Anne stood. She saw the battle axe of one of the fallen se’irim and dashed toward it in a flash. Taking it by the massive handle she lifted it and charged toward Uriel. She was not as fast as she thought for as she charged toward the seraph he spun slashing out and striking her with his sword. The sword hit the battle axe, but the flame scorched her hair and left cheek. She fell to the ground smashing out the flames.
She looked up certain that Uriel was about to pounce on her. Instead she realized she had distracted him just enough. Asmodeus shoved his sword upward, thrusting it into the seraph’s gut. Uriel let out a thunderous roar and Asmodeus scrambled to his feet. Uriel doubled over as black tendrils made their way throughout his body. Asmodeus stood over him, raised his sword and swung, chopping Uriel’s head off and sending the great seraph warrior fading away into the darkness.
Asmodeus rushed to Anne. “Are you alright, Your Majesty?” he asked. Anne looked at him and lifted her hand to her face. It hurt so badly. “Do not touch it,” he cautioned. “It is badly burned.” He assisted Anne to her feet and then nodded to the golden hand crank. “Do you have enough strength to turn the crank?”
“Yes,” Anne hissed. He helped her over to it and she placed her hands on the crank. It took every bit of strength she had, but the giant bolts came open and Asmodeus opened the gate. All Anne could see was darkness as they stepped through.
Chapter 25
The sun was rising in the morning sky over Caerwynspire as Queen Gwyndalin knelt over the body of her husband. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she lightly stroked his beard. She bent over and kissed Artur’s forehead. “Good-bye, my love,” she whispered. She turned her head to speak over her shoulder to Sir Rodrick who stood close behind. “Have the King taken inside and cleaned up before the girls see him,” she said as she attempted to prevent her voice from cracking.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Rodrick replied.
Gwyndalin looked at Artur one last time and was about to stand up when she heard another voice. “Your Majesty,” a soft and sad voice said.
Gwyndalin glanced up and immediately recognized Dillan’s face. She forced a smile. “Prince Tybalt,” she said with a bit of surprise to her voice. Then she noticed who Dillan carried in his arms and her face went white as a ghost. Her speech was lost to her as her eyes blurred with tears.
“I am sorry,” Dillan managed through a shaky voice as he laid Ashleen’s body gently beside that of her father. “It is my fault, I should have…,” he let the words trail off as he stood. “I am so sorry.” Dillan wiped the tears from his eyes as he turned away.
The morning was pierced with a scream as Gwyndalin slipped her hands beneath Ashleen’s head and pulled her daughter close, rocking back and forth, and crying hysterically.
As Dillan walked away he saw Eamon jogging toward him. When Eamon was about to pass, Dillan snatched his arm halting him. “Let me go!” Eamon said. “She is my cousin.”
“I know she is, lad,” Dillan replied. “But leave her with her mother for now. You can say good-bye later.” Eamon began to cry, tears poured out over his cheeks. Dillan grabbed him and pulled him into an embrace. “It’s alright, Eamon,” he said softly. “We all loved her.” He felt Eamon nod against his chest. “Come on, let’s go check on the others.”
***
“Ow!” Erec shouted. “Be gentle!”
“Oh, don’t be such a baby,” Terrwyn laughed as she wrapped the splint she had placed on Erec’s wrist with a cloth.
“I’m not being a baby, Terrwyn. It’s broken. It hurts.”
“I know it’s broken, Erec, and if I do not wrap the splint tightly it will not heal properly.” Terrwyn tied the bandage off. “There, all finished.” She looked up into her brother’s eyes. “Being King has made you soft. I don’t remember you whining so much,” she teased him.
“And living with dragons has turned your blood cold. I don’t remember you being so mean,” Erec shot back. Then he heard Avon snort from nearby.
“Dracen are warm blooded,” the dragon said indignantly.
“My apologies,” Erec said with a good-humored laugh.
Terrwyn threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight. “I missed you so much, Erec.”
“I missed you, too,” Erec replied. “I cannot believe it has been so long. So much has happened.”
“Any of it good?” Terrwyn asked hopefully.
Erec frowned and shook his head. “Not much, I am afraid.” He smiled broadly. “So dracen…” he said. “That’s new.” Both laughed.
“Yes, dracen are real. Seraph are real. Dracengard is real,” Terrwyn smiled. “Was there anything you were not wrong about?” she teased, reminding him that he had doubted their existence despite their father’s and Sir Gwillym’s assurances that they were real.
“Well, in this case, I am most happy that I was wrong.” His tone quickly turned somber. “You’ve heard about father, of course?” he asked. Terrwyn nodded as she looked down at the ground. “Breston was killed retaking Avonvale.”
“Oh, no!” Terrwyn said. “How is Sephene?”
“She is in Avonvale,” Erec informed her. “She has been a wonderful help getting things back together.” He gave his sister a slight smile. “She wants to be Queen.” Terrwyn’s eyes widened.
“Sephene?” Terrwyn replied. “I never thought of…I mean…she’s our cousin.”
“I would hardly be the first king to marry his cousin, Terrwyn,” Erec said. “There is not a noble family in Avonvale that we are not related to if you go far enough back.”
“I know,” Terrwyn said. “But what about Ella?” Erec looked away quickly and Terrwyn’s heart broke as she realized why. She was about to say something when they heard the great roar of a dracen from above them and looked skyward to see Willem descending atop his silver dracen, Shimmer.
Shimmer landed and Willem helped three young girls to the ground. Taite and Merdith immediately ran toward Terrwyn and Erec, but Tallah held back.
“Terrwyn!” Taite shouted excitedly as she reached her big sister throwing her arms around her. “I am so happy you are alright. I was worried about you.”
Terrwyn could not help but laugh. “You were worried about me?” she asked. Then Merdith squeezed in to give her a hug as well.
“What about me?” Erec asked. “Weren’t you worried about me?” Taite turned to hug Erec.
“You can take care of yourself,” Taite said causing both Erec and Terrwyn to laugh boisterously.
Taite looked back over her shoulder. She waved for Tallah to join them. “Tallah come and meet my sister, Terrwyn!” she shouted.
Tallah joined them nervously and as Taite made the introductions, Erec approached Willem, as he dismounted Shimmer. Erec held out his good hand. “It’s good to see you, Willem,” he said.
Willem accepted Erec’s hand, shaking it vigorously. “You as well, Erec,” he said with a bright smile.
“Have you heard from Elophborne?” Erec asked.
Willem shook his head. “Not in a long time. Do you have news?”
“I am afraid I do.” Erec glanced back at Terrwyn who was listening as well, before turning back to Willem. “I received a letter from your Uncle Hansel recently. He and Edward led their armies to defeat the drakmere in Elwood. Killed them all.”
“Well that is wonderful news, Erec,” Willem said excitedly.
Erec shook his head.
“What is it?” Willem asked.
Erec swallowed and stared down at the ground. He cleared his throat before looking up into Willem’s eyes. “Edward was killed during the battle.”
“What?” Willem asked as his lips quivered. Terrwyn was there in a flash and wrapped her arms around Willem’s neck.
“I am so sorry, Willem,” Terrwyn said.
“I am afraid that is not all, Willem,” Erec said.
Willem lifted his head as Terrwyn turned to face her brother.
“Ella…” Erec began.
Willem shook his head. “
No. Erec, please. Tell me Ella is alright.”
“I wish that I could Willem. She was murdered right in front of me.”
“In front of you?” Willem asked, confused. “Why didn’t you save her Erec?”
“I couldn’t Willem, believe me, I would have.”
“Who did it?” Willem asked.
“Duke Andrick of Libetha.”
Willem began to weep and Terrwyn squeezed him tight. They stood embracing for a long time until they heard Taite shout out.
“Captain Dillan!” Taite squealed excitedly.
Terrwyn turned to see her little sister run over to Dillan and wrap her arms around him. “Erec, this is Prince Tybalt,” Taite said, giggling at the once great secret.
Erec’s eyes were wide as he recognized Dillan immediately. “So you really aren’t a pirate?” Erec asked.
“No, I’m not a pirate,” Dillan laughed.
Erec sighed. “Next time, lead with introductions. It would have saved me a whole lot of hassle.” Both men began to laugh.
“And this is Prince Eamon of Ephenee,” Dillan said, introducing the somber looking lad beside him. He then looked up at Terrwyn and Willem and saw the sadness on their faces. “What’s going on?” he asked, concern for his friends evident in his voice.
“I am afraid I have brought Willem some sad news. His brother and sister were killed.”
“I am so sorry, Will,” Dillan said. “Truly. I wish I could say something comforting, but I am afraid, I am only going to make matters worse.”
“What do you mean?” Willem asked.
“Ashleen was killed by the shedom,” Dillan said bluntly.
***
Lisabeth looked at all the dead and dying that littered the grounds of Caerwynspire as she rode into the city with Sir Tomfrey. The battle had clearly been massive. All around people dragged and wheeled drakmere off to a large pile, presumably to be burned. The human bodies were laid out in nice neat rows to give loved ones an opportunity to come and identify them. So much carnage.
They noticed Sir Auberon as he quickly approached them, taking hold of the horse bridle to steady it. “So glad to see you, Princess,” Auberon said. “Your mother will be relieved.”
“The death toll?” Tomfrey asked.
“Too early to know, lad,” Auberon said. “Not many Paladin left alive though. Glad you are.”
“Which were killed?” Lisabeth asked after the dead Paladin.
Auberon shook his head. “There will be plenty of time to mourn your knights, Princess. You go on and find your mother now. She’ll be needing you.”
“Needing me?” Lisabeth asked.
“Go on,” Auberon repeated as he released the bridle.
Tomfrey nodded to Auberon and rode away. They made their way through the dead and wounded and those caring for them until Tomfrey noticed Rodrick standing tall. Nearby was the Queen, weeping over someone.
“Not Father,” Lisabeth whispered. She leapt down from the horse before Tomfrey had even stopped. “Mother!” Lisabeth cried as she ran. Gwyndalin turned to look over her shoulder when she heard her daughter’s voice.
Gwyndalin stood as Lisabeth reached her, wrapping her arms around her daughter and sobbing. “Oh my darling, I am so glad you are safe. I was so worried about you.”
“Mother, is Father…” Lisabeth looked over her mother’s shoulder to see her father lying dead. Then she saw Ashleen beside him. “Ash!” she shouted. “No!” She and her mother wept onto each others shoulders as soldiers came and carried the King and Ashleen inside the castle.
Chapter 26
Anne sat upon her bed, her pale white skin almost glowing in the darkness. Orrick had provided her with comforts from the Middle Realm like silk sheets and beautiful dresses. He had told her his queen would want for nothing. She did want something, however. Revenge. She wanted desperately to march back into the Middle Realm and kill all of those who had stood against her. This time she would not be so forgiving. Anyone who dared rise above their belly in her presence would be cut down.
Everyone had betrayed her in the end. Ella, Terrance, Andrick. Probably Ariana too, though she would never know. Everyone except Morgan. Her loyal brother had made the ultimate sacrifice for his sister’s survival. At least, that was the way she preferred to remember it. She would never blame herself for Morgan’s death. After all, it was an honor to die for your empress. Anne could never blame herself, she would blame the rebels. That is how she saw them. Anyone who resisted her rightful rule over them was a rebel. She may have drawn Morgan’s blood, but it was their fault for refusing to submit, and she wanted revenge.
“What are you thinking about?” Orrick’s voice caused her to jump. She spun to see him seated in a chair watching her. He moved so smoothly and silently through the darkness she never knew when or where he might appear.
She smiled warmly. “Revenge,” she answered.
“Revenge?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Against whom?”
“The Middle Realm. I want blood for what they did to me, Orrick,” she sneered.
“We have discussed that Andalynn. You had your opportunity. You were given an army and a shedom to command it. Yet you lost.”
“I was given nothing!” she spat. “I took the army when I cut the Wizard’s head off. As for the shedom…it was Rayfen’s incompetence in military strategy that led to our defeat. I wanted to secure the southern kingdoms but he…” Orrick interrupted her.
“I am not sure I like your tone, Andalynn,” Orrick said.
Anne swallowed hard and immediately rushed across the room to kneel in front of him. “Forgive me, my love,” she said as she laid her head in his lap placing the side of her face scarred and burnt by Uriel’s flaming blade upon his legs to hide it from his eyes. “I do not mean to offend you.”
“It is alright,” Orrick said as he stroked her soft hair.
She kissed his finger tips lightly and then lifted her eyes to him. “Give me another chance,” she said. “Give me competent warriors instead of brainless reptiles. But most of all give me dragons. I cannot possibly defeat their dragons without my own.” Orrick stared down at her without blinking. “Please, my love. I beg you.”
Orrick breathed in deeply and then began to laugh. “It seems I can refuse you nothing,” he said. “Alright. But you shall lead the army for I cannot. I have promised my brother that I shall not lead any armies into the Middle Realm. As long as I hold up my end of the bargain, he will hold up his. The forces of Auraehalis will not come down and fight us.”
“And I may have dragons?” she asked.
“Drakons, my love.”
She smiled. “I may have drakons?” she asked stressing the correct pronunciation.
“Of course,” Orrick smiled. “I would not send my armies into battle without them.”
Anne smiled. “Thank you, My Lord,” she said.
“But understand, you shall either be victorious or you shall die there. I cannot assist you anymore. To keep the peace between myself and Hae’lel, once you leave Abaddock, I shall not permit you to return. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Anne whispered.
Orrick smiled and reached down lifting her up onto his lap. “We have a lot of work to get you ready for command. You must learn to fight effectively and most importantly you must learn to fly a drakon.” Anne smiled. “In fact I have a surprise for you,” Orrick said as he lifted a leather sachel into his lap and opened it. Anne peered inside.
“Dracenstones?” she asked clearly confused. These were the stones the Wizard had collected.
“Well that is what your people called them,” he smiled. “A dracen is born from the flames of a dracen. A drakon is born from the flames of a drakon.”
“I do not understand,” Anne said.
“These are not stones, my dear. They are dragon eggs.”
Anne smiled. “Dragon eggs!” she repeated excitedly as she stared at the smooth round objects more closely.
“Dragons are incredibly perceptive. They can see into the future. They also communicate using their thoughts,” he explained as he tapped the side of his temple. “A dragon shall understand its purpose while still inside of the egg. For example your family’s dragon was given to your ancestors by the seraph Alaric to protect the family if the forces of Abaddock ever invaded again. As long as your family line existed, that dragon would do so. Once it sensed trouble it formed a psychic bond with the member of the family it felt was most likely to fulfill its purpose of protecting your family.”
“Terrwyn,” Anne sneered as she recalled seeing her cousin soar into Caerwynspire atop a dracen.
Orrick nodded. “Yes. In some instances that psychic connection is never formed. In others it is broken once the seraph nephilim is killed. However, none of the dragons given to the nephilim will form a psychic bond with any outside of their family until the line is broken.”
Anne sighed. “So I cannot bond with any of the dragons because I am not a member of the family?” She was clearly disappointed.
Orrick smiled. He removed a single stone. It was not bright and shiny as Anne had remembered them being, but was as black as a shedom’s eyes. He dropped the satchel to the floor then lifted his leg and smashed it and its contents under his boot. Anne heard tiny shrieks as the small dragons died, crushed to death. “Those were useless to us, as their family lines still survived” he explained. “But this one…” he said smiling as he held it up to her. “Take it.”
She reached forward slowly and took the stone from him. “I can form a bond with it?” she asked. Orrick nodded. “But how?”
“Because you killed the last of its family line,” he said matter-of-factly.
Anne’s eyes leapt to his. “Tamesis,” she whispered.
Orrick nodded. “Now the dragon inside may be given a new purpose. I have cultivated it since Rayfen gave it to me. Turned it dark. Have you not had the dream? Have you not dreamed of becoming a great dark dragon?” Anne nodded. “This is your drakon, my love. Yours to control and use to destroy your enemies.”
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