Encouraged by her aggressive tone, Yasqu puffed tiny jets of smoke in the face of his captor.
Eburscon coughed. “That’s quite enough of that nasty behavior.” He attempted to place a hand around the nose of the dragon.
The baby resisted and sent a shower of sparks out with the next puff.
“Right onto my robe too. Fine burn marks, you little beast!” He snatched a hand firmly around Yasqu’s nose, his long fingernails pinching the hatchling’s sensitive skin.
The baby squealed under the constraint and squirmed wildly.
“Cullen, do something!” Lyra exclaimed. From his position next to his master, Noba jumped up and down, casting his tail forward as though he’d like to barb the alchemist with its poison tip.
“Hold up! Can you not use magic to handle him more gently?” The wizard stepped closer.
“No. I am blocked from training him with magic.”
“Since I have already, I assume then that I’m permitted,” Cullen quipped.
“Who would allow you?” the alchemist said with a caustic tone, his eyes narrowed.
Cullen moved a hand over the wriggling body. “Sereno!”
Yasqu stilled. Lyra removed Eburscon’s hand from his nose. She stroked his jaw and flank where the scales were beginning to harden. “Little one, be good while I’m gone. After three days I will be back to get you.” She looked up to the man holding him. “You can be sure of that promise.”
The alchemist stared at her, but said nothing. She could not read his expression. With a grand flourish of his robes, he spun into a whirling purple cloud. He and Yasqu disappeared with the settling vapor.
Lyra huffed, “I don’t like him.”
“Not many do aside from the Imperial Dragon,” Cranewort responded.
“Yasqu will be okay.” Cullen wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s move on. Present our grand old sentry with your writing, so he may allow us to proceed.”
From her bag she withdrew the manuscript, which was received by twig hands. After a quick flip through the folder, he proclaimed, “This looks to be thoroughly done. The Unicorn will judge for quality. You all may travel onward. At the Crossroads, select the third path from the left to travel quickly to the Sea of Cogadh where the rest of your band is waiting.”
“Thank you, Cranewort.” She gathered her work.
His branches realigned, creaking and popping. “I wish you wisdom, power, and luck in your quest, Lyra. Sire Drake, keep her safe.”
Cullen held out his chest. “I will.”
They bowed and headed down the path. A cold breeze made Lyra shiver.
Chapter Eighteen: The Heliodor
“Pause for a moment.” Cullen twirled his staff. “Amiculum!”
A cloak of warm velvet surrounded her, rich navy embroidered along the placket with gold stars. “Oh! Thank you. It’s lovely and toasty.”
“I selected the lining to match your eyes.” He looked from fabric to her face and back. “I did well enough.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “This gift lifts my spirits, although I’m worried about Yasqu.”
Cullen resumed their walk, and Noba took flight beside his shoulder. “While distracted by your quest, Yasqu’s presence will likely go unnoticed by the Black Dragon. Also, Eburscon will begin training the hatchling to be less vulnerable to attack. Keep in mind, that baby’s destined to be an aide in the Imperial Council. He’ll be treated well. Eburscon will not challenge the wishes of the Head Guardian.”
She smiled and nodded. “Why is the air so cold today? It was pleasant during my last visit.” The crisp breeze lifted her hair back from her shoulders, and she pulled the edges of her new cloak together.
“Dark magic is chilling the land as it spreads. When I was here last, it was much warmer.”
They turned a corner around a thicket of trees draped with leaves that looked like silver Christmas icicles. Beyond the dense foliage lay the shore of the Sea of Cogadh. Its water shimmered with a pearlized effect, like oil and water—good and evil never mix.
Voices sounded from behind a rocky outcropping. Kenzo flew up into the air, spied them, and cried out, “Whoa! There they are.”
“Time for duty!” Bero trotted out in view, chest held high, his silver rack grown even larger. Tama and his two squirrel charges scampered up, so excited they ran over Lyra’s feet and tickled her ankles with their fur.
She bent down and rubbed their ears and bellies. “I’m glad to see you too.”
“Does our Scribe like her new cloak?” the owl asked.
She turned one placket over to display the sky blue satin brocade. “Yes, very much.”
He clapped his wingtips together. “Wonderful. I helped Master design it for you.”
“You both did a terrific job. It’s lovely. Thank you.”
He flew close to the wizard. “Master, to prevent a staffing problem, since I knew you’d have Noba with you, I elected to leave the sprites at home in the Meadow. I hope that was a wise choice.”
“Yes, very good, Kenzo. Thank you. We have enough to worry about and don’t need my sprites taking advantage of his good-heartedness with their practical jokes.” The wizard continued with a louder volume to be sure his familiar heard. “Noba has earned the right to come along. He was a big help to Lyra.”
“Yes, he really was,” she added.
“Soon, you’ll have enough power to command a familiar of your own,” Cullen said.
“I know just what kind she’d like.” Kenzo hovered in the air and whispered to the wizard.
Lyra laughed. “You two are keeping secrets. Tell me.”
Before either could respond, the rhythm of hoof beats approached, thundering from the edge of the forest onto the shore. All bowed in silence.
“Greetings. You are the valiant, ready to embark on the long final leg of the scribe’s journey. I bow to you.” He lowered his massive hind quarters and knelt with his horn grazing the black sand. He rose and continued, “Has the Imperial Scribe completed her task?”
“Yes, I have.” Lyra located the folder with the manuscript in her bag. She stepped up to the Unicorn and held it before him for inspection.
He nodded for her to turn pages. Several minutes passed as he read carefully. Her arms grew tired, but at long last he stepped back. “You have completed the test with thoroughness and precision. No Scribe heretofore has done as well. I may now permit you to proceed.”
She returned the manuscript to storage and gave a slight bow. She was proud; the effort revealed her best work.
A trio of blood-red fire drakes invaded the sky above them. Mouths open wide, they spewed fire downward at some distance, more as a threat than a real danger. Their bared teeth reminded Lyra of the horrible vision outside her bay window. She shuddered. The presence of the Unicorn kept her safe now.
“Let me prepare you for what lies ahead. First, you must traverse the Sea of Cogadh.” He turned to face the water and walked into the surf. When all four hoofs contacted the pale blue water, he boomed, “Exorior ductor!” His voice carried far over the deeper purple water, where evil tinged it red, and then returned as a harmonic echo from a female’s soprano voice. They each repeated the incantation until the woman swam to shore. Lyra stood spellbound.
A sea woman sat on the shore at the Guardian’s feet. He turned to Lyra and motioned her to come near. “Your guides are brave and uniquely talented in specific realms of magic, but all call the Meadow of Peace their home. The Lady Vilea lives in the Sea of Cogadh, knows every enemy and ally, every hazard and safe hold. I offer her services as a guide to help you reach the far shore under protection of the Tortoise, Guardian of Water.”
Lyra lifted the full skirt of her gown, stooped in the sand, and extended her free hand to the woman. The beautiful woman dropped her head and shied away from the gesture. Instead, she bowed so low it seemed her headdress would fall, a large blue and pink nautilus shell, coiling above her ears. Bright red curls of hair spilled from underneath, tra
iling down her bare back.
“Handshakes are an uncommon practice here. Bowing is understood to show respect,” Cullen said.
Lyra drew her hand back, but instantly the other woman took hold of it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s my deepest pleasure to be of service to the new Scribe of Dragonspeir. My name is Vilea.”
“Vilea. Such a pretty name, like you. Thank you for agreeing to help me.” Overwhelmed by the sea lady’s beauty, Lyra could not resist staring. The woman was naked to the waist, her breasts ample, but firm. A long skirt of tiered ruffles grew directly from the milky skin at her waist. The sheer, crisp blue fabric reminded her of organza used in evening gowns. Lyra bowed and withdrew her hand.
A squadron of four dragons circled overhead. Scales in various shades of blue indicated they were allies. A silvery-blue one with transparent wings, like the one here before, descended low to survey the group onshore.
Cullen bowed to Vilea. “I met you once before, when Sire Kenzo and I were stranded on an island in the Sea. You got us to the shore safely. I’m glad to have your services again.”
Kenzo followed his lead, opened his wings, and leaned down beside his master. The others followed suit.
The Unicorn turned to Lyra. “Before you embark, I have gifts for you. At the last visit, I imparted you with power, which you used well to help you write the first adventure. Now, I will bestow you with an even greater aura, which you will need to combat evil forces and help you survive their strikes against you. Please remain quiet.” He lowered his horn onto one of her shoulders and then lifted it above her head to touch the other. The arc his horn drew surrounded her in a white vapor. Cool and sparkling, it raised goosebumps on her skin.
Cullen smiled at her and for an instant, his eyes reflected an image of her with a larger golden aura, glowing and pulsating around her. The guides gasped. She looked down at her limbs, but could not see the light. Glancing back up, his eyes returned to their usual gray-blue shade.
“I also have a tool to entrust to you, Adalyra,” the Guardian continued. “My role is to facilitate change for the better. Your success will accomplish that.” He leaned forward, nuzzled her palm open, and from his tongue, laid a smooth round object.
She held it up—a clear, golden stone, the size of a marble, and the same color of her aura in Cullen’s eyes.
“Heliodor. A scrying stone. This has great magic, allowing you to see into the future. This will help you avoid some dangers, but not all. The Black Dragon can foil this magic, but usually his aides cannot. Many types of scrying stones exist, but this one is especially suited to you as it matches the color of your aura. I have channeled some of my own power into it. I trust Sire Drake to teach you its uses since he is well acquainted with the art.” He nodded to the sorcerer.
“Thank you. It’s both lovely and useful,” Lyra said.
“I will teach her its use, my lord.” Cullen stepped to her side and ran his hand upward along the scrolled metalwork of his staff, until a small leather purse materialized from its apex. “Keep it safe within, but always carry a scrying gem on your person to maintain its connection to you alone.”
She accepted the purse of soft kid leather, placed the heliodor within, and secured the drawstring. She stored the parcel in her skirt pocket and buttoned the hidden flap.
The Unicorn stepped into the surf. With a wave of his horn, silver light shot out over the incoming wave and transformed into two long canoes. “It is time you and your guides must depart. Sire Drake, keep our Scribe safe. Remember Vilea is only a guide; her powers are limited.”
Cullen nodded and bowed, before steadying one boat for Lyra to board. Kenzo and Noba flew to seats beside her. Vilea commanded the other craft. Bero fearfully stepped in, one hoof at a time, causing it to pitch. After some soothing words from the sea lady, he gained his balance. The squirrels and Tama leapt on board with them.
“Farewell, Adalyra and all brave souls. Stand powerful for the Imperial Dragon and his Alliance.” The Unicorn lowered the tip of his horn into the water. The surface instantly calmed. No waves fought against them as Cullen and Vilea rowed from shore. Lyra watched as his image disappeared from view. No Guardian possessed dominion over this water. Left unprotected, she nervously fingered the smooth stone through its leather covering.
Chapter Nineteen: The Sea of Cogadh
Lyra wanted to ask Cullen about her aura and scrying stone, but Vilea’s presence made her cautious. She waited to catch his attention. If he would only read her thoughts and respond with some useful information.
He chuckled at her while he established a rowing rhythm in pace with Vilea. “Feeling anxious is a good way to gain my attention. Remember how you did that because we may need that method in the future. However, we can talk freely. It’s safe.”
The tension in her shoulders relaxed a bit. “Sometimes it’s good you can read my mind. What happened when I saw the reflection of my aura in your eyes?”
“The Unicorn gave you a large gift of his power. When added to what you received before and already possessed naturally, your aura expanded to the level of a magus. You’ll need to learn how to focus and call forth your new abilities, but I’m relieved you’ve reached that level prior to the scribe’s journey. It will protect you from some injuries during magical attacks. When we rest this evening, I’ll teach you some basic ways to use your powers.”
“The guides gasped when this change happened. Is it normal?” She withdrew the scrying stone from her pocket.
“No. It isn’t.”He swallowed hard. “The Tortoise is the oldest being of Dragonspeir, and his job is to remember its history. He told me only Elisabeth gained the level of a magus during her quest. I don’t know if the others reached that level upon completion or not. Like I said earlier, you possessed Dragonspeir magic before you entered a week ago, and that’s not typical.”
“Does that mean I’m mortal or something different?”
“In a sense you’re still mortal, but also a magical being. A magus is a type of lesser magical, a beginning level sorcerer. You can now endure more physical insult than before.”
“Will I live longer, as you have?”
“No. That requires the level of power I’ve achieved, after much study and application of craft to natural talents. You possess inherited ability and, with training, can become an immortal high sorcerer. Nothing would make me happier…”
Did she want to live for hundreds of years with him in this world? She wasn’t ready for that question, that commitment. Uncertain how to respond, she changed the topic. “How do I use this heliodor, my scrying stone?” She looked down at the golden gem and rolled it over in her palm.
“Stare at its surface and clear your mind. If a thought comes, don’t answer it. Once your mind is clear, ask the stone what you wish to know. Ask over and over. If you can keep your mind steady on that one question, the star on its surface will expand and an answer will come to you. The art of reading a scrying stone requires much practice.”
Lyra attempted to follow his directions, but clearing her mind proved difficult. Many questions and concerns criss-crossed her thoughts.
Vilea rowed her boat closer and addressed Cullen. “When was the last time I helped you, Sire Drake? Wasn’t it on the Isle of Lumen?”
“Yes…I was there to seek counsel of the aged seer. As soon as the sage spoke his answer, the sky opened in a violent storm, rendering my usual magical transport risky. It didn’t relent for hours.” He rowed methodically.
The sea lady’s long red curls tossed with the motions of the sea. “That’s right. I found you upon a rock, staff poised to the sky, ready to strike a bolt into the slightest clearing. Even drenched, I recognized the great aura of an Imperial Council member and knew to aid you.”
“There are usually a few thin spots in a storm that I can hurl power through to lift me above the rainclouds, so I can dematerialize safely. But not in that storm. It was as though some force enhanced the tempest.”
&nbs
p; Lyra lost focus and put the stone away, listening intently to the details of their conversation.
Abruptly, something jarred the bottom of the boat. She grabbed the sides of the hull. Nothing broke the surface, or showed underneath. Again, the boat was hit from below, this time it pitched hard to her left. She clung to the right side of the seat. “Cullen!”
Before the craft righted itself, it pitched immediately in the other direction. Kenzo and Noba flew up a few feet.
Cullen lunged for Lyra, but missed as she toppled over the edge, her fingers still clinging the outer rim of metal.
“Help me!” she cried.
He grabbed for her hand and yelled across the sea, “Expedio!” His magic failed.
Lyra’s fingers slipped from his as something clamped on her leg and pulled.
“Lyra! Lyra!” he yelled, long after his face disappeared from her sight.
A frozen chill passed over her leg. She opened her eyes underwater. The shape of a black sea monster barely stood apart from the inky depths; coils of its long body extended beyond her vision. What little she could see showed fins and sensory feelers growing at regular intervals. She avoided the touch of its tentacles, which she feared might be poisonous. However, its oversized mouth frightened her the most. Row after row of long, pointed teeth. It held tight onto her left leg.
She squirmed to determine the injuries to her limb, but the monster yanked her one way and then another. She tried to scream. Her mouth filled with water. A strong taste of minerals made her gag. She felt her heart throb, its beat drumming in her ears.
Voices from above screamed, but she couldn’t understand words.
Vilea dove nearby and hurled powerbolts at the serpent’s flanks.
The sea demon writhed and slapped her away with its tail.
The beast leapt above the surface, still holding Lyra. She gasped for air and then screamed, “Cullen!”
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