After she had eaten dinner, Evie didn’t feel as much like dancing as she had before, so she hung back at the tables and watched the crowd have fun. Islwyn sat down next to her with two cups of wine in his hand. He placed one in front of her and smiled.
“You should be celebrating,” he said, nodding to the cup. “Try some. It is the best wine in all of Eryieth. It’s made by the elves in Farryndell.”
Evie took the cup and clinked it together with Wyn’s. She took a cautious sip. “It is very good…very sweet.” She drank some more and noticed the subtle flavor of berries in it. It was certainly better than the strong wine served at the feast.
“Why aren’t you dancing and having fun?” Islwyn asked.
“I don’t feel like it as much right now. No one else is happy about me being selected, except for you,” she said sadly.
“I think everyone is a little shocked and worried but only because of the prophecy,” Islwyn explained.
“What prophecy?”
“You don’t know?” he asked, sounding surprised.
“No,” Evie replied. “Enlighten me.”
“Well, the actual seer who made the prophecy was written off as crazy. No one alive knows exactly what he said, only rumors. He wrote the prophecy down on a magic parchment given to him by one of the most powerful wizards. Then a group of orcs murdered him and tried to destroy the parchment but could not. The parchment’s enchantments protected it. Instead, they took it to the Forbidden Lands and hid it in a large cave system. It is like a maze inside and full of horrible creatures. No one who has gone in search of it has ever returned,” Islwyn recounted.
“And what are the rumors as to what the prophecy states?” Evie asked.
“The seer predicted that after the death of Aeronwy, no female dragon rider would be chosen for a long period of time, and that the choosing of the next female dragon rider would mean war, the downfall of the land, and the return of power to the evil ones. Others say the female dragon rider would indicate the return of the evil wizard Gwythr, who will plot to rule over the entire land. Either way, no one wants to believe that peace will be disturbed,” Islwyn explained. “No one wants war.”
“I see,” she said, feeling unsettled.
“It could all be a load of nonsense too,” Islwyn said with a laugh. “It could be that no female dragon rider has been chosen simply because there was no dragon match for many years.”
“But you don’t really believe that do you?” Evie asked.
“No.”
“What do you believe then?”
“I believe your life could be in danger,” Islwyn stated, looking at her with serious concern.
Evie couldn’t speak. She was worried too.
Suddenly, a few men raced out of the building, including Islwyn’s elf companions. Zeb shouted something to Islwyn in Elvish, and tossed him his bow and quiver full of arrows before leaving the great hall.
Islwyn stood up and caught his bow and quiver quickly. “The village is under attack.”
“What? By who?” Evie asked.
“A horde of creatures from the Forbidden Lands. Whatever you do, Evie, stay inside this building,” Islwyn ordered. “It will be protected.”
“Be careful,” she called out after him as he sprinted to the door.
“Always,” he shouted over his shoulder; his beautiful black locks of hair bouncing up and down as he ran out.
“Wait for me!” Áedán yelled, running after Islwyn.
“Áedán, no!” Evie cried out. She stood up and ran toward the door to stop him.
Islwyn stopped at the door and looked at Áedán. “You should stay with the others. Leave this to the village guard and the dragon riders.”
“Yes, Áedán. Stay here with me!” Evie pleaded, pulling on his arm to go back to a table with her.”
He ignored her pleas. “I have killed a goblin before,” he said, sounding annoyed. “Let me help.”
Islwyn looked at Evie and then back at Áedán. He nodded his head. “Come with me then. Stay close.”
Evie watched in horror as Áedán and Islwyn ran out of the great hall. The villagers were all in a panic. Everyone else remained inside the village hall, barricading the doors and windows. Evie had a thought. Soon she would be trained, and then she would be defending Eryieth with her dragon. She was terrified right now and wondered if she was cut out to be a dragon rider after all.
CHAPTER 9
Islwyn raced out of the village hall with Áedán trailing right behind him. He had to get to his dragon, Saria. She was always nearby. Islwyn put his dragon whistle to his lips and blew a special call for her that humans couldn’t hear. He could hear shouting and the sounds of a battle from afar.
They ran through the village streets, past homes and shops toward the skirmish. Islwyn’s fellow dragon riders were on their dragons, battling a pair of large, nasty-looking trolls. On the ground, village guards from the King’s Army were fighting a large swarm of heavily armed and armored orcs, goblins, ocduens, and koduens. Islwyn drew arrow after arrow and loosed them one by one at several orcs.
A large wood-handled axe lay on the ground. Its metal blade was soaked with the blood of its last unfortunate victim. “Áedán!” he yelled, nodding at the axe.
Áedán ran and picked up the large axe and stood by Islwyn, ready to attack or defend.
Just then Islwyn’s dragon was overhead. He turned to Áedán. “You got this?”
“Yeah,” Áedán said toughly.
“Good,” said Islwyn. Saria swooped down and landed behind them, away from the fighting. Arrows flew in her direction, luckily missing her. He ran over to her and climbed onto her back. He shouted a command to her in Elvish, and she took off into the air. Saria’s large wings flapped powerfully as she inclined rapidly. She flew toward the giants and opened her large mouth, spraying an icy mist at one giant, freezing him in place.
His elven friend and fellow dragon rider, Zeb, flew up to the frozen giant. His white metallic dragon, Eira, screeched out a loud sonic boom and shattered the frozen giant into pieces that crashed to the ground. Islwyn turned his attention to a group that broke off from the horde and was heading toward the town hall. Áedán was directly in their path. Islwyn turned his dragon around and flew in Áedán’s direction.
Áedán quickly swung his axe into the chest of an ocduen, and then pulled it out and turned around to hack the head off a koduen.
Islwyn gave Saria a command, and she spewed icy liquid all over a group of orcs and goblins before they could reach some of the villagers who were holding a defensive line with pitchforks and axes. The armed villagers struck the frozen creatures, and they shattered into pieces.
Zeb shouted over to him, “It looks like they are retreating. Should we follow them and strike them down?”
Islwyn nodded. “Follow them, and make sure they go back to the Forbidden Lands. Only strike if they engage in any way.”
Zeb nodded and flew back to the other dragon riders. They chased the retreating horde out of the village. Islwyn landed Saria and hopped off, heading over to Áedán. The village men and Áedán were cheering at their victory. Islwyn knew though that if it weren’t for the dragon riders’ ability to take out large numbers of the attacking horde, the village would be facing a great number of deaths and destruction to the entire village.
He also had a feeling that they had come for Evie’s red-and-black dragon. Someone wanted it badly. He would need to take Evie to King’s Citadel and to the dragon institute sooner than she expected for her own safety as well as the safety of River Town. He would send a raven ahead to notify the dragon masters of their arrival, for surely a raven had already been sent to inform them of Evie’s unexpected choosing.
“Good fighting, Áedán. Have you ever considered joining the King’s Army?” Islwyn asked.
Áedán laughed. “No, I haven’t. I guess I’d always hoped I would be the one chosen to be a dragon rider.”
Islwyn nodded in understanding. Every y
oung boy and man dreamed of being chosen to be a dragon rider. “I sent the riders off to follow the horde and make sure they don’t return. If you’ll excuse me, I need to have a word with your sister.”
Áedán nodded. “I’ll go with you and let the elders know the horde is gone.”
Inside the town hall, the scared villagers breathed sighs of relief and hugged their loved ones after Áedán gave the good news of their victory. There were no village casualties, though some had minor wounds. The town mage was fixing up the wounded villagers and king’s guards in the town hall. Áedán hugged his mother and father and looked around for Evie.
She was standing with Islwyn and Elder Avery, looking upset. Elder Avery nodded in agreement with whatever Islwyn was saying. Áedán was curious but knew she would tell him later when he asked. Evie nodded with a look of acquiescence. She caught his eye and smiled sadly. He watched her excuse herself and head in his direction.
“We need to talk,” she said, walking up to him.
“Are you ready to go home?” he asked.
“Do you think it is safe?” Evie asked worriedly.
“The dragon riders are making sure they stay away and will alert us of any trouble. I think we can sleep easy tonight. We were lucky, though,” Áedán told her.
Evie took in a deep breath.
He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “You had something to tell me?”
“Islwyn has advised the elders, and they agree with his suggestion that I leave for King’s Citadel immediately. He thinks the horde came for my dragon like the rogue that came after him in the valley. Elder Avery agrees it would be safer for the village if I were to leave,” she said. Her lower lip trembled as she tried not to cry.
“Evie, everything is going to be all right,” Áedán said, pulling her to him in a comforting embrace. “You were going to have to leave soon to train anyway.”
“Áedán,” she said with a shaky voice. “I have always wanted this. My whole life, I wanted to be a dragon rider. I don’t know if I am cut out for it, though.”
“You are,” Áedán said, going against his heart. He would love to lie to her and tell her that she wasn’t cut out for it and that she should stay with him on the farm. He knew she was a natural. She just needed training. He didn’t want to be the one to hold her back from her dreams. “You, Evalina, are strong and brave even though you may not feel it.”
“I don’t want to leave you,” she said, holding him tighter. “I thought we would have more time together.”
“I don’t want you to leave either,” Áedán admitted. He had imagined this entire conversation except that he was pleading with her to stay. Oddly enough, he found himself encouraging her to go.
“Why can’t you be selfish and tell me to stay?” Evie asked.
“Because I love you,” Áedán replied.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Evie said, laughing and pulling away. She wiped a few tears from her eyes.
Áedán smiled at her. Her eyes were bright emerald green against the redness from crying. “So, how immediate is immediately?”
“We leave in the morning. I have time to pack and say good-bye,” she said.
“I told your parents for you,” Islwyn said, interrupting their conversation. “They invited me to stay at your home for the evening, but I declined. I want to stay with the dragons and do a few aerial sweeps to make sure the village stays safe.”
“Are you sure?” Evie asked, sounding concerned.
“I have spent many nights curled up with Saria, Evie. It is almost a preference,” he said with a laugh.
“What are you going to name your dragon, Evie?” Áedán asked.
“Emrys,” she said after some thought.
“I’ll keep a watchful eye over Emrys tonight,” Islwyn said. “Go get some rest. The other riders will keep us safe and warn us. We will be flying to King’s Citadel tomorrow. You haven’t been on a dragon for that length of time, Evie, and I need you rested and alert tomorrow.” He put his hand on her shoulder briefly as he passed by. “And I feel comforted knowing Áedán is around to protect you. He is quite skilled with an axe. You should have seen him out there.”
Áedán chuckled and smiled. The elf was beginning to grow on him even though he suspected that Islwyn harbored an attraction to Evie. He couldn’t blame him, though. She was by far the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
“Good night, Islwyn,” Áedán said. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”
“You proved me wrong, farm boy,” Islwyn replied with a chuckle. “Sleep well, the both of you.”
Back at the farm, Evie talked with her parents around the fire until it grew late. They gave her advice and warnings as well as reminded her how much they loved her. Then she went and bathed quickly and headed up to bed. She and Áedán spent the night loving each other and holding each other until they fell asleep.
CHAPTER 10
“Good morning,” Islwyn said, greeting her from the kitchen table as Evalina descended the stairs from her loft. She carried a large travel bag over her shoulder.
She smiled when she saw him.
“Are you ready to go?”
Evie nodded her head yes. She was packed, partly excited, and partly sad to leave her family. She held up her travel sack. “Yes. I think I have all that I will need for now.”
“The institute will give you rider clothing. They have a library. They will supply every comfort for your private quarters and all of your food,” Islwyn informed her. “You will also get a salary from the king, starting upon arrival.”
Evie nodded in understanding. “This is incredible. I still can’t believe I was chosen and that I am leaving.”
“Are you hungry?” Islwyn asked, pointing to the food her mother had prepared.
“Not really,” Evie replied. “I will just take a few quick bites.” She grabbed some ham and a biscuit and ate quietly, taking sips of water in between bites of food.
“I’ll meet you outside whenever you are done,” Islwyn said, standing up as Áedán came into the room.
Once Islwyn was outside and they were alone, Áedán came up to her and pulled her into his arms. He brushed his lips against hers softly at first and then pressed them harder, kissing her with urgent desperation.
“I am going to miss you,” Áedán said as he pulled away.
She looked into his blue eyes. “I am going to miss you more.”
“I put a surprise for you in your bag,” Áedán said. “I was going to give it to you on your wedding day if I couldn’t stop it.”
“I will open it when I get settled,” Evie said. “Thank you.”
“I love you,” Áedán said, his voice full of sadness. He embraced her again.
Evie rested her head on his shoulder. “And I love you.” She inhaled his scent as if for the last time so that she would never forget it. “We will be together again soon. I promise.”
They kissed again and held each other tightly. Then Áedán escorted her outside. They walked over to where Islwyn was talking with their parents.
“I was just telling your parents that we should be able to come back for a visit soon,” Islwyn said, smiling.
“Wonderful,” Evie said, hugging her mother and father one last time. “I will see you soon.”
“Be safe,” Freyda said lovingly. Her eyes pooled with tears, and her nose was red from crying.
“Let him look after you,” Áed advised.
“I will, Father,” Evie said, agreeing.
“I won’t let her out of my sight,” Islwyn promised. “She is in good hands.”
Áedán looked down at the ground. Evie hugged him quickly one last time and then walked over and mounted her dragon before she could cry. She had never had to say good-bye before, and it hurt deep down in her chest.
Islwyn mounted his dragon, Saria, and commanded her into the air gently. Emrys followed Saria’s lead and ascended into the air. Evalina waved at her parents and Áedán as she rose into the sky on the b
ack of her dragon. They waved back as she flew up and away. She looked down at their sad faces until they were out of sight. Her dragon flew swiftly after Saria.
Evalina took in the beauty of the land beneath her as they flew away. She wondered if the dragon riders from last night would be at the institute or if they would be away on missions. She grew more and more excited about training and flying as they flew toward her new home, and her excitement soon replaced all of the fear she previously had felt.
CHAPTER 11
Evie and Islwyn stopped to rest for a while a few hours after they had left her family’s farm. Evie’s bottom and back were sore from riding. She wasn’t used to remaining in this position for such a long time. She rode horses occasionally on the farm, but, for long distances, Evie often rode in the wagon with her family. She was grateful that her village wasn’t as far from King’s Citadel as the northern villages. This also meant she could return home easily if needed.
“How are you feeling?” Islwyn asked. “Sore?”
“Yes,” Evie said, laughing. “Everything hurts about now.”
“It’s normal. Your body will get accustomed to sitting on the dragon, and flying won’t hurt anymore.”
“That’s good to know,” Evie replied as she rubbed her achy neck and shoulders.
Islwyn walked over to her, unstopping his water bladder and drinking as he approached. He rehooked the bladder to his leather belt and stood behind her. “Here,” he said placing his hands on her shoulders. “Allow me.”
“Thank you,” Evie replied as Islwyn massaged her neck and shoulders gently. She was so sore. That feels wonderful. Her muscles relaxed under the gentle kneading of Islwyn’s fingers. She thanked him for the massage when he was done.
Then they went and sat in the shade of a large oak tree on the edge of the lake. Evie took out her own bladder and sipped some water, quenching her parched throat.
“Where exactly are we?” she asked. She stared at the calm, blue waters of the lake. Though she had studied maps and knew the names of places, she had never been outside of River Town to see them.
Dragon Chosen: The Dragon Riders of Eryieth Page 8