There are some bad apples to be sure, but we aren’t all rotten.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sera watched Arius approach her slowly. He kept his great head low and unthreatening, staying level with her eyeline.
“I am sorry if I upset you. I should have been more diplomatic with my words.” He gently nudged her with his snout in a conciliatory manner.
His touch melted her stiff stance and she sighed. “I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I will admit that there are a few people I know who would be a danger to the mythic world with too much power. You just act so damn superior. It’s frustrating.” She rolled her eyes at him.
He chuckled. “One of my many gifts.”
“I just don’t like you painting us all with the same brush. I know the majority of my colleagues would never use any of my so-called powers to take control of the mythical creatures we share this world with,” she grumbled.
Arius’ breath tickled her neck. “Well, as you say, it’s a good thing you do not have any great powers then.”
She frowned, confused by his backtracking and scrutinised him. “Are you making a joke?” she asked incredulously. His chortle answered her question. “I didn’t think dragons made jokes.”
She joined in with his laughter and tried to shove his head away, as she would to any friend who made fun of her. His head was like a rock, unmoving and massive. She left her hands on his cheek and caressed the bronze scales there, enchanted. Running her fingers over the rough bumps, she noted the odd patterns and many shades of copper and bronze that covered his skin. A warmth tingled through her fingertips, up her arms and down her torso, coming to rest somewhere in her lower abdomen. She gasped and stepped back, breaking contact. This was not a feeling she had ever experienced with anyone else. This was different. Heat coloured her cheeks as she took a few more steps back, hoping the distance would banish the unfamiliar feeling.
He cocked his head, contemplating her retreat. “Are you still afraid of me?”
“No!” she exclaimed, too quickly. Determined not to show any more weakness than she already had, she lifted her chin and looked him in the eye. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“You can’t lie to me.” He smiled. “I am particularly good at seeing through lies, if I do say so myself.”
“I’m telling you, I’m not afraid of you!”
He swivelled his head to stare her down. “Hmmm. No. You are not afraid of me. But you are afraid of something. What is it?”
The intensity of his gaze was unsettling and did nothing to eliminate the feelings that smouldered inside her. There was no way she was telling him she was afraid of her budding feelings towards him.
“Don’t worry about it,” she snapped.
He bowed his head. “I will respect your wishes.” He paused before saying, “If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask. If it is within my power I will grant your wish.”
“Why do you have to be so damned nice?” she griped under her breath. Aloud, she asked, “I suppose asking to be returned to my home would be too much to ask?” She had to get out of here before these emotions grew unruly and destroyed her will to return to her old life.
Arius blew out a thin spiral of smoke. “I am truly sorry, but I cannot grant you that. Not yet anyway. We need to learn more about your powers and whether you are a threat to our way of life before you can go home.”
“And how are we supposed to do that?” she challenged him.
He ducked his head sheepishly, and mumbled, “I have called for the assistance of a Council of dragons to discuss and test your abilities.”
“So, that wasn’t a dream?” she asked. The scene from last night seemed like it had happened a lifetime ago and she wasn’t sure if it was real. The details of the conversation were hazy, and every time she tried to grab hold of the memory it slipped away.
“I’m afraid not. Once you have been assessed we will decide on our next course of action.”
“Next course of action? What the hell does that mean?” She nearly shouted the words at him as her fear bubbled up.
“We will decide if you are allowed to return home, or…” he looked away.
Her blood ran cold. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. “Or what, Arius?” she asked quietly.
“If the Council believes that you pose a significant threat with no ability to learn to control your powers, then they may choose to…” he exhaled heavily, “to execute you.”
“No.” The word escaped her mouth in a sharp exhale as despair flooded her body and she sank to her knees. “So then, this Council of wise dragons that are coming to decide my fate, would you care to tell me how long I have to learn control of a power I never knew I had?” she asked.
“They will be here at first light on the day after the full moon.”
She stared at Arius in horror. “That’s only four days away! Why did you have to take me away from my camp?” She buried her face in her hands.
“I am sorry, Seraphina. Truly.” His voice was hoarse. “If I had known that I…” He shook his wings out. “It doesn’t matter now, I did what I did believing it to be the right thing at the time. All we can do is work together to face this challenge head-on and ensure that they don’t vote for execution.”
“Ha!” Her laugh was one of desperation. “That’s just great. And how exactly are we going to do that?”
Arius extended a claw out and, more gently than she thought was possible, moved her hands away from her face. He stared deep into her eyes and said, “We make sure you learn control.”
Chapter Twelve – One Week Ago
Her father strode confidently ahead of Sera along the rarely used trail. They both carried heavy packs filled with groceries and small goods. This was a secret monthly ritual they had shared since she was a little girl. Pushing aside the bracken that had attempted to overtake the track, they trudged towards the witch’s house. She wasn’t really a witch, but everyone liked to gossip about the old hermit in the woods. As they approached the timber cabin, Sera could understand why people called Del a spellcaster. Strings of herbs hung from the wall of the hut, pendants made of bones jingled in the light breeze and a stuffed raven perched on the rickety gate. Its beady black eye seemed to stare at them as they approached, and not for the first time, Sera shuddered and quickened her pace past the dead bird. A wizened figure was bent over in the garden, pulling weeds. Del had attempted to tame her grey hair by pulling it back into a braid, but the muggy air had teased it into a flyaway mess. Straightening, she waved and hobbled up to the house to greet them.
“Come in, come in.” She shooed them in the door.
“How are you, Del?” Allen smiled jovially as they slung their packs off.
“Fine, fine. Can’t complain, no one listens anyway,” she grumped.
He winked at Sera and put an arm around the old woman. “You should come and visit us sometimes if you’re wanting company.”
Shaking her head vehemently, she said, “Nope. I’m never going back into that accursed city. I will live and die in this cabin. You’re just putting yourself on the fast track to an early death if you stay in that place.” She bit her lip and her eyes slid to Sera’s before darting away.
Sera frowned, bewildered. Del often said odd things, but that was a little more pointed than usual.
She limped away quickly and put the kettle on to boil. “Cuppa tea, anyone? I made a cake.”
Her father chuckled and perched on the edge of her old wooden table. “That would be wonderful, thank you! But before we settle in, we’ll get your groceries unpacked. Come on, Sera.”
Allen took his pack to the pantry and started unloading the tinned food as he chatted to Del. Sera swung her bag onto her back and made her way outside to open the hatch to the underground cellar. She carefully descended the dozen steps into the earth and found the candle and matches. She struck the match and watched its flame chase away the shadows that clung to the walls. The damp earthy smell pervaded th
e air in the small room. With the candle lit, she walked over to the icebox and hefted the lid open.
It’s crazy how she lives off the grid like this. I don’t know if I could do it.
She began packing the cold food from her pack into the icy chamber. Fingers aching from the cool, she moved quickly, eager to return to the heat of the day. In her haste, she bumped an old cupboard with her shoulder. Something clattered down from the top, making her wince at the tinkle of broken glass. Getting down onto her hands and knees, she squinted into the darkness. A small photo frame had fallen and smashed apart.
“Shit,” she muttered quietly. Fumbling blindly under the cupboard, she caught the edge of the frame with her fingertips and dragged it out. Bringing the candle closer, she gasped when it illuminated the two smiling figures in the photo. It was Del. With Elisabeth.
Her hands shook as she absorbed the image. Del was a few decades older than her mother, but they had their arms draped around each other’s shoulders like the best of friends. Hands shaking, she smoothed her thumb gently over her mother’s face. They had a few photos of her at her father’s house, but she’d never seen this one.
“Are you all right, Sera?”
She dropped the picture in fright and spun around to face the voice, her hand automatically grasping Firinne. Del watched her impassively, the flickering candlelight deepening the wrinkles on her face.
“You… you knew my mother?”
Lips pinching into a grimace, she replied, “Yes.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “I knew Eli better than anyone else ever did.”
“But… how? How did you know her? And why haven’t you spoken of her before?”
Turning away sharply, she shuffled towards the stairs. “Never you mind.”
Suddenly angry, Sera threw herself in front of the old woman, blocking her exit and thrusting the candle between their faces. “I was one when she died. I have no real memories of her. Please. You have to tell me.”
Del studied her for a moment in silence. Sera felt stripped bare, as if her soul was being measured carefully before being accepted. Making her decision, Del lifted a hand to her throat and raised a locket that had been hidden under her collar. Releasing the latch, she opened it to reveal a lock of auburn hair next to a photo of a baby girl. The little girl’s eyes were the same deep blue as Del’s were. The old woman wore an expression that spoke of a loss too deep for words. Slowly, Sera began to put the pieces together.
“Was she… was she your daughter?” she whispered. The look the old woman gave her was confirmation enough. She choked out, “But that means—” She shook her head as a strange buzzing sounded between her ears. “That means I’m your granddaughter.”
Unable to hold herself upright any longer, she sank onto the bottom step. Her vision swam as she held her head between her hands, desperately trying to keep herself together.
A tangle of questions and thoughts swirled through her mind but the only one she managed to vocalise was, “Why?”
Releasing her breath in a huff, Del sat down on the step beside Sera and rubbed her back. Somehow, the old woman seemed to have shrunk in the last minute.
“I’m sorrier than I can say, Seraphina. I was forbidden from telling you. It was your mother’s last wish, to keep you safe. I am still bound by my oath and cannot tell you anything more, for fear of risking your life. If you discover the truth on your own, I will be released from my promise. For now, what I can tell you is that your mother loved you very much. She would be so very proud of the young woman you have become. For that matter, so am I.”
She turned into her grandmother’s embrace and wept. Through the tears, she stammered out, “I just wish I had known her.”
Rocking her slowly, she hummed soothingly. “She would have loved to know you too, pet.”
Dazed by the revelation, it took some time before she managed to get a hold of her emotions. Her grandmother stayed by her side and continued to offer her comfort.
Summoning a watery smile, Sera asked her, “So, what should I call you then?”
Stroking the tears from her cheeks with her fingertips, her papery skin as soft as a petal, Del beamed. “Nanna will suit just fine.”
Chapter Thirteen
Sitting up on his haunches, Arius tilted his head and regarded her quizzically. “After this morning’s frightening incident, I think we both need to blow off some steam. Would you like to fly with me?”
Sera’s jaw dropped. “Are you being serious?” she squeaked.
He chuckled. “Of course.”
Eyes wide and shining, she said, “Yes. Please.” He folded his front legs and sank to the ground beside her. He still seemed impossibly tall. “Promise you won’t let me fall?” she asked, only half-joking as she clambered up the proffered foreleg.
The bumpy scales made it easy to find handholds before she stretched up and grasped one of the spikes adorning the back of his neck and pulled herself up. A narrow gap in the spines at the base of his neck made an ideal place for her to sit. She swung her legs around the sides of his neck, but her heels didn’t even reach halfway. Sera peered down at the cave floor and gulped. Arius stood up, causing her to lurch backwards. She bit back a squeak of fright and grabbed hold of the closest spine.
He spread his wings in preparation for flight and turned his head to look at her. “Are you ready?”
Heart hammering, she grinned. Trying to hide her nerves, she feigned nonchalance and announced loudly, “Sure am.”
He bared his teeth in a terrifying grin and loosed a joyful roar into the dizzying drop in front of them. Tucking his wings close to his body, he leapt into the emptiness. There was a moment of suspension before they started to drop like a stone. Sera screamed. The great wings snapped open and filled with air, halting their descent. Arius hung mid-air, floating on an updraft of wind.
All was silent aside from the quiet rush of the waterfall streaming down the mountainside behind them. With a few powerful thrusts from his wings, Arius drew them upwards, past the cave mouth, through the scattered wisps of cloud, before gliding on the wind’s currents, only needing the odd stroke to keep them level. At their back, the mountain still loomed high into the skies, but looking eastward, Sera could see for miles. She gazed in awe at the rich tapestry of colours laid out before them. The lush green of the forest, the dark blue shadows of the gullies, the glinting silver of the streams, and the shadowy purple of faraway hills. Peering into the distance, past the barrenness of the Red Waste, she could just make out a charcoal smudge on the horizon that might have been Mandar City.
The air was cold but the heat produced by the dragon’s scales kept her warm. Wrapping her arms around his neck to drink in the warmth, she sighed happily as she drank in the sights below her.
“It’s so peaceful.”
“It certainly is,” Arius replied. “Up here, I am happy. Up here, I can be alone with my thoughts. Or I used to be,” he corrected himself. Angling his head so he could see her face, he raised an eyebrow, “Would you like to try to emulate your previous venture into my mind? Albeit, with my permission this time.” He smiled, turning his head away again.
“I… I don’t know how to,” Sera stammered. “What if I can’t?”
“Don’t think like that. If you’ve done it once, you can do it again. Technically, you’ve done it twice now.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “Just relax.”
“I’ll try.” Sera let her breath out all at once as she tilted her head up.
Keeping her breathing deep and even, she examined the endless blue of the sky. Without any landmarks to watch, it was impossible to tell how fast they were travelling. She loved the warmth of the sun on her face, the rush of the wind as it whipped through her hair. How different it was this time. Instead of being clutched in a cage of talons, petrified for her life, she was perched upon his wither, just in front of his wings, basking in the sunshine. For the first time in her life, she truly felt free. Raising her arms, she released a jubilant holler that was
immediately whipped away into the open sky. The world seemed to shift and a shudder ran through her body.
Hello there. A soft voice brushed against her mind.
She recoiled from the foreign contact.
You did it. Pride coloured the voice.
Sera realised that she had made the transfer into Arius’ mind, and it was his inner voice speaking that she could hear.
Can you… hear me? she thought to Arius, unsure if it would work.
Yes, he said. It appears I can feel you in my mind but can only hear the thoughts you project to me. What can you feel?
Give me a few moments.
She tried to relax in this alien environment. She imagined herself floating like a leaf on a breeze that wafted through his mind. She settled into this new world she found herself in and noticed a light shining in the centre of his consciousness. She drifted forwards and touched it. A shiver rippled through his body and she felt the sensation of falling. The fall halted and Sera sucked in a sharp breath. Or rather Arius inhaled, and she felt his lungs expand. She could hear the wind that whistled past his ears and see the earth through his eyes. The geography of the surrounding land was brought into sharp focus with colours that were more vibrant than anything she’d ever seen before. She realised she had entered another level in his mind and was one with him. An almost hysterical excitement bubbled up inside them, and delight filled her heart when Arius bellowed a joyous roar into the endless sky.
They looked back as one to see her body still perched on his wither. It appeared unconscious, her head lolling from side to side with each beat of his wings, her eyes rolled back with only the whites visible. It was frightening to be able to see herself from the outside but unable to control her body.
A Dragon's Mind: A New Adult Fantasy Dragon Series (The MINATH Chronicles Book 1) Page 6