by Chloe Hodge
Ashalea’s mind drifted to the elves’ and their strange behaviour before, and she cornered Wezlan. “What was that about?”
She knew she didn’t have to specify what. He was already pretending to busy himself with saddlebags, shuffling his hand around for far too long, before finally unearthing three ripe red apples. A typical Wezlan tactic to avoid unwanted conversations.
“Wezlan,” the tone deepened to a warning.
He sighed before swivelling around, a cheery smile on his face. “Oh, they’re probably just excited to see another elf. Who can say with you lot? Mysterious creatures if you ask me.”
Ashalea narrowed her eyes. A broad smile and vague response after what they’d just discussed? He was lying about something. But why? She opened her mouth to retort but thought better of it. She would have her answers even if she had to lock him in his quarters all night. Assuming the King would provide them rooms, of course. She frowned. He could keep his secrets for the time being, but it was time they had a long discussion concerning Ashalea’s heritage, her past, and now this odd event.
Shara thumped her on the back, interrupting her thoughts. “Probably just overwhelmed by your highness’ beauty,” she snorted with a hint of jealousy.
Ashalea scowled. “Yes, a sweaty mess after sizzling an ugly slug is sure to get their hearts racing.”
Shara sniffed the air again, then smelled Ashalea and herself. “The stench follows. We need a bath.”
It hardly seemed like the time to think about hygiene, but Gods, they all needed a temporary distraction while they waited. Why not make the most of it?
“Well there’s plenty of clean water right here. Let’s go.” Ashalea chucked off her hood, armour and weapons, and gracefully dived off the bank. The water was refreshingly cool and so clear she could see many plants and wildlife within its depths. Waiting for a splash, she lingered beneath the surface to pull Shara down. But she never came.
She streamlined for the bank again, looking over the edge to see Shara rooted to the ground. “Well?”
“I… uh… I think I’ll wait for a proper bath. You know, with some soaps. Quality elvish stuff,” she thrust her chin in the air.
Ashalea raised an eyebrow. “You, Shara Silvaren, Onyxonite and assassin, waiting for the luxury of bath products?” She snorted. “I think not. You’d just as much bathe in blood than sit pretty all night.”
Shara scowled before looking downcast. “Fine. If you must know,” she pouted, “I can’t swim.”
Ashalea couldn’t help it. After their latest news, this was another kind of ridiculous. She burst out laughing and splashed the assassin playfully, who squeaked and ran from the edge. If looks could kill…
Wezlan patted the ground, seeing her embarrassment. “Shara, perhaps you can tell me more about your people. Little is known of the Onyxonites, bar the proclamations of your skills and talents.” His eyes twinkled at Ashalea and she grinned knowingly.
Shara plonked next to him, sprawled out, savagely tore into her apple and lazily glanced over. “All true of course. We are one with the shadows, and we never miss. We’re also exceptional thieves, and very graceful,” she added with a mouth full.
He chortled and settled back for what was likely going to be a long session. “Ashalea,” he called. “Be careful and don’t stray too far. There could be more wretched creatures around.”
“And we always fulfil our missions. And…”
The ongoing drawl of Shara’s forthcomings muted as Ashalea dipped down, slicing the water with strong arms. The lake was alive with spiralling corals in ombre reds, oranges and pinks. A myriad of fish played chasey round plants and under a rock, and they brushed against her fingertips without fear.
The deeper she dived, the more exotic the creatures became.
Sprites dashed and danced around her, laughing as they kissed her cheeks and tickled her feet. Their tiny faces were akin to elves; distant cousins as they were. They crafted a bubble for her face, so she may breathe under the surface, and then gestured for her to follow.
Deeper still she found pearlescent shells and fluorescent flora, stealing away a perfect shell into her pocket as a memento. They trailed along the sand, where a purple and blue blob floated on one side, and a group of overgrown seahorses watched her from behind curved snouts on the other.
They were almost at the bottom now, and her elvish eyes adjusted to temporary darkness. But soon the waters were aglow, ignited by scattered shards of purple and white crystals, thrumming with a power that generated in their core.
It was like a maze as they wound around the path until the sprites disappeared and Ashalea was left floating before a curled-up creature. Its long tail wrapped around its bulk, and it seemed to shimmer in and out of focus as it slept, like it was there one moment and gone the next. Unsure of what to do, Ashalea just watched it intently, enthralled by the likes of such an entity.
The beast’s tail began to unravel, curling outwards ever slowly, and she panicked as she realised how large it was. She considered swimming for dear life, but her body didn’t move, couldn’t move. As it shifted, a voice pierced the walls of her mind.
The wise one will wonder at what life may hold, the adventurer wanders and tells stories not told. The strong will be weak when seeing my skin and the evil will wither for trespassing within. But you are all of what I have said, if not for the last or else you’d be dead. I know what brings you, oh chosen she-elf, for I know too, of darkness itself.
With tail fully unravelled, the creature sat up, released its wings and stretched its massive head to peer down at her. Ashalea knew without a doubt what she was now looking at, though any descriptive in tales of old paled in comparison to the mighty creature before her.
“A dragon” she breathed in amazement with eyes wide open.
Its transparent flickering stopped to reveal a huge muscled body with pearlescent scales, reflective of the light. It continued to peer at her with yellow eyes that burned bright like the sun, and its ribbed tail, edged with a purple and blue hue snaked behind it. Its wide wings were tipped with two spikes and a blue stripe that raced along its head to the end of its tail.
It was easily the most beautiful creature Ashalea had ever seen, and the most humbling experience she might ever have.
I am the last of the water dragons. I have no name, for I need none. Centuries ago, my brothers and sisters left this world through a portal within the Gates of the Grove, to rule amongst the skies and seas, unbothered by the trivialities of men. Such was the gift of the wizard, Wezlan Shadowbreaker. Some of us stayed to honour the allegiance forged with the elves. But time plays tricks with all of us, and wars are best waged for the winning side. Thus, I remain, the last water dweller.
The dragon stretched its limbs and long neck, baring its sharp teeth lazily as it yawned.
In my dreaming I felt the waters stir; what foul being has entered my lake? It shifted its head so one bright eye could peer closely at her face.
Ashalea stared a little self-consciously at the gigantic bulb next to her skin. She almost feared it would scorch her, for it raged so like a burning sun. But she cleared her throat and stared into the eeriness of the flaming depths.
“A great worm-like creature was feeding on the lake fish. We arrived just in time to find a party of elves intercepting it, but two were killed before we could act.” Ashalea sighed. “But, with the help of the remaining elves, Wezlan and I managed to kill it with Magicka.”
The creature you speak of was a Wyrm-weir. A formidable foe, its hard scales and poisonous breath make it difficult to kill. It is fortunate you slayed the Wyrm before it could violate these waters with toxic bile.
The dragon cast its eyes upward and contemplated the news before shifting its gaze back to Ashalea.
Ancient creatures such as this do not inhabit this land. No, such a thing only exists in other dimensions. An angry hiss lashed out on a curled tongue. So, the darkness has returned then. And it attempts to corrupt my waters.
Its tail rippled. It must have entered from a water channel from the south.
“From what we have heard, many creatures never seen before have appeared in the marshes of Deyvall and near Kingsgareth Mountain. Wezlan fears the darkness is breaking loose from the portal. We think it found its way to Telridge and down the rivers.”
The dragon snorted its displeasure and a puff of blue fire escaped its nostrils, somehow unquenched from the water. What of the Guardians?
“Several Guardians passed on to the afterlife. It is our quest to find the new line of chosen and bolster the Gates once more. We were on our way to the elvish village, Windarion, before, well…” Ashalea trailed off, not wanting to spark its rage again.
The dragon regarded her. It would seem my slumber has ended. I have been waiting a great many years for you, Ashalea Kindaris.
His familiarity caught her off guard. “You know me?”
The dragon rumbled from within. Your fate aligns with the future of Everosia. You are the key that seals the lock.
“What does that mean? I don’t understand these riddles.”
You are not ready. Until you realise the power within, I cannot help you, child. But when the time comes, you will know of what I speak.
His words ran through her brain over and over. “Why me?”
The dragon’s tail swished gracefully through the water. You are different from most elves. You question things as humans do. An interesting quality. It’s what makes you unique.
“I’ve been asking questions my whole life, but they all go unanswered. My past is a blur. Will you not help shed some light on my future?”
The great sunlit eye pulled near again. The truth is a burden I do not wish for you to bear. Your journey is one of self-discovery, of growth. You must stop living in the past and face the future, she-elf. Be the person you were always meant to be.
Ashalea’s heart could sink no further. Her mind was like the maze in which she now swam. She felt like she was forever searching for answers, but instead of reaching the core she was stuck in the spiral, never knowing which way to turn.
She stared at the dragon’s one gigantic eye. “Why have you slept all these years, to reveal no certain truth? Why only now have you awoken?”
You are the reason I have dwelled so long within these waters, she-elf. For this meeting, whether you understand it or not, has been pre-ordained. That is all I can say of the matter. But know this, I will not fail these waters and all that inhabit it. Tell the elf King that I have awoken. He need not fear any further incidents for now. When the time is right, I will come when you call.
She didn’t understand, of course. When I call? What Magicka would allow me to do that?
The dragon retracted his wings, yawning once more. First, I need nourishment, and to stretch my wings. My heart yearns for the sky. It has been too long since I sailed the clouds. He took a few steps and dug his claws into the sand before stretching his gigantic neck around and peering over his shoulder.
I have been without company for many an age.
Ashalea stared at him, waiting for further comment, but the dragon just blinked at her expectantly.
Dragons do not wait once they are awoken. Ride! He nudged at his back and then glanced at Ashalea again.
“Oh!” In her haste she swam rather clumsily towards him, mounted his back and gripped protruding bones where wings met skin. She pondered idly how on Everosia she’d woken up this morning, battled a giant worm, and ended up on a dragon’s back.
Hold on tight!
All thoughts were forgotten as the dragon launched from the ground and torpedoed through the water, power surging through his body as they broke through the surface and sped into the fresh air.
Within seconds they were high in the sky, soaring over the lake with wind whipping in their faces. The dragon released his wings, and they glided in graceful loops over pristine blue water and evergreen trees.
Far below, Ashalea’s keen eyes could just make out the flabbergasted expressions on Shara and Wezlan’s face; their jaws just about dragging on the ground.
Wretched creatures indeed! She laughed, guessing at what the old wizard would say when she returned.
Ashalea lifted her hands out and felt the weightlessness of the white blanket. The air grew chilly and she felt the hairs on her neck bristle and the skin go bumpy on her arms. She was flying the mightiest of beasts; protector of the lake.
Years had passed, and this great dragon had waited in earnest. For her. Because she was expected. Because she was important. Because her destiny was pre-ordained. She had been chosen for something great before she’d even entered this world, squalling from her mother’s belly. The idea was growing more appealing. A purpose in life. A way to look to the future, as the dragon suggested.
She flapped her wings like a bird and felt the wind rush around her. This is what it feels like to fly. Never had she felt so free.
The dragon’s head swivelled round once again, golden eyes staring at her inquisitively. Ashalea detected the closest thing to a daring expression on his face and she grinned mischievously. Things were about to get even more interesting.
Ashalea hunkered down and held tight to the bone holds, shifting her rear on the dragon’s scales, adrenaline coursing through her veins.
He gave a mighty roar, and at the pinnacle of his flight, before the fall, she felt at one with the mighty beast. Smiling from pointy ear to another, she yelled at the top of her lungs in wild, unrelenting joy.
“DIVE!”
A King Not to Cross
The beauty and sheer size of the Elven village of Windarion was beyond compare.
Towers, pearly white and glistening gold crept high into the sky, and elvish houses with tilted roofs lined the banks of rivers and creeks carving their way through the town. Bridges both on land and in the sky connected all corners of the water divides.
At the precipice stood the royal palace, a glittering glory adorned with teal flags bearing a coral crown atop a golden spear. But the most beautiful sight of all was the purple and white crystals creeping as moss would over the walls of the buildings.
As the sun bore down, the light reflected off them, dazzling the eyes at any angle. Ashalea and Shara’s breath halted in their lungs as they gazed at such marvels.
Earlier on, after Ashalea’s flight with the water dragon and a very excitable interrogation from Wezlan, the party had soon been collected by the Royal Guard. Over they rode once more upon the seahorses, only this time a giant yellow creature accompanied them.
Its huge flippers made short work of the water and it peered down at them with bright blue eyes from atop a long neck. It seemed happy to see them, and bending down, gave all three members a lick with a bright pink, long furry tongue. Satisfied, it uttered a squeaky chirp and pointed to its back with one hind flipper.
From atop one of the seahorses, Kinna laughed, waving at the creature. “This is Gruvar, our village ferry. I think he likes you!”
Gruvar nodded his head and squeaked once more for good measure, and the girls laughed at its comical expression.
Ashalea approached it with an exaggerated bow. “Well, Gruvar. It is a pleasure to meet you,” she smiled.
The creature flapped its flippers up and down and squeaked happily. Even Shara couldn’t help herself and gave it a pat, laughing as it hummed away in pleasure.
“Okay Gruvar,” Kinna said. “Let’s get our passengers on.”
The giant creature submerged beneath the water so that its back could be accessed from the water bank. One by one, Ashalea, Wezlan and Shara hopped on, coaxing the horses with gentle words. Kaylin jumped on without a thought, for he had grown fond of Ashalea’s soft whispers and gentle scratches behind the ear. Lerian and Fallar followed soon after.
Before long they were surfing the water on Gruvar’s back and exchanging pleasantries with the Royal Guard members. The elves could hardly contain their excitement, having seen the re-appearance of the long-sleeping water dragon. B
ut Ashalea said nothing about her flight, for King Tiderion would be most anxious to hear the tale from her lips, Wezlan had said.
Soon they approached the waterfall’s mouth. Under the spray they floated, until they came to a rocky cave and what appeared to be a dead end. Before them stood a crystallised wall and a shallow pool, but nothing suggested the cave went any further.
Dismounting from their seahorses, the elves helped the party step down from Gruvar and gathered them in the pool. As one they held golden spears to crystal wall and uttered Upuniȃr. Open. In a flash of blinding light, the crystals hummed one moment and were gone the next.
They said their goodbyes to Gruvar, for he was much too large to fit in the tunnel ahead. He gave Wezlan, Ashalea and Shara another lick, and with a final squeak, exited the cave and disappeared. The seahorses too returned to the lake, for they were free spirits who protected the Aquafarian Province. When called upon, they would return.
Ashalea was sure she would miss Gruvar and hoped she would see him again. She also hoped she’d have the chance to ride a seahorse someday, though she felt a bit greedy. How many people can say they’ve flown on a dragon before?
She smiled as they walked through the tunnel. How can evil linger in such a beautiful world, with such beautiful things? It wasn’t a question she could answer, and it only made her sad to think of it, but before she could disappear into the murky depths of her mind the party soon reached the end of the tunnel where a symphony of golden lights sang from open air. And there they stood. Staring out at the Elven village with jaws open and eyes wide.
Kinna put two arms around Ashalea and Shara and smiled. “Welcome to Windarion,” he said with a small squeeze on their shoulders.
After their jaws returned to a reasonable position on their faces, the girls and Wezlan signalled they were ready to move on. Kinna led the way, dismissing the other guards to their posts. The further they ventured into the village, the more Ashalea could feel her heart swell with love for the land and its people. Every elf they passed bowed with a hand over heart; their faces filled with warmth. Children played in the water, chasing large rainbow fish and sprites that dashed among the reeds, diving and flying in their mischievous games.