The Girl Who Walked Through Fire

by Dana Gricken

  Fane couldn’t tell her that his back was sore and he had an awful headache or the fact that when he did fall asleep, all he could dream of was Elara. He didn’t want to worry her any further. Instead, he opted for positivity.

  “It was very warm. And you?”

  “It was the best sleep I had in years. Who knew a life on the run was all I needed to catch some better shut-eye?” She replied, and he chuckled softly before she changed the subject. “Is that your sword?”

  “Yes. Powerful, isn’t it? It’s a thing of beauty,” He replied, holding it up in the air with a look of pride.

  “Why do you carry it?” Elara asked, curiously.

  “In our human-like state, dragons don’t really have a way of protecting themselves. The Sword of a Thousand Flames is our only defense if we ever get into a situation where we can’t transition, such as an ambush or an enclosed room. It’s every dragon’s worst fear, really,” He replied, gently tucking it into his belt for later. “Every dragon has one, just in case.”

  “What’s it like to transition?”

  He sighed. “It’s hard to describe, as it differs for every dragon. Sometimes it’s painful, other times it’s just a tickle. Some even suffer from headaches and nosebleeds. It’s really an out-of-body experience. It’s a learned skill – much like using any sword.”

  Fane glanced outside, squinting to see through the sunlight. “My father should be awake by now. We should go.”

  “Are you sure we’re safe here? When can I see my Dad again?”

  “Nerennia is protected by the Chamber of Fire. It’s guarded us against the Knights and other threats for many, many years. Trust me, we’re safe here. As for your father, Prince Hadrian has promised to look after him. I think it’s best we lie low in Nerennia for a little while. I have no doubt King Angus and his Grey Knights are in a panic, searching high and low for you.”

  She smirked. “Good. They deserve a little panic.”

  He paused, bemused. “I’m surprised you think so little of them. Most humans – if not all – support their crusade against the dragons and witches.”

  She shrugged. “Well, my Dad always made me feel like an outsider. I never fit in. I was always living in fear of people finding out about my mark. I guess I sympathize with your people, in a way.”

  “Then I think you’ll fit in well around here,” Fane replied as he opened the door and nodded towards the city. “My father lives in the Ark in the middle of town. We’ll walk.”

  Elara’s eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. “Walk?”

  Now that she had a taste for flying, other means of transportation just didn’t seem as fun. She couldn’t hide her disappointment.

  Fane stifled his laugh. “Sorry, Bria. No dragon riding this time.”

  KING ANGUS SLAMMED his fist down on the war table, startling the large group of Knights that stood before him. He had never been so angry.

  “This is an outrage! We can’t allow the girl to disappear! I want every single Knight searching for her! I want her picture on every television screen, billboard, and newspaper in the country!” The King bellowed as he shook his head out of frustration. “Everyone except Sir David and my sons, get out of my office! I can’t stand to look at any of your faces!”

  The Knights were more than happy to oblige as they hastily cleared out of the room in fear and shame. They were glad they wouldn’t have to suffer from the King’s wrath any further – for now, at least.

  “Dad, I think we should-” Fergus began before the King waved his hand in dismissal.

  “I don’t want to hear a word from you! This is your fault! You suggested that the girl should face the wildhounds in the arena. I should’ve known something terrible would happen!” The King shouted, shoving his finger in his son’s face.

  Fergus remained silent. He couldn’t bring himself to look his father in the eye.

  “And you!” The King continued on his rampage, pointing at David, “You sympathized with the girl! You vouched for her! How dare you call yourself a Knight of this Order!”

  Hadrian just rolled his eyes. If he didn’t believe his father was childish before, he certainly did now. Fergus watched his disrespectful brother, shaking his head in disgust.

  “Don’t think I don’t see you rolling your eyes, my son!” The King turned to Hadrian this time, standing only a few inches away from his face.

  Although Fergus, David, and Hadrian expected the King to belittle him, the King only turned his back and placed a hand on his desk, tipping his head in defeat.

  “Get out of my office, all of you,” The King said faintly, and the three men did as he asked.

  Once they had exited and Fergus returned to his room, David grabbed Hadrian’s arm after he glanced around to make sure no one was nearby.

  “I saw you outside last night meeting with some stranger, after your dinner with Elara,” David whispered, nervously. “I also know you’ve been running an underground rescue operation for dragons and witches these past few months. You’re lucky the King hasn’t found out.”

  Hadrian brushed off David’s arm, scoffing in disgust as he displayed his best poker face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sir David. It was awfully dark last night. I think your eyes were playing tricks on you.”

  A guard walked by and the two men hushed, nodding politely to the man and then watching him walk away. There were many ears and eyes in the castle – especially ones with video cameras. It was a great risk speaking openly in the hallway, but David didn’t know how else to approach him.

  “I’m not going to tell the King,” David said, quickly.

  “I’m glad. You’d look pretty stupid without any proof,” Hadrian replied before walking away, but the next words out of David’s mouth surprised him enough to stop cold in his tracks.

  “I want to join,” David blurted out, and Hadrian had to let what he said sink in for a few moments.

  Hadrian turned around slowly, walking closer to continue their conversation. “You want to join? Even after what happened between you and that witch?”

  “Please,” David began, as he looked away. “Don’t bring up my past. I know what I did and I suffer for it every day. Trust me.”

  Hadrian paused. “For the record, I’m not confirming or denying anything – but I’m curious. You’ve always followed my Dad’s orders. What’s changed? Is this a trick? Did my brother send you here to mess with me?”

  “No. I barely speak to your brother. He doesn’t know a thing. Look, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t trust the dragons and witches, but I saw how the Knights treated Elara. She’s a sweet girl, but they made it seem like she was a monster,” David’s eyes fell to the floor, and he shook his head. “This can be my redemption. Let me help you. I swear I’m telling the truth.”

  “Fine. I believe you. But if you’re lying to me, I’ll make you regret it. Luckily, I have something you could do. It’s a pretty easy job. It’s about The Golden Flask. We’ll talk more about it in my room, where it’s safer.”

  THE WALK TO THE ARK from the cabin was a bit further than Fane had made it seem, but Elara didn’t mind. Camena was a city of grasslands and cliffs that seemed to run on forever, and traditional cabins with enough space to house every citizen. It wasn’t as glamorous as Orana, but it wasn’t as poor as the Wards. Other than the rows of cabins that were painted various colors, and of course, the presence of dragons - Camena really wasn’t much different than the outer-world.

  In the distance, Elara could see the smoke of a burning volcano leaving its design across the clear blue sky. Fellow dragons nodded at Fane while they carefully watched Elara as the two walked through the city. Hushed voices whispered about the strange visitor, while little dragon children pointed in her direction. It had been a while since any of them had seen a human up so close.

  When they finally reached town square, nearly everyone in the city had heard of Elara’s arrival and had come out to see her. She wondered if they believed she was the Dra
gonwitch - a savior of their people – or if they hated her just as much as the Grey Knights did. She noticed a large fire pit in the design of a mighty dragon in the center of town square, burning fiercely even amidst the chill of the wind.

  “Dragons come here often to worship in front of the fire,” Fane replied, noticing her gaze. “We worship a God we call the Eternal Flame. Much like the fire, our God never burns out.”

  “Humans believe in a God we call the Creator,” Elara replied, resisting the urge to run her fingers along the carved design of the pit. “The Grey Knights think this Creator made a mistake with dragons and witches; that they’re monsters. The Knights want humans to be the supreme race. We’re taught to believe this in school. If you ask me, I think they’re a little biased.”

  “This is where humans and dragons differ. We believe the Eternal Flame loves all of creation, not just one kind,” Fane replied, opening the chamber doors which led into a large cabin. “Everyone except for The Fallen, of course. No one likes them.”

  Four older dragons in their pre-transition form stood huddled around a desk, strategizing over a map. They were so engaged in their conversation that they didn’t even hear Fane and Elara enter.

  The cabin itself was dark and painted a tawny brown, with only a single lit candle in the corner of the room. It was cleanly and well-organized; the kind of place that made you feel safe and secure. A large staircase decorated with bows and tinsel led to an upper level.

  “Do you really think the Dragonwitch is here right now?” Elara heard one of the dragons ask before Fane cleared his throat.

  “I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Fane said, and the four dragons turned around, startled to see Elara standing in front of them.

  “Is that the...” One of the older female dragons asked before her words trailed off.

  “The Dragonwitch? Yes, she is. At least I think so. And we need your help,” Fane replied quickly, as the dragons remained silent. “Do introduce yourselves. You wouldn’t want the Dragonwitch to think you have poor manners.”

  The eldest dragon stepped forward, with a warm and comforting smile on his face. He resembled much of Fane, with white hair, golden eyes, and pointed ears, although the wrinkles and dark spots on his face gave away his age.

  “Forgive us, your Grace. It’s an honor to have you here in our kingdom – even if it’s during such difficult times,” He replied, nervously.

  “I’m nothing special. I’m just a girl - a girl named Elara Everly, and I don’t want to be treated differently than anyone else. Please, call me Elara,” She replied, gently.

  “Of course, Elara. My name is Emperor Zarian Emrand of the Palarri. I believe you already know my son, Fane. This is my soul partner, Alona,” The Emperor replied, gesturing towards his wife.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elara,” His wife greeted her sweetly as she stepped forward, bowing politely.

  She too had white hair, but hers fell in a sea of waves down to her slim waist. For dragons of high status they seemed to dress casually in simple black cloaks and trousers, and for the women, modest dresses made from cotton. They were polite and calm, and Elara had to wonder why anyone would fear dragons if most of them were like this.

  “I’m Colrek Fenlan, the Emperor’s advisor and most-trusted friend. This is my partner, Sora,” Another dragon said as he introduced himself quickly and nodded towards his wife.

  Sora waved. “Hello, Elara. Welcome to our kingdom.”

  Although they had the same features of the dragons, including the horns, tails, and ears, they had dirty blonde hair instead of white. Advisor Colrek seemed more reserved and less welcoming, and Elara noticed a suspicious twinkle in his eye.

  “Now that we have all of the introductions out of the way, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Grey Knights discovered who Elara is. The birthmark doesn’t exactly provide the best disguise,” Fane said, as he gestured towards the exposed mark on Elara’s arm. “She can’t go back to the outer-world. They want her to answer for her crimes. The King had sentenced her to face wildhounds in the arena by the time I arrived. Luckily, no one was hurt.”

  “My goodness! How awful. May the Eternal Flame give their souls what they deserve,” The Emperor said, shaking his head.

  “I’m sorry you had to face that, Elara, but dragons have experienced a lot worse. You only saw a glimpse of what it’s like to be us, but you’ll never understand who we are,” The advisor said coldly, which elicited an icy glare from Fane.

  “Advisor...” Fane began sternly, before Elara interrupted.

  “You’re right. I don’t know anything about you or your culture, but I’m here now. The mark on my arm makes your problems mine. I’d like to get to know you. In time, you’ll find we’re more similar than you think,” Elara replied, and the entire room fell silent.

  The advisor wasn’t convinced. “How do we know the legend is true? A birthmark proves nothing. I’ve never been one to believe in such old tales.”

  “I’ve seen it with my own eyes, Colrek,” Fane spat, shaking his head in frustration. “I believe she is the Dragonwitch. It would explain everything.”

  “Then I suspect she’ll have no issue proving she is who she claims to be by wading through the pit of fire outside.”

  Alona sighed. “Is that really necessary? Surely she’s been through enough.”

  “I’ll do it,” Elara replied, suddenly.

  “You don’t have to. There’s nothing to prove here,” Fane reassured. “Colrek has no idea what he’s talking about.”

  “I want to do this, Fane. I have nothing to hide.”

  The advisor nodded, pleased. “Very well. I’m glad to see someone’s cooperating around here. Follow me.”

  The group left the Ark to stand outside, hovering around the pit of fire. It burned strongly and crackled as little embers flew around them. A large crowd formed around the six of them and a sea of eyeballs watched Elara’s every move. Despite her past, she was still nervous to walk through fire again. What if it didn’t work? What if her power had faded somehow?

  “Go ahead,” The advisor commanded, gently pushing her forward. “Show us what you can do.”

  Elara took a deep breath and lowered herself into the pit, relieved when she felt nothing at all. She was clearly immune to the flames, proving that her power was real. She twisted her hand, and with it, the fire bent at her will. Despite this – and the crowd’s gasps - the advisor still didn’t seem satisfied.

  Fane offered his hand and Elara accepted it, helping her out of the rift in the ground. He patted her gently, trying his best to remove the flames that still burned through her clothing.

  “Are you happy now, advisor?” Fane asked, scoffing, “Or would you rather she dance and twirl among the flames? Put on a little musical number just for you?”

  “That will suffice,” The advisor replied firmly as he glared at Fane.

  After a few moments of an uncomfortable silence, Fane’s mother, Alona, gasped as she gestured towards Elara’s charred shirt.

  “Oh dear, your clothes are ruined. I have some outfits upstairs I believe would fit you. Please, come with me,” Alona said, as Elara glanced at Fane for reassurance.

  Fane nodded. “It’s all right. No one will hurt you here.”

  Elara knew he was right and followed Alona into the Ark and up the stairs. After the two women had disappeared, the advisor shook his head in disapproval.

  “You do realize that by keeping the girl here, the Knights will set their targets on the dragons as well, right? We’re already the objects of their oppression. We don’t need to add fuel to a blazing fire.”

  “Colrek, please...” The Emperor began, but the advisor shook his head.

  “Let me speak, Emperor. What will you do if the Knights barrel through the Chamber of Fire in search of the girl and destroy our people in the process? She’s still a human after all, and if you’ve forgotten, they aren’t our friends. Perhaps returning her would be best,” The ad
visor said but was interrupted by Fane’s scoff.

  “Over my flaming, dead body,” Fane snarled, and the advisor chuckled.

  “I’m surprised by your behavior, Fane. If I didn’t know better, I’d say your personal feelings for the girl – and how pathetic they are as she’ll never return them because she’s too human – are coming before your duty to your family and the dragons as a whole,” The advisor replied, and Fane balled his fists.

  “Advisor, I suggest you kindly shut up.”

  “Dragonkin, please don’t fight. We have enough problems with the Grey Knights – let’s not create more in our own sanctuary,” The Emperor interjected. “Advisor, I appreciate and understand your input, but we can’t simply send the girl back to the outer-world. They’ll capture her, and who knows what they’ll do then. She must stay. If the legend is right, we’d be fools to turn her away at a time like this. She might just be the key to our freedom – something we’ve desperately wanted since King Angus and the Grey Knights began their reign of terror. The legend does say that she’ll help us find Mythania.”

  “Don’t be foolish, Emperor. Mythania is nothing but a fabled utopia used to create false hope. We must live in the harsh reality, not in some idealistic fantasy land,” The advisor shook his head, sighing. “I respect your decision, Emperor, but I don’t think I can remain your advisor as long as she’s here. I fear for the safety of my family.”

  “You’re a hypocrite, you know,” Fane said innocently, which caused everyone to gasp.

  “I beg your pardon?” The advisor asked in exasperation, placing a hand on his hip. “If you have something to say, I suggest you say it.”

  Fane shrugged calmly, unimpressed with the advisor’s attitude. “You claim that Elara will never understand the pain of dragons; that she’s an outsider. Yet you treat her as the Knights treat the dragons – as traitors and monsters that should be thrown away.”

  The advisor didn’t know how to respond. He stood there in shock, his mouth agape. Fane nodded, realizing he’d proven his point.