After days of travel, Kestra spotted the beaten path that ran along the Sunole River. In the distance lay Zabicoric. The remote village was the closest to Morvaie Territory. Those who lived here didn't seem to mind the dangers. The town itself was relatively small. A few homes housed those that
ran the few shops and taverns. For travelers and traders, it was commonplace to stop and rest. On the outskirts of the village lay the barracks for the soldiers that were stationed there.
Before entering the village, Kestra noticed one tavern in which she and Sylvaria could stay. With the barren of Melderan to the east and the Blacken Mountains to the north, Kestra relaxed.
"Well," said Kestra as she changed into her disguise, which comprised a blue tunic and black pants. "We made it."
Sylvaria studied Kestra with her eyes as she admired the disguise. "What?" Kestra asked as she noticed.
"Nothing. It's just that you did a great job. You look like an average traveler." Sylvaria replied, smiling.
Kestra noticed the worry in her friend's eyes, even through the smile. "What's wrong, Sylvaria?"
"I'm a little surprised that we got past the army of Morvaies that we ran into. Didn't the Captain say that they were sent by the Dark One?" Sylvaria questioned.
"Don't worry so much. I'm sure that was an incident of pure chance."
Zabicoric was nothing like what Sylvaria had expected for the time of year. For a remote village, it was bustling.
"The traders are coming in soon." pronounced Kestra.
"That may be true, but it stills seem busier than it has been the last few times I've been here."
Sylvaria mentioned as they headed for town.
***
It enthralled Kestra. She had never had the chance to explore whenever her family traveled here. They built the buildings to withstand the mightiest attacks. The more she thought about it, the more she realized they probably have. While exploring the village and buying supplies, Kestra noticed a declaration about her disappearance.
MISSING! PRINCESS KESTRA HAS RUN AWAY. IF YOU HAVE SEEN HER OR HEARD FROM HER A GREAT REWARD WILL AWAIT. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HER DISAPPEARANCE PLEASE,
REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!
"Sylvaria, look at this." Kestra whispered, pointing at the declaration.
"Word about you running away gets around fast." Sylvaria replied. "We are going to need to be careful. I'm sure the army that attacked us got a tip from your parents."
"I wouldn't doubt it. But why doesn't it mention you at all?" Kestra asked.
"Have you forgotten that although I stay at the palace, I do wander Melderan trying to figure out my past?"
"I guess I did. You always seemed to be around. Right now, we need to find a place for the night. It's almost dark." Kestra said.
They came to the inn near the middle of town. It was a lovely inn with the best service, or so Kestra has heard. When they came up to ask for a room, the manager said, "Have you come to check in to the finest tavern you can find in all Celestria?"
"Yes, we have, sir. If that is, you aren't full." Kestra said, noticing the manager looked familiar. He was a human with a neatly trimmed beard.
"Nay, I don't mind at all. I haven't been able to fill up since the Princess ran away from the castle. But pray, tell me what your name is?" He said.
"My name is Kilra. I'm a traveler looking for a place to rest for a bit."
"You know, 'Kilra," He spoke, emphasizing the fake name. "You look an awful lot like the Princess."
"I get that quite a bit. My family was nothing more than humble farmers. I can assure you, sir, we are not one of the same." Kestra replied as calmly as she could. It was all she could make up on the spot.
"Well, this is the place, my young Kilra. But where are my manners? My name is Gallix. I don't have many new folks come around this way." He stretched his hand out in a friendly gesture. He knew her real identity, but she had left for a reason. A secret he would keep until it was no longer safe for her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gallix." Kestra replied, shaking his hand.
"Likewise. Let me show you to your room." Gallix then turned to Sylvaria. "Sylvaria. How are you? Have you been able to figure out any of your past yet?"
"Not a lot yet, Gallix. And if I may, can I stay with this young traveler tonight? That is, if she doesn't mind."
Kestra knew Sylvaria was covering for her, so she played along. "I don't mind at all. You have told me some marvelous stories thus far, and it would be an honor to room with one such as yourself."
They headed down a hall that widened as Sylvaria approached. Same enchantments as home. Kestra realized, as the dragon slipped through with ease. Gallix led them to a room near the front so they could escape with little trouble, but not next to his nosy patrons.
"Here, we are number 10." Gallix announced, unlocking the door.
"It's perfect, Gallix, thank you." Kestra replied as she stepped in. They furnished it as Keldo had instructed him. They enchanted the room for dragons and other races alike. In the large, cleared area, a dragon could sleep comfortably, while an oversized bed and large desk lay on the right. She realized something as she took the key from him. "Gallix."
"Yes?" Gallix answered.
"If you don't mind me asking, why are none of the townsfolk scared of Sylvaria? And how does she fit?" Kestra asked. She knew the answers, of course, but had to keep the act going.
Gallix thought about the questions for a moment. "First, Kilra, members of the dragon race, would stop by here all the time. Which leads to the answer to the second. Knowing that even they would need
a place to rest now and again, an enchantment was cast. Not only here, but anywhere they might need it. The best way to describe the how is the spell molds and shifts the area to the needed measurements.
Like an illusion. Nothing changes, but the perception does based on need. Now, if that is all, I need to deal with my bar before they turn into a rowdy bunch."
Kestra locked the door behind him. Sliding down it, she felt relieved. That was too close. She rubbed her temples as a small headache formed. She had made it. But now what was she going to do?
Standing up, she made her way to the desk. After removing her cloak and weapon belt, she unrolled a map that Keldo helped chart. It was the only one she had of the entire land.
"We should look around the next couple of days to see where the next town is and how far away it is." Kestra finally spoke as she continued to study the map.
"Why not just stay here?" inquired Sylvaria, as she looked through the window.
"Zabicoric houses our spies. Don't you remember why I left in the first place? Drave was up to something, and my father was acting strangely. Anyway, we had better get to bed. We went a long way today."
"I have a bad feeling about this. Armies of Morvaies don't just wander around Melderan. If your parents are worried that you might get captured and the captain said that the Dark One sent him. I'm
starting to see a connection, and it's not pretty." Sylvaria spoke as she was settling down next to the bed.
"Sylvaria," Kestra turned towards her friend, "I told you that the army was just by chance. They were probably stragglers. Perhaps the captain used the first name he could think of, and the name was the Dark One. Do you think Drave is the Dark One?" As she spoke, a feeling a dread ran through her. She
believed Sylvaria's words.
"He seems like he would be that sort of person. But I know for a fact that he isn't." Sylvaria answered, nudging Kestra with her snout. "Go to sleep, little one. We will worry about what tomorrow brings in the morning."
***
Drave knew they have arrived in Zabicoric. He had been waiting for a report for some time now, and now the messenger has confirmed it. He beckoned him to come closer to the table, covered by a map of Celestra.
"How long are they going to stay?" He asked his trusted friend without looking up from his maps.
"The way they are acting, I'd say it will be some time before they leave." The figure responded, covered by the darkness that fell upon the room.
"You have done well. I have one more job for you." Drave looking up with deep, red eyes that were full of hatred and anger.
"What is it?" the other asked, while stepping out of the darkness. A small strand of light appeared out of the rocks above. It was enough to show the beard and round ears.
"I want you to make sure that they don't leave. Is that clear?" Drave ordered. He didn't want the Dark One upset by his actions. If the Dark One discovered his plan, Kestra would be in danger. He refused to let that happen. The best way to protect her is if she was with him.
"Yes."
"I will contact you again in two night's time. Make sure that they are ready." Drave instructed.
"I promise you the job will be done. They are under my watchful eye. I will not allow any harm to come to her by them."
"Excellent." Drave said, grinning. He turned slightly as he heard footsteps in the hall. Raising a hand, he dismissed the other without another word. As he watched him leave, the steps continued to grow closer.
"Drave, I need to speak with you."
Drave turned to see who had addressed him. Standing there was the Captain who was with the small company. Strailoch had returned.
***
Kestra woke from a dream sweating heavily. Drave was planning to use her as ransom, and Strailoch was alive. Strailoch couldn't be alive. She had killed him. The dream seemed all too real. She glanced across the room to where Sylvaria was sleeping. That would never happen. She hoped. She kept
reassuring herself that she was safe from the evil that wanted to destroy her family. As much as she wished she could really believe that thought, something in the back of her mind kept nagging at her. Kestra tried to go back to sleep, unaware that her future was about to change drastically.