by J E Mueller
“Of course. That sounds like the best way to handle it.” Aylum smiled.
“Agreed.” Delmar nodded awkwardly as silence filled the room.
“Well, enough of that.” I shrugged. “The heinous witch will get her comeuppance and I need not claim her. Shall we enjoy a stroll outside?”
Delmar smiled. “Of course. It would be a shame not to continue the tour.”
“And I have only glanced at the gardens,” Soleia agreed. “Is there really time to enjoy them?”
“One can never enjoy the full grandness of them in one trip,” Delmar admitted, “but that gives us somewhere to easily pick up next time.” He led the way out of the room.
We made our way outside, the weather already starting to get chilly despite the sun still being out. This would end up being a short tour at best, but it was nice. It would have been wiser to have stopped for a cloak, but I was okay for now without it. Hopefully, a few good moments could wash away the last week as if it never happened.
We walked the path, chatting for a short while before I started to rub my arms from the cold. “I think it might be time to head in once more.”
“Oh, it is cooler isn’t it?” Soleia gave a small laugh.
Delmar laughed as he addressed me, “We have picked the wrong friends here. I’m fine with the slight chill, but I doubt they have even noticed it.”
“I’ve noticed it, I just didn’t think on it.” Aylum chuckled, calling fire into his hands. The flame close to me helped a little.
“Thank you. Your magic has several fun advantages. It would be nice not to get cold so easily.” I laughed.
“Delmar, if you’re still fine, let’s continue this tour.” Soleia smiled. “I’d like to see a little more while the light is in our favor.”
I raised an eyebrow at her as she smirked and walked further into the garden, Delmar laughing along the way.
“What is she up to I wonder…” I mused as I turned to head back inside with Aylum.
Aylum kept the pace slow. “She means to give us a moment.”
“And what do we need a moment for?” I asked curiously.
Aylum chuckled. “I was hoping you would stay a few more days, but since you mean to return home, rightfully so, I wondered if you would consider coming for a week or so to Dustarn.”
I hadn’t expected that and strolled quietly for a moment with him. “I think I would like that. Would that be all right with your family? I know you haven’t had a chance to see them yet and I would hate to take time away from them.” It honestly sounded better than going back to that place. Idleworth had so many bad memories right now.
“They would greatly like to meet you. I was just speaking with them earlier. My family really only let me stay so far from home if I promised to call often, so I do daily. I’ll admit, I am a fair bit spoiled and have a traveling Magneth calling orb.” Aylum reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black orb about the size of my fist. “I talk to them daily, and my sisters insisted that if you were well that I should invite you. My parents both agreed, though it was hard to hear that part with both of them squealing and asking a million questions a second.”
“That’s wonderful, I am so glad you’ve been able to talk with them. I’m surprised they gave you such a thing while you were away at school. They are hard to come by.”
Aylum shrugged. “They are annoying to come by, yes, but not difficult, but that’s a dragon matter and not the point.” He chuckled, pocketing away the orb. “Would you consider coming with?”
“I’ll have to check with my father first, but yes, I would like to see Dustarn. Between you and Soleia I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about it.” I smiled.
“It’s a truly lovely place, I think you would enjoy it.” Aylum smiled happily at me. “And you’ll finally be able to see some of what we’ve been talking about.”
“The places, food, or dragons?” I snickered at the last part.
Aylum chuckled. “All of the above.”
“I do like the idea of it. I think father will agree as well. He did say he had a great conversation with you. It amused me to no end that while he said it was up to me what I wanted to do with my future, he also made a point to say to consider staying close to you, as it would be a good idea.” I smirked.
“He did now? I wasn’t expecting him to say anything about our conversation.”
“He didn’t say much, I'll confess. If anything he let on what I already know. Though he doesn’t know the full story. He only knows of your interest in me and not mine in you.”
Aylum smirked. “How kind of you to leave that part out.”
“After everything that has happened lately, I did not feel like talking more on that subject, but I am glad he is seeing things my way. Though I wish he had been that way since the beginning.”
“That would have helped things greatly,” Aylum agreed with a sigh as we stopped by the doors. “I am glad that the worst is over.”
“It best be. I don’t wish any of this drama and nonsense on anyone. If any good came from this it must be that those foul beings have been prevented from harming others as well.”
“Well, you will also be delighted to know that there are several objects removed from the Lari’s residence that Delmar was saying you deserved for going through all that trouble. It’s not as if his family needs more things, or he believes they do not.” Aylum smiled.
“That is much too kind of him. I don’t need anything.” I bit my lip for a moment. “But I am curious as to what they are. I did see several neat looking things there.”
Aylum chuckled. “I don’t know, but he said he had a list going and would gather them, likely bring them to school.”
I nodded. “I can’t hide that I’m interested in what they are.”
“We’ll find out eventually.” Aylum chuckled. “We should get you inside though.”
Nodding I opened the door and crossed the threshold before stopping again. Aylum stood next to me, flicking the fire in his hand out before raising an eyebrow at me. “Is something wrong?”
I shook my head. “Not exactly. Things are fine. I will admit though I am a bit sad to be leaving so soon already. Being among friends is exactly what I needed. At least everyone is safe now.”
“We were always safe, we are all glad you are safe.” Aylum paused, seeming to debate something in his head. “I’m glad you are safe. I can’t imagine anything terrible happening to you.” He stepped closer and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Will you consider coming with me straight away? I know you miss your home, but I’d rather know you’re safe and with Soleia’s charm momentarily destroyed...”
“We can talk with my father. I admit I am fairly neutral about returning home. Moth- that woman always made going home feel like a chore at best. I don’t know if I’ll ever really miss it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be.” I shook my head and motioned for us to walk. “Let’s go see where my father is. He can’t be doing anything too exciting at this hour.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Father was quick to agree and almost grateful. There was much more to do with the council than Father had expected and he did not want to leave me alone in the house for the entirety of my winter break.
“How far is it to Dustarn? I also don’t have anything proper for traveling in.” Aside from the things that woman had packed to send me off with, I didn’t really have anything. Nothing practical at least.
“No need to worry, we’ll get that settled once we arrive, and it may be about three hours.” Aylum shrugged as we lingered outside my door.
“So fast?” I raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know what carriage can travel that quickly even to the border.”
“We’ll be flying, though it will have to be in my full form so I can stay invisible longer.” Aylum chuckled.
“That sounds… terrifying,” I confessed, though my excitement outweighed my concern.
“It’ll be fu
n,” Aylum assured me. “Let’s go join the others for breakfast then we can head out.”
“And you’re sure this is all fine with your family?” I loved the idea, but everything was suddenly feeling too good to be true.
“I’m confident.” He chuckled, taking my arm in his as we walked to breakfast. “You’ll see.”
“I feel like I know very little of your family. What should I know before we arrive?” It seemed like only the other day I learned of his sisters.
“Ah, yes. There probably are a few things I should um, mention.” Aylum blushed.
His blush only made me want to know more. “Well, what things are they?”
“I haven’t explained how Delmar and I met yet, have I?” he asked instead.
“No, I’m afraid half those conversations get cut off. You two and your odd secrets.” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“Well, we’ve known each other for several years. Both of us have traveled with our families many times to the other kingdoms. Well, at least between here, Dustarn, and Umox. We’ve all been allies for ages.”
I nodded. “Yes, I am well aware of our basic political history. Now, what does that have to do with anything?”
“Well, um... Everything and nothing really.” He shook his head as we entered the room.
Delmar waved us over. “Wonderful to see you both. My parents have allowed me to skip breakfast with them since you’re all leaving soon.”
“Oh, wonderful. Now maybe you can help me get some information. He’s being all shy about things.” I looked from Aylum to Delmar.
“What information?” Delmar asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I am betting Aylum hasn’t said a thing and Kareia finally has the right to know it all,” Soleia smirked.
Aylum gave her a sidelong look as we took a seat. “You didn’t need to point it out so bluntly.”
“It is what I do.” Soleia chuckled.
“Best just get it out and over with then.” Delmar laughed. “It makes sense with how we know each other.”
“And how I recognized you despite not meeting prior,” Soleia added pointedly to Aylum.
My mind followed the hints, the answer becoming obvious. There had been so many weird distractions. The random dragon appearing at camp, dueling lessons, being kidnapped. Now that there weren't any horrors to occupy my thoughts, everything felt crystal clear. The explanation clicked. Who would a prince regularly associate with that could know dragon secrets? Another prince. I needed to hear the words, and if I was being honest, it was more fun to watch him try and explain this. “Well then, what is it exactly? What fun things are you hiding?”
Aylum sighed. “Well, it's already obvious I’m not of the mist or sedimentary as you prefer here. I was confident earlier about you not guessing it because, at most, the title I expected you to consider is Ocumu, but that is not the case. I have exactly the same title as Delmar. Instead of Prince of the Land of Blue Stone, I am Prince of the Kingdom of the Skies.”
So there it was. My guess was right. The confirmation let loose a flock of butterflies through my insides. They beated along my ribs, caused my stomach to flip and flop, and felt caught in the back of my throat. Asking more questions seemed like the best way to ignore how I was feeling. “And why would a prince want to come this far to study?”
“Dragon things,” Aylum and Soleia stated together before laughing.
“That really doesn’t explain a thing,” I pointed out.
“Have you heard anything of their prophecies?” Delmar asked. “They are curious things.”
“I have but it was some time ago.” I glanced between the two dragons hoping for a better clue.
Aylum glanced over at Soleia. “Now I know I didn’t mention that one.”
Soleia shrugged innocently. “I very vaguely explained it. It quickly segued into a conversation about dueling so nothing was exactly touched upon.”
“Exactly why there is confusion instead of understanding,” I pointed out.
“Let’s see. What did I say?” Soleia mused as she tried to remember.
“Um, I believe something about age?” I couldn’t remember exactly when they came to be.
“Ah yes, it starts at an early age. Usually, we are five or six when we see the first one. It shows us what skills to focus on. The next one we see comes when we are a few years older. It focuses on where we will meet our destiny. It could be a specific place, a specific time in life, or even a person. The final one we find some time in our early to mid-teens, and is different for us all,” Soleia explained.
“I do remember that last part. You mentioned it could be about your fate, good or bad, meeting destiny, or even how to live your life to the fullest.” I was glad to recall something of it.
“Yes, the possibilities are endless.” Soleia chuckled.
“Am I allowed to bother you both on them?” I was too curious not to ask.
“It is considered impolite, but I don’t mind.” Soleia shrugged. “I knew from an early age I needed to be strong, both in my natural skills and in defending someone. I saw I was supposed to be in this Kingdom, and that my fate is tied with another. That is all that needs to be known for now.”
“I’m glad that they led you here.” I smiled at Soleia. “I couldn’t imagine how things would be without you.”
“Dull and stuffy at best.” Soleia winked.
“Before you ask me about mine, I have no problems telling them to you, but not at this time,” Aylum admitted, giving a half shrug.
“It’s more than fine. I’m just being terribly nosey.” I smiled, not bothering to point out that Soleia hardly answered.
“It’s only fun when you can be nosey.” Delmar laughed. “At least you have answers now.”
“Very true.” I nodded before finally cutting into my breakfast, my mind trying hard to imagine why a prince would have any interest in me.
We ate in silence for a moment, the food momentarily taking me to another plane of existence. The sweet berry syrup on the hot cakes was magical and I had eaten most of them before Soleia spoke up. “And you’re not going to express your thoughts at all on the matter?”
“Which matter? It’s hardly right to say much on prophecies. No one can really help them and I’m sure ignoring them does no one any good,” I replied knowing full well she was not referring to that.
Soleia shot me a blank stare for a moment before a smile slowly spread across her face. “You’re ignoring it, aren’t you?”
“There’s nothing to ignore.” I shrugged.
“I don’t know where any of this is going.” Delmar looked over at Aylum. “Do you?”
Aylum chuckled. “If I’m following correctly I think Soleia is trying to get Kareia to admit something and Kareia is easily dodging it so as long as Soleia doesn’t specifically state it.”
“Ah, must be the title thing. Everyone is either in shock, falling over you, or just screaming internally while they try to process it.” Delmar nodded his understanding.
“You know, you ruin the entire illusion if you mention it.” I glared at him.
“We were having a good conversation here,” Soleia agreed before smiling at me. “But since it is mentioned.”
“I’m going to pretend it’s not.” I shrugged and took a big bite of food in hopes I wouldn’t have to answer anything for a moment or two.
“That’s fine. There’s an entire flight to puzzle it out over.” Aylum shrugged it off.
“Oh yes! I forgot about the flight. That’ll be so nice,” Soleia agreed. “I miss stretching my wings.”
“Agreed. It will be nice to do and leisurely at that,” Aylum replied, moving his empty plate aside. “It’s sad we aren’t staying longer this time around, but there will be other chances.”
“But of course,” Delmar agreed. “We should make plans for the summer.”
“I like that idea very much,” Aylum agreed.
“Yes, there’s several festivals you should come to,” Soleia said to both
Delmar and me.
“And plenty of nothing to do here. It’ll be relaxing.” Delmar chuckled.
“Until then, I think it’s about time to head out.” Aylum glanced over at me.
Of course, my food was gone. There was no need to stall this time around. “I am ready once you are. I don’t really have anything here.”
It felt weird leaving empty handed. My luggage was to be sent home with my father instead. Soleia agreed with Aylum that it would just be easier to get new things. The climate in Dustarn was warmer and the dress more flowy than here. It would be easier to blend in with society there, though I knew dress made little difference when you were gawking at new sites.
I followed everyone out back, past the gardens and over a medium stone wall. From there we walked into the woods. Aylum and Soleia weren’t bothered carrying their trunk of things. Neither worried about concealing their strength here. While the guards and servants did not know the truth, they knew better than to ask questions. Delmar waved off any glances making the trip quiet.
“How does this all work?” I finally asked when we stopped just before the trees got too close together.
“Easily.” Soleia snickered. “There are enough charms on these bags that they won’t be damaged by the magic when we transform. They’ll bend and move with us.” She stepped several feet away and let the magic wrap around her. White light covered her and grew until she was in her full dragon form with dark purple scales glimmering as the magic faded away, the light purple along the edges outlining the scales brilliantly.
I stared at her full form in wonder. Months ago I barely believed in the myth of where our magic started. How could dragons be real and even have lived among us? Certainly, there was no way they could still live here and us not know. I was obviously very, very, wrong.
I turned to Aylum. “Are you going to be that big too?” She stood nearly three stories tall. How a living being could be so massive was really a sight to behold.
“A little bigger, but yes.” Aylum nodded. “Full forms make traveling easier, and there is a lot more magic at my disposal.”