by Dana Gricken
The Source’s Message
After the brutal attack on Camena, Colrek was injured. Nothing had gone the way he had planned. He entered the balcony to his bedroom, leaving behind droplets of blood on the floor as he walked over to his vanity table. He reached for some medical ointment and disinfected his chest wound – wincing at the sting of it – before wrapping himself up to stop the bleeding. Nothing will stop me now, not even an injury, Colrek thought to himself. Not when we’re this close to killing humanity.
Meanwhile, Calianna sat downstairs in her own bedroom, unharmed by the battle. A tear slipped down her cheek thinking back to her mother’s death, the devastated look in her father’s eyes, and Fane’s disapproval. Her doubts were creeping in again. She needed help to forget them.
She didn’t even bother to knock this time as she opened the door to Colrek’s room. “Colrek, I need to speak with you.”
Colrek was standing near the vanity table, analyzing his new wound. His eyes hardened and turned cold as he heard her come in.
“What are you doing in here, Calianna?” He asked, and his voice was a harsher tone than she was used to. “You can’t just burst into my room like this!”
She was shocked. “I’m sorry, Colrek. Please forgive my intrusion. I just really need to talk. I’m having my doubts again.”
He sighed, covering his wound. “I’m sorry, Cali. I just don’t want anyone seeing me badly hurt. I’m your Lord, after all. You must only see me as strong and nimble, not injured and fragile.”
“I see you as a brave leader, Colrek. As a warrior and a trailblazer. An injury won’t change that. Even the greatest will fall sometimes.”
Colrek nodded. “Thank you for your kind words, Cali. You say the doubts are back? Yet again?”
“Yes, Colrek. Fane’s voice is in my mind again. He’s telling me what I’m doing is wrong. I need you to quiet him.”
He walked over to her and grabbed her hand. “You’re doing the right thing, my dear Cali. I know it must be difficult for you, considering you just lost your mother, and I’m sure your grief is why the doubts have returned. Rest assured, this is the right path for our dragonkin. Humans must be eliminated. After all, because of one human, your mother was forced to die. We’re superior in every way possible for a reason.”
He turned around to look outside his balcony, as the glare of the sun shined off of his scaled skin. He smiled once he thought of all the opportunities they had now.
“Where do we go from here, Colrek?” Calianna asked. “Camena has been destroyed, but the Dragonwitch still lives. What’s next for The Fallen?”
He was silent for a moment. “We’ll begin destroying human settlements, one by one. We started with Serenity and we must continue. We can’t be sidetracked any further. That’s the only true way to their extinction.”
“Do you have a certain city in mind?”
“Since our original plan to kill the Dragonwitch failed, I believe you know the right choice.”
“Should I tell the others?”
Colrek nodded. “Yes. Tell them to prepare themselves. If we can’t kill the Dragonwitch, we’ll settle for destroying her home instead. The Wards won’t be expecting us. Her neighbors and friends will pay for her existence.”
“I’m sure the other Fallen Ones are exhausted from the battle in Camena. I know I am. Don’t you think we should let them rest?”
Colrek turned around, taking a step towards Calianna. “We can’t wait, my dear Cali. Did the humans wait to turn on us during the War of Mythania? Of course not. We won’t offer them the luxury. We must act now, for the future.”
Calianna sighed, relenting. “What should I tell The Fallen Ones?”
“That they have an hour to prepare themselves before our flight. I suggest they eat, treat their wounds, and make sure they’re mentally prepared for the road ahead,” Colrek replied, smirking. “In one hour, Haven will fall in ash and dust. The destruction of her hometown will draw Elara to us, and make her easier to find. As soon as the opportunity arises, I will kill the Dragonwitch myself – and it will be glorious. It’s what I was meant to do.”
“We weren’t able to kill the Dragonwitch before. What makes you think we’ll be successful this time?”
Colrek was silent. “I’m positive she’ll meet her end soon. Her luck is running out.”
“What about Fane? Like before, he’ll protect her. He’ll always protect her.”
“Then I suppose Fane will have to meet his end, too, won’t he?” Colrek asked, dismissing her. “Leave me with my thoughts, Cali. I suggest you report downstairs and tell the others.”
Calianna nodded, her head still swimming in doubt as she left Colrek’s room and closed the door behind her. Was this really what she wanted? Could she allow Fane to die as her mother did?
THIS WAS IT. THE FINAL full day before the battle was about to begin. The pressure was palpable and there was no guarantee any of them would survive the coming fight.
Although she tried her hardest, Elara still couldn’t manage to fall asleep. Come early morning, she was extremely exhausted and sluggish as she walked around the city of Deniva for some fresh air. Everyone needed her at her best, yet she felt awful.
Elara was surprised to find Sheba already awake and patiently waiting by her home, anticipating her for something. That woman always seems to be one step ahead of me, Elara thought to herself. She couldn’t decide if it was a good thing or not.
“There you are, my dear,” Sheba began, once Elara noticed her and walked closer. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.”
“What are you doing up this early?” Elara asked, and the elderly woman smiled.
“I suppose I could ask you the same thing, my child,” Sheba replied. “There’s something I must show you before the great battle begins. I believe it’s time.”
“Time for what?” Elara asked, puzzled by Sheba’s vague response.
“You will see, my dear. Follow me.”
Sheba refused to tell Elara about their destination, despite her constant questions. Elara followed Sheba closely and entered the Velona Forest alongside her.
It was completely quiet and serene – a total contrast compared to the outside world. Elara wanted to stay there forever and forget about her troubles.
Sheba gestured for Elara to follow her over to one of the openings that led deeper into the forest, hidden behind a few branches and shrubs. Elara was confused as she peered beyond the opening.
“I don’t understand. Why have you brought me here?” Elara asked, taking a good look around. “I’ve already seen the Velona Forest.”
Sheba laughed. “How wrong you are, my dear.”
Elara continued to follow Sheba until they reached a beautiful violet sea that veered off into the distance, beyond the Velona Forest. The purple waves splashed against the shore, bringing in an array of multi-colored crystals with the tide. They gently hit the rocks and flowers of lavender on the coastline. To its right sat a forest of shimmering gold, with bountiful flowers and animals. The lands in Andora seemed to go on forever.
“We have reached Amethyst City, the heart of the Velona Forest. This is the Lavender Sea. Its water is pure and untainted and free of pollution. Next to it lies the Lightwoods. Much like the sea, it’s pure and holy.”
“It’s so beautiful,” Elara remarked, and Sheba nodded.
“Yes it is, my child – but a scenic tour is not the only reason you’re here.”
“Then why am I here?”
Suddenly, from beyond the golden trees, a tall figure emerged out of pure light – as if the sun was illuminating the person’s every step. Elara squinted, trying to get a better look at the unseen individual.
As soon as the figure came closer to Elara, her eyes widened in shock as her vision adjusted to the light. The figure was unlike anything she had ever seen before. The mysterious woman before her was beautiful, with sparkling green skin, and blue eyes as deep as the ocean. Her smile seemed to light up the forest,
and she emanated an inspiring glow. Her body was delicately covered in a long, beautiful dress made out of leaves and flora. Her black hair flowed to the ground, dragging behind her.
“Who are you?” Elara asked, and the figure smiled.
“I am Lady Velona,” She replied gently, and every word she spoke emitted a soft, melodic echo behind it. “I am the birth mother of all of creation. Every animal, sentient and non-sentient, even down to the tiniest ant, have all passed through my womb. I have heard of a figure called Mother Nature in human folklore. You may compare me to her for your comprehension.”
“Are you also the one the witches call The Source?”
“No - although, I walk among the Gods. The Source works through me; breathes through my lungs. Imagine The Source as an architect. I merely create what the architect instructs me to. One design was you.”
Elara turned to Sheba. “Is this what you wanted me to see?”
“Yes, my child. Only I know of Lady Velona, and I believed it was time you did, too. She has some inspiring words for you. I think you’re in need of them during this time.”
Sheba stepped backward, allowing Lady Velona to move closer to Elara. They stood only inches away from each other, as she inspected Elara. She was impressed at what she saw.
“There is so much strength inside of you,” Lady Velona replied, “But also great pain and suffering. You’ve lost people in your life, and you’ve felt abandoned because of it. You fight for the dragons and witches because you feel just as lonely and isolated as they do.”
Elara nodded, both in awe and fear of Lady Velona’s power. “I know I have this mark for a reason. I have to do something with it. If I don’t, who else will?”
“I admire your courage. No other human could do what you have done.”
“Why do you live here, in the Velona Forest?”
“It’s my safe haven. I watch the earth from afar, guiding and providing protection. The Source wanted me to expose myself to you today. You should know there’s evil coming, and it’s closer than you may think.”
“What are you talking about? Please, tell me everything you know.”
“I don’t know everything. Only The Source knows what the future will bring. You must never stop fighting for what you believe in.”
“Could you join us in the battle?” Elara asked. “We could always use more allies. Who’d want to fight against Mother Nature?”
Lady Velona thought for a moment. “I will grant your request, and I will be there - not embodied, but in spirit. And the spirit is much more powerful than the body.”
“What else can you tell me?”
“The Source has a message for you. The Stone of Magic is waiting to pass it along.”
Before Lady Velona turned to walk back towards the enclosure of the forest, she placed a gentle hand on Elara’s shoulder. “You are the pride of creation. You’re what the world needs during this time of war. You must save us. This world cannot fall.”
And in the blink of an eye, Lady Velona was gone; retreating back into the unseen portion of the forest.
Elara was shocked at the discovery and frozen in place. Sheba gently touched her arm, gesturing towards the Stone of Magic.
“The Stone has a special message for you, my dear,” Sheba told her. “It’s best not to keep it waiting.”
Elara walked over to the Stone, preparing herself first before running her fingers along the etches. This time, she wasn’t thrown backward. Instead, she collapsed to the ground and clawed at her head.
A thousand images ran through her mind, ones that were difficult to understand. She had seen Haven – just like she had seen Camena last time – in flames and dust. The pounding in her head subsided and the message became clearer. The Fallen were going to attack and destroy Elara’s city in one hour. Her people wouldn’t be able to defend themselves.
The visions ended, and after a few seconds, Elara pulled herself up and shook her head. Sheba moved closer to her, cautiously.
“What did you see, my child?” Sheba asked her. “You seem frazzled.”
Elara turned to her, eyes wide and filled with fear. “The Fallen are going to attack Haven. They’ll have no chance. We have to stop them!”
Elara began to walk off towards the exit of the Velona Forest. She was on her way back to Deniva, to tell the others and find support.
“How do you suppose you will stop this, my dear?” Sheba called out to her. “Camena was destroyed even though you were there. How will Haven be any different? What if it is already too late?”
“We have to try, at least. I’m not without hope. Camena may have fallen but it can still be rebuilt, and its citizens were okay for the most part,” Elara replied, before pausing. “This is something I have to do. If I stand by while my home crumbles, then the city’s death will be my own fault – and I refuse to let other people die for me. That was a choice I wasn’t given with my mother.”
And with that, Elara was gone. Sheba watched her leave before she closed her eyes to meditate on the situation.
“Elara is quite the stubborn one, isn’t she?” Lady Velona whispered to Sheba, once Elara had disappeared.
Sheba chuckled. “Indeed she is. At least it serves her well.”
KING ANGUS WAS FEELING restless these days. The situation with The Fallen was only getting worse, the Dragonwitch was still a wanted fugitive, and Merek refused to give any sort of useful information. Something needed to be done. It was time to begin the final stage of Project Black Skull.
King Angus walked into the foyer and spotted Master Knight Adam Cormac talking with Prince Fergus. He made his way over to them, interrupting their conversation.
“Adam, how is the prisoner? Is there any new information today?” The King asked, and Adam hung his head in shame.
“I’m afraid not, my Lord. Nothing has changed. The will of that man is incredible, I have to say. He’s held up well under torture.”
“A shame,” The King replied, shaking his head.
“Dad, can I ask you a question?” Prince Fergus asked.
“Go ahead, Fergus – but first make sure it isn’t a foolish question. I don’t have time for stupidity.”
“To stop the dragons and witches, you’ll need allies – powerful people who can help you take them down. We should take advantage of the Eleven Kingdoms. They’d be more than willing to help you. Wouldn’t you agree?”
The King shook his head. “We have no time for alliances. The Grey Knights are capable of handling it by ourselves. To ask for help would be a weakness - and we are anything but weak.”
“I understand that Dad, but having friends during this time wouldn’t hurt. Think of all the allies the dragons and witches have. They outnumber us! It would give us a better chance at destroying our enemies if we play nice with others. In Andora, there’s a group of ex-witches called The Departed that hate their own people. They want to live as humans. They worship us, I hear. They could be very powerful friends to have.”
“Your idea is to invite former witches to Orana? Have you lost your mind?” The King asked, as his face turned red with anger. “I’ve already given you my answer, Fergus, and it’s no. We won’t request help from anyone outside the Grey Knights. We’ll be the ones to defeat the dragons and witches and accept the glory.”
Fergus nodded, gritting his teeth. “I see. I’m sorry for wasting your precious time.”
Fergus quickly excused himself before rushing off to his room.
“I’m glad he’s gone. That boy just doesn’t listen, does he? He’s worse than Hadrian!” The King said, sighing. “Adam, I needed to speak with you. Do you remember the request I gave the Knights after Serenity was destroyed? Project Black Skull?”
“Yes, my Lord. We did as you asked.”
“What is the status of the project? Were the prison cells completed?”
“Yes, your Majesty. They were finished quickly and the Knights are awaiting your orders.”
The King nodded. “Good. Pass th
is message along to the other Knights. Tell them not to kill the dragons and witches. We have something far better planned. Why hurt them when we can force them to work for us as slaves?”
Adam hesitated. “My Lord, don’t you think it’s dangerous for the Knights to round up the dragons and witches and try to capture them?”
“Yes it is, Adam - but everything is dangerous with the dragons and witches around. It’s time to put the ancient temple to good use. Hurry now - inform the Knights to begin the capturing.”
Adam nodded. “Yes, my Lord. As you wish.”
No Safe Haven
Elara was completely out of breath by the time she made it back to Deniva, as the orange tint of dawn became present in the sky. The witches and the visiting dragons had awakened and were walking around the city ready to continue their training exercises. Emperor Sarv kept a tight grasp over his dragon warriors, yelling at them to train harder and faster. Once Fane saw Elara, he ran over to her.
“Bria, you’ve returned. I looked everywhere for you. Where did you go?”
Elara shook her head, stopping to catch her breath for a moment. “I was in the Velona Forest with Sheba. Fane, we have a big problem. The Fallen are planning to destroy my hometown within the hour. We’re running out of time.”
Fane was confused. “Your hometown? You mean Haven? How do you know this?”
“The Stone of Magic. It showed me a vision. It’s a long story, really. Just go with it.”
David and Tavia, who were chatting near her home, heard Elara’s frantic voice and walked over quickly.
“Red, you look like you’ve just seen a ghost. What’s going on?”
“Haven’s in danger. The Fallen are planning to attack the city in less than an hour now. My hometown will be as good as gone. Unlike the dragons, my people don’t have a high tolerance for fire.”