Heart of Alban

by G L Roberts

  Hansa frowned at the man. “Your ancestors perhaps, navigator, but not mine. My ancestors would have killed the beasts much as my father desires. You speak like a druid.”

  “Where do you think we learned to navigate the open sea? From those ancestors who were once considered equal to your kin. The druids have the knowledge your kin never cared to learn and understand,” he replied.

  Hansa looked around at the others as they gathered what they could from the remaining boats and begin the long ascent to the longhouse. No one was paying much attention to her or the navigator. She leaned toward the navigator. “You will be wolf meat if you continue to talk like this.”

  “I saw something I never thought I would see in this lifetime. I will never forget the sight of the maid on the back of a dragon,” the man said.

  “You called it a dragon. That is what the shieldmaiden called it. I know you were not close enough to hear her speak. How do you know the name?”

  “You should come to my house sometime. I will show you the books and tell you about the legend. This gem you have in this piece of the mast is more precious than you will ever know or understand. And believe me, if she was on the back of the dragon, she is no mere shieldmaiden.”

  Hansa could see the man believed what he said. She too had seen the shieldmaiden on the back of the dragon, as he called it. She had also heard the maid say she gave the jewels to the beast. In her heart, Hansa believed this maid was special. It was not just the druid culture, it was the woman herself. Hansa ran her hand over the gem. She looked again at the navigator and gave a small nod.

  “I will come to hear this legend.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Thalynder watched the landscape change below her as Meydra flew further north. They had stopped once for Thalynder to eat a small meal, then they were up again. Meydra had not eaten. She soared on and on, silent and grim. Thalynder rode low enough against Meydra’s body to feel comforted by her body heat.

  “It will be dark soon,” Meydra said. “You will need to sleep.”

  Thalynder yawned. “I will not sleep until I see Bryn. Do you need to rest?”

  “I will rest when we reach our destination. I too feel the need to see Lady Athebryn.”

  Thalynder patted Meydra’s head. “Then we will continue until I fall off or we reach our destination. Can you tell me where we go?”

  “It is a secret home for ancient dragons. Until yesterday the cavern had known only dragons. Our Lady Athebryn is the first human since Athyl’s daughter Arstender came to speak with her mother.”

  “Will I be allowed in?”

  “Yes, you are my guest,” Meydra said.

  “Why did you take Bryn to the ancient home?”

  “She is hurting.”

  “We all are, dear Meydra. It was a battle for survival, and some did not survive. We lost two dragons and many humans. The loss of even one is enough to cause Bryn pain.”

  Meydra was silent for several minutes. The terrain changed, and Thalynder recognized Skerrabrae.

  “Is it much further?” Thalynder asked.

  “We will reach the ancient home at sunrise.”

  Bryn walked through the long vast expanse noting the smaller caves on each side. She walked past several of these caves until she felt compelled to look inside one. She carried nothing to light the way, but the cavern itself was not overly dark. Sunlight from the outside made its way in somehow. Bryn guessed there were ice and snow above her with sheets of ice open to the sky. She stepped into the cave and was surprised to find it was filled with books. “How did these come to this place?”

  “We brought them here,” a voice from behind her said.

  Bryn turned around and saw a woman. She stepped back from the woman and stared. “I know your face. But how is it you are here, Lady Adhar.”

  “I am not Lady Adhar as you know her,” the woman said. “I am Adhar the old, ancient relative of your Aunt Adhar.”

  “There is so much I do not understand, Adhar,” Bryn said. “I thought the elves and dragons did not spend time together. How then would you know of this ancient home of the first dragons?”

  “It has never been said elves and dragons did not spend time together,” Adhar said. “Indeed, though they did not join, they were companions once.”

  “Ua never mentioned this.”

  “Ua is not in as big a hurry as you are Athebryn. Ua has waited for you to come here. Ua will wait until you ask the questions.”

  “Elves were not the first race on this planet,” Bryn said. “Humans were not the first race on this planet. Dragons came first, followed by other creatures and finally elves and men. Dragons befriended elves, but the elves would take it no further. Dragons found the curious mix of human and elf made for a race who accepted the dragons and their wish to join. This much I have learned from the Stones and from Ua. It might explain why the books and you, Adhar, are here now. You are a memory held by this place. This is home to not only the dragons, but the druids as well. Why then is it now only for dragons?”

  “Have you ever wondered why something became a myth when it was, at first, a truth?” Adhar asked.

  “Yes, I have often wondered that very thing. I have heard stories my whole life about dragons, elves, knights, rulers, kings, peasants, and marauders. None seemed real enough to believe until I saw my first dragon, met my first elf, was befriended by my first knight, lived in the keep of a King and was treated like a peasant by murderous marauders. Then I wondered how much of the stories I had heard was the truth and how much was make-believe or myth. Then again, I received my training and education from Arlendyl, Brymender, the elders of Clann Brae, and by Meydra herself. I know not all believe the same truth,” Bryn said and ran her hand over the bindings and could hear the words whispered in the room.

  “You believe in truth because you are the truth,” Adhar said from behind Bryn.

  Bryn continued to touch the books. She stopped at one immense book bound in a dark cover. Bryn could not read the title of the book because there was none. She removed the tome from the wall and held it to her chest before opening it. Bryn then turned to look back at Adhar, but the vision was gone. She looked down at the book and opened the cover. Inside she read:

  Clann of Brae Writings and Teachings

  A History of Clann Brae and Their Descent to Earth

  “What is this? This is like the book in my mother’s house.”

  “It is the beginning,” Ua’s voice said. “In this book, you will find the truth before it became legend and myth. Your mother’s book does not have all the words you will find here.”

  Meydra began to descend toward the frozen landscape. She felt Thalynder shift her weight. “We are nearing the ancient home.”

  “In this harsh and frozen place?”

  “Yes, my princess,” Meydra said.

  “Why here? Why so far from everything else?”

  “If you had to keep something secret, so secret as to never allow it to be divulged, would you stay where others could find you. Would you be in an easily accessible place?”

  “No,” Thalynder said. “What secret?”

  “I do not know. I only know this place has been here since life on earth appeared.” Meydra said. “There below us —see the high ice cliffs?”

  “Yes,” Thalynder said. “Are we heading to the dark spot ahead?”

  “Yes, it is the entrance to the realm of the ancients.”

  “Are you sure I will be allowed in?”

  Meydra sighed. “No, no human should be here. This is a place only known to dragons. I brought Bryn here because she doubted herself. After hearing the Stones, and after accepting all that the Jewel implied, Bryn still doubts her ability to lead. Her ability to unite this island. She doubts her existence, here on earth, and how that existence means anything to Alban's inhabitants. I was not even sure she would be allowed to enter.”

  “So much for one human to bear.”

  “For any human,” Meydra repeated.
r />   “For anyone tasked with the future of a people,” Thalynder continued. “Bryn is tasked with the future of clanns, kingdoms, realms, peoples, dragons, of all the life of this one little country. Her decisions, her plans, her ideals will affect not only Alban but the Norsemen too, I am certain. Bryn is the Jewel of legend, and aside from uniting the clanns, she will unite a country, and she will unite many lands divided by distance. Lady Athebryn will be the catalyst, and the union that comes together under her rule will be unstoppable.”

  Arryn paced the glenn at Bynack More. The tent had been put up, fire rings made, food stores prepared, and all members of the council were present except for Bryn and Thalynder. Arryn understood Thalynder meant well when she insisted Meydra take her to Bryn, but to invade Bryn’s thoughts when she was most vulnerable was not a good idea. “She will feel trapped into making a quick decision,” he said to no one in particular.

  Malcolm had been looking over the glenn and was going over to Arryn when he heard Arryn speak.

  “Bryn is still struggling with her new position,” he said. “Becoming a ruler when you did not expect to be so, is daunting enough for any royal. Look at Thalynder. She had expected her father to remarry, allowing her to abdicate her position as heir. Now, like it or not, she will rule. Bryn, a brave and courageous woman, never expected to be more than anything but a handmaiden to a queen, a shieldmaiden to a realm. But she was schooled by those who knew better. Even you. You were not told to favor the handmaiden over the princess in your lessons. But it is obvious by her tactics, the handmaiden listened. She learned, and she excelled. She is by every right, a shieldmaiden, and a leader.”

  “True,” Arryn said.

  “Then there are the teachings of the druids. If I had half their knowledge and one quarter their forethought, I’d be King of France. Not to mention the dragons. Bryn has been schooled by a mighty dragon her whole life, in things we mortals will never understand.”

  “Mortals? Why do you say, mortals?”

  “Because, in case you have not noticed, Bryn does not eat. She does not sleep. She thrives on the air alone.”

  Arryn stared at Malcolm. He frowned. “She is worried and stressed, which would explain a lot. But there is something else. She is too quiet.” Arryn stepped back from Malcolm. “Have you any insight into what might be going on besides thinking she has cold feet?” Arryn frowned and walked away from Malcolm. He shook his head and took a deep breath.

  Leus had watched the interaction between the men and saw Arryn’s frustration. He approached Arryn as he walked away from Malcolm. “Should we consider starting the council without Lady Athebryn?” he asked.

  Arryn glanced in Malcolm’s direction. “Why do I get the impression everyone doubts Lady Athebryn’s resolve?” He looked back at Leus. “What do you want to do?”

  “Let us all come together and discuss what we learned from Meydra’s appearance without Lady Athebryn. If we can feel in charge of our own circle, we will be better equipped to handle whatever may come.” Leus nodded at Rythale and Kenna, who had just joined Malcolm at the fire ring. “We are here for the council. Let us convene it.”

  Arryn was silent for many moments. He placed a hand on Leus’ shoulder. “Gather the others to the center ring. I need a word with FireSong first before I join you.”

  Leus nodded and went to speak with the others. Arryn walked away from the glenn and into the trees. It was a short distance to the fields where the dragons gathered to watch and listen. As he approached the dragons, FireSong and IronHeart met him halfway. FireSong touched Arryn’s back.

  “I do not know if you understand me as well I hope you do,” he said. FireSong touched his back a second time. “I need to know what is keeping the Lady Athebryn. Is she in danger?”

  FireSong and IronHeart slapped their tales on the ground.

  “If I read the tail slap correctly, you are telling me no danger. Then Bryn is safe. Good, that means this council may convene without the Lady Athebryn or the Princess.” FireSong touched Arryn’s back. “Ask the other companions to take up watch positions while we gather in the glenn.” FireSong again rubbed Arryn’s back. “We will make no decisions without the Lady Athebryn, but I must reassure the council we wait with purpose. This will not be easy.” Arryn was surprised when IronHeart touched his back. Arryn looked up at Malcolm’s companion and smiled. “I am not the leader, the Jewel is, but I can read the faces of men. We may argue, but we will not abandon the council or the Lady Athebryn.” Several of the dragons walked toward Arryn. They encircled him and one by one they touched his back.

  Bryn felt Meydra’s presence. She closed the book and placed it back on the stone shelf. Sighing, Bryn left the room, looking back once to remember the room’s location. She started toward the entrance to find Meydra. For the moment, her heart and her mind were quiet, and the quiet was restful. Bryn stepped into the large cavern at the entrance to the vast complex just as Meydra walked in. Bryn held out her hand to touch Meydra. As she reached up, she saw Thalynder on Meydra’s neck.

  “I am surprised you brought the Princess to this place,” Bryn said. “This is not a place for others.” Bryn reached for her sword. Realizing she was not wearing it, she stepped back from Meydra.

  “You need her here.”

  “Why do you not address me?” Thalynder asked Bryn. “What has happened here? And where is your crown?”

  Bryn ignored Thalynder. “Meydra, why did you think I need anyone? I told you to tell them I was safe.”

  Thalynder slid down off of Meydra’s neck. She took a wrong step as she landed and fell on her knees. Bryn rushed to help Thalynder stand.

  “Are you injured?” Bryn held onto Thalynder’s hand.

  “No,” Thalynder replied. “Do not be mad at Meydra, she brought me here because I insisted that she do so.”

  Bryn peered at Thalynder’s face. She saw the worry, but for the moment, she did not address Thalynder’s concerns. “I am not mad at anyone, Princess. I am concerned a rule has been broken and broken by a High Dragon.” Bryn let go of Thalynder’s hand. “I am sorry, but you will have to wait here, Princess. Meydra, you must come with me.”

  “Bryn, where is your crown?” Thalynder asked.

  “In this place, I am allowed to remain a simple druid,” Bryn said. “We will not be away long.”

  Meydra glanced over at Thalynder. She bowed her head to Bryn. “The Princess should come with us.”

  “Why?”

  “There is much for her to hear.”

  “There is much you need to explain to her,” a voice from within the cavern said.

  “Who speaks?” Thalynder asked.

  Bryn looked at Thalynder and Meydra. She gave a little nod and took Thalynder’s hand in hers. “It is the voice of the first dragon. One of the twin stars to fall long before elf or human walked the earth. Come then, there is much to tell.”

  “Beginning with your now absent crown.”

  “First, you need food and sleep,” Bryn said. “No more questions until you have rested from the long flight.”

  Thalynder pulled Bryn’s hand to her lips and placed a kiss on Bryn’s fingers. With her other hand, she touched Bryn’s forehead. “I will do as you ask, my Bryn.”

  Bryn led Thalynder and Meydra to Athyl’s cave. “I will bring you something to eat and drink. Sit here and rest. Meydra will keep you company.”

  Thalynder started to sit on the fur-covered platform but stopped when she saw Bryn’s crown.

  “Here is your crown, and your sword.”

  Bryn turned to look at Thalynder and saw her holding Calibairn. She took the few steps needed to stand in front of Thalynder. Looking at Thalynder, Bryn gently took Calibairn from Thalynder’s hand. She then reached past Thalynder and picked up the crown. “This is still capable of burning you. Please sit. I will be right back.” Bryn turned and left the cave. She did not look at Meydra but spoke to her with her heart.

  You should not have brought the human here.

&nb
sp; ❦

  Arryn stood and waited for Malcolm to join him. Not knowing how long they would have to wait, Arryn wished to be prepared. First, they would need more food for the company. FireSong and IronHeart had taken to the high rocks that surrounded the glenn. Their eyes and ears were ever mindful of the East.

  “There is a heaviness in my heart,” Arryn said as Malcolm approached.

  “And mine,” Malcolm replied. “I know what you are thinking.”

  “And that is?” Arryn asked as he took a step toward Malcolm.

  “That whatever it is keeping Lady Athebryn, may detain her longer than we can afford,” Malcolm said. He lay his hand on Arryn’s arm. “Would you find it impudent of me to suggest we follow the elf’s suggestion and form a plan?”

  “No, I too feel the need to be prepared. And whether we have the Jewel at our side or not, we must be ready to defend Alban from the Norsemen.”

  “Then let us hunt for our meal. After filling our bellies, we can sit and discuss a plan.”

  “There are rabbit tracks on the other side of the glenn,” Arryn said. “A brace of rabbits for a meal, a brace of dragon riders for a meeting.” Arryn slapped Malcolm on the back. “Come, we will do this on foot.”

  All six sat staring at the small flames and glowing embers of the central fire pit. None of them were ready to start the conversation they all believed was necessary. Leus sat next to Rythale. Kenna was at Arryn’s right side and next to her sat Lothan. Malcolm sat across from Arryn, where he could judge the man’s actions. Malcolm did not wish to rule, but his royal position and obligation to lead weighed heavily on his heart. He watched Arryn struggling with the same reluctance. Arryn gave a little, almost imperceptible shrug and glanced up at Malcolm. Malcolm gave Arryn a small nod.

  “We were asked to gather here to report the readiness of our armies or what aide we could muster. Knowing Lady Athebryn will still expect to hear our report, I think we should discuss this now and try to resolve anything important before she and the princess return,” Arryn said.