Quest: The Clans of Arcadia

by Arwen Chandler

  Lilia Maekel twisted a stray strand of red hair around her finger, let it go, and did it again. Her green eyes were glued to Karn. She took a deep breath, trying to quiet her mind. She felt Karn’s emotions burning like a bright light in the back of her head, and it thrilled her.

  Their bond had grown even stronger since the battle on the beach. Sharing a thought, emotion, or having a full-on conversation was almost second nature now. From somewhere deep in her mind, an image of Karn running his rough hands along the small of her back and squeezing her backside popped into her thoughts. She blushed, and Karn glanced in her direction, causing her to redden even more. She fanned herself, emptied her thoughts, and took Annielie’s arm. She gave it a gentle squeeze, and Annielie leaned her direction.

  “Are you ready for this, Lilia?”

  Lilia shrugged. “I suppose, but mostly I’m just ready to get this over with so we can finally put a stop to Fridtjof and Magnus.”

  Annielie nodded, running a hand over her growing child. “Me too. Honestly, I’m fearful that they will come for my baby.”

  Lilia took a deep breath. “You’re safe here with these people and the dragons. They’ve even given you a servant to keep an extra eye on you.” Lilia paused. “What’s his name again?”

  “Cantwell.”

  “Well, there you go, you have nothing to worry about. If anyone bothers you tell Cantwell, and I’m certain he’ll handle it. Please stop worrying, Sister. It’s not good for you or your child.”

  Annielie scrunched her face. “I know. It’s just I have a feeling that my life is fixing to change.”

  Lilia laughed and patted her arm. “Everything is going to change soon, but for now, put it aside. Tonight, we’re celebrating. There’s no time to worry.” She hugged her slightly, then released her.

  Trumpets sounded, and the women looked to the center of the judgment hall. Karn stood in front of a triple moon symbol that had been painted in red on the stone floor. Lucca stood on a wooden platform above the gathering. He wore dark blue robes appliquéd with golden dragons, stars, and moons. His shoulder length blonde hair poked out from underneath his matching round cap.

  Karn leaned against the staff of Caladain that had once belonged to his clan’s mage, Fergus. It was long and white, and the ancient words of Arcadian were inscribed on its side. The blue flame leaped in the twisted finial that set atop the staff.

  Soon, once the trials were over, it would be crowned with the clear dragon stone. The dragon stone united with Caladain’s staff was the key to defeating the Maekels once and for all. Excitement filled Karn’s mind as he considered a free Arcadia.

  Karn held the staff gripped tightly in his left hand, and the wood buzzed beneath his fingers, as though Fergus were trying to communicate his approval of the ceremony.

  Karn’s lips curled upward at the corners of his mouth, as he surveyed the attendants. The excitement was palpable. Acolytes of every level lined the room, wearing a rainbow of colors, each representing their degree of mastery.

  Those of higher degree wore eggplant colored robes, and stood floor level, while the others stood behind on risers, acolytes of the lowest order stood on platforms high above the assembly.

  Select members of the order stood in a semi-circle in front of Lucca. Four acolytes stood on each of his sides. Seven of them wore tartans that represented the ancient clans of Arcadia. Each of those held pennants fringed with gold, embroidered with the clans’ insignias.

  The acolyte closest to Lucca held a newly made crimson flag bearing seven different colors of dragon eggs that represented the first dragon riders. The pennants whished back and forth in the night air, flying like they were living creatures.

  Lilia glanced up to where the thatched ceiling had been removed. Elder dragons perched on massive beams, while younger ones hovered above trying to catch a glimpse of the proceedings. Music filled the hall, and the skindrums beat in a syncopated rhythm that created an atmosphere of intrigue.

  She ran a finger across the gold necklace Tiernan had given her, and absently pressed the emerald pendant to her lips, before dropping it back to her chest. She studied Karn’s back.

  His broad shoulders were draped with the dark green and blue colors of the Elohite clan, and although she couldn’t see it from where she stood, she knew he wore the new symbol of their clan. She had pinned the golden brooch encrusted with emeralds and rubies and circled by sapphires on his tartan herself.

  She’d been surprised when he’d chosen to wear that one over his father’s, but they had agreed to join clans, and she knew it was ultimately to honor her and their decision.

  Her heart fluttered, as she admired Karn’s body beneath his sleeveless white tunic and tight black trousers. His shirt hung loosely over his waist, but his pants were tucked neatly into his knee-high boots. His broadsword hung at his waist, and a dagger was holstered on his left thigh. Karn’s long black hair fell loose down his back in a mop of curls. She smiled, feeling the bond between them, and both the excitement and dread Karn felt inside.

  Lilia reached out with her mind, touching Karn. You look handsome, my love. She felt Karn smile.

  Thank you, dearling. I strive to compare to the lady at my side.

  Lilia’s face warmed, and Karn chuckled softly before his thoughts turned to the first trial Lucca had already described for him in their private meeting. Lilia shivered.

  Karn chuckled, and his eyes danced. Everything will be fine, Lilia, you’ll see.

  The cadence of the drums stopped, interrupting their conversation.

  Lucca lifted his arm and pointed his dragon leather staff at Karn. “Before me stands Karn Elohite, chieftain of the clan Elohite, descendant of Caladain, and Lorna’s chosen. It’s regrettable that the Lady herself couldn’t be here, but we’ll proceed under her authority. Step forward, Karn.”

  Karn flicked his wrist, shortened his staff and secured it at his hip, then took a step forward into the waxing moon section of the triple moon figure painted on the floor, then stopped.

  Lucca eyed the assembly, before looking at Karn. “You are now standing at the precipice of a new life. For the first time in a thousand years, the dragon riders will take to the sky. We will no longer require the sacrifice that your forefathers and the dragonfathers made to become one. We will no longer hide from the outside world disguised by duel nature.”

  Electricity was palpable in the air. “Karn, even though the goddess chose you, you must be chosen by the order. You must prove that you are worthy to unite with a dragon. Once you pass the trials, you’ll be joined in mind with Aslaug.”

  At the mention of her name, Aslaug flew down through the open ceiling and landed beside Karn. She walked around him and stopped to look him in the eye. She cocked her head to the side. “I’ve seen you before, Mage” Her speech was impeccable, but she had a slight lilt.

  Karn cleared his throat, “And I you, fair dragon.”

  Aslaug’s purple scales brightened around her eyes. “I must admit you are quite handsome for a human.”

  Karn laughed, his voice bouncing on the night. “Thank you.”

  She lowered her neck. “I would like to learn of you. Touch my head, Mage.”

  Karn lifted his hand, and gently placed it on the top of her head. The dragon searched his memories and felt Karn’s pain as he recalled his clan’s destruction. A single tear fell from her almond eye. “Dragons don’t cry for humans, Karn, and yet, I shed a tear for you.” She moved to the side, and his hand fell.

  Karn bowed. “I am honored, dragon.”

  Aslaug smiled a toothy grin; her teeth were long and sharp even for a young dragon “As you should be.” She squinted. “I like you, Mage.”

  Karn grinned, “I like you, too.”

  She stepped backward, then lurched to the ceiling.

  Lucca’s eyes danced like a proud father as he followed her path back to the rafters. He turned to face Karn. “If you return from the trials, you’ll be united with Aslaug, but in the meantime,
she’ll accompany you on your journey so that you can learn to depend upon each other.”

  Karn nodded.

  “Karn, step forward into the full moon.”

  He took a quick step and paused.

  “At this phase in your journey, you will be at your strongest. You will have learned to depend upon Aslaug and she you. It’s at this time that the challenges you face will become even harder, but if you pass them, you’ll grow in wisdom and strength. Now, take another step forward.”

  Karn stepped into the symbol of the waning moon. “Once you complete this trial, your old life will be completely gone, and you’ll be ready to join Aslaug in your new life as a dragon rider and trainer of riders.” Lucca paused. “You’ll also be gifted the dragon stone. It hasn’t seen daylight for hundreds of years, and no mage has carried it since the age of Caladain.”

  Nervous excitement filled Karn’s thoughts, and Lilia trembled.

  Lucca stepped down from the platform. “Karn please step back into the full moon.” He pointed his staff at Karn. “As Lorna’s chosen, you’ll bear her mark.” He lowered the tip of his staff so that it rested close to Karn’s upper arm.

  Blue flame poured from the end of the rod, swirling and turning until it settled into a haze of smoke on Karn’s arm. When the smoke cleared, a blue dragon-shaped tattoo covered his upper arm. Around the dragon was a ring of intricate knotwork, and inside the ring beneath the dragon were the words, loch-rognaif which in the ancient tongue meant, chosen warrior.

  “Karn, it’s time. Choose your two traveling companions, but choose wisely, because your decision will influence your success or failure.”

  Karn nodded. “I’ve given my selections much thought. For my first, I choose Ian Leif of the clan Elohite, my cousin, and brother-in-arms. He will stand as a constant, like the waxing moon.

  Ian and I were born into a new life when the Maekels decimated our clan. In this trial, I look to Ian as a renewing spirit and a continual reminder of the new life we are building for all the people of Arcadia.

  He is also a reminder of the world we leave behind. Ian is my link to the past. There’s no one fiercer than he, and I trust him with my life.”

  Lucca nodded. “Ian Leif of the clan Elohite, please join Karn.”

  Ian released Annielie’s hand and walked forward, stopping short of the triple moon. He wore a white sleeveless tunic which accentuated his well-developed arms. At his side, his sapphire hilted dagger sparkled in the torchlight, casting an array of stars onto the walls surrounding the gathering.

  Lucca pointed his staff at Ian. “Do you Ian Leif of the clan Elohite promise to accompany Karn through the trials, at the peril of life and limb?”

  Ian caught Karn’s eye. “I do. I swear by the blood we share, and the bond we’ve formed in battle. I will ever be at your side, brother. Not even death will separate us.” He bowed his head, and Karn nodded back.

  Lucca lightly touched Ian’s upper arm with the end of his staff. Blue flame shot outward from the tip and onto his arm, leaving behind a bright yellow dragon-shaped tattoo.

  Ian’s eyes widened as he examined the symbol. While it was slightly raised, there was no pain. He flexed, and the dragon seemed to come alive.

  Lucca chuckled, “You’ve been marked as Karn’s companion. You are now one of the first of the dragon born, and if Karn proves successful, you’ll have the opportunity to train under him to become a dragon rider.”

  Ian bowed to Lucca and stepped into the waxing moon symbol on the floor.

  Lucca looked back to Karn. “And your third choice?”

  Karn took a deep breath then exhaled, puffing out his cheeks. “My second companion is Lilia Arjana, chieftain of the clan Maekel, my future bride, and co-ruler of the kingdom of Arcadia. Lilia is my waning moon. She’s the voice of wisdom in my ear. Through her, the death of my clan will not be final, but like a phoenix, it shall rise and become new.”

  Lucca glanced at Lilia. “Please step forward, Lilia Arjana of the clan Maekel.”

  Lilia’s long green sleeveless tunic billowed behind her as she crossed the stone floor. She stopped on the opposite side of Karn behind the waning moon symbol.

  Lucca pointed his staff at Lilia. “Do you Lilia Arjana of the clan Maekel promise to accompany Karn through the trials, at the peril of life and limb?”

  Her green eyes glistened. “I do.”

  Lucca lightly touched her upper arm above the silver knotwork arm cuff she wore, with the end of his staff. Blue flame shot outward from the tip and onto her arm, leaving behind a black dragon-shaped tattoo. Lilia’s dragon wore a golden singlet on her head.

  Lilia looked at her arm and smiled. “She’s beautiful.”

  Lucca nodded. “This mark means that you are also Karn’s companion, and one of the first dragon born. Lilia, you’ll also have the opportunity to train to become a dragon rider.”

  She curtsied slightly and stepped into the waning moon symbol on the floor.

  Lucca climbed back up onto the platform behind him. “If you would take the hand of the companion beside you.”

  The group clasped hands.

  “This signifies the bond you share together. Nothing will separate you, as long as you are true to each other.”

  Lucca waved his hand in the air above them, and blue flame swirled around them. The trio felt the flame burn between them, as they bonded.

  Lucca addressed the crowd. “Brothers and sisters, welcome Karn, Ian and Lilia into our fold.”

  Cheers and applause erupted throughout the crowd, and dragon fire sparked and swirled above their heads. Lucca allowed the gathering to enjoy their merriment for a few moments, before lifting his hand to silence them.

  “Karn, you have chosen your companions. Now, you must know the trials.”

  Lucca opened a scroll and read. “Traveler you are in search of three dragons. Each will award you a prize if they find you worthy. The first is a dragon born of the sea. The second a dragon queen of the fae and the third dragon is none other than Lorna’s most precious Avila, who lives among the forest elves deep in the heart of Langerhorn.

  A murmur shot through the crowd, at the mention of Avila’s name, and Lucca held up a hand. The group settled down.

  Lucca motioned to a boy of about thirteen. He stepped forward and handed Karn a scroll that contained a map to the location of the first trial.

  “Keep it with you and keep it safe.” Lucca paused. “Karn, tonight we feast. Tomorrow you and your companions leave by dragonship. Be safe, honored traveler, and come back to us before year’s end.”

  Lord Catlett signaled to his bards, their songs ethereal and low filled the hall and carried the revelers deep into the night.

  Chapter Five

  SCHEME

  Fridjof Maekel scribbled on a piece of parchment. Half of his plan to desecrate Lorna’s worship grove and build his new castle was nearly complete. He surveyed his study. Crates lined the wall, filled with papers, blankets, and trinkets. By the end of the week, his staff, select peasantry, and shop owners would caravan to Tabharthore Ahn-bahs.

  He expected the journey to take the better part of a fortnight, but he was more than ready to leave the Maekel ancestral home. Everywhere he turned he found memories of Anwell and Tiernan. In his opinion, it stank of their influence, and he’d be glad never to see it again.

  He scratched his chin. Things had gone surprisingly well, as his troops swept across Arcadia. There had been minimal resistance, and he now controlled nearly every port town in Arcadia. In time, he was confident that the few remaining would fall under his banner and he would control all the shipping ports in every city.

  He sighed. Unfortunately, the only thing he hadn’t been able to accomplish was to steal a dragon’s egg from the Brethren of the Dragoni. After months of searching, he’d finally found a man of Govansur cunning enough to infiltrate the order.

  He’d been in place for a couple of months now, and according to the correspondence Fridtjof had received, he wa
s making significant progress. Although sending ravens to the dragon’s keep, and from it for that matter, was risky, every few weeks he’d received a new letter.

  The latest correspondence had informed him that several dragons had had eggs, and his spy was ready for him to send a smuggler into the keep. Fridtjof smiled and glanced at his mage who was buried in some ancient text. “And I know just the right man to send, Magnus.”

  Magnus looked up from the book he was reading. “And who is that, Fridtjof?”

  “Sig.”

  Magnus lifted a brow. “He’s rather conspicuous don’t you think?”

  Fridtjof started to speak but stopped, when he noticed the Mage’s blank eyes, a sign that T’argo had interrupted Magnus’ thoughts.

  Deep inside Magnus’ mind, T’argo growled and flexed his clawed fingers. He is still unworthy of a dragon.

  Magnus nodded. I know, but you can train it. Perhaps he’ll get a female, and you can start your own horde.

  He felt T’argo calm down; It’s been a long time since I’ve been among my kind. He sighed. It was long before your mage teacher was alive.

  Magnus squinted. A long time indeed, T’argo.

  T’argo tapped his teeth with a claw. I suppose when I left the order was the last time. T’argo receded into his own thoughts and disappeared from Magnus’ mind.

  Fridtjof licked his lips and sucked into his mouth, taking on the appearance that had given him the nickname, Viper. “As I was saying, Sig is strong, and clever, and looks enough like Cantwell that he can pass for family.”

  “I suppose.” Magnus looked back to his book. “When will you send him?”

  Fridtjof yawned. “He’ll leave first thing tomorrow, before sun up.” He paused. “What was T’argo so adamant about that he had to interrupt our conversation?”

  Magnus scratched his nose. “He’s just grumbling again.”

  Fridtjof shrugged, poured himself a dark bitter root and chugged the liquid.

  An older woman wearing a long brown dress with white pinafore, and a hair bonnet knocked on the open study door.