Something large exhaled, sending a jet of acrid vapor that threatened to blow her off her feet. Whirling, Alia faced the creature. It was a red scaled, emerald eyed dragon. He took up almost all of the room, which was more like a den in truth as it only had three walls and were the western wall should have been, was a large opening for the creature to crawl through. His presence had crippled Alia, though he did not appear in the very least, bothered by hers. Infact he yawned a yawn that left her with an idea of how many canines he had then whistled a low longing whistle, crouching against the stone floor.
"I guess you too think I'm the queen who will save you from danger". Reassured by his behavior she collapsed onto a stool.
The great creature wagged its tail at the sound of her voice. But did not attempt to come any closer which was a good thing as the very breath from his nostrils were enough to fry a turkey. Alia stayed there for an hour or two and would have remained if it were not for Silverus, the insistent cankey.
"My Queen, please do come out and eat something".
"My Queen! Lord Oldin is on his way. It would be a shame if you did not greet him after all he has done in your absence..."
"My Queen please forgive me, I should not force you so hard to remember..."
It really was not his fault. If she wanted to blame anyone, she should blame herself from running away from that stupid dance in the first place. Sighing she let herself out.
"No its not your fault Silverus, the truth is..."
She was cut short by a blaring trumpet.
"He's here!"
"Who?" Was all she got out as the cankey hurried her to the throne room.
"With your permission my Queen?"
She was still wondering if that was a statement or a question, when a crown was planted upon her head. Then, Silverus scampered away to do the same to Rwen and Candy. A few minutes later the double doors were thrusted wide and another cankey, this one, a dull grey. Dashed forward to bow so lowly that his forehead kissed the floor.
"Presenting Lord Oldin". He backed away reverently as another trumpet sounded. Before Lord Oldin made his appearance.
He was elegantly tall and lean with golden locks that framed his face like a lion's mane. His skin shone like gold and his eyes like twin suns. And as he walked, he held his lion like tail out for balance. His movements were filled with much grace and life that Alia was ashamed and wished it was he and not her, called ruler. And she liked him immediately.
"Greetings Lord Oldin and what a joy it is to have you back".
He gave a lordly bow.
"It is my pleasure your highness to be back among my people and offer my services in whatever way possible.." he continued to talk but Alia was more concerned with the way the sunlight reflected from his hair and the sound of his large low voice. She simply smiled, nodding periodically.
"I call dibs on the lion boy". Candy grinned as soon as his tail was out the door.
"Beautiful!" Rwen was still staring after him and rose to follow.
"Nonsense!" Alia exclaimed, catching Rwen by the elbow. "I think he prefers queens and however I forbid it! We are not staying here remember!"
"Well until you find us a way home, I'm going to be wherever lion boy is".
"Me too". Rwen droned.
Alia watched them leave defeated.
"I have no control over those two do I?"
"You never did my Queen you never did ".
At least she had this loyal cankey!
Dinner was the same as before, except for Oldin's presence. He was full of fun stories and had everyone in such a mood that not once did Rwen look to Elrod!
"My Lady," After dinner, Alia walked the corridors alongside Oldin, on his request. The evening was peaceful with the setting sun painting the sky lilac and the songs of night creatures. "I would like to report to you that Delorel is just as you left it. Their loyalty is absolute and we have their full support. As soon as I was informed that the waking willows had invaded the moor, I knew something was amiss and came as quickly as I could. Silverus has also updated me on your incident to which I wish you a speedy recovery. Roland only gains strength in the gullies of Hebran and has long corrupted the people. Tell me my Queen what is your plan" He shifted his eyes to stare.
The question came as a surprise and she thought well about it. Certainly, there is nothing she could do about it.
"The truth is... Oldin. Sir. I mean Lord Oldin I...am not the Queen not the real Queen however I just wished to come home and then there was a bright light and a stone table and then I ended up here with my sisters and everyone started to call us princesses and me, Queen and expecting us to know what to do but I don't know what to do I... I just want to go home!" Her eyes were teary and she was breathless as she ended. Oldin could only stare on in shock
"Oh dear! it's worst than I'd expected. Have you visited the physician?"
"I don't need a doctor! Why won't anyone believe me?"
"It's dangerous my Queen, to use broken portals what where you thinking!?"
Frustrated, Alia stormed away to her bedchamber. Hoping she would find an escape even if it were only a dream.