Hessins Daughter
Chapter Nine

Another roar shook the air as the mighty dragon swooped down to the ground, the swarming creatures screaming in terror as they fled the might of their master. “No!” Jae’lyn called out “My friend is down there! Please!!” She cried as the dragon started to fly in another circle scaring away the beasts that had attacked them. She couldn’t see cyrus anywhere, the others had pressed themselves up against the ledge, terrified at what they saw. What were they supposed to do? Run? Hide? Stay still? Was this dragon friend or foe? They were all there....except Cyrus.

A deep, rumbling groan sounded from the monstrous beast, it’s talons tightening ever so slightly as it hovered down to land upon the snowy ground, right atop the frozen lake. With surprising care the dragon set Jaelyn down on the snow where she floundered for a moment to find her feet and rush to the mound she had seen Cyrus vanish under.

“Cyrus!! Cyrus!! Where are you!?” Jae’lyn cried as she started to dig with hands, pulling chunks of ice away until at last her hands found another, cold and bare, the leather ripped from the fighting. “Cyrus!” she gasped, grabbing the hand and pulling to free him from the mound, his body slipping free limply as he slid down near her knees where she desperatly searched him. His own sword was impelled in his side and chunks where the creatures had bit him were weeping clotted and frozen blood. “No! no no...Cyrus!” she continued to weep as she bent down to lay her ear against his chest, searching for a heartbeat.

A painful and ragged cough caught her by surprise and desperate hands clung onto his fur “Cyrus! Cyrus, Cyrus can you hear me?”

“Heh...” he answered in a painful laugh “Clear as the silver bells...Jade.”

“Oh Cyrus!” Jae’lyn whined as she laid herself across him, hugging him closely as he rose a hand to brush her hair.

“Hey...” he whispered “Hey....shh...It will be alright now.” he assured as his fingers curled around ebon strands to gently pull her up to look at him, his cold hand moving to cup her cheek and wipe away tears “There...see?” he smiled at her “Like stars on a brilliant night sky...” he continued to whisper weakly, pulling her closer as their lips met in a final kiss.

“Cyrus?” She whispered after a moment, his hand had fallen limp to the side and his eyes closed a smile upon the lips she had just kissed “No...Oh no..Cyrus no!!” Her cries wailed out as she shook him and beat on his chest to try and get him to wake. He would not wake and her tears quickly formed to beads of ice upon her cold cheeks.

Lost in her grief she did not notice Jaer come to her side to grieve with her, Cyrus had been the one to find the cub and gift him to Jae’lyn. Nor did she notice the three wolves approach the Dragon who bowed his massive head to hear their report. Phe’drah and her vixens had thrown themselves to the ground in awe and reverence of a god in their presence. While the others stared on with their confused emotions. Bao’vein was the first to break rank and join Jae’lyn, standing over her as a supportive guardian while she weeped while Rohir and Kisa hovered nearby, her brothers head bowed in shame for his doubt of the man that risked his life to save his sister.

It wasn’t until night had fallen and the stars dotted the sky that a deep and thunderous voice rolled out into the hearts of all around “We cannot stay here. Even the might of a dragon cannot keep chill of nights frost from claiming more lives this day. Come...And I will lead you to rest.”

For most they moved with a weary numbness. Many didn’t know what to make of their situation or what to believe first. That they were standing in front of a Dragon...or that the Dragon spoke. Still, as if an enchantment had come over them, weary feet, shuffled through snow to follow the pounding steps of their new guide towards the furthest mountain. Mount Moorah.

Bao’vein had ended up carrying Jae’lyn, his strong arms holding her tight while Rohir, Kol, and two other members of the party carried Cyrus’s broken body with them. They would give him a proper burial and pay their respects. For Jae’lyn she heard the old Shamens words whisper ‘..Pay the toll...’ she never would have imagined the toll would be so large and apart of her had died with him that day.

The lair of the dragon was...surprising. Snow and ice began to melt the further down they went, his large wings folding as they continued on through the mountain. Cold was replaced with hot heat and brown stones and earth was found once again. No more snow to trudge through as some shed their thick furs in favor of the natural warmth around them. Pits of bubbling fire were dotted throughout the large chambers as they walked along a ramp, whisps of vuage shapes would dance along the firey pits before suddenly vanishing when they entered. “Not far now.” the deep, rumbling voice of the dragon assured as he lead them through yet another tunnel. “You will rest here. Eat. Heal. When all is complete we shall talk.” the dragon continued as they entered another chamber. This time they found even more surprises. Long tables with golds and riches lay about, riches that laid in mounds and piles and upon one such table, fresh food!

To weary and hungry to question their fate, the team rushed to fill their bellies. Cyrus was laid upon one of the empty tables before left in favor of his porters rest. All except Jae’lyn who stayed by his bodies side, the grief still heavy upon her covered face, hidden in the hood of her fox furred robe. “Grieve my child. For a full day and full night no one shall disturb you.” the Dragon said to Jae’lyn before moving to the farthest of the champers to watch his guests eat and be merry.

The burial ceremony was simple, respectful, and truely heart felt. Cyrus had won the favor of many in the party, even a couple of the Vixens, Phe’drah included had shown up to pay their respects buried under earth and riches which seemed to be all over in this tavern. Fitting...Jae’lyn thought...buried beneath the mountain...

Little by little those who paid their respect went back to the wealthy chamber, small cave like rooms were provided as private places to sleep, there were even mats of furs and beds to sleep comfortably. Much to Kisa’s delight she had even found a hot springs!! Rohir though stayed behind, standing behind his sister for some time as he wrestled with the right words to say. “I am sorry...Lyn...” he had said but she didn’t respond, a silent, dark statue. A stark contrast to what he remembered of his sister back in the day when they were just kids. She was always so happy, playful and taking him on adventures, teaching him new things....now...well. I scared him. And eventually the awkwardness of it all had him leaving her to her grief alone, seeking out Kisa’s comfort and advice.

Long into the night she continued her vigil. Unwilling to let him go, it was still to hard to believe that he was gone. “Still awake, my child.” The rumbling, deep voice of the dragon spoke as the gigantic beast join her side, a wing stretching out to shelter her even though no rain or snow fell under the mountains.

“Why?” Jae’lyn managed to whisper after some efforts to form the word.

“Why did I summon you, my child?” The dragon asked “Why here? Why did he have to die?” A thunderous groan sounded as the mighty dragon lowered himself slowly down onto his belly, the groan sounded deep and painful “Ah child....would that any of the answer were easy. I truly am sorry for your loss, yours most of all. My kind are indeed mighty. Old and more ancient than many of the stones that stand today....but we are as mortal as you are...daughter. Like you we are born into the world with a purpose...we live through both the stages of joy and despair....and when we have endured until our very, last, breath....we join the creator and the stars above.”

Slowly the massive head of the Dragon moved forward to lay next to the human girl “We cannot dictate the lives of others, however. The Kobolds are an old and ancient race, as old as dragons some would say, hidden far beneath the cold wastelands chipping away at stone to create massive underground tunnels and structures. Feral in mind and heart, they work as one mind, and like all creatures they kill to eat. They never come to the surface, never peer into the sun’s might rays...but a more powerful source has tipped the balance, all rise to seek out your same question.” The dragon hummed and rumbled “Why...”

“You know the answer...” Jae’lyn whispered.

“Yes...Yes I know...” The Dragon answered and looked to the grave of her companion and soul mate.

“There is another dragon. Young and precious to me.” He informed “She is to take over my rein when I go to join the stars...unfortunately however Aneriah is still very young and has much to learn before she is ready...and i grow old and weary...Painful it is to walk, breathe, it won’t be much longer now...” The story had pulled Jae’lyn out of her weary, grief stricken daze, her eyes shifting to look at the dragon more clearly than she had since they arrived. He truly was massive, but when one listened, they could hear the wheezing stress of air in ancient lungs and cracking groan of an old body holding together by will of the strong “Anger has filled her heart, rage and despair.” he continued to explain “You perhaps can most relate to the loss of a lover. Far east of the lands you call home a terrible disturbance shook the lands and awakened one of my subjects. A young dragon, much like Aneriah...and due to his temper and superior power...he met his end by your blades of steel, fire and stone.”

Jae’lyns eyes suddenly grew wide in understanding. She knew of the event he spoke of even though she was not there. It had been a few years back, she was still wife of the demon king when Rosythes mountain had exploded in fire and shook all of Re’vain in terrible earthly tremors. She later learned that the earth tremors had awaken a dragon. And in it’s tired rage it attacked South Port, sharkhead, and the neighboring vassels. In order to save their homes and family they rose up against the dragon and slayed the beast. Ash La Seine, delivering the final blow as the new Golden Dragon of the Southern Dragon Lords.

To them that was a victorious day. They had slain a legend, and saved their homes....but no one had ever planned or even imagined the consequences....

“He was Aneriah’s mate....” Jae’lyn summarized.

“Killgar was always reckless, a fool of a dragon, he and his brothers took enjoyment in tormenting the humans of the southern coasts and one by one they were destroyed as humans grew wiser.” Again Jae’lyn could hear the painful rumble in the beasts breathing and motions and her heart sunk. For many the Dragons were gods, they were the creators of this world, the deities of worship, trust, love and now she stood side by side with one that was dying... “Aneriah in her youth saw Killgar as strong, powerful. He was the leader of his brothers...and the last to survive the war. When the great rest took the dragons to their lairs...I convinced Aneriah to join me. Killgar however refused, keen on finding another time when he could exact his vengeance on the human race for killing his brothers. Even though they deserved their fates. Aneriah still loved him.”

Bowing her head Jae’lyn looked back to the grave of her own love and sacrifice. So it was a broken heart that caused all of this. The early winter, the awakened undead, the strange behaviors of creatures...The balanced was tipped because of the selfless act of grief, and here she stood...falling in that same pit of despair. Cyrus wouldn’t want her to grieve, to become so lost to her darkness that it destroyed everything she ever loved. Her friends, her family...her brother...”What must I do?”

“First you need to get your rest. Heal yourself of those injuries...The Kobolds have taken the life of your companion....do not allow them to take you as well.” The Dragon let loose a long, low grumbling, painful growl as he pushed himself back up onto claws “Bathe in my waters, partake of my food, and rest. When you are healed together, I will be indebted to you.”

Jae’lyn remained behind, slowly she knelt and took a handful of dirt from atop the grave. She wept once more, leaning against the mound and grieved. A few hours after she would return and do as requested. She bathed in the hot springs which she quickly learned were the waters of Hessin...healing. The hot water bubbling and boiling at each each cut, scrape and bite leaving nothing there but a scar of the past. The food was also healing, giving her vitality and energy lost from the blasted cold and small meals of rations. And sleep...there was no magic there...Just blissful sleep.

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“No! It’s too dangerous, Lyn! You cannot go alone.” Rhoir protested the next morning. Lyn stood at the head of the table while the dragon was further behind, watching the humans.

The Dragon Hessin was a mighty dragon. According Rohir he was twice as big as the dragon that tormented the coast. His scales and body were a pure white, old, tired eyes blue as the sea. “And it is more dangerous for you. Rohir. This is not your battle.” Jae’lyn frowned and glanced away “I can’t lose you too.” sighing softly she continued “Dragons are magical creatures. Only Magic can do good here. I can take only one with me. The rest of you will stay here. With the mighty Hessin and plan our journey back home.”

“And who are you taking with?” Rohir asked.

“Bao’vein will be joining me halfway.” Jae’lyn answered her brother “Hessin informs me that there is an Ice bridge where Bao’vein will wait whilst I go meet his daughter inside her lair. With luck, there wont be need for worry...Mighty Hessin has been gracious to us, and has promised my safety.”

Rohir didn’t answer, grumbling in frustration but not fighting further on his sisters request. He didn’t like this either way. But there were other ways to get what he wanted...in this case, to ensure his sisters safety. It was Kol to answer “We will be ready to head home when you return.” he promised with serious conviction. He was one of the members that had liked cyrus, cyrus had taught him new things and had been kind to him.

“Thank you Kol.” Jae’lyn nodded to the Tsukimatsu boy before tapping her fingers against the table's surface. “I’ll be back shortly.” It was a promise she wasn’t sure she could make.

Turning to the dragon who slowly lowered his massive head into a bow before leading the way out one of the many weaving tunnels of Mount Moorah. Bao’vein followed, moving to Jae’lyns side. In all of this he had kept his vigil, he feared her back lash concidering his attempts to court her whilst she loved another..and he die. It did not feel right to take his place just yet....she needed to grieve and decide on her own what she would do from here.

“I still don’t understand how I can help.” Jae’lyn spoke after some time of walking. “What if she becomes angry with me? I do not have my staff to protect me now, it was lost in the...” she frowned at the terrible memory.

“I am sorry for your loss. I understand the importance of such a focus and it is never easy to lose one in a foregn land.” The Dragon spoke of the staff. For all mystics and magic users they required a medium, a staff or wand to focus their power, without it, their technique would become scattered “My commander has retrieved something for your use that will help you.”

Ahead of them Jae’lyn could see the three wolves that had helped them before as well as “Jaer!” She called out and ran ahead to meet with her Panther, the large beast jumping on her and both tumbling down on the snow where she tried to fend the excited feline off of her “Oh Jaer!” she said as she wrapped her arms around the large cat in a loving hug. Near the tunnel the Dragons deep voice rumbled in laughter “My commander tells me the two of you are quite close. Come, the both of you shall be dressed to meet my daughter.”

Sitting between the wolves was a large crate full of white, silver and white gold articles. Soft, white robes made of mink warmed the hands and cheek that caressed the gentle fur. The furred dress she donned (shedding her old, tattered and worn leathers) was equally beautiful. Also of mink furrs the gown rested snugly upon her shoulders and chest, tightly pulled together to frame her torso and accent the natural curves of her body. Silver and white gold acted as ornamental armor upon her waist and shoulders.

Next to her, Jaer her panther sat and yawned as Jae’lyn helped to dawn the silver and white gold armor about his own strong, feline frame. The armor matched her own and was lined with furs to help him keep warm in this cold environment.

“And this..” The mighty dragon Hessin rumbled as he looked to a long staff leaning against the wall. It was the purest of white that twisted and knotted at the top, a milky white stone set into the wooden staff. “This was once mine, a very...long...time ago.” The Dragon informed “And now it is yours. As is the clothes and armor you now wear. Use it wisely.”

Jae’lyn nodded numbly as she carefully took the staff and rolled it slowly in hands, it was a thing of beauty. But to Bao’vein who had watched the disrobing and changing of outfits from the shadows...in his opinion, she was the most rare and exquisite beauty here.

“You ready?” Jae’lyns voice spoke past his stunned and awed silence, forcing him to blink and look at her more directly, or rather her at her stunning gaze.

“Err...Yes.” He answered before clearing his throat and nodding “Yes. I will follow you to the Ice Bridge.” he bowed respectfully.

Nodding Jae’lyn placed a hand on Jaer’s head between his ears and together they followed the Dragon out into the snowy wastelands of the Wilds. It didn’t take long to find the bridge, in fact it was so large it had both Bao’vein and Jae’lyn gasping in awe at the snow and ice archway stretching between two towering mountains.

As promised Bao’vein stayed under the large bridge with the mighty Dragon Hessin. His black raven armor a stark contrast against the pristine white snow, his hands folded over the hilt of his might war blade, tip buried in the ice and ready to rush to her aide should he feel it necessary.

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The Lair of Aneriah was a tall tower of ice, in looked in alot of ways as if it were once a tower made of stone and then covered by ice and snow. Also as a surprise to Jae’lyn, fur trees peeked out of the snow in a large forest stretching for many many miles. Even from here she could tell the forest was teeming with wildlife. A nice change after the barren wastes of snow all these days of harsh traveling.

It was eerie however, walking towards this large lair of the dragon Aneriah...alone. The forest itself was teeming with magic, it felt as if it’s very source was tickling her nose whilst unfamiliar and strange creature skurried about just out of sight. White owls fluttered overhead, flying from branch to branch watching the stranger in white and her loyal panther curiously and every so often she thought she had seen someone ducking behind a tree, or darting behind a bush but she couldn’t get a close enough look to be sure.

Two curious white foxes had come out of their dens to leap and bound playfully around them. Their large, fluffy white tails brushing the snow that sparkled under feet. Deers, wolves, minks and even a White Bear with her two cubs all followed at their own comfortable distance until Jae’lyn found herself on the steps of the Tower she was walking towards.

Boots echoed with each step into the tower, the ice chipped and carved into the many shapes of snowflakes, frozen in exquisite form for eternity. “Hello?” Jae’lyn called out to the empty tower, her voice bouncing off the walls.

No answer came save the echoing of running feet. Jae’lyn frowned as she looked around. It was empty, no statues, no finery or riches, just a cold, ice covered tower... “Aneriah?” Jae’lyn called again “Hello...?”

“Who are you?” A small and timid voice asked, drawing Jae’lyns gaze to the top of winding steps. Just vaguely behind a pillar of the steps railing the young, Ruce, Mystic could make out a set of blue eyes behind a curtain of white hair.

“My name is Jae’lyn Ruce...Your...father asked me to meet with you and...” Suddenly her introduction was interrupted a roaring howl as the girl above shouted

“GO AWAY!!” The tower, walls, floors, ceilings and even steps shook with the force of the anger behind the words and the blue eyes up top, vanished.

Jae’lyn had crouched, unsure if the building was going to crash down atop of her and when all was settled from the outburst she called up “Aneriah....please, I just want to talk. Your father told me what happened...I want to help. Im a friend.”

“I don’t want your help, Daughter of Ruce!” The girl shouted “You helped kill him!”

“No.” Jae’lyn answered as she moved towards the steps to try and climb them up to her “No I wasn’t there when he died. I was prisoner to a demon king...Forced to be his wife, bare his children...I didn’t know of Killgar until much later when i was freed to go home.”

Blue eyes appeared again, just around a pillar up top, they blinked once as if trying to adjust to light or bat away tears “You...didn’t...Kill him?” The voice became timid again, soft and sounding very lost.

“No. I didn’t. I am a friend.” Jae’lyn smiled, climbing a few more steps slowly “I know what its like...Losing someone you love. Im sure you hurt...your heart is broke...” She tried to console, her steps were careful and shifting with each progress up but she quickly discovered her words were poorly chosen

“WRONG!!” The girl roared again, forcing Jae’lyn to grab onto the rails and cling on as the tower shook “You do not know how I feel!! You can never know!! You humans are wreckless!! Heartless!! Murderers! You all Killed my Killgar! Go. Away!”

“No!” Jae’lyn answered back “I will not go away! You are angry, upset! And you need a friend! Do you realize what it is your anger and hatred is doing? The storms are out of control! The Creatures are going crazy, attacking needlessly! The dead have awakened!”

“I don’t care!” The girl howled back “Bury in the ice and join the dead!! Go. Away!”

“You would dishonor your father and his legacy!?” Jae’lyn howled back “I lost my own mate because of you! He died outside your very doors because of your selfishness! I will not go away! I will make this nightmare and hurt stop, one way or another....But I would rather we be friends, not foe!”

“Your kind can never be my friend!” Suddenly Jae’lyn felt a violent shift in energy, a sharp crack and crumble above her that rapidly grew closer. Jae’lyns eyes grew wide and she cried out as everything around her became a slicker kind of ice, causing her to to slip and with another cry slide right back down to the bottom of the stairs.

At the bottom of the steps once again Jae’lyn struggled back up onto her feet and growled “You are a selfish and terrible dragon! You will never be like your father!”

“What do you know!? Dragon Slayer!” The voice roared again and another crack sounded, up above, high up large Icicles had snapped and fell towards her, their deadly points glinting for a place to land. Eye widening Jae’lyn was forced to think fast, her staff stabbing into the ground to her side and with a roaring cry of her own she flung the end of the staff up and arched around, a spray of sea water erupted up through the ice and arched above her, freezing just in time to catch the falling spears and shatter them upon the shield while Jae’lyn coward under it, hopeful that it had worked and not daring to move right away. She had always felt it, even in her grief she had felt the sea waters surging under her. The peaks were islands and the valleys and fields were ice and snow, interconnecting the islands into one, large piece of land. Where the ice to melt, there would seawater where she stood and it gave her a source of power. Amazed that the sheild had worked far better then she expected she looked at the staff in her hand. A gift of Hessins.... it was a strong, magical item that much was certian.

“And what about you!?” Jae’lyn shouted once she dared to step out of the frozen arch of water “Shall I call you a Human Killer!? What about your Mate!? He killed hundreds of my people!! For what!? We had done nothing to him! Nothing! And yet he swooped down on our homes, burned our crops! Stole our livestock! Ships sunk and fathers, brothers, cousins! They all died because of the mate you grieve for! I should be here to slay you and your father! Be done with your savage, selfish ways!.”

“Lies!!” This time the girl stood from her hiding spot. It surprised Jae’lyn. Firstly it was a human not a dragon...or a dragon in human form. And she looked to be no more than twelve years of age. “You speak horrible Lies!” The girl continued to shout as she stepped on the icy ramp of the stairs. She did not slip down however, the ice shifting under her feet to create solid foot holds to keep her well balanced. “All Dragons made a binding contract before the great rest. No Dragon, Killgar included, would ever attack the humans again!”

Before Jae’lyn could respond the girls hand swept out and in it’s directed path the ice suddenly jutted out into sharp spikes, rapidly charging towards Jae’lyn. Gasping at the aggressive and dangerous attack Jae’lyn rose her staff and muttered a few words before plunging her staff down into the ice right before the jagged spikes reached her. A shower of sea water shot up and sprayed out before freezing from the cold around them and blocking the attack. “In your time of rest you have become blinded and ignorant of the world Aneriah. Did you honestly think oaths can’t be broken? A mountain erupted in Rosythe of Ra’vain. It shook all of Ra’vain including the coast. It woke your precious Killgar and in his anger swooped down on the coast and killed many of my people before they were able to stop him.”

Again the girl roared out angrily her hand pushing out towards Jae’lyn, a strong blizzard wind forced the Ruce Mystic’s feet to slide back towards the door as she crossed arms in front of her face to protect herself from the beating snow, ice and wind. Jaer, who had joined her on this mission had slunk away into the shadows, seeking out a vantage point where he could help subdue the dragon girl, his tail swaying back and forth and shoulders rocking side to side, with one mighty leap the panther shot out of the shadows and landed on top of Aneriah. Again the dragon roared out angrily as both cat and girl fell to the ice ground. ‘Crack!’ Everyone froze, the chaos of the battle had caused the icy ground to weaken and like a spiders web thousands of little cracks branched out from where Aneriah and Jaer lay.

“Jaer! Don’t. Move...” Jae’lyn called from where she stood near the door, her hands held out cautiously as she watched the cracks and breaks. “Don’t worry...I’ll get you both out of there....Just....Don’t move.”

Aneriah however was too angry and too proud to allow herself to be rescued by some human. “Get away! I don’t need your help!” She howled but before she could finish the ground all but crumbled under her commanding and roaring voice.

“No!” Jae’lyn cried out as she threw herself forward to reach for Aneriah’s hand, Finger tips missed by meer inches before they fell. Jaer had just enough time to leap to the door frame, hanging from the edge before clawing himself up onto all four paws and looking down. All he saw was a black pit where floor used to be. Turning, Jaer quickly went to get help.

The fall was long, dark and cold Ice junks fell with her along with the gentle kiss of flakes and snow. Her eyes closed and tears beaded at eyes, she remembered another fall, one where Cyrus, her love and long time friend had died. Perhaps that was for the better, at least she would be with him. A cold, liquid splashed and surrounded her, the sea sang sharply in her ears, the sirens call pulling her further down, above her a bright, white flash of light exploded before vanishing in the inky darkness of the depths. Air was stolen from her lungs although she did not notice. Water bubbled and roared in her ears but to her it was the familiar, sweet song of the sea. Further and further she sunk, her consciousness fading in and out. She remembered her family, her mother, father, her brothers and sister...all were waiting for her, waiting for her to return. She saw their sad, grieving faces, her mother and sister weeping, her father in a rage for revenge, her brothers sneaking out to hunt down all dragons....Her mouth opened in a silent cry but already it was to late! Her muscles were stiff and heavy, her lungs filled with seawater and the images of the future...vanished in a flash of white scales and clenching claws trapping her body into surrender.

A ray of bright sunlight peeked in to warm to chill, dark silver flecked eyes blinking at the annoyance that had woken her up from a terrible nightmare. Groaning she rolled onto her side and pulled a soft, silken pillow over her head - suddenly she shot up and gasped, looking around with shock and surprise! The memories flooded in and she remembered that she had been drowning in Mother Sea’s embrace!

The room was circular and very large, the bed was equally large, soft and comfortable. Mixed furs and silks surrounding her and keeping her warm. Riches were strewn all over the room, golds, silver, plates of armor and exquisite gowns. It was richer than any princess’s chamber or even a kings and there against the bedpost was her staff and the white clothes Hessin the Dragon had gifted to her. Now dry and gleaming a pristine white as if it had never been soiled with travel or drenched in sea water. Looking down at herself she realized that she was now dressed in a silken night gown. Looking to her side she noticed that she wasn’t alone. Bao’vein was there, sleeping soundly still fully clothed in his armor, by the awkward position of him being at the edge of the bed, knees knelt on the floor she guessed he had stayed up keeping her protected before sleep overcame him. She admired him for that.

Standing carefully so as not to disturb him she wrapped her gown carefully around her and went to the window. She gave a slight gasp. They were high up! Up at the very top of the ice tower. Just leaning forward slightly she could tell a stray, low cloud hugged the edges and the winter forest below was hardly more than a white blanket. A distant sound pulled her eyes from the blanketed ground up to the sky. There she saw a beautiful sight. A large, white snake weaving and twisting about in the clouds, its body was different from Hessins, there were no wings and the white scales seemed to glint and shimmer brilliantly in the sun instead of the sick, chalky color of the father. Smiling Jae’lyn leaned against the window frame and watched as the young dragon danced about in the heavens before turning it’s head towards the tower. It took a moment for Jae’lyn to realize she was heading towards her and quickly she backed away, watching as the dragon swept past the window and wrapped around the tower. By the sounds of scraping and movement outside she could tell the dragon hand landed on the tower. Carefully, curiously, she moved forward inch by inch, leaning towards the window to try and catch and peeking look outside once more. Before she got there however Aneriah appeared in the window seal. She wore a long, scaly looking dress, white as the gleaming snow. In appearance she still looked no older than twelve years of age

“How?” Jae’lyn asked with wide eyes, she could have sworn she saw the dragon and heard her land upon the tower.

Aneriah giggled at Jae’lyns confusion and motioned towards the window “Ramp.” she answered, “It wraps around the tower, halfway down. It’s the only way to get up here.”

“But...you were...?” Jae’lyn stammered as she saw the ramp weaving its way down the tower, it was just wide enough for a large creature to land and stand perched without hinderance

“A dragon?” Aneriah supplied “Well duh. What did you expect me to be? Didn’t father tell you? Dragons are able to shift, take the forms of a human. Its how we interact with you...see how you do things...try to understand your strange ways..”

Jae’lyn blinked. She knew that...she knew the stories of South Port and Old North, how the first Lord La Seine was a Dragon, how all the La Seines had a bit of his blood in them...It all made more sense now but no less surprising.

“So....you didn’t kill me?” Jae’lyn decided to ask, changing the subject of confusion.

Aneriah frowned and shrugged, entering the chamber more and pulling a robe down from a peg to drape over her shoulders “I never wanted you to die. Just to go away, but it’s clear you are not going to do that.”

Jae’lyn folded her arms and shrugged “Call me stubborn.”

“Your stubborn.” Aneriah responded with a smirk “It was your friend that saved you though. It...takes time to shift and change forms, I wasn’t able to do so before you hit water. Thats when he swooped down, dived in and pulled you from the depths. We all flew out together and brought you here to my chambers. You have been asleep for a full day so...I’ve been talking with father.”

“How is he?” Jae’lyn frowned and blinked “Wait...what do you mean ‘We all flew out together?’ you mean you carried us out of the sea and tower?”

Aneriah laughed and turned to look at her “Truely? He didn’t tell you? You know you really aught to have a better idea of the people you travel and entrust your life with. It’s no wonder you were captured by some demon and forced to serve a cult. You trust to easily.”

Jae’lyn folded her arms “Well now we know my faults what about you? Weeping about, raising the dead, turning creatures mad. Lets just say we all have our weakness. What of it? He’s the Lord prince of Ravengaurd. Heir of the Ravengaurd lands and one of the few, pure silver mines.”

“Don’t you know anything about the Raven Lords?” Aneriah asked “Long ago all the woodland creatures met together for a grand council in the circle of giant, standing stones. They decided that they needed to select a leader for each family. The horses wanted to be majestic, beautiful and to have a horn of great magic. Their leaders became known as the Unicorns and were the treasure of the forest. The Snakes wanted to be bigger and to not have to slither under leaves upon the ground. They wanted to fly and change their skins to walk amongst the humans. And so dragons were born. But the Raven were jealous, they didn’t like the snakes taking over their sky so they asked to be dragons as well, so that they too could walk among humans and defend their homes among the clouds against the snakes seeking to take it from them. All of the creature made their wish and one of each family received their gifts. So you see? The Ravengaurd Lord has been of the Raven bloodline since the beginning and your friend is it’s heir”

“I-I don’t understand. Are you telling Hes a-” Jae’lyn stammered

“Dragon?” A deep, rumbling voice finished her question for her. Bao’vein was awake, standing next to the bed like a faithful Sworn Sword would when attending his charge inside her chambers. “Yes. That is one way to call us.” he answered with a simple nod “We prefer Ravengaurd however. The guardians of the ravens and their well kept secrets.”

“Why didn’t you tell me!?” Jae’lyn barked out suddenly overwhelmed by the news “How many dragons are there!? I thought you were all extinct, sleeping, the great rest!? How can you be here? You have been with us since your birth, the realm witness your conception! Its in all the texts and documents of your history. Not once is ‘dragons’ ever mentioned!”

“Well its not something we would go about flaunting to everyone. My Lady.” Bao’vein chuckled “We have many secrets. As does every noble house...nor did my family ever join in a ‘Great Rest’ We never caused such unrest as the snakes and lizards had. Their blood thirsty cravings drove them towards power, wealth, hoarding gold and jewels and flaunting that which they called power. Those of Ravengaurd were reserved, preferring our privacy and shadows, learning about the secrets of the world and the houses within. We are very different from ‘dragons’”

“How? I mean, my mother knows your father...is he a dragon?” Jae’lyn asked “And your grandfather...he is dead isn’t he? I thought dragons live for eternity.”

It as Aneriah to answer that one “Eternity is a myth of the humans. Dragons die like anyother living creature. We just have a much, much longer lifespan.”

Bao’vein nodded “Except those of Ravengaurd. Our lifespan is equal to humans, some of us have lived longer but it is rare.”

“And how is it that no one has found you out? Just because your house is one of the spy masters dosn’t mean you are safe from other spies. Surely the kings spies have figured it out.” Jae’lyn retorted as if finding the catch in a lie.

Bao’vein however merely shrugged “In truth the Ravengaurd prefer their human form. We are even born human, and sprout our wings as we age, but by then our parents have taught how to control these desires and hide them. Its a special gift, one that shouldn’t be flaunted.”

Aneriah rolled her eyes “Its blasphemy really. Why would anyone want to appear weaker.”

“That is where we differ, My Lady Aneriah, daughter of Hessin the mighty.” Bao’vein bowed “We feel that, by being accepted as apart of the strongest and largest race upon these lands, we are in fact stronger because we are accepted and not killing eachother off in needless combat..”

Aneriah frowned but didn’t answer as she went to get changed into something more suitable than the long, silvery white gown. Bao’vein sighed and looked to Jae’lyn who had a hand to forehead as she tried to process all the information she was receiving “My Lady....please. I never once meant to deceive you. I...When my father set up the courtship I thought it was a terrible idea. And then I saw you....I knew I wanted to be with you, but I wanted you to be with me not because of what I am...But who I am. When i heard of your story, I didn’t want you to think I was some cruel warlord trying to take you away.”

Jae’lyn continued to frown and brought her hand from her forehead to fold in front of her once more. She truely didn’t know what to say. In a different sittuation this might have been some very impressive news and flattering request. But right now...when she had a mission to complete, far away from home on the far end of the Wilds? Cyrus’s loss still so very fresh on the mind, spirit and heart. “I just....Need some time...”

“I know.” Bao’vein nodded “And you shall have it. But after what happened, you deserved to know.”

“Thank you Bao...” Jae’lyn nodded. Now the question was...

“I suppose you want to know what I will do now...” The small twelve year old voice of the young dragon spoke as she came out from behind the changing wall, she wore an ellogent dress, trimmed with pure white pearls.

“I admit...I miss home...the warmth of the sun and my brother is probably very worried about me. As is my family.” Jae’lyn answered

“One more night.” Aneriah answered after a moment of thought “Stay one more night and watch the shower of bright lights. And then I will show you an easier way home.”

“And the Undead? Creatures? The storms?” Jae’lyn pressed.

“On more night...” Aneriah answered once more “We shall grieve both our mates for one more night...together, then we shall heal the harm its caused.”

Jae’lyn sighed in relief and bowed “Thank you. I will of course stay, and grieve with you.”

Spending time with Aneriah was surprisingly....normal. She was young, bright, energetic and very friendly one one got to know her. But like any normal creature, she was capable of pain, loss and suffering. Jae’lyn and Aneriah shared dinner together, told stories of their pasts and laughed about their silly mistakes, and when the sky lit up with the Aurora lights they grieved. Remembering the loved ones they had both lost, locked together in eachothers arms in comfort. It seemed that was all the daughter of Hessin needed...just like everyone, she needed a friend.

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