drake
Once we had reached Crystalansio and met Adryin like I had planned Lilly was taken with two of Adryin's warriors away to a safe place. It wasn't long before we had everything organized, now standing at the rear of the palace with Deagan he asked. "What are we doing here? How do you hope to get into the palace from the rear?" "Shh," I hissed at him. We were almost upon one of the secret entrances. It was hidden in one of the largest oak trees in the Jankano forest. "This is pointless," "ahha this is it." Deagan turned back, "what are you talking about it's just a dammed tree." I smiled at him and without looking I pushed a knot in the tree. Instantly a door opened showing darkness, "but….. how?" Deagan stammered in his astonishment, I smiled "after you." He glared at me not moving. Shrugging my shoulders I created a ball of fire to float before me and entered the tree. Descending the stairs I heard Deagan's foot steps enter after me. The tunnel was damp and dreary this particular tunnel had not been used in years. It would take us all the way into the palace until we were in the servant's quarters it was one entrance I had not revealed to Nardia so I knew we would not be caught. Both of us remained quiet as we did not want anyone to hear the echo of our voices. It was well into the night when we had entered hoping that most were asleep by the time we reached the palace. At the end of the tunnel stood a ladder that took us to a trap door in the floor of the supply room of the servant's part of the palace. Quietly we climbed through it not making a sound. We made our way to the door I quietly opened it to check that the coast was clear. Signaling Deagan I lead him out the door into the hallway. As we made our way down the hall footsteps sounded around the corner quickly I pulled Deagan into a room to our left. Once the footsteps faded I started to go back out when Deagan stopped me. Quickly turning I came face to face with Coran. My shock rendered me speechless "Drake! Deagan! Thank god you're here, you need to help me." Suddenly with a voice again I whispered "but how? When?" Coran laughed bitterly "I was just a tool. Just a tool to secure Sarri in their mist, she saved me." He punched the wall in his anger. "But in doing so she gave herself to them." I lay a hand on his shoulder to calm him "where is she now?" He sighed then proceeded to tell us of what had occurred during his capture. The drugs they gave him to dull his powers, though they did not hurt him they taunted him to the point of breaking. Then he had snuck back into the palace using another entrance, he had watched as Sarri attended a party. During which she was changed in some sort of ceremony. Once the change had occurred she had become uncontrollable, killing Taleane in cold blood. In the end they were forced to knock her out. "I was hiding watching the whole thing, oh Drake what have they done to her?" I shook my head not wanting to believe any of it but I knew it was true just by the look in his eyes. Suddenly Coran grasped my shoulders "you know where she is. I remember what Nardia said in the woods you can take me to her." I could not look into his eyes as I answered "I can not Coran I am sorry. I can no longer sense her, ever since Alicia took her." "What are you taking about?" I had forgotten that Deagan was with us. He did not know of my power to sense Sarri and hearing about it now did nothing to improve his mood towards me. "Answer me!" Quickly I growled quietly back "Shh, do you want us to be caught?" He gritted his teeth but remained silent, as I looked back to Coran I noted the position of the moon. Cursing I whispered "Coran use the servant passageway and get out of the palace as soon as you can" He started to argue but I hushed him. "I can not hope to save the princess while worrying about you getting caught again. Don't worry I have a plan, but you must leave it will not work with you here. Go out the passageway and go to Crystal Falls. We will meet you there when we have your sister back." At first Coran did not move but after awhile he sighed "fine but if you are not there by tomorrow night I will come back." I grasped his hand "in two nights you have my word I will be there with your sister." He left through the door and down the hall, I watched until he disappeared then turned to Deagan. "Come on we have to find her highness," He scowled. "You had better hope this plan of yours works," "it will." "Yes and when it does I will have my answers from you." I sighed as I turned from him not relishing the thought of that conversation.
After dodging guards and navigating our way through the palace we had finally reached Sarri's room. After what Coran had told us I thought this would be the best place to find her. Three guards watched her door, it was all too easy to dispose of them. Slowly I stared to open the door as I entered with Deagan close behind. Slowly we stepped through the living room to the adjoining room. Peering in she lay on the bed, she had no covers on as she wore red warrior's garb. She appeared to be sleeping, I looked to Deagan as he slowly stepped closer to her. He sat on her bed beside her, however before I could react her hand grasped Deagan's throat as she sat up peering at him. I moved to stop her but as she turned to look towards me I was frozen by her eyes. They were no longer the yellow I had seen before but had been changed to an eerie red. "Release him," instantly spinning I faced the person who had spoken. Alicia stood before me. Quickly turning back I watched as Sarri moved off the bed still holding Deagan she threw him against the wall rendering him unconscious. Staring at me she laughed, I flinched at the sound. I felt the darkness in her soul, I knew there was no longer anything left of the Sarri. She was pure evil, I spun on Alicia. She laughed "did you really think it was going to be that easy to enter the palace without my knowledge?" I glared at her refusing to say anything. "You would think you would have learnt from the last time. No one can be trusted, how do you think I have survived all these years?" I shook my head "you have survived on the suffering of others, you once were at peace with Queen Elaine. You were her friend and you betrayed her just as Nardia betrayed me. How can you live with yourself how can you fight someone that was once a friend?" "It is quite easy and soon enough you will agree with me, for soon you will be just as Sarri is." My eyes settled on Sarri my anger rising as I stared at her "what have you done to her?" Alicia laughed "I have done nothing that she didn't want done to herself." I turned back to face Alicia "you have made her a monster," this time it was Sarri that laughed. I spun to face her again as she stepped closer to me "poor Drake, how does it feel to know that you have failed?" A groan escaped Deagan as he started to sit up rubbing his neck. Sarri began to step towards him but I moved forward and grabbed her hand. However as quick as lighting using her palm she hit me in the chest knocking the wind from me. Hunched on the ground I struggled to gain air into my lungs. I listened as she bent down grabbing my hair forcing me to look into her haunting eyes. "Pathetic," releasing me with a rough push I felt strong arms lift me to my feet. Deagan was like wise restrained, however still stunned he seemed to be too out of it to realize. Finally being able to breathe again I ripped my arm free knocking the guard on my right out with an elbow to the head. Drawing my sword I beheaded the remaining guard, suddenly the sword was knocked from my hand. Sarri faced me as she held me in the air with a hand on my throat. Wrapping my hand around the dagger at my belt I sliced her hand. Instantly dropping me she used her power as a magical chain rapped around my wrists. No longer could I reach my magic nor could I reach my remaining swords. "Take him to the west wing, guard him until I arrive." Alicia ordered and Sarri obeyed without a word as she pulled on the chain around my wrists. As I pasted Alicia she smiled in triumph as she turned towards Deagan. Once we had reached the west wing she pulled me into a room. It was the same room that I would normally stay in when in Crystalansio. Like Sarri's it also had two adjoining rooms, though not as large. However the furniture was just as elegant, with couches and a table. The bedroom had a double bed with soft satin linen. Facing Sarri I looked deep into her eyes of blood as I whispered "what have they done to you?" She smiled with malice, I stepped closer reaching up to cup her face with my shackled hands. "I know part of you is still in there, deep down inside. Please do not let Alicia destroy you." At my touch her eyes started to soften, then almost as fast was banished again. Slapping my hands away she laughed "it's no use I am not the princess you remember. But don't worry soon you will be just like me and the knowledge you hold will be ours." I stepped even closer, now only inches from her. "Look deep within your self you know this isn't what you want." She did not move, seeming to hold her breath as she stared into my eyes. "Sarri," I whispered. She exploded in anger as an energy ball threw me away from her. "You do not speck to me in such a manner, I am princess of Dralic and soon every body will know how well I rule with fear." I could not help but remember what the silver dragon had said. He was right she is poisoned with so much evil that I wondered if I would ever be able to bring her back. No! I told myself I can not give up on her. She needs me now more then ever, however I was running out of time. Stepping forward she started to strip me of all my weapons. She threw them to the corner out of reach. "Sarri please-" I was cut off as she punished me across the face. "I warned you not to call me that," spitting blood from a split lip I laughed. "What are you laughing at?" Stopping I turned back to face her "with so much power I would have thought you capable of more hurt. It's quite disappointing if that is the best you can do." Her eyes lit up like fire "you have no idea of the pain I can inflict. Even with your pathetic power of the elders it is no match against mine." Again I laughed "you call me pathetic, you are a fool. You say that you will rule the world, well tell me this how can you rule the world if you take every order from Alicia. You do not rule these betrayers, she does. It is Alicia that commands you, ha rule the world indeed." This time it was her turn to laugh as she scrutinized me through those haunting eyes. "It shows how little you know, you think my orders come from her pitiful fool that she is. She has no real power not like I know it. It is he that has the ordering of all those against my brother, he that made and dwells in darkness, he who has more power then that of Alicia and her deranged minions put together. She is merely a means to an end." At that moment Alicia herself entered the room, as she looked to me eyeing the blood on my lip she spun on Sarri. "Now, now Sarri there will be plenty of time for that." Stepping closer she ordered "tie him to the chair." I could not speak for the implications of Sarri's words. As I looked into Sarri's eyes an idea came to mind. Turning to Alicia I smiled "you think you have created an obedient pet but you are wrong. Sarri does not serve you she merely plays while her real master uses you." Alicia's face remained calm as she answered. "You know nothing commander, Sarri is my daughter now. With us working together no one stands in our way. I have made her she will never go against me." Looking down I shook my head "ignorant fool. Do you really think you have the power to control her? Look what she did to Taleane," Alicia began to laugh "do you really think your mind tricks are going to work on me? There is far more to her that you could possibly understand, but know that no matter what you say she will never turn from me." With that she turned on her heel and left me alone with Sarri. I swore under my breath she had so much arrogance that she could not see the truth. However for the moment I had to put it out of my mind for the look in Sarri's eyes warranted it. She stared at me with the meekest of smiles "this is where the fun begins commander, this is where you tell me all that you know and believe me you will reveal all before the night is through." She held a wide grin on her face as she pulled me towards a chair tying the chain so that I could not move. Cupping my chin with her hand she smiled "this is going to be fun." She began to question me on the power of Dralic and what I knew of its where abouts and every time she asked I said nothing. In saying nothing she used every torture possible only to have my wounds heal straight away. "Why do you persist? I will get it out of you one way or another." With the power of the elders it magnified my own power tenfold which included the power to heal however it did not take away the pain of inflicting the wounds. Smiling I said "you will not win. I will not tell you anything." She continued her torter that was ten times worse than that of Nate's, each time growing more and more frustrated at the fast rate of my healing until finally she stopped, leaning closer to peer at me levelly. "Perhaps you want something? It is obvious that none of this is helping. Your wounds heal too quickly for you to even care about them." I smiled "untie me and perhaps I will tell you." She laughed "where will that get me? If I untie you, you will only try to escape and I will be forced to kill you surly you cannot heal from completely being annihilated." "I will not leave until you come with me, look to what's left of your heart and you will see the truth." Pausing in thought I watched as her face changed, then she got up clicking her fingers causing the magical chain to disappear. Rubbing my wrist from the ach of being tied up. I was covered in blood but no wound was left unhealed I saw Sarri smile "even if you heal your wounds you can not escape me." Stepping closer to her I looked deep into her eyes "I already said that I'm not leaving without you." She laughed "then I will have forever to acquire the information from you." I stepped even closer "I have also said that I will not tell you want you seek." "Then if I just kill you the power will remain hidden and no one will stand against us." I stepped closer as something inside me awoke "you will not kill me." Gripping the dagger she held more tightly she raised it to my throat "you are wrong." I stepped closer now only a hairs breath away from her "you will not kill me." This thing inside me burst forward as I realized that I had been lying to myself, as I realized what had been growing between us ever since Killarai. I realize without a shadow of a doubt that I loved her. Still her dagger rested at my throat as I touched her face. At this moment the door slammed open as Nardia entered the room dragging behind her Lilly. "No!" I moved to help Lilly only to be forced back hard by Sarri. Both of them laughed as I stared at Lilly in anguish, how did they even know about her? "Well it seems we have the thing we need to change your mind. What do you think Sarri?" She laughed as she turned to me "tell us what we want to know or the girl dies." I sighed as Nardia held a knife to Lilly's throat she drew blood as I was taking too long "alright, just don't hurt her." Sarri knelt to my level glaring "Well," I looked into her eyes. "I know how the gain the power of Dralic," she grabbed me roughly by the throat "how?" I sighed there was no way around it I had to tell her, "There is a prop-" At that instant there was an almighty explosion. Quickly rising to her feet again Sarri turned to Nardia "he brought reinforcements, Adryin and her warrior's gather as many as you can, wipe them out." Nardia started to leave now was my chance. "It's funny to see what you've become, once a strong warrior who answered to no one. A warrior who betrayed Crystalansio only to be ordered around by the very person you betrayed, it's quite poetic don't you think?" Nardia stopped "she does not have the ordering of me I'm merely doing what I would have done anyway." I laughed "how pathetic. If what you say is true prove it, tell Sarri to go herself, surly she would be of more use in the battlefield with her power it would not take long before they were all gone." Sarri turned to me swinging her hand to connect with my jaw, I heard it crack for the force of it. Within seconds my power healed it. "Go Nardia he is only trying to gauld you into a fight." Nardia stood her ground, it was then that I knew I had succeeded. "No, he is right Alicia will want you out there to see the extent of your new powers you go." Sarri turned from me to met Nardia head on. "Yes he is right in one thing only I do have the ordering of you and if you wish to defy it you will met severe consequences." I knew Nardia was too proud a woman to accept a lesser position under Alicia and that it would be this pride that would give us the chance we needed. Nardia did not move, forgetting me Sarri started towards her "I tier of this." Before Nardia could move out of the way Sarri sent an energy sphere that hit her with such force the wall fractured with the force of her body being thrown against it. With Sarri distracted she had forgotten to return the magical chains fast as lighting I created my own energy ball the hit Sarri forcing her against the wall next to Nardia. Sarri was only winded but I knew it would not take long for her to recover. Nardia was starting to get back on her feet. Turning to her I asked "help us." She was injured but not enough to incapacitate Nardia started to shack her head. "Nardia you see what she has become, she will destroy you and everyone who does not obey her. She does not ally herself with Alicia. You must believe me, with everything you know about me would I lie about something like this? You know I speak truth." At that moment a pink dragon crashed trough the window tearing away part of the wall, turning to human form Adryin was followed by three others. Adryin started towards Nardia but I held up my hand. "No not yet," still facing Nardia I waited as confusion then calm acceptance crossed her face. "Very well come I will take you to Deagan then I will lead you to a way out." I looked to Adryin "take care of Lilly I will meet you." Adryin nodded then looked to Sarri who was starting to stir. "You had better not be long my warriors can not withstand much more." I nodded "I know what to do." "Hurry up there is not much time I do not wish to get caught." Nardia started out of the room followed by Adryin and her three warriors. As Lilly reached the door she turned back "go I will follow later." She nodded then left with the others just as Sarri opened her eyes. Getting to her feet she faced me. "So Nardia betrays us in hopes of riding herself of me, how predictable. Oh well she can wait, for now I will enjoy ripping you apart." This time when we met in battle it was unlike anything I had felt before. It was as if I could predict every move she made. I know I love her and I know I must not let her be overcome by evil. With that knowledge I was able to overpower her. She swung her right sword, ducking under it I brought up my hand to knock her sword out of her hand. Bringing her other sword to dig into my stomach I grabbed it with my palms ripping it from her grasp. Quickly stepping towards her till I was close enough to look deep into those eerie red eyes so unlike her normal purple eyes, but it did not change the real Sarri I knew was inside her. She no longer struggled as I leaning forward and pressed my lips to hers. As one our lips joined with the love that I felt for her, it was this love that enveloped her in a blinding light. Before my eyes as she kissed me back her cloths flickered then changed to black her eyes to purple and her soul to the true Sarri princess of Dralic. Parting I whispered "Sarri." Breathing in the scent of her hair I whispered in her ear "my love." Her purple eyes stared into my own as she suddenly dropped to the ground. She stared into her hands seeing something I did not, she whispered "what have I done?" Quickly I gathered her into my arms "do not blame your self. You are not to blame for any of this, it is Alicia who is responsible. She poisoned you, none of this is your fault." Her tears wet my shirt as I stroked her hair. Looking past her I saw the battle raging outside "we will talk of this later but for now we have to get out of here." Sarri followed my gaze and she instantly understood. She nodded as we rose from the ground turning towards the large hole that now replaced the wall I used my powers to expel a jet of green light, instantly the warriors of Adryin's turned and retreated. Sarri who watched them go turned to me "come on." Grabbing my hand she pulled me out of the room and deeper into the palace "where are we going?" Not even turning she answered "you do not know all the secrets of Dralic Drake." Without another word she continued to drag me forward, we ran through a maze of hallways until she stopped in front of a stretch of wall deep in the dungeons. Confused I stared there was nothing here why had we stopped. "Sarri what-" "Shh." Still without looking at me Sarri slowly stepped back from the wall. Staring straight ahead she began to dance, her body moved with the grace of an angel, she danced until parts of her skin began to glow. I watched not able to look away as intricate designs itched into her skin around her upper arms and into her temples. I stepped closer to get a better look however just as I reached her side she turned to me her eyes aglow. "Take my hand," I shook my head "Sarri?" "Just do it time is running out," still I hesitated so she growled and grabbed my hand, instantly we were no longer in the palace but below it in very dark, very old tunnels. The glow from Sarris skin gave us light enough to see, I stared at her confused. "What…What just happened? And what are those makings on your skin?" Sarri laughed for the first time since I had changed her back "this place is a safe haven for any dragon whose need is great there is no danger here," here she smiled "and it is not just my skin?" I shook my head even more confused, she indicated my own skin. Slowly I looked down, I had not realized but my own arms had the same glow. They were not the same designs as Sarri's but they were there, bending down I looked at my reflection in a puddle of water in the ground. Touching my face I also had designs on my temples. I slowly turned back to Sarri "what are they?" She pulled me up and began to walk through the tunnels as she answered "they are ancient symbols of our race. Each symbol tells us what lies in our soul. The language is long lost to most of us but my family is taught it so that it is not lost completely." I stared at the symbols "what do mine mean?" Here Sarri paused taking my arm in her hands she studied them then touching my face ever so softly she smiled. I felt chills down my spine at her touch and my heart beat faster then ever. Her smile made me smile and before I could stop myself I reached out to her face, gently pulling her towards me. She did not stop me nor did she pull away. When our lips were center meters apart I whispered "what do they mean?" Just as quietly she answered "on your arms are the symbols for strength, loyalty and wisdom." Here she smiled wider "and on your temples is the symbol for leadership." Still center meters apart I asked "and what do yours mean?" She answered "kindness, spirited and power." "And your temples?" "Leadership," now I understood her smile. Closing the gap I pressed my lips to hers and she responded in full. Suddenly she pulled away, she whispered one word "Deagan." Instantly I understood, stepping away I bowed my head. "I'm sorry your majesty I should not have, please forgive me." I turned to walk away but she stopped me, cupping my face in her hands she sighed. "Drake when I was given my power I was told that my destiny lay with a man who is my equal in every way, they told me that I was distained to find the power of Dralic with this man and only when we were one would that happen." Here she stepped away I reached out to her but she held up her hand to stop me. "But despite what they said this can not happen, we can not be. I'm sorry but it just can not, too many things, too many issues prevent it. Even knowing what will happen if we don't, even knowing what I feel building in my own heart I can not and will not let this happen." She started to continue down the tunnel, reaching her side I said "I understand your highness. I will keep my distance as best I can, as soon as we return to the sanctuary you will see." She did not answer lengthening my stride I place myself a few feet in front of her.
It didn't take long before we reached the end of the tunnel, it was loud with the sound of the waterfall that we were expected to jump through. The opening was too small to transform therefore we jumped and change in midair and winged our way to the bottom to rest on the bank of the river. Turning back I looked towards the falls and mountains surrounding us, I stared in awe. Crystal falls was named so because as the moon's light shines on them they light up like crystals. The mountains and the water shimmered like diamonds, remembering the symbols on my arms I looked down to find that they had disappeared. Somehow it saddened me to find them gone turning to Sarri I was about to ask why they had gone when we were interrupted by Deagan and the others. Deagan ran to greet Sarri sweeping her into his arms. "Thank the gods your ok, I was so worried." She smiled wearily "I'm fine just tired." As he placed her on the ground again he kissed her forehead then turned on me with fire in his eyes "you commander are a fool. Who in their right minds plans to be captured? Lucas was right about you taking too many risks you can count on the queen hearing about this." Standing I glared back "you are alive because of me. You should be thanking me and who said I planned to be captured? I knew there was I chance we would be but I did not plan it," "be that as it may you still risked our lives and that of Sarri's and as for thanking you I would never thank you for that." He glared at me just as I glared at him still with his arm around Sarri until a third voice chimed in. "Enough you two, can you not just be happy that we made it?" Both of us turned towards Adryin, "and that we succeeded in doing what we come here to do?" Feeling guilty I looked to the ground however I still felt the anger towards Deagan. "Though that's only half true," I looked to Sarri as sadness creep into her eyes. "What do you mean half true," She sighed. "Coran…" I smiled as I looked past her. "Oh really? Then I suggest you turn around your highness," Confusion was on her face however she did as was told. "Sarri thank god your alright," instantly relief spread into her face as more tears surfaced but these were tears of joy. "Coran! I was so worried about you." Sarri and Coran hugged in greeting, Adryin standing beside me leaned in to whisper. "Where did you find him?" I shrugged my shoulders "he found us." Stepping forward I addressed all of them "now is not the time to relax. We are not safe yet, I suggest we stay here tonight so that we have the energy to fly straight to the sanctuary." Turning to face Adryin I asked "where is Lilly?" She smiled "I left her with my warriors while I come here insure you had escaped." I nodded "thank you, now do you stay with us or do you join your warriors?" She smiled "I stay to protect the princess, my warriors will met us at the sanctuary with Lilly." I nodded "very well then I will take the first watch, all of you should get some sleep." Without argument they began to get comfortable. Finding a rock to sit on I watched as Sarri lay down with Deagan. My heart hurting to see her with another I forced myself to look away. Coran however comes to sit beside me as he whispered. "I thank you Drake for bring her back." I looked to the ground "protecting the royal family is what I do. You do not need to thank me. Get some sleep Coran you of all of us need it the most." Nodding he stood and lay on the ground and was asleep within seconds. All exhausted the rest were not far behind. Because of the waterfall it was a cold night but all of us being naturally warm blooded it did not bother us. Because we were surrounded by mountains it was hard to keep watch, therefore I changed into dragon form quietly flying to the peck of the mountains. With my new powers it was an easy task to expand my senses, if anything come anywhere near us I would know. It is for this reason that I sensed when Sarri approached. Changing back to human form I waited for her to land beside me. Changing her self she stood in silence as our eyes met. Then no longer being able to hold the force of her eyes I looked out over the land as I said "can I help you with anything your highness?" She sighed as she sat on the edge of the mountain staring out at the land before us. "Drake..I…" I turned back as I saw warring emotions cross her face. Sitting beside her she continued "it's just…argh…" She kicked a rock in frustration I watched it's steady descent down the mountain. "Everything's so confusing," she whispered. I put my hands on her shoulders, I know I should not have but with everything that had happened everything I felt I could not help myself. Surprising me her head leaned to the side to touch my hand. Slowly she turned around as she gazed into my eyes, reaching up I caressed her cheek. "Is that what this feeling is…" she whispered "love?" I remained silent not daring to speak "Drake tell me what to do." I shook my head "I can not, only you know how you feel. Only you can decide what you want." Slowly our lips inched closer, until we were mere millimeters apart. I heard her whisper "I…can't." Then our lips joined together in a kiss, one so full of passion I felt dizzy from it. I knew she felt what was between us. However she suddenly pulled away just like the last time "I can't." She stood and started to walk away, without thinking I also stood and pulled her back. I opened my mouth but she stopped me "Drake this can not happen. I am hair to the throne and you commander of my army, we can not do this." I denied her words in my mind as I reached for her face, but she stepped back from my searching hand. I watched as tears entered her eyes. "Drake I am also betrothed to another," Not being able to look at her I faced the ground on which I stood. I knew how I felt and by everything I sensed between us I knew the words she wanted to say but could not. However I also understood everything she was saying, but that does not mean it did not hurt to know that we could never be. "I understand your highness I am only glad that I was able to bring you back to your true self. If you'll excuse me," Turning I started to touch my power to change back into dragon form but was interrupted as Sarri touched my shoulder. I did not want her to see the hurt I felt therefore I did not turn to face her. In silence I waited for her to speak. I heard her sigh, slowly I spun as I looked into her eyes with freely flowing tears, and she was not one to cry so I knew for her to cry it was hurting her just as much as it was hurting me. Slowly, hesitantly I reached up and softly wiped them away. "Do not cry my love, forget about me and what I know you feel for me. You will move forward with Deagan as was meant. You will become the greatest queen there ever was and I will always be there to protect you and Deagan together." Slowly her hand touched my own face "you will always be in my heart." Not being able to hold back I gathered her in my arms, she did not resist but merely returned my emotion with her own. Stroking her hair I looked to the stars as I remembered what the elders had said about our destiny. Perhaps they were wrong. "Go Sarri, go before the strength I need to let you go fails." Our lips touch one last time as she stepped back and left the peck of the mountain in dragon form.