Dragon's Keep: The Complete Dracengard Series

by Christopher Vale

  Chapter 17

  Sir Tomfrey listened intently to the news that Rodrick had brought south to Libetha. Tomfrey had been named acting regent of Libetha following the battle and Andrick’s execution, while the Allied Kingdoms determined what should be done with the kingdom and Beagonia now that the war was over. Thus, Tomfrey and the soldiers under his command had remained safe from harm when the forces of darkness overran the White Fortress.

  “I do not know how long we have before the shedom are at Libetha’s gates as well,” Rodrick explained. “We shall leave in the morning and you and your men must come with us.”

  Tomfrey nodded as he looked away trying to take it all in. It was difficult. The destruction of one’s home, the loss of almost everyone was almost incomprehensible. Rodrick understood and let Tomfrey take a quiet moment to absorb the information. After a while, Tomfrey opened his mouth to speak. When he did so he found his lips dry and his voice little more than a whisper. “Where shall we go?” he asked Rodrick.

  “Avonvale or Elophborne maybe,” Rodrick replied. “Pile onto ships and sail to Avalon if we have to. My duty is to protect the Princesses and I shall do so with my last breath.”

  “And what of Lisabeth?” Tomfrey asked, concern evident in his voice.

  “She is safe in Ephenee for the time being. The seraph was to warn her.”

  “Perhaps I should go to Ephenee,” Tomfrey said.

  Rodrick shook his head. “Lisabeth is fine,” he said to Tomfrey’s frown. “Look, I know how close the two of you are. I know after what happened to Ashleen you…” Rodrick paused and collected his thoughts as Tomfrey looked away at the mention of Ashleen’s name. “Lisabeth has her betrothed’s dracen and the entire Epheneen military to protect her. I need you with me. Too many of the Paladin with me are young and inexperienced, having only joined after the Battle. I need your help, Tomfrey. We have nine other princesses that need protecting.” Tomfrey nodded. “And they are a handful. I think each is more stubborn than the previous,” he said causing Tomfrey to chuckle.

  “I shall have my men ready to move at first light,” Tomfrey promised.

  “Good,” Rodrick replied. “And what of the citizens of Libetha?”

  Tomfrey thought a moment. “I shall warn them and suggest that they flee south as well.”

  Rodrick nodded. “Very well,” he said. “Now, if you do not mind I could use a hot meal and bit of sleep.”

  “Of course,” Tomfrey said. Rodrick stood and stepped past Tomfrey with a pat on the younger man’s shoulder. He made his way to the door, but was stopped by Tomfrey’s voice. “I know you did not want to leave the Queen, Rodrick,” Tomfrey said, “but her daughters will need you more than she ever could.”

  Rodrick did not respond nor even turn to face Tomfrey. He simply left the room.

  ***

  Karissa stood on the bow of the flagship of the Epheneen fleet as it sailed from the emerald island of Ephenee across a small stretch of ocean to the mainland of the Middle Realm. There, her soldiers would disembark and march across the land until reaching the city of Avonvale.

  It was generally agreed that Ephenee would not be the immediate target of forces of Abaddock and, thus, all but a small force of the Epheneen military would leave to fight in Avonvale. Lord Tibor was the obvious choice to lead the military to Avonvale and was honored to be named by Karissa to do so. He was somewhat surprised when she insisted on coming along.

  “I am Caerwyn,” she had said firmly. “I have been holding a sword since childhood and I shall join the battle to defend my realm, my people, and my family.”

  Thus, Karissa joined the forces heading toward Avonvale, while her mother, Sibilus, remained behind as acting regent until either Karissa or Eamon returned. Eamon and Lisabeth left earlier on the back of Jade, assuring everyone that they would scout ahead to ensure the path of the Epheneen army was clear.

  While Karissa stared at the shores of the mainland, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Lord Tibor. She smiled.

  “What are you thinking, Your Grace?” he asked.

  “That I may never return across these waters again. That if we do not defeat this darkness in Avonvale, even this mighty ocean will not be enough to save our people from the shedom.” Karissa peered into his eyes. “That I am probably going to die along with everyone I know and love.” Tibor nodded.

  Karissa turned back to the ocean as the ship sailed on toward Avonvale. Tibor stood beside her reflecting on the coming battle.

  Chapter 18

  Erec scooped up another shovel full of dirt and tossed it out of the hole. The hole was already a head deeper than he was tall. He decided to take a break and drink some water. Shirtless and covered in dirt that was turning to mud when mixed with his sweat, Erec climbed out of the hole and sat on its edge allowing his legs to dangle inside. He uncorked the leather flask that laid beside him, brought it to his lips and drank deeply of water warmed from the sun.

  As he rested on the edge of the hole dug into the slope of a hill north of the city, Erec surveyed Avonvale. He sat upon the same hill down which the drakmere had charged when they conquered the city and Erec assumed the the forces of Abaddock would invade from the same direction. All of the people of Avonvale, including children, were engaged in the defensive preparations against the greatest threat the kingdom had ever faced. Even the King himself was not above working as a laborer, filthy in the dirt.

  Erec smiled as he watched his queen walking among the men as they dug holes and trenches in the slope of the hill. She carried a bucket of water while children scooped ladles full taking them to men down in the holes. Sephene never complained, but went about this duty with the same grace she exhibited in all of her others. She glanced up and noticed Erec watching her. Sephene returned his smile and waved. He waved back before taking another pull from the flask of water.

  Erec set the flask down in the grass beside the hole and was just about to jump back down into it when he heard a roar pierce the air. Erec glanced up to see a dracen with garnet scales soaring above the river. The great beast glided down to the once bustling port, landing upon the edge of the water and causing those on the docks to scurry back. Erec scrambled to his feet up to his tip toes and spied the sails of a ship flying the flag of the Stromland.

  “They’re here,” he said to himself with a smile. He turned to see Sephene also staring at the river. “Terrwyn and Taite are here!” he shouted to her.

  Sephene turned to smile happily at him, knowing that if Terrwyn and Taite had arrived her mother and sister would be with them. She set down the bucket of water as Erec joined her, pulling his shirt on over his mud caked body. “Let us go and greet them,” he smiled. Sephene nodded giddily. She took his hand as the two made their way down the hill toward the port.

  By the time Erec and Sephene reached the docks, the passengers had disembarked from the Vagabond. Terrwyn stood conversing with the captain of the ship as cargo was offloaded. Terrwyn’s dracen, Avon, stood not far away surveying the port and the city like a sentinel wary that a shedom might leap from the shadows at any moment to attack them. Lady Azaleigh stood just a few feet from Terrwyn smiling up at the castle which overlooked the port, glad to be back in Avonvale. She held the hands of Taite and Merdith in each of hers in an attempt to prevent the girls from darting away. However, when Taite and Merdith noticed Erec and Sephene, nothing would hold them. The girls pulled away from Azaleigh, shouting “Erec!” and “Sephene!” while running as quickly as their little legs would carry them.

  Erec scooped Taite up in his arms, kissing her on the cheek as Sephene squatted down to accept an embrace from Merdith. “You are filthy!” Taite exclaimed as Erec placed her back on the ground.

  Erec chuckled. “I’ve been working,” he informed her. “We’re preparing for the defense of Avonvale.”

  “Well, you can kiss me again once you’ve taken a bath,” Taite said as she crinkled her nose.

  Erec turned to Merdith. “How about you?” he
asked. Merdith rushed to him and threw her arms around his waist as he bent over and kissed the top of her head. Taite gave Sephene a hug and then the young Queen stood to greet her mother, who strode toward them with a giant smile spread across her face.

  “Mother,” Sephene said as a salutation while holding her arms open, meeting her mother.

  As they embraced, Erec heard Terrwyn call his name and met her halfway. “I’ve missed you,” she said as she threw her arms around him. She quickly pulled away. “You are filthy,” she said. Erec rolled his eyes.

  “I did not know my dragon-riding, warrior sister was afraid of a little dirt,” he laughed and then pulled her close to him, rubbing his dirty face and hair against her as she squealed like a little girl.

  “Stop it!” she shouted in a half-scream/half-giggle as she broke free of Erec’s grip and pushed him away playfully. Both laughed heartily. Then Erec glanced past Terrwyn at the dracen watching them.

  “How are you, Avon?” he asked with a smile.

  “I am well, thank you, Erec. With your permission, I shall perch myself upon the top of the castle keep so that I may watch the distant sky.”

  “You may do whatever you deem necessary, my friend,” Erec informed him.

  “Thank you,” Avon replied before beating his wings, lifting off the ground, and flying up to the top of the castle keep as the citizens of Avonvale stood gawking. Even though Avon had spent months in Avonvale, the people still watched him in wonder.

  “He’s very formal,” Erec said to Terrwyn.

  She nodded. “He’s nervous,” she said. “More nervous than I have ever known him. He fears the worst is about to happen.”

  Erec nodded. “Well, I am certainly glad to have him here to assist us in the coming battle. What about Dillan? Where is he?”

  “Dillan and Bran flew to Elophborne and Dracengard to warn them of the coming invasion. He’ll join us soon. Everyone shall converge here for our final stand. We must be ready Erec.”

  Erec opened his mouth to respond, but then his lips turned into a toothy grin. “Is that…?” he began as he looked past Terrwyn to the nursemaids descending from the gangplank carrying the young Prince and Princess.

  “Twins,” Terrwyn smiled. “I named them after Mother and Father. I hope that is alright.”

  Erec smiled as he and Terrwyn walked toward his niece and nephew. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Terrwyn fixed him with a stern glare, but lowered her voice. “And I understand I am an aunt as well,” she said.

  Erec peeked over his shoulder at Sephene who was speaking to her mother. “Yes,” he nodded.

  “When can I meet her?” Terrwyn asked.

  Erec smiled. “Well, come let us get you settled in and then we can all make our acquaintance with our newest kin.”

  ***

  King Tythan’s horse trotted along at the head of the columns of soldiers accompanying him southward to Avonvale. Thousands of civilians moved south with them. A great many of the subjects of Talisaria had been sent to the coast to cram aboard ships and sail around the horn of the Middle Realm and to safety at Ephenee. Besides being related to Karissa and Eamon by marriage, Tythan believed Ephenee would be one of the last kingdoms to feel the wrath of the dark army. Thus, his people would be as safe there as anywhere. Lady Becca accompanied those refugees, carrying with her a letter of introduction from Tythan to Karissa and Eamon.

  Tythan had also sent ships south along the river, carrying provisions for him and his people along the march. That way the caravan could move faster without as much to carry. There were only two ships, not enough to carry all the troops moving southward, but large enough to carry food and other provisions for them.

  Tythan soon found a gaggle of people waiting along the road near the river, watering their horses and themselves. Tythan frowned, curious as to whom he had encountered. He soon recognized the golden armor of Paladin and smiled, glad to see some of the citizens of Caerwynspire had escaped. Perhaps Gwyndalin was with them. Perhaps, Aura’s pessimism had been misplaced.

  Two Paladin met Tythan and his men in the road, blocking their path. “I am King Tythan of Talisaria, brother of Queen Gwyndalin of Caerwynspire,” he said sharply. “Who is in command here?”

  “Come with me, Your Majesty,” one of the Paladin said with a respectful bow of his head. Tythan did not recognize the man and by the youth of his face, assumed he had not been a Paladin very long.

  “King Tythan,” came a familiar voice and Tythan was quite pleased to see Sir Rodrick. He knew of Rodrick’s loyalty to his sister. If Rodrick were here, Gwyndalin would be too.

  Tythan dismounted his horse and quickly greeted the golden armored knight. “We received word from General Aura that Caerwynspire had fallen,” Tythan said. “Is it true?” he asked.

  “I am afraid so, Your Majesty,” Rodrick replied somberly.

  Tythan frowned. “But my sister, she is safely with you?” he asked a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

  Rodrick shook his head. “I am sorry, Your Majesty,” Rodrick said.

  Tears began to build in Tythan’s eyes and his lips quivered. “That cannot be,” Tythan said. “You would never have left her behind. You are too loyal.”

  Rodrick nodded. “I am loyal, but I am also obedient. My Queen commanded that I escort her daughters to safety and that is what I have done.”

  Tythan brightened slightly. “My nieces are with you?” he asked.

  “Yes,” Rodrick replied. “And they will be very glad to see their uncle. Let us go find them.”

  Rodrick led Tythan down the road a bit while the other Talisarians rested and watered their own horses. Tythan smiled at Sir Tomfrey who watched over a group of girls sitting on the bank of the river.

  “Uncle Tythan,” came the cry of Lyn, one of Gwyndalin’s older daughters. Suddenly all of the Princesses leapt to their feet and rushed to meet him. He knelt down and held his arms open as the girls embraced him, pushing closer and tighter. Tythan joined his nieces in weeping for their fellow countrymen, but mostly for their mother, his beloved big sister.

  Chapter 19

  Taite sat at the edge of the woods overlooking Avonvale watching the preparations for the coming battle. Earlier that day, Willem had arrived atop his dracen, Shimmer, promising that Sir Maxin was leading the army north and would reinforce Avonvale soon enough. Willem had suggested Taite, Merdith, and Terrwyn’s twins be sent south to Elophborne to join Geoffrey and Tallah in Elwood, safe from the coming battle. Erec and Terrwyn thanked him for the offer, but realized that should Avonvale fall, no Kingdom in the Middle Realm would be safe from the forces of Abaddock.

  Taite was relieved. She was terrified of the coming battle, but she did not wish to leave her home again. She found comfort in being with Erec and Terrwyn. That was something that had been impossible much of the time during the last war. So many of their friends and family had died during the Wizard’s reign of terror. So many to whom she never even had the chance to say good-bye. If this was truly going to be the end for all of them—for everyone in the Middle Realm—Taite wanted to be with her family when it happened.

  The memories of the first battle of Avonvale were ever present in Taite’s mind and she sought respite outside of the castle. She had escaped to the hills surrounding the city and sat down, watching the preparations for its defense.

  “Greetings little one,” a voice said causing Taite to jump from fright. She had thought she was all alone. She quickly turned and was relieved, even happy, to see Aura smiling broadly at her.

  “You startled me,” Taite laughed as she pushed herself to her feet.

  “I am sorry, child. That certainly was not my intention,” Aura remarked.

  Taite noticed a small girl clinging to Aura’s leg and her eyes brightened. “Is that Ashleen?” she asked Aura excitedly. The seraph nodded in reply. “I have been so excited to meet her.” Taite carefully approached her young niece. “She is so big,” Taite remarked.

  “Th
at is what everyone keeps telling me. I would not know. Seraph emerge from the light fully grown.”

  When she was a few feet away, Taite lowered herself to her knees in the grass. “Hello Ashleen,” she spoke softly. “I am your Aunt Taite.” The girl smiled bashfully, but remained hidden behind her mother’s leg.

  Taite’s eyes rose to meet Aura’s. “What are you doing out here?” she asked. “Terrwyn and I had looked everywhere for you, wanting to meet Ashleen.”

  “I am trying to keep my distance from the castle,” she said. “The Queen is not too happy about our presence.”

  “Well, you can hardly blame her for that,” Taite said.

  “I do not,” Aura replied. “I do not blame anyone. Besides, Ashleen enjoys it out here. She, like you, possesses the seraph’s ability to communicate with animals. She has spent much of the morning playing chase with squirrels.”

  Taite laughed. “No one believed me when I told them I could talk to animals until we met the elophim.” Taite noticed the pained expression materialize upon Aura’s face, but it disappeared quickly. “I am sorry, Aura.”

  “It is alright, child. You have lost more than I in this war,” Aura replied.

  Taite nodded. She watched the squirrels continue to chase one another, even without Ashleen joining them. They were so carefree. Aura followed her gaze.

  “These poor creatures are oblivious to what is coming,” Aura remarked.

  “What do you mean?” Taite asked.

  “When the forces of Abaddock sweep through the Middle Realm, they shall destroy everything in their path. They care nothing for the trees or the birds in them. The animals will suffer as greatly as humans.” Aura glanced back at Taite to see the girl staring wide-eyed into the forest.

  Taite remembered how the wolves and owls had saved her from the drakmere when she was lost in the Great Forest. Animals were clearly capable of coordinating their efforts to fight the forces of darkness just like humans. Taite suddenly dashed off into the forest.