He lifted a hand. “They are true. Brother Cantwell deceived us. He was working for the Maekels.”
Stunned silence filled the hall.
“Unfortunately, when he departed he took a female dragon’s egg from the nursery.”
Shouts of unrest bounced off the stonewalls.
He lifted his hand, and the room quieted. “I know, brothers. Your anger is justified. Lorna and I have traveled with Dimera and Prydari to find the egg, but we were not able to locate it. I’m afraid the egg has been lost to us.”
He sighed, his heart heavy. “We can only assume T’argo will raise her and train her in Elanvanin’s ways.”
Quiet sobs filled the air, and Lucca wiped a tear from his eye. He took a deep breath, then cleared his throat, and opened the book on the lectern in front of him.
“Today we’ll add her loss to the book of histories, so future generations will know that one of our own deceived us and stole one of our most precious charges.
“It’ll serve as a warning to future generations, that we must be ever vigilant because the deceiver is out there waiting to pounce.”
He wrote the account in the book as the acolytes watched, then looked up. “It is done.” He set the quill on the stand beside the book, then hovered his hand above the words. A blue glow exited his palm and placed his seal over the writing.
“For the next three days, I ask that you wear your mourning robes in her honor.”
He motioned for the young men at the front to come forward and light the candles that sat atop the carved dragon clawed candle stands. “These will burn until the end of the third day.”
The young acolytes stepped back into the crowd.
“Once the time of mourning passes, we’ll begin the preparations for Loch-rognaif’s return.” He closed the book.
Excitement bounced through the crowd. “There will be a celebration unlike any this land has seen in centuries. I request that you send crows to each of your village mages and invite them as our guests to attend the crowning of our champion.”
Lucca tucked the book beneath his arm. “Remember, the next three days you mourn and then be prepared to work.” He stepped down from the platform and exited out the side door.
Chapter Twenty-one
TRUTH
Ian sat on a three-legged stool and watched Dierdriel sleep behind the bars that lined the confines of her cage. He counted to ten, then banged against the polished wood.
She sat up and glared at him. “What do you want Far-ellen?”
Ian crossed his arms. “I want to know what you did to warrant being locked up, aside from taking Karn, prisoner?”
She picked up a piece of hay off her sleeping mat and broke it in half. “It’s enough, don’t you think?” She squinted at him through the bars. “Why do you care anyway?”
Ian shrugged. “I don’t know.”
She chuckled. “That’s a stupid answer.”
“Well, it’s the only one I’ve got.”
She searched his face. “My mother and I don’t see things the same.” She sighed.
Ian lifted a brow. “Don’t all children and parents disagree?” He paused. “It’s not something they usually get locked up for.”
She rolled her top lip between her teeth. “Most disagreements don’t involve Carule and men of other species.”
Ian leaned forward. “Carule? The pegacorn?”
She nodded.
He smirked. “Okay, now I am intrigued.”
She wrung her hands. “If you insist, Far-ellen.” She took a deep breath, “Years ago, I fell in love with a human that had washed up on this island.” She looked out the barred window. “She didn’t approve.”
Ian knit his brow. “So, she kicked you out?”
“She forbade me to see him, so I stole Carule, her prized possession and flew him to the seashore.” She grinned, but it quickly faded. “I’d planned to fly us both to the mainland and off this rock, but she sent her guard after us.”
Ian leaned forward. “You didn’t get away, obviously. What happened to the man?”
Her jade eyes looked glassy as she explored her memories. “He is long dead now.”
Horror flashed across Ian’s face. “They killed him?”
“No. Elves live a long time. He died. We built a home beside the sea, and we lived there for nearly fifteen years.”
Ian cleared his throat. “What was his name?”
“Zale.” She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “His name was Zale, my far-ellen.” She studied Ian’s face. “You have a lot in common with my Zale. The same eyes and blonde hair.”
Ian blushed. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Dierdriel.”
She bowed, and her long brown hair fell to the side of her face. “As it was intended.”
“There’s one thing I don’t understand. If you had a home by the sea, why were you holding Karn in a cave?”
“Oh.” Dierdriel smiled, and her eyes flashed. “The day the guards came after us, they captured Carule and took him back to my mother.” She took a breath. “But, after Zale died, I decided I would return home.
At first, it was bearable, but then after a few years, I could bear it no more. I just wanted to leave, but mother wouldn’t let me. So, one night, I went to Carule’s corral and liberated him and myself.” She sniggered. “We’ve been gone ever since.”
Ian cocked his head to the side, “Why didn’t you leave the island. Why stay in a cave?”
Dierdriel broke another piece of straw and exhaled loudly. “Because, my mother put an enchantment on the island, and I can’t get off Langerhorn without her unlocking it.” She tossed the straw on the ground. “So, I’m stuck here, and as long as I’m stuck, I’m keeping her precious, Carule.”
“Why’d you come back then?” Ian scratched his chin. “I mean, you had to have known that you’d be locked up if you returned, and she’d take Carule back, didn’t you?”
Mischief danced in her eyes. “I knew, but I also knew that if the Loch-rognaif were here, he’d be my way of escape.”
“So, you kidnapped him, so he would take you off of Langerhorn and to the mainland?”
Her pouty lips broke into a smile. “Precisely.”
Ian shook his head, his long blond hair falling like rain around his shoulders. “Kidnapping Karn is not the best way to get his help.”
Her lips curled into a wicked smile. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
Ian stood. “You’re here, in prison. I doubt your mother is going to let you go.”
She batted her eyes. “It won’t be a problem. You’ll free me, Far-ellen.”
Ian waved his hands. “Don’t think so, sweetheart. I’m not getting involved in a family feud. I’ve had enough of those to last me a lifetime.”
She put her hand on her hip. “You will. You’ll see.”
Ian turned for the door. “Nice talking to you, princess, but don’t look for my return.”
She laughed loudly. “You’ll be back. I know you will.”
Chapter Twenty-two
SERVE
Magnus poured over the books, while T’argo walked back and forth through his thoughts. T’argo, there has to be a way to free Elanvanin. If what Annielie said is right, they have the staff of Caladain, and it’s just a matter of time until that scum Karn has the power to overthrow us.
He slammed a book shut and tossed it into a pile across the room. Magnus opened another. Even though the Bryahn stone had turned back the time on his physical body, his mind felt tired and old. He ran his hand through his thick black hair. “Nothing!” He threw that book aside and picked up another.
T’argo growled. Perhaps you’re thinking about this wrong.
What do you mean?
Elanvanin is trapped in the wolf. Perhaps he needs another vessel to contain him?
Magnus frowned. Perhaps.
He set the book he was rummaging through aside and turned back to the bookshelf. He picked up an oversized tome and scanned its contents. A fa
int smile crossed his face. T’argo, not bad.
He felt the dragon beam with pride in his mind. Sometimes, it’s nice having you around.
T’argo stiffened. It’s always nice to have me here.
Magnus laughed. I’m not sure about that, but in this case, you deserve praise. He sat down in a sturdy wooden chair and read quietly for several minutes.
His voice thundered through the empty room. “I think I’ve found it!”
T’argo perked up.
Magnus sighed. Nevermind. It requires the sacrifice of the vessel. Perhaps there’s another way.
T’argo blew smoke from his nose. Sacrifice in the service of Elanvanin is worthy of the hunting grounds of Bozr.
Indeed, but I’m not prepared for that honor. He shivered. I’ll keep looking for another way.
T’argo shrugged and disappeared from Magnus’ thoughts.
There was knock on the door, and Magnus looked up from the book. “Enter.”
Annielie carried a small book in her hand. She stopped next to his desk. “Magnus, you’ve been our clan mage since I can remember.”
He arched an eyebrow, “Yes?”
“And, I know at one time, some priestesses served Elanvanin.” She stepped closer to him.
He nodded. “That’s right.”
She leaned against the desk. “Is there still a place for priestesses in Elanvanin’s service?”
Magnus nodded. “There is always room for one to enter his service. Do you have someone in mind?”
She smiled timidly. “I do. I thought perhaps I could train as a priestess.”
He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “You? You are the Queen. Isn’t that enough?”
She sat on his desk. “Yes, it’s a great honor, but think of it.” He eyes glistened with excitement, “I could be a priestess queen.”
He tapped his bottom lip. “The training will be hard, and will take you away from Tiervan, more than you’ll like.”
Annielie shrugged. “He has the nurse; besides he has been pledged for service for Elanvanin anyway, perhaps this will bring us closer as he ages.”
Magnus scratched his nose. “Perhaps.” He paused. “If you’re willing to put in the work, and the time, then I’ll train you to be a priestess.”
Annielie beamed with excitement. “Truly?”
He laughed, and she hugged his neck. “Yes, truly. I might even teach you a few spells if you show the aptitude for it.”
Her eyes widened. “I’m not too old?”
He touched her hair. “Child, one is never too old to serve Elanvanin.”
She grinned. “When can we start?”
He pulled up a chair. “Have a seat.”
Annielie walked beside T’argo in the nest. “And, why is it important for me to see the egg now?”
T’argo’s voice rumbled. “You must bond with the baby dragon, before it is born, and be here when she hatches.”
They stopped in front of the turquoise egg. Annielie rested her hand against the thick shell and felt the baby move. She laughed. “She moved. I can feel her.”
T’argo nodded. “It’s near her time. I suspect sometime this week we’ll see her face.”
Annielie sat down on a stool beside the egg. “May I stay with her awhile?”
T’argo nodded, his long neck bobbing up and down. “Yes. You may stay here while I hunt.”
Annielie rested her hand against the egg once more and watched T’argo soar into the sky. She followed his path until he was out of sight, then turned her attention back to the egg.
“Lilia would be so jealous of this.” She frowned, as sadness invaded her thoughts. “Lilia.” She spat. “Traitor. Why should the thought of her bring me to tears?” She wiped her face and turned her thoughts back to the dragon.
Her mind wandered through the lessons she’d been studying with Magnus, and she remembered the spell he’d shown her. She mumbled the words under her breath, and a rock in the corner of the nest levitated off the ground and flew in her direction.
She clapped her hands together. She was getting stronger every day, and for once in her life she felt like she was a strong woman, no longer hiding in Lilia’s shadow or anyone’s shadow for that matter.
She focused her mind on the rock again, and it levitated then bounced off the wall, and hit the egg chipping it. Annielie’s stomach sank. She rushed to the egg and examined the small fracture. “What have I done?”
The egg shook, and the small crack enlarged, creating more and more cracks. She held her breath as the egg shattered open, and a small golden dragon emerged. Her scales glistened in the sunlight, and the underside of her wings was like the multi-faceted color of the inside of a seashell. Annielie sucked in her breath. “You’re beautiful, little one.”
The dragon’s orange eyes searched Annielie’s face, and it waddled over to her, falling slightly, then picking itself back up.
Annielie reached out her hand, and the dragon leaned into it. She stroked her head, and the dragon hummed. Annielie giggled. “I think I’ll call you Velorum like the north star.”
The dragon hummed louder, then bit at Annielie’s fingers.
She withdrew her hand, scowling. “Don’t bite. Bad girl!”
Velorum hopped back and forth and then waddled around the room. Annielie watched her as she searched for food. She was so engrossed with the baby dragon that she didn’t notice T’argo’s return.
His voice was low. “I see the baby has hatched.”
Annielie jumped. “Yes, she did. I thought I’d call her Velorum, like the north star.”
T’argo cocked his head to the side, then straightened. “That seems fitting for the dragon that will lead Elanvanin back into victory. I like it.”
Annielie watched the baby dragon hunt for a moment more, then stood. “Well, I must leave, T’argo. I need to check on Tiervan. He has to be hungry by now.”
T’argo nodded. “Then go. We can’t have the future king hungry.”
Annielie left, closing the door behind her.
He waited for her to leave, then T’argo grabbed the small dragon by its leg and slammed her into the wall. The baby screamed. “First lesson. You are a dragon, not a dog. Act like it.”
Velorum snapped at T’argo, and T’argo picked her up again, tossing her even harder. She hit the wall and fell like a brick. T’argo laughed. “I’m your master, Velorum. It’ll serve you well to remember that.”
Velorum growled.
“That’s it. Fight.” T’argo took a step in her direction, and she cowered away.
He picked her up by the tail and tossed her high into the air. She fell smashing her face against the rock. Velorum didn’t move.
T’argo pushed at her unconscious form with his long talon. “You have much to learn if you’re going to be ready for battle.” He sat down on his back legs. “This is going to be a long night.”
Chapter Twenty-three
PURPOSE
Aslaug listened with rapt attention to the stories Avila shared. The knowledge passed from an elder dragon to a young dragon was crucial to their development, but the knowledge Avila held within her mind far surpassed that that had been passed down through their oral tradition.
Avila picked her teeth with a claw. “As the dragon of a rider, you must prepare yourself for battle. It’s your duty to keep him alive and to make sure that you are well suited for whatever task is at hand. Training is everything.” Avila stood on her hind legs. “Today, you’ll learn to fly and turn at fast speeds.”
Aslaug cocked her head. “I’m already proficient at that.”
Avila laughed. “You think so, little one? Well, let’s see.” She lurched into the air and flew high above the ocean waters. Aslaug followed close behind.
Avila stopped and hovered in place; then nose-dived toward the water.
Aslaug watched, eyes wide, as Avila pulled up in the last possible second. Her tail skimmed the water, leaving a white rooster tail of water behind her. Avila flew back
to Aslaug.
“There will be times that you will need to move fast and turn even faster to protect your rider. You must be faster than everyone else. It can be the difference between life or death, for both of you. Now, Let’s see you try.”
Aslaug exhaled, her eyes bright. “I’m ready.” She dove toward the water, pushing her speed, moving faster and faster. She tried to turn, as the water rushed toward her, but was unable to. She hit the water, and waves climbed high into the air as she fell deep underneath the clear water.
Avila followed, hovering just above the surface. The air rumbled with laughter, as Aslaug emerged from the watery deeps.
Aslaug huffed. “I thought I had it.”
“It takes time, little one, and much strength. You’ll get there.” She pushed back up into the sky, and Aslaug followed.
“Now, go again.”
Aslaug stretched her wings, then pulled them close to her side. She plummeted to the water, as Avila watched on with pride.
Chapter Twenty-four
DECISIONS
Lilia, Ian, and Karn, sat around the fireplace, listening to it crackle in the early evening breeze. Their open-air quarters stood above the forest floor and provided a magnificent view of the mountains on one side, and the ocean on the other. The heavy fragrance of honeysuckle and jasmine permeated the air.
Ian’s pensive expression concerned Karn. He studied Ian who was staring off into the distance.
Karn cleared his throat. “Are you thinking of Annielie?”
Ian blew the air from his chest. “I don’t know what I’m thinking about.”
Lilia sat down between Ian and Karn. “I suppose she’s given birth by now.” Sadness filled her eyes. “I would have liked to have been there, to meet Tiernan’s child.”
Karn squeezed her shoulder. “In good time, dearling. We’ll be home.”
Lilia nodded. “And where is that, Karn?”
He shrugged. “That’s a good question. I don’t suppose we can live at the dragon’s keep.” Karn frowned, “And the Elohite and Maekel lands are out of the question.”
Quest: The Clans of Arcadia Page 11