by Dana Gricken
Elara pushed Hadrian and Fane out of the way as the tunnel exploded up and into the air, unleashing a blast of fire along with it. Elara took the brunt of the detonation as she threw herself over the hole of the tunnel.
Hadrian and Fane watched from a distance as Elara erupted in flames, helpless to do anything for her.
“Elara!” Hadrian called out, attempting to go after her, but Fane held him back.
“She’ll be fine,” Fane explained. “She has become one with the fire.”
Hadrian was confused as he watched Elara rise to her feet completely unscathed. She’d just saved the entire city. An explosion like that would’ve destroyed everything. Suddenly, the fire burnt out – including the flames on Elara – and only ashes remained.
Elara brushed off the dust on her clothes as the witches stood there in shock. Tavia and David were both impressed, and Aria was beginning to have faith in Elara – if only a little.
“That was so badass,” Tavia said, cheering in approval.
“Are you all right?” Hadrian asked once he and Fane caught up with her.
Elara nodded. “Believe it or not, I know what I’m doing when it comes to fire.”
“What were those explosions?” Fane wondered, concerned.
“It looks like the Knights know about the tunnels. I’m afraid to know how they found out,” Elara replied. “Where else do they go?”
Hadrian thought for a moment. “My room of course, but the Knights probably blocked that passage – as well as the one in the field. There’s another tunnel in Camena, one in The Golden Flask, and another in the Bluefrost Mountains safe house.”
“The Golden Flask is probably destroyed now,” Fane replied, grimly.
“David told me his brother’s at the bar every day,” Elara said, as she shook her head. “He’ll be devastated.”
“If your Dad made it to the safe house, then...” Hadrian trailed off, but Elara knew what he meant.
“Then he’s probably gone. I know, Hadrian,” Elara said, sighing. She tried to hold back tears but a few slipped out.
Hadrian shook his head, angrily. “I’m sorry I got him into this mess.”
“I don’t blame you, Hadrian. You had no way of knowing. Only the Knights are responsible for this,” Elara replied as she wiped away her tears. “What about Camena? Do you think the dragons are okay?”
“We’re dragons. Do you really think a little fire can stop us? Maybe now the Kohra will see just how serious these Grey Knights are,” Fane said before he paused to scan Elara’s outfit. “You may want to bring a jacket.”
The Dragonsong
As Elara and Fane flew over Camena, they saw the beautiful volcanic city covered in ash and dust. Elara wondered if it would ever recover. They continued to fly over the divided stone walls, and Elara shivered as the air grew frigid. Even with the jacket Sheba had found for her, she was still cold. They were now hovering above the winter city of Mazira, which was under a layer of snow, ice, and sleet.
The Kohra dragons had managed to make a city out of the blizzard. They had carved bridges, pathways, and tall, pyramid-shaped homes that were made of ice and snow. Red, green and blue lights – much like the ones at Christmastime – were hung around the city. Fane and Elara landed on a long strip of shoveled road, just a little past the gated entrance into Mazira, which had become frozen in ice. Fane shivered as he changed quickly into new clothes.
“I can’t say I’m envious of living here,” Fane mumbled, as he tried to warm himself up. “The Kohra Ark should be up there.”
Fane pointed only a few miles in the distance, which sat a large castle made entirely out of ice. Elara was in awe. She had never seen anything like it. As they walked towards it, they caught the attention of the local citizens who glared at them.
Fane rolled his eyes. “Just ignore them, Bria. Their hearts are colder than the snow.”
Elara noticed that the Kohra were much different from the Palarri. They hated outsiders and were mistrustful and unwelcoming. They had silver eyes, icy blue horns, and much larger bodies – both pre-transition and dragon-form. If they agreed to help, Elara knew their enemies wouldn’t stand a chance.
As they neared the castle, a dragon guard held out his arm to prevent them from going any further. He bared his fangs and reached for his sword.
“Watch it, Palarri. We don’t allow anyone besides the Kohra in our city,” The guard sneered, before looking at Elara. “And we especially don’t allow humans.”
“Believe me, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t urgent. We need to see Emperor Sarv,” Fane replied, desperately.
The guard laughed. “And why would I let you inside?”
“Camena was destroyed. My mother is dead. You really don’t want to get on my bad side right now,” Fane replied, as he hovered over the guard menacingly.
The dragon huffed. “Go on. If I see you causing any trouble, you’ll both be kicked out.”
Fane nodded before he and Elara made their way into the winter palace. The inside of the castle was even more impressive than the city, with icicles and crystals lighting up the rooms. They stood in the foyer, and one large door connected them to the throne room.
“Trust me, Emperor Sarv Igor is not the kind of dragon you want to anger,” Fane warned Elara, and she nodded. “Let me handle this.”
Fane and Elara entered the throne room, which seated the Emperor on a large throne of ice. He was an older dragon, with silver eyes and dark brown hair. Servants and housekeepers scurried around the palace as he chatted with various nobles and guards. As soon as he saw Fane, he displayed his fangs and roared.
“You!” He called out, pointing towards Fane. His voice was deep and raspy. “How dare you come to my city!”
“I do not want to be here, Emperor Sarv. We need your help.”
The entire castle broke out in laughter. Even the Emperor grinned.
“What makes you think I’d be willing to help you?”
“The Grey Knights are getting worse, Emperor. The Fallen just attacked and destroyed Camena, killing my mother. You’ll help us in any way you can because, if you don’t, Mazira may be under attack next – either by the Knights or The Fallen.”
The castle grew silent.
The Emperor thought about this for a moment, rubbing his chin. “Your mother was killed? A shame. I always liked Alona. She was beautiful.”
The Emperor nodded at Elara. “Who is this human? Why have you insulted my kingdom by bringing her here?”
“Elara Everly is no ordinary human, Sarv. She’s the Dragonwitch,” Fane replied, and as if on cue, Elara rolled up her sleeve under her jacket to show the Emperor her mark.
“A mark means nothing. I didn’t take you as one to believe in fairy tales, Fane. I suppose next you’ll be telling me about Mythania?” The Emperor teased, and his guards laughed. “I fail to see how The Fallen and the Knights are a threat to us. The Kohra are strong enough to put up a fight if they are so foolish as to pick one with us.”
Fane sighed. “Emperor, please. We know The Fallen are hiding somewhere in the Beyondlands. We want to attack their base and end their terror for good before we eliminate the Knights. More dragons will die without your help. Is that what you want?”
Emperor Sarv grunted, before looking at his guards. “No deal. Now get out of my city.”
Fane went to turn around and leave, but Elara stopped him. The Stone of Magic was whispering something in her mind, and she listened.
“But Emperor,” Elara began, “What about the Dragonsong? It compels you to help a dragon in need.”
The Emperor was confused and angry. “How do you know about the Dragonsong? Did Fane teach you?”
Fane shook his head. “I’m just as confused as you are.”
Elara closed her eyes and began to sing.
“Heed the words of the Dragonsong;
The fire in our blood makes us strong.
We fly together as one;
Ready to face whatever may come
.
We may fall but we carry on;
Heed the words of the Dragonsong.
From fire and wind, we are born –
To fire and wind, we return.
May our wings always soar;
And our fire always burn.
Heed the words of the Dragonsong;
A dragon never dies, we forever live on.
We are the children of wind and fire;
What doesn’t kill us only makes us strong –
And only makes us fly higher.
Heed the words of the Dragonsong;
From this day forth let it be known;
That by blood we all belong –
And our blood will always hold its own.
The swords of a thousand men cannot break our bond;
Heed the words of the Dragonsong.”
“I almost didn’t recognize the song since you disgraced it by singing it in human instead of Dragontonian,” The Emperor replied, sneering. “The Old Melody hasn’t been sung in centuries. How dare you repeat it in my kingdom?”
“Emperor, the song calls on you to help your dragonkin – no matter what language,” Elara scolded, and he sighed.
There was silence for a few moments. Elara wasn’t even sure it had worked.
The Emperor grumbled underneath his breath, relenting. “Out of respect for Alona, the Kohra will help you. But after The Fallen and Grey Knights are defeated, we will part ways and never speak again. You will not return to Mazira – either of you. Is that understood?”
Fane nodded. “Yes, Emperor. Thank you.”
“And you, human,” The Emperor began, pointing at Elara. “If you really are the Dragonwitch, and Fane didn’t teach you The Old Melody, then the Kohra want no part in any plan for unity that you may have. I’ve heard all of the ridiculous legends. The dragons and witches will never unite for good again – not while I still breathe. The wounds are too deep.”
The Emperor stood up from his icy throne. “Now, let’s prepare for battle.”
EMPEROR SARV, ALONG with a group of Kohra guards and warriors, followed Fane and Elara back to Camena. The city was still disheveled, but it was being rebuilt and cleaned up. Luckily, the Palarri Ark remained intact, with only a few burn marks and fallen wood.
“You weren’t lying about Camena,” The Emperor observed, as he landed and transitioned.
The citizens of Camena watched in disbelief as Emperor Sarv walked by with Fane and Elara. As they entered the Ark, Emperor Zarian was busy arguing with one of two other dragons.
One of the dragons was an Amera, a yellow and purple dragon that hailed from Eldermere. He was bickering with the Emperor over the possibility of making the situation worse by fighting The Fallen and the Knights. The other dragon, a Lithian, who was green and white and came from Velosmaw, was disinterested in arguing. She stood there, silently shaking her head.
“Emperor Zarian, your diplomacy still fails you after all these years,” Emperor Sarv said as he entered the Ark.
The dragons immediately hushed as Sarv entered the room, overwhelmed by his presence.
“I didn’t think my son would be able to convince you to join the war effort, Sarv,” Emperor Zarian said, incredulously.
“I didn’t,” Fane replied, modestly. “It was Elara.”
“Actually, it was Alona,” Emperor Sarv said. “I may not like you, Emperor, but I’m sorry for her death.”
Zarian nodded, sadly. “I appreciate that.”
The Amera Emperor was shocked. “If Emperor Sarv is joining the war, the Amera will join you as well. Everyone knows not to mess with a Kohra.”
Emperor Zarian nodded. “Thank you, Emperor Korno. How about you, Emperor Lucina?”
She nodded. “Of course I’ll join you, Emperor. The Lithian have wanted to end the pointless feud between the dragons since the day it began.”
“We are not ending a feud – only delaying it,” Emperor Sarv grunted. “After the Knights and Fallen Ones are defeated, we will never see each other again. Don’t get any ideas.”
Emperor Lucina ignored the mean dragon, and instead focused her attention on Elara. She bowed politely.
“My name is Lucina Ellis, the Emperor of the Lithian. It’s nice to meet you. We hope to call you a friend one day.”
Elara nodded. “Me too. I’m just sorry we had to meet this way.”
Emperor Korno crossed his arms. “My name is Emperor Korno Giles of the Amera. I’d like to say it’s nice to meet you, but just talking to you is putting my dragons in danger.”
Fane shook his head. “We’re all in danger, Emperor.”
Emperor Sarv sighed. “Can we save the small talk? There’s a job to be done, so let’s do it.”
Emperor Zarian nodded. “We’ll need to train, prepare, and gather intel for this battle. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of time, and Camena isn’t in the best shape right now for any of us to stay.”
Emperor Sarv scoffed. “Prepare? We don’t need to prepare! I say we attack The Fallen and the Knights head on, just like they’ve done to us!”
Emperor Korno nodded. “I agree with Sarv. If they don’t expect us, we’ll have the best chance.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Lucina interjected. “Even a surprise attack could create more casualties.”
“We could do both,” Elara suggested. “Hear me out. We train as best as we can for one day and one night, and then we attack The Fallen’s base somewhere in the Beyondlands. If the dragons fly above the forest, it won’t be too hard to find. We’ll figure out what to do about the Knights after The Fallen are gone. In the meantime, Deniva will hold us. They’ve already given their support.”
Emperor Sarv scoffed. “What do you know about strategy? Have you ever fought in a war?”
“I like her idea,” Emperor Lucina praised. “It’s a nice compromise.”
Emperor Zarian nodded. “I do too.”
Sarv sighed. “Fine. But I will lead the army. Now, are we going to Deniva or not?”
DAVID STOOD OUTSIDE Tavia’s home, staring blankly at her front door. What was he supposed to say? I’m sorry I killed your father but I hope we can remain friends? If she didn’t forgive him, this could ruin everything Elara had worked for. After he took a few deep breaths, he knocked and entered.
“Hey David,” Tavia began, as she stood up from the chair. “I’m sorry about your brother. King Angus will suffer for murdering him.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that,” David paused, before deciding to tell her the truth. If he did it quickly like ripping off a Band-Aid, maybe it wouldn’t be so painful. “I need to tell you something important, but you have to promise you won’t kill me.”
Tavia laughed. “I won’t kill you. War wouldn’t be as fun without you around.”
David reached into his pocket and retrieved the locket that had belonged to her father. Tavia’s eyes widened as he handed it to her.
“Where did you find this?” Tavia asked as she examined the locket. “This belonged to my father. Why do you have it?”
David sighed. “I don’t know how to tell you this, Tavia, but...I was the one who murdered your father. I’m so sorry.”
Tavia was confused. “What are you talking about?”
“It was self-defense. I was a new Knight undergoing my Rite of Passage, and the King brought him to me. I didn’t hurt him, I just took his locket, and one thing led to another...”
“How could you?” Tavia screeched, as she used her telekinesis to start throwing objects in the home at David.
He dodged the books, shoes, and bottles until there were no items left to hurl at him. Tavia stopped, panting and fuming, as Aria entered her home.
“I heard shouting and crashing. What in the Source is going on in here?” Aria asked, as her eyes darted between David and Tavia.
David didn’t say a word as Tavia composed herself. “My levitation just got a little bit out of hand. I’ll focus better next time,” Tavia lied.
“All right.
Be more careful,” Aria replied before she took one last glance at the two of them and left the home.
Once she was gone, Tavia exhaled out of relief.
“Why didn’t you tell your mother?” David asked, in confusion.
Tavia shrugged. “What’s the point? What’s done is done. It’ll only cause more tension, and we don’t need that right now,” She sighed. “Look, I can sense that you’re being genuine. I believe that it was self-defense. I know my father – he wouldn’t go down without a fight. Besides, you’re not that same man anymore. You left the Order. I blame the King for my father’s death, not you.”
“I never meant to hurt anyone, Tavia. It was a mistake – one I’ve regretted every day. I’ll make things right again.”
David didn’t even have time to react as Tavia wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a passionate kiss.
“Now get out,” Tavia whispered, before shoving him out the door and slamming it behind him.
David stumbled back towards the group of witches, silent and in shock after the surprise kiss. Jordaine passed by him, noting his strange behavior before he knocked on Tavia’s door. After the rustling of a few papers and books, the door opened quickly.
“Oh, Jordaine, it’s you,” Tavia remarked, and she seemed a little disappointed it wasn’t someone else. “What can I do for you?”
“Can I come in? It’s important.”
Tavia nodded, gesturing for him to step inside. She shut the door behind them for privacy.
“Whoa. What happened in here? It looks like a tornado ripped through your house,” Jordaine said, as he looked around her home.
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. Is everything all right? You seem worried.”
Jordaine nodded, although he was self-conscious she could see right through him. “I’m fine. It’s nothing serious. I wanted to talk to you about the mark of magic.”
Tavia pointed towards the birthmark on her bicep. “You mean this mark? What about it?”
“Well, as you know, only pureblood witches are born with it. I think I’m ready. I want the mark. With the coming apocalypse and all, I think now’s as good a time as any to receive it. At least I won’t die a half-witch.”