“You are in for an additional treat,” King Tynan said. “After our meal, Ewan would like to recite his ballad for you.”
Ansel and I both voiced our excitement to hear his poem.
Dinner completed, our plates were cleared and we were invited to large comfortable chairs near the walk-in fireplace. The fire blazed in orange heat, which of course made me think of Eshshah. I threw her a loving thought. I felt her hum in return.
At a nod from the king, Ewan rose from his chair and cleared his throat. His posture straight and a bit stiff. He looked nervous. Taking a deep breath, he began in a shaky voice.
“The title of my poem is, A Princess Brave and Bold.”
Come hear my tale of adventure
A tale of woe and strife
A tale of a princess brave and bold
Who seemed willing to give her life.
Two brothers born of royalty
Boredom birthed their plan.
Disguised, they slipped from castle guards.
Into the city they ran.
Ignorant of the danger
They’d put themselves in,
The princes laughed when they found themselves
In an alley they’d never been.
An evil man approached them
A whip his vicious art.
He bound them hand and foot with chains
And threw them in a cart.
Women and children chained like them
Partners to share their plight.
To a waiting ship they all were hauled
In the darkness of the night.
The ship did leave the dock at once
Human cargo filled its hold.
One more stop to load their prize,
A princess brave and bold.
Slumped over his broad shoulder
A burly mate did lug her.
Down into the hold the princess was carried
To be locked in chains with the others.
A few hours under sail
The princess finally awoke
“Eshshah!” She screamed at the top of her lungs
The younger boy’s heart nearly broke.
The princess revealed her warrior side
When the whip-man entered the hold
She stayed his arm from harming a girl
That princess brave and bold.
The young royal watching braced himself
To witness her demise.
Purple with anger, the man raised his fist
The glint of death in his eyes.
She stood there, defiant
She feared not a wee
Before he could strike, his boss did shout
To hold and leave her be.
Docked at the final port
The slaves’ fate did unfurl
The princess herself did brave the whip
To protect the same young girl.
Locked in a cart surrounded by guards
A cart more like a cage.
With a jolt it started toward their next destination
It was the princess’ chance to engage.
She leaped from the cart
To make her brave stand.
As if by magic, when she reached in the air
A spear appeared in her hand.
As lightning she struck
The guards were dispatched.
Taking a key that hung from her neck
The cage she deftly unlatched.
Like a specter she vanished
Her name never told.
Her fellow prisoners were forever indebted
To that princess brave and bold.
The younger boy prince
Learned the hero’s fair name
Amáne, with Eshshah, her dragon of fire
Their quests to be widely acclaimed.
So ends my tale of adventure
I beg you to not recoil.
I know this tale to be true, my friends,
As I was that young boy royal.
His recitation ended. Ewan locked eyes with me, smiled and settled back into his seat. He was a charming boy.
A silence filled the room. Somewhere in the middle of the song, Ansel had handed me his handkerchief. There wasn’t a dry corner left.
When I found my voice, I addressed the young boy. “Prince Ewan, you delivered your poem beautifully. The ballad was impressive and I’m truly honored. Thank you.” Then in a low voice, I entreated, “Maybe now that you know me, you can change the part about me being a princess?”
“Oh, but Rider Amáne, you are a princess in my eyes. I think you’ll be a great leader, perhaps queen. But not with my brother, Ryant.” His gaze went from me to Ansel. His knowing look gave me a chill. My eyes held Ewan’s for a brief moment. There was something special about this boy.
“Ha. The fancies of young boys,” King Tynan dismissed Ewan’s statement with a wave of his hand.
Then he turned to his nephew and with obvious pride said, “Bravo, Ewan. Very nice job. I want you to give a copy to the court musicians. They will put it to a tune. I expect it to be quite a popular ballad around Serislan.”
A ballad about me spreading through Serislan seemed overwhelming. Suddenly, I found myself tired beyond reason. I couldn’t stifle my yawn which was caught by the king.
“Well, I see that our guest has reached the end of her day. I wish you both a pleasant repose. I will see you off at morning light.” He bowed his head at Ansel. We took that as our dismissal and rose from our seats, bidding good night to our hosts.
Ansel and I walked to our rooms, moving through the halls in silence. The elite guards shadowed us unobtrusively.
Ansel opened my door for me. “Good night my lady. Pleasant dreams.”
I turned to him with a nod. “Thank you my Lord. Likewise.”
We got off to a later start than I would have liked. King Tynan summoned us to break our fast with him. Not planning on dining with the royal family, I had already donned my riding gear. Tights and a tunic over a white shirt. My dragonscale breastplate under the tunic and my sword slung at my side.
I was uncertain how the king would react to my attire. I had no desire to confine myself in another gown. I’d had enough of those for a while.
Ansel waited for me outside my door. Before he could say anything about my choice of dress I said, “I’m sorry my Lord. I was dressed for flight before I received the summons. If it’s all the same to you, I’ll dine like this. Do you think it’s disrespectful?”
“You’re a dragon rider. It’s only natural that you dress like one when you are about to take flight. The king should have the same expectations.”
I smiled, grateful at how he always made me feel comfortable, even when I felt so out of place. I couldn’t wait to leave the castle so we could drop our formal ways. I imagine I’ll have to get used to our public demeanor.
Together with our shadow-like guards, we made our way to the king’s dining hall.
We entered, and Ansel bowed to King Tynan and his nephews. The younger prince looked quite tired from our late night.
I didn’t know if I should curtsy or bow. I decided a curtsy was more proper for this king. We moved to our seats at the king’s gesture. Ryant and Ewan hadn’t ever seen me in my riding clothes. The older prince recovered more quickly. Ewan stared with eyes wide open until Ryant elbowed him to mind his manners. I shot Ewan a quick smile. I was used to being stared at in my male clothing. Those stares were by far more preferable than the attention I received when in a fancy gown.
Before our meal was over, an attendant handed me a folded piece of parchment with the information I needed to get to Kira’s home. She lived in Kep, a two-day ride on horseback north of Serislan Castle, less than a two-hour flight by dragon.
After our meal, the king and his nephews accompanied us to where Eshshah and Sovann waited. They were surrounded by onlookers, including what seemed to be most of the city’s children. Eshshah had a special place in her heart for the little innocent o
nes.
Our saddles had been brought out and waited on stands in the field. Three horse saddles would fit in the space where one of Eshshah’s sat. Ansel and I saddled up our dragons under the close watch of all whom had gathered for our departure.
King Tynan directed a series of compliments at our magnificent dragons, who nodded in thanks. He then saluted us, which we graciously acknowledged. We bid our farewells and mounted up. With one last nod to our hosts, Eshshah and Sovann launched into the air. I heard a collective exclamation from the people below.
“Amáne, Lord Ansel wants us to follow them until we get outside of the city. He and Sovann don’t want us to turn north just yet. We’ll find a deserted area where we can land.”
I was excited that I could at last have a few minutes with Ansel without the watchful eye of the guards, yet nervous that he might question me about my plans to see Kira.
After a short flight, Ansel motioned us to an empty field. As soon as Eshshah alighted, I unbuckled and slid off. Ansel and I, relieved that we no longer had to hide our relationship, fell into each other’s arms.
He kissed me warmly, then said, “Thank you for coming with me. I was right in asking you. I don’t think King Tynan would have been so willing to lend his aid if you weren’t there.’
“I’m sure you would have done fine without me, but I’m happy I was able to help. What an uncanny turn of events.”
“That, it was. The king’s nephews seemed to recognize you right away.”
“I know.” I shook my head at the unlikely chance that I would meet two others who had suffered the same agony as I.
I gazed up at Ansel. “Thank you for saving me from a betrothal contract.” I shuddered. “I’m not sure even the Healer could have gotten me out of that.”
“It was strictly selfishness on my part.” He kissed my forehead and then my lips in a way that allowed no doubt — he wasn’t about to share me.
“Are you sure you and Eshshah want to turn north? I hoped you could spend a couple more days in Trivingar. I thought I’d introduce you to hawking. We have a quite well-known falconer in Trivingar.”
I wasn’t sure how much more I could take under his scrutiny. Keeping him out of my plans was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Should I just tell him and suffer the foreseeable rejection of my plan?
I took a breath and decided I would stick with my objective. “It would be silly of me not to take advantage of the proximity to Kep. As for hawking, I’d truly love to take part, but it’ll have to be at another time.”
“So, you don’t want Sovann and me to go with you?”
My stomach lurched. I hoped he didn’t catch any change in my expression. If he only knew how much I want to spend more time with him.
“Ansel, it’s not that I don’t want you to go with us. You have more important duties to tend to than to go traipsing off to visit a young girl you’ve never met. I promised her I’d go, and so I must. I’m sure the Healer and the rest of the dragon riders are anxious to hear the results of our audience with King Tynan. You can’t keep them waiting.”
My mouth went dry.
His eyes narrowed as he gazed into mine. A shadow of sadness or disappointment showed briefly. My heart beat faster.
“Be careful Amáne,” he said in a low voice.
Could he tell I was hiding something from him?
“Please contact me the moment you get to a communication device,” he said.
“I will. We’ll only be gone a couple days. I’ll contact you no later than three days time. I promise.” Even though that was the truth, it was still difficult for me to look Ansel in the eye.
He opened his mouth as if to say something, but appeared to change his mind. Instead, he pulled me close and kissed me with an urgency, an almost desperation I couldn’t ignore.
Before I broke down in front of him, I stepped back and attempted my most reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine, Ansel. I’ll talk to you in three days. I love you.”
I turned and headed toward Eshshah willing my knees to not buckle under me.
Eshshah and I flew for a few long minutes before I finally let out a large sigh.
“Amáne, why do I get the feeling that I should have tried to talk you out of this mission of yours?”
“You did talk me out of my original plan, remember? I wanted to find the Ancient Ones myself and plead for them to join in our cause. You convinced me to only gather information, so we could return with Ansel and Sovann.”
“I’m not sure if even your modified plan would be smiled upon by the riders, let alone the Healer or Lord Ansel.”
I could feel her distress. “Eshshah, thank you for yielding to my wishes. Truly, you won’t be sorry. Just think of our advantage when we have other dragons to help us win the throne. Galtero won’t stand a chance.”
“You’re assuming Lord Ansel will have success convincing the Ancient Ones. I wonder if they care at all about humans and their problems.”
I chewed my lower lip. “We can hope, Eshshah.”
“True.”
“We’ll just stay the day, then be out of there by tomorrow evening. If you’re up for it, we can fly all the way back home, or stop to rest somewhere along the way. That’ll be up to you.”
“The sooner we’re home, the better I’ll feel.”
I felt guilty about dragging Eshshah into my plan, but it was a good one. Sure to succeed. I had no doubts.
In no time I spotted the small township of Kep. Eshshah and I decided that she should not make herself known, but stay on the outskirts. We found a secluded field near a stream. Eshshah assured me she would be comfortable there.
“After my visit with Kira, I’ll join you back here for the night. That way we can get an early start tomorrow to Orchila.”
I said farewell and headed toward town.
It wasn’t a long walk before I found myself at Kep’s town center. Quite a few heads turned as I strode by — an obvious stranger in their midst.
“Who you lookin’ for, young man?” was the question that prevailed. I didn’t bother to correct them, but asked them to direct me to Kira’s. That raised eyebrows. I could only imagine their assumptions that a “young man,” a stranger, sought Kira. I hoped I didn’t cause too much trouble for her and her mother.
At last I found her establishment. Kira’s mother was a seamstress. They lived above her shop. A bell on the door jingled as I entered. Kira sat at a table, lost in concentration, stitching a hem on an extravagant gown.
She looked up and stared at me, hesitating for a brief moment before asking, “What can I do for you kind sir?”
I removed my helmet and smiled at her. Her eyes opened wide in surprise. She jumped to her feet and hurried toward me.
“Amáne!” she exclaimed, nearly knocking me to the ground as she threw her arms around me.
Her mother rushed out from the back room, clearly alarmed. When she saw Kira was safe, she relaxed.
“Mama! Look, this is Amáne. The princess who saved us. She’s here. She’s here.”
Tears came to her mother’s eyes as she curtsied to me.
“Please don’t. I’m not a princess. I am a commoner, from the far-away city of Dorsal in Teravinea.”
I spent an enjoyable afternoon with Kira and her mother. It more than satisfied my concerns about her well being. She was delighted when I revealed I was a dragon rider.
That evening, I bid farewell to them. Kira insisted on accompanying me to where Eshshah waited. She showed no fear as she approached my dragon. Somehow she knew the salute.
Kira asked my permission, then faced Eshshah and said, “Eshshah, beautiful dragon on fire, my life will be cold until I meet you again.”
Eshshah nodded in appreciation of her compliment. Both she and I in awe of the beautiful tribute Kira offered.
Kira wanted to linger, but I insisted she head back home before it got dark. We said our teary good-byes.
The Valley of Dragons and our search for its l
ocation loomed before us. My excitement fought with my anxiety and guilt.
“Ansel will understand, won’t he, Eshshah?”
Eshshah tilted her head, her version of a shrug, but didn’t offer any opinion. I spent a restless night in the field with Eshshah.
The next morning we were up before the sun and soared on the wind currents heading north. We caught sight of the wild coastline of Serislan. I took in a deep breath at the imposing view as we flew low, just above the waves crashing on the rocky shore.
Another hour passed. We’d risen to a higher altitude over the ocean between Serislan and Orchila.
“I see the island, Amáne.” Eshshah conveyed.
Her sight was far superior to mine, even with my enhanced vision. A few moments later, I spotted it.
If I thought the coastline of Serislan was striking, the island before us surpassed our wildest imaginings. A jewel to behold — a bright green emerald floating in a sea of turquoise. Strips of white sand beaches outlined the gem.
As we approached, I could make out palms reaching their fronds to the sky. Not like our stubby grey-green palms in Dorsal, but kingly giants of verdant green. They covered the island for as far as I could see.
The town we sought appeared cut out of the jungle on the southwest side — a couple of ships docked in its small harbor. Eshshah and I wouldn’t fly directly into it, but skirted more to the west until we found a suitable beach on which to land. We alighted on a small strand of coarse sand. The blue-green waves rolled in sets on the shore.
The heat and humidity suddenly hit me, like walking into a steaming bathing room. The air was stifling — a sensation I had never felt.
I dismounted and immediately stripped off my riding cape and my helmet, the sweat already dripping down my back. I was dressed for much cooler weather. My attire wouldn’t do in this tropical climate. I was glad we were only here for the day. When we return with Ansel, I’ll make it a point to bring the proper clothing.
I reluctantly decided to remove my dragon-scale breastplate and my outer tunic, then cinched my sword belt over my white shirt. Not certain how hospitable the town would prove to be, I decided to put on a more male appearance. It was too muggy to put my helmet back on, so I pulled my hair back and tied it with a leather thong at the base of my neck, the way Ansel sometimes wore his. It wasn’t my best male impersonation, but would have to do for now.
Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 7