“Well, we’ve been instructed not to get dirty and to let them know when the trolls arrive,” Rey informed him, getting to his feet. “How do I look?”
Laughing, the Mate only shook his head. “These girls. It was bad enough when it was just Amicia trying to take care of us. Now it’s her and Meena and even Zaendra from time to time.”
Grinning, Animir held up his arms, showing off his new robe. “You have to admit it’s pleasant that they are giving us such niceties.”
“Aye,” the Mate agreed, glancing at the chairs lining their small porch. “Ok, we sit and wait, I suppose.”
They didn’t have to wait long, as the trolls were punctual; a group of six made the trip. Rising to meet the king, Piers hesitated, unsure how to act on such an occasion. Standing at the top step, he looked at Yaodus eye to eye. “I’d bid you welcome, but that didn’t work out so well for me last time,” he growled, glaring into the dark, almost perfectly round eyes of the man who had killed him.
Bowing before him, the king observed, “It wasn’t a good day for any of us. Thankfully, we have this second chance. My high priest is here to see to your vows,” he informed him, offering the other troll. “And I have brought my wife, my daughter, and our two sons to bear witness.”
“Your family,” the Mate observed, puckering his lips at the lavender skin of the woman and the soft pink hue of their girl. “No one believes trolls have families,” he observed, feeling overdressed with the ragged coverings of their guests. At least they aren’t naked, he mused.
“No one really knows much about us. We keep to ourselves. We like it this way,” Yaodus agreed. “Perhaps it is time for a change,” he offered, holding his hand out towards the shore. “Where shall we stand?”
“It’s all over here,” Bally informed them, scurrying down the steps and leading the way to the place the girls had specified for the ceremony.
Watching them go, Rey knocked on the door. “The trolls are here,” he informed Lin when she cracked it to peer up at him.
“Very good, Rey Daye,” she grinned. “Five minutes, we be ready,” she informed him with a shooing motion.
Leaving the porch, he joined the others, standing in the spot Ami had decided was to be his. “We have about five minutes,” he said with a grin, suspecting that all the girls had new dresses as well.
It didn’t really surprise Piers that it was closer to half an hour before the four women arrived, but when they did, the rest became a blur. Walking in a line, Lin led the way, her appearance odd, covered in her new black gown and not her magical garb. Following, Zaendra also wore a new yellow dress, one that accented her dark flawless skin. Arriving at her position, she stood next to Baldwin, who had awaited behind him.
Turning his attention back to the procession, Piers’s eyes grew wide as Amicia strutted along in a slow, even gait. Her dress simple, it suited her, and he smiled at the look of awe on Rey’s features as she stood next to him behind his bride’s spot before their officiant.
Meena came last, in the simplest, most beautiful gown he had ever seen. A straight cut, the hem encircled her calves, shimmering as it hung around her. On her feet, she wore satin slippers, with her hair tied up and bound with ringlets escaping to tease her neck. “God help me,” Piers breathed, looking at her from head to toe.
“It’s a bit late for that,” she laughed, taking her place next to him and turning to face their priest, who towered above them. Behind the priest, the family of trolls formed a line so that a circle of friends enclosed them.
A few minutes later, after a brief speech, the troll gave them both a grin, instructing them to kneel before him. Lifting a bowl of water, he sprinkled it over them, then announced, “You may congratulate the happy couple.”
Lifting her chin with trembling fingers to give her a gentle kiss, the Mate knew he would keep his promise, spending each day to come doing his best to deserve her.
“Ah ha!” the king shouted, clapping thrice when their lips met. “And now we shall celebrate!” Bending over, he whispered to his eldest son, who broke into a wide grin as he left the group and ran up the beach, his bare feet kicking up the rough sand as he went.
Turning into the trees about fifty feet to the north, Amicia scowled as she observed, “Is he going home without you?”
“No. He is summoning the wedding party,” the queen informed her with a smile. Shorter than her mate, the woman still held almost two feet over the girl when she sidled up to stand beside her. Her eyes large and round, like dark plums beneath her light brown hair, they glistened in the spring sun. Her pale purple flesh smooth, she held an air of regality, despite the shabbiness of their attire.
“Wedding party,” Meena repeated, confused. “But we are the wedding party,” she contradicted while indicating her friends.
“Not today,” Yaodus laughed. “Today you are trolls, welcome within our kingdom. This is what you wanted, yes?” he asked, turning to face Ami. “To be given a place among us?”
“I did,” she stammered, watching as pale bodies began to pour out of the line of trees, “I guess.”
The first few trolls carried long sections of wood, which they laid out in five pyres about thirty feet apart so that they covered their entire beach end to end with dancing flames once they were lit. The trolls behind them brought large dead animals that appeared to be elk. These had been cleaned and prepared for roasting on spits which were assembled over the flames.
“What the devil is this?” Piers demanded, as smaller trolls came along, some bearing drums and stringed instruments, which they plucked.
“It’s a wedding party,” the king’s youngest repeated with a smile on his blue lips, hopping around to the beat of their play.
“It’s a celebration,” Meena whispered in awe. “They are actually going to hold a feast for us.”
“Of course,” the king laughed, his arms wide. “We will make merriment with our new friends, and you will remain in the forest for as long as our queen desires it,” he declared, giving Amicia a full bow.
When Ami glanced at his wife, she grinned, but lowered her face at her, which gave the girl an odd twist in the pit of her gut. People called her princess so often, she hardly noticed, but she had been referred to as queen twice by the troll before her. Inhaling deeply, she prepared to demand why, but as she looked around at the festival, she realized it was not the time or place for a detailed explanation.
As soon as the musicians had warmed up and the meal set to cook, the crowd began to gyrate to their rhythms. “This is incredible,” Rey called into her ear as he offered her his hand. “Dance with me,” he chortled.
Writhing next to him, the couple did their best to imitate the movements of their benefactors, then fell into fits of laughter when they couldn’t keep up. Helping to serve the meat as the sun sank low in the sky, they ate and drank from large casks that had been hauled out on odd, two-wheeled carts.
“What’s in the kegs?” Bally asked, eyeing them suspiciously as large cups were served.
“It’s a special beer,” Yaodus explained, giving Piers a nod as he handed him a portion of the brew. “A tradition among our people, made from the roots of a jusue tree. We make it in the fall and store it to keep us through the winter. This is the last of last year’s supply.”
“You are so different from what we had always heard,” Meena observed, her happiness radiating from her.
“Yes,” Amicia agreed. “I’m so glad you have given us your welcome. Although I must admit this is far more than I expected.”
“True friends should only be given the best,” the king replied, raising his cup in a toast. “One day, you will come and visit us in our caves, and we will teach you all there is to know about the trolls.”
Up the mountain, a large form rested between the trees, his eyes trained on the girl. As the sun disappeared, a second dragon arrived and landed to share his clearing. “What news have you?” Lamwen asked, not bothering to move.
“We have only just
begun, but I fear there may be a problem,” Jarrowan replied, also watching the proceedings below.
“Then give me the details,” the captain sighed.
“A few of the dragons we have spoken to seem to think this is a game. A trick of some kind. We have discussed it, and we thought you should know.”
Lifting his giant head, Lamwen faced him. “Should know what?”
“There are those on the council who are plotting against Gwirwen and not for the benefit of Ziradon or his heir, which they claim was murdered the night of Gwirwen’s rise. I’m afraid she may be in danger, and not from the king or his followers. If they wish to hold to their version of events, she would need to be eliminated.”
“Perhaps that is why he met with me alone last time,” the great green dragon mused. “He may be aware of a plot against him.”
“More than one, from the looks of things,” his companion growled. “What should we do? I’m not telepathic, so even if I hear of anything, I can’t reach out to you. I would have to pay another visit.”
“Alas, so few dragons are.”
“You speak to the girl, though,” Jarrowan insisted.
“Yes, she is exceptionally talented. Look how the trolls fawn over her. You would think she was one of them. They have never brought in strangers so.” Gazing down at the group, a dark thought formed in the back of his mind, one that he didn’t dare to put into words. Instead, he reassured his visitor, “We will be fine. Keep to the plan, only speak to those you know harbor a desire to seek our new king’s demise. We will build our army slow but sure.”
“Yes, my captain,” the other dragon agreed before leaping into the air to make his return to the cliffs.
Curling his long tail, Lamwen watched until the flames died away and the trolls made their way back into the woods. Considering their behavior, he couldn’t help but wonder if the old troll had guessed who the girl was, and if he had, what it might cost them in the end.
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Books in the Dragon of Eriden Series
Whisper of Suffering
Journey of Darkness
Betrayal of Honor
Kingdom of Ruin
The Complete Set
(All 4 Books in 1)
Maps of Eriden & The Rim of Mortals
Characters by Race
Humans
Amicia Spicer is a young woman from Nalen discovering her true identity as the story unfolds. Her mother has revealed a secret about her origins upon her deathbed, and Ami is looking for the place she belongs in the world.
Reynard Daye is a young crewman aboard the Sea Serpent. He survives the destruction of the ship and joins the unlucky group of mortals as they crash upon the shores of Eriden.
Piers Massheby is the first mate aboard the Sea Serpent. He is a strong leader and guides the group through their perilous journey in search of a way home.
Baldwin Carter is the cabin boy on board the ship. He is mostly along for the ride, being young and inexperienced at handling the hardships that the group faces along the way.
Minor Human Characters:
Rupert Miller – Amicia Spicer’s friend from Nalen, he expects that she will become his betrothed when her parents no longer need her.
Gus Spicer – Amicia’s father.
Arely Spicer – Amicia’s mother.
Shamus Smith – blacksmith in the desert city of Whitefair.
Geoffrey Tabard – trader from Whitefair.
Humphray Heron – trader from Whitefair.
Sirens
Olirassa is queen of the mermaids. She is the sovereign and protector of the city of Riran.
Oldrilin is Reynard Daye’s caretaker in Riran. She becomes caught up in their escape and is swept away onto their adventure through Eriden. Her devotion to Rey is sincere, and she proves to be a valuable member of their group. She seems to have little magical ability but is able to transform into a large black fish.
Elves
Cilithrand is the queen of the elves. She resides in a magnificent palace in Jerranyth, located on the southern end of the elf lands, which consists of the lower end of the central mountains of Eriden.
Animir is an elf of higher class that has been outcast from his station. He no longer feels a part of his elf kin, and helps the group to escape Jerranyth, thereby joining them on their quest to find a way home. He had been banned from using his innate magical abilities, but with the freedom of the group, he explores his talents and regains his ability as a strong wielder of magic. A resourceful member of the group, they value his friendship and utility.
Minor Elf Characters:
Sadrir – serves the group while they are in Jerranyth.
Anerion – lead huntsman to Lady Cilithrand.
Galiodien – Cilithrand’s father and former king of the elves.
Cothiel – female companion to Piers in Jerranyth.
Nymphs
Preivia is queen of the nymphs. She is the sovereign and protector of the city of Esterbrook and the surrounding areas known as the glen and the meadows.
Zaendra is an earth nymph. She is pleased to meet the group when they come into the glen and attaches herself to their company. Spending time with them while they reside in their cabin, she packs her things to leave with them at their departure, as she has always wanted to explore more of Eriden and sees this as her chance. She has some magical abilities and proves to be a valuable member of the group.
Wolves
Uscan is the alpha of the southern pack of grey wolves. His loyalties are often murky, but he holds an affinity for Amicia Spicer. He acts in her best interest both as a friend and advisor. As for the southern pack, they protect the Shadowlands, a cursed area of woods that acts as a natural barrier between the glen and the mountains of the elf lands.
Edeill is the alpha of the northern pack. His loyalties are also in question. His pack of great white wolves are the protectors of the northern woods, and they patrol a much larger area than their southern kin.
Minor Wolf Characters:
Mirean – scout sent to Esterbrook for the southern pack.
Aelalle – beta of the northern pack.
Wizards
Meena Gavaan is a wan, a female wizard, but unlike most, she was born with the ability to use magic, which is forbidden within their people. She has led a difficult life and faces tough choices throughout the story. She meets the group upon their arrival in the desert community of Whitefair and agrees to help them for a price. She leaves with them when they flee the oasis and travels with them on their journey, earning her place within the group with her special magical skill set and talent for using her powers in practical ways.
Minor Wizard Characters:
Jaco Gavaan – Meena’s deceased husband.
Gradien Silversmith – magistrate of the wizard city of Whitefair, he is a powerful wizard, but also a bit of a scoundrel.
Corvack – head of the security force in Whitefair.
Trolls
Yaodus is the king of the trolls. He is a powerful wielder of magic, which is rare but not unheard of among the trolls. He is distrustful of everyone outside of their community and takes his role of protector of his kind with the utmost of dedication. He is an unlikely ally of the group after Amicia convinces him of her worth, and his help is often the difference between life and death for the mortals and their friends.
Traok is Yaodus’s eldest son. He is met several times, as he acts as the liaison between the group and the troll community on several occasions.
Dwarves
Baeweth is the king of the city of Rhong. As their sovereign, he is the protector of the growing city beneath the mountain. However, his family and people have endured a great deal in the last few hundred years. They have denounced the use of magic and are rebuilding after a daemon drove them from their previous home of Asomanee.
Hayt is the king’s great nephew and heir to the throne. He holds no desire to ever be king and devises a way to win the trus
t of the group, then helps them escape rather than see them handed over to the dragons. He is a skilled engineer, and his abilities and knowledge prove useful to the group on their quest.
Minor Dwarf Characters:
Asyng – the king’s sister and Hayt’s grandmother, she is Baeweth’s advisor.
Firen – Hayt’s good friend and fellow engineer.
Vael – Another acquaintance of Hayt’s, he is the guard on duty when the group prepares to escape.
Daemons
Kedoria is the queen of the daemons. Her loyalties to the elves are shaken when she is captured by Animir and recruited by Amicia. She commands the daemon forces, but they are only able to live in total darkness, which severely limits her utility within the group. She has a few named minions, but they are only briefly mentioned in the events of the story.
Gnomes
Thirac is the sovereign or king of the gnomes, also called the head of the elders. He is untrustworthy and holds little concern for the Kingdom of Eriden. Their people watch events unfold and record them in their tomes, which are stored in their great libraries hidden inside of the old trees of the marsh lands.
Sevoassi is the gnome the group encounters in the northern woods. He is a trickster who helps them escape the northern pack and gives Amicia a special red orb of unknown origin or purpose.
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