“My beloved Ami,” he whispered against her ear, a little sad that she no longer donned her unruly golden locks. “I will never forget you. I promise. But my life has continued and I…” His voice trailed away.
“I’m not here to steal you from it,” she confessed, still holding him. “I only wanted to see. It pleases me greatly you have done so well. But what of your brothers and your family’s farm?”
“They still run it. Felice had suffered her own tragedies in my absence. That day in the church, she felt the connection as strongly as I did. We left there together, and I dined at their house that very eve. Her parents had passed in the years of my absence, leaving their lands to her and her brother. He had taken a wife, but it was a great deal of work for them. It still is, but we share the land, and our families are as one,” he beamed.
“Oh, Rey,” Ami giggled, “and I’m sure your cheeses are the best in the land.”
“Of course they are!” he laughed as well. Walking for a few minutes in silence, he inhaled deeply and breathed out in a long, relaxed breath. “Our third child will be here soon.”
“I noticed,” she agreed, clasping his hand and folding their digits like old times, as if the merdoe rested between them.
“How are the others? Have they faired as well in the land of Eriden?” he prodded.
Nodding slowly, Amicia glanced around them. They had left the village behind and were currently walking down a dirt path with open fields of green on either side. Not a soul in sight, they would be free to speak of the place they had shared and the people they had grown to love.
“Meena and the Mate have rebuilt at New Abolia,” she began. “The cabin is very similar to the one we held there, but of course, the vessel was not reconstructed,” she informed him.
“I shouldn’t think that he would need it,” Rey agreed.
“No, he is vastly content to share his days with her. He has a small dingy that he uses to putter around their bay. He fishes and wanders, and the like, but always returns to her. They are loved by the trolls as well, and Yaodus has decreed that there will be a mortal village built for the time the two lands again become blended.”
“But that hasn’t happened yet,” Rey sighed. “I’m sorry, Ami. I thought surely what you did would have brought about such change.”
“In time,” she smiled. “The barriers have been broken, but it will take the passing of people between them to spread the word and create the bonds necessary to heal the rift between.”
“And you do not think it will harm those of the rim to learn of Eriden?” he asked doubtfully. He had kept his stories to a select few for fear of being thought mad and doubted many would be brave enough to break the silence on the subject.
“No. I think it will be a blessing for mortals to see their place in the grand scheme of things,” she stated firmly. “You hide what you know of Eriden, but others will return and bring the tales of a foreign magical land. Their knowledge will grow, and all will be as it should be.”
“Yes, I hide it well,” he laughed loudly, thinking of the few people he had shared his adventures with. “Most would be unreceptive of such revelations, but Felice believes me.”
“As she should,” Ami confirmed. “Anyway, as to the others, the rest of Eriden has been rebuilding, but it is a slow and painful process. Animir has worked hard to bring the elves down from their lofty ideals, if you will. It was quite a shock to them, learning that they are not really better than everyone else. The elf kingdom will be many years in the making, to be certain, but they are adjusting.”
“I’m glad his place among his kind has been returned. It wasn’t right that he was stripped of his rank on his father’s deeds.”
“Yes, but it will be many moons before his heart is fully healed. His time apart changed him, but it has given him perspective that is invaluable now as their leader. He is a young elf and will have many centuries to guide his people and experience his own healing.”
“How are our dwarf and nymph doing?” he asked, swinging her hand playfully as he thought of their ebony-skinned friend and her diminutive husband.
“Oh, if you can believe it, Hayt and Zae have a daughter who is five. They split their time between Rhong and the glen so that she can learn and experience both worlds of her heritage.”
“Esterbrook has been restored?”
“Yes, greatly, but there are still burned out places where the trees are barren, and the creatures have not returned,” Amicia informed him with a shake of her head. “I still hope they will come back, and it will not become another cursed forest and blot upon the land.”
“And Adiarwen?”
“Lamwen is well. He rules over all with an iron claw and a loving heart,” she informed him with a large grin. Suspecting he believed the dragon to be her mate, she allowed him to think so.
“I’m glad you put him in charge. We may have had our disagreements, but he has a head for what’s right,” Rey stated agreeably.
“Yes, and he has no fear of doing what is necessary. Whitefair has been put into shape, with the market permanently closed. The city thrives, and the traffic between the east and west flourishes, with the north to south growing as well.”
“Gradien was such an ass.”
“Yes, but he is a smart man. He knew right away if he did not affect the changes our new king desired he would be replaced. He has become a great leader in the end.”
“I once feared you would become Lamwen’s mate,” Rey dared, cutting his eyes over at her. “He has not claimed another?”
His words stung her, and she struggled to breathe. Glancing up at his brooding hazel orbs, she stopped abruptly and gasped, “You knew I would not return to my dragon form.”
“I believe you have kept some truths for yourself,” he confessed with a shrug. “Even now, you are careful not to speak of them.”
“Oh, Rey,” she sighed. “No, that was not my place,” she informed him, shaking her head. “In twenty or thirty years, when he has settled into his position more firmly, perhaps he will claim one of the new females and begin to build his line. But you are correct, I will never be his dragoness. Have you known of this for long?” She wondered if her visit had given away as much, as she had always been careful to keep her truth hidden, as he had pointed out.
“Aye,” he breathed. “It took me many months of pondering, but I finally realized what made you so special. And why you stand before me as a stranger.”
Swallowing, Ami dropped his fingers as she studied him. “Go on.” She curled her hands together, her palms damp with uncertainty.
Pursing his lips, Rey’s face flushed with self-doubt. “Well, I should expect you would simply tell me and not cause me to guess.”
“I have told no one,” she whispered. “Even as I visit the others, I hide all that I can.”
“You hide little, I assure you,” he chuckled, lumbering on and forcing her to catch up. When she strolled beside him once more, he stated confidently. “Sevoassi. He was the piece that never quite fit, with his magical red orb. A gnome that wasn’t a gnome, I am certain. And you with all your surprising powers and attributes. Almost dragon, but always something more. You had abilities that scared the hell out of Meena. She never spoke of them, but I’m certain she knows as well.”
“Perhaps she does,” Ami quietly agreed, glancing at the sun that had traveled a fair distance while they ambled along. “Will your wife be looking for you?”
“Aye. We should turn back,” he agreed, pivoting and offering his left arm for her to take. With the glare at their backs, he kept their pace slow, the fingers of his free right hand lying over hers as she gripped his left elbow. He toyed with the soft flesh of her digits, as he wanted to enjoy every moment they could share. He felt certain she would not come to him again. Not now that he had revealed he knew her secret. “It’s ok that you are with him, and I promise I will never reveal what I have surmised. Not to anyone. I’m glad you have found the one who is your equal.”
“Yes,” she said in a meek and hushed tone, nodding her agreement. “Sevoassi and I will enjoy many years together.” Or centuries, she silently mused. “It surprises me though that you have guessed what it took me years to figure out.”
“Because I’m a mortal?”
“Well, that’s part of it. But our magic is different. It is extraordinary that you could see me through my disguise, much less understand the depth of my being.”
“I see because I loved you, Amicia Spicer.”
His gravelly tone dug at her heart, and his words gave her a chill, the past tense bringing a frown to her features. Leaving it, she sighed. “I loved you as well, Reynard Daye. I loved all who shared my journey. And I am glad that so many of us have survived to help rebuild our great and wonderful lands.”
Arriving at the edge of their village, a dull ache had settled into Amicia’s gut, and she felt the strong desire to flee. “I need to go, love,” she announced when the sounds of the celebration grew sufficiently loud. “Please, give your wife my regrets.”
“As you wish,” he replied, unwilling to add guilt to her drawn features. Bending, he placed a gentle kiss upon her cheek, again certain he would never see her again but comforted that she had made the journey and peace would stand between them.
In an instant she was gone and stood once more in the small cottage in the northern woods. Her fire had been stoked, and her mate sat at her table looking over her tome.
“I was beginning to wonder,” Sevoassi informed her with a wink when their gaze met.
Her heart fluttering, Kaliwyn had returned to her ordinary self, and her golden waves shimmered as she caught the curve of her round belly and sat in the second seat. “I had a visit to pay among the rim.”
“At last,” he nodded. “I wondered how much longer you could stand it.”
“But you have been watching,” she accused. “You knew what had become of my Rey.”
“I knew. And you would know when you were ready.” Reaching for her hand that lay on the table between them, he caressed her fingers, sensing that the man in question had done the same only a short time ago. Their love did not bother him, as he understood far more than he could put into words. Instead, he changed the subject, allowing her some privacy of their visit. “I believe I have found a more suitable location for us, now that we will be three,” he informed her quietly.
“Is that what kept you out so late? Searching for a place to raise our pending arrival?” She enjoyed the way that he fawned over her. The entire world was his for the taking, but she was all that he needed and had been for near an eon.
He laughed at her choice of words. “How deeply I love you, Kaliwyn,” he confessed. The red of his hair catching the light, his smile covered his face and gleamed in the blue of his eyes. He had waited for her so long, nothing could spoil the moments that they shared.
Standing in unison, she wrapped him in her arms, her lump sandwiched between them as they embraced. “My life is so full, and I am so happy with our days,” she breathed against his neck. “We will go there tomorrow, and I will make our new home to prepare.”
Squeezing her as firmly as he dared, Sevoassi’s heart raced. During her walk as a mortal, he had almost always felt certain they would one day stand together in such a way. Almost always. But there had been times he had feared what would become of her and her rag-tag group of friends. That night, he was very grateful things had worked out the way they had, and she would be his to hold and to love for eternity. His Dragon of Eriden.
Maps of Eriden & The Rim of Mortals
Characters by Race
Humans
Amicia Spicer is a young woman from Nalen discovering her true identity as the story unfolds. Her mother has revealed a secret about her origins upon her deathbed, and Ami is looking for the place she belongs in the world.
Reynard Daye is a young crewman aboard the Sea Serpent. He survives the destruction of the ship and joins the unlucky group of mortals as they crash upon the shores of Eriden.
Piers Massheby is the first mate aboard the Sea Serpent. He is a strong leader and guides the group through their perilous journey in search of a way home.
Baldwin Carter is the cabin boy on board the ship. He is mostly along for the ride, being young and inexperienced at handling the hardships that the group faces along the way.
Minor Human Characters:
Rupert Miller – Amicia Spicer’s friend from Nalen, he expects that she will become his betrothed when her parents no longer need her.
Gus Spicer – Amicia’s father.
Arely Spicer – Amicia’s mother.
Shamus Smith – blacksmith in the desert city of Whitefair.
Geoffrey Tabard – trader from Whitefair.
Humphray Heron – trader from Whitefair.
Sirens
Olirassa is queen of the mermaids. She is the sovereign and protector of the city of Riran.
Oldrilin is Reynard Daye’s caretaker in Riran. She becomes caught up in their escape and is swept away onto their adventure through Eriden. Her devotion to Rey is sincere, and she proves to be a valuable member of their group. She seems to have little magical ability but is able to transform into a large black fish.
Elves
Cilithrand is the queen of the elves. She resides in a magnificent palace in Jerranyth, located on the southern end of the elf lands, which consists of the lower end of the central mountains of Eriden.
Animir is an elf of higher class that has been outcast from his station. He no longer feels a part of his elf kin, and helps the group to escape Jerranyth, thereby joining them on their quest to find a way home. He had been banned from using his innate magical abilities, but with the freedom of the group, he explores his talents and regains his ability as a strong wielder of magic. A resourceful member of the group, they value his friendship and utility.
Minor Elf Characters:
Sadrir – serves the group while they are in Jerranyth.
Anerion – lead huntsman to Lady Cilithrand.
Galiodien – Cilithrand’s father and former king of the elves.
Cothiel – female companion to Piers in Jerranyth.
Nymphs
Preivia is queen of the nymphs. She is the sovereign and protector of the city of Esterbrook and the surrounding areas known as the glen and the meadows.
Zaendra is an earth nymph. She is pleased to meet the group when they come into the glen and attaches herself to their company. Spending time with them while they reside in their cabin, she packs her things to leave with them at their departure, as she has always wanted to explore more of Eriden and sees this as her chance. She has some magical abilities and proves to be a valuable member of the group.
Wolves
Uscan is the alpha of the southern pack of grey wolves. His loyalties are often murky, but he holds an affinity for Amicia Spicer. He acts in her best interest both as a friend and advisor. As for the southern pack, they protect the Shadowlands, a cursed area of woods that acts as a natural barrier between the glen and the mountains of the elf lands.
Edeill is the alpha of the northern pack. His loyalties are also in question. His pack of great white wolves are the protectors of the northern woods, and they patrol a much larger area than their southern kin.
Minor Wolf Characters:
Mirean – scout sent to Esterbrook for the southern pack.
Aelalle – beta of the northern pack.
Wizards
Meena Gavaan is a wan, a female wizard, but unlike most, she was born with the ability to use magic, which is forbidden within their people. She has led a difficult life and faces tough choices throughout the story. She meets the group upon their arrival in the desert community of Whitefair and agrees to help them for a price. She leaves with them when they flee the oasis and travels with them on their journey, earning her place within the group with her special magical skill set and talent for using her powers in practical ways.
Minor Wizard Characters:
Gradien Silversmith – magistrate of the wizard city of Whitefair, he is a powerful wizard, but also a bit of a scoundrel.
Corvack – head of the security force in Whitefair.
Trolls
Yaodus is the king of the trolls. He is a powerful wielder of magic, which is rare but not unheard of among the trolls. He is distrustful of everyone outside of their community and takes his role of protector of his kind with the utmost of dedication. He is an unlikely ally of the group after Amicia convinces him of her worth, and his help is often the difference between life and death for the mortals and their friends.
Traok is Yaodus’s eldest son. He is met several times, as he acts as the liaison between the group and the troll community on several occasions.
Dwarves
Baeweth is the king of the city of Rhong. As their sovereign, he is the protector of the growing city beneath the mountain. However, his family and people have endured a great deal in the last few hundred years. They have denounced the use of magic and are rebuilding after a daemon drove them from their previous home of Asomanee.
Hayt is the king’s great nephew and heir to the throne. He holds no desire to ever be king and devises a way to win the trust of the group, then helps them escape rather than see them handed over to the dragons. He is a skilled engineer, and his abilities and knowledge prove useful to the group on their quest.
Minor Dwarf Characters:
Asyng – the king’s sister and Hayt’s grandmother, she is Baeweth’s advisor.
Dragon of Eriden - The Complete Collection Page 104