Iviana drew her eyebrows together. “Not to my knowledge.”
“Are you absolutely certain? Keep in mind, this meeting is being recorded.”
Iviana searched the room with confusion and two things became clear. First, there was not a single writing instrument moving in the room, which meant they had the means to record in some way she did not understand. Either that or there was someone hiding behind one of those big marble chairs. Secondly, they suspected her of some felonious activity.
“Can we cut to the chase?” Iviana asked at last.
“Very well, let us return to this in a moment,” said a younger gentleman beside Cinos. “Iviana, we suspect you of an ulterior motive for drawing our Realm Leader from his duties for so long.”
Iviana sat stock still, a cold chill waving through her. She had expected foolery... but not this. “Ulterior motive? Such as?”
Cinos halted the young man before he could respond and appeared to weigh his next words. “Malicious intent.”
“Malicious? What more do I have to do to prove to you people I am not your enemy? Disapprove of me all you want, but do not accuse me of meaning this world harm. I consider the Greater Archipelagos home and want only the best for that home.”
“Yet, within the first few days our Realm Leader took his position, you appeared to sweep him away from us when we needed him most. You were gone so long, we rather began to doubt you would return him to us.”
“I told you I went of my own free will,” Flynn broke in. “She didn’t even want me to go―I insisted.”
Breathing hard, Iviana was grateful for her friend’s intervention, but understood it was having no effect on the other council members, Realm Leader or no. Suddenly, she noticed an important member of this council was missing. It was likely the reason this conference was feeling so terribly one sided.
“Where is Naii?” she asked.
“Naii was unable to attend,” said Grandia. “As Island Leader, she is a very busy woman.”
Iviana watched as Flynn sat up at this, looking to where Naii should have been. Obviously, this was not something that occurred often, if ever.
“I will explain our quest to you once more and then I will leave you,” said Iviana. “You may do with it what you will.”
Cinos face grew red with irritation. “Iviana, I suggest you leave the course of this―”
Iviana cut him off. “You accuse me of malicious intent, so I will set you straight. I arrived in the Greater Archipelagos the day following Rhimesh’s passing because I felt the same jolting loss you all did. Even so, the time I arrived was entirely in the hands of the Great Dragon, Tragor, who was the one who came for me.
“Upon arriving, I had no idea of leaving any time soon, but I was informed of Rhimesh’s final wish and, forgive me, I followed through... with your approval. Flynn requested to join as, admittedly, I had my reservations about the quest and he meant to aid me in any way he could. I believe he felt it his duty, as much as mine, to fulfill the wishes of that wonderful woman.
“We traveled until we were hunted by the cannibals and then were led into Kierelia of Kaern where I, through a series of events, met with the very son of the Great One and learned he had given his life for mankind to save us from a dreadful fate. This is the story you were given upon our arrival and it is the one you’ll receive forevermore.
“And, might I add, you ought to take greater heed of the message we were commissioned to find.”
“The thing is,” began the young man beside Cinos, who was obviously speaking against the older man’s approval if Cinos’ wide eyes conveyed anything, “the encounters you claim to have experienced were experienced by you alone.” When Flynn attempted to break in, the young man persisted, “We understand our Realm Leader has every faith in your claims, as do the others who were with you, but we cannot put our trust in their faith alone—people who are your friends. As it is, it rather appears as if our Realm Leader may not be able to see the situation without some bias.”
Iviana’s mouth dropped open, but she closed it as quickly as possible. This haughty young man deserved no dropping of her jaw.
“What he means to say is,” began Cinos, “if you could supply some actual proof of your claims―”
“The book,” Iviana reminded.
The man waved it off and finished, “―we might be able to overlook what appears to have been a plot formed by yourself and possibly others.”
“You need proof to believe the message Rhimesh sent me to seek to understand how very perfectly good and kind the Great One is?”
“Now, now,” began Cinos, “we have no desire to ruffle your delicate feelings. It is only that the claim our God has a son is rather more... sensational.”
“If you would only read the book for yourselves,” cried Iviana.
“A book written by whom?” he asked. “Entitled what? It has no name nor does it name an author. We do not know from where or when that book came, only that it was already on your person before you left for your quest, which, might I add, makes the entire journey appear rather pointless, wouldn’t you say? And that, I’m afraid, is where many of our doubts arise.”
Iviana opened her mouth to speak, but Flynn suddenly burst with, “Go... Iviana. This interview is concluded.” Iviana could see it had been nearly as difficult for him as it had for her. It was clear he had heard these things before. She only wished he had clued her in on them so she could have been better prepared. Why hadn’t he told her what they were thinking? To spare her feelings? If so, he had only left her terribly vulnerable to their attacks.
“Very well, Flynn,” said Cinos. “But Iviana, we must ask that you keep this interview to yourself. We prefer the matters spoken of in this room remain private.”
Iviana nodded. Why would she want to go around telling people their highly respected council still believed her a menace to their world?
It was all Iviana could do not to slam the Council Hall doors behind her. They were large enough to shake the entire building, but she did not wish to give them anything more to hold over her. Not that she cared anymore of what they thought than she had before, but their thinking her a... well, a criminal could create actual complications for her life in the Greater Archipelagos. As she could not return to her home on Kaern thanks to Sir Loric, this was the only home she had left.
It was utterly discouraging to experience something like meeting the glorious, wonderful and warm son of the Great One and have it all thrown up in her face as hogwash when she attempted to reveal it to his own people.
Filled with rage, she tore branches from the trees she passed. She knew very well she might be observed in this enraged state by passersby, but could find no other outlet for the overload of emotion.
“Delicate feelings,” she recalled from the mouth of Cinos.
At the memory, she picked up a large rock and made ready to fling it at a tree when a young child went running past. At the terror of nearly wounding an innocent bystander, not to mention a sweet-looking child, she glared down at her stone and dropped it. It was then she began to speak her burdens to the Ones whose business this really was, the Ones who had sent her, knowing she had no choice but to place her trust in them.
This helped her greatly and might have salvaged her mood had she not arrived home to discover her front door open. She knew very well she had closed it securely before leaving—not that anyone actually locked doors in this world, for they were a surprisingly trustworthy people. Even so, it was irresponsible to leave one’s door unlatched, even if the back entrance was a gaping hole.
Pushing the door open, she expected to find one of her friends within and instead found a number of her cupboard doors ajar and her things scattered about. Moving into the bedroom, the trunk where she kept her most personal and precious belongings was pulled out and left open. Any papers it had contained were missing. She only happened to peer out at the patio to discover a number of these tossing about in the wind.
Racing to re
trieve them, Iviana fumed over the fact her intruder had carelessly left the trunk open, but she realized the actual problem would be that they may have taken some of them and she would have no way of knowing. Not only that, but someone had actually broken into her home. Upon her return, she searched for clues as to who could have done such a thing, though she knew very well who had put them up to it. It had something to do with the situation from which she had just departed.
Glancing out the window, she spotted a figure on the beach. This was common, of course, for it was the best view on the island. The problem was, they were not enjoying the view. She was certain they had been peering her way. Of course, it might only have been the break-in playing with her mind, but she also knew it was perfectly possible her suspicions were correct.
She was being watched.
–
Iviana was relieved when at last the banquet hour was upon her. She had spent the day putting her things in order, attempting to discover what, if anything, was missing. The thing was, nothing seemed to be. This being the case, what had they been looking for? Some proof she was conspiring against them, her every wicked maneuver written down where anyone could find it? She determined if ever she did take a turn for the worse and plot someone’s demise, she would be much smarter than that. As it was, she had no such plans. All she currently desired was the relief of a full stomach and the comfort of her friends about her.
Arriving earlier than usual, she had reached the pavilion even before her friends―a first―and took the opportunity to select the most comfortable eating space. Leaning against a grandly large pillow, she rested her eyes until a shuffling of feet sounded beside her.
“Hey,” said Nico, Leilyn’s fiancé and the young man who had at one time pursued Iviana, as he took a seat beside her.
Iviana sat up, at once alert. Nico had not spoken to her for over a year after she had spurned his offer of love. What was he doing seeking her out now? Was he, perhaps, looking for some closure?
“Nico,” she said, as if this was greeting enough. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Oh, no, I just saw you sitting here alone and thought I’d join you. We haven’t spoken in a while.”
Iviana weighed this. “Yes, a long while.”
“Too long.”
Iviana raised her brows. “I suppose.”
“How have you fared since your grand quest into Kierelia?”
“Oh... fine, I suppose.”
“Good. Glad to hear it.”
“You’ve been well I hope,” offered Iviana.
“Of course. I am engaged after all.”
Iviana smiled. “I whole-heartedly congratulate you.”
Nico hesitated for a moment, then smoothed it over with, “That is kind of you.”
As silence stretched between them, Iviana struggled to believe he was speaking to her without an ulterior motive. Perhaps he was attempting to make Leilyn jealous since she had been somewhat flirtatious with others over the duration of their engagement.
“You know, I never did learn why you led the others into Kierelia,” he said at last.
The wheels in Iviana’s mind turned with that statement. It seemed rather too like the lines the council had spouted. Recalling the times she had seen him recently, it seemed he might always have been with one council member or another. It was obvious he had grown rather chummy with them.
“The Great One,” she answered bluntly. “That is all.”
He nodded, obviously confused. “Why would the Great One lead you there if the answer was in that book you’d been carrying around?”
Iviana hesitated, uncertain whether placating him would aid her situation. But she concluded she had no interest in it, replying bluntly, “I never told you about that book nor did I tell Leilyn.”
“Oh, I think I heard it from Darist or someone.”
Iviana thought this over. That was certainly a viable explanation. Still, she could not believe Nico’s purpose in breaking their long silence his own.
“You are exceptionally early, Iviana,” Leilyn accused as she sat beside Nico.
Iviana could not understand why her being early was worse than her own fiancé doing the same. Then again, this was Leilyn.
“You’ve never been this early, you know,” Leilyn continued. “Were you meant to meet someone?”
Iviana stood then. This was more than she could take. Leilyn might be a pain, but the council using her to spy was too much. Leilyn being willing was too much, even if it was plausible.
“I’ve had enough,” Iviana stated. “I’m certain I can find food enough at home. If it won’t trouble you too much, tell the others I’ll not be coming tonight.” With that, she left them wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
Even so, just as she was clear of the banquet hall, she heard someone stomping after her and was soon confronted by Leilyn.
“I want to know what’s going on with you and the man I plan to marry!” she demanded.
“What?” Iviana could not tell if this was a clever cover-up or a misunderstanding. “Me and Nico? That was the first time we’ve spoken in over a year, Leilyn.”
“Oh, of course, Iviana as miss innocent yet again, just like old times. You must know by now I’m smarter than that. I don’t know how long this has been going on, but I saw him leaving your hut today, so you’re already caught in a lie.”
“Coming out of my house?” Iviana questioned. “Are you certain you saw the right one?”
“I think I know where you live. I’m not stupid.”
“Leilyn, wait a moment. Around what time did you see him leaving my hut? Could it have been during the council meeting this morning?”
“Yes, it was early enough. You making him breakfast now? Trust me, you’re not that good a cook.”
“Leilyn... I was in that meeting with the council, remember? You’re the one who told me I was to attend.”
Leilyn’s forehead wrinkled with confusion. “Then what was Nico doing in your hut?”
“That’s what I’d like to know. When I returned home, I discovered someone had gone through all my things.”
Leilyn appeared terribly bewildered. Obviously, this had not been what she’d expected. “Why would he do that?”
Iviana was uncertain she should reply, but wanted Leilyn off her back once and for all. “I think it had something to do with what the council spoke with me about. They... they’re suspicious of me.”
“Suspicious of you? You wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Iviana laughed. “That’s not what you said a moment ago.”
“Well, it’s easier to blame you than my fiancé...” Leilyn admitted with a meek smile. “Besides, I thought you’d been letting him woo you again.”
“Can I just make it very clear I have never ever desired his attention.”
This appeared to please Leilyn. “Well, and you have Darist now he and Nimua have split.”
Iviana gasped. “No, I do not have Darist and never have had him, Leilyn.”
“Fine, fine, have it your way. But look, if Nico is letting that nuisance council tell him what to do, even so far as to invade the privacy of one of my friends, he’s got another thing coming. I don’t think you’ll have to worry about him intruding anymore.”
Iviana blinked back at her. “Why... thank you, Leilyn. I appreciate that.”
“It’s no big deal. I find he appreciates me more when I’m angry with him. Besides, I... consider you one of my good friends.”
Iviana doubted Leilyn knew how to treat a friend if this was the case, but the words meant something to her anyway.
“Thanks, Leilyn. I’ll see you around?”
“Or you can come back and eat if you like. I won’t be a bother. And if Nico tries anything... I’ll pinch him.”
Iviana grinned at the thought, then sobered. “It’s all right. I’m not in the mood anymore and... I’ve got some things to think over.”
4
Iviana
The following morning, Iviana
knew what she must do. It was imperative she see the one whose comfort was sure to ease her and whose confidence she could be absolutely certain. She made her way to the dragon’s lair where she met a large, graceful creature whose piercing green eyes met her with adoration.
“Yes. This is what I needed,” she said as she lay at his feet, ready to tell him of her troubles.
Gazing out over the green field where the other dragons congregated, her ease was shattered at the sight of a couple of teenage boys wandering near the edges of the valley. It wasn’t as if she needed the valley to herself; it was only that she was aware of who those boys were and understood why they were there. She might have even doubted herself if they had not kept peering over to where she was. The fact that even Tragor seemed to understand what was happening as he glared back at them, his eye color deepening numerous shades, put a stamp on her suspicions.
“Tragor...” she sighed. “The council is questioning me again.”
The large creature crouched low, inviting her onto his back, knowing the very thing she needed was to get away and fly. Iviana pulled herself up and fell into the crevices of his flesh as his great wings lifted them into the sky. The sheer rush of it had never worn off.
Suddenly, Tragor shot down, down, down and Iviana saw for whom he was aimed as the boys looked up and realized at the same moment, crouching low and uselessly shielding themselves with their arms. Just before Tragor might have done any number of things, he swooped over them and pointed his nose heavenward again, sending Iviana into a fit of giggles.
“If only I had you around when facing the council!” she cried.
But even the council vanished from her mind as the clouds enveloped them. Most days they flew together were spent exploring nearby islands. This day would be no different. Some time ago, Iviana had only visited less than a handful of islands, but thanks to Tragor, that number had more than tripled. Usually, they avoided the island inhabitants and explored the forests and mountains, but every now and then, someone would find her and she would enter their dwelling place for a meal and conversation. In fact, she now had several kind acquaintances on other islands, all of which no one on the Isle of Dragons was aware. She knew the council would not approve of her traipsing about freely without their permission.
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