“Believe me, she is good at that, but I will not go into details because I have just met you and do not want to scare you by talking about my mother,” he said.
All I could do was study the statue because I was looking at the last known Dragon Master, but I did not want Curtis to understand why I was interested, so I knew the only way he would tell me anything was to act dumb.
“So, who is this?” I asked.
“A well-known person to this Kingdom. He was called Giddeon the Wise. A man of mythical powers. He was known to be the last master of Dragons. The last time Giddeon the Wise was seen was over a thousand years ago,” Curtis replied.
“What happened to him?”
“No one knows the last known location where Giddeon was seen, but it is in that famous mountain range near Merakor. It has remained a mystery. People said he went there to die and to let another master rise,” he replied.
Looking at the statue, I knew that he was unique to this kingdom, or they would not have developed a statue in his honor.
“You seem so interested in him. I have never seen a woman show so much interest in history until now. A history that many see as nothing more than a rumor. But personally, for me, it would be fantastic if there was another Dragon Master. It would not matter who it was as long as they were up to the task,” Lord Curtis said with a curious eye on me.
Hearing all of this, I started to get excited about it, but I would have to change the conversation quickly without Lord Curtis knowing why.
I said my goodbyes to Lord Curtis, then I turned around and kept on walking, but he kept on walking next to me and staring at me. It was like he knew I was keeping something to myself.
“I think it is courageous for what you did—coming all alone with your brother and Prince Jonah. Never in the day would I think to have met the three of you. I have met his brother once,” he said.
After he said that to me, all he could do was have a chuckle under his breath.
“Why are you laughing when you say that?”
“Because I have known Oren on and off throughout the years. Our fathers do not know. There is only one place that he goes when he is sad, but I do not know because it has been a while since I saw Oren,” he said.
Looking at him, I could tell he knew where he would be.
“If you know where he is or if you do see him. Tell him that I miss him,” I said.
“Word has come about that you were once engaged to Oren, but then something happened in which now it is not the case. Do you know why?” he asked.
Looking at him, all I could do was stare down at the ground. I could not tell him that his aunt told King Valkan something that had to involve Oren and lead to him being sent away in the end. So all I could do was lie.
“I have no idea, and no, I am no longer engaged to Oren,” I replied.
All I could do was smile, and move on away from him because we were stuck here until tomorrow morning, and all I wanted to do was look around and see what was here.
Making my way down another hallway, I came to another courtyard. Another person was sitting on a bench alone and with her eyes closed. It was the seer. Rosalie was sitting on a bench all alone. She opened her eyes, and turned in my direction, and smiled in such a bizarre way.
“Come here, sweet girl. Trust me; I will not hurt you,” she said.
As I walked closer to her, she continued staring at me like she wanted to say something.
“What?” I questioned.
“An issue is bothering you. From looking at you, it is very personal. It is like someone has left your life, and you are questioning why,” she said.
It was incredible how she knows how I was feeling by just looking at me, but I remember her sister telling me to be careful around her and never trust her because she had left Lady Kris.
“Hold out your hand,” she said, exactly like her sister had told me a couple of days ago.
Knowing she was a witch like her sister, maybe she saw something different compared to her. So I held out my hand to her, and she looked at it. Closing her eyes as she breathed in and out slowly. There was nothing more but silence for a few minutes. All I could do now was wait.
Suddenly she opened her eyes and looked at me. I was scared as I did not know what she was going to say or if she was going to say the same thing I heard from her sister.
“All I can see about you is that your beauty will take you to great lengths, and you are meant for something bigger, but my dear lady, you’ll be known for many years to come,” she said.
Hearing her say that, all I could do was back up. Walking through the long hallway away from her, I was beyond confused. Suppose I should stay in Merakor or go home with my brother, but she said I was meant for something bigger. Maybe she was confirming that I was going to become the next Dragon Master.
Then the thought came into my mind, and I remember Curtis telling me that he knows Oren. How it was a secret friendship that not many people knew about. My mind was now determined to see where the hell Oren was before we went back home. Part of me felt that he was here somewhere and did not want to be found, but I knew Curtis had to know where he was. He must otherwise, why mention anything about it.
Chapter Sixteen
Walking through the dark hallway, all I wanted to do was find Curtis. Not stopping until I saw him. Walking down a hallway and I almost ran into him!
“Oh my god, I am so sorry,” I said.
“No worries, it is not every day when I run into a pretty lady,” he said, laughing.
After a moment of silence, I knew I had to talk to him about why I was looking for him.
“There is a lot I need to tell you. Even though I barely know you to talk to about it,” I said.
“Well, follow me to the library, and no one will bother us,” he said.
I followed him into a sizeable expansive room, and I couldn’t help but look at all of the books. Curtis sat down like he was willing to listen to what I had to say.
“Believe me, there is so much I have to tell you,” I said.
“Well, my lady, I am here and willing to listen. Believe me on my word as a gentleman; this will remain between you and me,” Curtis said.
All I could do was tell him about my engagement to Oren and how it was such a major disaster in the beginning. But then, all of a sudden, he was gone.
“So why did he leave just out of the blue?” he asked.
Breathing in and out, I had to tell him why I came to Merakor and why I cared about what happened to Oren—going into detail about how I was engaged to him. From telling him that I was not sure for the longest time. Realizing that I did not want to lose him until all of a sudden, he was gone.
“Wow, so much has happened to you in such a short period of time, but yet again, you did not answer my question. Why did Oren leave out of the blue?”
Hearing him say that, I had to look him in the eye because he said whatever I told him, he would not say a word.
“Lady Kris of Daisy Gardens came to Merakor a few days ago. She had a conversation with the King and told him that it would lead to a dark future if Oren ever became King. I was not informed of the details, but knowing the King, he told his son, and he left in a hurry. Ending things with me even before anything could happen,” I stated.
Curtis stared at me in shock. Like he did not know what to say next.
“My aunt scared him away? My mother has told me that not everyone's future is certain, and not everything is set in stone. An event can change the course of anyone's future. So if Oren and his father believed that, then they are fools. He was a definite fool to leave you because I see the way his brother looks at you,” he said.
“Then tell me where he is?” I asked.
Curtis breathed in and out slowly. Like he did not know whether to tell me or not.
“If I see him again, I will convince him to go back home. Now that I know what happened and because I do not want to betray his trust, I cannot disclose where he is, but after he
aring you say all of this, I will try and convince him to go home,” he said.
All I could do now was walk to the door and walk out of the library. It was getting dark, and I did not know what to do. I made my way back to the statue of Giddeon the Wise.
Being at a loss for words, all I could do was stare at him in amazement at how he was the last known Dragon Master. He had such a special gift communicating with such creatures, and he was the only person they would listen to.
A hand touched my shoulder, and I jumped in shock.
“Calm down, my lady, it is only me,” Lord Milo said.
“Oh my lord, I am so sorry. I did not know who was behind me,” I said.
“I was walking down this hall, and I noticed that you were admiring this statue. It has been here for a thousand years. Maybe more, and a legend to my eye,” he said.
We both stared and looked at the statue together. Looking at Lord Milo’s face, I could tell he idolized Giddeon the Wise as I did.
“When I was a young boy, I wanted to become like him because he was the last known Dragon Master. I thought it would be a great gift to be loved by such magnificent creatures and have them trust me. But I soon knew it was not in the cards for me,” he said.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because after he disappeared, all the dragons did as well. So in my mind, I did not think I could fill his shoes. So becoming the lord of this place like my father before me, I thought was the best decision for me,” he said.
I was looking at him in shock. I did not know what to say because someone that was feared by many was wanting to be great. He did not believe that he could do it. So he picked the path laid out for him.
“You seem interested in him as well,” Lord Milo said.
“Well, when I arrived in Merakor, I read about dragons and learned about him. I think his story is fascinating. I wish I could be someone as great as him also. But myself being a woman, I do not know if I ever could be,” I said.
“Do you want to know an interesting fact about dragons?” Lord Milo asked
“Yes, please.”
“It was a legend that once a dragon hatched, it grew in no time, and many of them could speak,” he said.
Looking at him, I wanted to know more.
“How do you know all about this?” I asked.
“Stories that my father told me, and his father before him. All legends and myths, of course, passed down through the generations, ” Lord Milo replied.
Lord Milo smiled and pulled out an envelope, handing it to me.
“I decided to write a letter to the King and give it to you tonight. The three of you can go back to Merakor tomorrow morning, and nothing will stop you. If I do not see you, I wish you a safe journey,” he said.
After he handed me the letter, he walked away, biding me sweet dreams. All I could do was stand there, thinking of all that happened. When he was gone, I walked away and looked around to find my brother. After some time, I found Jonah, and he was still not wanting to talk to me.
“Listen, I know you have not talked to me in a while, but where is my brother?” I asked.
“Jacob is staying in a room down the hall and the first door on the right. Someone told me you are staying in the room next to him,” Jonah replied.
Realizing the awkwardness, I walked away from him and made my way to where my brother was, but then changed my mind and walked into the room next to him.
After closing the door, I wanted to read the letter that Lord Milo had given me in private.
Dearest King Valkan,
Seeing three young nobles come into my land came as a shock. All three of them showed braveness and honesty. Especially that girl. She wants to be important in her life, and I hope it can be discovered for her. As you should know, my father has raised me so that we should always defend ourselves no matter what.
Lord Adeem of Eros wanted to ally with me to work together once the complex weather set in, but I want to let you know that I have no desire to harm anyone in the north. Do not worry about him.
Treasure these young nobles who have come to see me. Also, I have heard the news that your oldest son was sent away for reasons unknown. It is such a shame as I saw great promise in him to succeed you one day.
In all significant respects,
Lord Milo
After reading this, I had a smile on my face. I felt that Lord Milo was earnest. He did not want to harm anyone. Lord Milo was truthful, but in this letter, he promised that he would not attack in any way.
Many thoughts were starting to go through my mind, and one of those was if he would stay true to his word. Also, the fear that Lord Adeem was not interested in anything, but Lord Milo promised that he would keep his word, has to mean something. Daramir was a larger Kingdom than Eros.
Laying in bed and trying to sleep made my mind clear, I wanted Oren back, and if Curtis kept his promise, he would try to convince him to come back.
All that mattered was going back to Merakor tomorrow and making sure that nothing had happened to the egg and checking that it was safe. That was my main priority.
Chapter Seventeen
The following day I made my way down to near the gate. Not many people were staring at me like they were when we arrived. Our primary focus now was getting back to Merakor.
While getting onto our horses, we were on our way out of Daramir, but I saw Curtis and Rosalie walking in our direction from the corner of my eye.
“We have come to wish you off. Be safe on your journey back. Expect no harm, and you shall return with no problems,” Rosalie said.
Curtis walked over to me. My brother and Jonah were very confused why he was staring at me.
“I will tell him. I promise,” he said in a quiet voice.
All I could do was nod in response and smile back at the both of them as we ride away.
The three of us were far away from the castle before we knew it. I knew we would need to stop again because we had been on the road for a few hours by now, and I began noticing the forest that we stopped at on the way to Daramir.
“Alright, time to take a break,” Jacob suggested.
We all got off our horses and let them rest. We sat around in silence because I did not know what to say. But both of them had traveled with me, and we had completed our mission.
“Lord Milo wrote me a letter to give to your father, Jonah,” I said.
I pulled the letter out of my bag. I handed it to Jonah, and he and my brother read it. Both of them being shocked by what he said. Lord Milo showed a side of himself that no one had seen before. He had no means of wanting to hurt anyone.
“Wow, he is truthful here,” Jacob said.
“My father had every right to be afraid, but if Lord Milo promised, then he has to keep his word now,” Jonah said.
After he handed me the letter back, there was yet again nothing but silence. But then, for the first time in a while, Jonah was able to say something to me.
“Do not worry, the egg is fine. I know that has been on your mind. If you want to become the next Dragon Master, you have to decide for yourself,” he said.
It was not just the egg on my mind; it was also if Curtis would keep his word. I really hope that when Curtis said that everyone's future was not set in stone when someone predicted your future, he meant it and was been truthful with me. I really hoped that Oren would believe him and come back.
“If we are going to make it back to Merakor before dark, we need to get moving now; otherwise, we will never make it in time, ” Jacob said.
“Before we head back to the castle, we need to check on it,” I said.
“Better to be safe than sorry. We won't be approaching home until it is dark anyway so, no one will see us,” Jonah said.
After a few more hours riding and still complete silence between the three of us, we made it to Merakor in no time, and we saw the silhouette in the near distance as we made our way around the castle and went down the long road down near the familiar lake
. My heart was pounding. I feared that we were away from the egg for far too long.
“It is going to be alright dear sister,” Jacob said.
Jumping off the horse, I ran at top speed towards the cave wanting to see with my own eyes that the egg was okay. The moon was high in the sky by now, so I could walk and not fall.
Walking into the cave out of pure instinct, I found it out of the corner of my eye. No one has been here. We wanted to be sure that no one had found it. Sitting down beside it, I stared at it. Then I began doing something for the first time, and I started to see myself as crazy. I was talking to the egg before realizing I was doing it.
“Sorry, we have been gone for too long. It felt like an eternity being away, but I know you will not hatch until you are ready. I know I will feel it. Once you do come, please trust me,” I said.
Then suddenly, I looked up, and my brother and Jonah were staring at me. Both of them were shocked by what I did.
“Believe me; I am not surprised. Us living in the middle of nowhere, I always wondered if you did that, dear sister,” Jacob said with a loving smile on his face.
All I could do was smile. I knew my brother would always understand me.
We had completed our mission by delivering the letter to Daramir. But the thought of Lord Eros still unnerved me. He did not seem pleased about us being there, but Daramir was a more significant threat. So there was nothing to fear.
“We better be heading back before they send out a search party looking for us,” Jonah said, trying to smile at the same time.
Knowing he was right, and nothing had happened to the egg, I walked away from it. It was already getting late, and now Merakor was not far from us. Riding away from the lake, we made our way closer to the castle. It was good to feel a place that would make me feel safe.
“Halt! Who goes there?” yelled a guard.
“Prince Jonah, Lord Jacob, and Lady Arabella. We have returned!” Jonah stated to the guard on duty.
The guard realized who we were, and we backed up while the gates were opening for us to get through. Riding through the gate, it felt amazing to be back. After putting our horses back in the stables, we made our way back to the castle.
The Dragon Master (The Journey Book 1) Page 9