“Quite a display,” the King said.
“The shadow dragons do wish harm to come to this young man,” Wrotan replied as he held his head.
“I hadn’t known that you too were a pawn in their game.”
“A willing pawn, but a pawn none the less.” The hunter took his hand from his head.
“The dragons have long been benevolent masters. It is a shame I had to lose so many of my soldiers to this misunderstanding. We will give you provisions and speed you along your way. I assume that you will be taking the prisoners with you?”
“The boy, yes. As for the others, they are free to choose.”
“Right then. One last word of warning, do not make enemies of those who are servants to the dragons.”
“Wise words. I have a warming of my own, it comes from the shadow dragons. They say that the sun elves are no longer to be trusted and that the sun dragons are corrupted from within.”
King Lothrin nodded as he took in the words. Hadrin was unaware of what the two were discussing, but there was a soft voice in the back of his head that promised he would understand in time. It repeated Wrotan’s warning, adding that even some of the shadow dragons could be susceptible to this new enemy. He looked to the other four humans and saw that there were equally as confused as he was. Despite their hesitation, all three decided to accompany Kade.
*
“What happened back there?” Alandra asked as soon as they were far enough away from the forest elf stronghold.
“The shadow dragons decided to send a message to the forest dragons,” Wrotan replied.
“I thought they were allies.”
“They are allies, but the shadow dragons wanted the forest dragons to know that they are not to be taken lightly.”
“You just let them use you as a weapon?” Kade asked.
“It is possible that I could have stopped them from killing the forest elves, but I wasn’t sure that was the best option available. I had been unaware that the shadow dragons could even exert any amount of control over me prior to this happening. They may have just killed me on the spot. Even now, I’m not entirely certain I could stop them if I wanted to.”
“That doesn’t sound very comforting,” Mariah said.
“Imagine what they would have done to their enemies,” Wrotan said.
Alandra shuddered at the possibility of something worse than what they had witnessed. There was a nagging sensation that kept pushing her to consider what the night dragons were capable of. She ignored it as best she could, not wanting to face the fact that they could use her in a similar way to what the shadow dragons had done with Wrotan. The others seemed equally distraught over the new development. She fell back to where Hadrin was walking at the back of the pack. He forced a smile before looking back down at the ground.
“What’s the matter?” Alandra asked.
“The shadow dragons. They were once considered a part of the same hatchery, but they seem much more vicious than Ungaroth,” the Prince replied.
“I’ve been thinking about that myself. Could it be that over the years they’ve changed or has Ungaroth held back his darker side.”
“Can we really know what the dragons want? They’ve been a large part of why we’ve fought with the humans in the past. Do they really seek the best for the elves?”
“Even if they only seek glory for themselves, can we do anything about it?” Alandra asked.
“Perhaps so, perhaps not. We are all in this together now. The best we can do is make certain that our small group is as prepared as can be,” Hadrin answered.
“How can we do that?”
“Each of us must push ourselves harder. Daily training in all manner of skills. We may not have time to become proficient at everything, but we can certainly improve on what skills we already possess.”
“Do you think the others would be willing to do so?”
“We can only hope.”
*
Erlkan watched as one of the dragons circled the main gate of the city. They had either joined with this sorcerer or were being controlled by him. He turned back to the map that they had laid out near the fire. They were close to the southern entrance into the system of caves and tunnels that led to numerous locations throughout the town. It was the only way inside the palace that could guarantee them a way around the dragons. He ran his finger along the path that he wanted the first group to take. They nodded as he looked up at them. The sequence repeated until he had directed each of the four groups. They only had one copy of the map, meaning that three of the groups would need to memorize their path as well as the layout of the tunnels and caves. The sun King rolled up the map and handed it to one of the Captains.
“Are we all in agreement on our course of action?” He asked.
“I may not like it, but I’ll stand by it,” one Captain replied.
The other two nodded their assent. Erlkan let out a sigh of relief before dismissing the others. He checked his pack one last time before covering the fire with dirt. Each of the Captains gathered together their small group of soldiers and set off toward one of the two entrances to the abandoned unground portion of the city. The sun King nodded to his group before setting off toward the entrance. A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he entered the cave entrance. He remembered the hours and hours he had spent exploring the underground passageways. A sense of calm came over him as he continued further through the tunnels. He watched as the group ahead headed off down their predetermined path. Their own route continued onward into the tunnels below the palace.
Erlkan stopped when they reached the second set of stairs. He drew his sword and headed up the steps. His men followed closely behind, ready to spring into action at any moment. They continued on their way and reached the dungeon. The sun King ordered his men to split into two groups so that they could check lower level before circling back and heading to the other level. They both met back at the stairs, neither group having found any sign of their opponents. Erlkan took a deep breath as he headed up to the upper level of the dungeon. Based on the information given to him, the Empress would be located in this portion of the palace.
“State your purpose,” a voice called out as he opened a door to the upper level.
“Stand down or feel the wrath of your King!” Erlkan yelled as he jumped through the doorway.
The elven guard raised their spears and surged forward, but the elf King was too quick. He knocked their weapons aside and dealt each of them a powerful blow. They each drew back and dropped to one knee in surrender. Erlkan’s men came rushing through the door and met three more guards. They quickly overpowered the outnumbered dungeon guards and gathered them together with the other two. The sun King sheathed his sword as he approached the captives. He didn’t recognize any of them as having served under him or under the Empress.
“I wish to know where the Empress is being held. If you tell me, I won’t need to hurt any of you,” Erlkan said.
“Do you think us mad? The dragons will have our heads if we give up that information,” one of the guards said.
“What makes you think that I will not?”
“You’re the sun King, they’re the sun dragons. We’ve seen you pardon criminals, but the dragons have never done so. Not when in the employ of the new master.”
“Who is this new master?” The King asked.
“The sorcerer Elorhan, he is incredibly powerful.”
“He is simply another obstacle to be removed,” Erlkan turned to address his soldiers, “find them a cell.”
His men nodded and gathered up the five captives before searching for the nearest cell. Erlkan drew his sword and headed in the opposite direction. He slowed down when he spotted a robed figure outside one of the cells. There was another man pacing back and forth behind him. The King held back and watched as they opened the cell door and went inside. He crept closer, making sure that there were no guards before stopping just outside the door. Melisandre’s voice was easy to recognize, but he c
ouldn’t make out what she was saying.
“Peligrin here thinks that you should stop this nonsense and pledge to support me. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he cares about you. As for me, I made an idle threat. Do not think that my next one will have no teeth behind it,” one of the men said.
“Master, is there not a better way to go about getting others on our side?” Peligrin asked.
“The contempt in your voice when you refer to me as master has returned. Perhaps I should leave you in this cell for a few days. It may rid your mind of whatever shortcomings you believe I possess. I am not here to strike up an alliance with the Empress. The elves gave up on me quite some time ago, my friend. If I can even call you that. Perhaps you are but a parasite like so many others. No matter, you’ve done nothing compared to the elves and humans who sought to be rid of me. They didn’t even have the decency to kill me.”
“I am no parasite, nor do I wish to spend any time rotting in a cell with an elven Empress. The contempt you hear is directed at me for being foolish enough to pledge to serve another until one of us dies. Not that serving you is so bad, but freedom is always preferable.”
“There it is. You’ve struck on exactly why I am here to punish the elves and humans. My freedom was wrenched away from me. That is not something you understand. However, because I understand what it is like to live without freedom, you are no longer indebted to me.”
Erlkan chanced a peek around the doorframe. The two men were staring at each other and the Empress was standing a few feet back from them. They took a step back, each looking prepared to fight the other to the death. The sun King pivoted into the room and drew his sword. Melisandre continued backing up until she reached the wall. Peligrin and his former master both turned their attention to the newcomer.
“You are outmatched, elf,” the hooded man said.
“Together we can beat him,” Peligrin said, turning to the newcomer.
“Why should I listen to either of you?” Erlkan asked.
“I served him for countless years, I know his weaknesses better than anyone.”
“Your treachery was expected, Peligrin. However, the appearance of the sun King does put a wrinkle in my plans. I could easily defeat either of you in single combat, but that not an option. What is it that you seek?” The mage looked toward Erlkan as he spoke.
“Freedom for my people and it shall be gained with a sword through your heart. You’ve plagued the dragons and threaten those most dear to me. That is not something I can allow,” the King replied.
The magician extended an arm toward Erlkan and a large fireball shot out of his palm. Before the King could move out of the way, the fireball melted into a patch of darkness. All three of the combatants took a step back as the room got darker. The sun King heard a low growl behind him. He turned to see a small dragon crashing through the cell door. It knocked him aside and bit into the sorcerer’s shoulder. Erlkan backed up until he got to the door and then motioned for Melisandre to join him. The small dragon flung the magician into the wall before pouncing forward and slashing him with its sharp claws. Peligrin started to move toward the door and the dragon spun and clamped down on his torso with a massive bite. He screamed in pain as the creature yanked him back toward his former master.
Erlkan grabbed hold of Melisandre’s hand and took off down the hall running. He could still hear the screams of the two men in the distance. They came to a halt when he spotted his men locking one of the cell doors. He panicked when he realized that the screams had died down. The dragon would be looking for another target. His men rushed toward him, but he motioned for them to stop. They began to speak, but he held his hand up to his mouth. He waited until he was next to them before he spoke.
“Open the cell door, we need a distraction,” he whispered.
“I thought we were getting rid of their master,” one of the elves replied in a hushed tone.
“We’ve got bigger problems now. Unlock the door and tell them they are free to go.”
One of his soldiers managed to get the cell door open just as the torches blew out. A low growl came from the opposite direction of the dragon. The sun King ordered his men to draw their weapons as he moved Melisandre into the middle of the circle his troops had formed. Another growl came from the direction of the first dragon. Erlkan ordered his men to protect the Empress as he lunged toward the second growl. He made contact with something and could barely see a shape moving toward him in the darkness. It lurched forward and he jabbed at it with his sword. The creature made a grunting sound as the blade pierced its hide. Three of the elven soldiers joined him and attacked the dragon. The other dragon plowed through the group of elves and smashed into the King’s back just as he was about to deliver the finishing blow.
“Get the Empress to safety,” he yelled as he crashed to the floor.
*
Melisandre’s heart felt as though it would explode out of her chest as she watched her husband flailing wildly on the floor. She felt two of the elven soldiers grab hold of her and start dragging her away. Her voice failed her as she tried to scream. Tears streamed down her face as she heard the cries of her husband and his troops. The sounds began to fade as they rushed toward the exit of the dungeon. Melisandre’s body began to shudder as she fell to her knees. Her husband had come back for her and given his life to save her in spite of how she had turned on him.
“We need to get you to safety,” one of the soldiers said.
“What do we do?” Another asked after seeing her shake her head.
“We die with our Empress.”
*
Finrul dropped to one knee in front of the great gold dragon. He had no intention of questioning the majestic creature’s will. Fenzik stared at the dragon as he refused to kneel. The massive beast placed the tip of her claw on the magician’s shoulder. He took a deep breath and refused to bow to the greater being. Elbereth whipped her claw back and then brought it down into Fenzik’s chest. He gasped as he stumbled backward. The dragon tossed aside the body before letting out a loud bellow. Two silver dragons swooped down and landed next to her.
“This is my new representative for the elven people. Finrul shall live among them and report back to us. His position shall be high commander and no other elf will be above him. Anyone that he declares as under his protection shall be left alone by all dragonkind,” Elbereth said.
“The shadow dragons will not like it, great Queen of the dragons,” one of the silvers said.
“I shall deal with them as I see fit.”
*
Obrin clenched his fist and took a deep breath. The word of his cousin’s death was difficult to swallow, even if he knew that it was coming. He shook his head in frustration and began to pace back and forth. Ungaroth growled as he drew back from the elf. The dragon curled up and watched the night King. Obrin turned toward the dragon. He took a moment to stare at the massive creature before approaching him. Neither spoke as the elf sat down next to the dragon.
“It could be worse,” the dragon said.
“It still may be. We don’t know for certain that my son will join us. Wrotan’s appearance changed many things. Erlkan was easy to manipulate, as was that sorcerer of yours, but the hunter is a different story,” Obrin said.
“He was no sorcerer of mine. Once our plan is in motion, there is no reason to believe that they will oppose us. Just because he doesn’t join us doesn’t mean we need to kill him. He could live a long life in exile.”
“I hope you are correct, old friend. Other than you, he is the closest family I have.”
“All will be well in time. For now, we must return home and gather your army. They will be happy to see their King reinvigorated. Then, we shall pay a visit to the other monarch and see if she is as accepting as King Lothrin.”
The Shadow Grows
Wrotan leaned back against the tree as he watched Kade and Julian spar. They had come a long way since their initial training, but they still had much to learn. Mariah let o
ut a sigh as she took a seat near the hunter. They had both spent the majority of their free time training the others and it had started to take a toll on each of them. The hunter nodded to the guardswoman, but neither of them spoke. There was an unspoken understanding that rest was more important than conversation at times. Wrotan looked over to see Alandra, Hadrin, and Amber discussing the uses of various herbs and plants. He knew that the Prince had no use for any of that information, but he dared not point that out.
“Careful, Kade, we aren’t trying to hurt one another,” Julian said.
The hunter raised his hand and was about to say something when his vision began to darken. He felt something hit him in the chest, but he couldn’t tell what was happening. The darkness closed in around him as he collapsed to the floor. Mariah and Alandra were yelling something, but their voices sounded too far away for him to hear. A dragon growled somewhere in the back of his head. He opened his eyes and found himself standing on a stone platform up on the top of a massive mountain. There was a lone dragon on the platform with him. It roared when it saw him. He reached down and drew his sword. The blade looked different than he remembered. He closed his eyes and rubbed them with his free hand. The sword in his hand looked familiar once again.
Wrotan clenched his teeth as the dragon let out a massive roar. It shook his entire body to the core, but he pushed the fear aside and charged. The dragon dodged to the side with ease. It let out a chuckle as it dodged another of his attacks. He let out a grunt as the dragon’s tail slammed into his side and sent him crashing to the floor. The dragon continued to toy with him as he failed to land any blows against the massive creature. He fell down onto his knees as he tried to strengthen his resolve. The dragon laughed once again, but this time the hunter did not move to attack.
“You humans are even weak in your own minds. Sure, some of you have an ego the size of a dragon, but enter that mind and the man becomes like an ant,” the dragon said.