No one questioned that tactic. They were injured, exhausted, and frightened. Thinking about what else could possibly be lurking in the dark and preparing to attack on Brigara’s command was overwhelming.
“You don’t need to convince me. Just show the way,” said Shayna.
Rileau took the lead, and they fell in line behind him. They were determined to stay close with their senses tuned to high alert.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Castles and Dragons
The castle was finally in sight. It stood tall against the clear backdrop of the star-filled sky. The glow from the full moon highlighted the majestic architecture. It was positioned on high ground with rivers on either side. It had high crenellated walls, each adorned with limestone fleur-de-lis finials affixed on top of the solid sections. The main tower was an impressive rotunda. It was elevated well above several less superior ones and was nestled in the center. A cobblestone bridge extended from the mouth of the forest to a grand front entrance. The walkway was flanked by stone walls on each side, with the adjoined rivers flowing beneath it. It led to the main entrance, which was nestled beneath a large ivy-framed archway. The heavily gilded iron door was as high as it was wide.
“That must be it! We’re almost there. I’m so excited!” Shayna squealed.
“Me too!” Seneca said in an equally high-pitched voice.
In Jake’s opinion, the girls were acting foolish and uncharacteristically giddy. He frowned and fought back the words he knew would sting. He couldn’t figure out the right approach to let them know their behavior was ludicrous. He questioned why they were fawning over the guy. Every few feet, they talked about his walk, talk, and skin and other topics he found annoying.
“He smells like warm apple pie with just the right amount of cinnamon,” said Shayna.
“No, I think it’s more like fresh lavender,” Seneca said. She closed her eyes and sighed.
“Whatever. I just know he smells sweet,” Shayna gushed.
“You’ve both lost it!” Jake grumbled. He folded his arms tight across his chest in protest. He figured Rileau’s scent was some sort of magical enchantment, because he couldn’t smell anything other than the dampness and sulfur.
“I kind of think he smells like extra crispy bacon. Not bad, actually, since I love bacon,” Conner said.
Jake shoved him hard and picked up his pace to put distance between them.
“What’s wrong with bacon?” Conner called out.
Seneca giggled and batted her eyes admiringly at Rileau. Jake knew his temper was rising to the brink. He could feel his ears burning, and it made him uncomfortable. He straightened his posture, pushed out his chest, and stretched his neck in a futile attempt to appear taller. He felt the need to get control of the situation before it worsened. He wanted an ally, and he hoped Conner would share his opinion of their mentor. So far, that wasn’t the case, but he wasn’t ready to give up on converting him. Jake slowed down to let the girls pass. He wanted to make another attempt to commiserate with Conner. He cringed when he noticed Shayna and Seneca were doing more skipping than walking.
“Ever since we met up with you and Shayna, the girls have been acting really odd,” said Jake. “I just don’t get it. We just met this guy, and they act as if they’ve known him their entire lives.”
“Maybe it’s just because of what we all just went through. They’re probably feeling safe. I know I am. That guy is huge!” said Conner. “Maybe they like that.”
“What’s the big deal? So what…he’s maybe three inches taller than I am and has ridiculously massive shoulders and biceps, but other than that, I don’t get the attraction,” said Jake.
Conner muttered in agreement but was more focused on his own arm. He nodded and shrugged as Jake continued berating Rileau. He was pleased to see the blisters were healing rapidly, and the pain had subsided to a mild discomfort. He had shoved a few of the healing leaves into his pocket as a precaution.
“Keep up, and do not lag behind!” Rileau called out over his shoulder. “We must arrive before daylight.”
He pounded his staff into the ground every few feet. He was taking long strides and moving at an exceptionally quick pace. Seneca and Shayna followed eagerly. They alternated between a fast walk and an intermittent jog to keep up. Jake and Conner lagged behind in silent protest but kept sight of Rileau and the girls as they maneuvered through the overgrown vegetation.
“Come on, Jake. They’re getting too far ahead. We need to pick up the pace,” said Conner. He tugged at Jake’s sleeve to pull him along.
“What’s so special about this guy? I don’t get it. Why are Shayna and Seneca drooling all over him?”
“Who knows? Maybe it’s the tail,” replied Conner. He laughed rowdily.
“Tail? What tail? What do you mean a tail?” Jake stopped midstride and pulled Conner to a stop.
“Dude, you can’t tell me you haven’t seen it. It sticks out from the bottom of his cloak,” said Conner.
“You’re joking, right?” Jake rubbed his fingers through his sweat-drenched hair.
“No joke. He has a tail! I’m totally sure—no doubts. Now, come on. They’re getting too far ahead,” said Conner. He took off in a full sprint with Jake trailing close behind.
They soon closed in on where Rileau, Shayna, and Seneca were waiting. Just out of earshot, Conner whispered, “See? Right there—check it out.” He pointed to the tip of a tail poking out of the split back of Rileau’s cloak.
Jake’s mouth dropped open, and he wondered how he hadn’t noticed it before. “Are you sure it’s a tail?” he asked.
“Uh, yeah, what else could it be?” Conner replied.
“I knew there was something about him that I didn’t like. That tail might be the reason, and I bet the girls haven’t even noticed.” He also wondered if Rileau was attempting to hide it from view.
“I think Shayna and Seneca have checked him out from head to toe, and it’s kind of hard to miss that tail. It’s huge. Hey, I’m surprised you missed it. You’re usually on top of it, dude!” Conner laughed. “Maybe those murkgoblins banged your head a little too hard.”
“I’ll bang your head if you don’t back off,” Jake snapped in response.
“Settle down. You’re getting too worked up over nothing,” said Conner. “Sheesh!”
“You might think it’s nothing, but I don’t trust that guy. There’s something off about him.”
“He saved us both—all of us, actually. If he hadn’t come along when he did, those blisters would have been the end of me,” said Conner. He rubbed his hand along his arm, and the skin felt nearly smooth.
“I guess you’re right, but for some reason, I just don’t trust him,” Jake protested.
“Well, until he proves otherwise, tail or no tail, he’s good in my book,” Conner retorted.
He ran ahead and left Jake behind kicking at twigs and rocks. Jake knew he had to find out more about Rileau. Their lives were in his hands, and unlike the others, he was determined to have more information before following him blindly. He decided once they arrived at their destination, he would find out all he could in regard to their mentor. He trotted ahead and closed the distance between him and the others. He remained quiet and lost in his thoughts. He felt slightly feverish, but he decided the brisk walk and angst were making him feel overheated.
“This place is beautiful! I can’t wait to get inside,” said Shayna excitedly.
“How will the castle protect us from attacks?” Seneca asked. While she agreed with Shayna on the impressive exterior of the castle, she was more concerned about their safety.
“You pose an interesting question,” Rileau replied. “It is the Castle of Lorcan. The exterior is indestructible. As such, it will block attacks from dark magic. Brigara and her followers cannot breach the walls of Lorcan. These walls were forged with the magic found only in Arc
adrom, the source of all pure magic.” Confidence was infused in each word he spoke. He picked up his pace as they reached the bridge that led to the entrance. His tail swept back and forth across the cobblestones.
“What’s Arcadrom?” Conner asked.
“It is a realm, untouchable by all, that stores the purest of magic—the source of it and the power that wills it,” explained Rileau.
“Yet another realm? I don’t know if I can get used to this,” Conner muttered.
“You’re sure that not even Brigara could get to us inside the castle?” Seneca said. Since he was willing to reveal information, she saw it as an opportunity to get more details.
“Lorcan has charms of protection that were woven in every fiber of the very stones and bricks used to build it. The magic of protection extends to the surrounding waters and grounds. As I have stated, dark magic will not ever breach it.”
“If someone created a spell, say of dark magic, that was meant to break through, could it be done then?” asked Seneca.
“Lorcan was created using the purest of magic—from the very source of magic. It was built of the purest of light magic. Dark magic will only be absorbed. Please be at peace with this.”
“What you’re saying is that the castle’s a great hideout!” said Conner.
“’Tis not a dwelling to hide in. It is a place where you will learn to use your magic and realize your gifts. Its purpose is to prepare you for what you must face outside of these walls. You are charged with bringing balance to the Otherworld, not becoming cowards within these walls,” Rileau said.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Conner muttered. He shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked to Jake for a response but only received a raised eyebrow.
Rileau pushed the iron door open and held it to allow Shayna, Seneca, and Conner to enter. Jake hung back. He examined the stonework of the archway that framed the door. The details of the carvings fascinated him.
“You have noticed the engravings that are visible only to some,” said Rileau. “That is quite telling of your gifts. The fata morgana is an enchantment used to disguise elements.”
“Why would you want to disguise the engravings?” Jake asked, his curiosity piqued.
“It is not an attempt to deceive, if that is your concern,” Rileau said. “The engravings are forms of blessings, messages of goodwill and healing. The enchantment was used so that all who enter the castle may receive the blessings without exception.”
“Can you tell me what the large engraving in the center of the archway means? It caught my attention more than the others,” Jake said.
“That is my favorite as well. It means that whoever shall enter through this door shall be one who masters the marvels of magic and shall control elements of the sea,” said Rileau. “That particular one was created by a fairy who had the gift of foretelling the future. She has authored many of the most telling prophecies.”
“Are you guys coming or what?” Shayna said as she danced about in the doorway. A smile was plastered across her face as she swung her arm to invite them inside. “You’ve gotta see this place, Jake!”
Jake would have preferred to discuss more of the carvings, but he reluctantly followed Shayna’s prompting to go inside. He assumed no one else was interested, so he shrugged it off. The emotions that invaded his thoughts were confusing. One moment, he felt that Rileau was completely trustworthy. He would then be jarred to believe the opposite; he couldn’t shake off his suspicions. To make matters worse, he didn’t feel completely stable on his feet. His surface wounds from the murkgoblin attack had completely healed and weren’t causing discomfort, but his head was pounding like a bass drum, causing him to sway slightly. In addition, he felt exceedingly hot.
“Isn’t this place totally magnificent?” Shayna beamed. “I can’t wait to see the entire layout.”
She spun around and began giving a guided tour of the foyer and adjoining rooms on either side of it. She discussed the tapestry, the marble floors, the large picture windows, and all of the other fineries. She felt grounded and comfortable; she hadn’t felt that way since their arrival in the Otherworld.
“I haven’t gone beyond this point, because that would be rude. At least that’s what Seneca keeps telling me,” said Shayna as she scrunched her nose in protest.
Seneca frowned and shook her head. She agreed with Shayna on the impressive decor and remarkable architecture of the castle, but she didn’t think they should wander about and explore without Rileau’s approval.
“Jake and I did not intend to keep you waiting,” said Rileau. He waited for Jake to reply, but when Jake simply shuffled his feet, he continued. “We will have a brief tour. Then we shall begin with the foundation of your training. Nightfall is the perfect time to begin, as I am a nocturnal elemental. Many dragons are, after all.”
“A dragon!” Shayna and Seneca screamed.
“A dragon?” Conner asked as he jerked his head back. He hadn’t expected that, but it made sense. He looked at Rileau’s tail as it moved across the floor, and he was convinced.
“That’s utterly amazing,” said Shayna as she smiled widely. “By the way, so is this castle! Can we get on with the tour now? I can’t wait to see the other rooms.”
She didn’t bother waiting for Rileau to decide on their route as she skipped ahead to lead the way. Jake grabbed Conner’s arm to hold him back. Seneca and Rileau trailed behind Shayna as she made her way down the wide corridor. She poked her head into various rooms before deciding which to enter. Jake waited until they disappeared inside before he spoke.
“I can’t believe it. A dragon?” Jake said. His tone was brash, and he spoke through gritted teeth. “He could have claimed to be anything else, but he’s no dragon. Trust me.”
Conner didn’t want to engage in Jake’s banter. He felt caught between siding with Jake and trusting Rileau. Rileau was the one who had told Shayna how to treat his blisters. He’d saved his life, yet Jake had to be suspicious for a reason. He didn’t know what to believe or whom to trust at the moment.
“C’mon, dude! The girls don’t seem to have a problem with him being a dragon or whatever,” said Conner. “Me either, really—I think it’s cool. You need to give him a chance. That’s all.”
“He’s not a dragon! Let’s be clear about that,” retorted Jake. “It has to be something he’s secreting or throwing off in the air that has them acting like that.”
“Secreting? What does that mean? That sounds gross!” said Conner. He winced and shuddered at the thought of it.
“You know what I mean—like pheromones. Something that’s released from the body and attracts the opposite sex.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.” Conner smirked and cocked his head to the side. “That might come in handy.”
“Forget it!” Jake huffed. He was frustrated that Conner wasn’t joining him on the put-down-the-dragon bandwagon. He started down the hall to join the others.
“I think you need to relax,” said Conner. “This guy is the one who’s supposed to teach us how to cover our butts in an attack. We would be dead if he hadn’t come along.”
“I know. It’s just that—oh, never mind! Just drop it. You don’t get it.” Jake grimaced.
“Great idea. Let’s drop it,” said Conner. He was relieved and hoped it was the end of the discussion. He glanced over at Jake; from his expression, it was clear the subject was not closed, not even close. He sighed.
“I hear them coming out of that room on the right. C’mon. I don’t want to miss anything,” said Conner. He strutted ahead to join the others. Jake was barely able to contain his reaction as he grumbled to himself.
“I’m so fascinated with dragons,” said Shayna, wide-eyed with the expression of a star-struck groupie. “What else can you tell us?”
“I realize most mortals think dragons are either benign, extinct or, better yet
, ferocious creatures of mythology. I actually don’t mind the references, as they are quite humorous,” said Rileau. “A scaling of dragons that swarm in and make away with unmarried maidens is beyond asinine.”
“Many people have written stories about dragons and how dangerous they are,” said Seneca. She smiled, as she was enjoying the discussion.
“I have heard many exaggerated tales of stealing children and women and then hiding them away in towers and caves. All falsehoods!” Rileau said. His voice grew slightly louder, but his demeanor remained calm. “I find the notion insulting, as it is baseless and bears not a pinch of truth.”
“It’s kind of hard to dismiss what others have said for centuries just on your word alone,” Jake said as he twisted his face into a look of disdain.
“Regardless of your previous ignorance, you can now see that I am a dragon.” Rileau raised his tail and slammed it hard against the slate floor, leaving a scorch mark in the aged limestone.
“How is it possible that everything we know about dragons is, for the most part, consistent? They are always portrayed as oversized fire-breathing reptiles,” Jake said with a scowl.
“That sort of sounds like an insult, Jake. You’re really crossing the line,” whispered Conner.
“I don’t think I was talking to you,” Jake snapped.
“Well, I’m talking to you, and this has gone on long enough. If he says he’s a dragon, then who are we to question it?” Conner replied.
Jake wasn’t bothered by Conner’s attempt to intervene. He had no intention of backing down. He could feel sweat dripping down his back, and his breathing was labored. He had no desire to let up; he was just getting started.
“Except for the tail, you seem more like an ordinary man,” Jake said. “Granted, having a tail is different. I will give you that, but it doesn’t make you a dragon.”