“That dragon needs some anger management.” He shook his head with amusement.
“I will let the trolls know of our new visitors. I will set them up on the north quadrant closest to their hole,” Clara said.
Gaber nodded. “Perfect. Invite Evander to dinner tonight. Dragons, fairies, elves and trolls.” Gaber laughed. “Should make for a fun-filled time.”
“Hole?” I asked.
“Yes, the trolls live underground. Most of their home is situated underneath our land,” Gaber explained.
“They can enter your ward?” Eva asked.
“Yes, elves and trolls have been side by side since the beginning,” Clara said.
“Their numbers are much smaller than the elves. They came to our aid the last time the eldens attacked, and many fell in defense of Paraiso. We owe them our lives.” Gaber explained.
Jericho landed next to me as he shifted back to his human counterpart. “Are we ready?” He asked hoarsely.
“Yes.” Gaber exchanged a look with Clara as she turned, disappearing into the jungle.
“Your quarters are quite far.” Gaber held his hand up. “And no we cannot fly there. The only way to travel through our wards is by foot, unless you’re the golden dragon. Her wings sprouted easily within our walls,” Gaber chuckled as he walked toward the jungle.
“And what need did she have to sprout wings?” Cairo growled.
Gaber shook his head. “Take it down a notch. She was just climbing a tree. Geez.”
“You seem to think the safety of the Keeper of Dragons is funny,” Cairo examined.
Prince Gaber’s feet stopped as he turned to look at Cairo. “By now, you should have figured out just how much the lives of the Keeper of Dragons means to me.” Gaber paused. “It is you I find funny.”
Cairo huffed in front of me, but we continued to walk deeper into the jungle. The further we ventured, the more the trees blocked the sunlight from reaching us. Gaber stopped a few feet away from one of the many streams that wound around Paraiso. The bright turquoise water gave off just enough light to see the emotions swim within Gaber’s eyes.
“You will only be granted access once,” Gaber whispered. “Do not make me regret this.” He knelt down to the water, bowed his head and whispered words I wasn’t able to hear.
A shimmering wall appeared around us. Tiny particles broke away from what looked like a glass wall. Gaber stood and turned to us.
“The ward is down. You may enter,” Gaber turned and stepped through the bright glow of the water.
The three of us followed behind Gaber in a single file line. In silence, we strode along one of the larger streams for what felt like miles. We broke through a thick bush and I noticed Clara standing by a large boulder. As we approached, the large gray boulder shuddered. I was about to place my hand on the rock when Jericho pulled me behind him.
The boulder shook and trembled, morphing finally into a creature that stood half the size of Clara. Its solid features resembled that of a god-like statue. Large yellow eyes blinked open. He tilted his head and took in the sight of the four of us.
“The Keeper of Dragons,” a gruff voice sang. “I am Evander, ruler of the trolls.” He knelt down on one knee and bowed his head.
Eva came to stand beside me. We both stared in shock, absorbing the sight of our first troll.
Dinner should be interesting.
Chapter Ten
Gaber pointed through the branches to a hut high in the air. “That is where you will stay.” He then walked towards Evander and shook his hand, clasping his shoulder.
Jericho and Cairo followed Gaber’s finger, beginning to search around for a way up. Gaber took notice and laughed.
“And this is when the Golden Dragon sprouted wings,” Gaber sang.
“And Cole? How did he fly up?” Jericho asked with a lift of his eyebrow.
“Believe it or not, even I don’t have the answers for everything,” Gaber responded with a chuckle. “Don’t leave your hut.” Gaber pointed to Jericho and Cairo. “We will gather you when Queen Annabelle arrives.” He turned back towards Evander.
“You allow the fairies through your wards?” Jericho asked.
Gaber turned towards Jericho. “Of course. They have been noble allies since the start.”
“Don’t you think King Rylan should be here for this assembly of crowns?”
Gaber walked menacingly towards Jericho until mere inches from him. “Don’t push your luck dragon,” he growled. “The Prince and Keeper of Dragons will sit in his place.” Gaber turned and bolted towards the tree line, Clara and Evander close behind, leaving Eva and I alone with two fired up Wolands.
“Elves,” Jericho growled. “One second they’re laughing and the next…” He sighed, shaking his head.
“Minus the laugh, sounds like someone I know,” Eva countered.
Jericho turned towards me. “Tell me everything that happened.”
I hung my head. “I almost killed Gaber with my tilium.”
Both Wolands stayed silent. I chanced a look up to see a grin had formed on Cairo’s face, and Jericho stood shaking his head.
“It wasn’t his fault,” Eva chimed in. “It was actually Gaber’s idea. He was trying to release Cole’s tilium.”
Jericho waved his hand in the air, effectively cutting Eva off. “I don’t doubt for one second this was Prince Gaber’s idea. However, he didn’t seem dead.” Jericho lifted his eyebrows at me.
Eva and I exchanged a look. Neither of us could explain it. Was it the fates? His mother? The water? All I knew was that something had saved him. I shrugged my shoulders at her.
“I—”
“The fates saved him?” Cairo sounded struck with awe. “That means-”
“The Keeper of Dragons will stay and be trained by the elves,” Jericho finished, looking up towards his hut. “And we will be calling this place home until that training is complete.”
“If we let you stay that long.” Clara’s voice rang from behind us. “The Keeper of Dragons will hold an open invitation here. The two of you are on probation.” She paused. “Queen Annabelle has arrived.” Clara turned towards a nearby stream. “Stay close,” she called over her shoulder.
We followed a thin stream that seemed to go around Paraiso. A walkway overhead blocked all light from above. Our only light source was the glow of the indigo water beside us and the auburn glow from Clara in front of us. The walk was quick and silent. I could sense Jericho’s aggravation behind me.
Clara stopped in front of an enormous rock barricade. She knelt down on one knee and bowed her head. The rest of us imitated her stance. Clara chanted in a language I didn’t know but had heard from Gaber before.
The rock before us shook and groaned as it split in half. Hidden behind the rock was a closed archway with two great wooden gates. Clara stepped up to one of the gates and placed her hand on the lock as silver sparks flew from her palm. A tingle raced up my back as she released her tilium. The gate opened and Clara swung her arms out wide to welcome us in.
While inside, we were met by a round courtyard dotted with old empty planters and a long, rectangular table. I looked around for another door but found none, only ashen concrete bricks fenced the sides.
“Do not worry, Keeper of Dragons. It’s all a trick of the eyes,” Clara explained as she waved her hands through the air.
“Yes,” Jericho said. “Elves and their tricks.”
Clara kept her eyes straight ahead. “You can leave at any time, dragon.” She strolled to the long table and sat in a bulky chair. A tingle of energy vibrated through the air as she folded her hands in her lap.
The ground shimmered as sparks chased each other around the room. The dirt beneath me turned to marble, and large, vine-covered granite archways sprang from the ground. Bright exotic flowers sprouted from the empty planters, and the once plain table turned to strong, solid stone. The chair Clara sat on turned to gold, gems sparkling as they contacted the lights still bouncing around the roo
m. Gaber, Evander, and Annabelle strolled down a spiral stairwell that seemingly appeared just moments before.
“It still amazes me each time,” Gaber stated. “Welcome, Keeper of Dragons, to the Crowne Assembly Hall,” he said, gesturing around the room. “Please, please have a seat.” He sat at the head of the table in what could only be described as a throne.
Just as the last of us settled at the table, a burst of light shot from the middle. As it blinked out, a generous amount of food was left in its place. Fine china sat in front of me, and a cloth napkin folded in the shape of a dragon was perched on the plate. An elaborate goblet full of water sat behind it. I gazed around the table to see similar set ups in front of everyone. Across from me, Jericho’s eyes were closed as he shook his head, clearly unimpressed with the show.
“Dig in!” Gaber exclaimed while filling his dish with a variety of colorful vegetables. Gaber popped a carrot into his mouth, ignoring the rest of us as he dug in to his dinner.
Clara cleared her voice from beside me, which gathered the exact attention she had sought. Once all eyes were perched on her, she gestured around the table, glaring at her brother.
“Ah, yes. Where are my manners?” Gaber rolled his eyes. “Introductions of course.” He pointed to each member around the table as he rattled names off. “Now, let’s eat!”
“Prince Gaber,” Queen Annabelle said. “We’re all gathered here for a reason. I feel we really should-”
“After we eat, Annie,” Gaber replied without missing a bite.
“The eldens aren’t far behind us,” Queen Annabelle blurted out, glancing around the table. “We could feel their energy on our travels here.” She turned towards Gaber. “Do they know the Keeper of Dragons are here?”
Gaber placed his fork down on his plate and met Queen Annabelle’s bright eyes. “I don’t know. Knowing Eldrick, yes. It’s why we called for you.” Gaber picked his fork back up and popped a carrot into his mouth. “The elves are officially in an alliance with the dragons.”
“We’ve always been in an alliance. We all signed the treaty,” Jericho interjected.
A clink rang into my ears as Gaber threw his fork back down. “We’ve been through this, dragon. The dragons forfeited the treaty when they neglected our call for help.” Gaber’s eyes illuminated the whole table as he stood.
“He’s right, Jericho.” Queen Annabelle spoke as she too stood. “The dragons are no longer a part of our treaty. Your King knows this. However, all true beings are bound together. An alliance is a good place to start towards a new treaty.”
“The trolls will stand with the Keeper of Dragons,” Evander’s deep voice broke in.
“As will the fairies.” Queen Annabelle bowed her head towards us. “You’ve proven your value to us significantly.”
“Great,” Gaber stated as he sat back down on his golden chair. “Can we eat now?”
“There is much to discuss,” Queen Annabelle said sternly as she too sat back down.
“It seems our elven alliance has grown,” Jericho observed. “I will send word to King Rylan.”
Laughter floated from the end of the table. “How will you do that, dragon?” Gaber asked. “Rule number one.” Gaber wagged his finger at Jericho.
Jericho glared at Gaber. “Then you must inform our King.”
“He’s not my king.” Gaber sighed. “Fine. We will send word in the morning informing King Rylan of the elven alliance. Or whatever this is.” He shrugged his shoulders. Gaber pointed to the food on the table. “Hurry and eat. Wait until you see what we have for dessert.” Gaber winked.
“Elves,” Jericho growled under his breath as he glared at Gaber.
I scooped fresh vegetables onto my plate as I grabbed a roll from a nearby basket. All talk ceased as everyone ate quickly. A clink on a glass broke the silence. Gaber stood and swept his hands out to his sides. The food in front of us disappeared as a large silver fountain popped out of the middle of the table. The smell of rich milk chocolate hit my nose; a chocolaty waterfall began to shoot from the top of the fountain as a variety of fruit appeared on the plate before me for dipping.
Beside me, Eva stuck a strawberry under the chocolate. She glanced my way with a huge smile across her face, one I hadn’t seen in some time. A smile I may not see again if the eldens have their way.
Chapter Eleven
After dinner I strolled through Paraiso. The others chatted amongst themselves, so I kept pace a few feet behind, lost in my own thoughts. As peaceful as Paraiso was, the words Queen Annabelle spoke at dinner haunted me. The eldens were close, which meant the farros were close, and with them came Queen Tana.
The weight of a large hand on my shoulder brought me out of my thoughts. King Evander stood beside me. He was half my height, with a sturdy frame covered in muscles. His green hair was almost camouflaged by the sights around me as his yellow eyes lit my face as he looked up to me.
“You must not fear the farros.” His rough voice rumbled through the night air. “Or the eldens. You have many fierce warriors by your side.”
“Yes, warriors who have promised to protect me to the death. I’m not looking for anyone else to die.” Memories of Gaber dying just a few short hours ago plagued me. My fear killed him. Yes, I was protecting Eva. But I had no control of my actions. I was unstable.
“It is an honor to protect you, for you protect all that is true. Only you and your counterpart can save us from a time of fear.”
“How do you know that?” I questioned.
Evander turned to face me. “I can feel it.” He patted his solid chest. “Since the moment of your first shift.” He looked up towards the sky.
“Queen Tana said she has always known who Eva and I were. How is that possible?”
Evander met my eyes once again. “The fallen are drawn to the light.” He tapped my chest with his rock-hard hand. “The light within you shines blindingly. I’m not surprised they were drawn to you immediately.”
“Does that mean they're still drawn to me?”
“I would think yes.” Evander looked me over. “Do not fear. You are safe here.”
“I do fear my own safety.” I looked at the group around me. “But I fear the safety of those around me more.”
“And that is what makes you The Keeper of Dragons. You care for all beings. Not just your own.” He nodded and walked towards Gaber and Annabelle, who were speaking vivaciously to each other.
We stepped off the walkway and headed towards Jericho and Cairo’s hut. The space beneath held nothing but dirt as a small streak of water cut through to light the way.
“Goodnight dragons,” Gaber said from the front without missing a step. “Don’t let the creepy crawlies bite.”
Eva and I paused by the trunk of the large tree. Cairo and Jericho stood close as they searched the surrounding area for a way up. Cairo scratched his head and turned towards us.
“You think you’d be able to fly us up?” Cairo sighed as he asked Eva for help.
“Sorry, no way can I lift the likes of the two of you.” Eva laughed. “Goodnight.” Eva giggled as she shook her fingers at them and bounced after the rest of our group.
My shoulders shook as I attempted to keep my laughter in, biting my lip and looking to the ground.
“And you?” Cairo pushed my shoulder. “How did you get up?”
I looked up at Cairo and shrugged my shoulders. “Honestly, it just happened. One second, I was on the ground, the next I was in the tree.”
“Of course,” Jericho grumbled from behind us.
I turned to face him as he lowered himself to the ground. His back set against the trunk as he resigned himself to the idea of spending the night on the ground.
“Keep close to the Golden Dragon. We will see you in the morning,” Jericho said, dismissing me. Cairo mirrored Jericho’s position on the other side of the trunk.
With a nod, I turned and followed the direction Eva had disappeared to earlier. As I approached a nearby trail, I heard a group of
voices chatting with each other. I turned down the narrow trail and hoped it would lead me to Eva and everyone else.
As I peeked around a bend in the trail, a huge bonfire blazed before me in an open field. The red and orange flames licked as high as the surrounding trees. The sound of pops and sizzles filled the air. At the base of the bonfire, at least 50 elves gathered, talking and enjoying the fire.
I remained hidden in the shadows on the edge of the trail, observing the gathering. The men and women wore similar clothes as Gaber and Clara; brown shorts and green tops in various shades and styles to permit them camouflage in the jungle when outside their shields.
I moved a bit closer towards the group in hopes to get a better look. That’s when I stumbled over a branch on the ground and fell hard onto my hands and knees. I brushed my hands off and looked up. Every yellow eye glowed my direction.
I sucked in a breath and held it in anticipation of the first move. The elves feared me. I crept up to a standing position, holding my hands out in front of me as a sign of peace. One of the elves took a step towards me and cocked his head to the side. His yellow eyes glowed bright. He was hiding his face from me; all I could see of him were his pointed ears and long silver hair that shone from the fire behind him.
“You are the Keeper of Dragons?” The elf asked hesitantly as his ears twitched.
“Yes. I won't hurt you.” I insisted.
“I can feel the darkness,” The elf said as he pointed at me. “But I sense something else within you, too. Something…” He paused and cocked his head to the side. “Something true.”
I dropped my hands to my side. “So, you’re not afraid of me?”
Another elf walked forward, pausing next to the other and whispering to him. He continued towards me until he was only a few feet away and I could make out more of his face. He placed his hand on his chest and with his golden eyes, raked me from head to toe.
“My name is Mal,” he said. “Yes, we feared what was in you. But now, we're intrigued.” He lowered his hand.
“Intrigued?”
The Elven Alliance Page 6