Commander Drake
I left her in the fields surrounding the house she was not alone for I was always here to watch her. If anyone wanted to get to her they had to come through me. If only I had kept an eye on her that night, then none of this would have happened. She would not have been attacked she would not have been unconscious for three weeks. Why did I leave my post for the birth of a horse, to make things worse now I have insulted her fiancé, angering her beyond imagining. My mouth just would not stop, words continued to spill out as if they had a mind of their own. But I reasoned that it was only because in a way I blamed him for what happened to her. She was under my watch and I allowed her to be hurt there was no denying it.
Not concentrating on where I was going I did not see Coran step out of the house. "Drake come quickly!"
Covering my surprise at his sudden appearance I obeyed his call. "Sarri is gone!"
He said in a panic. "Calm down she is in the fields, said she needed a walk."
He looked at me suspiciously.
"Don't worry she wont go anywhere, after yesterday I made it so that the portal can only be opened by me."
Coran laughed.
"Good thinking she won't know what hit her if she tries, sometimes I wish I could just shake some sense into her."
I smiled,
, "she is female they rarely have sense enough to listen to any good reason."
Again he laughed.
"Aye you are right about that, especially with Sarri, but she is royalty after all." "Do you forget you yourself are royalty and her kin, what you say about her also applies to you."
"Aye but only by half it does not count. Well as long as she's safe we can not take any chances until we know what happened to her and who did it. They may try again as soon as we return to Dralic."
"But that can not be avoided we can not hide her here forever she is needed in Dralic you have already told her we are returning tomorrow. If you go against your word she will find a way around the portal. She is a determined woman and determined women are capable of anything especially with her power."
The sun started to set behind some trees drowning the house in shadows.
"It is getting late we should get everything ready to leave tomorrow."
Coran nodded.
"When we pass through the portal we can not let our guard down there are eyes every where, waiting for any sign of her return. That is if they do not already know where she is."
It troubles me that he could very well be right we might be walking straight into a trap as soon as we step through the portal.
"I agree we have only been gone a short time but a lot can happen in a month, especially with Alicia in control of Gradkail. Even with the power of Dralic gone its residue still remains with Alicia in control I fear the corruption may be too strong even if we regain the city it may be too late."
He looked past me just as Sarri stepped into view with worry in his face but banishing it before she got close enough to see. She looked from me to Coran then smiled. Seeing her smile he relaxed instantly
"Not talking about me I hope?"
He snuck a glance at me before answering.
"Not at all, we were just about to start packing for the journey back to Dralic tomorrow."
Her eyes lit up at the mention of Dralic.
"Taleane and Jace are preparing the rations and the horses for tomorrow even as we speak."
Sarri's face twisted into a scowl at the mention of horses.
"Will we really be needing horses? It would be so much faster if we could…"
Coran cut her off before she could say any more. "We can not draw attention to ourselves by transforming and to walk would take twice as long. We need to travel by horses if we are to get to the sanctuary in good time."
The scowl on Sarri's face disappeared but there was still a hint of resentment.
"Very well if it gets us there faster then so be it."
"I thought you might say that. Come on then eat your dinner so that you will have at least some strength back."
I watched as Sarri's eyes bore into Coran's at his words.
"I have enough strength, even if I was weakened I could still defeat you in battle."
He smiled.
"Just because you have more power does not mean you will win. It is what you do with that power that makes you victorious."
Her anger was obvious but she would not give him the satisfaction of besting her, Instead she turned to me.
"Good night Drake I hope that you sleep well."
She turned towards the house ignoring Coran completely and went inside. Coran turned to face me.
"I will see you in the morning."
He turned towards the house and went back inside. Suddenly I heard someone behind me, turning I faced Brennan.
"So you are leaving, are you sure your princess is ready. She was in a bad shape when you first arrived. Even with the powers your people possess she is still not fully recovered."
I sighed I had known Brennan for fifteen years he was like a father. At thirteen years of age he found me at the opening of the portal near dead. It was just after the first attack on Dralic by Alicia. Her army stormed through the land killing everything in their path. I was the only survivor of the old Lantra city, I watched as they murdered every member of my family as well as all the people of the city. I watched them die as I was saved by some creature I could not put a name to. Brennan and Rietta had no children of there own so they took me in. Since then I have vowed to take revenge on those who murdered my family and friends.
At the age of sixteen I returned to Dralic to find that the King of Gradkail had been murdered and that the princess had used her power to banish Alicia and her followers into a one way portal. All knew it would not hold her forever so I strove to make it into the queen's army so that when she did escape I would be there to exact my revenge. It was this motivation that helped me to make commander in only five years of service the youngest to ever make legate (legion commander).
Looking Brennan in the eyes I answered.
"We can not afford to stay here any longer, we are needed in our world."
His eyes showed sadness at my words.
"Your mother and I had hoped you would stay a bit longer. We don't see you enough any more."
I could not hold eye contact for the guilt I felt.
"My world is in chaos, it is you that taught me never to run away from my responsibilities."
He placed his hands on my shoulders as his eyes seemed troubled.
"I know son, do not worry you be careful out there do not make any unnecessary risks."
I knew what he meant by risks.
"I am always careful."
He left to enter the house just as Jace and Taleane exited.
"It is so good to be going home."
Jace said to Taleane then stopped as he saw me. "This is no normal homecoming Jace, when we return we are still on duty. Both of you were chosen for this mission because both of you have proven your loyalty and your skill. Do not disappoint me, or Alicia will not be the only one seeking punishment for any failures."
Both of them immediately stood at attention.
"Go ready the provisions I trust you can do that on your own?"
"Yes sir."
They spoke in unison.
"See that you do, but do not pack them too heavy. We need to make it in good time and not have the horses weighed down by rations."
"But we will not make it with such little rations."
Jace blurted.
"Do you not know how to hunt? If not then I guess I mistook your good aim for luck."
Without waiting for an answer I walked past them into the house. Inside I found Rietta in the kitchen hesitantly I stood before her.
"I suppose you've heard."
"Of course," she answered.
"I did not expect you too stay long you have your duties as we have ours," She turned to face me as she continued.
"Drake whatever your father has said it is not true, yes it would be good if you could visit more but we understand why you can not. You have obligations to your world and to yourself. Just promise me one thing." I nodded,
"anything."
"That you will not allow yourself to die alone, after this war in your world is over find someone nice to settle down with. Someone like…. like Taleane she is kind hearted and faithful. You two would be a perfect match for each other."
I shook my head,
"she is a warrior serving under me it would not be appropriate. If I am to settle down it would be with a gentle woman,perhaps someone from the outer towns or villages of Gradkail. Perhaps it is someone who does not judge a man by his rank." Rietta smiled.
"Well whoever she is she will be the luckiest woman in the world." I smiled.
"Well since I have not met a woman like it yet I might as well concentrate on the job at hand, at lease until this war is over."
She laid a hand on my shoulder and sighed.
"Go to bed Drake you will be leaving early I assume?"
"Dawn." She nodded.
"Then go get some sleep you will need it."
"Good night mother."
I left the kitchen shaking my head at the words she had spoken. My room had not been changed since I'd left at sixteen. All the things I treasured as a child, the painting Rietta did of our first mare, the sling shot I used to hunt, even my first bow.(even though they would be rendered useless if used against another human or person of our kind because of the magic of this place). I came back often in the beginning but my visits became fewer and far between. It was just the way things turned out I often felt guilty for it but then something would happen that always kept my mind off it. Pulling my clothes off I got into my bed and within minutes was asleep.
Dawn woke me instantly, getting out of bed I got dressed and left my room. In the dinning room I find Rietta and Sarri already awake.
"Morning," greeted Rietta.
I sat across from Sarri as Rietta placed a plate of food before me.
"Thank you,"
Sarri held a wide grin on her lips. I knew it was her excitement at returning to Dralic. After breakfast I stood to leave.
"Excuse me.."
Rietta cut me off before I could even leave the table.
"Taleane and Jace packed the horses perfectly I already checked. Sit talk while the others have some more sleep."
"That's not necessary they will be in soon."
Rietta raised her eyebrows seconds later Jace, Taleane and Coran emerged from down the hall fully dressed and ready to go. Rietta's surprise left me laughing silently as I stood from the table before the others even sat down.
"I am going to saddle the horses."
She nodded in return still stunned. I started to leave but was stopped by Sarri.
"I'll come with you, if I'm to ride horse back I should get to know my horse before I ride it."
"As you wish your highness."
Together we left the house and headed towards the stables.
"So whose horses are we taking?"
Not looking at her I answered,
"mine."
Surprise crossed her face but was quickly banished when she saw me looking.
"I'm sorry it's just that I cannot picture you as a farmer tending to farm animals and such."
I turned to Sarri.
"There is a lot about me that you don't know your highness."
I weird look entered her eyes as she turned to towards the horses proceeding to examine the horses one by one saying.
"Then tell me commander how did you come from farming to fighting?"
I had just started saddling a young stallion but had to pause at her words. Not once in all the seven years of service did she want to know anything about me. It was strange but being royalty I could not refuse to answer. However it did mean that I did not have to answer more then necessary her curiosity would soon disappear.
"I mean no offence by saying this, your highness but I am insignificant my story would be of no interest to you."
Her smile faded.
"How is it that you can be so open when speaking about yourself one minute then so closed the next?"
I continued to saddle the stallion before me.
"I am sorry your highness but I do not know what you mean"
"You say that you are insignificant and that I would not be interested in your story today. Yet last night you reveal more about yourself then you have ever done before. What you said just now contradicts what you revealed last night."
I paused to look into her eyes so this curiosity was because of last night. I sighed annoyed with myself for saying anything.
"Last night I was not myself I was lost in the depths of my mind I was not thinking straight. I should not have been so open it is not my place."
I turned back to my work Sarri remained silent then answered.
"Well perhaps you should have thought of that before you insulted my fiancé. If you never intended to reveal anything about your self why say anything at all?"
Her words made me realize that she was right why did I say those things last night? Ordinarily I would behave as a commander under her service keeping my opinions to myself unless they were related to those in service under me. I watched as she turned towards a particularly wild stallion I started to open my mouth to respond to her earlier words but from behind her Coran, Jace, Taleane, Brennan and Rietta were approaching forcing me into silence. Sarri took one last look at me then turned to face the others.
"Well I guess it is time to say good bye." Rietta announced.
"Take care all of you."
Sarri was the first to answer.
"I thank you dearly for you kindness and your help in allowing me to stay in your home."
"Your welcome dear, please you must return and visit one day."
Coran answered before Sarri could.
"Of course we will it is the least we can do to repay your kindness."
Jace stepped forward,
"I know I certainly would, it's been awhile since I've had a good home cooked meal."
Everyone laughed at his remark. As we mounted our horses Taleane was the last to mount as she hugged Rietta before she did so. I ordered Taleane to go ahead with the others while I stayed back with Rietta and Brennan.
"Thank you for not telling them."
"We understand Drake that you want our relationship to remain secret, but do not shut everyone out. Let someone in, let them see the real you don't continue to hide behind that mask of yours."
I remained silent she always knew me better then anyone. Brennan stepped forward and patted the mane of the stallion I rode.
"Be careful Drake you are the closest thing we have to a son, we do not want to loose you. It is not natural to loose a child before we ourselves are gone."
"You need not worry, I am always careful and I will return soon enough."
Rietta stepped next to Brennan.
"See that you do."
I urged my horse forward to join the others, reaching them just as they reached the entrance to the portal. Dismounting I approached an odd arch in the trees using my powers to open it.
Facing the center of the arch before me I closed my eyes. Allowing the magic to enter me as I raised my hand just as blue flames engulfed it. Using the flames I scribed an ancient rune in the air. With power flowing though me I opened my eyes as I pushed the symbol forward. Glowing brighter it expanded until it resembled something of a doorway.
Turning to the group I immediately took charge. "Taleane you and I will go first then Coran with Sarri and Jace last. Does everyone understand? "
All answered yes except Sarri, she stared at me "What are you afraid of? Surely Alicia's influence has not reached Tunac or its surrounding areas yet, the power of Dralic is gone and she is nothing compared to it. She may be strong but no one is that strong."
I looked into her eyes and remained perfectly serious.
"You maybe princess of Dralic your highness but right now if you want to stay alive I suggest you do everything I tell you. Alicia may know where you are and with the power gone you are the one with the most power. She would want you on her side, she will be looking for every chance to steal you from your people and use your power as she sees fit. We can only assume that she has already tried, which is why we ended up here in the first place.
Knowing all of this I will not give her any chance of taking you. Of course if you want to be captured? Then by all means you may go first your highness."
I indicated for her to go first but she remained still her eyes like daggers that could strike me where I stood.
"I thought not."
I ignored her mumbled insults as I faced the others. Looking at each and every one of them I asked.
"Is everyone ready?"
All of them nodded in answer.
"Then let us go."
Taleane pushed her horse to rest beside me then together we passed through the portal. When one passes through a portal it's like walking on water, cold to the touch. Most portals look exactly the same on both sides so when we reached Dralic it was exactly the same woods we just left only we were not in Killarai any more. It felt good to be home even though we still had a long way to go. The only thing that had changed was our clothes I wore Black pants with a cream colored shirt and a red coat with sheep skins draping from the collars over my shoulders that signified my rank as commander with the royal seal of a silver dragon clipping it on. Like the others I wore a white necklace around my neck with a white dragon pendent that had both wings folded before him as if taking off.
Taleane's was purple and held it's wings out to it's side she also wore black pants with a cream shirt that wrapped around her stomach to form a knot at her back.
As Coran and Sarri came through the portal I saw that Coran wore a white shirt with brown pants. His dragon pendent was royal blue looked as if it climbed up his neck.
Sarri's clothes did not change she still wore her black warriors garb it was curious that they did not change but I just put it down to the immense power that she possessed. Her dragon pendant was black with its wings spread wide on either side of it. All of us wore swords some more then the others we also each had a bow and quiver. These necklaces were a symbol of our race and the power that we posses.
As Jace came through the portal he wore the same colors as Taleane and I for it was the colors of the royal army. However at his side he held a spear, but his neck was bare for he was human and therefore was powerless. Our race worked with humans in a peace that had been in place for over a thousand years.
Looking around the forest I realize that it is unusually quiet.
"It feels good to be home."
Sarri says, sensing something wrong I hiss,
"shhh."
Instantly they were quiet, but it was too late. Within seconds we were surrounded by more then fifty warriors. I yelled to the others.
"Quick keep together get separated from the group and it could be your life."
Backing our horses up to touch each other we formed a close circle leaving no ones back exposed. Surprising all of us they did not attack but merely stood and waited. Then from amongst the crowd stepped Nate, one of Alicia's strongest warriors and her left hand man.
He had blond hair and yellow eyes like all of her lead warriors. He was a tall and strongly built man, he would be considered handsome but the evil evident inside made him ugly. Around his neck he supported a green dragon pendant that hung upside down symbolizing his race.
"So you've finally come out of hiding? I wondered how long you would stay away."
He circled us until he faced Sarri.
"There was no need for you to hide. We are trying to help you by teaching you how to use your power to the fullest you can be the greatest ruler there ever was. Isn't that what you want?"
She scowled at him,
"I am no fool Nate you only wish to use me against my people. Well I will never go with you, so either you fight and loose or you run like the scared runt that you are. It makes no difference to me."
He laughed,
"your spirit is what most people admire about you."
He circled again to rest before Coran.
"Do you have to same spirit bustard princeling?"
"Fight me and see how my spirit serves you when you are dead."
Coran spat back.
"So it's a fight you want."
Turning he faced me.
"Well well well if it isn't Drake, commander of the queens army and her royal guard. I should have known you would be the one hiding her, but wait a minute I already did."
Nate made a ticking noise then continued.
"To hide your princess at your foster parent's world…"
He shook his head.
"How predictable."
I heard the small in take of breath from the others as my secret was openly revealed.
"Oh I'm sorry did you not want anyone to know?"
Anger entered my face trying not to let him see I banished it but his laughter let me know that he did not miss it. Turning to his men he yelled,
"Looks like I struck a cord."
The crowd around us cheered as he taunted us. Edging my horse forward just a bit I yelled,
"Now."
As one, all of us kicked our horses into action. Quickly galloping outwards to the group of warriors before us we held our swords ready to strike the first blow. Hitting the barrier of warriors we lunged and slashed at our enemy. We tore through the soldiers before us with all our might however they were too many. From the corner of my eye I saw Jace being ripped from his saddle. Lighting fast I sent an energy ball that ripped through those about to strike him down, kicking my horse forward to come beside him then jumped out of the saddle. As we fought back to back he yelled
"thanks."
In between slashes at our enemy I answered, "Guard yourself better, next time I might not be there to help."
Stealing a glance at the others I saw that they were also being overwhelmed by warriors.
"We have to get to the others."
I yelled to Jace.
"I agree but how?"
Suddenly I was knocked to the ground by the hilt of a sword. Using my legs to push the warrior's blade away I flipped to my feet, only to be overwhelmed by warriors again. Suddenly in the corner of my vision I saw Coran pulled to the ground, I saw the sword swing through the air, I moved to save him but I was too late.