by Jay Lynn
Stretching out his wings, the apparition waited for Alec to climb onto his back prior to rising. Soaring into the air, Fang headed straight for the center of the disturbance. At the very least, they needed to distract their foes long enough for Ardys and Tatsu to get their companions to safety.
Turning to meet their new opponent, the black creature shot a ball of flames. The blast was enormous, measuring much larger than any of the strikes thus far.
He must use fire magic like Ardys.
Prepared for such a violent attack, Alec raised a shield which encompassed the two of them. The blast wrapped around the barrier and harmlessly flew past.
Teeth bared, the black dragon snorted a stream of smoke. Dashing forward, he stretched out his claws and raced to meet his foe.
Lowering the shield Alec dove down, twisting around to come up behind his adversary and hit him with a bolt of lightning. Alec’s spirit creature was much smaller than a normal dragon, but his size gave him an advantage when it came to speed.
With Isabelle’s firebird engaged in combat with the blue dragon, Ardys used the diversion to head towards the ground. Swooping down, he landed just long enough for Nathan and Derek to dismount. Isabelle remained on his back so that she could better control her spirit beast. The further apart they were, the weaker the connection.
Eyes narrowing to slits, the black dragon relentlessly fired one blast after another at the human who dared to challenge him.
Darting around the strikes, Alec and Fang twisted through the air as if they had flown together all their lives. Once they were in position, Alec created another energy shield. When the next fireball flew at him, he redirected the blow, sending the explosion into the brown creature locked on Tatsu. The surprise attack sent the dragon tumbling through the air.
Wasting no time, Tatsu folded his wings and quickly descended. The proud black creature passed by a blur of bright red as Ardys shot up to rejoin the battle. He rammed the dark ebony foe in the back at full speed.
Roaring in pained surprise, the creature spun out of control for a brief moment. Once he regained his bearing, he was met with dual assaults from Ardys and Alec. Both claws and blade slashed across his body, cutting into his scales. Drops of blood rained down in a light crimson shower.
Recovering from his comrade’s blast, the brown dragon switched places with the blue beast, freeing him to target Alec. Activating his jewel, the pale dragon increased his speed, closing the distance between him and the human in a flash. With his enemy occupied, the blue dragon had a clear opening. Crashing into Alec, he sank his teeth into Fang’s neck.
A sharp pain pierced the sorcerer. Obeying Alec’s every thought, Fang dissolved into a swirl of light. His spirit wrapped around him as the sage free fell. Above him, Alec’s opponent jerked back, searching for his suddenly vanished rival. Alec was far from defeated. Holding his arms out to the side, he slowed his fall as Fang rematerialized around him. Raising once more, the warriors set out to return the favor.
Summoning a water spell, Alec began to coil it around his blade when his spirit called out to him. Glancing down, the sage paused for a moment. What are you telling me? Instead of concentrating on his weapon, Alec rested his palm on the side of Fang’s neck. A bright, frosty light lined his mouth as he prepared to fire a blast. Striking at the blue dragon, Fang’s now frozen breath hit him on his right shoulder, causing ice crystals to form over his side and down the dragon’s wing.
Unable to move his appendage, the blue dragon spiraled out of control and crashed to the ground, hard.
His adversary fallen, Fang shifted his attention to their remaining enemies. Isabelle’s firebird wasn’t shining as bright, so he moved to aid her creature as Tatsu arrived to rejoin the fray.
The black injured dragon blasted his foes with another massive fireball. With one of his dragons already deceased, and his squad being quickly outnumbered, their odds for success were nearly undetectable. Soaring towards his companion, the ebony beast released another series of blasts. The sky lit up with a cloud of smoke as Ardys and Tatsu countered the attacks. Then, there was nothing. As the air cleared, the two enemy dragons had vanished. Gazing around for their foes, Alec finally spotted them disappearing into the distance. As he made to give chase, Ardys flew up beside him and shook his head.
“Let them go. We are not prepared to defend so many should they lead us into a trap.”
Alec’s jaw tensed. Peering at both the ground below and the strained look on Isabelle’s face, he knew the dragon was right. The sorceress had to be running low on mana, and protecting the others needed to be their first priority.
“Come on, Fang,” he muttered as his spirit dragon turned away.
There was nothing else he could do at the moment. Returning to the ground, Alec drew his soul back inside of him. Cassidy was beginning to wake as Malcolm finished healing the remainder of her wounds. Alec glanced at Jade. She had stayed by the green dragon’s side during the length of the battle.
“How is she?”
“Quite well, thanks to you and Malcolm.”
“I am perfectly capable of answering myself,” Cassidy grumbled, trying not to groan as she slowly picked up her head.
The warrior ran a hand over her scales without a word. He understood her frustration. The enemy dragons had taken them all by surprise. Alec was just glad that everyone was alright.
“We should leave this place,” Tatsu advised, glancing at the sky.
He received no arguments as the humans each climbed aboard their respective dragons. Fifteen minutes into their flight, the towering city of Stafford came into view. Alec drew back slightly at the sight. I was not aware that we were so close. This was the second time that the Iron Scales Clan had nearly attacked the city. The first time, Cassidy and the others had left no survivors to report his location. They weren’t as fortunate during this battle. It wouldn’t take them long to discover his connection to Stafford. What have I done?
It is almost time, whispered the voice he was strangely becoming used to.
Alec tried not to frown. He knew of what she spoke. The moon must be near its pinnacle place in the sky for him to complete his part of the prophecy.
Jade’s hand squeezed his arm, sending a jolt of pain straight into his heart. Stafford Castle was now visible and Alec knew the threat to this fief wasn’t lurking in the forest or waiting to march up the main road. It was him. The dragons had come for him and if he stayed, they could easily bring the entire city to ruin. No matter where he went, Alec was marked, and the dragons would find him.
The feel of Jade’s warmth was equivalent to his plunge in the creek behind Malcolm’s cottage. How could he have so selfishly put the one person he truly loved in harm’s way? This wasn’t bandits or evil sorcerers coming to seek his head. Vincent’s crazed ploy had put everything into perspective. Alec’s fingers gently touched the enchanted chain bound with Jade’s ribbon beneath his shirt. He could not risk putting her in anymore danger. Jade deserved to be happy and there was only one way he could see to ensure that outcome.
One at a time, the three dragons lowered themselves to the ground inside Stafford’s courtyard. The main gate was closed, with the heavy steel portcullis firmly in place. Sliding down, Alec quickly asked Cassidy for the dragons to meet him in the clearing at the back of the gardens. He then turned his attention to Jade.
Helping the noblewoman to the ground, Alec wrapped his fingers around Jade’s. He led her out of the courtyard while there was still a fair amount of commotion to disguise their escape. Dusk had fallen, casting the gardens in a warm glow. Once hidden from the view of prying eyes, Alec paused. He placed a gentle hand along the side of Jade’s face and gazed down at her with a look she could not decipher.
“Did he harm you?” the prince questioned urgently.
Jade blinked. Alec was staring at her with such intensity that she could not seem to get her brain to focus. After the long trying ordeal she had just endured, all she wanted was to melt into th
e safe warmth of his arms. Strict manners kept her hands gripped in front of her.
“No, he did not. Thanks to you, I am quite safe.” A smile spread across her lips, reaching all the way to her eyes. “You always seem to come to my rescue just in time.”
Alec didn’t return her grin. Face grim, he turned his head to the side.
“It was my fault that you were placed in danger. I deserve no thanks for that.”
Jade’s eyes widened. Lips parting, she shook her head. Why must he be so severe to himself? Reaching up, Jade’s long fingers touched his dirty cheek.
“Vincent’s madness was not your doing.”
Alec stiffened, moving away a step. “Wasn’t it?” he questioned harshly. “He became so obsessed with defeating me that he kidnapped you and gave you to our enemies. Jade, you were locked within Zerrok’s stronghold because of me.”
“It was not so strong when you were finished.”
“This is not a joke,” he stressed.
The warrior crossed his arms, seeming to close himself off from her.
Jade sighed. “I know it is not.” She shrugged her shoulders and stepped closer to him. “These last few days have been the worst that I can remember. I am so relieved to be back home, to be by your side. I do not wish to tarnish this private moment that I get to share with you, Alakaid. Pray, let us not quarrel.”
His true name, spoken from her musical lips, made his heart beat faster.
“Nor do I.”
Alec could not keep himself from shifting his sights to peer at Jade’s face. Gazing into her emerald irises, his hands slowly dropped back to his sides. No words were able to sound in his voice as he drank in the sight of her. Taking a breath, Alec went to speak, but stopped himself.
“What is it?” Jade whispered. He is not telling me something.
The prince shook his head without answering. Moving forward, he unexpectedly pressed his mouth against hers. Alec’s lips were firm, yet gentle, as he caressed the soft skin of her shoulder before his fingers slid up to cup the back of her head.
All thoughts flew from Jade’s mind. The shock of his sudden kiss stole her breath. Pressing her palms against the solid rock of his chest, she allowed herself to be swept away by the endless sensations.
Before he allowed himself to go too far, Alec gradually pulled back. His hands rested on the sides of her arms as he moved to whisper in her ear.
“I will always love you, Jade.”
Watching the flushed color of her cheeks, and the sparkle in her eyes one last time, Alec spun away and vanished into the growing shadows.
Jade couldn’t have found her voice to call him back even if she tried. With trembling fingers, she touched her swollen lips. This kiss had been different than the one they previously shared. While both were filled with a fire and passion, there was something bittersweet hidden beneath this kiss. Jade couldn’t put her finger on it, but it almost felt as if he had been saying goodbye.
Groaning, Jade rubbed her temples. Mixed emotions and little sleep must be confusing her thoughts. There was no reason for her to be reading so much into what had been an impulsive kiss. They had all been through so much. Walking up the path, Jade set out towards the courtyard to seek her parents. Everything would be better tomorrow after a good night’s rest. There would be plenty of time to speak with Alec then.
Moving with the shadows, Alec strode leisurely through the gardens and out into the clearing on the other side. Part of him was grateful of the growing lateness of the hour, for there was no one here to run into. At the moment, the prince had no desire to see any of his friends.
Cassidy, Ardys and Tatsu lay in the grass awaiting his arrival. Upon seeing them, Alec paused his steps. Tilting his head back, he gazed up at the moon. The large bright orb was almost full. How had the time come so quickly?
“We know why you have asked us here,” Ardys began watching Alec closely. “There is no need to leave immediately. The ceremony cannot be completed for two nights hence.”
The shadow of a smile appeared on the warrior’s face. He gazed at each of the dragons in turn prior to speaking.
“I know, but there is no point in delaying what is to come. The longer I remain here, the greater the danger for those I care for.”
“Alec, are you sure about this?” Cassidy questioned sadly.
He nodded.
Tatsu rose and drew his face closer to the sorcerer. “You know what’s going to happen, don’t you?”
It wasn’t really a question. Still, Alec saw fit to answer all the same. He wasn’t looking for pity. Nothing could stop his destiny, and too much sympathy just might cause him to wish for time that he cannot have.
“I do, Tatsu. It took me awhile to figure out what the prophecy really meant, but I will not run from this. It is time, I can feel it.”
“Then we shall gladly be with you to the end,” the green dragon told him fondly.
The strange look on Alec’s face caused her to frown.
“What is it?”
Fingers tapping the side of his leg, Alec released a long slow breath. “I know you’re not going to like this, my friend, but I need a favor.”
“Name it,” Cassidy replied easily.
He shifted his weight back and forth. “I would like you to remain here until it is done.”
Cassidy’s head jerked back. Eyes narrowing, a waft of smoke escaped from her nostrils.
“I know I’m asking for a lot,” Alec pressed on. “But the Iron Scales Clan could attack at any time, and more importantly, you’re the only one she will understand.”
She. Cassidy knew exactly to whom he was referring. Jade meant more to Alec than anything else in this world. As much as she wanted to be by his side, she could not deny him this peace of mind. Finally, Cassidy dipped her head in agreement.
“I swear I will protect her for you, little one. It has been an honor to fight beside you,” she conceded nudging him with her head. “Always know that you have the heart of a true dragon. I will never forget you, Alakaid, Prince of Dragons.”
Alec chuckled, running his hand over her gleaming scales one last time. They had been through much together. Ever since he landed in Malyndor for the first time, there were days where he was almost convinced it was all a dream. No matter what was to come, the sage could not find it in his heart to regret it.
Three dragons took off into the night sky with Alec crouched low on Tatsu’s back to hide his departure. They flew west towards the forest surrounding Malcolm’s cottage. Once there, Cassidy pulled back, hovering above the trees as she watched the others disappear from view. Without Alec, there was no reason to remain at the castle. The green dragon planned to wait here, in the comfort of the trees, for Jade to seek her out. There was no doubt in her mind that the noblewoman would do so. By that time, the Dragon Sage would be no more.
Chapter 20
In the distance, flashes of light scorched the sky like an angry firestorm. Edmund knew this was no natural storm. On the edge of the horizon, the red blazes stretched across the heavens once again. Somewhere to the southwest, miles away, a battle was underway. Traveling towards the Keep, Edmund instructed his men to stand ready. He could not say for sure, but this blaze reminded him too much of dragon’s fire.
“It looks like some of the creatures are battling,” Roderick observed, coming to stand beside his lord. “Do you think another raid flew here from the south?”
Edmund frowned. So, I am not the only one who thinks this is the work of beasts. “Difficult to say. We know so little about them.”
The knight nodded. “If he was here, Alec might be able to tell us. Any word from him?” Or Jade, Roderick wanted to add.
“Nothing but silence.”
The explosions quickly erupted into a crescendo of thunderous blasts. When it was done, the heavens stilled, leaving an empty silence.
“Where will you go now?” the duke muttered.
At perhaps a day’s ride away, this battle was far too close for co
mfort. The two men stayed on the battlements watching the waning light. Dark shadows in the distance drew the knight’s attention. Frowning, he stepped forward, leaning on the thick stone wall as his gaze tracked the strange movement. Three shapes appeared as they headed straight for the castle. Eyes narrowing, Roderick pushed back from the wall. Turning to the guardhouse, he hollered for his men to ready themselves.
Soldiers raced to giant crossbows stationed along the wall and took aim. A strained, hushed quiet fell as everyone waited. The figures drew closer, visibly taking the forms of dragons. As they neared the castle, the creatures slowed their pace. Coming to a standstill, they hovered in the air just outside of the soldiers’ weapons’ reach. The large jewels on the dragons’ foreheads began to glow, shining brightly for a few seconds before the light faded and ceased.
“Stand down!” Duke Stafford ordered at once.
As his instructions were passed along the battlements, the crossbows were lowered to the ground. Continuing along their path, the three dragons, one by one, came to land in the courtyard. Edmund dashed down the stairs and across the stone pavers seeking his daughter. He saw the familiar faces of Alec’s companions, as well as a few strangers among the passengers. Reaching Cassidy, his gaze darted between the courtyard and the green dragon’s back. Jade was nowhere to be seen. Where is she? Heart racing, the duke rushed over to Malcolm.
“Malcolm, where is Jade? Pray, do not tell me she...” Swallowing hard, he could not finish the words.
The great sage shook his head. “There is no need to fret, my friend. Jade is safe and unharmed.”
“Thank the heavens,” Edmund sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly.
“Indeed,” Malcolm agreed, shifting to peer behind him. “Her ladyship and Alec are right...hmm,” he paused. A small puzzled frown briefly touched his lips. “They were here but a moment ago.”
Alec, Edmund thought with relief. How could he have forgotten about the prince? The warrior didn’t seem to be anywhere either. Suddenly, Edmund caught sight of them. On the other side of the courtyard Alec was leading Jade by the hand towards the gardens at the back of the castle. They quickly disappeared from view without anyone else appearing to notice. Edmund took several steps in the direction of their fleeting forms, then stilled. She is safe. Tears moistened his eyes at the sight. The pressure weighing upon his chest since her disappearance faded away. As much as the duke desired to go after her, he refrained from doing so. Alec had kept his word despite all odds. If nothing else, he had earned a few private moments with his future bride. Edmund did not question Alec’s honor.