Frier looked at Roupert, who nodded his approval. “Yes, I would enjoy your company.”
“Aaron and I will wait here for you. Now don’t take too long or Aaron may find me to be a tasty treat,” Roupert laughed as he lightly punched Aaron on the shoulder.
“Come, the berries are this direction,” Frier waved for Cassy to follow him into the thick trees.
Cassy followed Frier as he weaved through the trees until they came to a small clearing.
“Look, they are over there,” he pointed to the berry bushes on the other side of the clearing.
They quickly crossed the small grassy area to the thick berry bushes growing in the bright sunlight.
“It’s nice here,” Cassy glanced around.
“Yes, it’s not creepy, right?” Frier teased playfully.
“It’s definitely not creepy,” Cassy agreed.
Cassy was amazed how things seemed to grow in such abundance in Walandra. There were bright colored flowers, lining the trees edge and the berry bushes were so full of berries that she wondered how the branches held them without breaking. She reached for one of the berries then stopped when something caught her eye. “What the heck is that?”
Frier turned to look where Cassy was pointing. “I don’t see anything other than berries.”
Cassy stepped back. “You can’t see that?”
Frier looked at the bush again where she had pointed. “No, only berries. Are you feeling alright?”
“The dragon cannot see me. I am here for you so only you may see me,” the little creature said as it stepped out of the bush into the light.
Cassy looked at the creature then back to Frier, who now seemed frozen in time. “What have you done to Frier?”
“He is unharmed. In his mind, you are both picking berries and having a wonderful time. My name is Keira, and I wanted to introduce myself.”
Cassy marveled at the beauty of the tiny creature. Her hair was the color of fine-spun gold and her eyes the color of the sky on a summer’s day. She was only six inches tall and wore a dress made of a substance as delicate as butterfly wings.
“What are you and why are you here?” Cassy asked.
“I am a Milif. We are beings sent to watch over those who have an important purpose to fulfill. Queen Privlana prayed that I watch over you and see that you remain safe as you continue on your quest. I have been with you since you arrived in our realm.”
Cassy looked carefully at Keira, trying to gage her honesty.
“You do not know if you can trust me. I assure you that can, but I am glad that you are not quick to trust. You have many dangers ahead of you so you will need to trust your heart.” Keira reached out and touched Cassy’s hand.
“I feel strength and courage churning inside of you. Never doubt yourself, and always remember that I am with you. Now, I must go. The others are waiting for you and Frier to return with the berries, but first...” Keira raised her arm and waved it in the air, making a basket full of berries appear on the ground at Cassy’s feet.
Cassy looked down at basket overflowing with succulent berries. “We didn’t have a basket when we came here. How do I explain the basket?”
“Do not fear. Frier will remember finding the basket next to the bush,” Keira quipped playfully.
Cassy shook her head in amazement, wondering what other things Keira had done since her arrival in the Kingdom of Walandra.
“Thank you, I know that we’ll enjoy them,” Cassy said.
Keira smiled then in a flash of light she vanished.
“Come on, we’ve picked enough to feed an army,” Frier said as he lifted the basket. “I hope whoever left this here doesn’t mind us borrowing it.”
“I’m sure they won’t mind,” Cassy grinned as she followed Frier back across the clearing.
“Wow, that was fast,” Aaron said as he saw Cassy and Frier come out of the thick trees, holding the basket filled with berries.
“Where did you find a basket?” Roupert asked, unsure if he liked the idea of someone being anywhere close to them.
Frier walked over to where Roupert and Aaron had spread out the dried meat, and nuts and seeds on a blanket.
“It was sitting next to the berry bushes, so we sort of borrowed it,” Frier answered sheepishly.
Roupert looked at Frier with a look of disappointment on his face. “Well, after we are finished eating, you will return the basket to where you found it.”
Realizing that Roupert was not pleased with him, Frier hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry. I will return it.”
“Don’t be too hard on him. The basket is old and probably forgotten there a long time ago. Look it’s barely holding together.” Cassy pointed at the basket that appeared old and worn where just moments before it was in perfect condition.
“That basket is not old,” Roupert said, but then he realized that he was mistaken. “Strange, I could have sworn that it was in perfect condition.”
“Well, I don’t care if it’s old or new, I’m starving,” Aaron grinned as he reached into the basket. He then pulled out a handful of the succulent berries and shoved them in his mouth.
Realizing there is no need to worry about the basket any longer, Roupert reached for a handful of the berries, “These look delicious.”
The four of them sat on the blanket and enjoyed their meal. Cassy thought back to her conversation with Keira and wondered what lay ahead for them, as they got closer to the castle of Queen Alona.
Chapter 13
“What do you mean that the Champion has arrived? That is impossible!”
Queen Alona had believed that she was safe from another Champion coming to the Kingdom of Walandra. After Abigail had returned to her realm, Alona had cast a repelling spell around the kingdom to prevent another Champion from coming to complete the task of destroying her rule.
“I’m sorry, my Queen, but it is true. The Champion is traveling to the castle as we speak,” the guard said nervously.
Queen Alona was not pleased with the news of the Champion, who had returned to challenge her rule. She looked at the guard, who now backed away, but before he could make his escape, she lifted her hand and turned the terrified man into a pile of ash on the stone floor.
“I will not be threatened by a mere child,” the Queen roared as she rushed from the room, scattering the pile of ash across the floor with the hem of her dress.
Flickering torches lit the stairway leading down to the dungeon. As Queen Alona reached the last step, she stopped for a moment to take in the scene before her.
In the corner of the large room was Queen Privlana. She sat on a filthy mat in worn out clothes, trapped in her human form by the cursed chain attached to the dungeon wall.
She looked up and saw Alona standing at the base of the stairs. “Hello Alona, what brings you to see me today?”
Alona did not care for the informal way that Privlana referred to her. She squared her shoulders then slowly walked toward the once great Queen Privlana, Queen of the Dragon Clan.
“How small you look trapped in your human form. To see you living in such a manner; brings joy to my heart,” Alona said with sarcasm dripping from each word.
“Enjoy this time while you can,” Privlana replied defiantly.
Alona stepped closer and looked Privlana directly in the eyes. “You know, don’t you?”
“What could I possibly know? You have me trapped in this dungeon, away from everything I hold dear,” Privlana taunted.
Alona felt anger and fear churn up from deep inside of her. She knew being in her human form had weakened Privlana’s powers, but she also knew there were forces in Walandra forever faithful to the Dragon Queen.
Alona raised her arm in a threatening manner. “Do not toy with me Privlana. I will cast you into the Land of Shadows where you will suffer for all eternity.”
Privlana began to laugh. “You do not have the power to cast me anywhere. You may have me imprisoned in this dungeon, but you do not have the power t
o remove me to the Land of Shadows. I am of the Dragon Clan, and your power over me is limited.”
Alona felt her face flush red with rage. She knew that Privlana was correct. Her powers were limited, but once she had control of the Blood Stone all that would change.
“I may not be able to send you to the Land of Shadows, but I sent your beloved husband there,” Alona laughed when she saw the look of sadness appear in Privlana’s eyes.
Privlana reached down and touched the leg cuff, holding the chain to her ankle. “Enjoy these last days of your rule over the subjects of Walandra, Alona. For soon, you will meet your end. This chain protects you from my wrath, but the Champion is coming, and she will release me from this bondage. Then once I’m free…”
Hate burned in Alona’s eyes as she stepped forward, her body filled with rage. “Quiet! You will never be free from that chain. I will rule over this kingdom forever!”
Queen Privlana’s eyes met Alona’s and for an instant, both found themselves trapped inside each other’s minds.
Alona fell back then she cried out while holding her hands to her temples. She then turned toward Privlana with an expression of pure amusement on her face. “So, you think you’re so clever, but your heart betrays you.”
A new fear consumed Privlana, as she realized her thoughts had betrayed her.
“Your son, he comes with the Champion. Yes, it was clever to have the Lillients take the egg containing the young Prince away from the castle to protect him from the curse. I wonder; does he know of his heritage? Does he know of his Royal Bloodline, but more importantly, does he know of his powers?”
Alona saw the fear in Privlana’s eyes.
“He doesn’t know, does he?” Alona smirked when she saw the confirmation in Privlana’s eyes.
Alona rubbed her hands together. “Yes, this can be fortuitous for my plan.”
“Your evil will never win over the new Champion. She has a strong spirit, and will defeat you,” Privlana cried out with shame for allowing Alona to see into her heart. She had managed to keep the secret of Frier for all these long and lonely years, but in her excitement, she had allowed Alona to learn of his existence.
Alona saw the fear in Privlana’s eyes and she suddenly felt a new sense of power surge through her. “Before learning of your son, I must admit that I was worried, but now…”
“Do not harm my son,” Privlana cried out.
Alona scowled, “I have no intention of harming the young Prince. In fact, I plan to welcome him with open arms and love in my heart.”
Privlana was not sure if she had heard correctly. “What do you plan to do?”
“What I have planned for the young Prince is not your concern. Just let it be known, that he will provide the power I need to destroy any hold you or anyone has on the subjects of Walandra, once and for all.” Alona spun on her heel and quickly walked to the staircase.
“Alona, no, please do not do this,” Privlana pleaded.
Alona stopped at the base of the stairway and turned to look back at Privlana, “Thank you for the informative visit, but I must go make preparations for the return of the young Prince.”
She then vanished up the stairway leaving a chorus of laughter floating on the air.
The sun sat low in the sky as the group exited the thick woods.
“Jeez, I’m glad to be out of there,” Aaron groaned.
“What’s the matter? Do you not like the forest?” Frier teased.
“I don’t mind the forest. It’s all the strange things watching us,” Aaron grinned nervously.
Frier nodded his head in agreement. “Yes, there were many eyes watching us.”
Roupert glanced at the two young boys and could not help but smile. “Come, my brave warriors. It grows late. Let us set up camp and rest. Tomorrow, we will arrive at the castle, so we need to make our final preparations before we confront the Evil Queen Alona.”
Frier and Aaron felt a cold chill move over their bodies at the thought of facing the Evil Queen.
“Come, Aaron, let’s gather wood for the fire,” Frier said, trying to shake the feeling of dread consuming his entire being.
“Okay,” Aaron replied as he followed Frier to the tree line.
Roupert turned to Cassy. “Come, let us see if we can find some fresh meat. We will need our strength for tomorrow, and this will give us time to discuss our plan of attack.”
The fire in the pit roared, as sparks danced in the night sky. Cassy was tired. She had eaten her fill of the roasted meat and was surprised how much she enjoyed it. In all of her life, she never had thought that she would enjoy hunting and preparing a meal over a roaring fire. This trip to the Kingdom of Walandra had opened her eyes to a new way of life, and she had to admit that she liked it.
“Oh man, I ate too much,” Aaron groaned as he lay back on his blanket, rubbing his tight stomach.
“I was surprised that one as small as you could eat so much of the roasted beast,” Roupert chuckled.
“I couldn’t help myself. It was so good. I wonder when we get home if Dad will take me hunting,” Aaron smiled, as he licked his lips.
“Well, I hope you have large beasts in your realm because you have a healthy appetite,” Frier laughed as he rubbed his own over-filled stomach.
HOME. The word almost sounded foreign to Cassy’s ears now. When she had first arrived in Walandra, it was constantly in the forefront of her thoughts, but now…
“Hey, what are you thinking, Sis?” Aaron said as he noticed Cassy lost in her thoughts.
“Huh? Ah, nothing really, I’m just enjoying the beautiful evening after our grand feast.” She hoped this answer would suffice.
“We owe our feast to Cassy,” Roupert said with pride shining in his eyes.
Aaron sat up with a look of surprise on his face. “What? You mean Cassy killed the beast?”
Roupert laughed at the look of surprise on Aarons’s face. “Yes, she stalked the beast and when it turned its back on her to continue eating, she killed it with one strike of my sword.”
Aaron’s eyes were wide with excitement. “Oh man, I wish I would have seen that. Cassy, you’re a great hunter now!”
“Yes, I am impressed too,” Frier’s eyes beamed with excitement.
“I was only doing as Roupert instructed.” While she appreciated the praise, it still caused her cheeks to glow a soft shade of red. Cassy had never imagined herself doing something like that, but something was changing inside of her. She did not know what it was, but she had to admit that she liked it.
“Well, forget about Dad teaching me to hunt. I want you to show me,” Aaron said excitedly.
Cassy looked over at Aaron, “I don’t think that would be a good idea. I’m sure our parents won’t allow me to keep a sword in my room.”
Aaron was about to protest then thought better of it. “You’re right; it would freak them out to know you killed a beast with nothing but a sword. But Sis, I think it’s totally cool.”
Cassy understood the reason that Roupert had wanted her to make the kill. He knew she would need to know the feel of the sword in her hand, as well as how it felt to take a life when she faced the Evil Queen Alona and her guards.
Cassy had never thought of herself as a warrior, but that was exactly what she was now. She would have to face dangers that she had never dreamt of, and somehow find the inner strength not only to conquer the Evil Queen, but also to survive.
“Thank you, Aaron, for your faith in me. It means a lot.” Cassy only hoped she could live up to the trust placed in her.
Realizing that Cassy was in no mood for conversation, Aaron turned to Frier.
“I don’t understand something. I thought dragons were supposed to be big and scary creatures.”
Frier shook his head, unsure of what Aaron meant. “I do not understand your words. Why would you believe that a dragon would be big and scary? I am the only one of my kind, so what gave you that idea?”
“I’ve read stories of great fire-breat
hing dragons, and…” Roupert cut him off before he could continue.
“It is late, and we need to rest. You may continue this conversation once we defeat the Evil Queen,” Roupert swallowed hard, hoping that Frier would not challenge his command.
At seeing the determined look on Roupert’s face, both Aaron and Frier decided it was best to leave this conversation for a later time.
“Yes, you are correct. We need our rest,” Frier said as he lay back on a pile of soft grass. As he closed his eyes, his mind wandered back to what Aaron had said about stories of big fire-breathing dragons.
How is that possible? Roupert told me that I am the only one of my kind, the words swirled around in his mind as he floated off to sleep.
Chapter 14
The sun peeked over the tree line, casting its warm glow down on the sleeping group. Feeling the remaining chill in the air, Cassy pulled her blanket up tightly around her neck. “I don’t want to wake up yet.”
“Me either,” Aaron groaned.
Roupert sat up, rubbing his eyes. “I know, but we must discuss our plans before leaving. Frier, will you please start the fire?”
Once he heard no response, Roupert turned to where Frier had made his bed the night before. “Frier, where are you!”
Panic gripped the group as they frantically searched for Frier.
“I don’t understand, he was there when I feel asleep last night,” Aaron cried.
Roupert felt a tightening in his chest. “Alona!”
Cassy felt her heart stop beating with the fear that Alona had somehow taken Frier. “Do you think she has him?”
“That is my fear. She must have learned of his existence. If she learns of his true identity…” Roupert felt his heart consumed with fear.
Aaron watched helplessly as Cassy and Roupert spoke. “I don’t understand what you mean about his true identity, and why would the Evil Queen want Frier?”
Cassy and Roupert looked at each other unsure of what to say.
“Come on, Frier is our friend. If the Evil Queen took him, I want to know why,” Aaron cried.
The Dragons Blood Key: Legend of the Dragon's Blood Key - Book 1 Page 8