by D. E. Morris
Connor's excitement had dimmed considerably. His shoulders rounded as Ashlynn spoke and the lopsided grin he'd been wearing was no longer present.
“Of course, Killian will accompany as well.”
If the young man was crestfallen before, he was depressed now. “Killian?”
“Well, yes. Rowan is his daughter, after all. She is only fifteen and to send her off with you without an adult, especially as she is blind, would be highly irresponsible of me. Do you not agree?”
Connor shifted on his feet. “Well...no, that makes sense.”
“You expressed an interest in joining the Keepers as well, didn't you?”
He nodded slowly. “Yes...”
“Then it is the perfect situation. He will be there to help Rowan when she needs it and also begin your training for your appointment.” She gave Connor a winning smile. “What a wonderful idea, Connor. I'm glad you came to me with it.”
“Yeah,” he mumbled. “Me, too.”
“Maybe Killian will even give you your official tattoo!”
“I want to go,” Lochlainn chimed in.
“I'm sure you do,” Ashlynn chuckled, squeezing him gently. She looked at Connor, thoughtful as though considering it a moment, Connor's eyes bulged again. When she laughed, he seemed to finally realize she was just playing with him.
“I'll sail for Ibays tomorrow,” he told her, his expression shifting between annoyance and good humor. “I want to make sure Alanna is all right and get Nyx before heading out.”
Ashlynn sobered some. “Do you think that is the best decision? She is still a young dragon and you don't have the control over her that Gia has demonstrated over the older dragons.”
“She'll be safer with me than she is in Ibays.”
“I suppose that is true.” She pursed her lips. “I would like you to be certain of where Gia is before you run everyone across the globe in search of her.”
“That could take anywhere from a few days to a month or two by the time I get home.”
“Then that is the amount of time it takes.”
Connor sighed, disappointed. Still, he was able to remember his manners and gave a respectful dip of his head. “Thank you.”
“Safe journey, Connor.” The young man nodded once more, understanding he was being dismissed, before heading out the door.
Lochlainn turned in Ashlynn's lap so that he was almost being cradled like a baby. “I want to go see all the dragons,” he whined quietly.
She rocked him in an exaggerated motion, bringing a giggle to his lips. “I know, heartling. It does sound like a fun adventure, doesn't it?”
“Yeah.”
“You and I are going to have some fun of our own at home.”
Lochlainn narrowed his eyes up at her. “We are?”
“We are. I think, my boy, it is time to start teaching you about everything you can do as a Gael and what you will be able to do as an Elemental.”
His face lit up and he pushed himself upright in her arms, all traces of exhaustion gone from his face. “Do I get to shift?”
“That is the plan, yes.”
“I get to shift!” Launching himself from his mother's arms, he all but trampled over the toys on the floor, making Lucien and Tiyal jump back. “I get to shift! Let's play dragons!”
“I get to be the fire dragon this time!” Lucien announced as he jumped up.
Tiyal's face fell. “You always get to be the fire dragon.”
“Because I'm a Phoenix.”
“But you don't have Phoenix colored wings!”
“Maybe I'll be the fire dragon,” Ashlynn growled playfully, rising from her chair to scoop Tiyal up.
He squealed as she pretended to nibble on his ear. “You are already an earth dragon!”
“And elves look like tasty treats even to earth dragons,” she told him.
“Save me!” the little boy cried, peals of laughter on his lips.
“Save Tiyal from the earth dragon!” Lucien cried, flapping his wings for elevation to help him throw himself onto Ashlynn's back. Lochlainn wrapped himself around her legs, all of them working together to send her to the floor. All thoughts of sleep were pushed away as the four of them tumbled and laughed together, forgetting the hardship and fear they'd been carrying with them all day long.
Chapter Eight
Though it didn't take Connor quite a month to get a solid lead as to Gianara's whereabouts, it was over three weeks since the group had returned to Altaine before he arrived with Nyx. The dark purple dragon, once more lilac in color and no bigger than a dog, flew over the bailey and drew the attention of everyone who happened to be outside. Connor sat securely behind her head, her body big enough to carry him but no one else. When she landed, she gave a high-pitched squawk of a cry in greeting to the children who ran up to her.
Connor slid from her back and jumped to the ground, careful not to take out anyone else in the process. Though they didn't come to court all that often, they were there enough that Nyx was a familiar sight. She was still so young that she acted like a hatchling most of the time, despite her growing size. She would tackle the children and play tag with them, pouncing on them like she was a feral cat and they were her prey, somehow keeping all of her actions gentle.
“Is this your dragon?”
Connor was nearly inside when he heard a voice only slightly familiar. He turned to see a tall man with dark brown skin dressed in colorful robes watching the excitement in the bailey. “Badru, right?” Connor extended his hand. “I don't think we've ever really been formally introduced.”
Badru clasped his forearm in a strong grip. “We have been in many of the same conversations together, but seldom have we spoke. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Your Highness.”
Turning back to the commotion, Connor rested his hands on his hips and laughed. “That's Nyx. I met her when Jaryn, Cailin and I were on Ironedge and rescued her from the Mirasean explosion.”
Badru's eyes moved swiftly as he followed the dragon's every movement. “In all of my years, I have never seen one act like that. She pretends to scratch and bite, yet there is no desire to harm. She looks...playful.”
“She is,” Connor assured. “She loves the little kids, too. Other than me and Rowan, kids are the only people she'll allow on her back.”
“They treat her like an overgrown puppy.”
“Probably because she acts like one.” He looked at the older man. “I'm surprised to still see you here. I figured everyone went their separate ways when we left Caedia.”
“I went home for a while. Actually, I just arrived back here four days ago to try to help Ashlynn with young Lochlainn. It seems he is having trouble shifting for the first time.”
Connor scratched the back of his neck. “I have trouble changing my own clothes, forget changing the shape and size of my body. I'm sure it's not easy.” He glanced toward the open passages to the castle. “I should go talk to Ashlynn. I finally found Gia so I want to get to where she is before she moves her location again.”
“Please, do not let me stop you.” Connor started in, but paused when Badru asked, “May I introduce myself to your dragon?”
He chuckled. “By all means. Just don't let her lick you. She has a thing for sweets and with those robes, she just might mistake you for one.”
All it took was word of Connor's arrival for preparations to begin for the group's departure. Luckily, both Rowan and Lilia were in Ashlynn's company so there was no need to search for them, and Jaryn was with Killian. As they were heading out, Cailin found Connor and straightened his jerkin. “Take care of yourself out there, okay? And take care of those girls.”
He puffed out his chest. “They'll be safe with me.”
“I'm sure they will.”
“Safe travels,” said Niam as he joined the pair. He clasped Cailin's forearm with a wide grin. “I look forward to training with you while the others go off on their grand adventure. I've heard some incredible things about the wa
y you fight.”
The compliment brought a smile to her face. “Thank you. I'm interested in learning about the techniques you've learned yourself. I heard you studied under a master of hand to hand combat using no weapons.”
“And I had the broken bones to prove it for a while.”
“That's great,” Connor drawled. “Cai, are you coming to see us off?”
Unaware that there had been any tension between Connor and Niam, she glanced between the two with uncertainty. “Um...sure, if you'd like me to.”
“By the way,” Connor told Niam, “my sister is only fifteen.”
Now it was Niam's turn to be confused. “Okay?”
“Just thought you might want to know.”
Within the hour, several people stood on the royal docks to watch the small vessel carrying Connor, Killian, Rowan, and Lilia sail away from Siness. Connor's wide eyes and beaming grin as he faced out to sea gave away his excitement. The farther they moved from shore, the greater the speed of travel and the higher the winds. Even though it was the beginning of summer, the salt water waves that slapped against the ship's hull sent a chilly spray into the air, making the girls squeal in surprise. With a wolfish grin, Connor wrapped his arms around Lilia's waist and pulled her close. She giggled and playfully fought against him. When Killian cleared his throat and gave them a stern glance, they separated, Lilia embarrassed and Connor sulking.
“Where is Nyx?” she asked as she moved away from Connor to grip the banister.
Looking up, Connor's eyes swept the sky. Fat, rounded white clouds drifted lazily overhead. It was possible his dragon was hiding somewhere among them, though her dark scales should have given her away. “I don't really know,” he confessed. From a pouch tied to his belt, he pulled a small pan flute and put it to his lips. The tune he played was basic, four simple notes that rang out crisp and clear. Both of them kept their eyes skyward, Killian looking as well. When the young dragon didn't appear, Lilia chuckled quietly. “Apparently your dragon song doesn't work as well as you thought.”
“It usually does,” he insisted, scowling at the pipes as though they were at fault. He played the tune again, and again they waited to see no results. Connor sighed heavily and put the pipes away. “The problem is, if she can see me, she's not going to come out. It doesn't matter if I can see her or not.”
On the starboard side of the ship, Rowan laughed, her curls blanketed in a fine mist. “Oh, she can see you.”
“Where is she?” Realizing Nyx had to be in the water somewhere for Rowan to be able to see her, Connor peered over the side of the boat and down into the water. There was nothing but the swells surrounding them. Only the open ocean was before them and nothing but a few seagulls flew overhead. “Is she swimming?” he asked.
“Like a duckling following its mother,” Rowan told him, barely able to contain her amusement.
Connor repeated her words under his breath. His brow wrinkled as he climbed the steps to the captain's deck to get a look behind them. Sure enough, Nyx was settled into the water, her wings tucked into her sides and her long neck curved like a swan as she paddled without a care in the world. “What are you doing, you silly beast?”
She gave a series of short, cheerful trumpets that made Connor shake his head. As he was about to turn back for the lower deck, there was a splash over the side of the boat that made him hasten to look down into the water. There was just a flash of red and pale skin as Rowan swam under the swells toward the back of the ship. He could see her transformation in distorted movements that left his range of sight as she dove deeper down. When she resurfaced, she was no longer a boisterous girl but a long, snake-like water dragon with mottled blue and silver scales. Nyx saw her and dipped her head under the water to get herself wet before shaking off like a dog. Rowan swam under her and Nyx looked down in confusion. She plunged her head under the water again, searching. All of a sudden, Rowan shot up from the water like a dolphin breaking the surface. She arced through the air, over Nyx's back, and landed on the other side of the purple dragon with a great splash. Nyx jerked her head up and looked from side to side, rolling in the water as though she could see the invisible trail Rowan had left. When she righted herself, she flapped her wings a few times, sending showers everywhere, before taking to the air. Rowan zoomed past the ship, far out in front of it, and Nyx dove down as though she were a hawk moving in for a fish. Her outstretched talons just barely broke the surface tension beside where Rowan swam.
Watching the two of them play together, Connor joined the others near the bow and leaned on the railing. “Sometimes I think she likes Rowan better than me.” He chuckled, entertained by the sight.
“Of course she does,” Lilia told him with half a smile. “In her eyes, you're her mother. Rowan is the fun aunt. We all love our mothers but the relatives who don't have all the rules and regulations are the ones we enjoy spending most of our time with.” She watched the pair for a moment as well and bit her lip. A soft white light began to surround her, making the men look at her.
“What are you doing?” Connor asked.
“I like to play, too.” She gave him a wink before the light enveloped her. When it faded, a small, colorful bird of blue, purple, and gold hopped on the railing in her place. As she took off into the air, she chittered with a quick little wingbeat.
“Have fun,” Connor grumbled as she flew away. He looked over at Killian with a less than convincing smile.
“Take heart, young prince,” Killian offered. “This gives us more time to get to know one another.”
Connor forced the smile back onto his lips, trying to make it look more genuine. “Great. Getting to know one another better. That's exactly what I was going for.”
It was a few days at sea that gave them all enough time to get to know one another better. In order to get to Dragonspire Island, they had to sail around the lengthy southern peninsula of Siness and drift close to Caedia to navigate the narrow and busy channel between the two countries. Though they never passed by close enough to get a good view of either Amme or Montania, they could see the outskirts of the bustling port city that preceded the capital and how full their docks sat.
“It's so strange to think of Elas living in these waters,” Lilia mused, staring out at the city as they drifted by. “I certainly don't know him well by any means, but he is so often in the company of others that I find it hard to imagine him such a solitary being.”
“He was forced into it,” Rowan reminded, sitting on the railing with her feet dangling over the edge. “And he didn't really live in the water. He lived in a dank old waterway under a monastery in the woods.” Her brow wrinkled sadly. “He must have been so lonely.”
Lilia nodded. “Mairead has told me bits of his story; they became such good friends when he was the first person she allowed to see her scars, but she hasn't told me much. From what I know, he certainly was lonely.”
“But now he's married and has a big family,” said Rowan, her expression lightening. “I like that Ashlynn and Jaryn take all the misfits and orphaned into their fold.”
“Well, it is said in scripture that the Giver places the lonely in families. It doesn't say anything about those families being related by blood.”
By the time Dragonspire came into view on the horizon the next morning, the girls were getting antsy. The men had been up half the night discussing maps they'd brought with them, each of them showing different places among the continents that had the potential to be linked to an Elemental. One had been crudely drawn by Killian and Sage, a friend who had been killed several years ago by Merrik and his minions. Connor's map, a gift from Misuzu, was pristine and in near perfect condition. Each line was precise and crafted by a skilled cartographer, showing not only the larger masses of land, but the smaller, insignificant islands as well. Further setting Connor's map apart was a large silver circle of elvish script that stretched over and encompassed all seven Celtique Nations.
Both of them were tired and sluggish, but when Li
lia cried, “I see it!” from above deck, they abandoned their work and hurried up to join her at the prow. “Look,” she enthused, pointing to the horizon ahead of them. “I was only reading for ten minutes or so, and when I looked up, there she was.”
Tall, dark mountains reached into the sky like daggers pointing upward. A thick haze surrounded each spire and blanketed downward in the early morning fog. Though they were still quite a way off, it was easy to pick out three or four creatures in the air that disappeared into the mist and reappeared in other areas. “It looks so spooky,” Lilia breathed, letting Connor wrap his arm around her waist.
“That's the point,” Connor told her. “That fog will last all day, thanks to Gia. It keeps travelers away. There's even a spell on the dragons that makes them look like skeletons when we get closer.”
Lilia looked down at him in question. “How is that possible?”
“Elves are born with unique gifts,” Killian supplied, giving a meaningful glance to Connor. The younger man made a sound that was a cross between and sigh and a growl, releasing Lilia before Killian continued. “High King Tasarin is spirit-linked to his unicorn. I have known elves who could create clones of themselves, animate inanimate objects, and even melt things with their minds.”
Her brows lifted. “What can Gia do?”
“She projects illusions.” Connor's eyes followed one of the dragons as it soared into the fog. “All she has to do is think about it and it happens. It was one of the ways she kept Ironedge safe. When she was younger, she said it took a great deal of energy and concentration to keep illusions going for any great amount of time, but now it's as easy as breathing for her. She can even keep them going in her sleep.” He looked around as though suddenly realizing something. “Where are Rowan and Nyx?”