by Toni Cox
Helpless, Blaid stood barely out of reach, watching as Maia rose into the air. Her body spun, glowing from the inside, shining a blinding light over the gardens. Her open eyes glowed silver, too bright to look at.
The faster she spun, the brighter she glowed, and he had to step further back as the heat that emanated from her became too intense for him to bear.
Blaid screamed her name, reached out to her with his mind, pushed against the force with his body, but his love was beyond reach. He crumpled, unaware of the stones digging into his knees; and watched helplessly as Maia’s gyrating, glowing form exploded into a million pieces in front of his very eyes.
His wings burned as he drove them down with force, urging himself to more speed. Never before had the partner of his soul needed him more. Never before had the distance that separated them seemed greater.
He had needled her when she had tried to change form, knowing that inciting her would stimulate that part of her to invoke the change. It had lain dormant within her all her life, but being with Dark-Silver-Moon had awoken it. Midnight knew it would take but a small nudge from him to make it come to life.
It was when Bright-Shining-Silver-Star was in that state between states that she had heard Jaik’s plea for help. It was then that she had seen the horrors of her homeland. Midnight had seen them, too, which was when he had left to come to her aid, for he knew what was going to happen. He had been waiting for it for decades.
The castle came into sight and he strained himself, urging his body to more speed. He needed to be there for her.
Although she had shut herself off completely from him, he could feel the change in the vibrations on the air. It was happening and it was happening now. His own body tingled with anticipation as he dived around the last turret to angle down towards the gardens, and he beheld the most beautiful brightly shining silver star he had ever seen before, and then it exploded into a thousand shards of stardust.
Maia’s shout of anger burst forth from her as a hoarse screech through a sharp and hooked beak, as she flapped her wings, rising high into the sky. Midnight’s dark shadow sailed over her, plunging her feathered body into cool darkness.
Bewildered, she hesitated for a moment, stalling her wild flight in mid-air. Then, the memories of the past few moments came crashing back, flooding her brain, re-igniting her anger. This time, however, it wasn’t the blind rage she had found herself in earlier. Now, she narrowed her sharp eyes in calculated fury against the species that was systematically taking everything she held dear away from her.
Tucking a wing on the right; tilting the tail a certain angle, dipping the head just so; she shot between Midnight’s legs, around his large and cumbersome body, circled his head faster than he could follow with his eyes, and then glided silently down towards the gardens, coming to rest on the shoulder of a statue, looking down at Blaid, who stared back at her with an open mouth.
“A Peregrine Falcon,” Blaid said in wonder.
“Screech,” she answered.
Blaid laughed.
Wind buffeted them as Midnight came in to land, trampling numerous flowerbeds in the process. Folding his wings tight to his body, he stepped as close as he could, his head stretched forward, eying Maia with interest.
Glowing brighter than ever before. Bright-Shining-Silver-Star. I can see you.
“What does he mean?” Blaid asked.
I can see myself. Maia mentally bowed to her dragon in understanding, and then turned to Blaid. It is as if I have been looking for this piece of me my entire life. Midnight says he has been waiting for it to come out, although he would not have been able to say what it was. I feel ready now. There is still much I need to learn, but now it is possible. I now know the answer to the old man’s riddle.
“The old man we met before we crossed the mountains? That riddle about the two that are one?”
Indeed, Blaid. I shall explain it to you, but there are more pressing matters right now. I have seen what is happening at Shadow Hall; or maybe what has already happened; and we need to return with all haste. I need an audience with your father right away. He needs to mobilise his forces immediately and we will need to leave before nightfall. Now, how to I change back into myself?
“I have never seen anyone change form the way you did,” Blaid admitted, “but I guess you needed that push to help you accomplish it. I still cannot believe you are a falcon. I wish you could see yourself.”
I can see myself through your eyes, and Midnight’s. It is but a small bird, but fast and fierce. I like it.
“To change back is supposed to be the reverse of how you changed form to begin with, but I do not think my heart could take watching you explode into a million pieces again. So, maybe simply concentrate on your elven form and wish to be back in your body. But,” he held up his arm, “first climb off the statue. I’m not sure if it will hold the weight of your other body.” He winked at her.
With a cold, yellow stare, Maia stepped off the statue and onto his outstretched arm. Carefully, he lowered her to the ground, where she stepped off onto the gravelly pathway.
Closing her eyes, she thought about her other form. This time, Midnight did not make fun of her, but assisted her in remembering what her elven body looked and felt like. Blaid joined in and, together, they shut off any thoughts of the falcon.
With a shudder, and some bizarre tingling, Maia’s body transformed once more. She felt herself change, but without the violent eruption. To her mortification, by the time the change was complete, she stood before them completely naked.
Quickly, smiling, too, Blaid draped his coat over her, then held her and rubbed her arms to warm her. She shivered in his embrace.
“The change takes energy. I am always a little cold after,” he said, now with a crooked smile. “Come, let us find you some clothes and then the army you need.”
“Aye.”
Midnight, Blaid added, addressing the dragon, it is better not to stay here. Lay low in the mountains. Maia will let you know as soon as we are ready to leave.
Midnight tilted his head and Maia worried for a moment that her dragon had taken Blaid’s request as an order and would not oblige. She felt something shift in Midnight’s mind, something that was quickly hidden, and he narrowed his eyes dangerously.
Army. In the mountains. Low. Ready to leave. Know. Know. Know.
His jumbled thoughts made no sense to them and his hindlegs dug deep furrows into the gardens as he jumped into the air. The downdraft from his wings knocked over two statues and the pavilion teetered dangerously.
With his arm still around Maia protectively, Blaid pulled her down the path and away from the destruction of Midnight’s wings as he rose into the sky. With leaves swirling about them, they made their way back to the castle, Maia holding on tightly to the flapping corners of Blaid’s coat and desperately trying to suppress what she had seen through Jaik’s eyes. She could not think about that now.
Maia’s ears rung in the silence of the castle as Blaid closed the doors on the torrent of noise behind them. Two guards stood at a window staring in fascination and fear between Maia and the ever ascending dragon outside.
“Back to your posts,” Blaid commanded, and the two guards scurried away. “Come,” Blaid continued more gently, “let us get you dressed.”
They hurried to their chambers and Maia quickly changed into her fighting gear. The time for pretty dresses had passed. She buckled on her Twin Blades, and slung her bow over her shoulder.
“It’s time to save our people.” Maia looked up from fastening the last button and her green eyes, dark and dangerous, flashed eerily with her emotions.
Solemnly, Blaid nodded and led the way to the door. As he opened it, they heard the sound of many booted footsteps beyond. Blaid raised a hand to signal caution, and stepped through the door.
“My Lord.” The Commander of the Guard bowed to them with a grim look on his face, his men spread out behind him, blocking off the passage.
The hairs
on the back of Maia’s neck stood erect at the implication of danger they presented.
“Commander Redfalls,” Blaid said, taking Maia’s hand, “how may I be of assistance?”
“Lord Elderbow wishes to see you immediately?”
“Ah, what a coincidence. We were just on his way to him to beg for an immediate audience. Please, lead the way. We are in a hurry, Commander.”
Taken aback, the Commander struggled for a moment to keep his composure, but then he gave his commands and the Guard surrounded them to lead them to the Lord’s chambers.
Maia could not help feeling like a prisoner as the Guard led them through the castle and she had to constantly remind herself that they were leading her to where she wanted to go. No doubt the reason the king so urgently wanted to see them was because of the ruckus they had caused in the gardens.
By now, the entire castle had to now about how she had glowed brighter than the sun before soaring through the sky as a falcon. And, as if that wasn’t gossip enough for at least a decade, her Soul Dragon had then proceeded to destroy half the garden with his entrance and probably the rest with his exit.
If she was in his position, she would also like to find out what was going on and who this person was she had let into her home. Nevertheless, she could not help feel like a child who had broken a window as the doors opened to the throne room and they were led through. They needed the king’s support and she worried, above all else, because of what had transpired today, she had ruined their chances of the king consenting to pledge his armies to their war.
With surprise, Maia noted Siana standing alongside her father’s chair, one hand resting on her sword. Lady Sarena sat calm and serene upon her throne, smiling down at Maia. Lord Elderbow had a frown on his face as he studied Maia, but it was a frown of curiosity, rather than anger.
“Thank you, Commander.” Lord Elderbow dismissed the Commander with a nod.
The retreating footsteps of the Guard echoed dully in the vastness of the throne room and, for a moment, Maia felt small standing in front of the dais with its two large thrones upon it. Then she lifted her chin and put her shoulders back and, without waiting for an invitation, took one step forward.
“My Lord, My Ladies.” She inclined her head in respect, but carried on speaking immediately. “I am Maia Longshadow of the Longshadow Clan, daughter of Jagaer Longshadow, Lord of Shadow Hall and King of Kings of the Alliance of Kings of the Rule of Grildor. My Twin brother, Jaik Longshadow, is heir to the throne of Longshadow. I am also a Prime Elemental and the first Life Elemental to be born in thousands of years. I am soul-bonded to a Soul Dragon who has given up his wild life to be with me and protect me for as long as I shall live. It is my only and absolute duty in this life to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people; all of Elveron; and we have been fighting a war in Grildor for the past two years we are slowly losing. The Vampyres of Naylera are attacking us with such overwhelming odds that, even with our combined magic, Blaid and I have been rendered helpless at times.
“We have come here to beseech thee to lend your armies to the fight before the Vampyres break through our borders and overrun the rest of our planet. I beg my Lord for forgiveness of our earlier deception and for the destruction we have caused in your garden. We need your help. Elveron needs your help. The time is now. Shadow Hall is already overrun and it will not be long before the Vampyres send their armies to attack again. If you send your men now, they might just get to Grildor before the snow melts and there may be hope yet.”
With her head held high, she stepped back to stand, once more, beside Blaid, who looked at her with admiration.
Up upon the throne, the king and queen sat in silence, the queen’s hand now resting on her husband’s hand. Siana stood quietly, a new-found respect in her eyes, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly.
Finally, Lord Elderbow looked to his wife, who nodded.
Looking back to Maia, he said,” I doubt you to ever be helpless. I can see you are a strong and motivated woman. Our family has been in situations where our entire nation’s existence was at stake before, but we had the strength and motivation to survive. We have heard about the plight of the Vampyres and, although nothing fatal so far, have had a few incidents ourselves. We have also been in contact with the western countries, who have reported attacks through their Gate. We believe you when you say the war has escalated to a point where the Vampyres now threaten to overrun our planet. Fortunately for you, we find ourselves in a position to be of assistance.”
Maia’s heart raced in her chest at the King’s words and she took Blaid’s hand and squeezed it. He returned the pressure.
The king continued. “I will send word to my armies immediately and dispatch them to leave for Grildor within the next few days, as soon as the necessary provisions can be gathered. Taking into account distance, weather, and terrain, they will not reach Grildor before the end of winter. Let us ask the Mother that they will not be too late.”
“Thank you, My Lord. That is all we ask for.”
“That is not all that we can provide, however,” Lord Longshadow continued. “Much has changed here since my son left. There were many things I failed to see and I now feel regret for the wedge this drove between us. Blaid, I want you to know I am sorry for the grief I have caused you. You were right. Your instincts, and your elemental powers, led you true.”
Blaid almost crushed her hand in his vice-like grip. “Thank you, Father,” he managed to choke out.
“So, not only will I send my armies to your country, Princess Maia, but I shall also send my daughter, Princess Siana, and her squadron of Fire Dragons, to accompany you. She will be able to leave with you today, if you so wish.”
Lady Sarena stepped forward and enfolded Maia in her arms and Lord Elderbow kissed her respectfully on her hand. Princess Siana, with Lunar by her heels, stood before her with a sheepish smile. The girls stared at each other for a moment longer, before bursting into laugher.
“Dragon Lady,” Siana said, and bowed theatrically.
“Same to you, Lady Siana.”
It was difficult to not think about what was happening at home, especially with Jaik’s thoughts still fresh in her mind, but talking to Siana about the dragons made it bearable. True to his word, the king immediately dispatched messages for his armies to mobilise. He had also issued orders for the men under Siana’s command to get ready to fly out by first light in the morning.
In the meantime, there was nothing they could do but wait. It was excruciating for Maia, although watching Blaid make up with his father had been the highlight of her year. She was glad the problems between them had been resolved.
Now, Blaid, Siana, and Maia walked towards the stables so they could ride out to see the dragons. Although already too late to ride into the mountains - it would be dark within an hour - Siana would be able to call Vulkan when they reached the high meadow below The Outlook; one of the tallest peaks overlooking Caverna Estralis. From there, they would leave the horses and fly with Vulkan and Midnight to where the dragons were hiding.
A grey stallion screamed as they entered the stable complex and Lunar bounded forward to nuzzle the outstretched nose of the stallion as he craned his head over the door. Siana smiled indulgently as she walked up to the pair and lovingly stroked the stallion’s neck.
“This is Stormwalker. He and Lunar practically grew up together. Ah, Master Ervensoil, please would ready Shadowhound for my brother and, um …” Siana looked at Maia with narrowed eyes, “… Lady Luck for Princess Maia?”
“Lady Luck, My Lady, are you sure?”
“Aye, Master, she could do with the exercise.”
With a nod, the Horse Master walked away, only to return moments later leading a nondescript bay mare and an old, black gelding, his coat as black as raven feathers.
“Hello there, old boy,” Blaid said in a soft voice as he took the reins from the Horse Master.
“Shadowhound used to be Blaid’s horse before he left, but he is
older than the hills and now spends most of his days out in fields,” Siana explained. “Lady Luck, though,” she carried on as the Master handed Maia the reins apprehensively, “stands most days in her stable. Her name used to be Lady Lilywand, but that changed after a while.”
“Why did it change?”
“Because you’ll be lucky to stay in the saddle,” Blaid laughed behind her. “Go on, I think you two will get along perfectly.”
Maia reached out to the mare’s mind, finding it shielded. Horses normally did not shield their minds; although intelligent, most were simply not able to, unless something traumatic had happened to them in the past. Maia wondered what could have happened to Lady Luck that she felt the need to hide herself.
Maia stepped closer to the dull brown horse, stroking her neck and talking softly to her. One of the ears twitched and Maia felt a faint wavering of the barrier within the mare’s mind.
She could have forced her way in - she had the power - but that would not build trust between them. So, as Maia put her foot into the stirrup and then swung her right leg over the saddle, she kept up a steady stream of energy between her and the mare’s mind.
They exited the stable yard through an arched gate and rode out along a cobbled path that passed vast storage halls. After a while, they reached the city’s wall and rode through another arched gate to exit the city.
“The stable complex has three exits,” Blaid explained. “We used the back exit, which is for goods and merchandise. Then, there is the gate that leads to the riding arenas, the fields, and the forests beyond. Finally, there is the main entrance. It comes in directly from the city and guests are received through this gate. We also ride out from there during festivities, or times of war.”
Maia took it all in. Blaid’s city was very different from her own. She wished she could stay longer to learn about his customs, but her pressing need to get back to Shadow Hall overshadowed everything.
Once they were out in the open, Siana urged her stallion to a gallop. By then, Maia had made some progress with Lady Luck and the mare now pricked her ears forward as she lengthened her stride to keep pace with the stallions.