“A what?”
“They’ve not travelled that far south in a long time,” Draogo explained, “they usually live in the north eastern section of the mountains, I’m not sure what would have caused one to leave.”
“What are they?” Keolan asked.
“They’re actually our cousins,” Draogo said and on seeing more confused faces he elaborated. “Thousands of years ago, a group of dragons turned their back on their heritage, they took to the rivers and lakes deep beneath the mountains. Eventually they lost their wings and much of their dragon form.”
Brean frowned, “They don’t usually leave the mountains.”
“I scouted, after the battle and tracked the one we’d seen, it returned to the mountains and I didn’t see any others.”
Brean nodded, then turned his attention to the twins and Vala, “I think there are a few things we need to discuss, firstly Vala,” she looked at him in surprise.
“Yes?”
“Have your nightmares subsided?”
“How did you? Yes they have…do you know what caused them?”
“I have a theory,” Brean said closing his eyes as if to concentrate, “I think there must have been a connection between you and Bælana.”
“How? I never even had any contact with her.”
“As I understand it, you had some contact with Ziqua.” Vala nodded even though he couldn’t see her, “just before the nightmares started?”
“Yes.”
“I understand you saw the birth of the mingual in one of your nightmares and it involved mingling their blood with Bælana’s.” He finally opened his eyes and Vala nodded again.
“Do you think Vala’s blood was mingled with Bælana’s?” Kiræ asked in a worried tone.
“Not quite,” Brean replied, “But I believe it may have mingled with Ziqua’s, which somehow this caused a weak link between the two of you. When Bælana was killed, the link was severed.”
“How could that even happen?” Tom asked.
“Bælana used a lot of dark magic to create the mingual, even I don’t know how a lot of it worked. There are often side effects, many are never recorded, this could simply have been one of them.”
“You don’t think there’s anything left?” Vala asked apprehensively and Brean shook his head.
“You’re quite safe my dear.” He turned to the twins, “I’ve been lead to believe that you were able to defeat Bælana using Elementa Praesidium and Elementa Validus,” the twins nodded, “it seems then that I was wrong about you Tom, I’m sorry.”
The young man shrugged, “I’m not sure I want a power like that lurking inside me anyway.”
Brean smiled, “I think you already know it’s not a matter of choice, but if you ask me it’s a good thing you do have that power or events may have unfurled very differently. Am I also correct in thinking you have finally met your father?”
“Malum said we were Gods,” Kiræ said hesitantly.
“Of course we didn’t believe him,” Tom said hurriedly shooting his sister a look, “we guessed he was trying to get us to leave with him.”
Brean studied the twins for some time. “Malum spoke the truth,” he said slowly, as everyone’s eyes in the room widened, “Though technically you’re Demi-Gods.”
“So did our magic come from Bælana or from Malum?” Kiræ asked.
“Both,” Draogo explained, “When a God has a child with a mortal, certain powers will be transferred,” Brean nodded in agreement, “and if that mortal already has magical abilities the chances of that power being transferred will increase.”
“Your elemental magic came from Bælana, Elementa Praesidium and Elementa Validus, were passed to you by Malum,” Brean explained.
“Is it allowed?” Tom asked slowly and when Brean looked confused he clarified, “are we allowed to be here? To…to live?”
Draogo laughed loudly, “Of course you’re allowed to live” he said still laughing, “You’re not the only Demi-Gods in the land, take me for example. In fact, I believe this makes us cousins.”
The twins relaxed significantly, “What does this mean then?” Tom asked.
“It means a lot more training,” Brean said smiling fondly at them, “and,” he paused significantly, “there are some people who would like to meet you.” He nodded to the back of the room and they turned their heads to see three figures in the doorway.
In the centre was a beautiful, blonde haired woman with smooth curves, who looked both young and ancient at the same time. On her left was a tall, equally young and ancient looking man with long, sleek black hair. On her right was a young, muscular, dark chestnut haired man, who had a slightly weather-beaten appearance as if he had witnessed one too many battles.
They gasped.
Epilogue
Fire crackled in the air above the upturned palm of a grey haired man. He sat behind a sturdy wooden desk in a small, cosy room. There were several large windows that allowed bright light to shine dazzlingly round the room, illuminating the portraits and tapestries that adorned the walls. He had a large map across his desk with hastily scribbled notes around the edges. Three armour clad women stood before him, their faces showing a mixture of anger and triumph.
“We’ve located the source my lord,” the central woman, who had short deep red hair said sternly. The man, who wore fine clothing and a simple crown on his head looked up sharply. The hovering fire sputtered and died as he lowered his hand and placed it on the desk.
“Are you sure this time Nayla?” he asked in a deep, accusing voice.
The woman nodded, “We followed the creatures for a season and a half, there’s no doubt where they originated from.”
The man stood and began pacing the room while the women remained silent and stationary. “How long would it take to get there?” He asked turning back to face them.
“A couple of seasons at most,” Nayla replied, “but the terrain past the mountains is unknown, it could take longer to find them.”
“Do what it takes,” the man slammed his fist on the desk causing an audible crack, “these creatures have destroyed our towns and kidnapped our people, they need to be destroyed.” The three women nodded and left the room, the man sat back behind his desk and fire instantly danced on his palm.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vicky was born in North Yorkshire, which will always be her one true home. She studied English Language at Lancaster but ended up completing a masters degree in Object Conservation at Durham University.
An objects conservator by trade, she enjoys everything history related and loves the fact that she has been able to help restore some of the most amazing objects in Britain. She has dabbled in sword fighting and knife throwing and is a keen baker. A complete lover of books, especially fantasy, she’s also a self-proclaimed geek and has always wanted a pet dragon, unfortunately she’ll have to settle for a temperamental cat.
Keep up to date with everything Vicky gets up to on her website www.vickygarlick.com including her (mostly) weekly blog, updates on her current writings and occasional short stories.
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