Curse of Innock: Dragon Legacy Book I

by R. G. Porter

  "Gabriel, can I ask you a question?” She shouldn't but god help her she had to know.

  "I'll answer what I can."

  "What was my family told... about my death.” Her throat felt raw as the question left her lips. As she waited for his answer Alayia found her stomach begin to knot, the anticipation of what she would find out pulsing through her blood.

  "Honestly my love, I'm not sure.” How could he not know?” After you were killed and the curse was placed, Innok put me to sleep for many years. By the time he released me from my slumber your family was long gone from this world.” The sting of his words cut her like a knife.

  "I see.” Another thought moved through her mind. “Do you know if I was ever buried somewhere?” Ok, morbid thought but she couldn't help herself.

  "Alayia... don't.” He knew. There was no doubt in her mind that he did.

  "You've seen it, haven't you?” She knew the answer before he even spoke.

  Gabriel turned his head his arms tightening further around her waist. “Yes. It was the first thing I did when I awoke.” The sadness in his voice tore at her. How could she be so insensitive? He's suffered so much because of her and here she was making him remember more.

  "I'm sorry Gabriel. Forgive me."

  "Never my love, never ask me to forgive you for there is no need. You've done nothing wrong.” His finger moved to her face pushing away a stray hair. “You are asking things that are normal. Someday I'll show you, but for now let's not think about that."

  "Agreed. For now we will focus on removing the curse and getting everything balanced once more.” Alayia didn't want to let him in on the fact she would have to go home to get what she needed. No, he feared for her safety enough as it was. If she told him her plans he would stop her. She wasn't stupid. She knew the chances that Elroy would be close to her home were high. She had no choice though.

  "You are quiet now. What are you thinking about?"

  "Not much, more of letting everything sink in I suppose. I just never believed it was possible.” Her mind swam with the ramifications of it all. “I mean. I'd hoped and the thought of the idea had its possibilities. But never did I presume to find out for sure.” Alayia felt like she was rambling on her words a jumbled mess of thoughts that kept bouncing around in her mind.

  "It's fine. I can hardly believe that it's true myself. I can't even imagine how you feel.” His arms tightened in a gentle embrace, the warmth of his body seeping into hers. God how he felt so right and now she understood why.

  "Are you two about done? I'm ready to eat this food but would hate to interrupt as you reacquaint yourselves.” Talon's laughter broke the serenity Alayia had been feeling. The smile on Talon's face warmed her heart. She couldn't get annoyed with him even if she tried.

  "We are fine.” Another thought crept into her mind the possibility something she couldn't be sure of.

  "Talon can I ask you something?"

  "By all means, my life is an open book.” Another burst of laughter escaped his lips as he sat down on the old wooden bench. The creak of the timber drew her attention, the wood flexing reminding her of something from a dream.

  Alayia shook her head to dispel the fogginess of her thoughts, her attention turned back to Talon. “What brought you to the town that day we met? You didn't seem to have to be there for any specific reason.” It was something that had nagged at her for days but she'd been too embarrassed to ask.

  Talon downed a forkful of meat his foot tapping out a beat on the floor. “To be honest I don't know why I ended up in the town that day. Truth be told I had enough supplies to last a few more weeks when I found myself heading in a straight line for the village.” Alayia's breath held in her throat. There had to be a reason he was drawn there. What could have prompted it?

  "Do you remember anything you were doing at the time? Please Talon, think back.” She hated to sound desperate but she was. There was something out there she couldn't put her finger on, a feeling that continued to plague her.

  Minutes passed as Talon continued to eat; his eyes closed as if in deep thought. Alayia was about to give up when he opened his eyes a look of confusion draped across his face. “Now that you mention it something odd did happen a few days prior."

  "Go on.” Gabriel's fingers laced with hers, his strength seeping into her body.

  "Well a few days before I began to head toward the village I had the most peculiar dream.” Talon took a swallow of his ale and returned his fork to his plate his head half-cocked as if replaying the dream over in his mind searching for the best words to convey what he'd seen. “There isn't much to tell to be honest. The only reason I remember the dream is that it had been so long since I'd seen images that clearly."

  "What did you see Talon. This could be important.” Alayia found herself leaning forward, her attention directed solely on Talon's answer.

  "Most of it was sporadic visions, colors I'd not seen in more years than I can count, but there was a voice. It was a man's voice calling out to me.” Alayia's heart dropped. “He said that I had to come to the village. That it was imperative that I make it there within a few days time or all would be lost. He kept talking about helping his little dragon seeker and keeping her safe from the ogre that hunted her.” Dragon seeker? Could it be possible? Alayia's mind filled with the vision of her brother as he saw the dragon descend. Could he have known she would seek revenge? If so, how would he have known about Elroy?

  "Talon... did the voice tell you his name?” It was a long shot but she had to ask.

  "I don't think so. I do remember shouting out to him, asking how I would know her and, if asked how, to let her know who had contacted me.” As much as she wanted to ask she couldn't. Her throat had already begun to close as tears shimmered in her eyes. “He said that I would know her, even though I couldn't see her. That the moment I was in her presence a calm breeze would cross my soul. I felt that when we met that day. So I can only assume he meant you."

  "How could he know? Did he say anything else to help us know who he is?"

  "All I could get from him was that he'd passed on but he did show himself to me once. He had a very curious marking on his left shoulder. It looked like a hawk or raven, its wings spanned out as if in flight.” Alayia's mind went numb. Robert had had such a mark done about ten years ago. Their parents had gone crazy with anger when they'd found out, but she'd always loved the drawing.

  "Did you see this man's face at all?” If so she could find out for sure if her thoughts were right.

  "Just for a fleeting moment and then he was gone."

  "What did the man look like? His hair, what color was it?” She knew Talon had no idea what she looked like so he couldn't rely on her looks to determine what the man's hair would be colored.

  "That was the oddest part. His hair looked like it was shades of gold and red yet he had most of it tied back behind his head. Wait. There was one thing that did stand out about him. His eyes surprised me.” Alayia's held her breath in anticipation. “They weren't the same but two colors. One the shade of the bright blue sky and the other reminded me of the green fields. Mind you I've not seen colors in many years, but that's what it appeared to be to me."

  Alayia felt the color leave her face as the world around her dimmed. “I can't believe it. How can this be?” She needed fresh air and fast. As she stood she felt Gabriel move with her, his body silent against the cracking of the floorboards. “I'll be back in a minute.” She made her way through the crowd of people and out the door. The moment the cool evening breeze caressed her skin Alayia swore she heard Robert's laughter move in unison with the leaves in the forest. Could it have been?

  "What is it? What has you spooked?” Alayia sighed as Gabriel's arms wrapped around her body, pulling her into the confines of his embrace.

  "Gabriel, the man he described in his dream, it's almost dead on for what Robert looked like.” Tears began to fall from her cheek, her emotions unleashed finally. “He had a marking on his shoulder just as Talon
described. Everything was the same even down to the different colored eyes. Somehow, I don't know how, he contacted Talon. I knew there was a reason I felt his presence.” Belief had always been in her of the spirit world but she'd never been on the receiving end till recently. In less than a day she'd found out more than she'd ever bargained for.

  "Ah my love, you see that is a good thing.” She leaned back into the warmth of his embrace, reveling in the feel of his body so strong. “Your brother was looking out for you even though he was gone. Didn't you tell me he swore to always keep you safe if he could?"

  His words rang true and she couldn't find fault in them. True enough Robert had said such a thing, but the idea he'd reached out after death still perplexed her. Her mind drifted as the wind began to howl her thoughts reaching for the line to her brother. Robert are you out there? Though she knew he would not answer the sound of a bird's call caught her attention. Her head turned in the direction of the sound to be met with a hawk perched on the wooden pole barely ten feet away. Robert is that you? She couldn't believe it was so. How could it be? Alayia watched as the bird took to flight, circling high above their heads. Its movements drew out a pattern that felt very familiar.

  "What is it doing?” She'd almost forgotten that Gabriel was still next to her.

  "I'm not sure. It's flying a certain pattern. I can't make it out as it moves too fast. Quickly, do you have something I can draw with?” She sat down on the ground her eyes never leaving the bird.

  "Here. Not sure what good it will do.” She grabbed the piece of charcoal from Gabriel's hand and began to follow the movement of the hawk, each line a symbol that had to have meaning. So entranced in the movements of the bird she barely caught the rustle behind her.

  "My God."

  "What is it?” Her head tilted to catch Gabriel's ashen face, the look of confusion resonating in his eyes. “Gabriel?"

  "Look at what you've drawn. I can understand only a small portion. Perhaps you can make out the rest.” He knelt down next to her, the warmth of his breath tickling the back of her neck. Alayia returned her attention down to the images she had drawn, their lines and arches moving in an intricate pattern just as the hawk had done. What could it mean? A caw from above drew her attention to find the bird perched not but a foot away its eyes focused directly on her.

  "What are you trying to tell me my friend?” She returned the stare, hoping to find some hidden knowledge buried deep within. Her head turned to catch a fog emerge from the forest. It drifted toward them in a slow progression.

  "Perhaps we should go inside.” She could sense Gabriel was nervous about the drawing and now the appearance of the fog. It was not natural, she was sure of it. Still, there was something about the hawk that made her want to stay. The look in its eyes made her feel safe. “I really think we should. . .” Whether Gabriel's words stopped or his voice muffled she wasn't sure. Her mind and soul felt enveloped in the fog that surrounded them. There was a feeling of familiarity she couldn't place. A movement in front drew her attention, her head snapping up from the drawing to witness the hawk flying toward them from within the fog, its wings outstretched. The moment it landed, it hobbled toward her, its movements having a mesmerizing quality to it. As her eyes became more accustomed to the darkness, the hawk began to change and distort its body more reminiscent of a man cloaked in a black cape. Her head turned up only to come face to face with a pair of eyes she swore she'd never see again.

  "Hello sister.” Robert's voice sounded foreign, an echo of voices from all around. How could it be? From head to toe he resembled him yet there was a shallow feel to him, as if no life moved through is body.

  "How can this be?” Her mind ran through every possible reason for his presence but none came to mind. “You're dead Robert.” His face fell solemn, his eyes devoid of the sparkle she remembered.

  "Yes, you are right. My life was removed from this world, but as you now know there is life after your death. My time on this world was finished for the vessel you knew. Now I must wait for my return.” Disbelief moved through Alayia like a stampede.

  "Why are you here Robert? Have I failed you by not avenging your death?” Even though she knew she could never harm Gabriel, Alayia steeled herself for what her brother might say. Fearful he might condemn her for letting his killer live.

  "There is much that will be happening in the coming days. Mine is but a warning to you. I know you travel with the man who you believe killed me, but I never expected you to avenge my death by taking his life. It is not him that you need to deal with but the man who has for lifetimes hunted you. You will have to face the man who has taken that which doesn't belong to him without thought or care.” His words pounded through her mind like a hammer, each word embedding in her brain. “You know of whom I speak. I can see it in your eyes."

  "Elroy.” She spit his name from her lips like venom from a snake. “He is who you speak of is it not?” Why did everything revolve around that man? How much pain had he inflicted throughout the years? A cold shudder moved through her body.

  "Yes. He's deep involved with the black arts. There is a circle that has bound yours, Gabriel's and his lifelines together. Whether it is due to the curse or something more I don't know but its there. But heed Gabriel's knowledge. There is more to the curse than you may think.” Alayia could feel the urgency in his words. Somehow a countdown had begun and they all knew it. They had limited time to figure it out and Alayia prayed she could find what she needed before it was too late.

  "I understand. Do you know where he is now?” Part of her hoped he did but then she feared he might say it was too dangerous to go back home. Either way she had no choice.

  "No. He is able to cloak his location from me.” Robert's image began to shimmer, the fog around them growing thicker. “Be safe my sister. There is much at stake here and you must find the answers.” His words started to fade as his shape transformed back into the hawk, his body taking to flight.

  "Robert wait!” Alayia cried out into the night. She wanted to beg for her brother to stay but he was already gone. Yet again she'd not gotten to say goodbye or that she loved him. Tears shimmered in her eyes as her heart sank.

  I'm always near you dear sister. You don't need to say that which I already know. His words brushed her mind setting her soul at ease. He knew. That bit of knowledge meant more than had she been able to see him the day he died. Of course he would never leave her. He'd always promised to stay close.

  "Take care Robert, I hope to see you soon.” If she didn't believe in life after death before now, there was no room to dispute it. He'd died but his spirit lived on. She couldn't have asked for more.

  "Alayia?” Gabriel's voice broke her thoughts.

  Alayia returned her focus back on what she'd written, the symbols meshing together to form drawings of maps and words. “This isn't possible.” How could Robert have known? So many questions, but she feared the answers would come with a heavy price.

  "You understand it, don't you?” Of course she did. She'd learned and read every book she could get her hands on as she'd grown up. Robert would have known that and banked on her memories.

  "Yes. Robert knew I would recognize it once it was done.” Fear pooled in her veins at the significance of what it meant.

  "Well, don't hold out on me now. I can understand one part of it but the rest has me completely confused.” Could she reveal it to him in its entirety? He would either balk at her or never let her out of his sight again. Either way she was in a bind. “Alayia?"

  She drew in a deep breath, her nerves on total overload. Seconds passed as she decided how and what to tell him without having his overbearing protective nature kick in. Alayia stood and turned to face him, her eyes catching the concerned look on his face. Had ever a man looked at her such a way? Somehow she had a feeling not. Never in her memory had anyone been concerned about her unless they were worried she would bring a bad name to her family. Her hand, taking on a mind of its own, reached up to smooth the frow
n that was etched on Gabriel's face. So good of a man, he should never have to shoulder the burden he did. It just wasn't fair.

  "Gabriel, there is much that is said. Some are whispers from dreams and tales told long ago. Which are true and which are fable, I cannot be sure. I must memorize what I see and follow the words and directions it gives.” She knew he wasn't able to understand what she'd given thus far. Her words meant to reveal only a small amount of what the symbols would mean. “It is a map that shows me where I need to travel once I've obtained the right ritual words to break the curse, the curse that as you say isn't what it seems.” The moment she mentioned the curse Gabriel's hands wrapped around her waist, pulling into his embrace.

  Alayia could feel the tension in his body. He worried for her safety. How could she have been blessed with such a man? Her head bowed in reverence of how much she loved him, tears pooling in her eyes. She nearly jumped when she felt the warmth of Gabriel's fingers as they cupped her chin and turned her to face him. Such raw emotions swam in the depths of his eyes that she wanted to hold him close and never let go.

  "I have all the faith in the world that you can complete this.” His lips pressed against her temple sending shockwaves through her body. “If ever anyone in the world could break this curse it is you."

  In that one second, clarity hit her. He might not know where she was going, but it didn't matter. He trusted her choices and backed her up regardless of anything else. Gabriel had chosen to put his life in her hands. That thought humbled her as nothing else in the world might have. A renewed sense of purpose rushed through her veins. She would not fail him in this task, no matter what the cost. The curse would be removed once and for all, Elroy be damned.