Golden light illuminates the green shrubs sprouting from the forest floor. Mushrooms grow under the shady roof of the willow trees. The wispy moss hanging from the trees sways from a light breeze. I was in awe of the size and majesty of the trees. Their twisted arms rose ever upwards providing a home for the orchestra of birds around us. The sprite flutters in front of us as a guide through the woods. A glowing light emanates from her. As we continue through the forest the path seems to widen. Soon we reach a large canopy of ivy leading to an open threshold. The threshold is made from twisting trees. Willow and ashen oak trees have grown woven together forming a large castle. Tending to the fern and flora sprouting from the woodland castle is hundreds of sprite. They flit around offering the greenery boundless magic to grow. We walk under the awning of ivy leading to the castle entrance. The once earthy path is now many tree branches interlaced with a vibrant layer of moss
I take a deep breath trying to think of the best way to answer. Nefertari's dark eyes bore into mine. The intense stare causes me to shiver. Sitting up straighter I catch her gaze, inhaling deeply. "War has been declared on my horde. I am afraid allies are in short supply. You aided my grandfather during The Fires. I am here to once again request your support," I confidently state. A smile pulls at the edges of Nefertari's lips. She leans back on her throne watching us for a moment. Her eyes scan over each and everyone one of us before she speaks. "You remind me a lot of Lochness. Calm and confident. However, you seem to be lacking an explanation. Why would I agree to help your horde with no context?" She inquires. Her words catch me off guard my eyes widening in surprise. My fingers begin to tremble as a wave of nerves hits me. I suck in short breaths trying to keep a cool exterior. "My apologies I did not think of that," embarrassment creeps in through my words. Nefertari chuck
My body relaxes at her words. This trip has been successful. I turn to Flavius grinning and he smiles back. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. I squeeze his hand in mine still smirking. I stand bowing to queen Nefertari. "I thank you for accepting to help during these troubled times. I will never forget this, you have not only my thanks but the help of my horde whenever you may need it," I tell her. Nefertari chuckles while resuming her seat. "I never intended to turn you down from the start. However, I did wish to see your resolve. You are young and this battle will be hard. I wanted to see if you could handle this," she pauses. "I have my answer, so I now have no regrets about the direction of the future." "You knew I was coming?" I ask. Alec who sits across from me laughs. "Of course, she knew you were coming. Queen Nefertari likely knew of the impending war right from the start. She just waited to make her move," Alec states. They say that Queen Nefertari
The room Flavius and I are led to has a large leafy hammock in the middle filled with silky pillows. Plush green moss grows like carpet over the wooden floor. The open roof allows the gleaming starlight to fill the room. Dim candlelight brightens the space and gives off a sweet scent. Pomona waves us into the room before fluttering off. I walk through the threshold and my feet sink into the moss-covered floor. Vega pushes past me bouncing into the room. She sniffs and hops around before settling on a couch. I laugh as the little dragon prances around the couch trying to get comfortable. Pulling my attention away from Vega I look around the room one last time. I throw my satchel onto the floor. Walking to the balcony I peer out at the moonlit garden below. "This view is extraordinary," I breathe. Flavius chuckles from behind me. He steps closer placing his arms around me. "I quite admire the view myself," he says staring at me with a smirk. I turn in his arms
The old dwarf peers at us through hooded eyes. Chugging the glass of milk in his hand he sets it down on the throne room table. The elder glances over each of us before his eyes land on me. Placing a fist over my heart I bow to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Fimrouck. I am Chieftain Eleonora of the Perilous Horde and this is my mate Flavius. Behind me are my warriors Soren and Dovydas," I introduce. Fimrouck nods wordlessly still glancing us over. "It has been many years since I have been in the presence of dragons. It is an honor to make blades for the Perilous Horde once again," he says. My brows furrow in confusion. He has worked with my horde before? "I apologize Fimrouck but I cannot seem to recall if we have met before," I say. Fimrouck laughs the sound echoing throughout the room. He steps forward catching my gaze. "We have not met before it was your hordes pervious Chieftain Lochness I worked with. The Perilous Horde was still quite y
Flavius I follow behind Fimrouck the broken blade heavy in my hand. Vega trots beside me, bumping her nose on my hand every once in awhile. The sweet morning air wafts through the castle calming my nerves. To meet Fimrouck is already an honor but to learn from him is even greater. As we make our way through the castle many thinly clothed Fae smile and greet us. "I don't think I'll ever get used to how people can walk around like this," I comment under my breath. Fimrouck shakes with laughter from in front of me. "Are you referring to the way they dress," he asks gruffly. "That I am," I respond. "That's funny comin' from a man that's mated to a dragon. Nudity is quite common for them isn't it?" He questions. I scratch my head letting out a laugh. "You'd think I'd be used to the nudity but I can't seem to bring myself to," I chuckle. Once again Fimrouck laughs petting his scruffy red beard. "I quite like the view around here. Beautiful women who are unafraid to show themselv
Flavius After hours of working in the smithy Fimrouck and I take a break. We sit out on one of the many balconies, taking in the fresh air. I take a swig out of my water skin, letting a sigh escape my lips. Fimrouck looks over at me, sipping on a glass of milk. "Milks an odd choice of drink," I comment. Fimrouck grins holding his glass high and proud. "Milk keeps my head clear, not to mention it's good for your bones," he says. Laughter rumbles from my chest while a wide smile takes over my face. "Well, you're not wrong," I chuckle. He nods in agreement taking another swig from his glass. Before he can say anything I ask a question that’s been burning in my mind. "I wanted to ask, what's your plan for Ellie's sword? I know we talked about changing the blade to dragons Ore. But I'm curious about how you plan to add magic?" Fimrouck scratches his beard. "For the granddaughter of my old friend, I want to do something special. Have you ever heard of
Nora I peer at Nefertari from where I sit. Alec who is seated next to me speaks, her voice booming throughout the throne room. "We have discussed the weapons that will be used during the war. However, we have yet to discuss training regimens for our soldiers. Most of Chieftain Eleonora's horde has never faced dragons with affinities," Alec points out. Nefertari smiles, swooping her hair behind her. "This is something I have thought long and hard about. What makes dragons with affinities so formidable is their ability to naturally utilize magic outside of their elemental breath," Nefertari explains. "Yes, you are correct, that is why we need to train to fight against them," Alec remarks. "Or we could just meet them at their level," Nefertari says. Nathalia, who is seated next to Alec perks up at Nefertari's words. "And how do you suggest we do that?" Nathalia asks. "We teach everyone how to use magic outside their elemental breath," Nefer
Nathalia and I walk silently through the dim halls of the castle. My muscles are stiff and tense, aching every time I take a step. I slip a hand up the back of my neck rubbing the tense muscles. Sighing I glance over at Nathalia, "Was it like this for you while you were learning to use your magic?" Her green eyes meet mine as she speaks. "I wish I could offer you some words of advice. However using magic came naturally to me, there was not much for me to learn," she explains. I tighten my hands into fists, pointing my gaze to the floor. I heave a heavy sigh, briefly closing my eyes. I need to learn this quickly, I cannot let my failure be our undoing. A thump to the back of my head brings me from my thoughts. My eyes dart to Nathalia in surprise. She smiles at me, her arms crossed over her chest. "Get out of your head. Learning something new is never easy, but you will get there," she comforts. I huff, dragging a hand through my hair. The u
As I dip my fingers into the water a shock wave runs up my arm. My muscles tense and tingle as I resist the urge to pull my hand out. As my fingers dip past the water's edge it begins to turn a smokey black. The water is slowly enveloped in a black that reflects the night sky. "Your magic type is dark. I cannot say I am not surprised, this suites you Chieftain," Nefertari says. I smile, pulling my hand from the pool. Standing, I gaze up at Nefertari, she returns my gaze. "So, what is the plan from here?" I ask. "We now know your magic types, so now we need to teach you how to tap into that power," Nefertari says. "I have always been able to naturally use my elemental ability. So I am not sure how to tap into this other power," I say. Nefertari chuckles, "You have always had this ability, you just have to learn to sense it. We will teach you how to do this by starting with some simple meditation," she explains. Nefertari has us all sit around t
A grin spreads across my face. Learning magic will truly be a turning point for this war. Though it may take time to learn, I will keep pushing forward. As my excitement grows, Flavius comes to mind. I cannot wait to tell him of this. Nefertari stands from her throne, smoothing the wrinkles from her silky white dress. "If you would all follow me, I am going take you to get tested for your magic element," she says. I stand from my seat, following behind Nefertari. The tall brunette has the throne room doors opened with a wave of her hand. We all follow closely behind her. "How will you be testing us exactly?" I ask, curiosity creeping over me. "The world tree is the center of all magic. By touching her roots your magic type will be revealed to you," she explains. Soren steps up beside me. "Are the types of magic people wield the same as our elemental breath?" He asks. Our footsteps carry heavily through the castle. Nefertair hums b
Nora I peer at Nefertari from where I sit. Alec who is seated next to me speaks, her voice booming throughout the throne room. "We have discussed the weapons that will be used during the war. However, we have yet to discuss training regimens for our soldiers. Most of Chieftain Eleonora's horde has never faced dragons with affinities," Alec points out. Nefertari smiles, swooping her hair behind her. "This is something I have thought long and hard about. What makes dragons with affinities so formidable is their ability to naturally utilize magic outside of their elemental breath," Nefertari explains. "Yes, you are correct, that is why we need to train to fight against them," Alec remarks. "Or we could just meet them at their level," Nefertari says. Nathalia, who is seated next to Alec perks up at Nefertari's words. "And how do you suggest we do that?" Nathalia asks. "We teach everyone how to use magic outside their elemental breath," Nefer
Flavius After hours of working in the smithy Fimrouck and I take a break. We sit out on one of the many balconies, taking in the fresh air. I take a swig out of my water skin, letting a sigh escape my lips. Fimrouck looks over at me, sipping on a glass of milk. "Milks an odd choice of drink," I comment. Fimrouck grins holding his glass high and proud. "Milk keeps my head clear, not to mention it's good for your bones," he says. Laughter rumbles from my chest while a wide smile takes over my face. "Well, you're not wrong," I chuckle. He nods in agreement taking another swig from his glass. Before he can say anything I ask a question that’s been burning in my mind. "I wanted to ask, what's your plan for Ellie's sword? I know we talked about changing the blade to dragons Ore. But I'm curious about how you plan to add magic?" Fimrouck scratches his beard. "For the granddaughter of my old friend, I want to do something special. Have you ever heard of
Flavius I follow behind Fimrouck the broken blade heavy in my hand. Vega trots beside me, bumping her nose on my hand every once in awhile. The sweet morning air wafts through the castle calming my nerves. To meet Fimrouck is already an honor but to learn from him is even greater. As we make our way through the castle many thinly clothed Fae smile and greet us. "I don't think I'll ever get used to how people can walk around like this," I comment under my breath. Fimrouck shakes with laughter from in front of me. "Are you referring to the way they dress," he asks gruffly. "That I am," I respond. "That's funny comin' from a man that's mated to a dragon. Nudity is quite common for them isn't it?" He questions. I scratch my head letting out a laugh. "You'd think I'd be used to the nudity but I can't seem to bring myself to," I chuckle. Once again Fimrouck laughs petting his scruffy red beard. "I quite like the view around here. Beautiful women who are unafraid to show themselv
The old dwarf peers at us through hooded eyes. Chugging the glass of milk in his hand he sets it down on the throne room table. The elder glances over each of us before his eyes land on me. Placing a fist over my heart I bow to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Fimrouck. I am Chieftain Eleonora of the Perilous Horde and this is my mate Flavius. Behind me are my warriors Soren and Dovydas," I introduce. Fimrouck nods wordlessly still glancing us over. "It has been many years since I have been in the presence of dragons. It is an honor to make blades for the Perilous Horde once again," he says. My brows furrow in confusion. He has worked with my horde before? "I apologize Fimrouck but I cannot seem to recall if we have met before," I say. Fimrouck laughs the sound echoing throughout the room. He steps forward catching my gaze. "We have not met before it was your hordes pervious Chieftain Lochness I worked with. The Perilous Horde was still quite y
The room Flavius and I are led to has a large leafy hammock in the middle filled with silky pillows. Plush green moss grows like carpet over the wooden floor. The open roof allows the gleaming starlight to fill the room. Dim candlelight brightens the space and gives off a sweet scent. Pomona waves us into the room before fluttering off. I walk through the threshold and my feet sink into the moss-covered floor. Vega pushes past me bouncing into the room. She sniffs and hops around before settling on a couch. I laugh as the little dragon prances around the couch trying to get comfortable. Pulling my attention away from Vega I look around the room one last time. I throw my satchel onto the floor. Walking to the balcony I peer out at the moonlit garden below. "This view is extraordinary," I breathe. Flavius chuckles from behind me. He steps closer placing his arms around me. "I quite admire the view myself," he says staring at me with a smirk. I turn in his arms
My body relaxes at her words. This trip has been successful. I turn to Flavius grinning and he smiles back. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. I squeeze his hand in mine still smirking. I stand bowing to queen Nefertari. "I thank you for accepting to help during these troubled times. I will never forget this, you have not only my thanks but the help of my horde whenever you may need it," I tell her. Nefertari chuckles while resuming her seat. "I never intended to turn you down from the start. However, I did wish to see your resolve. You are young and this battle will be hard. I wanted to see if you could handle this," she pauses. "I have my answer, so I now have no regrets about the direction of the future." "You knew I was coming?" I ask. Alec who sits across from me laughs. "Of course, she knew you were coming. Queen Nefertari likely knew of the impending war right from the start. She just waited to make her move," Alec states. They say that Queen Nefertari