by Ritu Ghosh
Harold didn’t talk much after that, his heart was heavy from remembering what happened between two of his good friends and how they hated each other. He got up from the couch and said to Aaron “The night is getting deeper, you should rest now. You have to leave early”
Aaron got up still lost in his thoughts and hugged Harold. They said their goodbyes and Harold left the lodge. Slowly Aaron came up to his room, carrying the water for Arkion. Now, he knew so much more about Dan.
The question kept coming to his mind “if he hated my father so much, how come he is so nice to me”
He walked inside his room and kept the small bowl in front of Arkion. Arkion drank it eagerly and then cured back into the chair.
Aaron stood alone in the dark for some time looking outside the window, but finally sleep came over him.
Next morning he was woken by a gentle tap on his door, Flynn was standing there all packed, he grinned at Aaron.
“I will be downstairs, I heard they are serving something exotic for breakfast” he said and hurried down the stairs. Aaron gathered his stuff and washed his face, Arkion was wide awake and was looking a little bigger now. His feathers were rapidly disappearing; a bluish silver leathery skin was appearing near his belly.
Aaron wondered how many more days he has to wait before knowing what species of dragon he was. When fully packed he carried Arkion in his hands and his bag on his back, he walked out of the room. He had to hold Arkion with both of his hands now as he was not fitting in Aaron’s palm anymore.
Everybody was already downstairs at the dining hall. The cook was also outside talking to the people on the table. He was getting many praises, he saw Aaron and became very happy. He grabbed Aaron by the arm and made him sit on a chair.
“Here, you didn’t try my pancakes, have them, they are delicious” he said, tossing three big pancakes on his plate. The cook then poured plenty of maple syrup on it and looked at Aaron eagerly.
Aaron returned the cook’s enthusiastic look and ate the pancakes. They were really nice. The smile on Aaron’s face was good enough to make the cook happy. He laughed loud and went to attend the other guests.
After finishing the breakfast the Defenders waited for their horses to be brought out. Mr Gunthy Moore, the lodge manager helped them with saddling the horses. Even Harold was there to help, he waited till the Defenders rode outside the little town of Dellwick.
The rest of the journey to Arktor was hard, they had a little rest and little food, Dan became increasingly worried about the Lurgs coming to attack the Kingdom of Light before they could reach and warn the Light king.
The company rode for about two and a half day before entering the borders of Arktor.
Aaron was quite weary when they finally reached Arktor. Flynn was almost falling down. Jane had to give everybody many shots of sparkling water till her bottle went empty.
Chapter 15
Back to Arktor
They reached Arktor in the evening of the third day and went straight to the palace; Dan was extremely focused and didn’t look tired at all.
Aaron wanted to tell Jane and Flynn about what he had learnt from Harold about Dan and his father but he thought it will be better to keep it to himself. He didn’t want Dan to know that he knows what had caused him sorrow and deepen his pain.
The city of Arktor was almost back to its former glory, though a few places still lay ruined from the Lurgs’ attack. The work on many buildings and the grand garden was still going on. New and more elaborate fountains have been placed near the entrance of the palace.
Aaron was happy that they finally made it to Arktor without any further trouble.
Dan didn't wait till the palace men came and take the horses to stables. As soon he reached the palace of Arktor he got down from the horse and walked inside without talking to anyone.
As Ony was always the second one in charge, he safely handed all the horses and unsaddled them, he also made sure that the luggage reaches their respective rooms.
Aaron's horse looked tired as himself. He patted the horse's back and said "good work storm you got me safe and fast". Then he handed his reins to the palace man. Storm nodded as though he understood what Aaron meant.
Arkion was growing by the day and was getting heavy to be carried at Aaron's back. He opened the cloth sack and let Arkion on the ground. His wings have grown quite a lot now and more colors were visible abound his back and face. Aaron lifted him in one hand and walked inside the palace while the workers talked in hushed tones about the creature they never saw before.
Once inside Aaron remembered how grand it was. The brightly lit huge halls were so welcoming that he forgot all his trouble. The furniture with soft cushions were calling out loud to him, he thought of sitting down and relaxing for a little while but there was no time, he had to speak to Alfadon.
He looked around for Dan but he was nowhere to be seen. Ony and Belster were walking in front of him. Jane and Flynn were coming behind.
King Thodin appeared at a distance with three other giants but these giants were wearing heavy armory and carrying around many weapons like they were prepared to go to war.
Thodin came forward with open arms.
"So good to see you again friends, Dan had told me all about your journey" he came forward and hugged Aaron. "Especially you young hero, he had told me how you saved his life"
Thodin was as big and jolly as Aaron remembered him. His hard hug has crushed Aaron's ribs but he smiled through the pain and tried to hug Thodin back.
Thodin shook hands with all of them, Aaron wondered how small Flynn looked in front of him.
'Oh I didn't see it there' said Thodin as he noticed the tiny dragon baby sitting next to Aaron's "What in the lord's name is that" Thodin bent down to take closer look.
But Arkion didn't seem to like it. He hisses at Thodin and tried to flap his tiny wings.
Aaron had to struggle hard to keep Arkion in place.
"It’s a dragon baby, I found him at Alfadon’s house” said Aaron.
"A dragon baby.. hmm..." Thodin thought for some time "I don't know what to say, the magic people have weird hobbies” he said and took another closer look at Arkion.
"Where Is Dan?" Aaron asked suddenly.
“He is having a great council with Alfadon, nobody else is allowed in there" said Thodin.
"I think we should go and join them” said Aaron.
"Oh they asked you all to have your dinner first" said Thodin and escorted them to the dining hall.
"And then you can talk to your beloved Alfadon all you want" said Thodin
'How is he now?" Jane jumped in and said “I really wish to see him”
"He is much better than before Jane, we have taken good care of him, you will see that when we meet him" Thodin smirked.
"I am very sure that are discussing about your further training, that's why they want to keep it private" he added.
"What training?” Flynn frowned.
"The training. To become a true defender" Jane quickly filled in and Thodin grinned.
"So, when do we begin this training?" asked Aaron, he thought it would be better if he is trained to fight the Lurgs rather than guessing ways to defeat them.
"In three days, we all will start for the Kingdom of Light, the preparations are getting done" said Thodin.
"Preparations? It sounds like a grand event'' interrupted Flynn.
''Oh! It will be grand alright? There will be warriors from all over Kron to train you and so much food and wine!"
There was a big happy smile of Thodin's face as he thought about all the exotic food he would get there.
"Warrior from all over Kron?" asked Aaron, he was expecting it the least.
''Yes, you don't suppose Defenders are any regular fighters, do you? They are trained by the best, and each Defender has many skills that he/she develops in time.” said Thodin and then asked the three giant warriors to step forward.
''These are the three best giant warriors we have
, they will be a part of your training Aaron'' said Thodin with pride ''They are skilled, strong and sharp, you might have to defeat them to become a true Defender''
The warriors stood with their chest swelled up and looked even bigger than Ony. Flynn was sweating badly now.
Aaron looked at the large moon shaped axes they were carrying, he sighed and thanked Thodin for his hospitality.
The whole company then walked inside the hall to have a stomach full of food.
Flynn was looking at Aaron with puzzled eyes. He was clearly not prepared to fight the warriors but Aaron was so hungry that he ignored him and got lost in the choices of meat dishes on the dinner table.
Besides he had to take care of Arkion too.
‘I would go see Brandon now.’ He thought as he finished his food. Flynn was still looking at him.
Ony finally could have all the wine he wanted. Billy was soon separated from the group and Belster sat on a chair eating gracefully.
After fishing his food Aaron came out of the dining room with Arkion and walked straight to Brendon’s room. He didn't wait for Flynn or Jane, he knew they all have the training on their minds but right now Aaron had too much to think. He didn’t want to concentrate on anything else but on his safe return and meeting his brother.
He longed to see his brother’s sweet smile and genuine hug.
''Brandon!'' he shouted as he knocked on the door of his brother’s room. Brandon came running to open the door.
''Aaron, you came back...” Brandon said and hugged him. Brandon reached only till Aaron’s waist but Aaron thought he had gained a little height. Aaron hugged him with his one free hand for some time and held him tight. Brandon was the only real family he had left. He would do anything to keep Brandon safe.
''Look, Brandon what I found?'' said Aaron and lowered Arkion in front of Brandon.
Arkion blinked and looked at Brandon, Brandon was surprised for a second.
Then he burst into a cheer ''it’s a dragon…'' he said.
Aaron was astonished at his knowledge.
''Yes it is. How do you know that Brandon?'' asked Aaron kneeling down.
''Alfadon taught me, he showed me many pictures of different kinds of dragons'' said Brandon and took Arkion from Aaron's hands.
He patted the little dragon gently on his head. Arkion seemed to like it. He closed his eyes and moved his head rhythmically.
"Dragons are very gentle creature, you have to treat them with love" said Brandon slowly "but they only listen to their true master"
Aaron blinked in surprise, Brandon was talking very much like Jane now, and there was a glint in his eyes.
"Looks like somebody is learning a lot of new things" said Aaron.
Brandon grinned "yes I am good at magic, Alfadon told me. I can do so much more now”
Brandon handed Arkion to Aaron and stood a little far. He had his usual smooth white stones lying around. He lifted his hands and the stones moved from its place and started to swirl around him.
Aaron stood up smiling. He was more than happy that Brandon could do magic even though he could not. Brandon’s magic have protected him before and kept him safe. He wanted Brandon to become good at magic, then he could not be harmed by the evil Lurgs or the wolves.
Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw Brandon do something entirely different. The stones that were surrounding him were now at the ceiling revolving like planets around each other, Brandon was very focused in controlling them.
Within moments Brandon made the stones come down and gently float around Aaron like clumps of clouds and then they fell back on the floor gently with a motion of Brandon’s hand.
Aaron couldn't help but hug Brandon
'That was spectacular Brandon, did Alfadon teach you that" he asked.
Branded nodded "He said it is all inside me, the only thing I need to do is to imagine what I could do and then I could do exactly that"
"It’s amazing Brandon” said Aaron as he smiled widely, he was much relieved seeing Brandon becoming good at magic. Now, he could leave him in some safe place if he ever had to and Brandon could take care of himself.
Arkion started to shriek as though he was cheering for Brandon too. Aaron laughed and rubbed his head affectionately.
"Did you kill all the Lurgs Aaron." asked Brandon innocently.
Aarons jaws tenses at the mention of the Lurgs, he hated them, and there was not a single ounce of humanity in them. They were pure evil, something that Aaron could never imagine to exist if he didn't see them up close.
"No Brandon, I didn't, actually we couldn't. They were much stronger that we expected” said Aaron.
He stood up and brushed off his pants.
Sensing the seriousness in his voice Brandon trembled and looked scared, Aaron looked down and ruffled Brandon's hair.
"But we got the information we wanted, so there is nothing to worry about" he said trying to sound casual.
"Does that mean we are safe now? Can we go home then" asked Brandon, his blue eyes looking hopefully at Aaron.
Aaron took a deep breath ‘home!’ He thought, he didn't know where his and Brandon's home was anymore.
"No Brandon” he finally spoke "I have to go to the Kingdom of Light for my further training. We are not going home yet, I thought you liked it here” Aaron changed the subject
“Yes I do, everybody is so nice here, and they play with me whenever I ask them to. Even king Thodin played with me in the garden and the queen and the prince played with me too. The maids gave me sweets. I also like Domo, the little puppy who stays in the palace yard."
Brandon went on and on about how much he likes Arktor. Aaron smiled and nodded. He was glad that Brandon was so happy here and almost forgot home.
"That's really nice Brandon, now go and play with Arkion. Take care of him for some time. I am going to speak to Alfadon about something important” said Aaron.
Brandon happily took Arkion in his hands and Arkion also eagerly played with him. Brandon was busy feeding and taking care of Arkion.
Aaron slipped out of Brandon’s room and walked to Alfadon's room walking through the large halls and pathways inside the palace.
It took him a long time to reach Alfadon’s room. The corridors were wide and well lit, on the ceiling large chandelier were hanging which looked exclusive with the bright light of the lamps. The red soft carpet that covered the entire corridor made Aaron feel very special as he walked on the soft wool.
He had never dreamt of being in a palace or even being around royalty, but now here he was going to become an official Defender of his country. He finally reached Alfadon's room and tapped on the carved glass door.
He could hear voices coming from inside. He was sure that the rest of them were there already here. The door was opened by Belster.
Aaron looked inside and saw Alfadon sitting on the bed draped in white robes, his silver hair was flawless and his eyes were glittering with health. He looked much better now than how he was when they left him.
Around him all the Defenders were seated including Bo and Billy. They seemed to have a serious discussion as Alfadon’s face was very grave and he nodded slowly listening to Dan.
Belster threw a look like ‘why are you still standing there' at Aaron and Aaron came inside quickly. His sword was still with him. After what happened in the jungle he was cautious and always carried it with him.
He could hear Belster shutting the door tight behind him as though the spies of the Dark Lord were standing right outside and wanted to listen what the Defenders were discussing.
Seeing Aaron come, Alfadon stopped speaking to Dan and his grave expression changed into a pleasant one. He smiled at Aaron and said "come my boy, you have done well"
Aaron smiled too and sat near Alfadon.
"You look so much better now. How do you feel?" asked Aaron.
“I feel so much better too", said Alfadon smirking. "And I am ready to go to the Kingdom of Light and do whatever it takes to stop King Gordon"
Aaron became serious instantly. He knew the news of future attack on Kingdom of light have reached Alfadon and he had made plans ahead.
"When do we start?" said Aaron, his eyes fell on Dan who was sitting facing Alfadon. He was lost in deep thoughts.
He suddenly said "we will start soon enough but we do not have reached a conclusion yet” then he spoke to Alfadon again. "The enemy could be approaching the Kingdom of Light already. At this hour and the king is unaware of any such thing. We have to reach there and have a personal counsel with him as soon as possible"