by Dana Gricken
“Then more will be taken,” Zarian answered. “We can’t afford to go after them right now.”
“We have time,” Elara replied. “The King won’t kill them. They’re more valuable as slaves.”
“You’re a fool,” Emperor Sarv commented, shaking his head. “But I won’t force you. Do whatever you want. I just know that if my people were captured, I wouldn’t just shrug it off.”
Emperor Sarv walked away while Fane contemplated all his father had said. “Are you sure this is wise?”
“Wise? Yes,” Zarian told him, before looking away. “Is it what I want to do? No. If I had my way, I would rip King Angus’ heart out of his chest for what he’s done to the Palarri. But it isn’t just about us. It’s about all of the dragons and witches as a whole – and we can’t be selfish or reckless right now.”
Fane nodded. “All right, father. I trust you. But as soon as the threat of The Fallen and the Knights are dealt with, we’ll save our dragonkin right away.”
“I have a plan,” Elara interjected. “When we attack The Fallen, Zarian could leave for the temple. It probably won’t take long to find it and they won’t even notice him. They’ll be too busy fighting the rest of us.”
“I’ll go with you, father.”
Zarian paused. “No, Fane. I’ll do this alone.”
“Why?”
“They need you fighting on the frontlines. And you must protect Elara as well.”
Fane sighed, relenting. “Fine. If it’s what you think is best, then I’ll do it. Just make sure you save them all. No one gets left behind.”
“I will. I know not freeing them yourself must be difficult for you, but you’re needed elsewhere,” Zarian replied, before turning around. “It’s time to get back to the others. We must train every second so The Fallen and the Knights can’t gain the upper hand. It’s our last hope.”
After his father walked away, Fane sighed as he ran his fingers through his white hair. There was an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds.
“Are you all right, Fane?”
He shook his head. “No. I’m angry, Bria. I should’ve never left Camena in the first place. I could’ve stopped this brutality. Instead, all of my people are captured and it’s my fault.”
“Are you sure of that, Fane? If you would’ve stayed, you would be in that temple just as helpless as the others. But you’re not. You have your freedom – and that gives you the chance to make things better,” Elara told him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t let your anger consume you. Remember what you’re fighting for here. You can still save them, Fane.”
Fane nodded. “You’re right, Bria. I’m sorry. My anger won’t cloud my judgment. I’ll use it to fight harder.”
“I’m glad. I need you here with me, Fane. I can’t win this war without you.”
Fane smiled. “I feel the same way, Bria.”
He wondered if he should tell Elara his feelings for her, despite knowing she was interested in Hadrian. “Bria, I think you should know that-”
Before he could continue, Mayliss came running out of Aria’s hut and jumped right into Elara’s arms. She nearly fell over as she held the young dragon girl. Aria tried to stop the girl from leaving, but she was too quick and agile.
“Ellie, you’re back!” Mayliss exclaimed, clinging to her. “Can I go back to Camena now?”
Fane turned around, unable to look Mayliss in the eyes. Elara hesitated for a moment.
“You can soon. There’s just a few things we need to do first. Don’t worry – Fane will make everything better.”
Fane turned around, nodding. “You have my word, Mayliss. You’ll see another sunrise in Camena soon.”
Sheba returned, standing next to Aria as she watched Elara, Mayliss, and Fane from a distance.
“Things are only going to get worse, aren’t they?” Aria asked quietly, and Sheba nodded.
“I’m afraid so.”
“Have you heard anything from Hadrian? I’m worried about him. He should’ve never returned to the castle.”
“Don’t fret, Aria. He’s a resourceful boy. He’ll be all right,” Sheba told her, before pausing. “Do the others know why you have such an interest in that young man? Does Elara?”
“No,” Aria replied sternly, shaking her head. “And it’ll remain that way if I have anything to say about it.”
THE TEMPLE WAS ONLY an hour away from Orana, secluded in a large open field. It had several tall columns, with an eye of providence statue on the roof. Whatever it was used for before, it held a different meaning now – one of power and authority.
The King entered the abandoned temple with the creak of the large, chamber doors. Dust and debris were scattered around the interior of the temple from days long gone as the King looked around, nodding in approval. Sunlight intruded through the stain-glass windows, illuminating the darkness. There were several rows of adjacent prison cells that were sealed off with doors made from strong metal, and electricity crackled through the walls.
There was no way to escape, and the King smiled at this. In the center of the room, there stood a large statue of the Creator’s eye. It seemed to follow you no matter where you stood. This is the way things are meant to be, King Angus thought.
“I hope you’re pleased with the set-up, my Lord,” Adam began, catching up to the King quickly. “We only had a few days to complete it, but your Knights worked tirelessly. This is the best they could do. It’ll serve its purpose, at least.”
The King nodded. “I understand. It doesn’t need to be glamorous. It was a lot to ask in such little time, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The dragons and witches will spend their last days here, and they’ll do it under the eye of the Creator. It will give them the time to think about their actions.”
“My Lord?” A fellow Knight asked, walking down the temple hall towards the King. “We’re awaiting your orders.”
“Begin placing the dragons into each cell, and lock the doors behind them tightly. Do it quickly, in case the sedative wears off earlier than expected.”
“Yes, sir!” The Knight replied, before passing along the instructions to the other Knights.
The King watched each unconscious Palarri dragon be permanently locked into their cells. To him, it was beautiful. Adam cleared his throat, drawing the King’s attention.
“Can I speak with you for a moment, your Majesty?”
“What is it, Adam?” The King asked, angrily. “This better be important.”
Adam sighed. “It is, my Lord. I need to confess something. Fergus has gone against your wishes and invited The Departed to the castle. He wants them to join our cause. He’s convinced they’ll help us somehow. He thinks once you see how loyal they are, you’ll change your mind regarding allies.”
The King sighed. “Thank you for telling me. When will my son learn? I need to return to the castle immediately and deal with him.”
“Of course. I’ll take you back myself. The rest of the Knights can stay here until they finish locking up the dragons,” Adam replied. “Sir, what will you do with Fergus?”
The King paused. “I don’t know, Adam – but he’ll regret ever disobeying me.”
FERGUS SMILED AS HE showed the ex-witches around the castle. They ended their tour in the throne room, sitting together on the comfortable furniture. The Departed had ridden into the city on tall stallions, with their weapons in tow. They were ready for a battle - all they were waiting for was an invitation.
“It’s an honor to be here, Prince,” Aldrick began, bowing his head out of respect. “We can’t believe the King would ask us to join him in battle. We thought he despised us.”
Fergus cleared his throat. “Oh, nonsense. You’re very lucky. He has finally realized how useful you can be.”
“If he’s so interested in us, why isn’t he here to meet us himself? Isn’t that rude for a King?”
“Hallie!” Aldrick scolded.
“What?” Hallie retorted. “It’s a good question.”
Fergus chuckled. “Yes, it is. He isn’t here because he’s taking care of important business. You see, the King believes that capturing the dragons and witches is the safer option for humanity. As we speak, they’re being placed in an old temple. I believe in slaughtering them, like the animals they are – but my father disagrees. His principles tend to get in the way. My father wants a non-violent solution to a violent problem.”
“Is he certain that will work?” Aldrick asked, out of confusion. “We practiced magic long ago. We understand how powerful it is. A witch could easily break out of a cell with a little force and determination. I hate to say it, but I disagree with the King. Your idea is much better, my Prince. Exterminating the situation is better than containing it.”
Fergus smiled. “I like how you think, Aldrick. Rest assured, my father will make it work. I believe in him, even if he runs things differently than I’d like. If anyone has a chance at stopping the dragons and witches, it’s him. And if it bothers me so much, one day he’ll pass along the crown to me. He’ll be too dead to stop me then.”
“Prince, there’s something you need to know,” Aldrick replied. “We know where the Dragonwitch is hiding. We’ve seen her. She’s in Deniva, a city in the witch kingdom of Andora. There are a lot of dragons and witches there. Something big must be happening.”
Fergus nodded. “Thank you for telling me this. I’ll inform the King when he returns. I knew that girl couldn’t hide from us forever.”
“What do you want from us?” Hallie asked. “What are we supposed to do for you?”
“The King needs allies in a time like this, even though he won’t admit it. My father is as stubborn as a blackwing. The battle is coming soon, and we need to be fully prepared if we want a chance at defeating the dragons and witches. The Dragonwitch won’t fall easily.”
Hallie shook her head out of confusion. “If he won’t admit it, then why would he invite us here?”
Before Fergus could reply, he heard the sound that made his stomach drop – the harsh clunk of his father’s footsteps. There was nowhere to hide and nowhere to run. Fergus prayed his stubborn father would see reason.
King Angus walked quickly through the castle hallways with anger seething inside of him. His own flesh and blood went against his wishes. Fergus was starting to resemble Hadrian more and more each day.
He entered the throne room with the loud bang of the door, crossing his arms over his chest once he saw Fergus calmly sitting with The Departed. Fergus noticed that Adam was standing next to him and he rolled his eyes.
“You just couldn’t keep your big mouth shut, could you?” Fergus asked, scoffing.
“Don’t take that tone with Adam. He did the right thing by telling me the truth. We need to talk, my son,” The King began, shaking his head. “I can’t leave you alone without you meddling in my business. What did I tell you before?”
Fergus stood up quickly. “Dad, try to see my logic here. The dragons and witches are too powerful for us to handle alone, and-”
The King picked up a nearby expensive vase and threw it across the room. It shattered against the wall, hushing Fergus immediately.
“I don’t know if you’re deaf or just stupid, but the answer regarding The Departed was no! Listen to me, as both your father and the King!” Angus shouted, and his voice reverberated off of the castle walls.
Fergus was shocked. Aldrick stood up, fearing he had ruined any chance of winning the King’s favor.
“I believe we should get going now, King. My apologies,” Aldrick told him before the King scoffed.
“Yes, you should be going. My son tricked you. He thought he knew better than me. You’re lucky I don’t imprison you with the rest of the dragons and witches, but I’m feeling generous.”
Aldrick nodded, before leading The Departed out of the castle. They mounted their horses before riding off into the distance, not daring to look back.
There was silence for a few moments. “Return to your room at once, Fergus. Think about what you did. If you disobey me again, I’ll have no choice but to order you there for life.”
“But Dad, there’s something you need to know about the Dragonwitch.”
“Go!” The King bellowed. “Get out of my sight!”
Fergus nodded, swallowing his pride and doing as his father asked.
Adam cleared his throat. “There’s something else I need to tell you, my Lord. It’s about Prince Hadrian – and he happens to be chained in the basement.”
“What?”
Adam took a step back. “None of my Knights are responsible, I promise you. I was told before we left by my Knights that Fergus gave the order that you didn’t want to be disturbed. I knew something was wrong right away.”
“Go fetch Fergus,” King Angus muttered through gritted teeth, “And take me to Hadrian. Now!”
Calianna’s Locket
Prince Hadrian continued to tug and pull on his restraints as he heard three sets of footsteps approaching. He glanced over at Merek, wincing at the blood and bruising on his face. Merek’s body trembled as the footsteps became closer.
“The evil one is coming,” Merek said, murmuring under his breath to no one in particular. “No more torture. Please... no more...”
The sympathy Hadrian had for Merek quickly turned into anger as he laid his eyes upon his father and his loyal followers. While Prince Fergus and Master Knight Adam Cormac were smiling at him and Merek, the King was displeased.
“Release my son right now,” The King snarled, as his eyes flickered between Prince Fergus and Adam.
Adam nodded, stepping closer to take off Hadrian’s painful handcuffs before he was stopped by Prince Fergus.
“Dad, you’re going to set him free? Even after everything he’s done?” Prince Fergus asked in disgust, shaking his head.
“Fergus, we’ve discussed this. I won’t punish my son, no matter how severe the crime,” The King replied sternly, as he gestured towards Adam. “Release him. This is the last time I’ll ask.”
Adam gave an apologetic look to Fergus before he freed Hadrian. The young Prince stood up, stretching his back and rubbing his wrists.
“How long has he been down here? And why wasn’t I informed right away?”
Fergus looked down. “I kept him down here myself without telling you. It hasn’t been long. I wanted him to suffer, Dad. I hate how he disrespects you.”
The King paused for a moment, contemplating. Suddenly, he reached out and backhanded Fergus. The slap echoed through the dungeon. The Prince grabbed his reddened cheek where he had been struck and his eyes were full of confusion and sadness.
“You will never go behind my back again, Fergus – especially when it comes to Hadrian. Do you understand?”
Prince Fergus nodded quickly, unable to speak. He was afraid tears would spill out of his eyes if he did. Both Hadrian and Adam were as equally shocked with the King’s reaction. Hadrian cleared his throat, ending the unbearable silence that had spread over the room like a fog.
“Have some sympathy for another human,” Hadrian began, nodding towards Merek. “He’s an old man. If you just have to keep him locked up, at least put him in the cells upstairs. It’s warmer there.”
The King thought for a moment. “Do as my son asks, Adam, and place the girl’s father upstairs.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Adam replied, as he unchained the older man, lifted him to his feet and brought him up the stairs.
“Why have you come back, my son?” The King asked, suddenly. “I thought you had abandoned us.”
“I’ve returned to ask you to stop hunting the dragons and witches. You have the power to end this war. Can’t you see that you started this? That there wouldn’t be any Fallen Ones if they were treated equally? If there’s one thing you do for me, please let it be this. Give it up already before more people get hurt.”
Prince Fergus rolled his eyes. “You’re too late, Hadrian. Dad has already taken most of the dragons to the old temple for punishment
. They’ll never see the light of day again. There’s nothing you can do to stop this.”
Hadrian gasped. “What? How could you?”
“I’ve already explained my reasons, my son. This is the best choice for humanity. I can see that locking you up was a mistake. I think it would be better for you to remain upstairs, where my Knights can watch over you.”
“But Dad, just listen to me...”
“Our discussion is over.”
The King returned up the staircase with the swish of his cape as Prince Fergus eyed Hadrian suspiciously.
“Dad may be soft on you, but I’m not. Enjoy your freedom while it lasts, dear brother. I’ll enjoy taking it away from you one day soon – and you know I’m a fan of the electric chair.”
“If you try anything, Dad will be waiting to give you another backhand,” Hadrian replied, taunting him.
Prince Fergus shook his head in disgust as he left the dungeon, leaving Hadrian in the room alone. There was nothing else Hadrian could do except follow his father’s orders and pray everything would work out.
THE PREPARATIONS IN Deniva were coming close to completion in the wee hours of the morning. As the four dragon emperors talked amongst themselves, Elara was getting better at using the Sword of a Thousand Flames. Despite almost cutting her hand off twice, she was pretty good at it.
As she practiced swinging the sword and chopping down tree branches, Tavia walked over to her. She was careful not to be caught on the receiving end of the weapon.
“Take it easy, Red – those poor trees are defenseless against your attacks,” Tavia quipped, as Elara smiled and lowered her blade. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“In my culture, there’s something we call soul bonding,” Tavia began. “It’s a deep connection between two individuals. A bond of true love and friendship, and blah, blah, blah. I know it sounds mushy, but I think of you as a good friend. Unless you don’t feel the same way, then I’ll just shut up now.”