“Why did you let me sleep for so long?” Astrid said angrily.
“You needed it, you’ve just come from battle, and carrying the bodies of the dead. Your mind… your soul—it needed rest.” Aronus waddled over to her and put his head on her lap. She scratched the top of his head. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“Are you ready to discuss the Tellurian king?” he asked.
She nodded in the darkness, bracing herself for what he was about to say.
“That day on the battlefield, Astrid, I listened to his thoughts, and although clouded, there was something there in the background. I didn’t exactly recognize it, but I can tell you with certainty that there were two voices in his head.
“Does he have a dragon guide perhaps?” Astrid wondered out loud.
“I thought about that, but the Unseen Ones would never allow it. Palladin would never allow it. He would put a stop to it before it started.”
“How do you know that for sure though? And if it’s as you say, then what he is experiencing is like what we experience with you as our guides. Am I right?”
“In a sense.” He paused for a moment as he contemplated what to say. “The voice in his head isn’t a guide, it’s like a darker version of himself, pushing him to make all the negative decisions that his conscious mind would normally deter from.
Astrid shook her head, not comprehending. “I don’t understand. That doesn’t make any sense.”
“I agree, it would make even less sense to think that a dragon had anything to do with it. The Dragon Elders would never approve of such a thing. It would be against our creed and everything we stand for.”
“As you’ve told me, Aronus.”
“I know, I, like you, am just trying to make sense of a very difficult and confusing situation.”
Though her eyes had mostly adjusted to the darkness around her, she could barely make out his form. Aronus’s scaly head still lay in her lap. He got up and slipped through the tent flaps. Astrid followed him, emerging into the night. The stars twinkled above them as if all was right with the world. Astrid felt sadness as she watched Aronus hover quietly in the night air ahead of her.
Astrid could tell that whatever had been going in his mind bothered him greatly. Could it be possible? Was there a dragon involved with what was going on with the king?
“I truly don’t think that’s possible, Astrid. However, the idea of a wizard locked away in a tower assisting the King Armand with whatever he chooses to do—that wouldn’t surprise me nearly as much, and it makes more sense. The only thing I question, is where does this wizard get his magic? Dragons are the source of magic. It’s very troubling.”
“So, what do you suggest we do, Aronus?”
“I don’t know, Astrid. On one hand, it may look like Svana needs our help, but on the other hand, you need to return to Caelestis and alert them about what has occurred.”
“Great, so stay here and help my sister and die, or go to Caelestis, tell the Vizier we burned the bodies, and possibly die. Those are my only two choices? My situation is looking a little dire.”
“Wise up, Astrid. You’ve known this day was coming. The fact that the future looks grimmer than we could have prepared for is disturbing. I have no doubt that the three of you, with our help, will figure this out and pull through, though.”
“Well, thank you for your vote of confidence, but I don’t see that happening either, as my sisters and I are separated for the moment and after losing so many people, I don’t think any of us know what we should be doing. Save for Svana, who is fighting to save a King she really should just let die. I mean—isn’t that what we’re supposed to do? Kill the kings, and take their place?”
“Yes, you are right in both respects. I also know that you don’t see the benefit in saving King Armand. If he can be brought back from the brink of death, then perhaps there is chance that he can be brought back from the darkness that engulfs him, whatever that may be. And your mission from Palladin is to unite the kingdoms and lead them to peace. The king doesn’t necessarily have to die for that to happen. You must remember, Astrid, Palladin—as well as rest the of us, thought the three kings were evil and needed to be eradicated for peace. But—it seems matters are more complicated than that. It seems that somehow, corruption has spread into the Telluris’ king’s heart. And who’s to say he’s the only one?”
Astrid paced around, feeling naked without her bow, and almost ducked back into the tent to grab it.
“Theres no need for that, Astrid. It’s the dead of night. All of your foes are sleeping, save for the wild, furry ones.”
“I know, I just feel better having it in my hand where I can hold it and protect myself within a second’s notice if need be.”
“I understand,” her dragon guide said.
Astrid went back in the tent and sat on the ground thinking about what Aronus had said about the use of magic. It was something that had been harped on since they were younger. No human was ever allowed the use of magic. Then, being put into the position she and her sisters had been, she saw how that could be twisted with the help of a dragon. Only, she never could use magic unless Aronus was responsible for it, and as far as Hekla—Astrid’s understanding was limited. If she understood it correctly, Speltus fed Hekla magic, like a life source that was connected to her that she could feed off, which led to her next thought—every route of magic led to a dragon behind it. Would that not be the same for a wizard? She knew that wizards had existed long ago, but the actual reason why they didn’t anymore was lost on her. Had the dragon elders withdrawn the wizard power and restored it to the dragon realm?
“Yes,” Aronus said reading her thoughts. “That is exactly what happened. The magicians of old abused their power and so it was taken from them. That was centuries ago, and the last wizard alive with true magic died a long time ago—his magic absorbed from him and returned to the Dragon Realm where it belonged.
“So, it’s not possible that the wizard that is locked away is a remaining wizard perhaps?”
“Not in the slightest, the Unseen Ones would never allow it.”
“Then, Aronus… the only logical explanation is that there is a rogue dragon helping the wizard, or that there is no wizard at all, only the dragon itself.”
“No!” Aronus growled at her. “That isn’t the case. The Unseen Ones wouldn’t allow it. Not only that, but the Dragon Realm would know if one of their own had gone missing.”
“Aronus, I don’t mean to offend. I’m just trying to figure this out—just like you. You always harp on certain things, and if we are going to find a solution to this problem, then we have to acknowledge the truths that we know.”
“Astrid, tread carefully. A dragon would not go rogue. It would be the end of them if they did.”
“How do you know for sure? Has that never happened before? Has any of your kind turned their back on the elders?” Astrid was genuinely concerned, her only concern was to figure out what was truly going on. If only to help her sisters and restore Verdil to its former glory.
“No!” he yelled louder, for the last time. “It’s never happened, and it won’t ever!” He was roaring as loud as his little body would allow.
Astrid felt shushed into silence, suddenly regretting that she had fought for the truth so hard. She hadn’t meant to upset him. Nonetheless, the damage had been done. Aronus lifted off the ground, flying out into the night again, everything about his actions showing Astrid that he was angry.
“Aronus, I didn’t mean any harm. I’m sorry!”
But he was gone.
“Toverak guts,” she cursed, frustrated at herself for being so adamant about knowing the truth.
Astrid lied down on her mat, feeling heartbroken that he was gone. What was she going to do now? She didn’t have arrows without Aronus. He was her power. He was what made her unique and gave her courage.
Closing her eyes, she thought over everything they had talked about. Loneliness settled in on her. A sudden soft buzz
ing came from the outside of the tent. She jumped up and ran outside,
“Aronus, are you back?” Only Aronus was nowhere to be found. The buzzing continued, and a familiar little buzzing body fluttered about her. The hummingbird! He’d returned? Was she dreaming?
The hummingbird looked at her expectantly, as if he wanted her to do something.
“I don’t know what you want, little guy.”
His beautiful little body shimmered in the moonlight, and he fluttered around her head, causing her to giggle as her gaze chased him.
“What are you doing? Get back here.” The hummingbird obliged, looking to her as if he was smiling. He flittered near her. Astrid held out her palm, and he settled onto her hand. His tiny iridescent head tilted up at her, as if listening to what she had to say. Oddly, she felt comforted by his presence.
“Well, you’re all I have for now, little friend. It’s night, not the best time for you to be out. In fact, I’ve never seen a hummingbird out at night before. Will you keep me company while I wait for Aronus to come back?”
The hummingbird bobbed his head up and down once, and she couldn’t believe her eyes. Entering the tent, she felt around the ground for her pack, so she could pull out an apple for him to peck at.
Setting it on the ground, she put her hand next to the apple so he could waddle off and eat to his leisure. She laid down on her mat again, ranting to him about everything that had gone on the past few days, knowing full well he couldn’t understand her, before she finally drifted off to sleep again.
17
Svana
When someone you love hurts, you want to do everything in your power to help them—to save them. At those times, your own hurt—your own pain—it does not matter. All that matters is that you reach them. But you must remember that you cannot help them if you cannot first help yourself.
Pavrusion, The Infamous, The Eighth Dragon Elder, Ninth Age of Verdil
Angry and frustrated that someone had taken Jakobe, and with no answer as to who, Svana knew there was only one place she could go.
Eloise and Percival will know what to do. I must get to Ye Olde Wayward Lady.
Even though the patrons had been less than friendly to Svana before, time was running out. She needed Eloise and Percival to help rescue him, because she knew every moment that went by, brought Jakobe closer and closer to possible death.
She snuck around the building, not wanting to draw attention to herself, and cause more problems for her friends. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. Everything inside was quiet. A little too quiet. She tiptoed toward the bar, where she saw Godwyn glare back at her.
“What in the two moons are you doing back here!? I thought they asked you to leave?” Godwyn’s aging face twisted in an angry scowl.
“Godwyn, please, I don’t want any trouble. I just want to warn Eloise and Percival. Jakobe’s been taken.” She put her hands up, as if begging him to stay away. There was something in his eyes she couldn’t read. A rage that seemed to be eating him alive.
“They warned you about being here.”
She took a few steps back and looked around for something to protect herself. Her sword hung at her side, but she didn’t want to kill the man. She just wanted to defend herself in case he attacked her.
“I’d be really careful about what you are planning to do right now, girly.”
“I’m not going to do anything; I just want to find my friends and get out of here.”
“You don’t have any friends,” Godwyn hissed through his teeth.
“Godwyn, I understand you’re angry, but I promise you that his death wasn’t my fault. There were many people lost, your brave son was one of them, but he wasn’t the only one. I’m so sorry.”
“It was your fault. Our village was fine. We were surviving. The kingdoms may not have been getting along, but we were all managing the best we could. At least no one was being murdered in battle.”
“Is that how you wanted things to stay? Just slowly declining until your people perish because the King has taken everything for himself. Is that what you want?”
He grumbled, and with a flash of silver, the man had withdrawn a dagger from his side and brandished it at her. Svana reached to pull out her sword, but he lunged forward, driving the dagger into her arm. Blood began pouring out, and pain throbbed down to her toes. She sucked in a breath, fighting the urge to scream. He lunged at her again, striking her side and cutting through her rib.
She reached for her sword again, but he rushed her, grabbing her arm, and pressing her against the wall by the door.
“Where yah gonna go, girly? What are you going to do?”
“Please just let me go, please?” Svana pleaded, thrashing against his hold on her.
“No!” He sliced at her again, and again, and all Svana could do was kick at him, twisting and turning her body, and screaming.
“I’m going to turn more than your armor red,” he growled at her.
“Please!”
The way she was positioned, she couldn’t reach her sword. She should have just drawn it when she had the chance and driven it straight through his heart.
“I’m going to do you, like you did my boy. He was gutted on that battlefield and bled out. I did everything I could to save him, but in the end, there was no one to defend him. Just like there is no one here to defend you!” He brought the blade down again, his aim for her heart. She closed her eyes, waiting for it to penetrate, and for the pain and suffering to all be over.
The death blow never came. Instead, she heard a loud roar, and then Godwyn was being yanked away from her. Svana opened her eyes to see Percival and Godwyn wrestling around on the floor.
“Percival. Stop… just let him go. Get him out of here.”
Finally, free from the monster’s grip, she withdrew her sword and yelled at Percival.
“Step back, let me take care of him.”
Percival let the man go and stood to his feet. Godwyn, still breathing heavy, stared up at her. Angry and covered in her blood.
She held her sword to his throat.
“Get out of here! And if you hurt my friends, or come back here, I’ll drive my sword clean through your chest. Got it?” Svana let the words slither off her tongue, wondering what was stopping her from killing him right then and there.
“Yeah, right…” He spat, scrambling to his feet and exiting out the back door. Svana slid her sword back in its scabbard, feeling slightly woozy from the adrenaline rush and blood loss.
“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up, all right?” Eloise grabbed her hand and pulled her gently along. At the sight of her, the patrons started getting angry again, enticing each other and yelling out derogatory words at her. As she surveyed them, she knew that none of the people there would have been able to take Jakob single-handedly.
“All right, that’s enough, get out of here. We’re locking up for the day.” Percival started shooing everyone out, much to their dismay and grumbled comments.
“So, you’re taking the woman’s side, are ya?” one of the men asked.
“Yes, I am, now get out of here,” Percival said angrily.
“You’ve betrayed us this day,” someone else said.
“Better watch yourself, Percy, or your gonna end up like the blacksmith.”
“That’s enough of you,” Percival shoved the rest of them out the door and locked it securely.
“Wait, stop!” Svana rushed forward as he locked the door, yelling through it, “what have you done with him?”
No one said a thing. Her anger intensified.
“Where is he!?” Svana yelled again.
They didn’t respond to her urgent cries.
“Percival, please unlock it and let me out. I need to find out where they took Jakobe,” she begged.
“Do you honestly think any of them actually took him? He would have fought them all off one-handed. No, something else took him.”
“That’s what I was worried about,” she said, sighin
g deeply. “What am I going to do now? I can’t just leave him behind and forget about him. But if I don’t get the medicine the king needs…. If he dies, there will be no hope. For any of us.” Svana looked from Eloise to Percival, wondering what they were going to say.
They shrugged their response.
“I wouldn’t even know where to start,” Percival said honestly.
“Then I must go. I have to help save him.” Svana pulled her sword out, brandishing it in front of her. Her anger drove her forward. She would not stop until she found him, or the people who took him.
“Svana, you can’t go out. You need to heal; you’ve had too much blood loss.”
“Eloise, I’m fine,” Svana insisted. “I need to fight! Don’t you understand? He was your friend too; you’re being awfully nonchalant about this.”
“Dear, we have no idea where he is. You can’t just go rushing forward all willy nilly and try to fight some unknown evil—when you don’t even know who took him.” Eloise tried to reason with her. “Not only that, but you are in no shape to fight. Why do you not see that?”
“I am fine to fight!” Svana said furiously, whipping her hair from her face, and ignoring their warnings. “I’m going. You can either come with me or stay here. I don’t care. I have to go to Jakobe, he needs me.” She could envision his handsome, chiseled face in her mind.
He cared about me, and I ran from him. Why didn’t I allow myself to feel? What if I don’t get him back? What if he dies, then what will I do?
Lingaria allowed Svana her internal rant without fighting back, of that she was grateful.
Svana ran toward the back door, deciding that was the best way to get out of the tavern, and not wanting to let angry patrons back in, for fear of Percival and Eloise’s safety. She was just about to the back door, when her head began to spin and the lights in the room dimmed. What was happening? Everything started to fade around her, and flashes of light showed in the back of her eyes.
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