Vartan pulled Helenia in to lay a kiss on her head, then whispered in Shanka’s ear. The Phoenix squawked and cocked her head, before jumping over to the surprised princess’ shoulder.
“She’ll keep you company while I’m gone. I love you,” he said, smiling.
Helenia patted her new companion. “I love you too, Vartan. Be careful out there.”
“You be careful here,” he said.
Vartan nodded to his companions; they approached the dragons. Karven and Finn lay down to let them climb aboard. The prince smiled at his brother in his majestic dragon form. So much had happened since he died a human death all those years ago. “Finn, you sure have grown.”
Karven smiled. “We have growth spurts, as you would call them, and he is a fine young dragon indeed.”
Vartan reached out for Anakari’s hand and helped her on-board. Dryden and Yuski climbed onto Finn’s back.
So, you’re just going to leave like that and say nothing to your people? Men have much to learn about politics, Keturah said.
No, of course not.
The prince rubbed Karven’s scales. The King of Dragons appeared to read his mind, and faced the crowd. Vartan raised his hand, and they found themselves surrounded by silence. He hadn’t prepared to say anything and he wished he had thought ahead. Digging deep, he said the first things that came to mind.
“People of Greenhaven. You honour me and should know that your faith is not misguided. We leave today, not in search of vengeance for our fallen, though it would be warranted. We seek out the weapon that will end this war. We will find Talonsphere!”
Greenhaven roared with voices and Vartan waved them down once more. His confidence grew to match his people’s excitement. It was up to him to instil surety for Marithia. “I am the man born of dragon’s blood, and Talonsphere will be myth no more.”
Vartan steadied himself as Karven prepared to take flight. “There are those who would try anything to stop us, including taking back Greenhaven, our home. We must never let them. We stand shoulder to shoulder; whether we are elven, human, or dragon, we will fight as equals. While I am gone, you should know that although I don’t stand beside you in body, I remain with you in spirit. Our great queen will be here with you all, and I would gladly put my life in her hands, as should you.”
Vartan drew his sword as Karven spread out his wings and gave him a nod. The prince yelled at the top of his lungs, “For our Marithia!”
The city thundered with noise as Finn and Karven took flight, and every dragon on Greenhaven’s perimeter walls raised their heads high, blowing jets of fire into the blue sky.
Karven’s voice entered his mind. Not bad, Vartan. Not bad at all.
Vartan sheathed his sword with one hand and felt the familiar drop in his stomach as they rocketed into the sky. The dragon king shifted his scales to hide their ascent from their enemies. Anakari grunted as she held on tight. Vartan placed one hand on her wrist, turned backward, and said, “Believe it or not, you’ll get used to it. Don’t worry, I won’t let you go!”
Anakari smiled and wrapped one arm around him for a better grip, still holding on to the metallic armour. “I’m fine, but thanks!”
Helenia’s voice filled his mind. Be careful, my love. I will worry for you every day and night until you return to my side.
I will miss you until I return. Stay safe, he thought, sending the message before they were too far away from each other.
They banked right and the ground blurred beneath them as the dragons picked up speed. Yuski disappeared, momentarily hidden behind Finn’s wings. They straightened out with the sea to their right, and soon rocketed over the top of Jade Inn’s remains, their shadows combing the lands beneath them.
Bad memories flashed in his mind. He remembered a drunken night at the Jade Inn, when he was banished from Greenhaven. The image of Greenhaven burning was one that he would never forget, nor the carnage he found when he journeyed there.
The two dragons neared each other; the wind was in their favour. Vartan caught Yuski eyeing her lover, giving her a wide grin and blowing her a kiss. Anakari feigned catching and placing it on her lips. Vartan chuckled.
Their actions returned him to a better mood, and he secretly thanked them for it.
Dryden and Vartan both laughed at the girl’s antics, but their faces firmed as they returned their visions to the giant mountains on the horizon.
It was not a time to be distracted.
Dryden cried out, “Are you ready for this?”
Vartan nodded. “I was born for this. We know not what we face. Whatever’s out there will regret crossing our path.”
The knight nodded, tapping his helmet to Vartan, who did the same.
“May our enemies die an honourable death!” they said, sharing a laugh as Vartan remembered the many patrols around the perimeter of Greenhaven, and the shenanigans that ensued from boredom. Dryden was a cherished friend, especially in the early knighthood years.
Dryden laughed, “Good to see you haven’t forgotten.”
Their flight was quiet for a very long time. They ascended, watching as the dragons circling Veldrenn appeared in their view. Karven blew jets of fire and sent out a message that was a little too loud in Vartan’s head. Your king has arrived and I ride with the man of dragon’s blood. Join us for a few moments.
The circle broke out and flew to glide abreast beside them. Vartan’s eyes glowed blue as he saw their cloaked forms.
They all believe in me. I hope I don’t let them all down. I can’t.
Vartan averted his vision to the elven city below. He watched as they crossed over the open canopy. He immediately thought of Helenia, and fought back tears as their wedding day flashed in his mind. She was so beautiful, so perfect. Karven transformed his scales to reveal himself, and the other dragons followed suit. He heard the city erupt in cheers and the Veldrenn inhabitants waved at them, shaking their swords in the air, the glittery show reflecting the sun.
Karven transformed his scales to hide once more, and the other dragons did the same. They travelled uneventfully toward the lowland cliffs. Vartan stared at Kassina’s tower and the storm clouds above, which never seemed to dissipate. “It’s too quiet out here and has been for some time. I wonder what they are up to.”
Anakari looked around before speaking. “It’s true. I’m quite surprised we haven’t been attacked yet.”
She’Ma’Ryn was to their right. Its magical dome remained visible in daylight, as was the beam of light shooting into the sky. Vartan narrowed his eyes as he spotted something moving between the mountains. Tree branches disappeared in the distance. This time, he was sure his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him. “There is something out there. We are not alone anymore.”
They all stared in between the mountains, toward the shoreline. Yuski said, “What did you see?”
Vartan shrugged. “I can’t be sure, but I thought I saw trees falling.”
Karven turned his head slightly. “Do you want to check it out?”
Vartan looked to the party. “I am not in this by myself. Where do we go? To Daessar? Or to check out the other side of She’Ma’Ryn mountain?”
The girls shared a look, before Anakari spoke. “We will follow you, whatever you decide.”
Dryden nodded. “As will I.”
Vartan understood that decisions like this were his burden to carry, but he feared the weight of a mistake, and its repercussions. He said, “I’m truly lucky to have you all with me, but I am not careless. Karven, take us around and remain hidden. We’ll take a look at what’s out there.”
Karven nodded, and Finn followed him as they turned toward She’Ma’Ryn and flew over the carpet of trees. Vartan called out, “Yuski, in case anything happens, you listen to anything Dryden tells you. Don’t speak words anymore, as they may hear us. Karven and Finn, try not to let them see our shadows. We may be hidden from view, but we cannot hide from the sun.”
The demon hunter pursed her lips, staring ahead at
the gap between the mountains, and Karven narrowed his eyes.
The dragon king’s voice filled Vartan’s mind, we only patrolled our areas. I know not what lies ahead of us.
I know. That’s what worries me, Vartan thought.
They remained silent as they sped over the forest canopy. Vartan pulled down his face guard, his eyes only visible as he nodded to Dryden, who followed suit. They gripped their swords’ hilts as they shot through to the other side of the mountains. Vartan’s eyes widened at the sight before them. They were high above, but saw many ships being dragged by skeleton warriors over a path of logs. They immediately recognised the armour of the army below them, from the battle of Greenhaven.
Vampires!
The shock of being so close to the enemy caught him off guard. His thoughts raced alongside his heart.
Vartan signalled fangs with his fingers, and Dryden nodded. Vartan pointed toward the ocean; they banked right and flew toward the shore line, over the ships below them. A few armoured vampires gave orders to the rest of them. Far ahead of them, many ships were already launched. They were similar to most ships he had seen arrive at Greenhaven, but these were built differently, with long spikes around the deck and large ramrods on the bow. Instead of lines of cannons, they had built ballistae on the deck. They must have built the ships to be able to defend themselves against dragons. The horror of their situation sank in, but they had to remain quiet or they would certainly be found.
A large crate was turned over, and many rolls of red cloth were thrown around. They were not too far from the shoreline when they saw her standing on the deck of a ship, barking orders at her army.
She wore armour from head to toe, but her stance, choice of weaponry, and long hair gave her away. Kassina. Vartan’s blood raced at the sight of her. He instinctively drew his sword, tapping Karven to indicate a descent. The idea of being able to ambush Kassina and decapitate her was one that he couldn’t ignore.
Are you sure about this? the dragon king said.
Before Vartan had a chance to answer, they heard the cry from one ship’s crew. “Dragons! To arms!”
Damn it!
Kassina snapped her view to the sky. With the blood red moon hidden, her powers must have been weakened. She ran to an armed crossbow and took aim, screaming for her vampire crew to do the same.
They must be able to see us somehow. Enchanted helmets? Vartan thought.
“There is no way we can make it down there. We have to get out of here,” Karven said, banking to their right, and climbing over the mountain.
The volley of bolts came at them, cutting through the air, and Anakari growled as she cast a spell of deflection. Her hands glowed green as she slapped the bolts out of the air, and the few remaining were avoided.
Kassina’s voice reached them in the winds. “They have riders, and ones with magic. Run, you cowards!”
Chapter 9 : Enemy Of My Enemy
“My love has departed the safety of our walls and I fear he may not return. I must have faith in times where belief is such a rare commodity.
What happens if the worst happens and we are attacked by the Forces of Darkness? Will we be capable of winning battles without Vartan?”
(Princess Helenia of Veldrenn)
Adela drew a deep breath and exhaled a slow breath in an effort to calm her rattled nerves. “Niesha, are you sure this is safe?” she said, pulling on the straps of her retrieved backpack. She had waited her entire life to leave Grenlees, and now that she finally could, her body shook. The alternative was to be stuck on the island, forever.
Whatever the cost, she told herself that she had to put her trust in Niesha.
The dragon faced Adela, looked into her eyes, and nodded slowly. “All is well, young one. It is time for us to leave. Are you ready?”
Adela frowned and rubbed the scales on Niesha’s side, then stared ahead at the light at the end of the cavern. “I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. What do I hold on to when you fly?”
Niesha smiled at her. “I will hold on to you. Then again, I could create enchanted armour for you to ride on, but we’ll take our partnership a step at a time.”
Adela nodded and approached the locks, which were all connected to one large piece of interlocked silver with a roughly cut keyhole in its centre. It was octagonal in shape and had many small dents in its surface. “My word, this is quite the contraption.”
“It is not easy to hold one of us captive and I tried everything to break it. I obviously failed.”
Adela slid the key into the lock and paused for a moment, raising her eyebrow at the readied dragon and clear skies at the end of the tunnel. This was her last moment to turn back and once she freed the dragon, there would be grave repercussions if Adela didn’t leave the island.
I guess I have no choice but to have faith, she thought.
She turned the key with trembling hands. It clicked once, but nothing happened. Scrunching her brow, she twisted it once more and it clicked a second time, and the many chains connected to the dragon glowed.
“Adela, you did it!” Niesha said, shaking her body as the clamps around the dragon’s limbs and neck hissed and flicked open.
Niesha spread out her wings and the cavern filled with a deafening roar as she breathed out a stream of fire, before a burst of air knocked Adela onto the cavern floor. Niesha rocketed out of the cave, smashing her tail through the skull formation and sending rock fragments flying into the ocean below. She watched as the dragon morphed her scales to hide herself in the sky and disappeared from sight. Her heart sank. She had been betrayed.
“Damn you!” Adela said. Her ears were ringing as she stood and dusted herself off. A single tear rolled down her cheek and congealed with the dirt as she walked a few steps toward the water and frowned. “I should’ve never trusted a dragon.”
She waited a few moments before making her way to the water and nursed her shoulder from the connection with the hard ground. Her thoughts raced of how she could escape Grenlees on her own. All of the options were close to suicide. Maybe she could befriend a bloodship and stow away on-board.
I have no time for that. As soon as this is discovered, they’ll be out for blood. Raehar will know he gave the key to me.
A solution entered her mind of beating herself, so she could claim she had been robbed of the key. It couldn’t be done there, but once she got to the woods, she would do it.
A wave burst through and she crouched down to leap into the water. A strong wind blew her off her feet and she landed once more onto the cavern floor, grunting at her throbbing shoulder.
Niesha morphed her scales again to reveal herself as she hovered in the air and picked Adela up with her talons, before turning and blasting out of the cavern once more.
Adela gasped for air as her stomach felt like it remained in Grenlees and detached from her body. She may as well have been a mammoth as she could not bring herself to stand from the force of her steep climb. Her body hurt, but she finally relaxed as she realised that she had done it, she had finally left this place.
Niesha’s voice entered her mind. Did you really think that I would betray your trust, Adela? I just had to fly by myself first. You have no idea of how torturous it has been to be stuck in that cave for all these years. You can trust this dragon.
Clasping her jaw at the momentary weightlessness, Adela could move once again as Niesha levelled out. Adela fought the urge to vomit and wiped her sweaty brow. She sat on the dragon’s talons and the cool wind blew through the small gaps in them. It was colder than she thought it would be. Her teeth chattered as she rubbed her body vigorously, cursing herself for not dressing warmer. She brought her face to one of the gaps and peered through.
Adela’s jaw dropped as she saw Grenlees like she could have never imagined before. Every corner of the island was below her. Her head spun as vertigo set in.
So this is how the gods view the world, she thought.
Are you okay down there? Niesha said, banking left
as she circled the island. The dragon’s voice in her mind was caring, as if her long lost mother would be there for her.
Adela focused on her breathing and let the cool air blow over her face.
“I will be fine! This will take some getting used to you know,” she said.
The dragon laughed and morphed a section of her talons to open up a window for Adela to look through. It will help if you can see where we are.
They circled above the pirate armada, which had already set sail and were a good distance from Grenlees. The wind was furiously blowing in their favour. “Why are we staying near the island and following the ships?”
There is a price which needs to be paid for treating me like this, and the pirates are responsible.
“No, please... Raehar is down there, and a lot of good, innocent men.”
Niesha’s voice darkened and sent chills down Adela’s spine. None of the people on those ships are innocent. You haven’t endured the pain of their deeds, but I sure have. This is not an argument. They will live to regret the day they ever tied me to those wretched chains. I cannot truly feel free until justice has been served.
Adela grimaced at the thoughts that came to her, but she’d want the same thing if she was in the dragon’s position.
“If you have to… then do what you must, but spare my brother. I beg you. He is on the green ship, in the centre, there!” she said, pointing to Lucia leading the pirate armada.
“You freed me and I will allow you this request. Brace yourself.”
Adela felt herself lift upward and collide with Niesha’s belly as the dragon dove toward the glittering ocean. She watched the distant horizon spin through the window, before Niesha tightened her grip. She heard the dragon spread her wings, the wind catching them, and barrel down on the long line of ships. Niesha drew a deep breath and held it.
Adela readied herself for whatever was coming, watching through Niesha’s makeshift window. She recognised faces on the ships, some of which she knew well, and they were screaming to each other, pointing ahead of them.
Legends of Marithia: Book 3 - Talonsphere Page 10