drake
All I could do was watch as Alicia knelt before Sarri, I screamed I fought against the barrier but her power was too strong. It was like a mouse fighting a lion who wanted to devour it. Using all my strength and power a created an energy ball, throwing it at the barrier I waited. It did not even weaken it I screamed as all my strength failed.
As I felt something pull at my consciousness, instantly the world is frozen as time it's self stands still. I am pulled into the confines of my mind. Out of the darkness of my unconsenseness appears Karsha. From behind her I can see the very wall that Sarri had taken me to only moments ago. It was the same wall that rested below us now. However this time I saw it anew, as I gazed at the roots and branches of trees that weaved amongst the stone I realized they formed a pattern. To those who looked upon it they would only see I series of roots and stones but now as I looked more closely they weaved into a dragon.
"It's magnificent but Karsha-"
I exclaimed but I did not get to finish as Karsha laughed
"yes it is, however in the time of the dragons of old it was even more so. In time everyone forgot of it's existence,"
Karsha slowly approached the wall. I watched as the longest feathers in her mane stretched away from the others. Then black flames emerged from her skin to run along the feathers only to stop at the tips. Almost instantly they were pulled towards the wall swallowed by the stone. With no warning a blinding light engulfed us, covering my eyes I waited for it to disappear.
Once gone I opened my eyes again to find that an archway had appeared in the wall before us. Around the frame of the archway the black flames had been transformed into onyx stones. Suddenly without even realizing it we had been transported. Gazing around was a stone court yard completely closed in except for the archway, there was no where to go but through it. Confused I asked Karsha
"What is this place?"
She smiled
"you do not remember?"
My mind flashed to my childhood, my home village was under attack. Alicia's warriors held me captive as Alicia herself started to kill in cold blood everyone in my village. as she reached me something happened, before the blade even touched me I caught a glance of some kind of animal then suddenly I was transported here.
Before I knew what had happened I met a girl, she was seven when I saw her. Surprised to see me there she merely stared at me.
"What is this place?"
smiling she answered
"why it's the resting place of the dragon elders silly,"
The animal that I had seen suddenly appeared to rest beside this girl, who idly caresses the felines fur. Turning back to the girl I could not look away from her eyes, they were purple. At that time I did not know of the royal purple eyes for my village was not under the queen's rule. Something special was between us I felt it instantly but before I could question it or the animal I was transported to Killarai where Brennan and Rietta found me. I did not remember the girl nor the resting place of the dragon elders. Brought back to the present I was again standing before Karsha "the resting place of the dragon elders." I whispered "yes and the girl you spoke too-" "Princess Sarri!" I cut in, Karsha laughed. "Both of you are destined for great things. Your first meeting brought you together, though neither of you knew it." "The animal it was you?" She smiled in answer. Still confused I asked "what do you mean brought us together?" Karsha shook her feline head "that you must find out for your self. For now you are ready to be tested." She padded to the archway "all dragon spirits are taken here during the time of death so that they may rejoin the earth. It is the way of the world and without it dragons would not exist." "But how did I get here both then and now?" She smiled "that is the power of the Sithadons. It is the purpose for which we were created. We live to protect the existence of dragons and we are the guardians of this place. We know the importance of dragons in this world, for if there are no dragons there can be no Dralic there can be no world. This world and everything in it will fall into disaster if the dragons are no more." Not understanding her words I said "but there are still humans, even if we die the humans will still exist. They will still live in this world." "That is why Alicia fears them, for they will still live even though dragons be gone from this world. Alicia fears the power of the humans, she believes that they should not be given another chance to wage a war against dragons. She fears our extinction, she believes that humans should be put into the control of dragons before they become too many." "Then how do we stop her?" She sighed "when the last war against Alicia ended the great power of Dralic was separated and scattered to various parts of the world." Finally I realized what Karsha was trying to say "the only way to defeat Alicia is to find the power of Dralic and you know where it is." I shook my head "but even if we find it who will wield it. Not even the queen could use the power when last Alicia rose to power." Karsha nodded "now you understand. We Sithadon's were entrusted with this knowledge so that if one day we ever needed the power we would be able to bring it back but you are right to ask who will wield it. It is said that only when one of black joins with one of white can the power of Dralic be used." "But what does that mean and how can you know for sure who it is in this prophesy?" "You and your father were the only white dragons in the whole of Dralic, since he is dead you are the only one left and Sarri too is the only black dragon. It could only mean the two of you, as two joining as one you will have to work out what that means for your self's. However there is another part to the prophesy." Stunned into silence I could only listen as she recited the rest. "Only when black and white gain their full power can they gain the power of silver and therein lay the power of Dralic." Frustrated with all that was happening I yelled "this doesn't make sense how can we gain our full power. Sarri has the power of the elders does that not already give her, her full power?" Karsha remained silent "this is pointless can you not answer instead of specking in prophesies?" Regaining my composure I apologized "I am sorry I am only angry that we waste time here talking prophesies when Sarri is in trouble and needing my help." "Why do you think I have brought you here? It is though that door that you will be granted the power of the elders. You see when you were brought here at eleven Sarri had just gained her powers. She was tested and was found worthy at the youngest age anyone has ever been before. I brought you here then because I thought that you were ready but the dragon elders did not, so you were sent back with no memory of this place to preserve it's secrets." Relieved and eager I started to move towards the arch knowing that Sarri did not have much time left. "Do not be so eager Drake," turning I faced her with steel in my eyes "I have no time to continue talking I need to help her and with my current powers I am useless. I will not let her be forced to betray everything she knows. She has already lost her brother I will not let her loose her people." "I only wish to warn you that you will be tested and it will be hard, no test is the same. Be careful Drake her life rests in your hands." "I know," taking a breath I entered the archway. Once through I was plunged into darkness as the archway behind me disappeared. Then out of no where a garden of flowers began to grow, with paths and the fountain that lay in the royal garden of Crystalansio. As I stared at the great dragon the center piece of the fountain it began to move. Detaching it's self from the other smaller dragons it stepped out of the fountain. Once out he shook like a wet dog would as the stone fell away in thousand of pieces so that his scales showed silver instead of grey. Then without my prompting I began to transform as horns grew from my head and spine. Standing on four strong legs with my wings folded beside me I faced the great dragon as my true self. "Do you believe you are ready for this gift Drake commander of the royal army and protector of the royal family?" "I am more then ready my lord." "What are your reasons for your decision to enter this holy place? You must tell me why you think I should grant you our most treasured power." He began to circle around me examining, judging. "I need your power so that I may save the princess of this land and help her defeat Alicia the evil witch of the dragons. If you grant me this honor I will never abuse this power nor will I use it for ill will. I am loyal to the royal family and proven myself many times." "Sarri is very close to loosing this fight she wages with the bane of dragons. What will you do if you fail and Sarri is taken in body and soul to darkness?" "No matter the darkness in her I can and will bring her back, for years I have been charged with her protection. Believe me when I say I will do anything to keep her safe." The dragon still circling me stopped at my words and chuckled "yes I believe you I feel the truth inside you. I also feel the connection both of you share." Pausing he merely stared "however I also know of your thirst for revenge. The anger you keep inside, continue to hold on to this anger and it will be your undoing Drake…." He paused seeming in thought then when I began to think he would never talk he continued. "Very well you will be tested and we will determine if you are worthy or not." Instantly I was plunged into a large meadow. As a dragon I faced what was to be my opponent before me stood a red dragon. Already I knew who it was, instantly I was a little boy again as I watched her murder my friends and family one by agonizing one right in front of me, it was Alicia I could even smell the stench of her. Without warning the anger inside me took over as I charged into battle. When we met at the center I went to attack but was forced to the ground by one of her claws. Quickly pulling my massive body up I roared as Alicia began to bite and scratch my side. Frantically looking for a way to escape her brutal onslaught I managed to grab a pile of dirt with my claws, throwing it into her eyes. She stepped back with a loud roar. Using my tail a swung knocking her to the ground. Flashes of my parents run through my head as I began Scratching biting, opening my maws I let the fire from my belly burn her vulnerable underbelly. She reared in pain, as I continued the molten fire stream I spread my wings lifting into the air. Then when I was high enough I closed my mouth locked my wings and dived, spiraling towards her. However she was too fast as she rolled allowing me to hit the ground as she launched into the air letting her own fire flow towards me. On the lower ground I was disadvantaged. Taking to the sky both of us tried to gain the higher ground, all the while shooting fire balls that forever missed each other. Finally we came together then parted suddenly with a sneak attack she managed to catch hold of my wing. With one shack of her neck she broke the tender bone beneath, without the use of my wing I was sent plunging to the ground. Physically and emotionally exhausted I could no longer hold the transformation. All I could do was watch as Alicia lifted higher in the sky then locked into a dive straight towards me. However everything began to slow as Alicia got closer, a black dragon stood in the way of myself and Alicia. "Noooo!" but it was too late Alicia had dealt the final blow, Sarri now in human form lay on the ground. Blood stained her cloths, "Sarri why? Why did you do that?" She smiled through the tears "you saved my life now my doubt is repaid. I told you my life was no more important then your own." "Sarri please don't go you must live, do not die from my mistake." Her hand touched my face "good bye Drake my dearest love." With that she was gone, I screamed as it sounded like a dragons roar even in human form. "Why have you shown me this?" I screamed in anger as I was transported back to the garden and the silver dragon, "What does any of this mean?" The dragon before me shook his head "that is your future Drake if you do not let go of your anger this will most certainly come to pass. You must heed our words you and Sarri share the same future. Sometimes you may not like where it takes you but if you allow it to shape you as it wills everything that follows will be as was meant. However if you continue to fight you will loose everything you thought you never had. Let go of this anger before it kills that which makes you whole." I nodded "I will try if my anger causes that path then I would gladly throw it away." "Hmm, we shall see but you will find out that it will not be as easy as that." His eyes scrutinized me more, and then he continued. "Enough said I grant you Drake commander of the royal guard and protector of the royal family the gift of the dragon elder's power. May you have our strength, may your fire grow hotter and may your knowledge of true magic be endless." Without warning a glowing white sphere appeared at his forehead as it shot towards me to hit my chest. The instant the sphere hit the change began, I felt my self becoming stronger the fire in my belly boiled hotter and the knowledge of all things was stupendous. I felt light headed from all that was passing through my mind at once. So this is what it was like to hold the power of the dragon elders. Once complete the archway reappeared behind me. Facing the silver dragon I bowed in dragon form "I thank you my lord I will honor this gift and the responsibility it entails." He inclined his head "it is up to you to save the princess only you can save her from the evil Alicia has done to her and together you will be most powerful indeed." Without another word he vanished from sight as I exited through the archway.
Out side Karsha waited "I see you pasted?" I nodded now take me back so that I can save Sarri." Karsha nodded her feline head "yes it is time we left." Without another word the bright light again surrounded us as I was thrust back to my body. It was a strange feeling to come back with so much power in my veins. I snapped my eyes back open as Alicia still had her back to me, I smiled to myself she does not see me as a threat else she would not be so eager to turn her back. That was her first mistake, standing again I raised my hands before me creating a fiery sphere between my palms. Bending my elbows to the side I thrust it forward as it shattered the barrier and hit Alicia knocking her to the ground. However she was not hurt with lighting speed she stood and turned laughing maliously. "So the elders have given you their power, too bad it comes too late." Fear entered my heart as I turned to Sarri, Alicia stepped back as I went to her side. "Your highness can you hear me?" Laughter escaped her mouth as she looked up to met my eyes, I stepped back in shock they were as yellow as Nate's and Nardia's. Turning to Alicia I yelled "what have you done to her?!" She laughed again "I have done nothing." Sarri got to her feet still grinning, I grabbed her arms as I dug my fingers in hard. "Sarri you can still fight her, do not let her have you too. Remember your people, remember your brother please you must help me stop her," She ripped her self away from me "poor pathetic Drake always doing the right thing. Well for once you were too late, but don't worry I'm sure we will see each other again." I grabbed her harder "please Sarri don't do this stay with me." "Stay here with you? I think not, I'll not let you poison my mind from what must be done. Alicia is right we can not allow the humans to live freely, the power of Dralic must be found and with it the old Dralic shall be destroyed to rise anew and more powerful kingdom." Her words made me realize that she did not know of the prophesy 'good' I thought to myself. This could work in my favor after all. I laughed instantly her anger showed on her face at my reaction to her words "what are you laughing at?" Still smiling I said "go, if Alicia is what you want then leave, I will not try and stop you." Confused she looked to Alicia who stepped forward eyes scrutinizing mine. "Why the change of heart commander what do you know?" I smiled "both of you may go but know this I will get her back from your influence Alicia mark my words the power can not be found by any one being." With my new powers I sensed that a large band of warriors approached even though they were not transformed, among them were the queen and Sarri's betrothed Deagan. I knew that Alicia and Sarri felt them too "very well have it your way, but this is not over. Next I will have you and everything you know of the power." I locked eyes with Sarri as I watched them change to dragon form and head towards Crystalansio. It wasn't long before the warriors arrived, the queen was the first to ask "what happened? Where is Sarri?" I sighed "she has joined Alicia and even now they are headed towards the city." Her shock was instant even as Deagan yelled "why did you let them go? You could have stopped them," I shook my head. "I am only one man my lord facing two of the most powerful dragons in Dralic. I had no choice but to let them go, that way they will not suspect me to enter Crystalansio my self." The queen stepped forward "no Drake this is no different form Coran we do not have enough warriors to bombard the city. We will have to wait for them to come to us, which I'm sure will be soon enough. At least one good thing came out of this," Deagan looked to her in surprise. "What are you talking about your highness what could possibly be good about this?" Queen Elaine looked into my eyes as she answered Deagan's question. "The good thing is that when they do come we will still have one person with the power of the dragon elders." Deagan faced me in shock as did the warriors behind him, my own I had noticed. "Are you sure?" asked Deagan "of course I'm sure Karsha herself told me. Now let us go we must prepare for what is about to come. Drake, Deagan meet me in my office the rest of you spread the word Alicia and her army are sure to come tell them to be ready at a moments notice." Deagan stepped forward as he asked "what will you do your highness?" "Me Deagan" she stood tall "why I need to warn the other towns and villages of Alicia's soon coming attack." Without delay all of us dispersed to do what was told. My warriors separated to inform the others in the sanctuary and Deagan and I headed to the queens office as was told.
Both of us sat to wait for the queen, Deagan stared at me with scrutiny. "Is there something you would ask of me my lord?" I said with a calm voice. "I'm just curious as to why you and Sarri were alone on the wall. It just seems strange that she would choose you to take up there when before she only went with Coran to that place." Pausing I showed him nothing of my feelings when I finally answered "you will have to ask her highness that if you want to know, it is not my place to answer for her actions." "hmm, it seems I have no choice but to wait until she is brought back to us." Specking under my breath I said "that will be sooner rather then later." He heard every word and was about to open his mouth to speck but was interrupted by the arrival of the queen with Lucas right behind. Both Deagan and I stood at her arrival and waited for her instructions as Lucas stood in between us. "I need the three of you to organize your warriors, we need more round the clock watches. Lucas your warriors will handle that. He bowed "yes my queen." Turning to Deagan she ordered "your warriors will gather what weapons we need and the troops that will defend the sanctuary." Just as Lucas had he also bowed and answered "yes my queen." "Good now go do as I have asked," Lucas and Deagan turned to leave however Deagan gazed angrily at me before he exited the door. Returning my attention to the queen I asked "what are my orders your majesty?" She sighed seeming to show her fatigue "you Drake will attempt to save my daughter." My shock was instant "I had planned to do just that but I thought I would have to go against your wishes to do so." She laughed "I am not without emotion Drake. I want my daughter and my son back. Now that you have the power I know you can do this for me." "I would have done it even without the power," her eyes stared deeper into my own. "Yes I believe you would have but in any case it will be much easier now." "Very well then if I have your leave to go I would without delay, the longer we wait the harder it will be to break through Alicia's power." Queen Elaine did not move nor talk as she looked closer seeming to read my very thoughts, trying with all my might not to show anything I waited for her to permit me to go. Finally appearing cautious with what she saw queen Elaine answered "Yes you may go just as soon as you inform Deagan and the two of you will leave together." My disappointment was instant but I banished it before she could notice. I did not entirely trust Deagan and did not relish him tagging along, choosing my words carefully I asked "would it not be best if he stays in case Alicia attacks? With both myself and Deagan gone, your army will be down one captain and their commander." "Drake, Deagan is my daughter's betrothed it is his right to be the one to save her don't you think?" There was no way I could argue, the queen's mind was set, whatever she saw in my eyes she obviously did not like it. Bowing I answered "you are right your highness. Forgive me for questioning your reasoning." Waving her hand to excuse me she said "it's settled then now go. I hope the both of you succeed in returning my daughter and son to me." Leaving the room I closed the door behind me turning down the hall to tell Deagan of the queen's orders all the while dreading them. Exiting the palace I set out to look for Deagan, my first thought was the training grounds.
The training grounds was covered with warriors all getting ready for the battle. Warriors called to me to train with them, I declined spotting Deagan sparing with another warrior. As I calmly waited for them to finish Lucas greeted me "here to check up on the army?" I shook my head "every man and woman under my command is more then ready for this war. They do not need checking up, you of all people should know that." Lucas laughed "I have to say your right about that. So you must be here to train then?" I shook my head again "no I'm here to tell Deagan of the mission we are to go on." Lucas looked to Deagan then to me "you can't be doing what I think your doing." I remained silent which was all Lucas needed to know, pulling me to the side so that nobody could hear he whispered. "You can't be serious! I know that you now have the power of the elders but it's suicide you'll be killed before you even reach the palace. The queen could not have agreed to this." "She has and I am going through with this," Lucas stood before me stunned. Finally he said "I can understand your reasons for going but to go with Deagan, you would likely kill each other before you even reach the princess. Never have the two of you been able to spend more then ten minutes with each other let alone this whole mission." We were suddenly forced into silence with the arrival of Deagan. He scrutinized both of us as both of us clamped our mouths shut "please continue my presence should not effect your voice's…if it concerns me then I have the right to know of it's contents should I not?" Lucas looked to me, facing Deagan I smiled "right you are my lord we were merely discussing your involvement in helping me infiltrate Crystalansio to rescue her royal highness and prince Coran." Deagan showed no emotion at my words, however I could sense something in his voice that I could not decipher. "Perhaps we should talk of this more extensively in private Commander." Lucas noting the unspoken order excused himself leaving me alone with Deagan. Indicating that I should follow, Deagan lead me down a path away from the training grounds. Finally stopping he turned to face me daggers in his eyes "how dare you discuss anything concerning me or a mission to an under ranking warrior! If something is to be said about me you would say it to my face and about this mission, the details were to be discussed to me and me alone not published to the world. I assume the queen would not have wanted the information of this mission to be discussed to anyone but myself. You commander should have more sense then that." Here he laughed "then again your past only proves that you have none." Calmly I answered "you know nothing of my past and are in no position to judge. My past is my own and of no concern of yours, I would reconsider any further insults if I were you." He smiled at my obvious anger despite my fiend calmness "that's just it you are not me, no matter how much you wish you were." "Don't flatter your self I have no wish to walk in your shoes." "Even if it meant you would have the princess to your self?" He did not wait for me to react as he continued "you may fool almost everybody around you with your true intentions but I know better. It also seems that the queen also sees through you, why else would she want me to accompany you on this mission?" I did not answer him, he waved a hand dismissing the subject. "Speaking of the mission, should we not start for Crystalansio?" I shook my head "if you think it will be as simple as walking into the city you are more ignorant then I thought. No, first we need help to create a distraction." I started to walk back to the palace, I heard Deagan's footsteps as he rushed to catch up. "Where are you going? What is your plan?" I merely answered "you my lord may be of higher rank in all else but you will soon find out why I out rank you in this army." I felt the quiet anger in his silence as he continued to follow me back to the palace.
We stopped outside the door of Sarri's room, as I was about to open it Deagan grabbed my hand to stop me. "What are you doing? How dare you go into-" "be silent my lord what we need is in this room, without it we will not make it in to Crystalansio alive." I smiled "well at lease you will not," I waited for him to release me, seconds past when finally he sighed. "Very well do what you must but if you step out of line I will be forced to stop you." I ignored him as I entered the room, Looking around I found what I was looking for. As I grabbed it Deagan asked "what is that?" "You will see," closing the door behind me I left the room with Deagan and together we left the palace. I lead Deagan to the stone clearing built for dragons to land. Turning to Deagan I said "we go as dragons until we reach Kalicsatina. If you can not fly there without stopping then do not come." Deagan glared back at me "you need not worry Drake I am quite capable of flying without stopping." "Good then let us leave the sooner we do the sooner we have princess Sarri and prince Coran back to safety." Stepping back from him I transformed into a white dragon even as Deagan transformed into a yellow dragon beside me. His dragon form was built for stealth as his scales blended with the setting sun and his body was sleek the joins of his wings held claw like spine that allowed him to climb using his wings, in comparison to me he was only inches smaller. Together we spread our wings as we brought them down hard enough to lift us off the ground. In the air silently we headed towards Kalicsatina, it would only take two days by air and without stopping, then a further day to reach Crystalansio. I would have to plan quickly and wisely for Alicia was sure to have every inch of the city watched. My plan involved perfect timing and precision. It will have to be perfectly acted out, this would have been easier without Deagan but I can not change that. As my mind calculated exactly what we would have to do I could not help straying to thoughts of Sarri, why had she sat at my bed? Why had she taken me to that place on the sanctuary walls? What was this feeling between us? My mind reeled with all these questions, never being able to make any sense of them. What is it about her that draws me in, I looked towards Deagan he seemed to be staring straight ahead but I could not help the feeling that he knew what was in my mind. Shaking the feeling away I returned to my planning.
Time went by so fast even in the silence between Deagan and myself, before I'd even realized it we had reached Kalicsatina. The river that ran alongside Kalicsatina was it's name sake. It was a fishing town, yet they also worshipped the river itself. The people of Kalicsatina believed that if they did not continue to pay tribute to the river it would cease to provide them with fish and water to drink. No dragon believed this, however those who lived in Kalicsatina did not interfere nor did they voice their opinions on the matter. Even though we knew that the water only flowed from the very top pecks of the mountains and that only if the mountains no longer stood so tall as to produce the water from the air would the river stop flowing. Even then there would still be water flowing from other resources. This belief is why Alicia has not destroyed them even being so close to the city. For they are not violent people they refuse to fight for any reason. They would say that what is happening in the world was meant to be and that we should not struggle against it. They think that the river gods will save them from Alicia's wrath. Those not of this town however know that it is only a matter of time before Alicia grows tired of these people and disposes of them. Turning to Deagan I indicated that we should land just outside the town where we could talk before we entered. Both of us landed in a clearing just before the town as we changed to human form. "Why do we not just fly straight to Crystalansio? We are wasting time here with these people who speak of wind and water it's all just supersticous nonsense." I sighed he had not said a word the whole way I had thought to escape his constant questioning of my intentions. "My lord it would be foolish to storm into the city without even knowing if we can get into the palace let alone save anyone from their capture." His face turned into a scowl "I am no fool Drake I did not expect to just walk into the palace without a fight but I do not understand why you persist in taking so long to plan your way into the palace. The longer we take the longer Alicia has to strengthen her hold on Sarri." Growing angry myself but not wanting to loose control of my emotions I spoke with clenched hands behind my back so that he could not see. "I am sorry my lord if you think that I am not taking the enormous impact of the siuatation into mind but I assure you I am doing everything to save them both. It will do no good if we are both killed before we even reach our target." Deagan peered closely at me as he spoke with venom in his voice "I do not question that your mind wanders from the mission at hand for I know that you of all people would not let your mind think of anything but the princess, despite anything you say to the contrary." I smiled "you may believe what you want my lord it means naught to me. Now by your own words should we not get on with the mission or we will surly be unsuccessful." He scowled at my words "then what is your master plan commander?" I could hear the sarcasium in his voice however I merely answered "all will be revealed in good time." Turning I started towards Kalicsatina. It was only seconds before I heard him following behind.
As we pasted the first house the people of Kalicsatina started to greet us welcomingly. One man inpaticular stepped forward he supported graying hair with many wrinkles but he also held a scar down the right side of his face. He wore a long robe as a sign of his wisdom. These people had named him lord of this town. I smiled to see his face again "Welcome my old friend, last time I saw you was when the water flowed like crystals with the goddess treanna." I clasped his hand as he pulled me into a hug. Separating I grasped his shoulders "Quan, it is good to see you. You haven't changed not in seven years, it's as if time has stood still for you." He laughed, stepping back I turned to Deagan "Quan may I introduce Deagan lord of Lantra city and future king of Dralic." Quan bowed to Deagan "it is a pleasure to have you in Kalicsatina my lord I hope that you find it inlightening to your soul." This was the formal greeting of the people in Kalicsatina. Deagan smiled "I'm sure I will Quan wisdom of the river." I raised my eyebrows at his knowledge of the customs. He noticed my surprise and smiled more broadly Quan turned to a young girl and requested her to prepare a room for us in his own home. The girl was about fifteen year's old pretty with blond hair and elegant features. She wore a long light blue flowing gown. Bowing she ran to do as Quan had asked, she disappeared as Deagan spoke "that wont be necessary we will not be here long." Stepping forward I interjected "nonsense my lord of course we will stay, you would not want to be rude to the wisdom now would you?" He scowled at me "it's settled then" Quan announced. Turning we followed as he lead us to the center of town. Kalicsatina always held the smell of fish but the closer we got to Quan's house incense were hung from various trees and poles that drowned out the fish leaving only the smell of musk. All the houses were made of wood and had vegetable gardens in every yard as these people did not eat meat. Only fruit and vegetables were eaten the fish they caught was sent to Crystalansio and other various towns, only some was kept for any outsiders that did not eat as they did. The queen paid them handsomely for their continued supply of fish. However with the city now over run by Alicia there were not as many in the river as what used to have been. Only those few dragons that lived here and ate meat could be seen in the water. Quan stopped us outside one of the largest houses in town, as the wisdom he was given many duties. It was Quan's responsibility to present the tribute to the river goddess, he was the town healer and made sure that the town lived by the traditions that exist in Kalicsatina. I had already been in Quan's house so I knew which one it was and my way around it. We sat in the living room as a fire was build by the same girl who Quan had spoken to earlier. She also brought out hot tea as no alcohol was held in Kalicsatina. "Thank you" I said as the girl gave me the mug of hot tea. Without a word she bowed in response "you will have to excuse rula she is a shy girl." Quan smiled at her, "now may I ask what business you have in Kalicsatina?" Deagan began to answer but I spoke over him "we are just passing through. We have business else where." Quan nodded "I see, I knew you would be the one to dare the over run city. However I did not expect you to be with lord Deagan." Quan turned to Deagan "excuse my frankness I do not mean any insult by it. I only wonder way you do not have your warriors to help you commander." I smiled "matters are more complicated, considering what has happened lately. Circumstances were not in our favor," Deagan remained silent glaring out of green eyes all the while. "Yes I can understand, it's not every day you see the princess of this land flying with the emperous of all evil." I could no longer look into his eyes "I'm sorry my lord, what ever has happened to force the princess into such company I only hope that she can be saved from such a fate." Deagan nodded "I thank you for your words she will be back with her people soon enough. I only hope it is sooner rather then later." He looked to me as if to drive the point home. In answer I stood "I am sorry Quan but I have flown far and fast these past days and would have some rest before what has to be done." Standing also Quan nodded "of course I will have Rula show you to your room." I held my hand up "that want be necessary." Turning to Deagan I bowed "my lord, we leave early." He remained silent as I headed deeper into the house, however I did not go to my room. Following the hall I exited out the back so as not to be seen. It was already dark as I left quietly through the town, stopping a league away. Finally reaching into my pocket I pulled out the glowing yellow orb that I had taken from Sarri's room. Holding it before me in both hands I concentrated on the power within. Without the knowledge of the dragon elders I would have never hoped to know how to use the orb. Using my new power I threw the orb into the air where it stopped a floated as I spoke with power in my voice "As commander of the royal guard I call upon the power of Adryin and her warriors." Instantly the wind swirled the area me as numerous portals opened all around me. Warriors of all shapes, sizes and species surrounded me. The last to open omitted Adryin herself. Never had I seen such magic it made me wonder if Adryin was more then she seemed. Stepping forward she bowed surprising me by her actions I watched as she stood staring at my wide eyes. Laughing she answered "you are one with the elders commander Drake. Only an elder can use the crilati, therefore I must pay homage." I shook my head there was no time to question any of this all that mattered was that I got my plan underway. "I have summoned you because you once offered help to princess Sarri should she be in danger. Well I'm afraid the time has come she is in need of your help and that of your family now more then ever." She held up her hand stopping me from going any further. "I know of the danger she is in, however you must know that this will not easily be done. Already she is deep within the grasp of Alicia's influence. You must know that Alicia is not the only one to fear, there is another far stronger being holding her highness." My shock was instant I started to question her but again she held up her hand "please I can not answer the question you want to ask. I do not know what or who this being is I only know that it is an ancient power long thought gone. However there is hope, you Drake can save her. You and you alone have the power, but I believe you already know this. We will help in getting you in and out of the palace but other then that we are obsolete." I shock my head not understanding "how can you speak those words? Even the dragon elders hinted at knowledge of mine and her highnesses destiny but I cannot accept it. I am only commander, yes I have the power but I am only new to it and have not mastered any of it's secrets yet. You speck in riddles and knowledge that I can not comprehend. For once I would know it all, who are you to know so much?" She smiled as she glanced at those around her "I can not answer that question. All will be revealed in good time but not before you are ready, just know that what I say it true. You have only to look inside your self to know it true." I turned from her to look closer at the others, there were dragons, humans, nymphs, fairies and even Griffins. Resting my eyes back on Adryin as I rubbed a hand through my hair feeling so much confusion yet knowing there was no time to think upon any of this. Sighing I answered "I would like to talk more of this but I fear we have not the time but when this is finished I would know what you and your family are to Dralic. For now I have a plan to save the princess and prince."
The next hour was spent revealing my plan with suggestions from Adryin and her warriors in some parts. However for the most they listened as I spoke. After everything was planned to perfection I started back into town. The streets were deserted as I re-entered Quan's house through the back door. Quietly walking down the hall I started towards Deagan's room, however I had not gone far when Rula entered the hall in front of me. "Your not leaving are you commander?" I smiled "I'm afraid so but I thank you for your service." I started to walk past her but she did not move. "Is there something you wanted to ask?" She did not look at me but merely at the ground "I wondered if I could join you on your journey?" My smiled widened this girl was not as shy as she seems, but it was strange for a Kalicsatinaian to want to join in what I'm sure she knew would go against everything she believes in. Curious as to her reasons I asked "why?" Here she looked into my eyes as I saw tears form in her own blue shiphire eyes exactly like my own. The shock caught me by surprise I had been the only one with those eyes I had not realized before as she had never looked directly at me. She continued seeming not to notice my reaction or ignoring it. "I was not born in the town my real name is Lilly, I have never fully grasped their concept of thinking. Quan found me when I was seven outside the walls, my family had been murdered by Alicia before she was banished by the princess. My mother died just outside the walls carrying me to safety. If I stay here I can never have my chance to fight against the evil that made me an orphan. Please commander I promise I will not get in the way I just want to help rid this world of Alicia once and for all." Being taller I had to bend my knees a little to look at her levelly. "I am sorry for your loss Lilly but you do not know what I am about to do. If you come with me you will most likely be capture or even killed. I would not risk one so young to suffer such a fate." Wiping away her tears she clenched her fists "I can fight I have been practicing without Quan knowing. I can look after myself I just want a chance to fight along side the commander of the royal guard. Please you wont even know I am there, what ever your going to do I can wait while you do it. Once you are done I will train hard for the real battle against Alicia. I promise I will not fight until you think I'm ready." I sighed it was a risk to take her but I could not help thinking that her story was so much like my own. She also reminded me of Jace so eager, so willing to do what ever I asked. Standing to my full height I ran a hand through my hair. Turning back to her I finally answered "very well, you may come." She started to smile but I continued in a stern voice "but, I will hold you to your word. You will do as I say, you will not fight until I think you are ready. If you question my orders I will bring you back here myself ok?" She nodded "you have my word commander, you will not be disappointed." "I hope your right, now go get your things and met me out the back of the house." She nodded as she picked up her skirts and run to gather her things but before she could go too far I stopped her. "One more thing you must tell Quan of your intentions." Her eyes widened "but-" "no buts I will not insult Quan's hospitality by taking you without his permission. If you can not do this then I will not take you." She nodded as she turned slowly to Quan's study with me right behind her. Knocking on the door we were admitted inside, Quan sat at his desk hunched over various papers scattered over the table. Pausing from his work he looked up into Lilly's eyes. "So it is true you will leave?" Surprised shock entered Lilly's eyes as she briefly looked my way. Quan laughed at her reaction "Oh my girl you did not think that I thought you would stay here forever did you?" She remained silent "you are too wild in your ways to be comfortable leaving as we of Kalicsatina do. I knew it was only a matter of time," Quan turned to me. "Take care of her my old friend though I already know that you will." Inclining my head I placed a hand on Lilly's shoulder "come it is time to go." She nodded then ran to Quan embracing him in a hug "good bye, I will come back." He smiled "I know you will, go and may the river watch over you." Leaving the room in tears she went to ready her things as I turned to Quan. "Good bye and thank you for your hospitality. Lilly will be safe with me." He nodded as one tear escaped, leaving him to grieve alone I closed the door behind me.
Deagan was asleep when I entered his room, but woke before I had even gotten two steps inside. "Drake what are you doing?" "It is time to go," without another word he got out of bed replaced one sword over his shoulders and another at his wiest. Together we left Quan's house, once outside Deagan started walking away from the town when I stopped him. "Another has joined our party," confusion and anger was in his eyes. "What stray have you collected now?" I scowled at him "some things happen because they were meant and there's nothing we can do to change it." "Humph, you can not help your self can you. You lost Jace now you want to replace him with another you are so predictable." Anger inside me boiled to the surface, my fists clenched I started to yell back but was interrupted by the arrival of Lilly. Deagan smiled with malice "how predictable." Then turned on his heel and started out of town. Still angry at Deagan's words but trying to hide it from Lilly I smiled, however my anger was instantly forgotten as I looked upon her. Around her neck was a dragon pendant, what was also shocking was that not only were our eyes the same but so was the colour of our dragon form. Her pendant was also white like mine. I had thought that I was the only white dragon in Crystalansio now I understood Deagan's last words. Now I understood the reason why Quan had named her Rula. He was trying to hide the fact that she was not human but a dragon. Noticing that I stared at her necklace she fingered the pendant nervously. "I thought now was as good a time as any to wear it again." I nodded understanding "come Lord Deagan would likely leave us behind if we do not catch up." With her by my side carrying her few belongings we moved away from Quan's house. We caught up to Deagan just outside the town where he stood waiting. "It's about time, well I hope you've got a plan commander?" When ever Deagan addressed me in my formal rank I could always hear the condescending tone in his voice. "As a matter of fact I do, it has already began." Deagan's doubt in my abilities was obvious but I ignored it turning to Lilly. "Stay close to me alright, when we get closer to Crystalansio city someone will take you to safety while we are inside." She nodded understanding everything. I could sense something familiar about her however I just could not put a finger on it. Knowing we did not have the time for my speculations I dismissed it as just being reminded of myself at her age. Drawing one of my newly acquired swords to replace the ones that had been broken, I started forwards through the woods to Crystalansio with Lilly in tow and Deagan ahead of us.