The Ashenborn Page 3

  Elder Derrick raised his vambrace-covered arm in front of him. His body began to emit shards of brilliantly colored light. There was a flash of light that would have blinded them temporarily, if not for them being prepared, and the large form of the dragon stood in front of them again. With a burst of strength, the dragon’s claws sparked on the light, and it shot into the sky, the prison again seeming to tremble. Selaphiel turned and noticed the dark figures in the pods were watching Derrick fly away.

  “I almost forgot,” Derrick called down in deep tones.

  “Daemos, I look forward to seeing you in the king’s court! May the blessings of Archkyris be upon all of you.” Turning, he launched into the denseness of the sky. The remnant wisps of clouds dispersed in the wake of the massive wings. What hung before them was now pure starlight. It was oddly quiet once the dragon was out of sight.

  Selaphiel smiled. “I still cannot fathom the Dragon-Ashen. I have seen it thousands of times, yet I never grow tired of it.”

  Jakobin and Cordoc nodded in agreement.

  “Daemos, we must go see Father. We will proceed with your recently appointed status soon. But, as Elder said, we are needed elsewhere,” Cordoc said.

  “As you wish, Princes,” Daemos said, still in awe of the night’s events.

  They were escorted out of the hold, and the gates locked behind them. The path they had chosen wound through the forest for some time, but eventually the thickness of briars and foliage began to thin, and they traveled with more ease.

  “What do you think Father wants?” Selaphiel asked Cordoc, as leaves crunched under their feet.

  “Derrick is the strongest of us. He possesses great power, even outside of the Dragon-Ashen. So for Father to choose him for a mission is very peculiar.”

  Jakobin snorted. “He said it was an errand; besides, why would Father send off our second-best warrior?”

  Selaphiel looked at Jakobin, aware of where he was going with this question, but decided to play along.

  “But Brother, whatever do you mean?” Cordoc asked sarcastically.

  “I am the first,” Jakobin snickered.

  Selaphiel sighed. “Perhaps at double-bladed combat, but against Derrick, you might as well be wielding a fish.”

  Cordoc smiled, amused at the thought of Jakobin attempting to stab someone with a trout.

  Jakobin side-stepped a tree, as he appeared to have not been paying attention to his surroundings.

  “To have such power ….” He trailed off, his thought unfinished.

  “The trial of Bright Flame has not been performed since the end of Dothros, however cruel a ruler he was,” Cordoc said.

  They had begun to approach a large clearing within the forest.

  “Complacent old men,” Jakobin said flatly.

  “That is for them to choose, not us. Though it is not easy to ignore Derrick’s criticism of their inability to get off their chairs,” Cordoc said.

  Selaphiel’s eyes suddenly flickered a metallic bronze color as he drew upon his magic, his hands encompassed in golden orbs of bright light. The sudden burst made Jakobin and Cordoc jump. The glow was brilliant against the darkness and gave everything a richer appearance.

  Cordoc turned to him, alarmed.

  “What is it, Brother?” Cordoc said.

  Selaphiel’s pupils shined brighter.

  “I do not know.”

  Jakobin paced, kicking up leaves.

  “Let go of your magic! You are a beacon! Anyone who would want to cause us harm could easily see us,” Jakobin said, knowing Selaphiel only responded this way when danger was near. “Why else travel in the safety of darkness?”

  A growl reached them, making all three freeze. Leaves moved in the darkness.

  Jakobin eyed the location the noise came from and slowly began to move his hand toward the sword on his hip.

  “Someone is coming,” Selaphiel said quietly.

  The noise continued for a moment and then stopped altogether. Each of them strained to hear.

  Through the brush came the wide-eyed messenger known as Gerriff, who stumbled after a moment of trying to balance himself.

  He looked at them, confused.

  “Gerriff …” Cordoc sighed. Selaphiel’s eyes dimmed and he lowered his hands.

  “You do realize it is not wise to sneak up on someone?” Jakobin asked. “Princes, even worse.”

  Gerriff shook his head. “Yes, and I do apologize, but I fell over some briar bushes trying to follow you. Thus the noise you just heard. Sorry my lords, but I have come to summon you to the king.”

  “We have heard from Elder Derrick. We are on our way there now,” Cordoc said.

  “Oh,” Gerriff said. “Then I suppose I shall head home to confirm you received the message.” He bowed and ran off into the void of the night.

  “That new messenger is strange,” Jakobin said, his face scrunched up.

  “His disregard for royal etiquette is confusing,” Cordoc agreed.

  “I am losing my touch.” Selaphiel looked down at his hands, embarrassed by his overreaction.

  “It happens, Brother,” Cordoc said, patting Selaphiel on the shoulder.

  “But you would not let anyone sneak up on us,” Cordoc finished.

  Jakobin snorted. “Yes, Geriff, sneak up on us,” he said, his voice oozing sarcasm.

  Selaphiel stared off into the distance, stopping behind the rest of them.

  “What?” Jakobin called back, turning his head to look at his brother.

  “I … I do not know.” Selaphiel said, his gaze still fixed on the path leading back to the prison.

  “Perhaps you still hear Geriff?” Cordoc suggested.

  Selaphiel paused.

  “No, it’s not that. Someone is headed to the prison,” Selaphiel said with a quizzical look on his face.

  “Probably a change of guard or something. Selaphiel, let’s go; Father summoned us and you know we shouldn’t keep a king waiting.” Cordoc hesitated. “Or at least I think that’s how the saying goes.”

  Jakobin shrugged and turned to continue walking down the mountain.

  “Okay,” Selaphiel said, abandoning his search and trudging to catch up to his brothers.

  “Do you both realize the Ashen is within a few days?” Cordoc said, changing the subject.

  Jakobin beamed. “Yes, years of preparation and the ten years of waiting and finally the Ashen has come upon us once again.”

  “Do you remember the last one we had?” Cordoc asked. “Zarx won that one. It feels like so long ago.”

  “It was,” Jakobin said. “We were ten years of age then, hardly able to carry a sword.”

  “Is Zarx competing this time?” Selaphiel said, a worried look on his face.

  “No,” Cordoc laughed. “Generals do not compete in Ashens. That would be like putting a tortoise up against a horse in a race.”

  “Says you,” Jakobin snickered. “I fancy myself the horse.”

  Selaphiel neighed, mocking Jakobin.

  “Seph, you may be decently good at swordsmanship, but this is my time,” Jakobin said seriously.

  “Mmmm, I do not think so,” Selaphiel replied.

  “In the end, Seph’s kindness will lose it for him,” Cordoc said. Selaphiel turned to look at him as they continued walking.

  “You know,” Cordoc paused. “You struggle to kill game while hunting, much less striking down an opponent without hesitation. I’ve seen you let children beat you in spars.”

  “Taking life is different. Beating you two would be easy,” Selaphiel said, fighting laughter. “Besides, children aren’t used to winning, just like you two.”

  Cordoc pushed him before almost nearly running into a tree.

  “Both of you have nearly run into trees that do not move. Yet, you can beat me?” Selaphiel mo
ckingly challenged.

  “There are more trees than I remember.” Cordoc coughed, pushing back his hair. Jakobin held his ribs, crying from laughter, and nearly slid on some leaves.

  “Laugh while you can; I am more formidable than trees and leaves,” Selaphiel said, making his voice as tough and hard as he could.

  Jakobin gathered his composure, wiping his eyes.

  Cordoc quickened his pace, pretending he hadn’t almost run into a tree. He cleared his throat.

  “The walls should be coming into view soon. We better act like princes, or else the people will not respect us,” Cordoc said seriously, though still not able to remove his smile.

  “Normal princes would not be going outside without armed guards,”

  Selaphiel said.

  Cordoc shrugged. “We are anything but normal.”

  “Rumors of monsters have reached my ears and continue to spread throughout all of Lifesveil.”

  “How many have you told, Captain?” Zarx questioned the man.

  The man shook his head. “Only you.”

  “Who told you this?” Zarx asked as he strapped on his sword and opened the large door to the armory.

  “Anath, of the house of Grimolith.”

  Zarx’s face darkened. “Those of that house should be trusted sparingly.”

  “Dilwyn, we cannot afford this information to spread; please bring me Anath. Tell no one else; the last thing we need is people believing there are monsters creeping into their pantries and under their beds.”

  Captain Dilwyn looked at him, perplexed. “You do not believe him?”

  Zarx shrugged. “I am a born skeptic it seems; just fetch Anath, and we will hopefully find no truth to this rumor.”

  Dilwyn ran away clumsily, dodging attendants and servants at their work.

  Zarx scratched his chin. Twice this rumor has reached me, he thought.

  He grabbed the golden talon on his neck. This would require the strength of the Silver Talons if the leads were true. Zarx grabbed his gleaming silver armor and threw it on, tying on the loose-fitting pieces. He twisted the gauntlets on and worked the chainmail around his muscular shoulders. The last to be put on was the sharp layered boots of strong metal. They went on easily enough but Zarx often found them uncomfortable. With a clank, he traversed the shining marble floor. The door opened and the armored guards on either side of the door bowed to him.

  The long hallway was decorated with banners of white and gold and the different colors of the houses of Lifesveil. Other colors signified those houses under the rule of Archkyris.

  Zarx traced his fingers on a few of them, stopping at the black and purple emblem.

  “The house of Mavet,” he muttered.

  The scene when he approached the outside was that of men and women performing daily tasks. Some children ran along the stone roads, obviously in some form of game or play. A young boy ran after a little girl who seemed to be in an argument with him over whether to play soldier or house wife. The boy, however, seemed intent on her being a dragon and himself a knight.

  Zarx smiled with pride, blinking his eyes at the change of light.

  “General Zarx,” came a voice. He turned.

  “The princes of Lifesveil returned last night and are currently in counsel with the king,” a short brown-haired servant said. “Your presence is also requested.”

  Zarx turned and trudged up the stone staircase. The work of a general is never done. I wonder what it would be like not to be needed as much. He shook off the thought, knowing very well he loved the position he held. As he passed, there was the occasional bow, which he curtly acknowledged but only for a moment considering his presence was needed by the king. Zarx approached his destination and moved to open the door before the attendant could utter his titles, making the servant gargle his words and finally simply say, “General Zarx.”

  He walked into the golden throne room and saw Alanias dressed in purple garb, wearing not the royal crown but instead a smaller, simpler crown of silver.

  “Zarx,” Alanias motioned him forward to where he sat on the golden throne with the three princes standing around him.

  “What is the status of Elder Derrick?” Cordoc asked.

  “No word yet on his return. It has only been a day, and I know Derrick is accurate in his investigations. I imagine that he will arrive before the small garrison I supplied will,” Alanias said.

  Jakobin tapped his foot, his gaze searching, as if he had a lot on his mind.

  “I mean to ask to enact the rite of Bright Flame,” Alanias said bluntly.

  Everyone stopped breathing and looked at Alanias with wide eyes.

  “You mean to ask permission from Elder Derrick?” Cordoc inquired.

  “Yes. He believes that the time for new Ashenborn is now.”

  “My king,” Zarx said. “Such an act has not been done since the War of Stones. Besides, who knows if the Ashenborn would even do it?”

  “Is it that bad?” Selaphiel asked softly.

  Alanias stood, which would have been a commanding gesture, if not for him having to hold the arms of the throne.

  “I believe monsters have returned to Lifesveil, from what information Derrick has already sent. He believes strongly that we are not dealing with hollow stories. We could be dealing with the Taneemian once again.”

  Zarx gave him a disbelieving look.

  “I have heard rumors of these creatures, even within our city walls, but I do not believe them. Surely it is some misconstrued understanding. To claim something such as that would suggest they are back in this world again. I thought them to be gone with the death of Dothros, their master in the past war.”

  “How credible is Derrick’s claim?” Cordoc asked. “Could it be possible he is wrong?”

  “He did not wish to send details, as he believes there could be someone interfering among the kingdoms, and therefore wishes to speak to us in person.” Alanias paused. “But as you all know, Derrick does not play into falsehoods. It is fact if he believes it.”

  “There are two sources that say there are Taneems. They are not fairy tales that were told to us when we were children,” Jakobin said, disagreeing with Zarx.

  “Yes, they do exist,” Alanias said. “I trust Derrick, and I do not take this news lightly. Especially when he is the one giving it.”

  “My king, with the respect of your servant, I would like to see for myself. Rumors have circulated from the south side of the kingdom, along with word of villages sending similar tales,” Zarx responded.

  “Derrick has confirmed through magic that the Taneemian are now in this realm,” Alanias said.

  Zarx tilted his chin back and crossed his arms.

  “I understand your skepticism, but this report can be trusted. We must begin to assume that their numbers will grow,” Alanias said.

  “Let us hope for your people’s sake it is not,” Zarx said.

  “I believe Derrick, but if they are here, I would wish to check the villages to the south. Based on the accounts, the southern village would be the most vulnerable to any attacks,” Jakobin said, alarmed by the idea of something so sinister being true.

  Alanias eyed Jakobin with pride, aware that his sons were becoming men.

  “I remember when each of you played soldier, even pretending to go on dangerous journeys to the unknown. Those are days long past, I am afraid,” Alanias smiled fondly. “I accept your idea of further investigation. Jakobin, you will check the villages. Zarx, I wish for you to investigate within our walls to be sure there are none among us. Find this proof you are unconvinced of.”

  Alanias turned to Jakobin.

  “I will assign you ten of our Silver Talons, in case the rumors are true. As strong as Lifesveil is, we cannot afford to underestimate this situation. We will proceed more with this once Elder Derrick has returned. He wil
l give us more clarity as to how to better proceed.”

  “What of Selaphiel and myself?” Cordoc asked. “Would you wish us to accompany Zarx and Jakobin?”

  Zarx waved his hand.

  “I will bring my best men with us, but I believe you two would be best served within the kingdom. You both are strong, and we need no weakness inside the city as well. Instead of Jakobin going outside the walls, would it not be wiser to send me?” Zarx asked.

  “What do you think, Jakobin?” Alanias asked.

  “I have no issue with searching the villages, Father. I believe this is a chance for me to prove my worth,” Jakobin said, irritated by Zarx’s words.

  “Very well, then it is decided.” Alanias spoke firmly.

  “Thank you for the compliment, Zarx,” Cordoc added. “We will make sure our people are taken care of, especially so close to the Ashen.”

  Alanias turned to Selaphiel, whose mind seemed to be somewhere else.

  “You have been very quiet, my son,” Alanias said to Selaphiel.

  “Father, may I make a request?” Selaphiel ventured.

  “You may; what is on your mind?” Alanias smiled warmly.

  “May I go with Elder Derrick to check the Light Prison when he returns? I have inquiries regarding it myself.”

  Zarx turned to him, a look of concern on his face.

  “Why the Light Prison?”

  Jakobin squinted his eyes.

  Selaphiel paused, a little unsure of himself.

  “If anything should be concerning, it would be that prison. We all have knowledge of who is within its confines. I do not think we should ignore it. The Taneemian served those who are imprisoned, so it could be their first ambition.”

  “The Light Prison is well guarded, but to add more guards would be a good idea, as well as looking at areas that might require better attention there,” Zarx said.

  “It is something to be discussed with Derrick, considering he provides part of the power that upholds it,” Cordoc said.

  Zarx nodded. “I will speak with him. If his magic can do one thing, it is to hold those monstrosities.”

  “Good,” Alanias said as he stood. “I have words to speak with him as well.”