The Treachery Of A Weasel
Page 22
When I rose, Baladir was still clearly puzzled, but he was also pleased.
I stepped closer to him and spoke softly. “It doesn’t mean I’m a soldier of Delmar. It doesn’t mean that I serve you. It simply means it’s time that I try to move on from this.”
Baladir was overjoyed—no matter how much he tried to hide it, you could see it in his expression.
“Thank you, Aidan.”
I nodded in response. I turned to Derrick, who nodded proudly.
Baladir then turned his attention to Derrick. “What is wrong, Derrick?”
Derrick hung his head and didn’t respond. I hated seeing him like that.
Mirabelle stepped forward and answered somberly. “Lady Kirra is no longer with us, Your Highness. She—she died saving my life.”
Baladir’s expression turned to sympathy and mild admiration. “Then she died a hero.” He walked over to Derrick and put his hand on his shoulder. “Oh, Derrick … I’m so sorry for your loss. Go back home and be with your family. Rest.”
Derrick nodded, but didn’t immediately leave.
Baladir stepped back and addressed all of us. “You all have traveled a very difficult road in the past few weeks. We can take some time and rest before we talk about our plans moving forward.”
I appreciated the thought on Baladir’s part, but I was ready to discuss some things at that moment. “Sirak must be stopped. Longchester has been saved, and we captured a cultist there. He told us where Sirak is keeping the souls of the people of Min Lenoras. Even with that information, it is going to be very difficult. We need all the help we can get from all the countries in our land. Longchester, Longhaven, and the mages have all pledged their help.”
Baladir nodded in approval. “I am pleased that Longchester is now free of that horrid curse. But no one will be safe until Sirak is dealt with once and for all. It seems that you are off to a great start in getting help, but you are right—we do need more.”
“I will go and talk to the elves,” I replied. “I’m sure they and the dwarves will help us.”
Baladir nodded again. “Go. Mourn your loss, and heal from this terrible time.”
We all bowed to the king and we departed. As we entered the gates leading to the city, I turned to Derrick.
“Do you want Mirabelle and I to come with you?”
Derrick shook his head somberly. “No, thank you. I think I’d rather be alone for now.”
I, of all people, understood. But I resolved to keep a close eye on him. “Alright, brother. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
Derrick nodded, gave me a half-smile, and walked away.
***
As always, there was only one destination for Mirabelle and I. Once again atop the wall where we had proclaimed our love for each other, we gazed out over Lake Apera, huddled close together, just enjoying each other’s presence.
We just stood there, holding each other, quiet for a long time. We both knew what had almost been lost, and now we were just taking this time to appreciate each other that much more.
Mirabelle broke the silence. “We have a long, hard battle ahead of us.”
I nodded. “It is going to be very difficult. If the barrier of souls is as deep in the ground as Natish said it was, just getting there past Sirak and a city full of Ther-lor is going to take a miracle.”
Mirabelle turned to me and put her hand on my face. Her violet gaze struck me still. “Believe, my love. We will succeed. We must succeed.”
We were quiet again, and then Mirabelle spoke. “I’m worried about Derrick.”
I held her tighter. “Me too. Besides Garridan, this is the only other death he’s had to deal with. I really believe that the death of Kirra has hit him harder.”
“They were very close,” Mirabelle responded. “We will be there for him.”
I kissed Mirabelle on the cheek, and she laid her head on my shoulder. I looked out over the lake again, watching the sun disappear over the horizon.
It was time to end this.
EPILOGUE
That night, Mirabelle and I were invited by Ceiridwen to join the others (minus Derrick) for a meal at an inn. Mirabelle decided to go, but I really wasn’t hungry. Mirabelle nodded, understanding my need for solitude. I was loathe to leave her alone again, and I offered to walk her to the inn, but she playfully reminded me that she wasn’t some helpless little girl and didn’t need an escort. I decided to go to the Garden of Rememberance and visit Garridan, but when I passed through the gates of the city, I found Iskandor, in dragon form, laying out in the field gazing at the stars. I hadn’t had a real conversation with him in a while, so I decided it was time to have a talk with my dragon friend.
Besides, I had something that was on my mind that I really needed to ask him.
The night was cool and calm, peaceful—a direct contrast to what we were all feeling that night. I took a moment to enjoy the light breeze as I walked over to meet Iskandor.
The dragon didn’t look at me as I approached. I put my hand on his massive shoulder.
“The night is still and quiet,” Iskandor said.
“I am enjoying it while it lasts,” I replied.
“We must,” Iskandor said, “for it will not last long.”
“How is your wing?” I asked.
“It is healing,” the dragon replied. “Soon, it will be fully healed.”
“I’m happy to hear it,” I said with a smile.
It was quiet for a moment, and Iskandor turned his head to look at me. “How are you and Lady Mirabelle?”
I could do nothing but smile in response.
Iskandor smiled back. “I am pleased that worked out for you, Aidan. I fear what would have happened if we did not get her back. You would have been inconsolable—I do not know if I would have been able to bring you back from the depths of despair.”
I didn’t know what to say to that, so I said nothing.
“Derrick?” Iskandor asked.
“He didn’t join the others at the inn,” I replied in a quiet voice. “He just needs some time—I’ll visit him tomorrow.”
“His heart is broken,” the dragon said. “It will take a long time for those scars to heal.”
Silence again, and then I decided it was time to ask.
“Back in Longhaven, when Senator Tawnya mentioned the other dragons—I saw the pain on your face. There is something you are not telling me.”
Iskandor looked back out into the night. “It is nothing you need to be concerned with, Aidan.”
“Incorrect,” I responded. “How many times have you put yourself in the line for me? How many times have you been there for me? If it concerns you, it concerns me. Let me help.”
“There is nothing you can do to help, Aidan.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
Iskandor’s head whipped toward me, and his snout was inches away from my face. “Hear my words, Aidan—you cannot help me.”
“Let me try!” I yelled back at him. “I owe you so much I can never pay back, Iskandor … just please, let me help you!”
The dragon’s eyes widened, and I could hear his breathing getting heavier and heavier. My brain was screaming at me, at my own stupidity—it was clear he was getting angry with me, but I wasn’t ready to back down. Something was really bothering him, and I wanted with all my heart to help if I could.
Still, “screaming at a dragon” does not make anyone’s top ten list for things you should do in any situation.
Suddenly, Iskandor whipped his head away and took a deep breath to calm himself down. He looked into the sky and was quiet for a moment.
“Do you really want to know?” He asked.
“Yes, Iskandor,” I answered right away. “Please tell me what is torturing your soul.”
Iskandor didn’t answer right away. He continued to stare into the night sky. Then he finally spoke.
“The dragons will not help us,” he said finally. “The dragons will never have anything to do with me ever again.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I am no longer allowed in the realm of the dragons,” Iskandor said. “I was banished for helping you.”
About the Author
Robert Blanchard was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY. He currently resides in Corinth, NY surrounded by crazy but lovable people. Though he suffers from constant dizziness, he still does his best at working to be an unprofessional dishwasher and chef in his home. He is terrible at making phone calls and folding shirts. If you would like to help him with either of these, or if you’d simply like to contact him, you can do so on Twitter and on Instagram @BobbysWorld2110 or you can visit his website:
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