Dragon Sword

by Angelique Anderson

  "I only see how it would bring more death. That is all I can see, good soldier."

  "Please, consider me a friend. You can call me Ellowin."

  "Ellowin? Well then, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, but I can still not be your general."

  "Is there nothing which would persuade you?" His large cerulean eyes desperately searched hers.

  Astrid could see and feel the anguish in his soul as he gazed at her. "There is but one thing that would make me agree to do this for you, but I guarantee the Grand Vizier would not allow it, because I have already asked him several times."

  "Please, anything..." Ellowin begged.

  "I want an audience with the King. You can send as many guards as you like, I don't care. I must speak with him, there will be no rest for me until I do."

  "Consider it done, Astrid of the bow. Short you may be, but your stubbornness will get you many places here. Please, continue training these men, and I will speak to Quimby and the Grand Vizier."

  Astrid nodded politely. "Thank you, you have no idea how much this means to me."

  Ellowin nodded back and then hurried toward the Vizier's castle.

  "Back to it please, I have shown you that it is not the bow that gives me aim, it is the fighter. Do not pause, do not question. Allow yourself to become one with the bow. Focus your eyes on the target and aim true. Ready, set, loose your arrows!" At her command several arrows soared through the air, some landing inches away from the targets, some hitting in off kilter positions, while others landed just as she said they would.

  The few soldiers who had hit the center whooped and cheered.

  "Excellent work, keep practicing until Ellowin returns," she urged them.

  Walking behind each individual, she moved their elbows higher or lower, and used her foot to spread apart their feet. Just as Melifera had done for her during her training.

  In what felt like no time at all, Ellowin returned, Quimby at his side.

  "Astrid, may we speak with you?"

  She hurried to them. "Have I been granted my request?"

  Quimby nodded. "You are a stubborn woman, aren't you? I don't think I've ever seen the Vizier's face turn so red."

  Ellowin laughed. "Probably because he's never met the likes of Astrid. The problem is, he wants you as the general of our army as well. I made him see that would never happen if you were not given this simple, small request. Would you like to go now?"

  Nodding enthusiastically, she turned to the men. "Soldiers, I have a small matter to attend to, Please continue practicing as I have requested, I shall return shortly."

  They didn't even acknowledge her departure as they continued to practice, overjoyed at their improving skill, which brought her a great amount of joy.

  "I shall remain to keep an eye on things," Quimby announced.

  "That would be lovely, thank you, Quimby." Ellowin had already started heading toward the castle located at the center of the entire sky kingdom and Astrid found herself rushing to keep up.

  "Ellowin," she panted, once she reached his side. "Why is he called King Bertram, the Heartless? Why does he kill just to kill?"

  Her voice was genuinely sincere, and Ellowin tilted his head as he studied her.

  "Milady, I don't know if I am at liberty to discuss such things. I know there is a reason why he does what he does. Though I suppose it is up to him to disclose what that reason is. I only do what I am told, and we all hope he doesn't crack and just kill us all. He has done much damage; that is the truth. Yet, I don't think he ever meant it to be that way."

  Astrid went quiet for the rest of their short journey to the castle, pondering the things he had told her. She had to wonder if there was something behind who he had become.

  Only time will tell, I suppose. She thought, as she also contemplated how long it would take to kill him should she pull her bow and loose an arrow at his head.

  Be easy, Astrid... remember the end goal. No doubt you will most likely have to kill him, but do it when it is most opportune for you. When it will benefit more than just yourself. Aronus commanded into her mind.

  She did not respond to his demand, but knew she would follow it. Her dragon had not led her astray yet.

  47

  Svana

  There is something unique and special about the bond between man and animal. A dog or horse is more trusting than man. They do not comprehend the lies that men spew. Therefore, their love is unconditional without reservations. It's no wonder everyone calls them 'man's best friend.'

  King Nicklaus the Brave, First King of Caelestis, 255 A.V.

  Svana glanced to the men who were beginning to clamor about as dusk began to set. She quietly pulled out bowls and handed them to everyone. "Here, serve yourselves and try not to act like animals in the process. There is plenty to go around. After you've rested tonight, we'll set out early tomorrow. We've already lost a day in the process."

  They didn't bother to acknowledge her as they were already drowning themselves in their dinner. Even Duggary seemed to have gotten his strength back. After they'd eaten several bowls, they passed out around the fire and Svana didn't have the heart to wake them.

  She made herself as comfortable as possible on the hard ground and leaned against one of their tents to nap. Gill was the one to wake them all with fervent whispers.

  "Hurry, we have to get out of here, a villager just rousted me from sleep to tell me there is an army gathering in Aequoris and they are headed this way. We must gather our things and hurry to warn the king."

  Not wanting to avoid wasting another moment, the lot hurried to pack up everything they could, except Duggary who was still holding his side and bent over in agony.

  "How're you doing, Dug?"

  "What, this old thing?" He motioned to his wound, which she had fashioned a makeshift bandage for. "Heh, never been better." He gingerly grabbed things from his tent to pack them up, but seeing his struggle, Svana hurried to his side.

  "Just sit, I can take care of this." She brushed her wild red hair from her face, and assisted him to a sitting position on the ground. "You need to rest, Dug. Don't worry about us."

  The other men said nothing as they worked, and Svana could tell the worry of the approaching Aequoran army was getting to them. No matter, she thought, it's been enough time. Hopefully my sister has infiltrated them by now and will be accompanying the army that approaches. The thought of possibly seeing her sister made her all the more anxious to return to the king.

  "Surely, the king will not just turn around and ready an army to fight them off?" She suddenly worried about Hekla's safety.

  "Why wouldn't he? If the Aequorans are truly readying themselves to attack the Tellurian king, why wouldn't he ready an army for a counter attack? Do you think he would leave his kingdom unguarded? There are Tellurian soldiers all over Telluris, including at the border of Telluris and Aequoris. If the Aequoran army even makes it onto land, it will be a miracle," Gill said.

  "Interesting," she responded, not wanting to think about Hekla being a part of any battle, whether it be in the water or out.

  "All right, I think we're all set."

  Svana took a look around, and was pleased they had all been so quick to pack their things. The stew from the night before had been left in the pot and placed between several items on the cart they pulled along with them.

  Gill slapped the hind end of a chestnut colored stallion that pulled the cart. The beautiful muscled beast neighed softly before he started walking. Branwin took the horses' lead rope and walked in front, their pace considerably slower with Duggary bent over, walking behind.

  "You should go on without me, just leave me a little provisions. I'll get there as soon as I can," Duggary said.

  "No, Dug, we aren't leaving you out here to fend for yourself," she argued.

  "Absolutely not," Jasper chimed in.

  "I'm just going to slow you down." Duggary looked truly troubled, and Svana felt for him.

  "Hey, put him on a hors
e. He doesn't have the strength to walk," she urged.

  Branwin and Jasper nodded and hurriedly rushed to assist Duggary so he could sit on one of the horses they were using to pull their food.

  "That'll help," she said with satisfaction.

  With Duggary on the horse, they could move quickly through the Tellurian country side and get back to the king.

  Hopefully before the Aequorans decide to invade.

  Grateful they had quickened the pace, Svana heaved a huge sigh of relief. A raucous group of men approached them on the road. They stopped when they saw Svana and the small troop of soldiers. One of them dismounted his horse and walked within a finger's length of Svana's face.

  "Well, looky here. What's a pretty girl like you doing with the likes of them?" He motioned to the group of men, and Svana raised her upper lip in a snarl.

  "Back off, man. We're just passing through."

  The bearded man grabbed her shoulder roughly and shook. "I don't really care what you're doing. Those men right there make me very nervous."

  He feigned a shiver, but the look in his death black eyes told her otherwise.

  Svana swiped his hand away, and a split second later had her sword at his throat.

  "Don't touch me," she said. "Don't touch my men either."

  The bandit let out a nervous chuckle and started to back away. "No need to get feisty, milady, we were just on our way."

  The salt and pepper chinned man made a whirling motion with his hand, indicating they all needed to head out, and they quickly began retreating. Then the sound of an arrow flying caught them all by surprise. Duggary slid to the ground, groaning again. The group that had threatened them took off. Svana rushed to Duggary's side, wondering what had happened. No one had put together that Duggary had been stricken by an arrow, but when she flipped him over, she saw the broken end of it sticking out of his chest.

  "Duggary," she yelled out, her hand on Duggary's chest. The pulse of his heart beat grew weaker until it finally stilled. The man that had loosed the arrow at him, still stood in the road way, feet apart arrow prepped to loose again.

  Svana jumped to her feet, and watched as another arrow came flying, headed toward Gill. She took a rapid leap in front of him, just as the arrow sliced past her arm. Yelling out in pain, the momentum from her jump forced her into Gill, and they both hit the ground with a hard thud, rolling across the dirt and rock.

  "Metal and Iron!" she yelled, jumping to her feet and yelling to the troop.

  "Gill, Jasper, Branwin, stay here... I'm going after them!" she let out a war cry, and went chasing after the bandits, sword held high.

  "You foolish woman, don't!" Gill yelled out.

  She ignored his cries, bent on her own revenge.

  "I'm going to make you all pay for what you've done!" Svana's eyes flashed.

  With her red hair wild, and ruby red leather boots flying with every step she took, Svana was unstoppable. She caught up to the dirty, scandalous lot quickly. Her blade sank into the shoulder blade of the one who still wielded his bow. He toppled to the ground with a yell, and she jumped over him to chase down the other four.

  The man who had grabbed her was next. She lifted her sword up and brought it down in a slicing motion. It cut through the leather earth-toned armor, and immediately blood ran down his back. He tripped and fell, and she rolled him over, holding her sword to his throat.

  "If you move so much as one muscle, this blade will be that last thing you see!"

  The man blinked in response, shivering under the chill of metal.

  Svana heard the pounding steps of another of the dirty-faced bandits attempting to come after her. She spun around, deflecting the downward plunge of his sword without hesitation. She swung the sword at his arm first, causing blood to poor down, and when he stumbled back away from her, she slashed her blade at his face, slicing his cheek.

  He fell back on his hind end. "Please, I don't want to die. I have a family!" the man pleaded with her.

  "Did you think about that when you came after us? Did you think about the fact that we have families too? You're lucky I don't gut you right here."

  The man shook his head, and placed his arms over his face to protect himself. She brought her blade up, then thinking better of it, commanded him not to move. He nodded.

  She went after the other three bandits, and when one took a small blade to her mid-section, she stabbed him in self-defensive and he fell backward, bleeding out.

  She acted quickly, with no thought to her safety. The only thing running through her mind, was that she needed to protect her men and avenge Duggary. Svana rallied the bandits swiftly, dragging each one of them back to the wagon where her allies waited. They stopped fighting, and by the time she found the last one, she sheathed her sword and smashed her fist into his face several times before dragging him back to the others.

  With the help of Gill, Jasper, and Branwin, they tied up the four who remained alive.

  "Don't ever mess with my men," she said through clenched teeth. "Now you will return with us to the castle, where you will pay for your crimes."

  "Svana, the hero!" Branwin yelled, a face full of glee at her victory.

  "As long as you travel with us, you will be our captain," Gill said.

  "Captain?" Svana asked with raised eyebrows.

  "Captain Svana, here here!" Jasper raised a cheer.

  Svana shrugged, not wanting to rain on their parade, but knowing they needed to continue.

  "We must make haste to the castle at once. We don't know when the Aequorans will arrive." Svana scowled as she looked to their prisoners. "And I want these," she paused, searching for the right word, "vermin, brought to the dungeon!"

  "Indeed," her men replied in unison.

  It was a quick day's journey back, and as they approached the gates, the young squire ran out to meet them. A medium sized yellow dog followed after the squire, but the boy paid him no mind. Duggary's body had been wrapped in a blanket and laid across the horse Svana had been riding.

  "Who's that?" The boy asked.

  The dog sniffed the horse carrying the body, which caused the horse to nicker and stamp his hooves.

  "Away with you!" the squire yelled at the dog, but the animal sat, tilting its head, tongue out, and watched the five of them.

  "Never you mind, squire. Please alert the king we have returned. Get that dog out of here while you're at it!" Gill said.

  "Yes, sir!" The squire started to walk away, and made kissing noises for the dog to follow him, but the dog remained seated.

  The dog's attention turned to Svana then. She had never seen a dog before, but nonetheless, felt the need to get on her knees and cuddle the furry animal's head in her hands.

  "Who are you? You're beautiful," she said.

  Don't you dare befriend that filthy animal, Lingaria warned.

  The dog whimpered slightly as if he had heard Lingaria's mind speak. Lingaria growled, and Svana stuck her tongue out. Then continued petting the dog.

  "I think he likes me, he's cute. I've never seen one before, are they safe?"

  Gill's mouth dropped open. "You've never seen a dog before?"

  She shook her head.

  "Just where are you from?" he asked.

  "I thought we went over this. I'm from Volican. An island inside the Volcano of Shadows."

  "There are real people who live there? I thought that was a myth. No one who has ever journeyed to the Volcano of Shadows, has ever made it back."

  She looked shocked. "I don't remember ever having any visitors. Are you sure that's not just hearsay?"

  Gill shrugged. "I don't know." He looked from Svana to the dog and back again, his forehead creasing and his puckered lips shifting from side to side as he studied her. Taking a deep breath, he said, "We need to get this bounty to the king.

  Svana nodded.

  "Guards, please see these horses to the stables and send servants to assist us with our abundance," Gill said.

  The guards nodded
their agreement and hurried to do as they were told.

  "If you weren't so angry all the time, you'd be a pretty impressive soldier," Svana said honestly.

  "Thank you, I think?" He smiled at her, the corners lighting up his eyes and she had to look away.

  Don't fall for anyone. You're here to make allies and kill the king, remember? She reminded herself.

  The horses had been taken away, and smaller carts had been filled with everything Svana and the men had gathered on the road. Servants pushed the carts as Gill directed them to the throne room.

  "Svana, you've returned!" Emmeline's pale blonde head bobbed toward them from the long hallway, her face aglow with delight. "Did you do it? Did you become a soldier?"

  "I did, your majesty." Svana bowed out of respect for the woman.

  "Oh come now, stop. Let us walk together and you can tell me of your travels?" The woman's face was positively radiant, and Svana felt herself inexplicably drawn to the light that seemed to radiate off of her.

  "Gill, do you mind?" Svana asked, her face apologetic.

  "Not at all, Captain Svana. I shall tell the king of your victories and have him handle these prisoners. Thanks to you, Duggary will be avenged."

  "Captain Svana?" Her brows furrowed. "Duggary is dead?" Emmeline's face paled at the statement.

  "Yes, indeed I'm sorry. Were you close?" Svana asked of her.

  "No, but we were friends. He will be missed." Emmeline hung her head, and Svana placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  "You have my condolences, your grace."

  They stood that way, in silence for the moment as the Emmeline processed what had happened.

  "All right, my apologies, please... walk with me. You can tell me what happened, and how you ended up captain."

  Svana smiled broadly. "Yes, well, I will say it was not without a fight."

  The yellow dog had taken to Svana, and as she parted ways with Gill, it followed after her.