by Rachel Angel
“Sounds good. Thank you.”
Ally returned with several rolled up maps under her arm. “This should be enough,” she snapped. “You have the mountains.” She shoved a rolled up map at him. “You have the lakes.” She shoved another map at him. “And you have the rivers.” This time she shoved the rest of the rolled up maps at him.
“Hey, what’s gotten into you?”
“Nothing. You asked for maps. I brought you maps. You even have a map that shows the few tunnels that run under the town.”
Razor cocked an impressed brow. “Good to know. Anything else? I mean, something is clearly bugging you.” He leaned in to run a finger along her cheeks. “Ally? Tell me, why are you angry?”
She stomped up to him and looked straight into his face. “Did you ask William to build latrines?”
“Well…”
“Did you?”
“He asked what we needed,” Razor said. “We need latrines.”
“William is a sweet and kind man. Don’t you dare treat him badly.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
She smiled, a beautiful and endearing smile. “All right. I’ll hold you to that promise.”
Razor could only stare at her. Her smile lit up the room, and his heart fluttered.
He was clearly jealous of William…for having the fortune to grow up with Ally, for holding a place in her heart as family, for making her smile so happily like that, as though she shared an intimate secret with her foster brother.
In the nearby school yard, a group of children shouted as they played with makeshift swords. Ally looked at them, her eyes filling with tears.
“They’ll be all right,” Razor assured her. “But we should be training them with real swords, not branches.”
Ally nodded, then looked to him. “I overheard some of the men talking about a breach by the eastern wall. I wanted to head out there to check on it. While I’m out there, I’ll look for other weaknesses.”
Razor nodded. “And, Ally.”
“Yes.”
“There seems to be a lack of urgency in the people here. I get the sense that they don’t realize what’s coming. Do they know what these monsters can do?”
“I thought they did. I’ll make it clear to them the danger we’re facing. I’ll explain how these monsters work.”
“Good. I’ll meet up with you later, Ally.” His hand lingered on her arm, wanting to pull her into his chest so he could hold her. If there wasn’t such a urgent need to prepare for battle, he would have enjoyed visiting and staying at Ally’s hometown. He would have love to learn everything about this intriguing girl who not only infuriated him to no ends as the first girl to become a student at Wyvern, but the girl he no longer could stop thinking about and could not help but long for every waking second.
Watching Ally lead and take charge with the preparations for battle, made his heart swell with pride. The way the townsfolk listened and respected her made him beam with pride. He didn’t know when or where it happened, but he was sure, he had fallen in love with her. It was sometimes painful how much he had especially when he feared what dangers she would be facing fighting the monsters.
But as much as he feared and worried over her, he knew he had to do his best to ensure her people and her home would survive any attack from the monsters, even if he had to fight every single monster off himself.
The day was a whirlwind of activity. Razor joined Bilbo and the workers who had already cleared out the inn’s dining room and were preparing to add more room.
“We’re going to tear down that wall,” Bilbo said. “And add another twelve feet to the room.”
Razor shook his head. “Don’t bother tearing it all down.” He walked to the wall in question. “Can you just make a wide opening here?” He gestured with his hands what he wanted. “And that will connect this part of the room with the addition you’re going to build.”
“Sure thing,” Bilbo said.
By nightfall they’d accomplished so much and Razor followed Bilbo back to his house.
“You guys don’t mess around, do you?” Razor said, impressed with the humans’ efficiency.
“When we have a job to do, we get to it,” Bilbo said with pride. He opened the door and gestured for Razor to enter.
“Is Ally around?” Razor asked Will who was seated at the dinner table.
“She’s out back with Kate. You know, alchemy and all.”
Razor felt a surge of pride. Ally was even more efficient and hard-working than he had ever thought. Her initiatives were sound and her desire to implicate herself in various tasks made his job that much easier.
He realized with a start, that he had not only fallen in love with her, but it was so deep, he would even die for her. The strong lust he’d felt on meeting her, the lust that he’d covered up with anger and resentment for her very presence at the Academy, had blossomed into something unexpected. He loved her so much.
He’d never considered himself a romantic. Had never considered the eventuality of marriage and family. But now… at random moments of the day, he’d imagine himself with her, doing little nothings, laughing and just enjoying being together.
His future was with her.
He wanted to have his children with her.
He wanted her by his side for always.
As he headed to the back shed where Ally and Kate worked, he realized just how vulnerable his love for her made him. Battling the monsters side by side with her would be torture, constantly looking out for her.
“What are you guys up to?” he said, clearing away his worries as he entered the shed.
The two women jumped and gasped.
“Razor,” Ally said with a laugh. “Don’t just sneak up on us like that. You’re likely to get sprayed with acid or something.”
He smiled at her, his heart swelling with emotion.
“I’ll leave you kids alone,” Kate said as she pulled her apron off and tossed it in a bin by the door. “I’ll go see if Bilbo has prepared dinner yet.”
“How was the border?” he said after Kate left.
“It’s in better shape than I expected. There’s an old man who lives out there alone. He walks the length of the eastern border every day and repairs any cracks or crevices.”
“Good,” Razor said softly.
“You okay?” Ally said, running her fingers through his disheveled hair. “You look tired.”
“I am.” He leaned in to kiss her and breathe her in. He needed to connect with her. She responded with the passion he’d become accustomed to. He pulled her into his arms and wanted to share with her all his worries and concerns. He wanted to tell her of his growing fears of losing her.
“We should go inside,” Ally said, pulling away. “They’ll be waiting for us for supper.”
“Hold on,” he said softly as he reached inside his jacket and into a small pocket. “I have something for you.”
Smiling, Ally looked expectantly at him.
He pulled out a rose-colored ruby pendant.
Ally gasped. “Razor, that is gorgeous.”
“Yes. It’s a perfect ruby and it’s been passed down through generations. I’d like you to wear it.”
She shook her head. “I could put it away for safe keeping… until after our battles with the monsters.”
“No,” he said. “I want you to wear it now.”
Ally looked at him. “I don’t want to lose it in battle.”
“You won’t. My ancestors considered it a sacred stone, one that brought protection to whoever wore it.” He reached around to clasp it at the back of her neck. “Some say it even has magical powers. I don’t know what those powers might be, but it won’t hurt to wear it.”
“Thank you, Razor.”
He cleared his throat, suddenly nervous. “I also wanted to show you how much I care about you. I know how we started out, what with me hating you, then loving you, then…” He sighed. “Being so deeply in love with you, Ally.”
Again, sh
e brought her fingers to his hair. “You’re so sweet. Who would have thought?”
He chuckled softly and tilted his head into her hand, wanting more of her caress.
“I want you forever, Ally,” he whispered.
She smiled.
“When this is all over,” he said, looking pointedly at her. “I want to be with you forever.”
Chapter 16
Jasper
The following morning, Jasper joined Ally as she entered the inn that would serve as headquarters. He had noticed a change in her since arriving. Her confidence had grown and she’d already shown signs of being a good leader.
“This is a cute little town you have here,” he said.
“I’m surprised you like it. I would have thought, considering where you come from, that our simple little town would have displeased you. There isn’t much that sparkles and shines here. No emeralds, no diamonds, no gold.”
“The only shine I need is in your smile and in your eyes when you look at me.”
Ally laughed at his corny line. “Aren’t you sweet?”
“I’ll admit,” he went on more seriously, “I was initially surprised by how small the homes were, and how simple, but there’s a true sense of peace and harmony here. Just walking to the inn last night, I could hear the people chatting with their neighbors, eager to give a helping hand where they could. And while the men and women worked at building the extension for the headquarters, the town baker came by and offered delightful pastries to everyone, the butcher brought hot sausages and a woman named Mrs. Crenshaw brought iced-tea and lemonade. It’s a charm I’ve not seen often.”
Ally smiled. “I know you spoke to a lot of townspeople yesterday,” she said as they made their way to the long table where the maps of the town were laid out. “Do they know about you? I mean, what you princes can do.”
“You mean shifting?”
She nodded.
“Razor thought it might be a good idea to wait before letting them know. Back at Wyvern we’ve heard a lot of stories about humans’ fear and misunderstanding of dragons.”
Ally smiled. “You mean how we love to slay a dragon and save the princess.”
Grinning, he nodded. “Everyone’s been so friendly and cooperative so far, but is that simply because we’re now in human form?”
“Could be.”
“Then again, I now know that my mother had magnificent diplomatic skills and I wonder if her alliance with The Borders hasn’t softened the people’s views on outsiders… namely dragons.”
“She certainly did a good job with that Peace Pact.”
“I can’t believe how I’ve underestimated her. I always saw her as a regal woman to whom people bowed to, but I never considered all she’d done to deserve each and every one of those bows.”
Ally looked up at him. “Don’t fear showing who you really are here. I think you’ll be surprised to find how open-minded the people are here.”
Jasper put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him as he let a long sigh seep out of his lips. Everyday, she was proving to be an incredible woman, and everyday he discovered another aspect of her personality, and loving it all the more. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back, wanting to snuggle up with her and just hold her.
People began entering the headquarters, breaking his reverie. In an instant, Ally took charge.
“Jasper, they all need additional training,” she said, pointing to the men and women who stood waiting for their instructions, eager to take part in the fight to save their village.
Ally turned to the rest of the crowd. “All of you who need to be fitted with armor, follow me.” She headed out with a trail of eager warriors behind her. “You must know that these beasts’ bite is toxic,” she added as she walked on.
Smiling, Jasper realized just how right he’d been about her abilities. She was a natural leader, not because she chose to be, but because people naturally wanted to follow her. They hung on her every word, and the trust in their eyes was evident.
He considered his own mother with her crown and royal blood, then thought of Drago who sat on the throne to the Dark Forests. Both of them had seen something different in Ally; the queen was impressed enough to have a private meeting with Ally, while Drago had actually shown fear of her. Then King Drago instantly wanted her for his consort, even setting aside his long-held hatred for his own brother to try to win Ally over.
Bursting with pride, he turned to the people who awaited instruction and spent the rest of the day drilling them until they were all exhausted.
A little fatigued himself by the end of the day, he headed to Ally’s house and found her in the garden sipping on a cool lemonade.
“Wise,” he said. “Sitting in the shade with a cool drink.”
“Want a sip?”
He took the glass and took a large gulp before handing it back to her.
“How’d the training go?” she said.
“Good. Your people are strong.”
She nodded.
“And everyone’s suited up in armor.”
“I have a few that I have to tinker with, but, yeah. Everyone is suited up and ready.”
They sat in quiet peacefulness for a while, breathing in the warm air.
“Did I ever apologize?” he said suddenly.
She looked at him. “For what?”
“For how I first treated you.”
Grinning, she patted his cheek with the palm of her hand. “I don’t think you’ll ever apologize enough for that.”
He took her hand and brought her fingertips to his lips and gently kissed them. “I am so terribly sorry.”
“That’s a good start,” she said with a chuckle.
“I know I wasn’t nice…”
She cocked an argumentative brow at him.
“All right, I was mean…”
“Go on.”
“Okay, so I was an ass, a total and complete ass.”
She smiled. “You’re getting close.”
“Surely you can see that I’ve grown since then.”
Suddenly solemn, she looked into his eyes. “Yes. I have seen the man you really are.”
“Then do you also see that I’m a man who cares so greatly for you.”
“I guess I do,” she admitted.
“I want to spend the rest of my life erasing from your memory the awful boy I was and show you the good man that I really am; the great man that I can be with you by my side.” He cupped her face in both his hands and kissed her deeply. “I love you, Ally. So much.”
Chapter 17
“Time is running out, Kate,” Ally said as she sat at a table in the shed, working on her potion. “I don’t know what to do anymore. So far everything I’ve concocted is just fluff. Just harmless fluff.”
“Don’t give up, dear. I know you can do it.”
“I have to do it. Without this as a weapon, I don’t know that we can effectively destroy those monsters.”
Kate nodded. “Somehow, I think we’re close. It just seems like we’re missing a key ingredient. I just can’t see what it is.”
“Oh, my,” Ally said, suddenly remembering. “I’ll be right back.” She hurried out of the shed, ran to her room and rummaged through the pocket of her shirt. Nothing. What was she wearing that day? Was it the white shirt? No. The black shirt? And finally she found it. She pulled out the tiny, stinky and now dried up rose and ran back out to the shed.
“Here,” Ally said. “I can’t believe I forgot about it. I’m sure this is the missing ingredient. I can just feel it.”
Kate looked at the unusual flower. “Hmm. Interesting.” She took a whiff and raised her brow. “Even more interesting. I think you might be right.”
They worked the rest of the afternoon, blending various amounts of the oil from the rose pedals. They’d initially put too much, and the strong odor was overwhelming, but by adding just a touch, they hit on the perfect ratio.
“This might be it,” Kate said.
/> Ally looked at the small vile in which they’d poured some of the crystal-clear liquid. “All right. So how do I make sure it works? We have nothing to test it on.”
“Sorry,” Kate said, sitting back on a stool and wiping her brow. “I can’t help you with that one.”
Pocketing the little vile, Ally went in search of the four princes.
“I need a monster,” she said bluntly when she found them pouring over maps at the inn.
“Come again,” Tar said.
She pulled the vile from her pocket. “I think this could be lethal to those monsters. But I have to test it first.”
The guys looked at one another.
“Come on, guys,” Ally said, trying to wave them into action. “We have to go out there and catch ourselves a monster.”
“Catch one? And how do you propose we do that? Set a snare trap? A booby trap? A bear trap?”
“Oh,” Razor said. “How about a mouse trap?”
“Will you guys stop being so silly for a minute? This is serious.”
“Yes,” Jasper said. “Seriously insane.”
“There’s been a report of an attack just outside the border wall to the west.”
Everyone turned to William who’d just walked in.
“Will,” Ally said. “Where did you hear this?”
“A patrol guard just came back. White as a ghost. He thinks those beasts may have made it into the Morrison home.”
Ally drew in a nervous breath. The Morrisons had two small children, and she hated the thought of the fate that awaited them.
“So do you think the monsters might still be out there?” Flint said.
“It doesn’t matter,” Ally muttered to herself.
“What’s that?” Razor said.
“It doesn’t matter whether the monsters are still there or not. Chances are, if they made it to that house, they infected someone in there. Our best chance is to go out there and find a member of the Morrison family… and see if my little potion has any effect on them.”