By The Skies

by J E Mueller

  “How am I supposed to travel with you? That’s… too tall.” I vaguely waved at Soleia who chuckled, as best a dragon could chuckle.

  “It’ll be fine. I’ll just set you on my back and you can get settled. You won’t fall off, since magic. It’s far less dangerous than being on, say, a horse.” Aylum shrugged.

  “It’ll be fine?” I huffed. “What am I even supposed to hold on to? Are you certain I won’t fall off? I know you said the magic would prevent that but still…” Well, now was an acceptable time to be worried, if any.

  “It’ll be fine, Kareia.” Delmar chuckled. “I reacted similarly the first time I got to explore the skies. The magic does work, and you’ll just have to see. It’s an odd thing to explain otherwise.”

  I sighed. If Delmar could handle this then why couldn’t I? We were usually tied in classes, so I knew there wasn’t anything extra special he could have on his side. I finally nodded. “I guess I’ll have to see for myself.”

  Aylum nodded, smirking as he stepped back several feet. “It’ll be fine.” The light wrapped around him just as it had Soleia until he was fully transformed, towering far too high over us for my comfort.

  Dragons were amazing to look at, and while I hoped that I wouldn’t gape at them forever, I never wanted to lose this wonder. The wonder was replaced by momentary surprise and fear as Aylum reached out a hand, wrapped me in his claws, and set me on his back. I was too shocked to do more than give a little yelp and flail.

  Once on his back, I sat there for a solid moment trying to process the whole situation. The scales around me were smooth and I could easily reach between any of them to grab hold if I so desired.

  “Are you well?” I heard Aylum’s voice in my head and yelped again before he chuckled.

  “How was that in my head?” I demanded in as much of a normal tone as I could muster, which wasn’t at all.

  “Dragon magic my dear. Nothing too exciting. I cannot hear your thoughts just as you cannot hear mine. I can only speak to you.”

  Well, at least there was that though it still felt so intrusive.

  But he had said ‘my dear’ and something about that set my heart fluttering. There was so much to discuss on that end, and neither of us had really broached the subject. Neither ready to. At least I wasn’t, and it was more likely he was giving me some time after recent events.

  “What about the no falling off thing?” I was curious to see how that one would turn out.

  “You can purposefully get down, but there is no way to fall. I can purposefully shake you off, but I cannot do so accidentally.” Aylum turned to the side, leaning over and I felt myself almost glued to him, I was stuck so firm and true.

  That was a relief.

  “You all be safe,” Delmar called to us.

  “We will!” I replied back, hoping he could hear me.

  I felt magic cloak us just before Aylum beat his wings and took off into the sky. I watched in awe and terror as the ground steadily shrunk from view. It was very good luck that I couldn’t just fall off.

  “What do you think?” I heard Soleia’s voice ask. I could barely see her outline. The magic only showed her vaguest shape to me because she allowed it.

  “It’s…” I couldn’t find the right word. “Words won’t do. Everything is so tiny and wonderful. Can you even hear me?” I called, trying to be loud but still not full on yelling.

  “The magic allows it, yes,” she agreed.

  “How? How does any of this work?” It vaguely made sense that Aylum could hear me.

  “Soleia and I are sharing a link. Through her link with me, she is able to hear you,” Aylum explained. “Otherwise only the dragon and rider can hear each other.”

  I wondered where the line was drawn. “Can she always hear what I say to you?”

  “Only when I allow it. I can choose if she can hear as if we were standing side by side or not. It’s nice, but can be difficult to decide when to cut something off when it’s a larger group,” Aylum clarified for me.

  That would be tough.

  I thought about it for a moment. “Can you feel me at all?” I patted the area in front of me twice.”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. That’ll do just fine then. If I pat you like this…” I patted his scales three times. “I just want to talk with you.”

  “That’s almost cheating.” Soleia chuckled. “Going to cut me out of secrets already?”

  “Like I can ever really hide something from you for long.” I laughed, pleased with how this was going.

  For a short time, the wind was cold, but as we flew, Aylum warmed up, keeping me comfortable as well. I hadn’t thought how much of a workout flying could be. The sights were so pretty they took my attention away from conversation and everything else. Thick forests made way to fields and hills before we saw more water and plains. Soon the view went back to more and more forest with miles of hills and further in the distance, mountains.

  It was strange getting the birds-eye view of it all. Everything looked peaceful, as if the world was simple and at ease. Nothing complicated in the clouds. I could easily get used to flying like this. My heart stung, wanting to spread its wings too. An impossibility for a human. This would have to do and was far more than I could have ever expected to experience.

  I patted Aylum so I could talk to him. “I’m excited to be going with you, but what does your family know of all this past… drama.”

  Aylum was quiet for a moment. “Enough. They didn’t need all the details. They knew you had a Promised, that you were planning on dueling him before we met, and that the falling out did not go as expected but you still got your duel and won. That’s really all that matters for my sisters. I had to explain a little more on the kidnapping to my parents so they knew why I was busy and frantic. They only know of the event, us tracking you down, and bringing you back safe. I didn’t see a reason to give them more details, it’s not my place.”

  I laid down on his back, wishing I could hug him. “Thank you. I don’t feel the world needs to know the entirety of those events.”

  “Nor shall they. You are safe, and now on to better things. I hope this vacation is fun for you.”

  “It’ll be with you, so of course it will be.” I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. I was far too eager to see this new place. I had always wanted to see Dustarn, but never expected to go. Aylum telling me more about it just made me want to go even more, and now I finally was. In just a few short hours we’d be landing, worlds away from where we started. Until then, I enjoyed the flight.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Landing was terrifying. The swift downward descent and the ground rushing to meet us caused me to grip tightly and close my eyes. I only knew it was over when I felt the air around us come to a halt.

  “Are you all right?” Aylum asked.

  “I don’t think I like that plunging feeling in my gut,” I admitted softly as my stomach turned in response.

  “Let’s get you down then.” Aylum reached back and carefully grabbed hold of me before setting me down on the ground.

  My stomach settled fairly quickly once I was grounded. I took in the wide field I had been set in as a group in the distance approached us. Aylum and Soleia changed back into human form before I could even glance back at them.

  “It appears my family has decided to come meet us.” Aylum motioned to the group in the distance.

  “I suppose there really is no sense in delaying it,” I mumbled, not entirely ready to meet them.

  “They’re nice.” Soleia squeezed my arm. “It’ll go well.”

  “I’ve no doubt that it’ll go fine, but if it’s all the same I’d rather not deal with initial introductions,” I whispered to her.

  Soleia just gave a small laugh as the group was nearly on us.

  Aylum had talked a little about his family while we flew. I knew his father, Mercinder, was stern looking but considered kind and just. He was tall and well built, hardly looking like a king and more
like a renowned warrior. The long scar along his left cheek did little to change that thought.

  He walked arm in arm with Verna, Aylum’s mother. She had long easy curls, and a kind smile, but her dark eyes were very intent on taking me in. The focus on me made me uneasy. Before I could get too uncomfortable his sisters were on us, running ahead of their parents.

  “Aylum!” The youngest, Luniria, threw herself at her brother. I was glad we had gone over names again as we traveled since I didn’t remember them from our conversation at school.

  Aylum caught her, spinning her around for a moment before setting her down. “How are you both?”

  “Tired of waiting for you. What took so long?” Nyria put her hands on her hips, her dark brown hair blowing freely in the light breeze.

  Aylum laughed. “I can’t just teleport here. It does take a little time to fly from Arix back home. I was in Odra, the capital city, after all.”

  “Girls, give your brother some space so he can introduce us all,” their mother instructed as they reached us.

  Nyria backed up a step but Luniria skipped to my side instead. “You must be Kareia! I’ve heard so much about you! Are you excited to come stay? I bet. It’s wonderful here compared to everywhere else I've traveled. While there are great views out there, none compare to here,” she prattled on excitedly.

  I laughed. “I’ve heard great things about Dustarn. You’ll have to show me around so I can see if it lives up to all the wonderful things I’ve heard.”

  “That won’t be heard,” Nyria chimed in. “We have got the winter festivals starting shortly. I’ve heard your land doesn’t do as much because of the snow and cold.”

  “The cold does keep us in more,” I agreed, happy it was reasonably warmer here, though not by too much.

  “We aren’t expecting snow for at least another two months. It hardly lasts around here. In and out far too quickly. I really enjoy the change of season. I need snow,” Luniria complained.

  “Riri, please give the girl some space,” her mother chimed in again.

  Mercinder chuckled. “You’ll have to excuse the girls. They have been hoping for you to visit for a long while. Aylum refused to give any sort of date until yesterday and they have been riled up ever since.”

  I nodded as I smiled back at both Aylum’s parents. “It is more than fine, Sir. Last minute surprises tend to be worth the extra excitement.”

  “They are!” Luniria clapped excitedly before turning toward her mother. “Can we show her around? Please?”

  “Patience.” Verna chuckled and turned toward me. “I’m sure you’d like a moment to rest after your trip. Aylum can show you to your room.” She then motioned toward Soleia. “It’s lovely to see you again as well. You’re more than welcome to come inside.”

  Soleia bowed her head for a moment. “No thank you, your highness. I just wanted to see both my friends safely here. I must be off to see my own family.”

  “Thank you for seeing them here then. Enjoy your flight.” Mercinder nodded toward her, giving her leave.

  Soleia gave a slight bow before stepping back and vanishing. Turning invisible with her magic. I only briefly felt the wind shift as she took off.

  I silently cursed her departure, having hoped she would stay for a while. No matter, I was sure things would go well enough. At least I hoped so.

  “Come, let’s go inside!” Lunuria gave my hand a tug, pulling me forward with strength I wasn’t expecting.

  I laughed as I stumbled a step. “Of course.”

  “Careful, mind your strength,” Verna called tiredly as Aylum moved to keep up with us.

  We walked down the path and around a bend before the palace came in sight. Four towers stood at the corners of a large gray stone wall. From where we were the main building appeared to be soundly in the center. I wondered if there was a lot of open ground or gardens to fill the space.

  “What classes are you attending?” Luniria asked before continuing, “I’ve heard your school is good but we’re sad Aylum is so far away. It better be good if he is so far away. It’s not as fun when he’s gone all the time.”

  “Riri is more annoying when he is gone,” Nyria confessed tiredly.

  “I am not,” Luniria scoffed.

  I chuckled, trying to divert their attention away from arguing. “I am learning a lot of things. My focus is healing and white magic-”

  “Oh! Mother does white magic!” Luniria pulled me to a halt. “Right mama?”

  Verna nodded. “Let the poor girl go, please. Yes, that is true. What level are you at dear?”

  I bit my lip for a moment before answering honestly. “I haven’t been properly tested.”

  “Oh, that’s a shame. Hopefully, you can before long. It’s nice to know where you stand once in a while.” Verna smiled warmly before motioning for us to continue.

  Aylum offered his arm to me and Luniria in an effort to keep her from dragging me along.

  “Agreed.” I smiled, happy to know Father wouldn’t prevent such a thing anymore. “It’ll be nice to see what the new semester brings.’

  “Aylum, is it really worth being so far away for the entire next semester?” Nyria asked. “Certainly our schools have to be better.”

  Aylum looked thoughtful. “The school is very different, but I think it’s been good to see how other places learn. What their thoughts and lives are like.”

  Nyria sighed. “That sounds boring.”

  “School is about learning, not excitement,” her mother reminded her.

  “There’s got to be some fun to it,” Nyria huffed.

  Aylum chuckled. “There is some fun, but a lot of less exciting things. Sadly, we have to learn those as well.”

  We chatted as we walked along the outside of what appeared to be an extensive garden and through the back gates. Luniria and Nyria supplied most of the conversation, getting more questions out than anyone was able to answer.

  It was almost too much of a relief to be shown my room and have them shooed away. Aylum stared them down until they were finally gone.

  “I must admit, conversing with siblings takes more energy than I was expecting.” I gave a light laugh, rarely having to deal with such a thing.

  Aylum laughed a little harder. “They are a lot of energy. It’s nice seeing them so excited though.”

  I took in the room as silence fell between us. It was larger than I was expecting, with a small sitting area in front of the bed. The soft greens and blues made the room look cozy and inviting. I was surprised to see the curtains weren’t fully drawn back and walked over to open them wide to take in the view.

  I was blessed to be met with the sight of the gardens. Just beyond them but still within the wall was a large open field. I couldn’t tell if it was open for training of some sort or another reason altogether.

  “The grounds look lovely,” I commented, trying to make out the plants. More than a few looked familiar but several I couldn’t even begin to guess at.

  “I’ll gladly show you around later. I’m hearing my sisters want to take you shopping first.” Aylum chuckled.

  I tilted my head, curious about the phrasing. “You’re hearing this?”

  Aylum nodded. “If we’re within a mile of Mother she can mentally communicate with us. It’s annoying, but she doesn’t use it often. Usually more in circumstances like this where it’s useful to know something, like how my sisters will be back before long.”

  “That is useful to know.” I laughed lightly, moving away from the window to sit on the small sofa. “I’m glad they are excited. It makes things less awkward. There isn’t time to worry about anything when you’re trying to keep up with their chatter.”

  Aylum sat across from me and laughed. “That is far too true. Hardly a chance to get a thought or word in edgewise with them. I will admit, I have lost track of the time though. I thought we’d be arriving nearly a week before the winter festivities began but the commencement ceremony begins tomorrow.”

  I blinke
d in surprise. “I know nothing about these. Guess you’ll have to fill me in now.”

  Aylum nodded as he thought. “They aren’t as exciting as some of the other ones we have. It is just a week-long series of events. Tomorrow starts everything. It opens in the early evening with food and music before it branches off into different competitions. Along one side of the festival are several different cooking competitions. I think the first night is pies.”

  Aylum continued on. “The other side starts the more athletic competitions. There are acrobats, fire dancers, shot put… I’m drawing a blank on the rest. Really anything you can think of. Then there's fun and food between the two different events. Plenty of music and dancing.”

  It sounded tiring after everything I had dealt with recently but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. “Sounds like it could be fun.”

  “It is fun.” Aylum smiled widely. “I can’t really emphasize how much everyone enjoys these events. You’ll just have to see for yourself.”

  “I certainly will. I’ll finally get to see what the fuss is all about.” I smirked. “You’ll have to think hard on what is the best to see since it’ll be my first impression.”

  “No pressure though, right?” He laughed. “I’ll have fun with this challenge. You’ll see just how wonderful it is.”

  “I’ll hold you to it. You can’t keep boasting of greatness and then only have a second rate event you know,” I teased.

  Aylum raised an eyebrow. “It’s not boasting if it’s true.”

  I laughed just as a series of knocks came at the door. “Has my welcoming committee returned?”

  Aylum sighed as he got up and walked over to the door. “I have no doubt that is exactly the case.” He opened the door just a hair and that was all Luniria needed to shove her way through.

  “Kareia! Will you come shopping with us?” Luniria chimed gleefully.

  “Mother said you need some provisions,” Nyria added. “And it’s always nice to have something fun to wear to the festivals. She’s waiting in her study.”

  I nodded and smiled at them. “Thank you. I’ll have to trust you two to help me find the best outfit for such an event.”