by Cameo Renae
“Misteria is as much your home as it is ours,” Oriana answered. “And in desperate situations, you will find that your strength will release a power inside you never knew you possessed.” She smiled at him. “Close your eyes, William, and hold out your right hand.”
Will paused, his brow furrowed.
“Don’t be afraid. Just do as I say.”
He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes, then held out his hand.
“Now concentrate. Think of your mother. Imagine her in a dark cell, chained to a wall, with gruesome creatures threatening her life. She is calling for your help, William, but there is a wall which separates you, and the only way to get to her is to destroy that wall. Let whatever is inside of you—the fear for her safety, or even rage—fuel that power.”
Will closed his eyes and imagined the scene Oriana had painted. He loved his mother, and the fear of the unknown terrified him. But the thought of her locked in a cell with creatures threatening her brought a rage he’d never experienced before. An electrical current rippled through his body, and when he opened his eyes, he witnessed a sapphire ball of fire floating above his palm.
“Whoa,” he exhaled, his eyes wide with wonder. This flame . . . this magic was coming from him. It was the same color of his eyes, but it wasn’t hot. In fact, it was warm and made his hand tingle. “What do I do?” He asked, his body trembling with a mixture of trepidation and excitement.
“Throw it,” Oriana commanded, pointing to an open area across the lake.
As Will pulled his arm backward, the flame followed, hovering in place right above his palm. Then with a swift movement, he thrust his arm forward and the sapphire flame shot from his hand like a bolt of lightning, soaring toward the clearing. When the flame hit the ground, it sent out a blast so powerful, the ground beneath them shook, grass and dirt exploded into the sky leaving a hole about one foot deep.
Tobin stepped behind Will. “Ye’ve got some strong power.”
Will’s head rattled, trying to process what had just happened. His heart thrummed wildly in his chest, his body still trembling. His power had manifested, and he had no choice but to believe. Not only believe the power existed inside him, but also in what the Seer had said about the prophecy. Maybe, just maybe, they could help to save Misteria.
“You see, William? The gift is inside of you, and it has always been there. And when you needed it most, it came to you. The power you possess is truly unique. It’s something that cannot be given. It is a power one can only be born with.”
Will glanced back at the hole in the ground and sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. “Why hasn’t it revealed itself to me sooner? There were times in the human world I could have used it.”
“Because you never knew it existed, you’ve never called upon it. Coming home to Misteria has made you aware of your gift, and now it’s beginning to awaken. That was only a small taste of your power.”
“You mean, it’s not fully awake?”
“No, dear child. That is why you need to find Rhyder. He can help to fully awaken the gift, and teach you how to use it.”
Tobin waved his hand in the air. “Yer Ladiness, how are we ta get ta Rhyder?”
“He is hiding in a cave on the Devil’s Ridge.”
“Da Devil’s Ridge?” Tobin’s voice quivered. “Me can’t go dere.”
“Dear Tobin,” Oriana sighed. “What happened to the brave guide?”
“Me was told ta bring dem here, ta talk ta ya. Den I’m ta meet da Elves at da ruins. No Devil’s Ridge.”
“Well someone has to go and find Rhyder,” Oriana spoke. “And William . . . I’m afraid it has to be you.”
“Wait,” Will gasped, his pulsed raced with trepidation. “Why do I have to go? What about Thaddeus? Or Henry?”
Henry coughed, spewing nuts from his mouth. “Are you crazy? I’m not going to be Dragon food.”
“Actually, Dragons love Middling,” Tobin noted.
“Yeah, but I’m sure they’d prefer a plump, juicy Bugul,” Henry bit back.
Tobin narrowed his eyes and growled, making them all laugh.
Oriana turned her attention back to Will. “Your mother spent a lot of time with Rhyder. He was her mentor and became very fond of her. If you can convince him you are Talia’s son, I’m sure he will welcome you. But beware,” she warned, “Rhyder is a shifter and transforms into his Dragon form when threatened. While he is in that form, he is wild and difficult to reason with.”
“What if I can’t convince him?” Will questioned.
“Then you’ll be Dragon food,” Henry laughed, popping a few more nuts in his mouth.
Will glared at Henry who held up his hands in surrender.
Oriana took a step closer and laid her hands on his shoulders. “I have faith in you, William. This task was meant for no other.”
Will wished he had as much faith as she did, but this time he’d be alone, on a mountain, with an irritable dragon.
“I know it’s scary, but sometimes facing our fear will reveal a hidden strength and courage,” Oriana spoke.
Will gathered as much courage as he could. If finding Rhyder would help to save his mother and his grandfather, then he had to do it. Even if it meant he had to do it alone.
“All right, I’ll do it. But I’ll need to know how to get to Rhyder, and what to say when I find him.”
“Phaedra will carry you to Devil’s Ridge. There, you will look for a large cave at the top of the mountain. I don’t think you’ll have to look long, because Rhyder will likely find you first.”
“Wait. Phaedra—the Firebird—is going to take me?”
Oriana nodded. “The dark warrior is already on his way, so you must move with haste. Flying is the quickest way.” She then whistled loudly into the sky, and soon the golden bird flew down, landing next to Will on the calling stone.
“Such a lovely bird,” Tobin cooed, stroking her head.
“You’ve met my Phaedra, right?” Oriana asked. “She’s quite an amazing creature.”
“Yes, I have, and she is.” Will smiled at the bird. “She saved my life. But, the question I have is, how is she going to take me?”
Oriana gave Phaedra a quick hand motion, and the bird took a step toward Will, bowing down at his feet. “Climb upon her back, William,” she instructed.
“I don’t want to break her. She looks so . . . fragile.”
Oriana laughed. “Rest assured, she won’t break. Phaedra is not like any other bird. She is very strong and able to carry heavy loads.”
“Okay.” Will felt awkward trying to mount Phaedra. Her feathers were slick, and he found himself slipping from side to side, balancing on his tiptoes.
Thaddeus and Henry’s laughter rolled down the knoll.
“Would either of you care to come down here and show me how it’s done?”
“Nope,” Henry replied, while Thaddeus shook his head. “You’re doing just fine.”
Will grumbled under his breath until he finally found a comfortable position. He gripped Phaedra’s long neck, hoping he wouldn’t strangle her.
“Phaedra will take care of you.” She paused, her brow creased. “Please be safe, William. Convince Rhyder to join us, and meet at the ruins in a day. And tell him I’m very sorry about the dark warrior. Hopefully, you won’t be too late.”
Oriana stepped forward and spoke some foreign words to Phaedra. The bird bowed her head and then spread her long wings. Will gasped, holding on tight as they rose into the air.
“Godspeed, Will!” Thaddeus called out to him.
“Good luck!” Henry added. “I’ll be hoping the Dragon isn’t hungry.”
“We’ll be waitin’ for ya!” Tobin shouted.
“See you soon,” Will shouted back. “Hopefully.”
The sun started its descent as Phaedra took off into the sky.
Will held on like his life depended on it. As they rose above the trees and into the sky, the view below was breathtaking. Everything appeared gold in
the setting sun. Misteria was the most beautiful, enchanting place, if not for the evil lurking around every corner.
Darkness finally settled, and a cool breeze blew across Misteria as Anna, Ashlyn, and Zohar left the Mystic Forest and neared the river. When Anna’s eyes fell upon the water that almost claimed her, she was overcome with fear.
“Why are we heading toward the river?”
“It will be much faster if we cross it,” Zohar replied.
“But we have no boat. It’s too deep and too strong. We’ll drown if we try and cross it.”
“You forget who you are with, child. Just hold on!” Zohar reared and cantered straight for the rushing whitewater.
Anna screamed, her arms tightened around Zohar’s neck. She prayed that she wouldn’t return to its icy clutches. On her shoulder, Ashlyn squealed, while holding onto strands of her hair.
Anna screeched and clenched her eyes shut as Zohar leaped into the river, anticipating the river to swallow them whole. But it didn’t. She opened her eyes and witnessed an unbelievable sight.
Zohar was galloping across the surface of the water; the rushing rapids swirled beneath his hooves. It was magic. Zohar was magic.
Feeling a rush of bravery, Anna sat upright and let go of Zohar’s neck. She held her arms out to her sides and pretended as if she were a bird soaring over the dark waters. A chilled wind swept around them and through her hair, as she bellowed into the heavens.
“We’ve conquered the river!” Ashlyn cheered.
“Yes, we have.” Anna laughed out loud, feeling invincible.
As soon as Zohar’s hooves landed on the dry ground, he stopped. “Would you care to rest?”
“No, we don’t need to rest,” Anna replied. “We have to find the others.”
“Then I suggest you hold on again!” Anna hugged his neck as he took off at a full gallop toward the Forest of Fates. As they journeyed, Ashlyn kept a watchful eye, making sure there were no red, blazing eyes nearby. It seemed to be clear and the air had no hint of foul odors.
As Zohar continued his canter across a vast field, they saw a dark tree line in the distance.
“Is that the Forest of Fates?” Anna asked.
“Yes,” Zohar answered. “We’re almost there.”
The Crystal Lake glistened as the moonlight danced across it. Anna and Ashlyn had arrived at the magical place in no time at all, thanks to Zohar. Trees that looked impossible to maneuver through, had opened, making their paths easy to cross, just as they had in the Mystic Forest.
Taking in the view of the Crystal Lake, the peaceful silence was quickly broken by the familiar sound of snoring. Anna looked to her left and noticed three bodies curled up in the grass.
“Will?” she called, sliding off Zohar and running toward them. “Will, it’s me!”
Three heads popped up from their deep slumber, and three pairs of tired, red eyes opened.
“Anna?” Henry questioned, still half-asleep.
“Yes,” she replied.
Henry blinked several times, staring at her in complete wonderment. “You’re here?”
“Of course, I’m here. I wouldn’t be talking to you if I weren’t,” she huffed. “Where’s Will?”
Henry rubbed his eyes, blinking hard several times as if he’d seen a ghost. “You’re alive!”
“Yes,” she sighed. “And it’s a long story. Where’s my brother?”
Henry yawned and stretched his limbs before answering. “He’s not here. The Firebird took him to see the Dragon.”
“What?” Anna piped.
Tobin slowly sat up. “Phaedra took Will ta find Rhyder. He’s gonna warn him dat da dark warrior is comin’ for him, and den will ask him ta join us at da Hunchback Hills.”
Anna’s breath rasped. “When did he leave?”
“A few hours ago,” Henry replied. His eyes shifted to the figure behind her and froze. “Whoa, you have a Unicorn?”
Anna turned to Zohar. “He’s not mine. We found him in the Mystic Forest and he offered to help us.”
“He’s amazing,” Henry exhaled in awe.
“He is. And very magical,” she added.
“Luck is definitely on your side.” Thaddeus yawned, stretching his arms over his head. “It’s nice to see you too, Ashlyn.”
Ashlyn smiled and fluttered into Thaddeus’ outstretched hand.
“I knew you would take care of Anna,” he said softly. “There is a lot more to you than meets the eye.”
“There is,” the little Pixie chimed, then fluttered to his cheek and gave him a kiss. “But it was the Mermaids who rescued us. They saved us from the water and delivered us to the River Sprites.”
“Mermaids? I thought they moved on from the Forked-Tongue River.”
“William must have called them,” Ashlyn replied.
Thaddeus nodded. “Yes. His magic saved him as well.”
“It saved all of us,” Anna added, grateful for her brother. She knew he would’ve done anything to keep her safe. “What do we do now?”
“Tomorrow, when the sun wakes, we will head to the ruins in Hunchback Hills. Lady Oriana will be joining us, and hopefully, William will make it to Rhyder in time to convince him to meet us there as well,” Thaddeus answered.
“Who is Oriana?” Anna asked.
“She’s da Lady of da Lake,” Tobin said, smoothing his cloak.
Anna scanned the entire area and didn’t see any other person there. “Where is she?”
“She’s back in the lake,” Henry said pointing down to the middle of the dark water. “She’s a Nymph.”
Anna smiled. “I guess I’ll meet her tomorrow.”
“I’m going to rest,” Zohar said to Anna. “You should too. We have a long day ahead of us, and you will need your strength.”
“All right,” Anna answered. “That sounds like a good idea.”
“What’s a good idea?” Henry asked.
“Resting,” Anna said. “I was talking to Zohar.”
Henry’s nose crumpled. “He has telepathy too?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, he does,” she replied. “It’s a gift for us special people.”
“Just rub it in.” Henry sighed. “I still don’t think I have a gift.”
“You have a gift for creating a most horrendous sound while you sleep,” Thaddeus chuckled.
Henry huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Tobin snores too.”
Thaddeus shrugged. “I suppose he would, since the two of you are related—”
“No! Don’t say it,” Henry snapped, cutting him off. He plopped his head back down on his satchel and rolled over. “I’m going to sleep. Good night, Anna. I’m glad you’re alive.”
“Thanks,” Anna answered. “I’m glad you're alive too.”
Henry gave a nod then shut his eyes.
Zohar walked over and drank from the Crystal Lake before settling down on a bunch of tall, soft grass. Anna curled up next to him, pulling her cloak around herself for warmth, while Ashlyn made a cozy nest in her hair before curling up and falling fast asleep.
Before she closed her eyes, Anna tried to call out to Will. She called out to him, over and over, but there was no answer.
The Firebird extinguished her fiery glow, gliding through the night sky like a stealth jet.
Will’s eyes scoured the ground, looking for any sign of the dark warrior. In the distance, a tall mountain range spread across the horizon with sharp peaks jutting upward, silhouetted by the night sky. It looked like a place that would be named Devil’s Ridge.
As they soared over the mountain, Will witnessed at least a hundred torches at its base, slowly slithering up the side—the dark warrior had come.
“Hurry, Phaedra,” he urged. “We don’t have much time.”
Phaedra swooped down at lightning speed. In a matter of minutes, they were soaring over the top of the rocky ridge.
“How are we supposed to find Rhyder? This mountain range is huge,” Will spoke mostly to himself.
With a few flaps of her wings, Phaedra descended and landed on a small flat space, with sharp rocks all around them.
Thirty feet ahead, Will spotted an opening to a large, dark cave. His heart thumped loudly in his chest and a cold sweat covered his body as his mind conjured horrifying visions of a ferocious Dragon with sharp teeth bounding from the cave and gobbling him up.
When he hesitated, Phaedra let out a high-pitched caw and flew forward until she was a few feet from the cave’s entrance.
“No way,” Will whispered. “I’m not going in there. It’s way too dark and I don’t have a light.”
Phaedra craned her long neck back and plucked one of her golden feathers, offering it to Will. He stepped toward her, taking the feather in his hand. As soon as he touched it, it glowed brightly.
“Thank you, Phaedra,” he exhaled, gently patting the top of her head. “I’m glad I’m not alone right now.”
Will stepped closer to the cave and held the feather out in front of him. As he entered, his legs were unsteady and his pulse raced, but he tried his best to swallow his fear. Each step reverberated off the walls around him, making him even more anxious. The cave looked empty, but as the light hit the back wall, he noticed another opening that led deeper in.
Nope. I’m not going back there. Everything inside of him was telling him to turn around and run, and when Phaedra shrieked, he jumped and stifled a blood-curdling scream.
“Phaedra,” he scolded in a loud whisper, but as he glanced back, there was a large figure standing behind him.
“What are you doing here?” a harsh voice boomed.
Will yipped as a strong hand gripped his shoulder and tugged him outside the cave. He swung around and held up the feather, illuminating the wrinkled face of an old man with a long silver beard and gray eyes. The man wore a long black cloak, with a large cowl pulled over his head, and he smelled of earth and wind.
“A—are you Rhyder?” Will stuttered.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” the man’s voice growled. His silvery eyes narrowed.
“I’m Talia’s son. My name is Will Archer and I was sent by Oriana to find you. The dark warrior knows you’re here, and he’s coming—up the mountain—right now.” Will pointed down the side of the mountain. “Hundreds of them.”