Age of Valor: Dragon Song

by D. E. Morris

  “Great Dragon,” Luella began, “we thank you for the opportunity You have given us to come together once more, to be able to have our sisters close for a few days before life separates us yet again. It is with great joy that I am here to witness the union of Kenayde and Elas. I thank You for bringing them into my life and cherish the bonds that have been made between us.”

  Nuala's hand rubbed gently over Kenayde's back before she spoke, taking a moment to breathe in. “We thank You also for watching over Kenayde, dear Giver of all. You have gifted her with a tender heart that could have been taken advantage of, yet You led her to the one who would need her tenderness most and let blossom a sweet story of love and compassion. What a blessing that has been to see, and what a delight it has been to be part of their journey.”

  The group was silent for a moment, allowing Kenayde's quiet sniffle to be heard in the silence. Ashlynn waited, wanting to give Misuzu time to pray if she chose to do so aloud. When she said nothing after a moment, however, Ashlynn gave Kenayde's shoulders a loving squeeze before closing the time of prayer. “Sweet Giver, what a journey this has been for Kenayde and me. There were many days I longed to be an only child, but many more days in which I was so grateful that I had a beautiful, sensitive, loving baby sister. She has always been the salve to soothe the wounds of the brokenhearted, encouragement to the downtrodden, and the one whose belief in You has been an inspiration for many. I ask that You go with her as she enters into this new chapter in her life. You brought her together with Elas and I pray that You remain at the center of their marriage - that they would remember to always turn to You in the hard times, as well as the good. Give both Kenayde and Elas wisdom as they learn to navigate this life together, discernment in the choices they make for themselves and the family that is sure to grow, strength to follow Your will, and trust in both each other, and in You. Thank you so much for the beautiful woman she has become and the deserving man Elas has grown into. We pray all of these things in Your most precious, holy name...and all my sisters said?”

  An echoed “Amen” went up around the room, even from the waiting ladies and the servants, followed by laughter from the close knit group. Misuzu hugged Kenayde after she wiped her face. “Please know I did pray for you. I'm just not comfortable praying out loud.”

  “It is all right,” Kenayde assured, returning the embrace. “Not everyone is. I am just thankful that you are here.”

  Lilia, who had slipped from the room sometime during the prayer, gingerly opened the door and stuck her head in before entering all the way. She smiled at Kenayde, a warmth in her eyes that made Ashlynn both happy that the two had bonded, but also a little jealous. “Everything is ready when you are, Your Highness.”

  “I have your mask for the party,” Nuala offered, holding up a blue eye mask with ribbons and gold feathers.

  Kenayde took a deep breath and looked around the room, checking to see if anything was forgotten. When she seemed satisfied, she beamed at all the women with her. No words were spoken, but she nodded and everyone began spilling from the room. Out in the hallway, she waited to give most everyone time to get to the throne room where the ceremony would take place. Ashlynn had offered to stay with her, but Kenayde bid her go ahead. She wanted a few moments of calm and quiet before her life changed forever. Only one of her ladies remained and she stood silent, awaiting the signal from her princess that it was time to go.

  Just that morning, she and Ashlynn had risen early to go down into the hidden parts of the castle, the heart of Altaine where a secret garden magically thrived. There, in the middle of stone and mortar, was a room usually flourishing with green grass and fragrant flowers unlike anything that should have been possible, yet it seemed that the long winter had taken its toll even here where the grass was withering and the flowers shriveling to dust. It had been there for as long as either of the girls could remember, and even in its state of lifelessness, it was still a comfort. In the center of the room was a stone dais that had intricately carved knots running from the base to the top, around the round platform in never ending loops and paths. The names of their birth parents and the vows they exchanged when they wed were carved into the dais, as well as the date they had married. Over the past two years, Ashlynn carved more names and important dates into the soft stone base, never wanting to forget those most important to her even when they were gone.

  The sisters shared a private time of recalling memories and praying together, lamenting things that would never be, but also taking great joy in the hope of their future and the future of their children. It was a time they would both cherish and Kenayde smiled, thinking on it now. Though she and Ashlynn often had moments when they didn't see eye to eye, she would never love anyone as she did her older sister.

  Walking down the long flights of stairs and hallways that would take her to the throne room, she felt butterflies in her stomach. Kenayde hated knowing all eyes would be on her the second she passed through the doors. She was marrying her best friend, she reminded herself in an effort to calm her racing pulse. What was there to worry about? Yet the closer her steps brought her, the more her stomach flipped, until finally, she stood before the closed doors, concentrating on not being sick.

  “Are you all right, Your Highness?” asked a sweet, concerned voice from where the young girl holding her train stood behind her. Kenayde seemed a statue as the guards awaited her command to push the doors open. With a slow nod, Kenayde took one more breath, then looked to the two armored men and gave another nod. They moved as one, pushing the tall ornate doors of polished wood and iron open, revealing a room nearly overflowing with beaming faces.

  It was all overwhelming for the quickest moment, but then she saw Elas at the far end of the room. The knot of anxiety that had wound itself in her stomach loosened, and she felt tears spring into her eyes yet again, still highly aware of being watched by so many, but no longer caring quite so much.

  Ashlynn stood to the side of the room, her arm linked with Wessely's, a handkerchief in her other hand. She was already prone to strong emotions because of her pregnancy, and this moment had the potential to send her over the edge. Part of her was there as the older sister, but there was another part of her that knew she was somewhat standing in for Emiline as well.

  As Kenayde came down the center aisle, Ashlynn looked to Jaryn, waiting until he felt her eyes on him and glanced her way. He winked at her and grinned, and she knew he was just as excited for this moment as she was. Kenayde had practically been his sister for years already, his Pickle, and she knew how dearly he loved her, as well as how close he'd become to Elas.

  It was fairly predictable that with Jaryn running the show, there was a light and humorous air to the ceremony. If there was an opportunity to crack a joke, he would happily insert one, but he seemed mindful of how much attention he was detracting from the couple before him and was always quick to return to them. Kenayde repeated her vows in her soft, musical voice, and somehow managed to keep herself together as she did so.

  When it came time for Elas to speak, his voice was quieter than Kenayde's, making people lean in to try to hear him. He was nervous, that much was obvious by the way he kept letting go of Kenayde to wipe one hand or the other on his trousers and the way he shook when he joined their hands together once more. Kenayde was ever patient, smiling tearfully at him as though nothing was less than perfect. Ashlynn, however, watched the young water dragon carefully, alarmed by what she saw.

  It was slow, like a blush coloring from embarrassment, the way the scales had begun to creep up the back of his neck, reaching up under his hairline. Ashlynn looked across the room for Tasarin. She knew he'd brought a fresh mixture of the potion with him and had assumed it had been given to Elas. By the time she found her friend, she recognized the alarm in his widened eyes as well. When Tasarin visually sought her in the crowds, they shared the same confusion. Thanking fast, Ashlynn let go of Wessely and wove her way through the people all standing crowded together until she reache
d where Misuzu stood with Cailin, acting almost like guards themselves. Ashlynn stood as close as she could to Misuzu and murmured, “I need your help.”

  Jaryn was watching the way Elas fidgeted, his heart clearly going out to his friend, when he felt something brush the skin of his wrist. Before he could react, a searing pain shot through his head along with the warning, Don't move. It was nearly impossible to carry out Misuzu's orders. As it was, he sucked in a sharp breath that gave both Elas and Kenayde pause, causing them to turn his way. He gave a pained smile and a wave of his hand, prompting Elas to continue. Ashlynn said you need to wrap this up as quickly as possible. Before he could reply, he saw a fly speed away from him and quickly out of sight.

  “Well,” Jaryn burst, surprising everyone. “I think we could all listen to you go on and on about how much you love each other for hours, but some of us are hungry.”

  Light, nervous laughter rippled through the room. He sought out his wife in the crowd, fixing her with a questioning gaze when he finally found her. Ashlynn's only reply was a confident nod. “Right, then. Do we have the rings?”

  The ceremony was over in mere moments after that. Once the rings were exchanged, Jaryn declared them married and encouraged everyone to don their masks and move into the ballroom where a feast was waiting. Elas and Kenayde left first, a chorus of cheers and clapping in their wake. As the room emptied, Jaryn waded through the shifting tides of people to snatch Ashlynn's attention before she was swept away with everyone else.

  “What was that?”

  “I'm sorry,” she said, rushed and trying to keep her voice low enough so only he could hear. “Either Tasarin wasn't able to give Elas the cure before the wedding or it didn't work. I think all the attention and the nerves were getting to him because I saw him shifting. I didn't know what else to do.”

  Jaryn frowned and ran a hand over his beard. “What do we do?”

  “I'll find Tasarin and see about the potion, you keep an eye on Elas. Once his vows were done and he was no longer the center of attention, he seemed to calm down and the scales faded. I don't see him being anxious during the feast or the party afterward, but we have to make sure one of us has an eye on him at all times, at least until we know how to proceed.”

  “All right.” Jaryn kissed Ashlynn's lips, distracted. “I'll see you in there.” As he faded away into the departing crowd, Ashlynn forded the current of moving people to cross the room and find Tasarin standing by himself, looking for her.

  “Did you give him the potion?” she asked, pulling him farther back against the wall so they might avoid being overheard.

  “It was the first thing I did once we had Tiyal settled last night. It should have worked.”

  “Obviously it didn't.” Ashlynn rested her hands on her hips, watching the room empty without really seeing anyone. After a moment, she looked up at the elf. “What does that mean?”

  Tasarin shook his head, his face grim. “Either it means the potion was not strong enough, or the dark magic that wounded him to begin with has found a way to circumvent what we all thought to be a permanent cure.”

  “What do you think that means for the other water dragons, the ones attacked in the war?”

  Tasarin did not look hopeful. “It is impossible to know, Ashlynn. Are you familiar with any of them personally? Are Jaryn or Elas? The only way to truly assess the situation is to monitor as many of them as we can.”

  Ashlynn groaned. “Poor Kenayde.”

  “It is better this is dealt with now than on their wedding tour.”

  “Do you think anyone else noticed?”

  With a shake of his head, Tasarin extended his hand toward the last of the crowd, indicating they should follow. “Not from my observations. It seems everyone was too enthralled with what was being said rather than what was happening. That aside, the changes were slow and subtle, quick to disappear. Unless one was looking for it, I doubt it was noticed at all.”

  “We can be thankful for that, at least.” As they walked together, Ashlynn untied the peacock feathered mask at her waist, examining it. “What should we do now?”

  “We will keep a careful watch on him. I should think he will be fine for a time, but if the festivities go too late, it may be prudent to pull he and Kenayde aside and make them aware of our concerns. As it stands, Elas is likely aware of what was happening and will be cautious, I have no doubt.”

  “In other words, try to forget about it and enjoy the party?”

  Tasarin's smile was knowing. “As much as you can.”

  “I will do my best.”

  It wasn't hard to do once it was clear that Elas and Kenayde were far more relaxed now than they had been during the ceremony. They sat close together, laughing, sharing food, stealing sweet kisses. Elas even seemed to start enjoying the way cheers went up every time he kissed his new bride, making a game of it and kissing her multiple times to get the crowd really going.

  When the band began to play, Ashlynn stood in the middle of the room, her colorful mask tied securely around her face and declared it time to dance. Little more prompting was needed to get others on their feet, and Ashlynn pulled Rowan from the crowd, keeping her hands tightly within her own, and spinning the little girl around the room. Rowan laughed and squealed, light on her feet and entrusting every step to Ashlynn, knowing she wouldn't let her fall.

  At the back of the room, a young woman entered in a blue and gold gown, her golden, etched mask covering nearly her entire face. She hung close to the doors, watching hesitantly as people moved everywhere. For a time she simply watched, then all at once there was a squeal of happiness to her right. “Mairead!” Before she had time to react, Lilia threw her arms around her and hugged her so tightly she felt she might break in two. “You came! Elas said you might!”

  Mairead smiled, returning the embrace and waving a waiting Zarra over to hug her as well. “He asked me to. It would be rude of me to stay away.” She looked the girls over, taking in their colorful dresses and masks. “Both of you look lovely.” A pain thudded in her heart, realizing how much time she had lost with them. Taking them both into her embrace again, she smiled. “Oh, how I have missed you.”

  “We've missed you, too,” Zarra confessed. “I've missed both of you! I want my family back together again.”

  Lilia looked at the younger girl, a teasing smile on her lips. “I thought you'd be glad to be rid of me, of all people, because I teased you so much.”

  Zarra shrugged. “I knew you did it because you cared.” She turned to Mairead. “Does this mean you're done locking yourself away in a tower like some faerytale princess?” Playfully, she peeked around to see the back of Mairead's head. “Is your hair long enough for your prince to climb up it yet?”

  “Very funny,” Mairead drawled. “I have not been up there to be purposefully dramatic, I promise you.” Her light mood shifted and she looked down. “I know it is hard for either of you to understand, but I do not feel comfortable in my own skin. I can barely look at myself in the mirror. How can I expect anyone else to look upon me and not be disgusted?”

  “Mairead...” Lilia squeezed her arm. “Is it truly that bad?”

  “Not when I am shifted, no. Then I just look like a battle-worn dragon.”

  “Aren't you?” asked Zarra. “You survived what no one else did.”

  “And it left marks that may never heal.” Mairead lifted her eyes to sweep the room, pausing only when she found Elas together with Kenayde. Seeing him so happy and comfortable made her smile. “Elas said there may be a cure, but there is no telling whether it will work or not, not to mention the permanence of the results.”

  “It's worth a try, isn't it?” asked Lilia, giving her friend a smile of encouragement.

  Mairead didn't answer for a moment, but when she did, her smile was sad. “It may be, it may not be.” She looked toward the open doors, feeling the urge to flee from all the perceived expectations that would come along with her unexpected presence. “This was a mistake.”


  “What?” Zarra asked, blinking. “What do you mean?” She looked to Mairead for an answer, but the older girl was already out the door and hurrying down the corridor. Left to stare after her, Zarra's mouth hung open in surprise. “She left!”

  Lilia frowned, disappointment mixed with understanding in her tone. “She isn't ready yet.”

  “But she came tonight!”

  “With a mask to hide her face. She isn't ready, Zarra, and it isn't fair of you to expect her to operate on your timeline. Neither of us knows what she has been through.”

  “Because she won't talk to us!”

  “Regardless...” Lilia turned back to the full and busy room, her arms crossed over her chest. “I know you want things to go back to the way they were, but it is childish of you to expect us to pick up where we left off simply because you want us all back together again.” With one more look at Zarra, Lilia said, “I'm going to get a drink,” before disappearing into the crowd. She was only feet away from the wine being served when Ashlynn hooked an arm in hers and led her away from the table. The sudden interruption of her plans and the person who had whisked her away left her following with a bemused smile on her face. “And hello to you, too.”

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” asked Ashlynn, her tone unusually light. It made Lilia look at her with a raised brow.

  “....yes. Are you?”

  “I am having a wonderful time. Altaine hasn't been this alive in ages.”

  Lilia laughed. “What about your own wedding? I wasn't here to see it, but I have heard stories.”

  Ashlynn shook her head, stopping their journey on the outskirts of the gathered crowd to watch those dancing. “We were on the verge of war. Yes, there were people everywhere and more food than we could eat, dancing, music, all of it...but there was never a moment for any of us when the threat of what was coming here to try to destroy us was not somewhere in the backs of our minds.” She looked around, a contented smile on her lips. “This is a real party and I am blessed to have a little sister who is so indulging.” Turning, she met eyes with Lilia. “I was feeling happy and lighthearted, but then I saw you crossing the room, looking so dower, and I thought I should see what that was all about.”