by Dana Gricken
“What’s his problem?” Tavia asked, in annoyance.
Elara shrugged her shoulders. “He’s a little hot-headed.”
Tavia snorted at the awful joke.
“I’m trying to look out for my family, witch,” Colrek scoffed before he gestured towards Aria. “You seem to be fine gambling with the safety of yours by interacting with the human. I say you’re a fool.”
“Watch the way you speak to my mother, dragon,” Tavia warned, reaching for her staff.
The crowd began to get rowdy again with the onset of yet another argument until the Emperor puffed his chest and flames burst through his fingertips out of anger.
“Enough!” The Emperor yelled, and the crowd hushed after a few seconds. “Bickering gets us nowhere. Elara should be the one to make the decision. It’s her choice whether she’d like to leave or not.”
“You don’t have to go with them, Bria,” Fane whispered as he watched the witches out of the corner of his eye, but Elara shook her head.
“I want to,” She told him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder to comfort him.
“I’ll come with you then.”
“You know that isn’t the smartest choice, Fane. These witches don’t trust your people yet. I’ll be safe. Let me do this on my own.”
He nodded, reluctantly. She stepped forward as both the dragons and witches watched her carefully.
“Only for a day?” Elara asked.
Aria nodded. “Yes. And then you can go wherever you please, but you’ll always be welcome in Andora. The others are eager to meet you back home.”
“Then I’ll leave with you if only to keep the peace,” Elara said, and the witches nodded in approval.
“You’re leaving?” Mayliss called out, hanging her head sadly. “But we didn’t even get to play hide and seek.”
Elara turned around and walked over to her, bending down to her eye-level.
“It’s only for a day. I’ll be back,” Elara replied, and Mayliss looked up at her with glistening golden eyes.
“You promise?” Mayliss asked.
“I promise.”
“And then you’ll play hide and seek with me?”
Elara chuckled. “Definitely.”
“If you truly care about the dragons, you won’t return. Your presence can only ever mean war and destruction here,” The advisor said, crossing his arms over his chest.
Fane balled his fists and resisted the temptation to pull out his sword again. Before Elara or Fane could respond, the Emperor stepped forward.
“Advisor, I don’t understand what has gotten into you, but I suggest you go home and clear your head,” The Emperor said, waving the advisor off in dismissal.
“As you wish, Emperor – but when the Knights come strolling through the stone wall much like the witches have, and begin killing all of our dragonkin in search of this drasten - don’t look at me for help.”
Mayliss gasped and tugged on Elara’s shirt. “Daddy called you a bad word.”
The advisor glared at Elara and simply shook his head, although he was pleased she was leaving – even if it was just for a day. He scoffed and walked off, towards the path that led to his home. His wife, Sora, walked over to Mayliss and gently grabbed her by the hand, leading her back home. As Elara watched them walk away, Mayliss looked back.
Suddenly, she let go of her mother’s hand and came running towards Elara. She jumped into her arms and they hugged tightly. Elara put her back down and Mayliss skipped away to catch back up with her mother. Elara looked at Fane, who was clearly anxious at her departure.
“Deva Kanar,” Fane said, quietly. “It means, ‘may the flames watch over you’.”
“This isn’t goodbye, Fane. More like a ‘see you later’,” Elara said, and she swore she saw Fane crack a small smile.
Elara walked over to where Tavia and Aria stood, and, with the help of Tavia, climbed up onto the back of her Tiburon.
The Tiburon roared, and the crowd of witches rode away, back in the direction they came. Elara looked back at Fane who didn’t take his eyes off of her for a second. He hated watching her leave, but when she looked up at him with those brown eyes of hers, how could he say no? He was supposed to be her protector. How could he fulfill his duty by letting her out of his sight?
In another wave of stardust and magic, the wall that separated Camena from the outer-world was rebuilt – and it appeared as if it had never been altered. The dragons believed the wall was unbreakable, yet the witches had destroyed it without a problem. The dragons stood huddled around each other, reflecting on what had happened. Fane shook his head, turning to his father.
“She better return,” Fane said, balling his fists. “If anything happens to her...” He let his words trail off, not knowing quite what he’d do if he lost Elara – but it wouldn’t be pleasant for anyone involved.
His father nodded, placing a hand on Fane’s tense shoulders in an attempt to calm him down. “I know, son. I know.”
KING ANGUS SAT IN A plush chair in his office, mulling over his next move while being comforted by the warm fire. He hadn’t taken a moment for himself in ages; vowing to never rest after his wife was murdered. He thought about his past, and the haunting mistakes he had made. He would do anything to avenge Queen Fiona. She was the only one who knew his secret, after all. Her death wouldn’t go without justice.
Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by the abrupt entrance of Prince Fergus. The King stood up, startled by the intrusion and the sly smile the Prince had on his face.
“Dad, I have some information I think you’d be interested in hearing.”
“What is it now, Fergus? This better be important. I asked to not be disturbed,” The King replied, roughly.
“I overheard Sir David and Hadrian discussing some rather...troubling plans. I was utterly shocked.”
“Don’t mince words,” The King replied, bluntly. “What did you hear?”
“Prince Hadrian – your beloved son – has been involved in an underground rescue operation for dragons and witches these past few months. It appears Sir David has decided to join. They were so stupid to speak about it openly. Don’t they realize I know everything in this castle?”
The King hung his head, sighing as he placed a hand on his desk. Should he really be surprised? After all, Prince Hadrian wasn’t exactly the most silent on his convictions, but the King never expected he would go behind his back and betray him. It felt like a dagger through his heart.
“I’m afraid that isn’t all, Dad,” Fergus continued. “They left to continue their conversation, and I made sure to follow them. Sir David will be at The Golden Flask later this afternoon on an errand for Hadrian – another rescue operation, I think.”
The King nodded, and Prince Fergus hoped this meant he would become his father’s favorite son – or, at least, his most proud.
“What can I do, Dad? I’d love to help,” Fergus said, trying hard to disguise his boastful snicker.
“Follow David and bring several Knights with you. Return him to me, alive. That’s an order.”
“What will you do with him?” Prince Fergus asked, gleefully. He hoped the punishment would be severe.
The King sighed, shrugging. “I don’t know – not yet, anyway. But this is a serious issue. Don’t tell the Knights of Hadrian’s involvement. The public can’t learn that their own prince is a traitor. It would only cause panic. It needs to remain a secret while I deal with it.”
“Right away. Is there anything else?”
“Send Knights to speak with the girl’s father, Merek, and see if he knows anything regarding her whereabouts. He lives in Haven; that cesspool in the Wards. He’s made quite the lasting impression ever since he fell behind on his taxes. Use physical force until he relents, but do not kill him. He’s too valuable as leverage.”
“As you wish, Dad,” The Prince said, before excusing himself and turning around.
“Fergus?” The King called out, and the Prince turned around q
uickly.
“Yes, Dad?”
“It’s bad enough your brother has chosen to disobey me. Make sure you don’t let me down as well,” The King demanded harshly, before turning away.
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Dad,” Prince Fergus said quietly, as he smiled to himself.
Trouble and Triumph
It seemed like hours had gone by since Elara and the group of witches had left Nerennia. Dusk had fallen upon the sky, and the path that they were following was quiet and abandoned. The majority of the journey had been filled with silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It gave Elara time to think. The only sounds that could be heard were the babbling brooks and the gentle melodies of the songbirds.
It was sad to say goodbye to Fane and his people, Elara thought, as she wondered what they would do while she was gone. She knew the advisor would be glad to see her go. There was something about that dragon that Elara didn’t quite trust, and she couldn’t shake this eerie feeling she had every time she thought about him. What if trouble began in Camena and Elara wasn’t there to help? Endless questions rattled through her mind as she reached behind to rub her aching lower back.
“Are you all right back there?” Tavia asked, noticing Elara’s fidgeting.
“My back is a little sore,” Elara replied, which earned a hearty chuckle from Tavia.
“Tiburon’s will do that to you,” Tavia replied. “It takes some getting used to. I’ve been riding my whole life that the backaches don’t even bother me anymore.”
“What’s the difference between horses and Tiburon’s?” Elara inquired.
“You mean, other than the horns and eight legs? Tiburon’s are sensitive to magic, meaning they can create soul bonds with their rider. They’re also pretty tough,” Tavia began, lovingly stroking her creature’s mane. “My girl here, Tilda, saved my butt a few times. You see, they’re pure creatures. In ancient witch folklore, they were seen as protectors. Only witches who’ve bonded with the creature can ride one. If you haven’t bonded with one, well – let’s just say, it can be really rough. Andora’s filled with them.”
“So, where exactly is Andora?” Elara asked. “I’ve never heard of it before.”
“For starters, it’s not a place you can point out on a map. That would defeat the whole purpose of secrecy,” Tavia chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s not too far from here; I promise you. We decided to take the long way home through the forest to avoid any attention from the Grey Knights – or, as I call them, the Grey Frights.”
As Tavia laughed at her own joke, an overwhelming and sudden feeling of dread fell upon Elara as she clutched her chest.
“I don’t feel so well,” Elara said, as she felt her stomach twist and turn. “Something isn’t right.”
Tavia quickly stopped her creature by the use of the reins and perched her lips together to emit a loud whistle. The witches around her haltered their creatures as well, as they waited patiently.
“I’m starting to feel it, too,” Tavia said, as she retreated off of her animal. “It’s funny how you felt it before me. Either you’re quickly becoming a witch, or I’m losing my touch.”
Tavia directed her attention towards Aria. “Mother, can you feel it in the air?”
Aria, who was seated on a Tiburon ahead of Tavia, nodded and turned her head around. “I’ve felt it for a while, but it’s grown stronger in this area.”
“What’s happening?” Elara asked. “What is it I’m feeling? It feels like a panic attack.”
“Don’t worry. You’re perfectly healthy. Witches use the term, ‘na’sana’. I believe humans call it intuition. It’s a good thing - believe me.”
They had stopped behind a large group of green shrubs, only a few feet away from the Mystic Veil – the fog of multi-colored lights that divided Andora from the outer-world. In the distance, they heard faint voices.
“I remember this place now,” Elara whispered to Tavia. “It’s where we first met.”
Tavia put one finger to her lips, urging Elara and the witches to stay quiet. She then poked her head around the bushes, catching a good glimpse of the voices they’d heard. Just as she feared, they belonged to the Grey Knights. There were only three this time, but they were blocking the entrance to Andora. They were dressed heavier, with more weapons and shields at their disposal.
Tavia noticed the same Knight from before, Senior Knight Adam Cormac - the one who had held a sword against her throat – and muttered a curse word under her breath. Tavia crept back to Aria with a look of anger in her eyes.
“There are three Knights blocking the Veil. I don’t understand; they weren’t here when we left,” Tavia said, shaking her head. “We’ll never get past them – even with our creatures. We’ll end up hurt if we try.”
“Isn’t there a spell that could help?” Elara asked.
“I’m afraid not,” Aria replied. “It might draw more attention to other Knights in the area. There are some things that magic can’t fix – and the Grey Knights are one of them. Believe me, we’ve tried.”
“What will we do?” A nearby witch asked.
“We’re trapped!” Another witch whispered.
The group murmured amongst themselves quietly, before Aria shook her head. “Everyone, be quiet! You wouldn’t want them to see us over here, now would you?”
The crowd hushed at the request of their leader, eager to hear what she had to say. She sighed quietly, realizing there was only one thing to do.
“Someone must distract them,” Aria said, before a few witches gasped.
“You’re crazy,” Elara heard a nearby witch reply. “It’s too dangerous. Whoever would distract them would be killed instantly.”
“Hear me out,” Aria began. “The group will listen and prepare themselves while someone on their Tiburon rides forward to encounter the Knights. When the Knights are distracted, the rest will ride through to the Veil quickly and quietly without looking back. There are only twenty of us, after all. I think we can make it.”
“But what happens to the witch? Do you really think the Knights will be gentle?” Tavia asked.
“With a little luck, the witch will be able to evade the Knights with magic – and then they can ride through after the others,” Aria shrugged. “Or maybe the witch can run the Knights over. Whatever works. Tiburon’s do have eight legs, after all – the more the merrier for trampling.”
“That’s if the witch and their Tiburon aren’t impaled by a sword first,” Tavia replied, matter-of-factly. “The Knights are all ‘stab first, ask questions never’.”
“At least some of us will have a chance to make it through, rather than all of us facing the Knights,” Aria responded.
There was a bitter silence for a few moments as everyone contemplated the situation and its outcome. It seemed risky either way.
“I still don’t think this is a good idea,” A fellow witch replied, and nearby witches nodded in agreement.
Aria chuckled. “Of course it isn’t. Anything involving the Grey Knights is never a good idea – but it’s the only idea we have.”
“I’ll do it. I’ll distract them,” Tavia interjected, suddenly. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“No,” Aria replied firmly, without hesitation. “I’m not risking my daughter’s life for those thugs. I’ll stay behind.”
“I could do it,” Elara said. “They’re looking for me, right? I’d be the perfect distraction.”
“We can’t risk your capture again, Elara,” Aria replied. “Besides, your powers haven’t been developed yet. You have no way of defending yourself. If you die, then everything will be for naught. All hope will be lost.”
“Mother...” Tavia began, but Aria shushed her.
“Do not argue with me, Tavia,” Aria replied. “Get back on your creature and be ready. It’s now your sole responsibility to make sure Elara gets through the Veil - at any cost.”
“I understand,” Tavia said, holding back tears as she climbed onto Tilda. The creature purr
ed, sensing its owner’s distress. “Be careful, mother.”
“I will, ne’han,” Aria replied, lovingly. “And Tavia?”
“What is it, mother?”
“If I fail, you are not to come to my rescue. You will not look back. Promise me this, ne’han.”
“I... promise, mother,” Tavia replied, although everyone could hear the hesitation in her voice.
Aria nodded before she turned her attention to the rest of the group. “Now – places everyone. The show is about to begin.”
With that, the group of witches turned around and quietly trotted back the way they came so they wouldn’t be seen. Aria sighed as Tavia watched in apprehension. She suddenly felt a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“She’ll be all right, Tavia,” Elara said, reassuringly.
Tavia nodded, although she wasn’t too sure. “Thanks for the support.”
Aria told herself not to look back, as the worried face of her daughter might’ve stopped her altogether. As the leader of the tribe, it was her responsibility – and her honor – to sacrifice herself for the greater good of the people.
Aria nodded to herself and gave her creature a friendly pat on the head. With the flick of the reins, the Tiburon obeyed and walked forward. It was a spot far enough away from where the three Knights stood next to the Veil, so they would be drawn over and allow the witches to gallop by. They noticed her immediately, and the three men raised their swords.
“Halt!” The Senior Knight called out, as he and his troops carefully approached the witch on her creature.
The witches watched with concern as Aria spoke with the Knights. There was enough space to sneak by – as long as the witches were quiet enough and Aria kept the Knights occupied. No one moved for the first few seconds as they watched to see what would happen.
“Hello there,” Aria began, loudly. “I don’t suppose you’d let a witch past?”
The Senior Knight ignored her question. “What are you doing outside the Veil? We don’t want your kind out here.”