The Girl Who Walked Through Fire

by Dana Gricken

  “They’ll follow because they have no choice. If it’s the only way to exterminate humanity, then I believe sacrifices must be made,” Colrek replied, as he nodded towards the door. “Gather your things, my dear Cali. We’ll leave for the Darkwoods today. I won’t wait any longer.”

  “Once we get their help, what happens next?”

  “It’s time we attack the castle and completely destroy the Grey Knights. Humanity will then follow and the earth will be cleansed of humans. I never thought we were strong enough before, but now we have no choice. We’ve run out of options.”

  “What will happen to the Dragonwitch? What will you do to her if she tries to stop us again?”

  Colrek laughed. “Oh, the Dragonwitch will get what’s coming to her. But first, I’ll make her suffer as she watches all of her people crumble and fall.”

  IT WAS A FEARFUL SIGHT. The King led his army in an armored vehicle as his loyal Knights followed closely behind with tanks, bombs, and an arsenal of weapons. They were not accepting defeat this time.

  “Remember what we’re fighting for,” The King said, and his words were broadcasted into every vehicle. “This is the only way for peace. With the recent attack by The Fallen, the city of Camena won’t be able to stop us. We’re stronger when they’re at their weakest.”

  They reached the Chamber of Fire, which was the gate that protected Nerennia from the outer-world. The King didn’t panic. “Knights, fire!”

  The Knights released their tanks, which were filled to the brim with fire and explosives. The Chamber shook but didn’t fall over.

  The King pointed forward. “We’ll use their own fire against them. Again!”

  After a few more strikes and explosions, the chamber door fell down and the Knights were able to pass through quickly. It didn’t take long before they had reached the ravaged city of Camena. The citizens finally realized the ambush and stopped their clean-up efforts.

  “This is Camena? The dragon city I’ve heard so much about?” The King asked, before he stepped out of his vehicle to take a look around the city. “I’m disappointed.”

  “What do you want from us?” A nearby dragon asked, and the King laughed in response.

  “You fear us now? What a change. We’re here for one thing – and that’s to take you away to a place where you can’t hurt anyone any longer.”

  Fearful murmurs and cries of panic spread across the city. Without Emperor Zarian, they were lost and confused.

  “We’ll never let you take us!” A dragon bellowed from the crowd, and the King shook his head.

  “We’ll see about that,” King Angus replied, before gesturing towards his Knights. “Attack!”

  Before the dragons could react, the Knights unleashed powerful smoke bombs that swept over the crowd. It took a little longer to knock them out, but the Knights were patient and well-prepared. Soon, all of the dragon citizens had fallen unconscious.

  “Knights, gather the dragons and chain them to our vehicles. We’ll be escorting them to the temple immediately. Make sure you leave enough room – there will be plenty more on the way.”

  “Yes, sir!” The Knights replied, in unison.

  The King noticed one of the dragons was still barely conscious. The dragon groaned and tried to stand up, but he was too weak.

  “Why are you doing this?” The dragon managed to ask.

  “Because you’ve left me no choice,” The King replied before the collecting began.

  FANE AND ELARA MADE their journey to the Beyondlands to request the aid of the Orkin officially. It was time. The battle was coming, and they needed more help.

  As Fane landed and transitioned quickly, Elara looked into the distance while trying her best to remember the way to the Orkin camp. She noticed as smoke from a dying campfire spread across the sky like a thick fog, showing her the route.

  “This way,” Elara called out, as she began walking quickly in the direction of the smoke.

  “Bria, slow down,” Fane warned, as he quickened his pace to catch up to her. “The Beyondlands are dangerous. We need to be careful. Don’t walk too far ahead of me.”

  “We have no time to be careful,” Elara told him. “The longer we wait, the more powerful The Fallen and the Grey Knights become. We need allies. The Orkin need to know it’s now or never. It’s worth risking the Beyondlands for.”

  Fane didn’t bother to argue. He knew she was right. He followed closely behind her, taking quick glances at their surroundings every few seconds to make sure the coast was clear.

  They reached the small village not too long after, taking shortcuts and muddy trails to quicken their journey. The Orkin were in the same spot as before, with their weapons held high once they heard people approaching.

  Vrukang signaled to his tribe to lower their crossbows, and they obeyed as he walked over to greet the young woman and her dragon companion.

  “Elara. It’s you,” Vrukang said. “You’ve returned. Honored. What now? Something wrong?”

  “Vrukang, we need your help,” Elara replied. “Everything’s gotten worse. We won’t be able to stop The Fallen and the Knights without support. They’re too powerful, and there’s no telling what they’ll try to do next. You volunteered your help before, and we need it now.”

  Vrukang nodded. “I see. Dangerous situation. Fallen Ones threaten us. Threaten everyone. Did promise to help you. Never forget your promises. What do you ask of us?”

  “In Deniva – it’s a city in Andora – we’ve started a strong rebellion. Everyone’s working together with the same goal in mind – to destroy the Grey Knights and The Fallen. It would be great if you could join us.”

  Vrukang shrugged. “Orkin don’t like crowds. Socializing problematic. Wary of outsiders.”

  Elara nodded. “I understand. I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t necessary.”

  “Believe me, Vrukang – we dragons don’t bite. Well, mostly,” Fane added. “The impossible has been done – dragons and witches are talking to each other again in Deniva, and it’s all because of Elara. You’ll be safe in Deniva. No harm will come to you there. We need your support to make sure you’ll be safe everywhere – and both The Fallen and the Grey Knights threaten that safety.”

  Vrukang looked back at his tribe. “We will help. We must. Can only spare a few. Hard times.”

  Just then, a small human girl around the age of twelve emerged from the bushes. Noruk moved over to her, comforting her.

  “You have a human here?” Elara asked. “How is that possible?”

  “We found her recently, in the depths of the Beyondlands. She was dying; deprived of water and food. She hasn’t spoken a word here.”

  “Can I talk to her?” Elara asked, and Noruk nodded.

  “Yes, but she will not respond. Try not to startle her. She frightens easily, and I can sense that she has suffered greatly.”

  Elara walked over to the young girl, trying to be as gentle and calm as possible. “Hello there. My name is Elara Everly. What’s yours?”

  The girl remained silent, although she maintained eye contact. It was almost creepy.

  “You know, most humans don’t know that the Orkin even exist. How did you make it here? The Beyondlands are dangerous. You’re pretty tough to survive out there.”

  Still, the girl said nothing. Elara couldn’t tell whether or not she was frightened, or if she really couldn’t speak. She wasn’t willing to push it.

  “Well, whenever you’d like to talk, come find me. I know what it’s like to be an outsider. Trust me.”

  Elara pointed towards the mark on her arm, and the girl’s eyes widened. Noruk sighed, gently pulling Elara aside.

  “I’m sorry, Elara. The human girl hasn’t spoken to anyone. Don’t take it personally. She might be afraid to trust others, but thank you for trying. The Orkin appreciate it.”

  “It’s all right. Maybe one day she’ll come around. Don’t lose hope,” Elara replied, looking at the girl one last time before turning around.

 
“You’re the one, aren’t you?” The girl called out, which made Elara stop in her tracks. “You’re the Dragonwitch?”

  Elara turned around. “That’s what everyone keeps telling me. How did you know that?”

  “I’ve seen it in visions. The Stone of Magic has been talking to me. The mark made me realize it’s you,” The girl replied, and everyone watched in shock. “My name is Penelope Ferris. I was born and raised in Serenity. I was the only survivor. I watched The Fallen burn my home and kill my mother.”

  Tears welled in Penelope’s eyes. Noruk placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry. I know what it’s like to lose a mother,” Elara replied, quietly. “I’m trying my best to make sure no more people have to suffer. The Wards have been through enough.”

  “Whatever you need from the Orkin to win this war, you will have it,” Noruk promised Elara, and she nodded. “No further children will suffer because of these beasts.”

  “The Dragonwitch. What a funny name. But powerful,” Vrukang told her, once she caught up with him and Fane. “Chosen. Maybe you are the one. Never thought I’d see the girl speak. You have power.”

  “Elara is special,” Fane replied. “I’ve seen it myself. She’s the Dragonwitch, no matter what anyone else says.”

  “I’m trying- that’s for sure. Legend or not, I want to make things right,” Elara added, before nodding towards the path she came. “We’ll take you back to Deniva whenever you’re ready.”

  Vrukang nodded. “Must gather my warriors. Only the best. Go on. We will come.”

  Elara nodded. “Thank you for your support. I appreciate it.”

  Penelope waved goodbye to Elara, much to the surprise of everyone. Before Elara could respond, a sharp pain caused her to gasp. Voices within her mind hissed and tried to claw their way out as another vision washed over her.

  “Bria!” Fane called out, as he caught her before she fell. “What’s the matter? Are you all right?”

  The vision only took seconds, but Elara saw it all. The capturing. The helplessness. The temple. Elara looked into Fane’s eyes as her own welled with tears.

  “Camena. The dragons are gone - all of them.”

  “What do you mean, gone?” Fane asked, startled. “Where?”

  Elara shook her head, trying to think. “King Angus has this temple not too far from the castle. It looks like they turned it into a jail. The Palarri have been taken. They’re on their way now, and they’re only the first. The King wants to bring every dragon and witch there, and he’s been planning this for a while. I can see their faces in my mind. It’s awful.”

  “How do you know this? Why do you keep having these visions?” Fane asked, and it took a few moments for Elara to realize it.

  “The Stone of Magic. It changed me,” Elara replied. “It must have - it’s the only explanation! I never had these visions before I touched it. It knocked me out for a reason.”

  “It knocked you unconscious? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “We’ve been a little too busy, Fane!”

  Vrukang rushed over once he saw Elara had fallen. “What is wrong?”

  Elara couldn’t speak. She was too upset. Fane looked at Vrukang before he answered for her.

  “The King has stolen my family and friends. He won’t stop until all of the dragons and witches are nothing more than his slaves.”

  There was a fire in Fane’s eyes, as anger boiled inside of him that he had not felt in a while. “I’m tired of this! If The Fallen aren’t one step ahead of us, it’s the Knights! This ends soon. It needs to. The Palarri deserve better than this.”

  Elara composed herself, wiping away her tears and letting go of Fane’s arm. “Hurry. Let’s go back to Deniva. We need to tell the others. Your father will want to know.”

  “The Orkin are with you. Ready to fight. You can trust that. In us, friendship.”

  The Old Temple

  Bella Morgana was not a woman who liked to admit defeat. As she sat in her home in the Darkwoods sulking over the situation, she still couldn’t believe Sheba was the legend herself. The Grand Witch wasn’t just a fairy tale.

  One of Bella’s followers named Desmond burst through the door to her hut, interrupting her thoughts. “Mistress Bella? We have a problem.”

  Bella followed the acolyte outside, where the sky had become a sea of blood and darkness. Seconds later, a swarm of Fallen Ones descended from the clouds.

  “What should we do?” Desmond asked. “Do you want me to get the others?”

  Bella laughed. “Don’t bother. If our intruders are foolish enough to fight me, I’ll kill them myself.”

  Colrek landed a few feet away from Bella, as dirt and rock clouded the area. The evil spirits of the forest surrounded her protectively.

  “Bella Morgana, I take it?” Colrek asked, nodding towards the spirits. “It’s good to meet you.”

  “I see you’ve brought an army with you,” Bella replied, taking a good look at the dragons and witches that stood before her. “Tell me, dragon – why have you come here?”

  “I have a proposition – one only you can help me with.”

  Bella folded her arms across her chest. “What is it? And why would I want to help you?”

  Colrek smirked. “My name is Colrek Fenlan, and I am the Lord of the Fallen. I’m sure you’ve heard of us by now. We’re famous if I do say so myself. It’s simple - what we want to do is rid the world of humanity. You must join us.”

  Bella chuckled. “I must join you? I think not. There is no one on this Earth that tells me what to do. I don’t care about humans. They’ll kill themselves off one day. My problems lie with the Miracari, the Grand Witch, and that damn Dragonwitch. Besides, we’re busy preparing for the return of Kyros. We don’t have time for foolish distractions.”

  “Oh, but I believe it’s in your best interests. The Dragonwitch is our enemy as well. She’s thwarted our every plan; hounded our every step.”

  Bella nodded. “I can relate. She just can’t mind her own business.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better to have some help on your hunt? If you help us, in return we’ll help you destroy the Miracari and the Grand Witch. Our partnership can benefit us both.”

  “You weren’t able to stop the Dragonwitch before. What makes you think us working together will change that?”

  “Because we’d be an unstoppable team, Bella. This Malefica magic of yours is too powerful for her to resist, isn’t it? The Dragonwitch will see the end of her days shortly. I’m sure of it. We both share a common enemy, you see – and they say the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Colrek replied, smiling. “Do we have a deal?”

  Bella paused for a moment, contemplating. “Very well. But if you try to double-cross us, I’ll skin you alive and make your scales into soup, dragon. You have my word.”

  Colrek chuckled. “I love it! That’s the kind of ruthless partner The Fallen needs. Now, will you follow us to the Beyondlands? We’ll prepare immediately – and I think you’ll be quite an asset. The Dragonwitch won’t even know what’s coming.”

  ARIA ROLLED HER EYES as Elara walked through the city of Deniva, followed closely behind by Fane and the Orkin.

  “Good - more people I don’t know,” Aria complained, under her breath. “That’s just what we need.”

  “You managed to recruit the Orkin? I’m surprised,” Emperor Sarv said, looking at the brutes with respect.

  “Where can my soldiers stay?” Vrukang asked Elara, nodding towards the tools he had brought. “We must start. Much to be done. Much to create.”

  “Anywhere is fine,” Elara told him. “What are you creating?”

  “Our blades. Made using dragonleaf and sparkleroot. Two holiest plants. Only strong hands of the Orkin can create. I have enough for this battle. No more. No less.”

  “Then I won’t keep you any longer. Thank you for this.”

  Vrukang nodded, leading his soldiers over to a secluded forest spot. He began vigorously rubbing the dragonleaf a
nd sparkleroot together until they were set on fire. From that, he spread the fire across his sword – and it burst into flames before turning to dust. The sword then became black as Vrukang carved the symbol of the Orkin into it.

  “Incredible,” Emperor Sarv remarked, watching as Vrukang worked.

  “There’s something else you need to know,” Elara told him, dragging his focus away from the Orkin.

  Emperor Sarv sighed. “Of course there is. There’s always something wrong. What is it now? More slum cities in need of saving?”

  Fane shook his head. “I’m afraid not, Emperor Sarv. It’s about the Palarri, and it isn’t good news.”

  Emperor Zarian cocked an eyebrow after hearing the mention of his people, and he rushed over. “Did I hear that correctly? It concerns the Palarri?”

  Elara nodded, sadly. “Yes, Emperor. I’m sorry to say that the Palarri have been captured by the King. He’s taken them to some old temple near his castle. He wants to keep them as slaves.”

  Emperor Zarian couldn’t believe it. His face became white as he sat down on a nearby rock, taking a moment to collect himself.

  “My people?” He asked, incredulously. “Just gone? Our friends, family, and allies? Taken from Camena, our only home?”

  “I’m sorry, father,” Fane began, before balling his fists. “Believe me when I say I’m just as angry as you. We can’t let them treat us this way anymore. It’s time for action.”

  “What are we waiting for? Stop moaning and let’s go,” Emperor Sarv began, but Zarian shook his head.

  “No, Sarv. We’re not going.”

  “What are you talking about, father? You don’t want to rescue our own people?”

  “Stopping The Fallen and the Grey Knights must take priority. If we attack this temple, the Knights will only fight us and we’ll cause more bloodshed. We need to think of the bigger picture,” Zarian replied, before looking back towards his unknowing soldiers. “Don’t tell the others. It’ll only upset them. They need to focus.”

  “What if they take more of us?” Fane asked. “What if they attack other cities?”