Layana’s eyes flew open, her heart thundering from what she had seen, things were worse than she had thought… her pale face gave away the fact that the news she held was not good. Declan crouched by her side as Aren tapped his foot, Kayden and Catherina stood silently waiting for Layana to return to them. “What did you see?” Declan asked, “Father’s ill, they think it was poisoning but he is alive, the four mages are by his side, I think it’s the only reason he is not dead yet. Myra or should I say The Dark Lord is holding the reigns over everything. Cordelia is on his side… Aurelia, I didn’t see her…” she whispered it had been a lot to take in, “Terania is fighting against a split council, most of whom are siding with Myra over her. Myra was the one who told the council her version of what happened with Zephyr, a few have silently issued an incredible bounty for anyone who can capture or kill me… an order made by Myra. I am exiled and should no longer be in this kingdom. They know I
Declan's anger flared like a fire that was eating a trail of oil. Lightning flashed in the sky and Layana closed her eyes cupping his face, “I’m ok…” she whispered, he frowned at her, how could she say she was ok? “I should have been there for you…” he said icily his eyes crackling with sparks like the sky above. She hugged him tightly trying to calm him “Which one?” “It was James, Halian died trying to protect me from a female guard under The Dark Lords influence, and James he was too far gone…” Declan sat down making her straddle him as he looked into her eyes trying to calm his raging anger, the wish to drag James out of hell and kill him all over again was strong, if only it were possible. “Did he…” he clenched his jaw unable to say the word, she cupped his face and shook her head, “No… he wasn’t able to, I killed him before he could do anything, and I didn’t even regret it…” she rested her forehead against his and he stroked her hair “I’m never leaving you alone ever aga
A Silence fell over them, the sound of the rustling grass and the leaves in the trees seemed to roar in their ears. Jarabayn was not a place anyone wanted to venture to. A place the likes of Declan and Layana would never be allowed to enter if they wished to … Kayden stood up, “Jarabayn… why would she be there, the king would not have commanded it,” he said now pacing. “I don’t know… perhaps he would, he once threatened me that if I did not keep my powers under control, he would send me there as a priestess…” Layana said, Kayden frowned “Well lucky for us, as part of the Mage court I know the location,” “How long will it take?” Declan said coldly looking at the mage with contempt. The tension between them was not settling despite being together for so long “A week or so going and the same back, the last part of the journey is on foot. Lucky for us, I’m an earth mage,” he said, Declan nodded, “Then we will ride by night and day with only essential rest stops, we can’t afford to l
The following day Layana awoke at sunrise, to see Kayden starting a fire, he had caught some rabbits and was already working on skinning them, “I’ve bathed already if you two want to go,” he said quietly not looking at them, promising himself he would talk to Layana after breakfast. “Hm,” Declan said coldly, he sat up thinking after last night he needed a wash anyway, Layana felt the same, last night’s antics making her blush, “I’ll get my things…” she whispered giving Declan a tender kiss on the cheek. she hurried over to her bag taking out her own clothes before taking out a fresh pair of clothing for him as well. He came over to her taking the clothing from her as she picked up her toiletries, unlike the men who were ok with just rinsing off used to having spent time like this, for Layana she had happily taken the toiletries that Bella had given her. Remembering the woman, she pouted looking up at Declan as they made their way to the river. “I heard from a woman in a village o
Four nights had passed by, they had run into The Dark Lords’ riders once more and another odd beast, apart from that, the journey was mostly uneventful. Today they could no longer take the horses any further, the time had come to abandon them. Much to Declan’s frustration knowing that they may never see his horse again. “If we take them any further, they won’t have food to survive,” Aren said as Declan ran his fingers through Pedro’s mane, a cold frown on his face, the horse neighed rubbing itself against Declan. Layana watched them feeling her heartbreak, Pedro had been Declan’s steed for so long.“I’m sure we can find him again, I’ll use my abilities to locate him,” she said softly, placing a hand on Declan’s back, stroking the horse’s mane as well. “Hm,” he said trying to remain emotionless, but she knew it was hard for him. he looked at the horse hoping he’ll find him someday; he was the only family he had apart from Layana… ‘I’ll see you soon…’ he thought in his head “Go on big
Her vision blurred as she felt herself being pulled away, before her vision cleared and she was in open land, she could see the palace in the distance, it was different from how it was now, but it still held the same design, her heart skipped a beat as she realised she had come along time into the past, she had seen the palace like that in pictures… she now looked around the clearing was empty apart from 7 dragons of a much smaller size than the huge one she was facing back in the present, surrounding a tall well-built man. The man wore a crown upon his head, his brown hair fell halfway down his back. A grey cloak around his shoulders and a silver claspt upon it. He looked down at the very same dragon that Layana was up against, but it was a lot smaller, barely standing taller than the man himself. “I Alendor of Ehlesaar bind you Drakayaan to the kingdom of Ehlesaar till your death, with the power in my blood you will bow to me in return I offer you the freedom to live, ‘ahlaza ko ma
Declan’s hold on her shoulder was firm, not missing the way her chest rose and fell. Layana’s gaze was trained on the woman who now stepped into the open, wearing a flowing grey robe just like the others however something about the way she came of was regal. Her shoulder-length hair was almost white, and her eyes a shade of red. Her skin was paler than Layana’s but anyone could see the resemblance between the two womenHer face was emotionless as she looked at the dragon and then the three men before her eyes settled on Layana, her mask cracking as her pale face become even paler a hand went to her heart as she stared at the young princess before her, it felt as if time had stood still as the two women forgot about everyone else present.Layana looked at her mother, she never knew what she would feel when she came face to face with her… should she be angry with her? feel sad? Wish she could run over and hug her? she didn’t know, all she felt was as if she was looking at a goddess, too
Layla’s eyes widened in shock as she looked at her daughter, who was now blushing lightly Aladrella raised an eyebrow“Fatigue, nausea, achy body I presume then?” she said“Yes. I also haven't had my menstruation,” Layana said “How late,” Aladrella asked raising her bushy white brows.“a few weeks,” Layana said, Layla smiled before frowning this also meant Layana would need to be extra careful. “I will do a test to confirm…” Aladrella said, “I will need some blood…”She bustled around the room, taking a small, sterilised knife and made a small incision in Layana’s finger, and took a bit of blood in a vial. Making quick work she bandaged her finger over and took the blood away pouring it into a bowl, adding something or other into it. Whilst they waited Layla looked at her daughter,“I am happy for you; however, the timing is…” she said trailing off, Layana nodded“I know, so I don’t want Declan to know, not yet,” she said her eyes filled with worry,“Is that wise? He can take more ca
FIVE YEARS LATER…. “Aryan!” a woman's voice came, a child's laughter echoed in the halls of the palace. The boy who was not even five yet giggled as he hurried out through the open doors, past the guards who looked startled to see the young prince rushing through the halls. “Your majesty,” they said bowing to the young woman who was running after the prince. “The crown prince…” “Yes…” Layana said shaking her head, none of the guards could approach him without him zapping them with lightning. Like his father, he had inherited the bloodline of House Storm. “Aryan,” Layana said again her own eyes flashing as she stepped into the front courtyard, her pale pink dress billowing softly in the wind. The little boy froze from where he had been trying to escape, sensing his mother’s eyes on him. “I did not hear you calling me mother,” he said his large grey eyes looking innocent, an innocence Layana knew was not real, his dark brown hair fell in his eyes. “I am sure you didn’t,” Layana sai
A month had passed since then, winter had arrived and life in Ehlesaar was returning to normal. Layana and Declan had chosen their council together consisting of 20 men and a few women. A mix of nobles, mages and even a bloodline user, Layla. The palace had been rebuilt and the dragons were a common spectacle flying around above the palace. Layana had visited Halian and Rina’s families personally apologising for their loss and promising to take care of their families and always be there for them. Halian’s wife had not held her accountable and told her, he had died doing his duty. It still hurt remembering all those they had lost, but with time it was becoming easier to handle. Layana had made changes in certain laws and they had been approved by the council. She knew with the power she and Declan held, they were the strongest around and no one would defy them. But she wanted to rule with a fair reign, although perhaps in the future she knew their neighbours may begin to feel unrest w
“We wish for Her royal majesty Layana of Ehlesaar to be our Queen but with a condition,” Gabriel said with a small smile on his face, it was a rare sight and Layana almost stared in shock, yet the weight of his words kept her serious and focused. “What is the condition?” she asked, Declan frowned he didn’t really agree with her letting the people decide on whether she should be queen or not. Yet he knew how the people loved her and knew she would be chosen. “The condition is for our supreme commander to rule by your side as King,” Elian said smiling at his student. Declan raised an eyebrow despite feeling shocked at that. He kept it hidden, did they really want him to be king? Layana smiled, “That would be a given,” she said looking up at Declan, feeling proud, from being a man who was hated and looked down on, he was being chosen as king, not even settling for prince consort. “Then, to our new king and queen!” Gabriel said, everyone, stood and bowed to the couple “Long live her m
Five days had passed and most bodies were accounted for, however, those who had fought for The Dark Lord had not been identified within the charred bodies of Orcs, Dagorath’s and other beasts of darkness. Therefore many families had been told their loved one was unaccounted for, although they sided The Dark Lord, it was partially by the influence of darkness more than their own will that only bought the evillest part of a human to their forefront. Funerals had taken place and three days of mourning had taken place for the kingdom to honour their fallen soldiers and knights. To remember those innocent victims of a war that had riddled the kingdom. Today was the day Layana would address the high-rank nobles and after this, if all the powerhouses of the kingdom approved of her rule, she would take up the role. The sun shone through the windows of Layana’s bedroom and her eyes fluttered open when the light hit her eyes. She smiled softly at the rays of coloured light that sent pretty pat
From far behind them, Kayden’s eyes widened in shock as he watched them fearing what may come upon them. Layana rushed to Declan, his eyes were closed a deep frown on his forehead. “Fight it!” she said cupping his face, her hands were shaking from fear, not even wanting to think about what could happen, the darkness grew, its putrid stench of evil and death filled the air, weighing down and cutting off the very air one needed to breathe. Layana staggered back as she heard the manic laugh of The Dark Lord. Layana stood up she needed to reach him! This couldn't be it; this was not the end- she refused to believe it! She fought against the blasts of power that were rolling off Declan as The Dark Lord tried to take over, she had seen something similar happen to Declan’s father in the vision. But he had allowed it, to sacrifice himself for his kingdom, but Declan would fight for the kingdom, for her and for their baby. She shielded her face as she pushed forward using a shield around he
The Dark Lord looked at them coldly “I have lived far longer than any of you, what do you think? That you can defeat me, you are simply exactly where I wanted.” He hissed. “Think what you want but you will die by my hand,” Layana said softly her eyes blazing as she readied to fight, Declan raised his hand “Layana… let me handle him until he’s within an inch of his life,” he said coldly, Layana frowned sensing the anger that was radiating off him, something had happened… “Declan…” “I can handle the scumbag,” Declan said his eyes crackling as he raised his hand drawing his sword that now sizzled with electricity. He rushed forward not even waiting for Layana as he struck out at The Dark Lord, “Come, let the anger take over, how did his death feel?” he hissed, Layana wondered who he meant as Declan rushed forth, running with ease despite the rubble of the destroyed palace littering the ground. “Don’t you dare even talk about him!” Declan shouted coldly, sending a bolt of lightning
“Let’s do this Dragina,” Layana said softly stroking the scales of her dragon’s neck. She saw Myra raise her arms - the darkness spreading like smoke from her, bolts of pure darkness were shot at Layana who blasted them all aside as the sky illuminated with her dazzling power. Layla looked up at the sky seeing Layana facing off against The Dark Lord himself, where were the others who were needed for this plan? The plan was to isolate and trap him. She just hoped everything went smoothly as she used her own power killing orc after orc. Suddenly the darkness seemed to grow, the ground erupted beneath them and she tumbled back, their army looked ahead seeing the riders of The Dark Lord now coming to the forefront as the strong darkness that rolled off them only grew. Beasts of all shapes and sizes jumped out from the cracked earth attacking anything in their wake… Declan motioned for them to fall back, letting the mages and bloodline users now step to the forefront. Magic and power were
“When will my coronation take place,” Cordelia asked Myra who was standing on the highest balcony at the front of the palace seeming to be looking far off into the distance. Cordelia had felt her anger over the last two days, ever since Aurelia and the Fire Mage had escaped. It was a move they hadn't anticipated, but the fire mage turned out to be smarter than they had predicted. The Dark Lord now wished he had killed the man when he had the chance. “In time, they are coming.” Myra said quietly “How do you know that? you said I will be queen, I demand to sit on my throne,” Cordelia said. Myra turned her eyes flashing dangerously, Cordelia felt her blood run cold seeing the red glowing embers that now looked back at her from Myra’s beautiful face. “I know a lot, daughter of Ehlesaar… if you ever wish to see that throne, I would be very careful with how I speak,” she hissed the darkness emanating around her. Cordelia’s heart thumped, so this was the truth… The Dark Lord was within Myr
They had set out early the following day, moving faster, Kaloran had called to the animals around and they had been able to retrieve some horses. Although Layana knew Declan had hoped to find Pedro so far it seemed that it was a futile wish, they were long past the point they had left him. However not once did Declan mention it. He now rode upon Drakayaan, a dragon that refused to let anyone else take control of him apart from Layana and Declan. Something that had made Aren pout like a child, Layla and Marilda rode behind her on Dragina. “Slow down…” Declan called motioning to Layana, they had been flying for a while, slightly ahead of the rest scouting out the area.“I sense it too,” Layla said, the smell of smoke, burning flesh and the putrid smell of something rotten. It took Layana a second longer to catch the smell that made her stomach churn. She looked at Declan who motioned her for to say up in the air, whilst he went lower his eyes scanning the ground spread below them. He f