by Eden Redd
Nypha’s head bowed forward, her eyes gazing at the stone steps.
Dorian let his arms drop to his sides but kept a cheerful demeanor, “I assume you must be Nypha’s mother. I am honored by your visit.”
The dragon’s eyes shifted to the lone man on the steps, “And you must be Lord Dorian Lockwood. My daughter has spoken highly of you in her letters. I wish I could say it was a pleasure but I seek to undo the spell you have over her.”
Nypha looked up, brow hardening, “Mother! He has no spell over me!”
The dragon let out a deep huff, “Yet, you are here instead of your home.”
Dorian steeled his nerves as he kept his smile, “I assure you Lady Shadowfyre, I have cast no spell or trickery on your daughter.”
The dragon kept her fierce gaze on the human, “Cindrar, my name is Cindrar, Lord Lockwood.”
Cindrar turned her head slightly to the blue and green dragons, “The other green dragon is my daughter Lirla and the blue dragon is Yypith. We have come to take Nypha home so she and Yypith can begin their courtship.”
Dorian’s brow went up as Nypha took a step forward, anger boiling in her eyes.
“Mother! I have no need of you interfering in my courtships!” Nypha shouted as her hands balled into tight fists.
Cindrar turned her head to her daughter and a knowing serpent grin bloomed, “I do, since you have not provided me with grand children. Now change back to your true form so we may no longer interfere in Lord Lockwood’s presence. I’m sure a human lord has many things to attend to in such a short lifespan.”
Dorian tried to keep his calm demeanor but laughter touched his heart. Listening to the dragons, it was the same everywhere, no matter what race you were, family bonds would always interfere. The lord glanced back to Nypha as she stood, a rage causing her fists to tremble. He wanted nothing else but to stand by her side and calm her with soothing words. Seeing the back and forth only stirred his heart into action and he knew he had to take control of the situation before mother and daughter began bickering and possibly fighting.
“Lady Cindrar Shadowfyre, I know you must have travelled a long way to see your daughter. If it is not rude of me, I would very much like you and your family to spend the evening here. Today is my birth celebration and I would enjoy the gift of knowing Nypha’s mother and family.”
Cindrar turned her gaze to Dorian with an edge of contempt, “Thank you Lord Lockwood but judging from how your people stink of fear from our mere presence, I do not think it would bold well. Besides, my daughter is nearing her mating cycle and we have far to travel.”
Dorian kept his smile as he raised his hand. General Strum saw the signal and with his eyes and hands directed the guards to stand down. Bow strings lost their tension and scorpion crossbows aimed away. The crowd of nobles and guards watched as Dorian lowered his hand and stepped off the stairs, walking directly up to Cindrar and looking up with warm eyes. The dragon lowered her snout to him, heat radiating off and a fire in her gaze.
Dorian looked her in the eye as he spoke, “I understand honor is not just a human trait. Nypha has told me much on honor among the noble races, such as dragons.”
Cindrar kept her snout two feet from the lord’s face, a puff of smoke exiting her nostrils as she kept her intense stare.
Dorian continued, “I cannot let Nypha leave my side until close to the stroke of midnight.”
Cindrar’s scaly brow raised, “Leave your side?”
Dorian nodded, “Nypha made an oath to my father to be my guardian until my 19th year. True, today is the celebration but I did not scream into this world until close to midnight. Honor demands that she keep to her word until the actual time of my birth. After that, she will be free of her oath to do as she wishes.”
Cindrar turned her gaze to Nypha, “You pledged an oath to a lesser race?”
“She pledged an oath to my father and her friend,” Lord Lockwood said with a strong tone.
The dragon’s scales vibrated along her neck as she returned her gaze to Lord Lockwood, “And if I slay you, she will be free of you?”
Guards tensed and General Strum stepped down the steps, hand on his sword handle. The air took on a deadly vibration until Nypha leapt into the air and landed at Dorian’s side. Heat flowed from her body as her wings stretched out and claws lengthened from her fingertips. Tail stiff, the dragon woman glared at the larger dragon with a rage that could melt steel.
“Mother, with respect, if you harm him, I will be sure to tear off your wings and feed them to you.”
Dorian turned his head and gazed at the terrifying beauty with power radiating from the green-haired dragon woman. Cindrar eyed her daughter for a long pause before turning her gaze to the lord. The air filled with thick tension as Dorian turned his gaze to the dragon, the size of a large horse.
Moments ticked by before Cindrar took a few steps back, her body convulsing. Scales shifted as skin morphed, her body growing smaller and taking on a humanoid shape. Horns shifted to the sides of her head, the tips pointing forward. The crowd watched, mesmerized. Cindrar rose up on her two legs, wings folding back and a hardness in her brow.
Dorian, much like everyone else, stared. Cindrar stood naked, firm breasts bouncing and leaving nothing to the imagination. Lord Lockwood’s mind could not resist the comparison between mother and daughter. Nypha’s chest was big but her mother’s were a tad bigger and fuller. Green nipples pointed as Cindrar stood, no hint of embarrassment in her stern expression. Scales ran along her curves and her valley was as smooth as Nypha’s.
Dorian was at a loss for words at the moment. The green and blue dragon also began changing into half dragon forms. Nypha glanced at the lord as his mouth hung open a little. Nypha could barely contain her smirk when her mother stepped closer to the lord.
“I have decided that we will stay for your celebration and honor your birth, Lord Lockwood,” Cindrar said with a small, hard smile.
Nypha let out a relieved exhale while Dorian nodded in agreement.
“You are too kind Lady Cindrar. I will have my servants prepare some clothes and rooms for you to stay in while you’re here. If there is anything else you desire, do not hesitate to let me or my people know.”
Cindrar bowed her head slightly, “As you will, Lord Lockwood.”
Dorian turned sideways and pointed an open hand to the Throne room entrance, “Shall you join us before the festivities begin?”
Cindrar nodded before stepping up the stairs at Dorian’s side. Nypha watched and followed behind them. The crowd turned and began their ascent of the stone steps, passing through the entrance and filling the throne room once again. Lirla stepped to Nypha’s side and drove her elbow playfully into her sister’s ribs. The two sisters looked to one another with a small smile as they continued to follow Dorian and Cindrar. The blue haired, half dragon male was last to climb the stairs, dark eyes on Nypha.
***
The day slipped into evening. The city was alive with colored lanterns for the Lord’s celebration, filling up with music, wine and laughter. People poured into the streets and danced as minstrels played their instruments. The evening horizon glowed like fading embers as the moons began their ascent. Torches lit, and a wave of people brought chairs and tables out into the streets. The second wave brought out dishes of food to be served for all. Guards moved wagons filled with crates down the larger main streets, handing out bottles of wine to reaching hands.
Red wine poured as people raised their cups and toasted to the kingdom and gods beyond. Many danced while others gossiped. All were equal as they came together to celebrate the lord’s 19th year in joyful bliss.
In the castle, royalty and guests moved into the banquet hall. Rows of tables filled the enormous room. Vaulted ceilings held lantern chandeliers. The sturdy wooden tables held a cornucopia of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts and pastries, waiting to be consumed. Wine, assorted meads and rum filled tables as guests flowed in. Servants ensured all had a glass or cup of thei
r desired drink as they made their way to tables.
At one end of the hall, a raised stone dais stood with finely decorated tables reserved for the royal party and honored guests. Dorian led the way with Nypha and Strum close behind. Lady Astor and Lord Pitt made their way up to the raised dais with their families and close servants. A royal guard for Lord Pitt helped his lord to a comfortable chair. Lord Pitt’s face was a blank mask. If he was hurting, he did not show any sign of it, except when holding the guards arm for support.
Lady Astor stepped to the tables to see their names written on folded pieces of paper. Looking down, she gave a disapproving shake of her head. She looked up and watched Lord Lockwood take a seat at his table, ten feet away. The lady did not care for being separated from the main group as she watched Dorian with his people sitting to either side of him.
Dorian ignored Lady Astor’s grim expression as he sat comfortably. To his right sat General Strum and Xoli, to his left was Nypha. The seats next to Nypha were empty and the lord wondered what was keeping his dragon guests. Royal guards stood in the background, eyes sharp and wearing full armor.
Dorian leaned over to Nypha, “Will your family be joining us?”
Nypha gave a crooked smile, “My mother tends to make her own schedule.”
Dorian looked to the pained expression in Nypha’s eyes, “Are you alright with this?”
The dragon woman’s shoulders sagged, “I’m not sure. As you saw, my mother can be a force of nature if she wills it. I fear once the time comes, she will attempt to take me away by force.”
“You believe she will go that far?” He asked with curious eyes.
Nypha nodded, “What you said before did play on her honor but once the time comes, she will do as she wishes.”
“Then I have little time to convince her otherwise,” Dorian smiled.
Nypha looked to the handsome lord with wide eyes, “What are you going to do?”
“I will do what I can to change her mind, if you will approve?”
Nypha looked away for a moment, trying to hide her smile. Lips wrinkling, she turned back and gazed into Dorian’s green eyes.
“I will handle my mother. You should enjoy your celebration.”
Dorian smiled, “To be honest, I’m not fond of these celebrations. They are more for the people, giving them a pleasant respite since we live along the Tower’s Edge. The threat of anything coming through the passes is always in the back of everyone’s mind. If I had my way, I would be enjoying my birth celebration in the library, curled up with a thick tome and perhaps the company of a beautiful dragon.”
Nypha’s eyes shimmered as she looked to the grinning lord. Dorian turned away and picked up a full wine glass, taking a deep sip. The room filled as minstrels began to play. Everyone took a seat and looked to Lord Lockwood as he raised his glass and gave a nod. The guests fell on the food with a vigorous hunger. No cup was empty for long as servants poured from one to the next. Forks and knives stabbed into roasted lamb, pork and beef. Hands filled with fruits and nuts. Conversations started as a whisper and roared into a joyful murmur. At first there were a few hints of laughter and soon the entire hall was filled with mirth.
Dorian smiled as he stabbed at the lamb on his plate. Nypha eyed him, heart beating rapidly in her chest as his confidence filled her with warmth. Seeing him come into his own only quickened her pulse as memories floated into her mind of when he was just a young man with thin arms. Thoughts flashed back to his relentless need to go to the forge every day after his studies. How his skill and strength grew with each passing moment. How others would look to him as though his father’s spirit was speaking through him. Six years was not even a blink in time but she recalled those moments. They slowly slid along her mind and heart with molten hooks. And now, remembering his words as he took out his frustrations on Xoli only added weight to her already full spirit. The goddess Vala filled her with new light as she pondered breaking away from what her family wanted and exploring what she truly desired for herself.
Dorian eyed his guests as a rolling bliss consumed the hall. Glancing around, a faint memory touched his mind of a shadow elf and he leaned over to General Strum.
“Where is Jyda? She is welcomed to join the celebration.”
Strum leaned in slightly, “She has chosen to take her meal in her room. When I asked her why, she informed me she didn’t want to dampen the spirit of the celebration. I did not press the matter beyond that.”
Dorian stared off, unsure how he should feel. The dark elf was technically a prisoner but he felt she didn’t need to be confined to her room. The events of yesterday still glowed in his mind but the lord knew it was not her fault. A sliver of pity filled him and a small urge to order her to join did cross his mind. Instead, the lord let the urge drift away. She had so very little choices in her life and Dorian felt it was wrong to take away her simple decision to stay in her room. Letting the thought go, he picked up his wine glass and took a deep sip.
The boisterous noise in the hall dimmed as eyes turned to the main entrance and three figures stepped in. The noise soon stopped as guests looked to Cindrar, Lirla and Yypith entering. Dorian and Nypha eyed the three dragons in their half forms. Finely tailored robes covered their bodies with slits in the back for their wings. Cindrar wore a deep dark green robe while Lirla wore a lighter leaf green. Yypith wore a dark blue robe and had an obvious frown on his lips.
The three dragons walked up to the raised platform and took seats to Nypha’s left. The table was full with Dorian’s people and the dragons. The powerful panel was not lost on Lord Pitt who eyed the main table with a curious gaze. At another table, Lady Astor gave a small frown. Dorian noticed the two visiting families and their expressions, but tried to not let it bother him. It was his decision to have the dragons sit at the main table in order to keep a better eye on them and have the guards close. Splitter hung in its sheath on a hook behind his chair as a precaution and nothing more. Inviting dragons beyond Nypha to his table was not part of the evening’s plans but the lord was thankful to Nypha for agreeing to the new seating arrangement.
Dorian lifted his glass to the dragons. Pockets of people followed, raising their glasses to the dragons, but the rest sat silently. Cindrar reached forward and picked up her full wine glass, Lirla and Yypith following suit.
“To our honored guests,” Dorian made a wide sweeping motion with his wine glass from the dragons to the royal guests sitting before him.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Cindrar said with a slight bow of her head.
“Here here,” shouted out from some of the guests throughout the hall.
Lady Astor and her brood remained quiet, but Lord Pitt, his wife and daughter raised their glasses to Lord Lockwood and the dragons. Almost everyone in the hall took a deep drink and when glasses and cups came down, the minstrels began playing once again.
Dorian sat back, fork picking at his food. Nypha looked to him.
“Are you well?” The dragon asked in a low voice.
Dorian’s eyes stayed on his food. “As well as a lord can be with several dragons and uninvited guests in his kingdom,” the lord said in a low voice.
Nypha’s hand reached under the table and squeezed his thigh. Dorian looked to her as she gave him a small, reassuring smile.
“We will get through this night, together,” Nypha said with a whisper.
Dorian nodded, “We will.”
***
The streets were alive with music and dancing. Jared looked on with wide eyes as his father and mother passed more food out to the hungry crowd. Lanterns cast their light, coloring the modest homes and cobbled streets with a celebratory light. The young man loved this time of the year. Thoughts flowed to Nina as she danced with some of the other men his age. Jared wanted nothing more than to join them, to join her, but his father was stern on taking care of their neighbors first before they could join the celebration.
“Jared, wine is getting low up here. Go to the cellar and
bring up two bottles to add to the celebration,” his father ordered with a smile.
“Yes Da,” Jared said as he turned and made his way to the front door of their home.
The young man took a glance back at Nina as she twirled and danced. The young woman glanced at him and smiled as he stood in the doorway. Jared’s heart beat in his chest, knowing that was an invitation to join her, he simply knew it.
The young man made his way into the modest home and down the stairs to the cellar. Taking a lantern off a peg, he climbed down the wooden steps until he reached the dirt floor. The air was cool and a little musty. Jared made his way to the rack, looking over the bottles until he found the group that was used for guests. Jared’s father never used the good stuff in the yearly celebrations, holding onto them for private affairs. Jared pulled out two wine bottles and turned to the stairs, both bottles under one arm.
A cold chill seeped into Jared’s shoulders as he moved to the bottom of the stairs. Glancing to his left, the cellar was dark but something was different. Eyes adjusting to the musty gloom, the light of the lantern barely touched the opposite wall illuminating a sizable hole. ‘When did the wall cave in?’ the young man thought.
A thick black crack, wide enough for a man to fit through, stood. Thick stones lay scattered on the dirt floor right before it, and the chill seemed to grow. Frosty breath spilled from Jared’s lips as his eyes tried to penetrate the abyssal darkness. The cold sank into his spine and a tremble flowed up his neck. The young man put a foot on the bottom step to head up when pale red dots appeared in the jagged opening.
Jared’s heart leapt into his throat as the pale red dots blinked in random order. The young man turned, driving his feet into each wooden step. The air shifted as figures burst from the dark hole and into the cellar. Jared bounded up the steps, lantern swinging to his mad dash. Strong hands grabbed at his feet and ankles. The young man let out a yelp as they pulled him down the stairs. The lantern fell and cracked. A flame took root on the stairs before something wet reached out and squashed the flames.