A Dragon's Awakening

by Aya Knight

  Kale could barely ingest another spoonful of potatoes as his stomach turned in knots at the thought of being in the same room as Jedah. The night would soon bring a cascading series of changes none of them could have imagined.

  Chapter 27: The King’s Plan

  The group was escorted into two separate bedrooms joined by an unhinged doorframe. One room was assigned to Neelan, and the other for the men. Within each area they found a rolling wardrobe filled with both men and women’s formal attire. After sorting through, they each found something of interest that fit well enough to wear.

  Neelan tapped upon the frame of the open doorway. “Are you decent?” she called.

  “Yes, my dear, they are both dressed. You may come in,” Thomas replied.

  As she entered, Kale couldn’t help but stare.

  Neelan’s hair was pinned elegantly back with a sparkling clasp, crafted in the shape of a rose. Her pastel yellow gown hung in a slightly crumpled heap at the floor, but fit perfectly in all other areas. The form-fitting upper half led into a very full skirt which had draped fabric and a small bow in the back. Neelan looked as though she belonged with royalty.

  “Do I look silly?” Neelan placed her hands upon her flushed cheeks.

  “N-no—sorry.” Kale quickly dodged her eyes and glanced away bashfully. “You look really beautiful.”

  “You think so?” Neelan gripped the gown, lifting it from the floor as she spun around. She then approached Kale, whispering softly into his ear, “You’re not so bad yourself.” She winked at him, smiling seductively as she ran her fingers along his neck.

  Kale’s heart pounded as his breathing tightened within his chest. Neelan’s soft caresses sent chills down his spine.

  “Ahem… I do not mean to interrupt such a…moment, however we really must be leaving now.” Judith cleared her throat from the doorframe.

  As they entered the royal hall, Judith, who had escorted them, immediately moved toward her throne. Kale and the others followed Thomas to join a group of lesser royalty, consisting of nobles and lords. Judith lowered herself upon the golden throne and many shouts of awe erupted within the large hall. She humbly smiled toward the crowd as she adjusted her elaborate teal gown.

  “She has truly returned!”

  “The Princess lives!”

  Voices could be heard in all directions as the anxious citizens stared toward Judith.

  “Silence, please.” King Valamar stood and raised his hands above his head which bore a magnificent golden crown. Even from a distance, the variety of jewels set into the gold itself could be seen. Then, before the audience, he briefly informed them on the situation leading up to Judith’s return.

  Kale glanced around as the whispers of many enraged individuals filled the room.

  “Bring in the culprit!” the King bellowed.

  A dozen heavily armored warriors surrounded Jedah. The former general was shackled at his wrists and ankles. He wore filthy tights and an oversized tunic hung on his body like a large sack. The room grew silent as they all watched Jedah shuffle his way along a long beige carpet to the thrones. The guards forcefully pulled on Jedah’s arms, restraining him in place as they neared the King.

  “You go no farther, betrayer,” one of the guards warned.

  Kale’s heart once again burned with pure fury at the sight of Jedah who wore an expression that bore no guilt for his actions.

  “Do as you will—your highness,” Jedah sneered as though this was nothing but a game.

  King Valamar’s face shook in anger and Kale could see he was struggling to maintain composure.

  “Ah…Princess.” Jedah released a sinister laugh. “So good to see you again. Did the dragon decide to release you?” More laughter followed. “Those filthy beasts; it is a shame one of the disgusting creatures still roams this world.” His eyes shot directly toward Kale with a burning, untamed fury.

  Kale’s pale blue eyes narrowed. He must know… Kale returned the bitter glare, baring his teeth as he fought to remain still out of respect for the King.

  “Do not speak!” The King’s voice was loud and demanding as he pointed a finger toward Jedah.

  “What shall you do? You are a foolish King who allowed yo—” Jedah groaned in pain as one of the guards slammed the pommel of his sword into Jedah’s back.

  “The King said to silence yourself,” the guard ordered.

  “I’ve given this situation deep thought and have come to the conclusion that death is simply too good for you.” As King Valamar spoke, Kale and Illadar appeared as though they had just been struck in the face.

  The surrounding audience appeared just as dumbstruck by the King’s words.

  He does not deserve to live, Kale thought with a grimace. I hope the King has a plan and is not truly as foolish as I have come to believe. He silently awaited an explanation.

  “You have betrayed our kingdom—betrayed me. You’ve kidnapped and endangered my daughter. In addition, you have tormented, slain, and destroyed the lives of many across Ravondore. Without remorse, you have taken the lives of women and children. You’ve committed all of these heinous acts without my acknowledgment and have blemished the good name of Mirion. I cannot imagine how many wish for the fall of our kingdom after what has been done. Our kingdom stands for peace and justice. We only resort to aggressive tactics when absolutely necessary, and I was a fool to have trusted your word. For this treachery, you shall be sentenced to a life in torment until your body perishes–think of this as a prolonged execution. By tomorrow’s light, you will be sent to a cavern hidden away within the snow-covered continent of Sundra. The frost elves—mighty and powerful, will ensure you remain locked away, enduring countless days of agony until your time on this world has ended. When they arrive here tomorrow, no soul in Ravondore shall ever lay eyes upon the likes of you again.” The King’s eyes pierced Jedah’s with a malevolent stare of hatred which only a father who had thought he lost his only child could feel.

  Neelan knew the frost elves were cold and emotionless beings within her race. They were not vicious or aggressive, unless provoked, and usually maintained a thriving desire for balance within the world. However, unlike the high elves, they had no remorse. The frost elves could torture and take life without a second thought.

  Kale struggled to accept the situation as he shifted anxiously from one foot to the other. His heart raced with doubt and an uneasy feeling of uncertainty swarmed within his mind. Having no prior knowledge of the frost elves, he assumed the worst. With the many devoted followers Jedah had accumulated, the thought of the former general finding a way to escape seemed to be a sure reality.

  Neelan took notice of Kale’s anxious movements and rose onto her toes to whisper words of ease into his ear. She briefly explained the great power frost elves possessed. The gesture slightly eased Kale’s nerves, though he still could not understand why King Valamar did not simplify the situation by sentencing Jedah to an immediate execution.

  “My decision is final,” the King spoke with assured confidence, despite the uncertain whispers amongst the crowd.

  “It’ll be all right…” Neelan softly spoke to Kale and Illadar.

  King Valamar clapped his hands twice. “Take him away. I cannot bear to see his face any longer.” He then faced the audience. “You are all dismissed. We will meet again at dawn’s first light.”

  “What is he thinking?!” Kale tugged at his hair in frustration once they left the hall.

  “Calm yourself, Kale. The King has the best intentions of Ravondore in mind,” Thomas replied.

  “By allowing Jedah to live?” Kale slammed his fist angrily into his palm.

  “Death is swift, where Jedah is heading will be far worse. The frost elves will show him no mercy. He will live each day in agony. Though far in distance, the frost elves have been
at peace with Mirion until word of Jedah’s vile actions reached them. Now that they are aware of King Valamar’s ignorance in the matter, the treaty of peace has yet again resumed. They believe in maintaining balance within the world, much like the high elves. However, unlike Neelan’s kind, the frost elves will come when summoned to punish the wicked. They will not, however, engage in war as it is against their beliefs. The frost elves will come only once the enemy has been captured and judgment passed. Think of them as the hand of punishment. They are far more powerful than Jedah could dream, and I do not foresee how he could possibly escape without first meeting a terrible death.” Thomas placed a hand upon Kale’s shoulder. “You should not worry yourself over the situation. We have succeeded and Jedah will be gone tomorrow.”

  “How does the King even know they will arrive to aid with Jedah’s purgatory? And how could they possibly make it here by tomorrow mornin’ if they’re commin’ from another continent?” Illadar joined in.

  “Between only us,” Thomas lowered his voice, “decades ago when the treaty was first agreed upon, a previous King of Mirion was entrusted with a scepter only to be used in a time of need to restore balance. The enchanted item allows the true King to contact the Frost Emperor. Unlike my own limited abilities, the frost elves are able to teleport themselves to any location without ever having to set foot or view the area beforehand.”

  Thomas’ words managed to reassure both Kale and Illadar enough to refrain from pressing the subject any longer.

  The group was so fatigued from their arduous journey they each hurried to their freshly prepared beds. Neelan kissed Kale softly on the cheek before her own departure, assuring him a second time everything would be all right.

  Kale lay back on the plush maroon comforter as he stared up toward the sheer fabric draped from each of the four wooden bedposts. As he continued to dwell upon the King’s final judgment, his eyes struggled to remain open until he could no longer fight against them. His body went limp as he drifted into slumber.

  Kale tossed and turned on the large feather mattress as a series of dreams involving Jedah’s escape tormented his sleep. In one of his more vivid dreams, Jedah managed to smuggle a cell key and silently slip out beneath the guards’ noses as they mingled amongst themselves. Jedah cleverly made his way inside the royal chambers and crept to Kale’s bedside. Kale could clearly hear the words Jedah spoke, “All dragons shall die by my hand. You cannot escape me.” Then—the steel blade thrust down toward Kale’s chest.

  The dream became so intense Kale woke abruptly, covered in beads of cold sweat.

  “Kale?” A soft voice called through the darkness.

  “Yes, Neelan, I apologize for disturbing you, I was having a horrible nightmare. Everything is fine, you can go back to sleep now.”

  Neelan sat down upon the edge of Kale’s bed, placing an arm gently around his bare torso. “You’re worrying about this too much, Kale. You shall see, he will be gone tomorrow morning and we can all move forward with our lives. Don’t lose sight of your next quest. You can save dragon kind from extinction—you and only you.”

  Kale’s chest burned; he had nearly lost focus on the eggs.

  “What would you do without me?” Neelan flashed a gentle smile which could be seen through the darkness. “You are a mess.” She quietly laughed as she placed her hands upon Kale’s cheeks. She lightly brushed her nose against his, pressing her body firmly into his torso which felt firm and warm. “Don’t forget I am here for you.” She spoke so closely that he felt her hot breath against his lips. “Please get some rest; I’ll be just in the other room if you need me.”

  “Thank you.” He stroked a hand through her hair. “I’m glad you’re with me.”

  “Goodnight.” She smiled once again before returning to her own bed.

  Kale stared toward the ceiling as he listened to the repetitive rumble of Illadar’s snoring in the bed parallel to his. Eventually, his eyes began to roll and despite his desire to remain awake and avoid further torment within his dreams, he dozed off.

  Kale’s eyes fluttered open as he stared forward into a blinding bright light. As the light dimmed, Kale could see he was surrounded by nothingness—only white in every direction, there were no walls.

  “Hello?” he called out. “Can anyone hear me? Neelan?”

  “I am here with you, my young Firehart.” A soothing female voice sounded in all directions, yet no one could be seen.

  “Where are you? Who are you? And where am I?” Kale held his hands out in front of his face as he searched to see if anything—or anyone was there.

  “Please do not be afraid, little one.”

  Kale spun around to see a woman staring back at him with nurturing golden eyes. She had red spiraling curls and a gentle smile which creased at the corners, revealing her matured age. It took Kale a moment to realize he had seen the woman before.

  “Zasha, it’s you again!”

  “You are quite right, Firehart.” She chuckled as she placed a hand upon his cheek. “You have come such a long way since your journey began. I am so proud of all you’ve accomplished—you truly are a noble one. You have grown more than I could ever have imagined.”

  “Why have you been helping me—or whatever it is you are doing?”

  “Because, my dear Firehart, it is you who can change the world. You have the ability within your heart of gold to right what has been wronged. On such a vast earth, there will always be good and evil. When the wicked such as Jedah arise, so will a valiant hero. In this case, that hero—is you.” Zasha took Kale’s hand in hers. “I know you will save the dragon race Jedah fought to destroy. I will aid you when able, but you must find the true strength within yourself to succeed.” She released his hand, gripping her black scarf which had been wrapped many times around her neck. “I have something to share with you.” Zasha exhaled as she slowly removed the fabric from her body to reveal a steel collar.

  Kale’s forehead wrinkled. “I don’t understand. What is it?”

  Zasha turned without words and began to walk away.

  “Wait!” Kale reached toward her.

  “There is a secret I have been keeping from you. Please know it was for your own benefit, and the overall good of Ravondore. The timeline of events needed to happen as they did, and I knew once you were aware of the truth, you would come to find me.” Zasha turned to face him from a distance as she gripped firmly upon the collar.

  She closed her eyes and Kale watched in astonishment as the steel ring began to glow, splitting into two halves. As the pieces hit the white ground, her body rapidly transfigured into the last thing Kale could have ever imagined—a dragon.

  Zasha’s massive form towered above him. She was mighty and red with large spikes along her spine. Her eyes were a vibrant yellow, surrounded by toughened scales. Her bat-like wings flapped once before tucking snugly against her torso. She was nearly twice the size Kale had been before his human transformation.

  “This can’t be real…” Kale’s mouth felt dry as he swallowed hard. He reached out to touch the snout of what had been a woman only moments ago. “Why are you hiding as a human? And why have you not come to see me in person?” Kale began to grow angry as his mind raced. “If we are the last of our kind, shouldn’t we search for the eggs together?” He withdrew his hand. “Just what sort of games are you playing?!” Kale yelled furiously as the realization struck him. He felt betrayed to know that all along, there had been another living dragon within the world, yet he was led to believe he was the only one. Throughout his journey he bore the weight of thinking he was the very last of his species, when all along it had been untrue—she knew from the very beginning.

  “Please understand; this was never intended to cause you pain. It had to be done, and I assure you all will be answered once you are here. Just know that, at this time, I am unable to physically b
e with you. I have missed you so very much, my dear, sweet, Firehart. Once you find the remaining dragon eggs, soon after, you shall find me too. Then we can be together again.” Her voice was now raspy, yet soothing.

  “Again? I have never met you outside of these visions within my dreams.” Kale tightened his fists in frustration.

  The large red dragon softly huffed as she lowered her head near Kale. “We met long before you can recall young one—you are my son, dear Firehart.”

  Zasha began to vanish right before Kale’s eyes.

  “No! Please wait! You can’t tell me something of such importance and then leave me again! Come back!” Kale swung his arms around frantically where she had stood in an attempt to grip onto her.

  “It is time for you to wake now. Please be strong, my little one.”

  Just as mysteriously as she had arrived, Zasha was now gone.

  Chapter 28: Kale’s Ultimate Decision

  “Mother!” Kale cried out as his eyes shot open in a panic.

  He stared at his friends surrounding him; concerned expressions upon their faces. Kale could see that the night sky was slowly becoming overwhelmed with pink hues; the sun peeked above the horizon. The morning rays of dawn shone in upon the large room through a square-framed window.