud of you, Hekla.”
Hekla nodded. “Thank you. I need to get back to my people.”
“Your people?” Astrid asked.
Hekla smiled. “I have grown fond of them. They are all great people.”
“I will see you soon, Hekla.”
Hekla hugged Astrid, then turned around, and ran toward the water.
Astrid may have had to be the strong one, as usual, but it didn’t stop her from turning to watch her younger sisters run away. She realized that their backs may be the last she might see of them. She seared the image into her mind, promising her that no matter what was to come, she would fight hard to make sure that none of the lives that were lost that day, were lost in vain.
Now
she just had to get back to Caelestis and break the news of the dead to the people she had sworn to protect. She was sure that the headway she had made to meet the king, would now be destroyed, but she would do what she could to earn their trust back.
8
Svana
Darkness can seep into anyone, but no matter how deep the darkness, if you shine a little light on it, anything can be done. Fear and hatred are strong emotions, but love can burn a light through any darkness.
Pavrusion, The Infamous, The Eighth Dragon Elder, Ninth Age of Verdil
Svana had to fight every instinct inside of her to turn around and watch her sisters go. Only the thought of them leaving made her heart ache more so than the day they had first separated.
Stay focused, Svana, what is to come will be harder than anything you have faced so far, Lingaria spoke into her mind, his voice notably more empathetic than times before.
“What do you care, you big lout? You could have told us this whole time that something wasn’t right, but you kept it to yourself. Why should I even bother with you?”
Keep your voice down, woman. Yes, I could have told you... any of us could have said something. We knew there was something off from the beginning, but as we told you before... if we had made mention of it, it would have caused undue panic and this journey has been hard enough for the lot of you as it is. So, you must understand that what I did was for your own good. Honestly, I don’t even know why I try with you humans!
“If you hate humans so much, why don’t you just go back where you came from!” She yelled out, indignation rising through her like a child denied their favorite toy.
Lingaria’s voice went silent, and for that she was grateful. Svana had too much on her mind to contend with the impish little bugger, especially at a time like this. The large stone walls of the castle came into view, becoming clearer as she got closer.
“Thank goodness, for that.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, here goes nothing.”
Svana bent her head, hand on her sword, prepared to battle who she must as she came close to the gates. The roar of the Toveraks echoed out, their snarling loud enough to rattle her nerves even as her adrenaline raced through her veins, causing her heart to palpitate wildly.
“At last, the mighty warrior returns,” a guard at the gate called out, his tone unreadable.
She smiled at him.
“Not mighty by any means, good sir. There were many unnecessary lives lost today. I am thankful to see that you have been spared,” she said without an ounce of sarcasm. She truly was glad to see him, as she was glad to see all who’d survived the day.
“Yes, well, I am glad for your return, but there are many who are not. Tread carefully, milady.” His heavy tone had softened slightly, and he bowed. “Please pass… but do so with caution.”
“Thank you, sir. Any word of the king? Does he live?”
“Indeed, he does, milady. In slumber he lives.”
“The king is asleep?” Her left eyebrow arched, and her eyes widened.
“Yes, I’m afraid he hasn’t woken since his return, nor has he been able to be roused from sleep. There is much talk amongst the castle of what will become of Telluris if he dies. For now, we must wait and see, that is also why I tell you to be cautious. There are many who would have you be queen, because you are the one that stood up to him. There are an equal many who would see you die before they would see a woman ruler—especially a woman such as you.”
She approached him, putting a firm hand on his shoulder. “You have given me much to think about, good sir. Thank you for your unwarranted kindness.”
He nodded. “Anyone who can stand up to a man like that and live to tell the tale deserves my respect.” He smiled at her and tipped his head, while motioning for her to pass him.
“Thank you.”
Svana walked by, eyeing the soldier who stood at the opposite side warily. He returned her mistrust with a smile, and she knew then that she was safe for the moment. Only time would tell on the inside of the gates.
There were no market dwellers bustling about with their wares or home spun pottery, as there had been the times before. The young squire who always came out to eagerly greet her, was nowhere to be seen. She hoped with all her might that nothing had become of him. Remembering the soldier’s words, she looked from left to right, keeping her eyes open for anyone who may wish to do her harm, but the place was deserted.
Pressing hard on the oversized castle doors, she let herself inside, surprised by the lack of security. The plush carpeted hallways greeted her like an old friend, and for a moment she dreamed of the day when she would be queen and would change Telluris for the better, restoring it to its former glory.
“Svana! You’ve returned.”
The jubilant cry from the near ghostly form of Emmeline, startled Svana out of her daydream.
“I thought they’d killed you for what you did!” The elegant woman threw her frail arms around Svana, squeezing her tightly, as if they’d been friends who were separated for years. When she pulled back, the lovely woman’s pale face glistened with tears.
“As if I could leave you for long, my dear Emmeline. Tell me, what of the king? And of your Tristan? I heard the king has not awoken from slumber.”
“Oh, it’s simply awful, Svana. It truly is! He is in horrible magic slumber, we’ve done everything we can to wake him, but he is unresponsive. As for Tristan, I fear he will not live through the day.” At her admission, the woman buried her face in her hands and began sobbing relentlessly. “I don’t know what to do,” she cried out, her shoulders heaving with her brokenness.
Svana put a caring arm around her. “Take me to the king, let me see if there is something that can be done.”
Emmeline looked up from her hands, her eyes wide, face splotchy. “Do you think there is something that you can do?”
“I’m not sure, but I promise you that I’ll try.”
Emmeline nodded, calming herself, before she turned and walked opposite the direction of the throne room down the large hallway before turning down a dimly lit corridor.
“Where are you going?” Svana asked, as she studied the paintings that were barely visible in this end of the castle.
“I’m taking you to his room, I insisted that he be cared for where he would be most comfortable.” Emmeline’s voice had gone monotone as they passed door after door, finally reaching a stone staircase that wound upward.
I wonder if this is the tower that Jaques spoke of. Though surely if the king’s quarters are here, the wizard would not be in the same place.
“How many towers are there here, Emmeline?”
“You have seen for yourself, there are several. Have you not noticed that from the outside?” Her short response uncharacteristic of the soft-spoken woman.
“I apologize, now is not the time to speak about the make-up of the castle. I was simply trying to distract myself from the awful truths that await me,” Svana lied.
“No, it is I who should apologize. I am merely worried about my uncle.”
“You told me once he wasn’t always like this?” Svana’s curiosity got the best of her.
“It’s true,” Emmeline said quietly. “My uncle, the man I served devoutly, he would have never raised his hand to me. Nor would he have put the lives of so many at risk. That is not the man I remember. There was a time when I would have followed him blindly to the ends of the Earth because I believed in who he was.”
“What do you mean by that?” Svana asked, as they climbed the steep stairwell to the king’s chambers.
“I mean, that there is a reason he was appointed King. He could have been a king for all the lands of Verdil. In the beginning, he would have done anything to prevent war, and provide for the kingdoms. He had a great vision for the lands for trade, and unity. Vision that would have empowered all who lived in our great lands and assured that everyone would have had plenty. At the beginning, that’s what he was working for. Then it all changed.”
They had reached the top of the steps and stood at the beginning of a dark hallway barely lit with torches held by elegant metal. Emmeline stepped forward, and then turned to Svana, “It was subtle at first, the changes... and then, by the time we all realized how bad things were, it was too late.”
“I see,” Svana said, her eyes drifted to the floor, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. Emmeline began walking again, and Svana followed until she stopped at a large oak door with a shining bronze handle. Emmeline didn’t hesitate before entering, but Svana felt out of place. From the hallway, the well-lit room sang of the King’s excellence and taste. Heavy velvet drapes, adorned with long shining cords of gold fibers, hung from the large window on the other side of an elegant bed with matching drapes to nearly hide its occupant.
Lion head sconces, and a hand carved statue of a goddess stood in one corner. A dark oak vanity stood tall and proud on the opposite side of the room, though it was clear a female had not stood before it in many years.
“Come, Svana.” Emmeline motioned quietly for the woman to join her at the side of the king’s bed. Servants bustled about, changing out wash cloths on his head as if he were a sick child. Others left the room with empty bowls. No one dared to look Svana in the face.
Did they think she was to blame for his deep slumber? Did they hate her for it? She remembered the kind soldier’s words to her to watch herself, and her hand drifted to her side to rest on the jewel encrusted hilt of her sword. The feeling gave her a sense of peace, for at that instant if someone were to attack, she knew she could protect herself.
Svana stood as close to the satin covered bed as she dared, looking upon the king’s pale face. His chest rose and fell carefully with every breath and Svana could not figure out why he looked so peaceful but could not be woken.
“Well?” Emmeline paced. “Is there anything you can do? Can you get the blue-haired woman who healed him before? Can she do something?”
Dragon Bow Page 6
