by Casey Phelps
I gathered my strength to leave the altar and begin a memorial for my beloved friends. As a dragon, I rose and hovered over them. I noticed the trails my tears had made, had spread and soaked my friends, where the moisture ran shimmered and glowed. Chelle’s hand twitched covering the spots my tears had touched, and Artileon growled. The Princess coughed and gulped the air. I could not believe my eyes. They both sat up and stared at me as I stared at them. I flew in circles, jubilant and shrieked my joy to the rising sun.
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Chapter 27
If you accept your limitations, you go beyond them.
Brendan Behan
We all sat in awe and watched the sun rise, it was like none other. The Lord Sun was truly in power, the curse was lifted. So what would happen to the Anshan people now?
I looked at my dragon friend and asked are you all dragon now, or can you still sift?
He sat and showed me he could still in fact sift.
Artileon wondered at this too. He sifted finding his beautiful white fur. I felt bereft and reached to find my center. I was surprised to find a shimmery white lioness, she knelt before me.
I marveled at the creature here in my mind. I reached down and the moment I touched her I sifted. I looked to my hands and found paws, I picked them up and the early morning sun glinted off my sharp claws. The feeling of my strong muscles rippling beneath the heavy fur was potent. I shook myself, feeling my fur shake. I chuckled, making a wheezing sound.
Artileon circled me, and licked my face. I returned the favor and the tackled him. We wrestled and tumbled. The dragon swooped in to pick at whoever was winning. Artileon sifted and indicated I should too. I did, again finding my center and waving to my lioness. Opening my eyes, I smiled.
“See beautiful, my dear.” Artileon said.
I blushed. I was glad that the animal natures were still there, and that I had found mine. I wondered at the change though. I thought the animal nature was the curse. I directed this thought to Artileon and he suggested that now he is not ruled by the animal nature. It is still a part of him, but his curse is no longer an animal with a human shape, now he is a man no longer ruled by a beast. Love makes a huge difference.
“I suppose we need a plan, what are we to do now?” I pondered. “I think the first thing we must do is to return to our fallen friend, and take his remains back to his father and the Forbidden lands.” I said somberly. Artileon and Jyar agreed and said we would journey back to the cairn we encased Re’em’s body in, and return to the Forbidden lands. However, we had released our horses when we climbed the mountain. So we were going to have a very long walk back.
I asked Artileon about this, and he responded.
“Remember when we first started out and I spooked the horses flinging you into the rushing river? The horses are magicked to follow you. They were released to take care of themselves find shelter and nourishment and water. You will simply need to call in your mind to them, and they will eventually make their way back to this place.”
The horses did not respond very quickly, and we waited. After a day or two, the horses neighed signaling their arrival and we gathered our belongings and began to ride. This time we rode with the sun on our backs. We began our travels back through No Man’s landing, stopping to rest and forage for more supplies we reentered the house by the Gray Sea. No longer haunted by the ghost of lives and deaths from the past, the house held no demons for me now. I insisted as we passed that I saw the frolicking child with her father dancing in the wild brambles.
We crossed the fiery hills of sand back to the small oasis to find our fallen hero. He protected my soul, and sacrificed his own to make sure the people would be saved. Five moons had passed since the unicorn had passed. It seemed like so much had happened.
I reverently went forward and touched the covering Jyar had made over his body, and it crumbled beneath the slight touch. I gasped in horror at breaking the beautiful cairn. Artileon came forward pulling me from the glassy shards that fell.
Then we shaded our eyes as the Lord Sun appeared above the ruined monument and proclaimed that in service to his friends and love of his people this valiant unicorn is called back from the place of dreams. He walked to the body of our friend and took his enormous hand as if he were a small child and said “Arise.”
Re’em’s eyes blinked open, his eyes betraying the surprise at finding himself in a ruin of stones. He sat up and looked bewildered at us all. His eyes found the Lord Sun, and he bowed, and said his thanks.
The Lord Sun responded, “I am thankful to you all; you have truly reminded me why I created this land, and demonstrated my love. You have overcome the curse. We have one more evil to worry about and we will need you all to accomplish this.”
“But the curse was broken...” I stammered.
“Yes, child… but the reason the curse was brought was the wickedness of the hearts of man. There is an evil one spreading sickness and evil thoughts to my people. Whoever this is must be stopped.”
“You do not know who it is?” Artileon asked.
“In my weakened state I could not find the culprit, I have been blocked from my people; I could only hear their hearts breaking, and losing faith and hope. As their faith ended and their hope was destroyed I was fading. When you found the ring holding the Solarsteinn hope returned and it has infected the land.
Re’em interrupted, “Who has the sorcery to turn the heart of the people away from you? The only other who holds any true power other than you is your daughter…”
“My daughter is a spoiled child, and as such she is truly given to her own devices. I cannot imagine that she would want to overthrow me her own father.” The Lord Sun denied the involvement of his beloved daughter.
“If it was her though, how would we stop her?” I asked tenderly, placing my hand upon his shoulder.
I knew that the malicious semi-deity had in fact been consorting with the witch, that the Ladisians followed her commands, and committed their atrocities in her name. He placed his hands on mine, and squeezed. “It would be out of my power, what gifts I have given I cannot take away, such is the magic of this land. Just as I could not break the curse, it was left to you to sacrifice yourselves. Should she be found guilty of this danger there is much reason to be troubled.”
“Sacrifice yourselves?” Re’em said “But you are standing here, I do not understand.”
I reached for my lion and sifted; in my mind I said, ‘no longer a soul but truly Anshan. I was the combination of human and Anshan. I gave the light of my soul to break the curse, and it took my life. Artileon gave his to conquer the darkness, and dragon’s tears and our love brought us back to life.’ I showed him our final days.
Re’em faced Artileon, and smiled. “I knew she would be beautiful, and I see you have finally found a heart.”
I pulled out the letter he had written to his father before his death, and handed it back to him and said, “Maybe you can give this to him yourself.”
“At this I must say, truly, the power with which I created this land, was wholly given to my creation, that includes the powers that my daughter possesses. Only my creation then can overcome the darkness as I cannot be in its presence.” The Lord Sun blessed our travels, and diffused taking the light of His presence but leaving us with the serenity of being in his company.
We travelled back to the forbidden Lands, and to the palace of the unicorn king. We were met with the awestruck folk as we passed bearing the very alive Prince Re’em. As the news of his demise had spread, and now a jubilant rumor went and spread out before us as we made our way through the small villages and rambling forests. We were followed by the throng of people who wanted to witness this miracle.
The king came forth and wept, as he saw his son. The silver unicorn tears flowed and glimmered as they streaked the white king’s muzzle. He declared to all who had assembled.
“My son has returned the curse has been lifted. He who we thought was dead and never to return to us, has c
ome home whole. He accomplished his task, and has met his trial. Behold my son, Behold your Crown Prince, and coming King!”
The multitude pressed and clamored and a horn sounded the jubilant news, a cry went up for the newly crowned Prince.
The king then turned and hushed the people. He held out his hands to me, and welcomed me and Artileon and L’eonis and Leon to his palace once again and thanked us for each sacrifice. He then thanked them for returning his beloved son. He took my hand in his own, and said that our two kingdoms should no more be enemies, that the Anshan should be a whole people not divided.
We dined and celebrated with the court, Artileon and I were seated with the King and Re’em in a place of honor. Jyar flew through the hall basking in the adoration of the unicorns. They were marveling at this rare showing of the reclusive race. He chased the foals through the halls, shrieking and laughing. He pulled their manes and tails, to the chagrin of the older nobles. He dipped in soups and knocked over crystal goblets. He was quite a menace. Even in their displeasure they were pleased to have the small dragon to grace their hall, the first ever dragon to come to the Forbidden kingdom. We were asked to extend our stay to the sceadu dance that would take place the next week. The sceadu was held under the Thunder Moon.
“I have never been to a sceadu dance I said, I looked at Artileon and Jyar, they nodded (well Jyar swooped in the air and I took that as a yes) and said “we would be honored.”
We went into the preparations of the sceadu dance. The dance was more of a wild romp through the lands and sounded slightly dangerous. The unicorns wore their animal form for most of their lives, I had only searched for mine twice, on this night all would behold my lion. Then racing and hunting in my lion form. I felt like I needed to practice being a lion, what if I embarrassed myself.
Artileon and Re’em and Jyar all ganged up on me and said not to worry so much, that I will be a natural. I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to call upon my lion in the pressure. They all laughed at my worries. They kept me busy the rest of the week, only allowing short breaks from working to gather supplies and materials for that night’s magical dark hunt.
I managed to sneak away to my rooms, and found a beautiful white gown had been made. I washed up from my work, and braided my hair intricately; I had found golden strands to weave in the braids that I piled on my head. As I donned the dress, I noticed underneath the folds of luxurious velveteen there was a small thin box. The box was sealed with a wax emblem with a dragon imprinted thereon.
I smiled as I touched my dragon mark, proudly displayed with my hair arranged as it was. I carefully broke the waxed seal, and opened the box to display a diamond necklace, it matched my ring with the leaves curling around and dangling to display the jewels they encased.
At the door was a knock, I called for the visitor to enter. It was Artileon. He asked if I liked the dress he had asked for. I said it was beautiful.
I showed him the necklace, and he helped me clasp it around my neck.
“The necklace is dragon made. He must have been making this for some time. It is a rare and priceless gift.” It perfectly complemented the ivory gown. It was beautifully embroidered with the leaves, and among the vines there was a lioness, proud and noble. All in white glossy embroidery thread, upon the velveteen fabric.
He kissed my neck as the necklace was settled, and held my hand as he led me to the looking glass. I was shocked at myself. I had not seen my reflection since the witch’s cave dwelling. I had the same fiery red hair, but the clothes and jewelry led me to see myself differently. I looked like a princess; I saw a confident and proud visage that matched that graceful lioness.
“Not just a princess my love, a queen.” Artileon murmured.
“I am only now getting used to being princess, and I am not ready to be queen.” I replied.
“Then truly a queen you are; only the wisest rulers recognize their own weaknesses and fears. Only they overcome them for the people, and the ones they love.” He said lovingly.
“You may cling to the title Princess but humbly I claim you as queen of my heart.” He kissed my forehead, and my hand. “Until later my sweet.”
He left me staring after him. Before our journey, humbly wasn’t a word in his vocabulary. Not even being imprisoned under the earth had claimed a hold on his pride. The quest had truly changed us all.
I sat upon the bed, and calmed myself. I pulled my legs up and sat cross-legged. I meditated on the changes within myself and looked for the lioness in my mind.
What I found instead was myself, young and as I was when I arrived here in my long lost converse sneakers, t-shirt, and jeans.
“I know you weren’t searching for me, you might have even forgotten me. Though I have to say, I like this look on you…er…me. I am here to remind you that not all is at it seem, there is still darkness, remember to cherish your time with those you love. The hardest part of the journey is yet to come. I also have a gift for you; you have met your lioness. However, you have not yet met the lady dragon.”
“Dragon?” I walked with this specter of my past self. I did not know it was possible to have multiple forms. I was met with a white dragon; her glittering scales were like diamonds. Her eyes were fiery orbs of emerald green that matched my own. I could see wisdom and agelessness in her gaze. Her talons were gracefully curved and deadly sharp, her tail long and sleek. She was also much bigger than my tiny red friend. Her flanks rose to my hips. She could easily carry a man; her strength was evidenced in the rippling muscles that shifted under my scrutiny. Her wings were translucent and sparkled as though carved from precious stones. I reached out to touch her as I had my lioness and we converged meeting consciousness’s. I was at once met with the crowded consciousness of the dragon race. I was met by the master’s and welcomed to their collective intelligence. I was in awe and overwhelmed at their long-awaited jubilation. I felt out and noticed my indelicate claws on the bed; it was now in shreds, and sagging under the weight of my newest form. I reached back and spread my wings. I really had wings. I unfurled and felt the pleasurable whoosh, as I beat them forward.
I launched from the remains of the bed. I flew to the balcony and busted through the doors, and chuffed in embarrassment. I screeched a terrible roar, startling quite a few people below. I took off from the landing and soared into the air. I was absolutely free! I heard Jyar join me, he was talking excitedly so proud of my transformation. He had been waiting and hoping I’d find her. He thought I would be smaller though. I chuffed again, laughing and I found that it produced smoke in my nostrils. I wheezed and coughed and gagged on the strange sensation. I coughed and sneezed blowing a small fire ball as I did. A tree below set fire and I panicked flapping my wings forward and fanning the flame making it grow larger and now another tree caught fire. I blew at it again causing another much smaller fire ball. Finally I landed and started clawing at it, until I felt a bucket of water splash against my back. I shook the water droplets off, and stared at my assailant. It was Jyar, in dwarf form and he was bowled over in laughter. I snorted my displeasure at being laughed at. He regained his breath and put out the fire. I pulled back into my mind and thanked the dragon. I returned to myself.
Jyar was still chuckling as we ventured from the forest and walked back to the Palace. I was not as amused. Apparently I am a ridiculous dragon. I sulked until as I walked back into the palace courtyard, the unicorns all knelt before me. The y fell to their knees, their noses to the ground and their ears falling back. I gazed around at the unicorns and walked forward nervously. Prince Artileon ran out and reached out for me, he whisked me in to the air, spinning me around.
“Did you see the white dragon?” He asked. He set me back on my feet.
“Surprise! You are looking at her…” I said a guilty grin now plastered on my face and gestured to the bowing masses behind me.
“You?” he laughed heartily. “I should have known when were you going to tell me?” I smiled and said “I just found out myself, I went lo
oking for my lion, and there was a dragon instead.”
I turned back to the people, and said “Really you must rise, this is absurd. I am sorry if I scared you and beware the smoking tree I didn’t mean to set it on fire.” I shrugged and the people laughed. They went back to their business.
“Re’em and the other unicorns are slightly crazy about dragons I see…” I said and Jyar chortled.
“Why don’t you set forests on fire when you laugh?” I said scornfully to Jyar brushing past him and Artileon.
Jyar explained that I was a young dragon and I would learn to control it, as well as block the other dragons from my thoughts.
“That was really overwhelming, I had no idea! They were really excited, that is not quite the word for it, but very glad I found my dragon form.” I said. “Yes, there are so few dragons anymore; any new dragons are quite the reason for jubilation. We also have very few female dragons. Likewise we were afraid that you would not find your dragon, especially after meeting your lioness. Most people do not have more than one successful bestial transformation. I’d say that you have two and they were both very successful.” Jyar was quite proud of himself I could tell.
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Chapter 28
Light no longer holds the same significance without its shadows; fear not the shadows, least of all those who hide beauty from the shadows of their own unhappiness. Be careful for we often only see the shadows of ourselves projected over others.
Chronicles of Princess Chelle
The Sceadu Dance
The celebration went on around us, and I wondered who I would find tonight to celebrate the lioness, or the dragon. Who would want to come out to play?
Night fell, the Thunder Moon shone brightly. There was magical quality to the night, they snuffed out every light, and reveled in the moons raiment. Those who had not reverted to their human form for preparations did so now to come before the steps to the palace. The king and crown prince walked first to the landing, and Artileon and I followed with Jyar. As we stood before the people, a small child walked forward. I noticed it was Cian the young foal from the village the one we had met and helped to find the cure to the plague. He pulled out a flute, and another child brought forth a cello, and yet another with a strange instrument I wasn’t familiar with. They began to play, slowly nervously at first.