by Sarah Hite
Before he could continue, she spoke, almost too quietly to hear, her voice full of despair and tinted with anger. “This is all my fault.”
He quickly cut her off. “No. This is my fault.”
She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “If I had told you, when it first started, none of this would have happened.”
“If you had told me, I would have been angry. But not at you… at him.” He hesitated and looked over at the lake. “When you left, I came to realize that I have neglected my duty.” She lifted her head a little and looked at him, slightly baffled. He continued, still looking at the water. “I have neglected my duty to you. A King without the support of his family is nothing. You are my sister, your needs should come first, and I ignored you, even when you tried to tell me. You had asked me to speak with someone and I did not pay attention.”
She lifted her head. “But if I…”
“No,” He said, turning to look at her. “This… all of it the Nesting Caves, you leaving, raising Shaelynn in the wilderness, and even before is my fault. If I hadn’t neglected you, I would have seen to Kwan’s needs then; he never would have been back in that cave. He could have been reunited with his family, and you would not have been forced to leave. The day you left, the day I lost you, was the day I realized that I did not deserve to be king; I do not deserve you.” He was so adamant, so full of emotion that his eyes were tearing.
She gaped at him in amazed wonder. A moment later she leapt to her feet and embraced him. She nuzzled his cheek, and he returned her affection. They spoke for a while longer. As the hour wore on he asked, “Would you be willing to visit Seoung? He has been worried about you.” She nodded and together they returned to camp. While they walked through camp, many of the dragons stared at her in shock. Not only did she look different, she acted different. She ignored their stares and voiced observations. They met Seoung about halfway through camp. He was overwhelmed to see her. “Moon! You’re all right. Ancestors, you had me worried.”
At that moment, Sayden came running over. He nuzzled her and she smiled. Looking back at Seoung, she teased, “I’m your sister. I’m supposed to worry you.”
He returned her look, “Yes, but not like that. I thought I might never see you again. Look at you. You look fantastic! What have you been doing?”
“Fighting a war,” she answered simply. They spoke for a while longer until they were disturbed by a ruckus. They were surprised to see a human boy running through camp, jumping over feet and ducking under tails, no fear whatsoever. He was yelling and waving, “General! General, the council is waiting for you!” It was Caleb.
Moon pulled back from her brothers. Her response caught their attention. She hugged them both and quickly told Sayden to mind his uncle. Then she surprised them further by launching herself in to the air and landing next to the boy; he was still a distance away. She knelt down and the boy climbed onto her back. She again took flight, leaving her brothers to wonder at her title.
She returned several hours later with the lords as well as two other humans. Ania watched the reactions of the other dragons as they passed. Some still seemed to think Moon was at fault, others greeted her kindly, but the majority really did not seem to know what to believe. Moon ignored their hostility, but she greeted those who spoke kindly. They soon met the dragon council in their usual place at the base of a small hill. Moon took the lead. “Kyeon, Seoung, Council Members: you have met Lord Ryell and Lord Mychal. However, I don’t believe you have met Ania and Flame.” She motioned to the younger humans as she spoke.
“No, we have not had the pleasure,” Kyeon answered, acknowledging them. “Ania, you were the one who was playing with Shaelynn,” Seoung stated.
“She does that a lot.” Flame told them. He jokingly pushed Ania as he spoke.
She shoved him back. “Someone has to. She’s far too inquisitive for her own good, and her parents are busy. Kwan helps with the camp construction, and you, well…” she motioned to Moon, “you fight, you hunt, you’re on the war council, and you’re an acting general. Not to mention you still find time to take care of your family.”
The council had not been aware of how much she did for the humans. “I do what needs to be done,” she said simply, but added, “but my family will always be my first priority—always has.” Lord Ryell inserted himself into the conversation. “Not to interrupt, but we asked to see you because there is someone you should meet. He extended his hand as an invitation. Flame went to his side. “You have met Flame, as most call him, but you should be properly introduced.”
Moon took over, “I was one of the first to know. After the lords discovered it, he came to me. So many questions… that I could not answer.” She shook her head as she spoke the last sentence.
Ania watched as they talked about him, making Flame more uncomfortable by the minute. She could not take anymore. Finally, she went to his side and whispered, “Just tell them; introduce yourself as who you are, like you did in Aretell.” He smiled as he looked at her. He pulled the amulet from his shirt and held it in his hands.
Kyeon had seen Ania tell him something, and it had caused him to smile. Then he watched as the boy pulled something from beneath his shirt, hold it in his hands a moment, and then pull it over his head. He raised a forepaw to silence the others as Flame took a breath. He presented the medallion to Kyeon and declared, “People call me Flame, but my name is actually Cainen, Cainen Evander. According to my family heirlooms, this and my sword, I am the true heir to the throne.”
The Voice of Reason
Ania sat in a high-backed chair reading a book she had found in Oakenwood’s library. She closed the book, set in on the small table next to the chair, and looked out the window. She looked down at the small town in mild disbelief. The duke’s forces arrived two days after the dragons. While the troops set up camp on the other side of the town, several officers entered Oakenwood.
After a few hours, several men left the town on horseback and had ridden out toward the King’s Men. They stopped about halfway between the camp and the town; the Lords, Flame, and Captain Harden rode out to meet them. Kyeon joined them after a moment. A short time later the opposing force surrendered. They said that facing time as prisoners of war would be better than facing the wrath of several hundred dragons.
Knowing they were undermanned, Flame made a suggestion. They offered the men a place in the King’s armed forces. They would be granted amnesty if they fought for the King for a certain length of time, which would be determined later, or a year in prison. Both sides agreed, and the men moved their equipment and joined the King’s ranks. Those who chose prison were put together in a large tent and treated with civility. The leaders of the King’s forces knew that the Duke had threatened many men with the lives of their families, and that those who chose prison were hoping that Vidar would not harm their families if they stayed loyal to him.
They would move the prisoners to another location when one had been decided. Those moving the detainees would not be told where until just before they left. For those who joined, life improved immensely. They were given quarters, better food rations and, while many of them had been demoted, they were all given jobs that were suited for them. Farmers were to help care for the animals, metal smiths were to help the blacksmiths, and so on.
Ania got up and left the library, taking the book with her. She put the book in her bag as she walked. On her way through town, she noticed how happy everyone seemed. The townsfolk were smiling and laughing, and waved to her as she passed by; the children were shrieking in delight as they chased each other during a game of tag. It was almost as if they were not in the middle of a war. The Duke had raised the taxes throughout Altera. He had taken every man, horse, cart, wagon, and beast of burden for his army; yet, the people of Oakenwood acted as if nothing were amiss.
She worked her way over to one of the blacksmith’s workstations where Flame and Lukair were having one of the wagons repaired. She waited patiently while they spoke
to the blacksmith on duty. They left after saying they would return for the wagon in the morning. Ania drew their attention, “Have you seen Pai today?” When they said no, she told them that Kei-ata Lorbrein had found a way to take him back to the Keep to recover. He had regained some of his strength, as he could now lift his head and speak aloud, and he could adjust his position with a little effort; however, he still could not move more than a few feet without help, and he still had trouble breathing, especially after a fit of coughing. They decided to go straight there, in case they did not have time later. As they arrived, they saw Kei-ata speaking to a very large dragon, who was very tall and slender with a white hide and pale blue markings. There was also a silvery undertone to their scales. Pai was watching them, his head up and slightly cocked to one side. “I hear you’re leaving,” Lukair said as they approached.
Pai looked down at them. “It would appear that way,” he replied quietly.
“How are they going to move you? We used the gurney to make more tents, and you’re not strong enough to fly,” Flame said.
Pai started to answer, but he was caught in a fit. Kei-ata and the other dragon stopped talking and came over. Kei-ata helped him regain control of his lungs, which resulted in him wheezing. “Easy, easy,” Kei-ata gently advised. “Take long, slow breaths. There we go; now, that’s better.” Pai stopped wheezing, but his breathing was still ragged.
“His breathing hasn’t improved?” the white dragon asked with concern. The tall female looked worried.
“Not as much as I would have liked,” Kei-ata replied sadly.
The kids watched in silence. They knew what the shaman was going through; they had been there. Pai was improving, albeit slowly, and he was not out of danger. If his lungs did not improve, they could develop a more serious disorder, leaving the young dragon physically handicapped.
Kei-ata suddenly changed the topic. He looked down at the kids and introduced the other dragon. “Kids, this is Shaman Lieta. She will be looking after Pai while he’s at the Keep,” he said, looking down at his son. Pai was looking at the ground, front feet tucked under his chest. His breathing was still ragged and his eyes full of pain. He looked up at the other shaman. “Lieta, this is Flame, Lukair, and Ania. Ania was the one who created the Ekel Vatn stew.”
Ania leaned over to the boys and whispered, “It means ‘nauseating water’ in the islanders’ tongue.”
“An ingenious idea.” Lieta praised. “It will be useful for many shaman.” She turned to Kei-ata. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must inform Keto of our plans.” He nodded and she left. After she had gone, Ania asked, “She’s an Ice dragon, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she and her mate, Shaman Ketowa, have volunteered their services for the army.” They spoke a while longer until the kids excused themselves. They were due at the next council meeting. Kei-ata merely nodded. Pai had lowered his head while the kids were meeting Lieta, and now lifted it just high enough to say his own fare- wells. He spoke quietly, his voice now weak, but his message was clear. He may be leaving, but this would not be the last time they met.
While the kids were saying their good-byes, Kyeon met with Elder. He wanted to discuss the effect Shaelynn’s presence had on the other dragons. The child’s coloration was the source of the problem, as her specific coloration had only been seen in dragons who hatched shortly before times of severe hardship. Many dragons believed that she had brought the war and would continue to cause misfortunate events. Many meant the hatchling harm. If something was not done, they would kill the child.
A few minutes into their debate, Seoung, Ryou Elder, and even Kei-ata joined them. They asked about Pai and were told that he and Chekal would be returning to the Keep with the help of another shaman; then they continued their discussion. “If Shaelynn is harmed, I don’t think Moon will be able to control her actions. She’s been through so much in the last year, losing her daughter may cause her to lose control,” Elder said.
The council members agreed. “Moon may not be the only problem; Shaelynn has become somewhat of a mascot to the humans. They could retaliate as well,” Seoung deduced.
Looking down, Kyeon said, “Kwan may be a problem, too. He allowed himself to be recaptured in order to save Moon from sharing his fate. We have also seen him challenge multiple dragons to save Shaelynn from harm. He would do anything necessary to protect his family, and he has proven that.”
“Ania won’t like it either.” The quiet statement caused the others to look at the shaman. They knew he was right. Thorin’s daughter was held in high esteem by all dragon kind including the Fire dragons, who do not respect anyone, and only tolerated the royal family.
“Something needs to be done before Shaelynn is hurt. I just don’t know how to get the others to believe that she is not a bad omen,” the King said glumly.
Elder suddenly looked at Kyeon. He had been silent for a while but then spoke. “I might have found something.” He looked at the other council members with a serious expression. “We know that dragons with a black coloration are very rare, and that they always seem to appear just before times of trial. Because the two are commonly seen together, many have come to believe the young dragons somehow cause these unfortunate events. Now they are seen as bad omens, marking the beginning of hardship, but what if it isn’t hardship they are predicting? What if it is merely marking a time of change? Shaelynn hatched before the war began, yes, but the war is to regain the throne of Ciciana. If young Flame can take his forefathers’ throne, it would better the lives of every human and dragon in the land. After she hatched, she brought several dragons together, including her parents, the scouts and their families, as well as Kwan and his family or will, as they have not yet been found.”
“Yes, that makes sense, but how to keep the others away from her long enough to convince them?” Kyeon mused aloud.
“I am more concerned about keeping her away from them. The child is extremely curious,” Seoung pointed out. “She wants to learn about everything, and if she sees something she wants to learn about she goes after it, no matter the consequences.” They nodded, knowing this to be true. They knew that she had caused Moon much grief while they had traveled, and they knew her curiosity had caused the attack two days ago.
Ryou, however, was confused; due to his recent absence he had not met them. He looked up at the larger dragons and asked, “Who are Kwan and Shaelynn?” After a quick apology, they filled him in. They debated Shaelynn’s problem for a few more minutes until Kyeon had to leave to attend the war council meeting. He would fill them in later. As he left, the others continued their specific tasks. As Ryou returned to work, he was deep in thought. He can’t be the same dragon; he can’t be my Kwan, can he?
When the meeting was over, Moon left the others, promising Kyeon that she would be there to attend the dragon council’s meeting, and went to see Pai before he left. She thanked him for his help, and offered her appreciation and admiration for his help and courage.
After leaving the infirmary, she walked over to the hills. The council would hold their meeting at the bottom of a valley toward the center of the encampment. As the King’s sister, she had been a member of the council and would be attending the first gathering since before she had been given the station as the Clutch Guard. She and Seoung would normally take turns presiding over the meetings. However, due to her prolonged absence, she would have to leave the opening to Seoung and only take part in the discussion. The remaining council members would need to fill her in, as she would inform them of what they had missed.
As Moon neared the air corps division of the King’s forces, she noticed Shaelynn sitting off to the side, just outside the boundaries of the camp and was looking toward the dragons. Knowing that Sayden was with his aunt and uncle that day, she understood her longing. “Shaelynn, come here.” Shaelynn heard her mother calling and ran to her side. Moon lowered her head to speak to the child. “Stay close to me.” She led her daughter into the throng. Shaelynn stayed right by her side, and
some- times walked underneath her, using her shadow to hide from superstitious dragons.
As they walked Moon heard a familiar voice. She saw one of the dragons: a tall, slender male with deep blue markings over a white hide. Ketowa, the other Ice dragon, was talking to Caleb, and the boy did not seem happy. Moon looked around and saw a stand of trees with branches close enough to the ground to provide shelter from most predators. She led Shaelynn to it and said, “Stay here.” Then she went to see why the boy seemed sad. As she neared them she heard Ketowa say, “When his shoulder has healed, he will be given a new post. I’m afraid it will be up to the council to decide where that is.” Caleb sighed. He had found out that Chekal would be returning to the Keep as well. He had known the dragon his entire life and felt he could not imagine life without him.
Kei-ata Lorbrein had decided that Chekal and Kwan should also return to the Keep in order to make a full recovery. Kwan had refused, as Shaelynn would not be accepted at the Keep, and he was not going to leave the inquisitive youngster to her own devices while Moon was working. Chekal’s father, however, had requested that he go, not only to let his shoulder heal but to keep Pai company as well. This would be the last day Caleb may ever see him. Moon nosed the boy’s shoulder. “I’ll talk to my brothers. They may let him choose the location of his next post. If he wants to return to Aretell, they may let him.” She had wanted to give the boy hope, and she knew she had when he looked up at her with a smile.
Their conversation was disrupted by an angry shout. The three turned just in time to see Shaelynn dodge a blow from an adult dragon and leap into the trees. The dragon grumbled and began tearing at the brush, trying to reach the youngster. Moon’s mood instantly darkened. Filled with a combination of horror and fury, she growled and leapt to the sky. Nearby dragons heard the commotion and came to see it was. They saw the older dragon tearing at the trees, but they saw nothing else. They had heard Moon growl but did not see her until she landed fifty feet behind the adult. They were shocked to see the normally mild-mannered young female so aggressive. She growled again, low, strong, and dripping with carefully controlled rage. “Leave her alone.” The distinct and obvious demand caught the attention of every dragon in the immediate vicinity. The other dragon stopped ripping at the trees and turned around. Moon’s eyes narrowed as she recognized her lifelong adversary, Dea- hyun.