by Dana Gricken
“That’s a big responsibility. It’s the last stage of your conversion. Are you sure you want me to perform the ceremony? I’m no professional.”
“I couldn’t imagine anyone else.”
Tavia nodded, before pulling up two chairs. “Have a seat.”
Jordaine did as she asked, and Tavia sat beside him. Rubbing her hands together, a magical dust erupted from them. She began to rub deeply into his bicep. Although she was gentle, it still stung. After a few seconds, the outline of the pentacle began to appear. Tavia stood up, pleased with the work she’d done.
“It’s complete. It should come to full visibility within a few days. I can’t believe I actually did it. I guess I really do have the magic touch.”
“That you do,” Jordaine replied before his smile turned into a frown. “I have to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“You and David,” Jordaine began, “Do you have feelings for him? As in strong, romantic feelings?”
Tavia was quiet for once. “I care for David, yes. When you say it like that – like feelings – it makes me want to throw up in my mouth. Why?”
Jordaine chuckled. “I see. There was no real reason I asked. I didn’t mean to pry. Your business is your own. I just wanted to know.”
“Well, now you do.”
Suddenly, little droplets of blood began to fall from Jordaine’s arm. Tavia grabbed a nearby cloth and applied immediate pressure.
“Don’t worry. A little blood is natural. A scab may form but it’ll disappear in a few days. Your skin is just adjusting to its new mark.”
“Thank you, Tavia. I mean it.”
“Of course, Jordaine. What are best friends for if not to make you bleed?” Tavia replied. “Now, it’s time to make the Knights and The Fallen bleed.”
He nodded. “And for good this time.”
SHEBA BOWED TO THE Stone of Magic before she fell to her knees in prayer. Little sparks of magic began to fly around her as she clasped her hands together. A blackwing, covered in grey and gold fur, fluttered above her before landing on her shoulder.
“May the Source watch over the chosen one, and protect her on her journey into darkness...”
Sheba’s prayer was interrupted as she heard giggles not too far away. The blackwing flew away and she knew something was amiss. She hid behind a tall tree, carefully watching the individuals. It was Bella Morgana who came from the Darkwoods. She rarely visited the Velona Forest, unless in preparation for a ritual or a séance. Accompanying Bella was a little dragon girl, who Sheba assumed was Mayliss, the one Elara had been searching for.
“What’s that?” Mayliss asked, as her curious eyes fell upon the Stone.
“That’s the Stone of Magic, young one,” Bella explained. “It’s very powerful. Go ahead. Touch it.”
Mayliss raised a hand, stroking along the edges of the Stone. Bella nodded as a smile grew on her face. She plucked a nearby sparkleroot plant out of the ground and handed it to the young dragon girl.
“This is a special plant the witches call sparkleroot. It’s often used in spells, recipes, weapon crafting, and rituals, of course.”
“What does ritual mean?” Mayliss asked as she ran the plant through her fingers.
Bella smiled. “You’ll see soon enough.”
“You know far better than to linger here,” Sheba proclaimed, as she stepped out of the shadows. “The forest is too beautiful to be tainted by someone like you.”
Bella smiled. “I wondered when I’d run into you again. It’s been too long since our last chat.”
Sheba gestured towards Mayliss and grabbed her staff. “Return the girl to us and you won’t be harmed.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Bella taunted. “Attack me and the girl dies. I’ll make sure of it.”
From Bella’s staff, spirits began to rise into the air. They swarmed Mayliss, and the young girl screamed. She was trapped. Bella smiled at her fear, knowing she had won.
Sheba put her staff away, realizing now was not the time for a fight. “I know what you’re planning to do with the child. I’ll never allow it.”
“You’re welcome to try and stop me,” Bella replied before she tugged on the girl’s arm and pulled her away. The spirits remained around her tightly. “I’ll see you soon, Sheba. I’m looking forward to it.”
Sheba watched them leave, helpless to stop them. The only thing she could do was return to Elara. It was time to enter the Darkwoods.
Sword of a Thousand Flames
The Miracari witches of Deniva prepared their weapons once they noticed the swarm of dragons in the sky. They were diverse, with colors of red, blue, green and yellow. With The Fallen and the Grey Knights, the witches were already paranoid and not willing to take any chances.
“Be careful!” Aria yelled, squinting to see through the clouds. “It could be The Fallen. Stay on alert!”
As the dragons approached, they noticed exactly who it was. Much to their surprise, it was Elara who was leading the legion – and she wasn’t afraid at all. As she got off of Fane, she motioned for the witches to put down their staffs.
“It’s all right,” Elara said. “They won’t hurt you.”
“Elara, is there something you’d like to tell us? Maybe why you’d think bringing every dragon to Deniva is a good idea?” Aria asked as she counted the dragons in front of her.
Elara nodded. “If we want to win the war against The Fallen and the Knights, we’ll need to train. Camena is just too damaged from its last battle. That’s why I hope you don’t mind if the dragons stay with us until it’s time to attack.”
Aria sighed. “I guess it wouldn’t be the worst thing. Just don’t light our homes on fire and you’ll all be welcome here.”
“I’d advise you all to stay out of our way,” Emperor Sarv warned, before leading his squad of Kohra dragons to a secluded spot where they could practice.
The other Emperors followed similarly, instructing their own dragon warriors to prepare for battle. As soon as Hadrian saw Elara had returned, he finished his conversation with Jordaine and rushed over to her, pulling her aside.
“Elle, you’re back,” Hadrian began, sighing in relief. “I waited until you returned to tell you the news. I’ve decided to go back home to the castle.”
Elara was confused. “You can’t! The Knights are still looking for you, and who knows what they’ll do to you?”
“I can’t hide anymore. I’m tired of running and lying. I’m going to face my Dad – to try and get him to see reason. Maybe he’ll listen to me this time,” Hadrian replied, before sighing to himself and running a hand through his lush, golden hair. “This is stupid, isn’t it? Is it so wrong that I want to save my Dad? I hate what he’s done, but I still love him.”
“I’d probably do the same if it were my Dad. Do what you have to, but don’t get yourself killed in the process.”
“I’ll try not to,” Hadrian replied before a somber look fell upon his face and his voice softened. “You know that we might not see each other again, Elara. I don’t know what’ll happen when I get to the castle. If this is goodbye, then...”
Hadrian trailed off, before cupping Elara’s face and kissing her gently. They both smiled sheepishly as they pulled away from the kiss.
“This time David wasn’t around to interrupt us,” Hadrian replied, and Elara giggled.
Elara noticed Tavia and David were laughing and flirting with each other, closer than they’d ever been before. They hugged goodbye before Tavia walked over, leading her Tiburon along with her.
“Are you ready, Hadrian?” Tavia asked, nodding towards the entrance of Deniva. “I’ll take you to the Veil. It won’t be long getting us there, but then you’re on your own. No offense.”
“None taken. I know how dangerous it is for your people out there,” He replied before he turned to Elara, taking her hands in his. “Goodbye, Elle.”
With that, they rode off. David walked over to where Elara stood, and they
both watched them leave, wistfully.
“You two seem close,” Elara commented, as David chuckled.
“I could say the same thing about you and Hadrian,” David replied, with a goofy grin.
Elara hid her cheeks as she blushed. “Did you tell Tavia the truth about her father?”
“Yes. She’s hurting, but at least she doesn’t blame me,” He said before he smiled. “I’m thankful for it.”
Aria walked over to Elara, after watching Hadrian and Tavia ride away. Elara could sense that she was worried.
“Tavia will be okay, Aria,” Elara said. “She’s not going past the Veil. She’ll be back.”
“Yes, I know,” Aria replied before she paused. “What about the boy? Will he be all right as well?”
Elara sighed. “I don’t know. I hope he will be.”
“You obviously care for him. That much I can see. I just want him to be okay.”
Elara was confused at Aria’s sudden interest in Hadrian. Before she could respond, Sheba returned from the Velona Forest and walked over to Elara.
“My child, I believe I’ve found the little dragon girl you’ve been searching for.”
“Mayliss?” Elara asked, puzzled. “Where is she?”
“Bella Morgana is responsible - and she is from the dreaded Darkwoods. The little dragon girl is trapped by her dark magic. With witches who practice Malefica magic, anything is possible, my dear.”
“Witches’ curse! Bella has the girl you’re looking for?” Aria asked, sighing. “She’s evil – the most wicked woman you’ll ever meet.”
“I’m going to the Darkwoods,” Elara replied, suddenly.
“I know I’m new around here, but going into a forest known for evil and darkness doesn’t sound like a good idea,” David replied, and Aria nodded.
“I agree. Elara, you can’t go,” Aria scolded, but Sheba shook her head at her.
“Aria, Elara must go into the Darkwoods. She must see it for the evil that it is, so she is never tempted to follow that path. I will accompany her.”
“Sheba, you’re the shaman of the group and the wisest one here, but are you out of your mind?” Aria asked, and the elderly woman smiled.
“My dear, when I was much younger, I spent sixty days and nights in the Darkwoods at the request of The Source. I became stronger for it and had no desire to rebel. Witches do not fear the Darkwoods – witches fear the temptation. If you trust in yourself, you will not succumb to its darkness.”
Aria sighed. “Why do I even bother?”
“We shall leave whenever you are ready.”
“Mayliss is waiting. Who knows what Bella plans to do to her? Let’s go now.”
“Just be careful, Elara,” David warned. “Hadrian would never forgive me if I let you run off to your death.”
Elara nodded before she and Sheba turned to walk towards the crossroads. Fane saw she was leaving, and ran up to her, with confusion written on his face.
“Bria, where are you going?” Fane asked while the sword he was practicing with was still high in his hand.
“Mayliss was spotted with a witch from the Darkwoods, Fane. Sheba and I are going to bring her home.”
“I’m going with you, Bria. I won’t allow you to risk your life without me by your side. The Darkwoods aren’t safe.”
Sheba shook her head. “Dearest dragon, I’m afraid you’re not welcome. This is something she must do alone, with my guidance.”
Fane ignored her. “Are you sure you’re all right with this, Bria? I can accompany you as well if you’d like.”
Elara nodded, placing a hand on Fane’s shoulder. “I’ll be all right, Fane. I trust in Sheba and I trust in myself.”
“If you won’t go with me, then I insist you bring this,” Fane handed his Sword of a Thousand Flames to her.
“I can’t accept this,” Elara began, as she felt the sword pulsate and tingle in her hand. “Don’t you need it?”
“Don’t worry about me, Bria. I can always make another one. These swords require intensive training, but we don’t have that much time,” He replied before he looked at Sheba. “You don’t mind if I teach her quickly, do you?”
Sheba shook her head. “Not at all, but we must make haste.”
Fane stood behind Elara, holding the sword with her. Sheba moved to the side so she wouldn’t be struck.
“Take a deep breath, and clear your mind. Focus on nothing besides you and the sword – the way it feels, the power it wields, and how you are its master,” Fane began, and Elara did as he asked. “Now, strike.”
Fane let go, and Elara swung her weapon at the nearby crimson tree, causing a branch to fall off with perfect precision. The sword obeyed her, and she learned quickly. Fane was pleased.
“Excellent, Bria. The sword is yours.”
“But Fane, it belongs to you.”
“Maybe once, but it clearly responds better to you. You’re a natural,” He replied. “Good luck on your journey, and Deva Kanar.”
Elara nodded, carrying the sword with her, as she and Sheba made their way to the Darkwoods.
“That dragon boy cares about you, Elara,” Sheba began, once Fane was out of earshot. “And so does that blond Prince. They vow allegiance to you so quickly that it becomes a weakness - and I worry they will end up hurt because of it.”
“I won’t let that happen,” Elara replied. “I’ll protect them.”
Sheba shook her head. “We can’t always protect the ones we care about, my dear. We learn this lesson the hard way.”
TAVIA FULFILLED HER promise by taking Hadrian to the Mystic Veil. He got off of her Tiburon and took a deep breath. Once he passed the Veil, there was no turning back.
“Hey blondie, be careful,” Tavia began. “Things have changed since you’ve been in the outer-world. This is suicide, you know.”
“I’m ready for it. If I can change their minds, then it’s worth it,” Hadrian sighed. “Tell Elara I’ll miss her.”
“I will. Good luck, Hadrian. I’m rooting for you,” Tavia replied, before riding back towards Deniva.
Hadrian took one last look behind him before stepping through the Mystic Veil and into the human world. An entire unit of Knights was on guard near the Veil, making sure witches knew how much they weren’t welcome in the outer-world.
Master Knight Adam Cormac was on duty and responsible for the patrol. The Knights raised their weapons as soon as they saw Prince Hadrian, and he didn’t resist.
Adam smiled. “Ah, Prince Hadrian. I don’t suppose you’ve seen reason and come back to join us against the dragons and witches?”
Hadrian scoffed. “Never in a million years, Cormac.”
The Knights roughly grabbed him, tying him up and putting him in the back of their vehicle. A handful of Knights took him back to Orana, treating him like a common criminal. As they dragged him through the castle’s foyer, preparing to present him to the King, Prince Fergus stopped them.
“The King has asked me to tell the Knights he doesn’t want to be disturbed,” Fergus said. “I’ll take it from here.”
Prince Fergus smiled as he escorted his brother downstairs into the basement cellar. He shackled him to a chair, next to a badly beaten Merek, and stepped out of the room for a moment, making sure no one had followed them. Prince Hadrian was shocked to see Merek alive – although bruised and bloody – in the King’s cellar.
“Merek, it’s good to see you again – even under these circumstances. I thought you had died in the explosion at the safe house?” Hadrian whispered, making sure his brother couldn’t hear.
Merek shook his head, and his bottom lip was so swollen he nearly couldn’t speak. “I wanted Elara to know I was all right. I snuck through the tunnels, but I lost my way and ended up in your room. The guards found me and took me here, where they’ve tortured me ever since. The King wants to know where Elara is – but I’m not telling him a damn thing.”
Hadrian sighed, sadly lowering his head. “I’m sorry they’ve done this to you
, Merek. Elara’s doing fine, but she thinks you’re dead. She’s assembling an army to take down the Knights and The Fallen. It’s almost over.”
Even with a busted lip, Merek managed to smile. Before they could continue their conversation, Prince Fergus appeared in the dimly-lit room.
“Dad has no idea you’re down here,” Prince Fergus began, smirking at his chained brother. “He’d disapprove of this, I’m sure.”
“Do you enjoy chaining your own brother like an animal?” Hadrian asked, scoffing, before gesturing towards Merek. “Does your conscience not ask you why you’ve tortured an innocent man? Or does the devil not have a conscience?”
Prince Fergus shook his head, laughing. “Merek is anything but an innocent man. Tell me, Hadrian, why have you come back? Is it to disgrace the family name again?”
“I’ve returned to convince you that the dragons and witches aren’t your enemies. They’re not all evil, and you’ll see the truth one day. Listen to me carefully, Fergus, before it’s too late. You know war is coming, and I don’t want anyone else to suffer. Join us. We’ll destroy The Fallen together and there will be peace.”
“You were always so naïve, Hadrian,” Fergus sneered. “It’s your greatest weakness. The Knights will never join your side.”
“Fergus, please-”
“No. We’re done talking. Dad will find out about your return sooner or later. He’s nicer than me, you know. I would’ve just killed you,” Fergus replied, shrugging. “I want you to sit here in the meantime, like a prisoner. Or you can just rot. It doesn’t bother me at all.”
With that, Prince Fergus returned upstairs and locked the door to the cellar. Hadrian looked around the cold, dusty room for anything that could help him escape. Disappointed, he found nothing. He looked at Merek - who was falling in and out of consciousness again - to make sure he was still alive.
“Stay awake for me, Merek,” Hadrian began, struggling to break free from his restraints. “Elara will find us before it’s too late. I believe that. I have to.”