Here is a new story that I have started for fun, since everyone knows how i like to write. Right now i plan to have it filled with different characters. Knights, princesses, ladies, rangers pirates, wizards,elves, fairies, etc.. Shall see if this one gets off the ground. I have already sent ren mails out to a few of my foolow co-writers to join me. If anyone else is interested in joining me ren mail me and let me know . Hope you enjoy the story !
I am princess Alanna. I am a young fair skinned, auburn beauty. My father is the ruling king of Farland.
My father is raising me to take over the throne someday, thus i am highly skilled in horsemanship, swordsmenship,hand to hand combat, dictatorship, and leadership. My mother on the other hand , despite the fact that i am a bit of a tom boy, tries to teach me all the
proper things a lady of nobilty should know like dancing, and sewing, and singing, and being charming to a gentleman suitor. I have had many a gentleman suitor, but my dear father has scared them all away,all except for one, the one i have the least desire to marry. But I need not worry about him, for he is no longer living.
On this day I find myself growing restless around the castle, so i decide to saddle my horse and go for a ride in the woods. My father would frown upon the idea of me riding by myself, but I
am not one to always play by the rules. I like to ride by myself and listen to the sounds of nature.
I saddle up my horse and head off across the fields and into the woods. It is so pleasant here with the birds singing. I ride on at a slow trot. My mind begins to wander off and daydream. I find myself straying off the path thru the woods and heading towards the ocean shore. I turn my horse back towards the path, when all of a sudden their is a rustle in some bushes ahead of me. I tighten my hold on the reins of my horse, as 8 men jump out of the bushes at me . They are a scurvy looking bunch, armed with swords and pistols.
" Pirates," i say to myself , and try to urge my horse forward, but four of the men are blocking my way. One of them grabs at my horses bridle, causing her to spook and rear up. I go falling off of my horse. Two of the men grab me.
" Let go of me!" I shout.
" Ungrateful lass isn't she," replied one of the men," Perhaps she had rather we let her fall and break her neck." The men all laugh.
" Aye, the captain warn us she was a wild one ."
The men start to carry me towards the beach.I look back for my horse. Thankfully she got away from them. Hopefully she will find her way back home, and alert everyone that i need help.
The men continue to carry me across the beach. i kick and scream, and try to bite and scratch , but i am unable to break free.We walk towards a small row boat. the men toss me in it, and then climb in and start to row out to sea.
Ahead appears alarge ship, flying the jolly roger. I recognise the ship, and my stomach begins to curl.
" I thought he was dead " i say to myself.
We approach the ship and i soon find myself, to my disgrace being hauled aboard ship.
" Is this anyway to treat a lady, when my father hears about this ," I yell.
" It is good to see you too Alanna " says a voice. I turn to see a tall fair skinned, bearded man, dressed in al his captain's finery staring at me.
" You " i say," I thought you were dead."
" Thankfully for my sake," laughs the captain ," The rumors were not true.You should be happy to see me my dear.Now you can be with me here aboard my ship ."
He moves towards me and whispers in my ear,
" Now i finally have you to my own my dear, and before the night is over i will have you in my bed chamber and i will tame some of that wild spirit of yours."
" You will never have me ," I shout and then i turn and jump over the side of the ship and into the water.
________________________
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 11:56:04
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It has been a long day at sea. Alot longer than I had anticipated and hoped for. Travelling by boat wasn't usually my prefered way of travel, but getting from Dechard to Farland on foot wasnt very safe.
The small merchant vessel I barted to board on swayed left and right from the waves. Today the sea was angry, thank goodness the waves havn't been larger than the vessel.
Suddenly one of the crew yells out. "Captain, look! Off the starboard side, theres someone in the water!"
We all headed to the left side of the ship and to our surprise was a woman who was clinging to some driftwood.
"Let's pull her in." Shouted the captain.
"I will get her." I said. I tied a rope to my waist and jumped into the water. I grabed hold of the woman and then the rest of the crew pulled us back onto the deck.
"Lets put her in the bunk room." The captain says. I carry her over and lay her down gently in the room where I let her rest. We will be arriving at land shortly.
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I awake to find myself in a ship's bunk room.. No, this can't be. I jumped overboard. I got away from him, didn't I, or maybe I didn't. I need to get out of here. I climb out of bed, and start searching the room.. I find some men's clothing laying on a bunk. I drag a small chair i find in the room over to the door and push it against the door to keep anyone from entering. Then i quickly discard my clothes and dress in the men's clothing. I pull my hair up and tuck it under a hat i find laying on another bunk.Now if i only had a weapon. I search the remaining bunks and to my delight i find a pistol hidden in one of the bunks. Now to get out of this hell hole.
I make my way up to the deck of the ship, where i see three men standing with their backs to me. One of them is darked haired and very handsome looking from what i can tell, the other is fair headed like my dear....no i won't even say his name. Just his name makes my blood boil and my stomach hurl. I approach, pistol in my hand ,
" Don't anyone move," I order," I'm armed, and I'm not afraid to use it."
One of the men starts to turn.
" I said don't move," I shout," I'm a good shot. I seldom miss my target."
Two of the men laugh and one turns to face me. I fire my pistol.The bullet flies pass the man that turn to face me, and hits the dark haired man in the arm. I see him flinch and clutch his arm. The fair haired man turns to help him, and I get a good look at his face.
" It's not him," I say to myself. What have i done? Where am I ? Who's ship is this? I look at the fired pistol in my hand and my hands begin to tremble. I shot a innocent person. My heart begins to race, I feel faint, and I collapse to the deck.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 13:34:57
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I grasp my arm and put pressure on it to keep from loosing to much blood.
"Bloody hell!", I yell as im still grasping my arm. One of the crew members comes over with a clean shirt and wraps it around my arm.
"That will have to do untill we arrive in town sir." He says to me.
"Thank you....I'm sorry but I do not know your name?"
The crewman smiles with 1 tooth dangling from the upper gum. "The names Obri sir."
"Thank you then Obri, my name is Drake."
I look over to the woman on the deck and shake my head. "Put her back into the bunk I guess...not sure what came over her just then."
The crewman set her back into the bunk room once more and the journey to Farland continues.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 14:07:48
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I awake once gain to find myself in the bunk. I start to sit up, and find myself being confronted by two crew members.
" Where do you think you are going missy," one of them says to me," the captain says we are to keep an eye on you."
" Do you know who I am ?" I ask.
" Who are you ?" says the men," You ain't be being one of those fancy pants, rich noble class girls be ye."
" Matter of fact I am," i say with a bit of insult in my voice," I am the daughter of the king of Farland. I am princess Alanna."
" Lol," laugh the men," You don't look like no princess."
I have heard enough. Remembering my training i have received from my father, I leap on the man's back and start digging my nails into his face causing him to bleed.
" Get her off of me ," the man cries.
" I will stop when you take me to your captain, better yet i want to see the man who i accidentally shot."
" We will take you to him," cried the man with the bloody face," just let me go."
They lead me to cabin.
" This is where Mister Drake is staying, he be the man you shot mi lady." The men laugh and hurry away.
I knock on the door. A man's voice answers and tells me to come in.
I walk in the room.
" Mister Drake ," I say
" You !" exclaims Drake," Don't come near me."
" I want to apologize," I answer," I am afraid i mistook you for some one else. If you would let me explain ."
" Very well go on, I'm listening," says Drake, who can't seem to take his eyes of this auburn beauty in his room. Too bad she is so deadly with a pistol he laughs.
I tells him who I is, and how I was taken hostage by an old friend of mine who wishes to be more then friends.
" I jumped overboard to get away from him," I says "
You must have found me in the water and rescued me. I had no idea i had been rescued. When i came too in the bunk room, I thought i was back aboard his ship. I was only trying to defend myself. Please forgive me sir, i meant you no harm. Now if you would allow me, I do know a few things about tending to and treating wounds. Let me see that arm of yours."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 14:23:26
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I walk over to Drake and look at his arm. It is bleeding thru the shirt.
" we need to stop this wound from bleeding, or it could get infected, or worse you will bleed to death. " i say to him. I look around the room. I see a bottle of rum on the desk along with a small dagger. I grab the dagger. Drake starts to move back.
" Relax,I'm not going to use it on you yet," i say with a smile. I take the dagger and pour some rum over it to disinfect it. Then i take it and hold it over the the flame of a candle, till it gets really hot. Then i walk over to Drake.
" This may hurt a bit but we need to cauterized that wound." I lay the hot blade of the dagger upon the open wound. Drake begins to open his mouth to scream , and I quickly kiss him hard on the lips to make him forget the pain.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 16:57:47
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Just as her lips hit mine I pass out cold.
I wake up and I hear the sound of a crowded area. We must be at dock I think to myself.
I get out of bed and to my surprise my arm feels much better and looks much cleaner. Theres no one around so I head to the deck. Soon as I step onto the deck the sun hits my eyes and causes me to squint. I can see the market place of Alanis, a small port city outside Farland.
"Glad to have you back with the living lad." Says a burly voice to my right. Its the captain of the ship, everyone has been calling him Cutler.
"Thanks Captain. I must of been out for.."
"2 Days!" The captain interjects.
"Bloody hell...oh..wheres.."
"Back to Farland!" The captain interjects again.
"You know..."
"Yeah yeah! Stop interupting! I hear it all the time" The captain pipes in once more.
I shake my head and head for the docks of Alanis. I survey the area and take in the scenery. What a beautiful city, small, but beautiful.
"Don't be forget'n your gear mi boy." The captain says. I swiftly turn around and he tosses a large knapsack down to me. I almost forgot all my things.
"Thanks again for the ride good sir!" I say, then I salute and walk away.
I finally work my way through the town and onto the road to Farland. I pull off my pack and put back on some of my gear. I throw on my best and put my sword at my hilt. I put my bow around my back along with my quiver and arrows.
"Ah thats much better," I say to myself as I continue on my way.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 21:58:50
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After arriving back in Alanis i made my way to the local inn. My good,loyal townsfolk recognised their princess,and wanted to help me in any way they could, so I soon had transportation back to my father's castle. To my luck my father had been busy with entertaining foreign dignitaries and had not heard word of my recent venture.
I have spent the last two days in the castle, not wanting to run into a certain pirate.
" Alanna, there you are my dear daughter," said my father," I have decided to enertain our guests by going a hunt. I know how much you love a good hunt. Do come with us."
" Oh father," I exclaim with joy," That sounds wonderful. A good hunt is just what i need to get my mind off a few things."
" Something troubling you child?"
" No father,nothing that I can't handle on my own."
A hour later i find myself riding thru the woods on my loyal mount, with my father and the rest of our hunting party. My bow and a satchel filled with several arrows i have strapped to the side of my saddle. Up ahead we spot some wild turkey. I dismount from my horse , grab my bow and an arrow and take aim at a large turkey. My arrow strikes him in the chest. He will make a good meal and the feathers will go towards a new hat.
" Excellent shot," smiles my father with pride," But then again you have always been an excellent student."
I take aim again at another large turkey, but i miss him.
He goes running off towards some tall bushes. I'm not about to let him get away . I take aim. My arrow goes flying thru the bushes, and i hear some one yell out.
I have heard that voice before, but where ? Then I remember, the man that i shot on the ship . " Oh no ," i say to myself," not again."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/16/2007 : 12:51:04
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It was a long venture towards Farland, it was getting late and I am getting very hungry. I decide it would be best to capture some dinner before getting sleep. clear out a small area for myself and then continue on my way to find some game to kill.
Suddenly my ears perk up to the sound of..yes..a wild turkey!
With my bow in hand I sneak behind a large oak, as I let the arrow go something heavy falls ontop of me and nearly knocks me out.
"OI DRAKE!!!" Says a recognizable voice.
I lay in silence as the face in front of me starts to come clearer.
"Leona?" I ask.
"'Ello Drake, it has been oh so long since we last bumped into each other like this, hasn't it?" She says with a playful voice.
"Yes, it sure has but, do you think maybe you can get off of me?"
"Oh, sorry!" Leona says as she rolls off and stands up. She puts out a hand to help me up and through the thicket an arrow hits me square in the arm where I had recently been shot.
"Ouch" Is the only word I can get out before I pass out. I think Leona caught me..but im none to sure.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/17/2007 : 17:59:26
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I walk back to my horse and remount and ride afew feet forward. The captain of the guard rides up beside me.
" Who goes there beyond they bushes," he calls out," In the name of the King I demand you to show yourself."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/17/2007 : 18:40:42
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Leona jumps up and waves her arms
"Jes me ove 'ere!" she yells.
The guard starts striding towards her and stops before he hits the brush where they are hiding in. "What are you doing in the Kings woods!?"
"Oh ye know..a little bit o' this and a little bit o' that...." suddenly Leona takes off running and the guards run in persuit.
I hear footsteps coming towards me and I see a familiar face pop over the bushes.
"I knew I recognized that cry of pain" she says
I black out for a second time today
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/19/2007 : 22:52:13
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The gaurdsmen return from giving chase to the young female thru the woods.
"We lost her," replied ones of the gaurds," then he glances at Drake laying on the ground," but we still have this one. We shall arrest him and take him back to the castle dungeon."
" Arrest him, for what ?" I demand
" For tresspassing and hunting on castle grounds. No one is allowed to hunt on the grounds or woods outside the castle without the king's permission."
" Father.." i start to say in protest.
" Yes daughter," said my father," Is there something you wanted to say?"
" Nervermind father," I reply, for if I were to tell my father how i knew Drake, then i would have to revel to him that acertain pirate captain is still alive and I prefer that he not have that information.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/19/2007 : 23:10:49
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Later on back at the castle I pace back and forth in my bedchamber. I can not let Drake sit and rot in the dungeon after he had helped rescue me. But if i tell my father about how Drake rescued me, then he would want to know why, and then it would eventually come out that....
ugh why did he have to be still alive ? Captain Jeter, the suave, dashing ships captain who won favor with my father. Sure, he was charming and a gentleman around my father, but when i was alone with him, he was a totally different man. He drank too much and treated me like i was a animal. Actually worse then a animal would be treated. His manners were dispectable, and he smelled terrible.I knew he was a pirate, but i have seen pirates with better manners then him. This man was...well he was just too mean and vulgar !
But still i could not let Drake suffer in the dungeon. I hurry on my way to the dungeon.. Along the way i bump into my father.
" Alanna, just the person i wanted to see," said my father," I have decided to entertain our guests by having an archery and jousting tournament. The grand prize will be a bag of gold and kiss from you and a chance to court you."
" That's nice father," I reply not paying any attention to what he was saying. I hurry off to the dungeon.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/20/2007 : 13:16:36
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I look around the dugeon realizing im stuck here, although I'm really not 100% sure why.
"Guard!" I yell out, but no one answers.
"PSSTT..Drake! Are you ok!?"
A familiar voice I hear from thw window above my head.
"Leona? Is that you?" I ask
"Of course it is ye fool! Who else would come to rescue ya?"
I breathe a sigh of relief. I never thought I'd be happy to hear her voice.
Suddenly I hear footsteps from within the dungeon.
"Leona, get back. Someone is coming"
Around the corner steps a beautiful face. It's the princess.
"Drake are you alright? She asks
"Well..glad you asked, because you see...I'm kind of chained to a wall in a dungeon right now. So no I guess I couldn't possibly be better"
"Well if you insist" She says as she starts to turn away.
"WAIT wait! Please don't leave me, just a little humor" I say
"Fine. I will make you a deal." She says with a troublesome smirk on her face.
"I'm listening.." I add in
"My father is holding a tournament. It will containt archery, jousting, and sword play. If your willing to compete I can talk my father into getting you out of here to do so, and then you'd be free to go after..if you win of course."
"Ok..sounds fair enough, but there has to be some other catch...what other reason are you doing this?"
"I don't need a reason! You saved me, now its my turn to save you back!...also my father promises the winner a kiss from me, and well..all the other men competing..are ..well lets just say I'd much rather kiss you."
"HAHA" I let out a heavy laugh. "Ok ok, just get me out of here"
The princess winks and runs off
"Pstt..Drake..do you really think you will win?"
"Your still here..? Well I guess I have no choise now do I? It's better than being stuff in here!"
We both let out a laugh and Leona takes off to the sound of footsteps once more.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
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i started to head out of the dungeon, when a nervous thought came to my head. I headed back to talk with Drake and came upon him talking with a young female womanwho was peering through a small window in the dungeon. She looked something like a cross between a elf and a ranger.
" Excuse me Drake ," I interrupt. Drake turned to face me. The young ranger woman, turned to run.
" You don't need to flee," I assured her," I have already spotted you, besides you may be able to help me too."
" Help you do what ?" said the young girl.
" I'm concern that Jeter may find out about the tournament and show up with his men. What would happen if he entered the tournament and won. I tremble at the thought of that."
" I take it this Jeter is a bad man ," replies the young girl.
" Lets just say he makes the devil look nice ," I reply.
" So how do you want me to help you ?" asks the girl," and by the way you may call me Leona."
" It is a pleasure to meet you Leona," I say to her.
" Are you really a real princess ?" asks Leona.
" Yes, I am " I smile at her.
" So you get to go to fancy balls, and dance with handsome gentleman, and wear fancy gowns and jewels, and act all high and mighty..."
" Leona," interrupts Drake giving her a warning glare.
" Well it is not all like that," I laugh.
" And you will get to rule all this some day , and make all the rules you want, and boss everyone around " adds Leona.
"Leona," warns Drake, then he turns to me," You must forgive her mi lady, she sometimes does not think before she speaks."
" Humph!," remarks Leona.
" Actually i find her quite amusing," I say with a laugh.
" See, she likes me," quips Leona with glee in her voice.
" Besides," I add," She would make a great court jester."
Drake and I both start laughing . Leona starts to pout.
" I'm sorry Leona," i say," Seriously i really could use your help. I have a very important job for you to do."
" I'm listening." says Leona.
" we need to make sure Drake wins the tournament, even if we need to distract the other members or even sabatoge their equipment so to speak."
" I think i can help there," smiles Leona.
" Good," i say, " Oh and Drake, father is planning a yule tide festival and ball afterward. It would please me if you would escort me to it. that way i would not have to dance witha certain some one." I walk away.
" She likes you Drake," teases Leona," OOo...the princess and Drake..here comes the bride ..heres comes the groom ."
" Leona," says Drake" I'm warning you, behave yourself."
Leona scampers off out of sight.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/23/2007 : 13:00:35
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"Why do these things always happen to me," I think to myself
Two guards enter the cell and free me of my shackles. "Walk in front of us with your hands behind your back." One of them says as he pushes me forward.
They escort me to a decently large arena, on the sides sit nobility and royalty from surrounding kingdoms. In the back behind a fence are peasents, ready to harass the participants.
"Over there," points one of the guards. "You will find Sir Elric of Chestire, he will suit you with your gear and tell you the rules."
I nod and head on my way.
Sir Elric turns to me. "Ah, you must be Drake," he says as he smiles. "The first of our games will be a test of precision and hand eye coordination, or what you may know as Archery. Here is your bow and 20 arrows. Notice they are all dull pointed incase you decide to make a dashing escape...but im sure there will be none of that. The princess speaks very highly of you, so I hope I won't be dissapointed. On your way now, head down to where the other participants are." He points yonder and I nod and head on my way
I stand in a line of 4 including myself.
Suddenly trumpets blair and a man comes out rattling off some opening to the tournament. He is welcoming the onlookers and the participants.
::Welcome to the Tournament of Arms! The King welcomes all of you and thanks you for coming to our fair kingdom on this fine day. You will witness a tournament between men! One including archery, swordplay, and jousting. Four men will enter and one will emerge a champion, thus recieving a kiss from the fair Princess Alanna, as well as glory! Let me introduce you to the men who will act as your entertainment for this evening.::
::From the Kingdom of Eventere and wearing black and is Sir Samuel McTirnin.
From the Kingdom of Nodorn and wearing green and white is Prince Rasmus Nodorn.
Hailing from the our very own Farland is Sir Jeter McKenzy, wearing red and white.
Also from the wondery prison cells of the dungeon of Farland..::everyone laughs:: and wearing grey and white I give you Sir Drake! ::
Everyone cheers for the four of us, although im sure its more like the three of them while they laugh at me. I'll show them...
The trumpets sound
"Gentlemen take your mark!"
First to go is Sir Samuel - The crowd is at a hush.
The first arrow soars and hits the target dead in the middle.
::The crowd claps::
::IN THE BLACK!::
The Next up is Prince Rasmus
He lets his first arrow go and another dead in the middle.
::The crowd claps::
::IN THE BLACK!::
Next is Sir Jeter - as he readies his aim he yells out - "If only bows had triggers on them, I'd show you all!" and the crowd laughs.
He lets the arrow fly and its another dead center
::The crowd claps and starts mumbling amongst themselves::
I'm last in line - its been a while but lets give it a go.
I hold my bow steadily, I feel the breeze stop, almost as if God was holding his breath for me. I let the arrow go and it hits the middle dead on.
::The crowd claps and stand to their feet to cheer::
::IN THE BLACK::
The King looks over to Sir Elric and nods in approval, and then to his smiling daughter who no doubt is happy about Drakes shot.
::We will now have all 4 men shoot on 1 target, also the target will be moved back 30 yards::
The crowed gets talkative again
Once again Sir Samuel is up and takes his shot - this time just hitting outside the black
::7 points!::
Next is Prince Rasmus - he takes his shot and just makes it in the black
::The crowd cheers::
::IN THE BLACK::
Sir Jeter comes up next and lets his arrow fly true - he hits the other end of the black but its inside none the less.
::The crowd cheers again::
::IN THE BLACK::
I step up and take aim. I look up to Alanna who looks nervous and I smile. I set my sight and take the shot. The arrow soars and hits the black in between both other arrows.
::The crowd gasps and then jumps up to cheer::
::IN THE BLACK - The winner of the Archery contest is Sir Drake!::
Everyone cheers and Alanna has a large smile on her face
I glance over to Sir Jeter and see the wicket look on his face, but when he notices me looking over he smiles and walks away.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/23/2007 : 16:28:18
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I am escorted on to the tournament field to congratulate and kiss the winner. I walk over to Drake.
" Kneel before me and bow your head," I whisper to him. Drake kneels on one knee before me and I kiss him on the forehead.
" Bah, is that anyway to receive a kiss!" shouts Jeter," I'll show you how to kiss a woman." He grabs me and starts to kiss me on the lips. I try to put up a fight. Drake leaps at him and knocks him to the ground, making me fall to the ground to. The ground grows silent.
" Mi lady, are you hurt ?" asks Drake and he lends me his hand.
" I 'm fine," I reply," Drake look out ." Jeter is charging at him and knocks Drake on the ground.
" I have had enough of this outrage." shouts my father ," Gentlemen, if you two can call yourselves that, you will settle this in a jousting tournament between the two of you."
"Like he has ever seen the back of a horse ," laughs Jeter and sneers at Drake and walks away.
" Drake,please tell me you know how to ride," I say to him.
" I have ridden some," Drake assures me.
I look over to where they kept the horses for the joust. I see the grooms men and squires putting a saddle on a big black stallion, and a medium size bay.
" That is the horse you are going to ride ," I say to Drake pointing towards the horses.
" He does not look too bad," says Drake thinking that i meant the bay horse.
" Not him !" I exclaim," The black stallion. They call him the Grim Reaper."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 13:53:12
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I look at Alanna with a sense of "what just happened?"
"The Grim Reaper?" I ask
"Yes," she responds
The horse seems tame enough but it just wouldn't be normal if I was given any other horse I guess.
I begin to stare off and Alanna punches my shoulder.
"What's gotten into you Drake?"
"Oh nothing..nothing..just remembering something from long ago. Don't ask..it involves a big dog with a cute name and a week of bed rest."
Alanna gives me a wierd look, laughs , and walks away.
"OK Grim, lets win this for me and Princess Alanna...mostly for me though."
The horse nays and stands still.
"Hya!" I yell, in hopes of getting him moving.
Again he nays, except he adds a rear kick which throws me over his head and into a small tralf.
Sir Elric walks at a perfect moment.
"Are you done playin with the horse lad? The joust is about to begin, if you don't stop screwin around, the king will have your head."
The thought of my current situation was pretty depressing, I won't lie, but I had to fight, and win.
I jump on Grim Reapers back once more and try a different approach. I kick my heels into his sides. "Come on Grim, lets spill some blood on this day."
The horse nays loudly and takes off towards the arena.
"Who would of thought.." I say to myself
The town cryer steps up to the platform once again to announce the names for the joust - for the first part they are pairing me up with Jeter, and Sir Samuel with Prince Rasmus.
Princess Alanna comes next to the cryer to say some words.
"I rather hope this tournament goes well. The winner shall recieve a bit more than a kiss this time, and for the winner of the tournament...my hand in marriage."
Suddenly I begin to think if winning this tournament is such a good idea. The thought of sitting in the dungeon seems a little better. Not that I don't like Alanna, but hand in marriage? That and Leona would hunt me down and slit my throat...or Alannas...or both of ours...
I shake my head to get the silly thoughts out and take my shield and lance in hand.
"Today will be a special type of joust. Sir Jeter will be fully armored and our dungeon guest Sir Drake, shall be open, only to fight with his shield and lance."
The crowed gasps then cheers.
"What the hell is this?" I say to Grim, and he nays in return.
If Leona is around and has any tricks up her sleeve, I sure could use one now.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 15:48:29
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I can not believe what the crier just said. Drake is not to wear no armor. He is still getting over the injuries I accidentally caused him. Jeter will kill him for sure. I have to do something, to stop this nonsense.I spot a young peasant boy selling ale to the spectators. A idea comes to me. I walk over to the young boy.
" Give me three mugs of ale," I say to him. He looks at me with a shocked look on his face.
" They are not for me," I say with a laugh. I purchase my three mugs of ale and walk over to where the jousting horses are tied up.The groomsmen and squires are preoccupied at the moment. I walk over to Jeter's horse.
" Good boy," i say softly and gently to the horse," I bet you are thirsty. "
" What are you doing? calls a voice that startles me and almost makes me spill the ale.
I look to see Leona standing there.
" Getting a horse drunk,"I say to her," and you can help me. Take these mugs of ale and pour them into my cupped hands."
I cup my hands for the horse to drink out of and Leona starts pouring the ale into them. The horse quickly drinks from my hands.
" This should take care of the horse," I say to Leona," but i sure wish i could get my hands on the weapons Jeter will be using."
" Already taken care of," smiles Leona.
" What did you do ?" I asked her.
" Just replaced his weapons with some cheap imitation's," says Leona with a laugh.
I laugh and hug her.
" What is this i hear about you marrying Drake ?" Leona asks me with concern in her voice.
" Who says i am going to marry Drake ?" I replie
, then I remember what i said a few minutes ago on the jousting field," Oh you mean if Drake wins, he and I will be married.Actually i have no intention of marrying anyone yet. It was my father's idea. Besides I hardly know Drake, and why are you so concern ? Do you object? Are you jealous, cause if there is something between you and Drake i want to know. I do not not want to come between you two ."
" Why should i be jealous of you and my brother!" exclaims Leona.
" Your brother?" I ask a bit surprised.
" Well, more like a half brother," Says Leona," But anyway I am not jealous. Besides I am not the one you need to worry about."
" What do you mean,?" asks Alanna.
" Its nothing ," mumbles Leona.
" Leona, tell me," I demand.
" It's just some stupid rule that we have ," replies Leona.
" What rule?" I ask
" Drake must marry one of our kind ," says Leona," Therefore Drake is already betrothed."
" Drake is already betrothed ," I cry . " No this can't be..I can't marry Jeter."
" It is true," smiles Leona," and you are looking at the lucky bride."
" Wait a minute," I shout," You just said that you and Drake are brother and sister so how can you two be getting married ?"
" I lied ," grins Leona sheepishly.
I lunge at her and grab her by the neck.
" Leona, I want the truth," I yell," Their are lives at stake here. The only reason Drake is in this competition, is because if he wins i can marry him, and not Jeter, but if he is already betrothed, I am not about to have him risk his life out their ."
" Okay, okay,clam down," says Leona.
" I am being calm," I say to her tightening my grip around her neck. Leona starts to gasp.
" I'll tell you everything ," she says to me," Just stop choking me."
I ease up on my hold.
" Drake and I are not related, but he is such a good friend, that he feels like a brother to me.Our culture believes in arranged marriages. I was promised to Drake the day I was born. The awkward part is I don't love him in that way."
" I see," I said with a sigh.
" There is more," said Leona , then she begins to smile as if a thought had just come to her mind," maybe if you help me I can help you.As i said I don't love Drake. To be honest, I am in love with someone else.But he is being held prisoner. If you could help me to free him, then we could be married and Drake would be free to marry you. That is if you love Drake. Do you love Drake?"
" To be honest I hardly know him." I reply," He would have to court me, but he beats marrying some one else i know. So if i help you..."
" Oh thankyou, thankyou," interrupts Leona jumping up and down in glee.
" Wait a minute," i say," I said if i help you."
Just then the crowd begins to cheer.
" We will talk about this later," I say.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I head back to the royal viewing stand to join my father and mother and their guests.
" There you are Alanna," says my mother with a smile,"We were beginning to wonder what was keeping you."
"Is that ale I smell on you Alanna?" asks my father.
" Yes," I answered," I'm afraid i was not watching where i was walking and accidentally bumped into one of our guests who had a mug of ale in his hands." Oh lord help me, I could not keep a straight face. I turned away from my father and tried to concentrate on the tournament. The riders were entering the arena.Sir Samuel, a tall gray haired man, enters the ring first. He is a good man, but way too old for me. Then rides in Prince Rasmus,an attractive man, but he already has two wives, and he likes to keep them barefoot and pregnant.I want children , yes, but that is a little too extreme for me.Then rides in Drake. He looks so handsome . My mind starts to drift off, that I barely notice Jeter ride in. He rides over to the cryer and says he whispers something in his ear.
" Mi lords and ladies," cries the cryer," Sir Jeter has made a generous offer. He has decided to hand over his finest weapons to Sir Drake to use."
The crowd cheers and applauds.
" No !" I start to shout, and then remember where i am and stop.Everyone around me looks at me.
" I'm sorry," I replie," but we can not start yet. Is it not custom for the princess to give a token of hers to her favorite knight for good luck."
Sir Jeter rides forward to accept the token.
" I will be honored to carry a token of your affection my dear ," he says to me.
" I am sorry Sir Jeter, but I had someone else in mind," I remark back to him," Sir Drake please ride forward."
" What, you are joking !" hisses Jeter.
Drake rides forward .I step towards him. I'll show you Jeter,i say to myself. In front of everyone, I reach inside the bodice of my gown, and pull out a scented handkerchief i keep close to my ample bosom. I hand it to Drake.
" For good luck sir," I say to him, and then to make Jeter even more jealous I kiss Drake on the lips.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 20:20:01
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I line up at the far right and Jeter lines up on the opposite side. I look over to see Leona who waves, she also has a nasty looking smirk on her face. I smile and pat Grim on the head.
"We got this one in the bag Grim, Jeter won't know what hit him, but I do, and her name is Leona." Grim nays at me, almost like he is laughing. I look to the other side and Alanna waves and winks.
Woman..is there anything they can't accomplish by being shady?
I laugh to myself and take up my stance as the trumpets roar.
Jeter starts his run at me but his horse seems to be a little on the wobbly side. The crowd starts laughing. Meanwhile Jeter is cursing at his horse and kicking his heels.
"Ah..no place like the arena..." I say to myself. "Horses, and shields, and lances....oh my." Just then I charge in at him and hit him dead on, knocking him from his horse.
The crowd is cheering for me and the cryer steps out onto the stage.
"Due to both Sir Samuel and Prince Rasmus rendering themselves unconscious, Sir Drake is this years tournament victor!"
The crowd stands but and claps and cheers for me. Before I can fully turn around Leona jumps at me and hugs me.
"You did it Drake!"
"Not without you or Alanna's help," I add.
Leons jumps down from me and Alanna slowly walks up to me.
"Well Sir Drake..I never did ask you..but..since we are to be wed..what is your last name?"
"Starsong m'lady. It's Drake Starsong."
Alanna smiles and the crowd begins entering the arena. The king behind her and the priest in front.
"That was fast.." I say.
All in all there was a man, a woman, a priest and a bible. They say I do and there ya have it.
"Well now that we.." I start to say but suddenly the earth begins to rumble.
Dark clouds cover the sky and lightning crashes down around us.
Someone yells to look to the sky. A dragon, black as the darkest shadow emerges from what seems to be a hole in the sky.
The wind starts picking up and people begin to flee. The amount of fear in the arena is staggering.
"It would be best for us to take shelter," I say to the King.
He nods and I take Alanna's hand and run towards the keep.
"Wow!" Yells Leona. "Did you ever see anything like that before?"
No one here has, how could they? But I have, I've seen that Dragon before. It's Maltavian, a Dragon Lord of Scelion, the old empire.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 23:54:10
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" Is this one of your relatives coming to stop the wedding," I say to Drake with a laugh as we run towards the keep.
" Actually I thought he was one of yours " remarks Drake.
" Keep it up and I won't marry you" I reply.
" I thought we were married," replies Drake," What do you call that little ceremony a few minutes ago with the priest and your father?"
" That was not a wedding ceremony silly," laughs I ," That was just the priest and father giving us their blessing to be married. You have alot to learn about our customs here. Believe me the wedding will be a much bigger event."
The dragon is closing in.I am able to get a close look at his face. I have seen that face before. I tremble as i remember where have seen it. Drake grabs my hand.I stand frozen. He picks me up and carries me.
" Sorry love, but I prefer my wives alive," he teases me.
" Drake, I have seen that dragon before ," I say to him," Jeter wears a dragon pendant, and he has a painting of that dragon in his ship's cabin.His nickname is the dragon. "
" I have seen the dragon before myself ," replies Drake.
" Where?" I ask.
" Don't you be worrying about the dragon'" smiles Drake.
" But," I say.Drake places his finger over my lips to hush me.
" If I recall i heard something about a yule tide ball I am suppose to be escorting you too," Drake says to me trying to take my mind off of the dragon.
" Yes, there is to be a yuletide dinner, and ball, and we always exchange gifts among loved ones.And we celebrate till the fest of twelfth night." says I, " but if you are trying to get off the subject of the dragon, it won't work. I want to know where you have seen it before ?"
Drake places his fingers over my lips again to hush me, and I can't resist the urge to nip.
" Ouch" says Drake . He starts to withdraw his finger, but I grab it and and kiss it and smile flirtatiously at him. I'll get a answer out of him yet.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/28/2007 : 17:18:11
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I can see the seriousness in Alanna's eyes and I pull her to the side and we head towards the back of the castle. Alanna pulls my hand to stop me.
"Tell me right now what you know of that Dragon, I know I've seen him before."
"I really don't want to talk about it Alanna," I insist.
"I don't care, tell me, we are to be wed! You owe it to me!" She yells back.
My eyesite focuses on my feet and her soft hand comes up to my chin and evens my eyes with hers.
"Tell me..please."
"I'm the only one here who knows of this Dragon, very few in this world know of Maltavian. 200 years ago off the coast of Bromell, a sorcerer named Nahziim opened up a portal to another dimension called the Shadow Plane. He summoned forth an army of abominations, including their leader...Maltavian. He was a man back then but, he craved more power and turned himself into a Black Dragon."
I can tell Alanna was confused and then she looked back to me.
"But..200 years? how do you know all this?" She asked.
"Alanna..my last name..Starsong. You've never heard it before?" I ask.
"Yes, I have but..only in books..history books, fairy tales of old..oh my god.." Alanna turns pale. "No..it cannot be. That would mean you are one of the Keldaan?" She starts to trail off.
"Alanna, I'm the last of my clan, and one of the last of my race. I'm 343 years old. Those stories were not fairy tales, they were real, as real as I." Just then Alanna fainted and I heard footsteps from behind.
"Drake!"
"Leona?"
"Drake we need to get out of here...what happened to Alanna?"
"She fainted when I told her who I was..."
Leona punches me in the arm
"Why would you do that? Enough people already think we are crazy, now lets pick her up and get the hell out of here, I don't want to see what Mal has in store for us again."
I roll my eyes
"Pftt...200 years ago you were only 20! Don't give me that rubbish"
She sticks her tongue out at me and smirks. We continue to carry Alanna towards the back of the castle where everyone else fled too.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/29/2007 : 17:32:41
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Drake carries me.still unconscious into the great hall of the castle where everyone has gathered.
" What happen ?" questions my father.
" She fainted," replies Drake.
" Likely story," remarks Jeter who was standing a few feet away," Tell us what you really did to her."
" Drake did nothing !" snaps Leona.
" Did nothing you say !" laughs Jeter," Listen to me everyone. What do we really know about this Sir Drake. He is a stranger to our kingdom is he not ?"
" Aye," said a couple of people in the crowd.
" My daughter trusts him, and I trust my daughters judgement," replied the king.
" My good king," says Jeter," does it not seem a bit odd to you, that is beast of a dragon outside just happen to show up shortly after Sir Drake did ?'
" That's right," said three elder gentleman in the crowd.
" Sir Drake brought the dragon here," cries out a woman.
" He should be arrested," demands Jeter.
" Aye" agrees half of the people in the crowd.
" But he is to marry my daughter," argues my mother, the queen.
" You Majesty," says Jeter bowing before my mother," Would you want your daughter to marry a criminal. If you would allow me the honor, I would like to request the hand of your daughter in marriage. "
" Sir Jeter should marry the princess," cries out some voices in the crowd.
" Very well Sir Jeter, you may ask for my daughters hand in marriage," says my father.. My mother whispers something in his ear.
" But," adds my father," Alanna has the final decision on who she marries, along as is it someone parliament agrees upon."
" What about Sir Drake ?" asks Jeter," Are you going to arrest him ?"
" He shall be accompanied 24 hours aday by armed guards until we investigate this matter further," says my father," Now if you will excuse me i have some yuletide festivities to attend, for i will not let some dragon spoil the festivities i have planned for my family and guests."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/29/2007 : 17:46:06
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I awake to find myself sitting in a chair in the great hall. Leona is sitting next to me.
" What happen?" I ask her.
" Do you remember anything at all?" asks Leona.
" I remember asking Drake about how he knew the dragon," I replie," and then he revelved some info about himself and then.."
" And then you fainted " laughs Leona.
" Where is Drake now ?" I asked
" Ummmm..," says Leona not wanting to say.
" Leona !" i say to her.
" He is in the tower, under house arrest." replies Leona.
" What !" I exclaim," you better tell me everything that happen ." Leona fills me in on all the details.
" Oh ," add Leona," There is one more thing...um...maybe i better not tell you."
" Tell me !" I shout.
" Jeter publicly asked for your hand in marriage ."
" What!" I shout," Come with me !"
" Where are we going?"
" To the tower, to free my groom ."
" Which one?" teases Leona.
" Very funny !" I remark racing towards the tower.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/29/2007 : 18:16:47
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As we race towards the tower i ask Leona a couple of questions that come to my mind.
" Leona, Drake told me that he is a Keldaan. I need some answers from you. "
" What kind of answers ."
" You first told me that you and Drake were half brother and sister, and then when i asked you if you objected to me marrying Drake you said that you were not the one i had to worry about. And then when i started to question you, you made up the story about you being betrothed to Drake, didn't you?"
" Yes," admitted Leona," I made that part up. But not all of what i told you is a lie. Drake and I are related , that is true. No, I am not betrothed to him, but i had to distract you. You were asking so many questions, and i was afraid i would blurt out the truth about Drake."
" Well the truth is out now," I replie," Unless there is more you are not telling me."
" No," answered Leona," except that I am really in love with someone who is being held prisoner and I could really use your help."
" Well then we have something in common," I say to her," Come let us rescue Drake from prison first."
sit in a chair at the tall tower in the western wing and 2 guards stand in front of the door.
"You know you two are lucky I'm getting married to Alanna..."
"Oh yea'h? Lucky how?"
"Lucky like I won't be killin ye," I snap.
They both laugh and then I hear a knock on the door.
"Who goes there?" ask both the guards in almost a practiced unison.
"Princess Alanna, I demand to see Drake," says the voice
The left guard opens the door and Alanna and Leona step in, Alanna motions the guards to leave and they do.
Alanna runs up and hugs me tightly with Leona closely behind.
"Drake, if what you tell me is true, about your heritage, then why didnt you just break out?"
"Yeah and I'm sure then your father would really want me as a son...Alanna its not as easy as you may think." I trail off.
I pull out a talisman I carry around my neck, its gold with a blue star in the middle. Leona makes a wierd face.
"What is that?" Alanna asks inoccently
"The Makers Star, its what gives us such long life. When we are born, we are born with a strong life force which in essence makes us extremely powerful. One of our first Kings - King Talonwing, was able to store out life force in this talisman, it brings our strength and power down to near that a human, but it longates our life. We have the choice to free the power from this talisman but everytime we do it will shorten our lifespan, I have only used it once, and it was with the fight against Maltavian."
Alanna looks at me strangely. "How..powerful?" she adds in
Leon pipes in suddenly. "Alanna..if Drake free'd his life force, he could destroy your fathers castle and all the land around it for miles."
Alanna's jaw drops
"But..I would probably lower my lifespan in half to do so." I add in
Alanna doesnt seem to know what to say, she is just standing there stairing off into the distance.
The guards walk in and finally tell us that the King requires our presence.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/29/2007 : 19:17:47
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"Leona, go with Drake," I say to her," tell my father i will be their shortly ."
" Where are you going ?" asks Drake.
" I have something i need to do," I replie with a smile and a wink.
" Great !" exclaims Drake," My life hangs on the line and your off who knows where ! And why do i not like that look on your face."
I smile at Drake, blow him a kiss,
and say,"Now to go see a wise old wizard i know."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 12/30/2007 : 12:00:55
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"Drake, come on!" Leona yells as she grabs my shirt and pulls me forward
"She's going to see the wizard?" I say
"Yes yes Drake, she is, and a wonderful wizard he is, im sure of it! Now lets go!"
::This all sounds so familiar:: I think to myself.
I snap out of my little trance and follow Leona down the hall to see Alanna's father.
As we walk in we are greeted by his majesty. "Come in, come in..but, where is my daughter?" He asks
"She went to see the wizard," Leona replies.
"The wizard? What wizard? Theres no wizard!" The king says back.
Suddenly the queen leans over and pipes in.
"I think they mean the wizard of Koz," She says.
"OH, that wizard! Why didnt you say so?"
Me and Leona look at other and shrug.
"Thats my daughter, always thinking. Rhondel is his name I believe, he used to live in the castle before I was born, when my great grandfather was king of Farland. A powerful wizard he is young ones."
Leona leans over to whisper in my ear. "Who is he calling young? and whats with his sudden raspy voice and "wise" quips?"
I just shrug
"What do you wish from us my king?" I ask humblely
"I wish that you and sir Jeter prepare a force to eradicate those abominations running about outside the castle!" He yells
"As you wish my lord," Jeter says.
Leona mimmicks him and I cannot help but laugh a little
"Of course, anything for my future father-in-law, and current king," I say as I look over to Jeter.
He gives me a wicked grin and heads off down the hallway, me and Leona in close pursuit.
"And the fun begins," Leona says.
"As it does...as it does indeed," I reply with wicked grin of my own forming.
"Whats that look for Drake? Whats up our sleeve?"
I keep quiet and pick up the pace...if only she knew
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/30/2007 : 21:51:08
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After Drake leaves the room, the king turns to his wife and says " That was a close one my dear.I am afraid I was caught off guard when Drake said that Alanna had went to visit the wizard."
" Yes," replied the queen," I was afraid he was going to say that he had found out he truth about Alanna."
" We can not let that happen for Alanna does not even know the truth about herself and her ancestry," replies her husband.
" Yes, my dear husband, but need I remind you that Alanna is coming of age soon, and she will soon need to be told the truth."
" Why did she go to see the wizard?" asked the king," I had ordered her years ago to stop visiting, for fear that she would learn the truth."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 12/30/2007 : 23:27:13
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Knowing that the dragon was still flying about outside I decided to go on foot instead of by horseback.I had changed out of my good gown, and put on a blouse , a man's vest, and a pair of man's britches .If i was going to be traveling alone I did not want to look like a wealthy woman. There are highwaymen and pirates who roam the roads outside the castle.I quickly dressed and then made my way outside the castle. At first the guards refused to let me leave the castle, saying that it was not safe with the dragon outside. But i quickly reminded them who i was, and that I could have them put in the tower or dungeon if they did not obey me. I stayed close to the castle wall, blending in with the shadows until I reached the moat. I could see the dragon flying above. I waded into the moat, and dove under the water, only allowing myself to come up every few minutes for air. Then i quickly ran towards the castle gardens and tried to stay hidden among the bushes, and then i i quickly made a dash into the woods.I stopped and sat on a large rock to catch my breath.
" Looking for someone," a voice called out. I turned and their was the wise wizard Rhondel standing infront of me.
" You are far from home," i say to him," Have you come to help ?"
"I sensed a dark presence here, and came as quickly as I could," said the wizard.
" You know about the dragon?" I ask.
" Aye, I have known for quite a time now," replied Rhondel .
" Rhondel, I have seen that dragon before."
" And so you have," answered Rhondel," Do you remember where?"
" It was aboard a ship ," I answered.
" That is all?" asks Rhondel," You do not remember seeing it anywhere else. Then again, how could you remember , you were just a baby."
" What are you talking about Rhondel ?" I ask him.
" Nothing child," replies Rhondel," Just an old wizard rambling and muttering on."
" You will help us fight the dragon ?" I ask.
" No, not I" says Rhondel," There is someone more powerful then me who will fight him."
" Do you mean Drake ?" I ask him.
" Ah, the young man named Drake," sighed Rhondel," I have been watching the last few days events in my crystal ball."
" Then you know about his ancestry and the pendant that he wears.?"
" Yes, a interesting being he is," remarks Rhondel," He will make you a good husband."
" But what about the talisman ?"
" Ah, I knew there was something bothering you child."
" Yes, the fact that Drake will long outlive me, that is if he survives the battle with the dragon.I know it is silly but it bothers me"
" Don't worry about things like that my dear," remarks Rhondel," I can assure you, you both will be together for many, many years."
" Then Drake will survive the battle with the dragon?"
" H e will not be the one fighting the dragon, there is someone more powerful then him,"Rhondel replies.
" Who?" I ask," Please tell me Rhondel."
" I should not," answered Rhondel nervously.
" Rhondel,please tell me ," I beg.
" Very well," sighs Rhondel.
" Well..." I say.
" I can tell you that the being is a female," says Rhondel.
" You don't mean Leona !" I exclaim.
" No, this person is even stronger then she."
" Who? Do i know her ?"
" Yes," answerd Rhondel
" Who is she ?"
" She is from this kingdom. She has the fairest skin in the kingdom. "
" But i am the fairest one in the kingdom. that is why I am called Alanna. It means fair one. "
Rhondel just looks at me and does not say a word.
" Do you mean..no it can't be. I'm stronger then Drake and Leona. I am to fight the dragon, but how can that be, i am just a mere human."
" Alanna, there is something you need to know," says Rhondel," You are no ordinary person."
" What do you mean ?" I ask.
" Come sit down on this rock next to me child and let me explain ."
" A long time ago, there lived a mighty dragon. He was the king of all dragons. He was strong, and pocessed magical powers, and lived in a mighty fine castle made out of crystals and gem stones. Despite all his his strength d powers and wealth, he lived alone. he grew very lonely and searched high and low for some one to be his bride.
He found her. She was a young girl, part elf, part fairy,part human. She was quite beautiful and had a way with animals. It was said that not only could she talk to them, she could shape shift into any animal she wanted to be.The tow of them fell in love and married. They had a child, a daughter. Unfortunately the child was born during a time of war and turmoil in their part of the land. Her parents, the dragon, and the young elf-fairy princess were killed. "
" What happen to the child ?" I ask.
" Fortunately for the child I was friends of the family." Rhondel replied," I had a vision about their death, and was on my way to warn them, but I was too late. I found the baby alone in the castle, the only survivor. In fear for the babies life, I quickly fled with her. At first i did not know where i would go, then i remembered the kingdom of an old friend of mine. He had recently married. They had wanted a child of their own, but to their dismay they had found out they could not have any. I knew that they would love the baby and give her a good home. So off I went to the kingdom of Farland."
" Farland !" I exclaim," Then the baby was a relative of mine."
" No, my dear," sighs Rhondel,"That baby was and is you. You have powers you don't even know you have and with my help i will teach you to use them."
" No, I don't believe you. This can't be ," I say running off crying. I run right into Drake.
" There you are," says Drake," I have been looking for you." I say not a word, but only weep harder.
" What happen?" asks Drake," Are you hurt ?"
" No!," I answer," Something much worse. My life as i knew it never really existed, nor will it ever be the same ."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/01/2008 : 00:09:47
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Drake holds me in his arms as I weep. Rhondel approaches to console me. Drake recognises him.
" Rhondel,it has ben a long time old friend," says Drake.
" Yes , too long," replies Rhondel.
" You two know each other ?" I ask," Is everyone keeping secrets from me ?" I go running off into the woods.
" What got into her?" Asks Drake.
" We can talk about that later,"advises Rhondel," Right now you better go after her."
Drake runs after me and finds me standing under a tall oak tree weeping.
"Alanna," drake says to me.
" Don't say a word Drake please," I beg him," I just want you to hold me tight and don't let go."
Drake holds me in his arms. I weep even harder.
" Alanna, please tell me what has hurt you ?" ask Drake.
I continue to cry. Drake brushes a strand of hair out of my face and kisses me on the cheek. I look up into his eyes.
" Drake ," I say to him, fighting back the tears.
He pulls me closer and kisses me. I find myself kissing him back. His kisses grow more passionate.
" Don't stop," i say to him.
He pulls me down to the ground and he gently and passionately makes love to me.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/01/2008 : 15:06:24
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I layed happy and content in Drake's arms. I had forgooten about the past few hours events for the time being.
" Are you okay?" Drake asked me," I didn't hurt you did I? I mean I know you have never been touched in that way before..you know what I mean ?"
" I am fine my love," I say to him and kiss him, and then I look at him mischeiviously and say
" When can we do it again?"
" I have created a monster," teases Drake and he pulls me towards him, and we make love to each other once again.
Afterwards I lay close to Drake in his arms.
" Drake I'm curious about something ," I say to him.
" What's that?" replies Drake
" If you are three hundred and something years old how many wives have you had ?
" Hum," smiles Drake," Including you, one too many !"
" Very funny !" I replie and I whack him in the arm.
" We best be getting back, we have a yule tide ball to attend and there are presents to give out," I say.
Just then a huge dark shadow appears along with a loud thunderous noise.
" It's the dragon," says Jake," . He has picked up on our scent. Quickly, grab your things and lets get out of here."
The dragon is circling up above. I remember what Rhondel told me. I have special powers.
" Drake hold my hand ?" I say to him.
" Not now Alanna," he teases me.
" Hold my hand ," I insist . He grabs my hand and i close my eyes. Here goes nothing.
" Turn me into a giant hawk," I say. I imagine myself as a hawk. slowly my body begins to transform.
" Alanna, what is happening?" demands Drake
" I can't explain now," I say to him," Just hold on to me."
I flap my wings and take off into the sky with Drake holding onto me for dear life."
" Ummm.. I hope you know what you are doing." says Drake as we go higher into the sky.
" Actually I have never flown before," I reply.
" You want to explain to me what is going on ?" asks Drake.
I tell him everything that Rhondel told me.
" So that is why you were so upset ?" aks Drake.
" I was not so much upset about my powers ," I said," It was more the fact that no one ever told me the truth. You see for years I thought their was something wrong with me. I would have these visions and then they would end up coming true. I could teleport things with my mind. I would sometimes touch things with my hands and they would start on fire. I never said anything to anyone, for fear that they may think me crazy or possessed and put me to death."
" But you are not crazy Alanna," says Drake.
" I know that now," I reply," That is not the only thing that bothers me. I love the king and queen of Farland. To me , they will always be my parents. But biologically I am not really their daughter. So how can I be princess Alanna, the future queen of Farland ."
Just then the dragon appears out of nowhere and is closing in on us.
" Hold On," I say," I think I can fly faster then him."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 14:20:40
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Alanna picks up the pace but Maltavian is hot on our tails
"We won't make it Alanna.." I say
Maltavian is above us and looks down to me
Suddenly the sky shakes and a thundering voice pierces my thoughts
::Drake of the Starsong tribe, you have lived to long! You're the last of your kind to escape my hatred, but no longer shall you hide::
"Alanna, let me go"
"ARE YOU CRAZY?" She yells
"No, let me go now. Trust me"
"No, I will not..."
Just then I squeeze her talons and she releases her hold on me
I begin my decent, hold the talisman around my neck tightly, and behind the incantation.
Sir la nethwe, aire tas la rewek na hir!
The talisman glows brightly and a shockwave sends Alanna flying down into a tree and temporirily blinds Maltavian.
After the glow simmers down I've taken my blessed form.
I spread my wings - spanning 20ft from left to right wing
"Maltavian, I am the last of the Dragon Lords, and I WILL end this right now!"
Maltavian lets out a roar that nearly breaks the sound barrier and he charges in to me.
I pull out Liriel my Draconis Defender and charge toward Maltavian
"LIRIEL I RELEASE THEE!" I yell as loud as I can and my sword shutters and turns blue, releasing a powerful beam of pure magic.
Maltavian opens wide and releases his a similar orange beam, one that has been named earth shaker by my ancestors.
The two beams ignite each other and sucks all sound from the surrounding area, suddenly a sonic boom blows all the landscape away and I see Maltavian flutter away into the distance, but none to soon the blast hits me and knocks me back towards the earth, before I hit the ground I black out
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/04/2008 : 15:14:00
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After recovering from having the wind knocked out of me, I transform back into my human self, climb down out of the tree and go looking for Drake. He is no where to be seen, and I begin to panic. " Use your visions ," my inner voice tells me. I try to focus,but it is not working. All i keep saying is two dragons battling in the sky .
I head back along a path towards the castle, when i see a huge figure laying on the ground. It is a figure of a dragon.
" Maltavian," I shout. The dragon does not move. He appears to be hurt. I move closer and realize it is not Maltavian. Where did this Dragon come from? I kneel down beside it. There is a sword laying next to him. I go to touch it when all of a sudden a ghostly image of another dragon appears. I jump back in fright.
" Alanna, dear child, do not be afraid. I mean you no harm ," says the voice.
" Who are you, and how do you know my name ?" I ask.
" I am your father," replies the dragon.
" Father," I say and kneel before him, fighting back the tears.
" There is no time for crying ," my father says," You have an important job to do Alanna. You are Queen of all the Dragons. You and Drake must marry. By the way that is Drake laying there behind you. Yes, he has dragon blood in him too.No you are not related. At one time the kingdom of dragons was ruled by 2 dragons. Both of them were good. One was me, and the other was a golden dragon. He was killed by the black dragon."
" The black dragon. You mean Maltavian ?" I say.
" Yes," said my father," but that is not important. You and Drake must marry. United you two will rule the kingdom and rid us of Maltavian forever."
" we will father ," I assure him.
" There is one more thing," says my father," Maltavian is not working alone. There is someone else even more powerful and more evil then him.He is the real black dragon."
" Who father ?" I say. But my father's image fades away.
" Father. Don't go ! " I cry out, but he is gone. I hear a moan. I turn to see Drake awake.
" Well," I say to him, gently kicking him in the rear with my foot," I'm glad you are awake. I think there are a few details about yourself you forgot to tell me."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/05/2008 : 11:54:45
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I know I'm looking up at Alanna but everything is blury and my body feels warn.
"Don't over exert yourself Drake..you may be a Dragon Lord but your still mortal.." Alanna says.
Suddenly a small dragonling flys up and lands on Alanna's shoulder. It then hops into my arms and glows a bright green, causing Alanna to shield herself from the glow. When the glow is gone I'm back to my normal self and the dragonling is now Leona.
"Leona..? but.."
I start to regain my strength and sit myself up.
"Thank you Leona..." I say
"Drake..you need to be more careful...I won't always be around for you.." Leona says worriedly
Alanna is next to us wondering still what happened.
"Alanna don't let Drake do to much, he needs his rest..badly" Leona asks pleadingly
Alanna just shakes her head in agreement, then walks over and helps Leona pick me up.
"Lets take him to Rhondels, he will be able to heal him"
Alanna stops and gives Leona a serious look.
"Why is it everyone knows about EVERYTHINGA except for ME!?"
Leona shakes her head and we continue to Rhondels tower.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/05/2008 : 22:45:15
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" I will have to leave you here with Rhondel," I say to Drake.
" Where are you running off to?" asks Drake.
" I don't want to leave," I reply," but the yuletide ball is tonight,and if i do not show up, it would not go over very well with my adoptive parents or the royal court."
" I'm not letting you go alone," says Drake," What about Jeter ?"
"You need Rhondel's healing help," I reply," And as far as Jeter goes I can handle him."
" That is what I am afraid of," Jake replies.
" Or are you afraid I might dance with every handsome gentleman there ?" I tease. I give Drake a kiss and go darting off.
Drake looks at Leona.
" You don't have to say it," says Leona," You want me to follow her and keep an eye on her."
" Exactly," answers Drake," I do not trust Jeter. I will be there at the ball as soon as Rhondel patches me up here, but in the meantime you are not to let Alanna out of your sight, or else you will answer to me."
" Gee whiz," teases Leona," Grouch . By the way don't forget to get Alanna a special gift. I have heard that it is a special tradition among the family and the royal court to exchange gifts at the ball."
Then Leona starts to laugh.
" What is so funny ?" asks Drake.
" You are going to have to dance tonight at the ball," laughs Leona," and you sir, have never been able to dance.So i can't wait to see this."
" Go!" growls Drake," You are already letting Alanna out of your sight."
" Okay, I'm going , I'm going" says Leona. Rhondel comes walking towards them and Leona says to him witha laugh and an impish smile,
" See if you can heal his personality too and maybe teach him to dance while you are at.."
Yes...hopefully we will have our story back..but...if not...umm..watch your local bookstore for it :P lol....oh how I dream
I make my way back to the castle, only to be confronted by my father who informs me that he has moved up the wedding date, and that he has hired a well known seamstress by the name of Maggie , to make my wedding gown. I mutter a quick thankyou and hurry off. After leaving my father I head towards my bedchamber. I go to sit down on my bed, when i hear a small voice shout
" Ouch !". I leap up to see a small dragonling sitting on my bed.
" Leona," I say to her," I see Drake has sent you to spy on me . Well you can just go back to the him and tell him that I don't have time to get into any trouble, father and mother have moved up the wedding date."
Leona sits there looking at me not saying a word.
" You heard me," I say," Shoo! Out of here. I have no time for games right now."
" Gee whiz," says Leona," You and Drake make a great pair. You are both grouches."She goes flying away.
A minute late there is a knock at the door.
" Leona, I told you I wanted to be alone!" I shout.
" Excuse me mi lady," calls a serving maids voice," But the seamstress your father has sent fro is here outside your door. she has gowns to show you."
" Very well," I sigh," Let her in."A middle age peasant woman enters the room carrying some gowns in one arm and a basket full of fabrics in another. She is followed by a medium size dog who when spotting my bed decides to go leaping onto it.
" Tugs, you bad dog," calls the woman," You get down from there. I beg your forgiveness mi lady, Tugs is still a puppy and does not know any better."
" It is fine," I assure her.
" My name is Maggie mi lady and I have brought alone a few samples of some of my gowns for you to try on."
" Very well Maggie," i sigh," lets see what you have to offer." Wih Maggie's help I try on one of the already made gowns she has to offer. It is a gorgeous gown.I turn to look at myself in the mirror and I begin to cry.
" Mi lady," says Maggie," Do you not like it?"
" It is beautiful," I say," It's just that...... "I look at Maggie. I have a strong feeling that I can confide in Maggie and tell her the truth.
" Can I talk to you," I say to her.
Maggie sits down on the bed, and motions to me to sit next to her.
" I am so confused right now Maggie," I began," Where should i begin. Lets see...when i was a small child, i discovered that i was different from the other children in the court. I had special gifts and powers. I tried to tell the others about them and they all laughed at me or called me crazy. My father frowned upon it and forbid me to use my gifts or powers. I now know that he was afraid for my safety and that people may call me a demon or something for migaic is not well thought of in these parts.Anyway, i listened to my father, but yet there was part of me that always wondered if maybe i was crazy. As I reached womanhood i had several gentleman suitors, but father always turned them away. No one was suitable for his daughter until Jeter came along. He was not the most pleasant man, but i agreed to be courted by him, for i wanted to please my father, plus i felt no respectable gentleman would marry someone like me once they knew my secret.So as I said i allowed myself to be courted by Jeter. He was a terrible ,evil man. I tried to tell my father, but Jeter was very clever . Then there was news that Jeter had been killed. I was so relieved. But now I have found out that he is alive and wants to marry me."
" So you are marrying Jeter?" asks Maggie.
" No,I am to marry Drake," I answer, and I fill Maggie in all about Drake.
" Do you love Drake?" asks Maggie.
" Yes," I replie.
I decide to tell Maggie everything.
" But you said Drake knows and he still wants to marry you , so why are you so upset ?" inquires Maggie.
" Because for one I know nothing about being a dragon queen," I say," and two I have not told my parents the truth yet. "
" But they know that you have some special power."
" Yes but they do not know all the details."
" There is something else bothering you child ," says Maggie.
" Yes," I say," that is that I am not truly princess Alanna."
" Nonsense child," As far as the people in the kingdom are concern ,you are the child of the king and queen of Farland. Everyone considers you our princess and future queen."
" But.." i say ,but Maggie interrupts me.
" There is something else bothering you, talk to me child."
" I saw a vision of my real father. He warned me that there was a force stronger then the black dragon to deal with. At first i did not know who he meant, but then it dawned on me later who he meant. I know who this person is, and I fear that he will only bring danger to me and Drake, unless I......"
We are interrupted by Tugs barking and growling at something in the corner. I turn to see a small dragonling shuddering in the corner. I start to laugh and say
" Go get her Tugs !"
" What !" exclaims Leona.
" Serves you right for spying on us ," I say to Leona. Then I turn to Maggie and say," Maggie meet the dragonling and spy of the castle. Her name is Leona, and she is quite the mischievous little imp."
" Humph !" pouts Leona.
" Very well, enough trying on gowns for now, I need to pick out a gown for the ball tonight. I'm already running late."
" Why not wear what you have on ,"Leona suggests.
" the gown is lovely on you." says Maggie.
She is right. It is the most beautiful green velvet gown. It brings out my dark auburn hair, my green eyes and my fair skin.
" It's also very revealing," teases Leona," Drake will like that."
I look at myself in the mirror. Yes it does show off a bit of cleavage, but it will have to do. I have no time to change.
" So what is your yuletide gift to Drake ?" asks Leona.
" I plan on giving him Grim Reaper as a gift." I say
Maggie looks at me with a strange look on her face.
" He is a horse," I say to her.
" Oh!" says Maggie," Now about our conversation we were having earlier."
" We will talk later ," I say to her, then i walk over to her and whisper," I can't say anything infront of Leona, besides i need to deal with it myself."
Then i sit down to attend to my hair and jewelery.
In the meantime,in the castle courtyard .....
" Curses," shouts Jeter,pacing back and forth with a young page following behind him" She can not marry Drake. She must marry me. For once we are married then i will be king of the dragon kingdom and then they will be sorry they messed with Maltivan, for I am the real black dragon."
" What about the other reason you need to marry her?" asks the page.
" Well, we don't have to be married to do that," smiles Jeter," No i just need to bed her and mate with her. For in order for me to live for ever i must mate with another female dragon with the special blood type i need and Alanna may not know it, but she is the only female dragon left in the kingdom with that blood type."
" And how to you plan on doing that?" asks the page.
" I seriously wounded Drake this afternoon," smiles Jeter," I doubt he will show up at the ball tonight so i will dance with Alanna at the ball tonight, and before the night is over she will be mine."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/09/2008 : 14:53:27
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I finish dressing, bid farewell to Maggie and Leona for now, and hurry out of my bedchamber. I stop infront of a mirror in one of the halls to rexamine myself,when I feel myself being watched.
" Leona, I know you are here," I say. I turn , but it is not Leona. A young page boy stands smileing at me.
" You are new here are you not ?," I say to him.
The young page just nods his head. Suddenly a vision appears in my mind. I see Jeter and he is standing in the courtyard talking to the young page that stands before me.
" Come here lad," I say to the page. He turns and starts to dart off. I use my powers i have to knock over a table and chair infront of him blocking his path.
" Not so fast," I shout," Tell me what you and Jeter were talking about ."
" I don't know what you mean mi lady ," the young page answers trying no to llok me in the eyes.
" Then way won't you look me right in the eyes ? You are lying to me boy. I demand the truth now." I grow angery and i use my magic i have to shoot flames out of my hands. I send them flying at the page's feet.
" Alright,I will tell you," cries the young lad," Just don't kill me." He tells me all about Jeter's evil plan.Well not all of it. He tells me about Jeter's palns to marry me and why. He neglects to tell me that Jeter needs to mate with a dragon with blood like mine, so he can live forever."
" You did well boy, now go, leave this castle and never ever return." The boy goes running down the hallway.
Now to go take care of one evil snake. I will play your game Jeter, I say to myself, but it will be you that will be mine in the end.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/09/2008 : 15:08:51
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I head to the ball room . After making my grand entrance I head towards my father. He is standing talking with Sir Jeter. Perfect, just the two I wanted to see.
" Father," I say to him, " I do not want to late till later to announce my wedding, I wish to announce it right now."
" But Drake is not here," says my father.
" Why should that snake be here," I say lying through my teeth," I am through with him. He has hurt me and I will never forgive him. No, the man I am going to marry is Sir Jeter if he will have me."
" Is this a joke?" says Jeter .
" No joke sir," I say to Jeter," Drake has betrayed. I can never marry him. Therefore I accept your offer of marriage."
" Excellent," smiles Jeter.
Little do I know that a certain dragonling by the name of Leona, is hiding in the rafters. She sees and hears everything and goes rushing off to find Drake.
" Dance with me ," I say to Jeter. He leads me out on the dance floor and we dance together. But despite trying to be strong, I find myself trembling in fear .
" You are cold my love," Jeter says to me," Let me bring you something to warm you up." I see him go over to a serving maid and grab a glass of wine she carries on a tray. I am distracted for a minute by one of my father's guests congratulating me on my upcoming marriage. I do not see Jeter slip something into my glass.
Jeter brings me the glass of wine, and being slightly thirsty I drink it.Then he takes me on the dance floor and we dance two more dances. I find myself smiling at Jeter and flirting with him. What is wrong with me ? Why am I acting this way?
" Come with me," I say to him with a flirtatious smile and i lead him outside to the garden area.Once outside I say to him,
" Kiss me." Oh my ! What am I doing. I try to fight it , but I can't. What has he done to me. I am under some spell.Drake, where are you when i need you. Someone help me.I need to stay focus. Alright Jeter I am about to turn the tables on you I say to myself.You may have slipped me something, but I will not let you have me. Instead I will use your evil plot to my advantage.
Jeter pulls me closer and we kiss passionately. He takes my arm and leads me behind some tall hedges where no one can see us. Then he pulls me close to him and kisses me again. He starts to undress me, kissing me hard.
" Kiss me all over," I say to him, and he starts to kiss my ample breasts. I reach under my skirts for the dagger i have hidden. He pulls me close to his body, and I reach for the dagger stabbing him twice in the chest. He lets out a blood curling scream, and falls backward.Just then I hear a voice call my name. It is Drake.
" Drake!" I cry out.
Drake comes running. Upon approaching the scene and seeing Jeter laying in a pool of blood Drake runs to me and pulls me into his arms.
" Alanna, are you hurt ?" Drake says to me.
" No," I say to Drake," I am find. I did not let him touch me in that way."
" What happen ?" Drake demands.
" He put something in my drink. Some kind of potion. I don't want to talk about it Drake. Just tell me is he dead ?"
Drake walks over to Jeter and examines him.
" He is seriously wounded, but he is still alive, although I would like to kill him right now." Drake grabs the dagger , but I jump up and stop him.
" No Drake don't," I say to him," They well only hang you then for murder. You must leave here before they find you."
" I won't leave you here alone with him," says Drake.
" Please Drake," I beg," If they find you here they will arrest you. Please leave me here. I will call for the guards. I will them them the truth. That Jeter attacked me, and i will demand that he be arrested. "
" I am not leaving," says Drake," I will hide over here in the bushes, but I am never leaving you out of my sight gain, not as long as Jeter is alive." Just then Leona comes flying up.
" And where were you?" says Drake.
" I was looking for you ," replies Leona.
" I told you to stay with Alanna," Drake shouts loudly at Leona." Change yourself back into human form and go get the guards for us."
Leona changes herself into human form and goes running off. I pull my gown and chemise back up and then i sit and start to cry. Drake pulls me into his arms and holds me.
" It is alright Alanna," says Drake," I promise you I will never leave you alone again. I love you, and I will always protect you."
" Drake," I say to him," Father has push up the wedding date."
" Good the sooner we are married the better," says Drake.
"No,I say to him," you don't understand, I am to marry Jeter."
" Well given the certain circumstances and evidence," smiles Drake," I can assure you Jeter will not be marrying you. I will." He kisses me on the forehead and I hold onto him tightly not ever wanting to let go.
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 01/09/2008 : 19:52:34
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I'd heard about the commotion, and went to look for Princess Alanna. One of my secrets is that I am of noble birth, and had chosen to forego all of the courtly manner and strike out as a seamstress. It also gives me the option of bringing anyone to my court with me and want to invite Alanna and Drake to hide out there. Tugs is hot on my heals as I see them clinging tightly together.
"MiLady, MiLord, I have something to offer you..." I trail off as I begin telling them who I am.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/09/2008 : 23:00:27
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We listen to Maggie's story. Drake thinks it would be a good idea to leave the castle and get away far away from Jeter.
" I can't leave my people ," I protest.
" The same people who were willing to have you marry Jeter," remarks Drake.
" Even if we were to leave here, Jeter would find us where ever we go."
" We are leaving here," says Drake," I want to get you as far away from Jeter for the time being as possible."
" But," I say.
" Alanna," says Drake," I love you. Let me take care of you, the way I feel is best."
" Very well," I say to him," But i need to say goodbye to mother."
" No, " says Drake," No one shall know that we are leaving."
" Please Drake," I say to him," Just allow me me some time with her. I won't say that we are leaving. I will go and spend some time with her, and then excuse myself and say i want to go to sleep. I will gather my things in my room and meet you in the stables."
" I'm not letting you out of my sight," replies Drake.
" I will take Maggie and Tugs with me," I assure him.
" You will watch her Maggie," says Drake refering to me.
" I will not leave her side for a minute," smiles Maggie.
" Very well." says Drake," You have 2 hours. No more. I will meet you in the stables. I'll saddle your horse and three others."
" Take Grim," I say to him," You will find him in his stall with a red ribbon around his neck."
"Why?" asks Drake suspiciously.
" I was planning to give him to you as a yule tide present," I replie.
" Wonderful," says Drake.I give him a kiss. Drake holds onto me not wanting to let me go.
" I will be fine," I assure him.
" 2 hours," says Drake," Then i come looking for you."
I hurry off with Maggie and Tugs behind me to find my parents, just as I see Leona approaching with the guards. I see Drake duck out of sight, as the guards quickly gather around Jeter who is still unconscious.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 14:26:54
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I stare at Jeter with a fire burning inside, how badly I want to end his life for what he has done to Alanna. I turn and head back to Rhondel's tower, upon arrival Rhondel is already out front with a pack on his back.
"Drake! My dear boy, you just saved me a trip, I was just about to come find you."
I look at Rhondel with an odd look
"Drake come with me, this is very important, I've just discovered something that...well no one would believe me about." Rhondel motions to me and begins heading to the east of his tower towards Sirens Valley.
We walk for around an hour and we come to a dead end. Rhondel turns to me and yanks the talisman off my neck.
"Sorry my boy, but I need to borrow this for a moment."
Rhondel moves a side a few dead branches and reveals a shape in the wall. He sticks my talisman inside and the earth opens up to a dark cavern.
"Aha! Just as I thought!" Rhondel says while jumping up and down excitedly.
He utters a few words in old Draconian which I didn't recognize, and suddenly the talisman glows bright and illuminates the cavern.
"Come, come my boy. You see, I have been researching this pendant of yours and stumbled upon some amazing information."
We walk a little ways and get to a small opening - Rhondel says another Draconic word and the talisman stops glowing, he then hands it back to me and the room illuminates itself. Theres a pool of sparkling water within the room and a statue of a dragon and a dragonlord fighting. The dragon lords sword looks deep in the dragons heart.
Suddenly my talisman glows, not just blue though, but a rainbow of colors. Rhondel looks at me and smiles.
"Whats going on...?" I ask.
"You, Drake, are much older than you think. Do you know who these 2 beings are?"
I shake my head in confusion
"The Dragonlord is Sithe Starsong, your father, and the elder of the Dragonlords. He died in battle fighting the original dragon elder, Kaedwir, but....not before giving birth to a son...which is you. Drake your date of birth is still unknown to me but from what I've found, you are at least 850 years old. In some old scrolls I've found it says you were born right before the final battle and your father cast a spell of eternal sleep on you, because he knew he could not defeat all the dragon elders alone, and someday it would be your task."
I look at Rhondel dumfounded a little longer.
"Your birth name is Rakzir Starsong - Rakzir translates to Drake in the human tongue, and was given to you so Maltavian wouldnt find you. Unfortunately around 250 years ago he did find you, and you sent him back to the outer rim of the Shadow world."
Well that I knew but..your sure about my age?
"Absolutely, when your put under eternal slumber your memories of the past linger lightly and become vague. Your mother awoke you right before Maltavian took her life."
"I see..." I say, still confused.
"Up untill now I thought Alanna was the only remaining dragon royalty, but your not just any Dragon Lord, your the last Elder Dragon Lord, your power however is not nearly close enough to what it could be, and should be. The sword in this statue is your fathers, Roahnaza is her name. She was once a Draconic Entity, or an Old God if you will, she was banished from the Throne of the Ancients because of her weakness for helping humans. She could not live amongst us as humans though, so she took the form of a sword, which in turn landed in your fathers care. Now Drake...I think its time you take Roahnaza and take care of her, she will help you defeat the greatest evil these lands have ever seen, as well as Alanna."
"Alanna...I hope she is ok..."
"She will be fine, she is no weakling, and to be honest I thought she was the most powerful being alive, but who would of thought..an Elder Dragon Lord...here this whole time, right in front of my eyes. You must wed Alanna, or else when the both of you pass from this world, the legacy of the Dragon Lords."
I stare at the statues for a long while, trying to understand everything Rhondel has told me. It would explain the visions I had when making love to Alanna.
I slowly walk up to the statues and grab the handle. Soon as I do the talisman on my neck glows brightly and the statue explodes, knocking me back a few feet. When I look up the talisman attatches itself to the pommel and stays in midair. I get back up and take the sword in hand. It sends a surge of electricity through my entire body. suddenly it stops glowing and I put it in my scabbard.
"Rhondel, it's almost been 2 hours, I need to get back to Alanna."
I start out of the cavern and Rhondel appears before me.
"Your not going to walk there are you?"
I look at him oddly.
"By the heavens boy...Elor sethi wa nota," he says.
I repeat what he says and my body convulses and wings form from my back.
"You don't have to summon the power from your talisman anymore. Now go to Alanna, she needs you."
I take flight and go as fast as I can to reach Alanna.
"I'm coming my love.." I whisper to myself
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 16:23:33
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Maggie and I found my mother sitting in a chair in the dining hall. Her lady in waiting was fanning her with a ostrich plume fan.
" Mother,are you alright ?" I asked her.
" Did you hear the news, daughter," My mother asked me," A man has been found stabbed."
" Yes mother," I answer," I already know. The man was Jeter."
" Jeter," says my mother in shock," But you were with Jeter, are you okay?"
" I'm fine mother ," I lie.
" Are you sure child," my mother says to me," You know I have always been on your side. I don't trust Jeter either, please I can tell from the look in your eyes something terrible has happen. Please tell me."
I can't lie to her. She shoos her lady in waiting away,and I kneel down beside her and whisper in her ear,about every thing that has happen.
" I well have Jeter hanged for what he done to you," says my mother," I do have some say in this kingdom."
" No mother," I say to her," there is something about Jeter you don't know about. And there is something about Me and Drake you need to know too."
I tell her everything. About Jeter being the real Maltivan. About Drake and his powers, and about me and my powers.
" What are you going to do," asks my mother," surely Jeter will plot to kill you, if you both stay around here."
" That is why Drake feels it is best that he and I leave here tonight," I say to her.
" Oh my daughter, I don't want you to leave."
" I don't want to either, but I must. I have a kingdom, or shall I say two kingdoms to save.I will return someday mother."
" But i won't be there to see you wed or to see my first grandchild born."
" I would tell you to come with us, but you know father would only send guards out looking for you, and that would lead Jeter to us."
"Well you say goodbye to you father," begs my mother," He does love you."
" I can't mother, for surely protest."
My mother hugs me.
" I must go mother. I will try to send a message to you when it is safe."
I hurry to my bedchamber with Maggie and Tugs still following behind me. Once inside I lay down on the bed and start to weep. Maggie sits down beside me and tries to console me.
" I'm sorry," I sob," here I am suppsoe to be this strong, powerful being, and I am sitting hear crying like a baby."
" My dear child," laughs Maggie," You have gone through quite the ordeal tonight. You have every right to cry. Come let me help you bathe and get freshen up."
Maggie helps me to bathe and I dress in afresh clean gown. I gather some gowns, cloaks, extra blankets to keep everyone warm. I have a maid bring up several plates of food. I quickly pack it up in a large satchel start to pack my swords , bows, and arrows, and then i start to laugh. I have special powers. I don't need all of this.
Then i go over to a box where i keep my fine jewels. I dump them in another large satchel. We may need these for money.
" Is there anything you are not packing ?" teases Maggie.
" I am done," I say to her," Lets head for the stables."
I go to my door. I hear voices of guardsmen outside my door.
" Curses," I say," father must have placed guards outside my door to protect me after what happen tonight. Well, we can't leave that way. "
" Then how?" asks Maggie.
" Out the window ," I say to her.
" But there is a huge drop down to the ground !" exclaims Maggie.
" Don't worry Maggie, we fly out." I say to her.
" Fly!" exclaims Maggie. I drop the satchels , and baskets out the window first. Then I transform myself into a large bird.
" Grab Tugs Maggie," I say to her. Maggie grabs Tugs , then i swoop down over both of them and grab them with the long crawls on my feet. We go heading towards the window.
Maggie starts to scream.
" Hush," I say to her," you want to alert the guards. We go flying out the window.
" Hail Mary," prays Maggie closing her eyes.I can't resist. I fly high up into the sky.
" You can open your eyes Maggie," i say to her.
Maggie opens her eyes and lets out a loud squeal. Before she knows it I have us back down on the ground. I transform back into my human self and we pick up the satchels and bags, and baskets, and all of Maggie's things and head towards the stable, where we find Drake waiting for us with the horses.He sees all our bags and baskets and starts to laugh.
"What did you two do, rob the place ?" he teases.
" Very funny," I remark.
" That what I get for marrying a spoiled princess," he teases.
" Keep it up buster and you will be....." Before I can answer Tugs goes rushing at Drake knocking him into a pile of hay. I start to laugh.
" Oh, you think, that is funny," says Drake pulling me down with him. He begins to kiss me passionately.
Maggie clears her throat loudly catching our attention, and says to us,
" Need I remind you two lovebirds, that we best not be sticking around here any longer then we need too."
" To be continued later," smiles Drake kissing me one more time.
" All depends on if you behave yourself," I say to him teasingly and pick myself up out of the hay.
" I always behave myself madam," replies Drake.
" That's a joke," says Leona appearing around a corner.
" I think we better be going," says Drake trying to change the subject.
" What's the matter Drake," I say to him, and Maggie, Leona, and I all start to laugh.
" Wonderful," Drake says," I am stuck with three females. How did I get myself into this mess?"
" Why other men would be jealous of you," I say to him mounting up on my bay mare,"You are in the company of three lovely females."
" More like three trouble makers," says Drake as he mounts Grim," At least I have Grim here to talk to."
" Why i thought you liked to play more then you liked to talk dear," I say to him flirtatiously. I smile and blow him a kiss and go riding pass him.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 16:28:14
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We quickly back our away into the dark forest near the castle.
Drake rides up along side Maggie.
" I am worried about Alaana," he says to Maggie," She has not said anything about the incident tonight."
" She did have a brief cry in her bedchamber," replies Maggie," She is trying to be strong for everyone, but deep down inside I sense a young girl who is scared and hurting, and needs someone to talk to and to love her. Go to her Drake."
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 17:14:13
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After a short while, I let out a loud whistle. Both Drake and Alanna snap their heads up and try to tell me to "sshhh." I let out another whistle, and Drake says "What is that woman doing?" Suddenly, a large owl appears and lands on my shoulder. I hear Leona let out a small hiss.
"How goes it, my friend?" I ask the owl.
"It is safe for passage," Ashmith replies, "Where have you been?"
"Does not matter where I have been, what matters is, have you seen anything or anyone strange in these parts?"
"No, MiLady, I have not. The court has been waiting for your return with the two Dragon Lords. All has been prepared for their comfort." Ashmith turned his head and then looked back at me. "I see you brought that indominable canine back with you."
"Leave Tugs be, he's my friend." I say
"Well, have you at least told our Nobles who you really are yet?"
"Most all of it." I answer.
Drake said, "Who are you REALLY?? What does that mean?"
I turn my horse to face Drake and Alanna. "Do not get upset, Lord Drake. I can assure you that we are on the same side. Over the next ridge, you will come face to face with the one race who has been standing by your side for thousands of years." I moved my cloak to one side, and revealed my wings. "Yes, my name is Maggie. Yes, I am a seamstress. Yes, I am of noble birth. However, I am also of the Fae."
" Are you by chance related to a elven woman named Ryza. She was an old personal friend of mine," says Drake," and you look very much like her."
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 18:33:04
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"Yes, MiLord Drake, we are related. She is my younger sister. Ryza has spoken kindly of you over the years. She will be one of those who welcome us home." I looked at Ashmith and told him to please fly ahead to make sure that our way was clear, and to let everyone know that we were within the half hour of arriving. I looked at Alanna, and told her "No, MiLady, it will not be 50 but 100 years after your union that you will be finding new things about your beloved. Now here, I want the two of you to have these amulets," I say, reaching in to my cloak, "just in case Ashmith should come back with a less than favorable report."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 23:38:38
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I take the amulet and walk way ahead of everyone else.
" I just better not find out that you were married to Ryza," I shout back to Drake.
" I think she is mad ," laughs Drake," Maybe I should go talk to her."
" I think I would avoid her," advises Leona," Remember they say their is no furry worse then a dragon's , not to mention a female dragon."
" I heard that ," I shout. I transform myself into a dragon and go flying off.
"Great," mutters Drake," Now where she go? Does anyone see her?"
I come swooping up behind them, shooting flames of fire in front of Drake's feet.
" Yes," I would say she is mad," says Leona.
" well at least it has gotten her mine off of everything else that happen tonight," says Drake.
I come flying low over Drake breathing warm heat on his back.
" Alanna, come on, stop fooling around," says Drake," I am sorry if you are mad. You are the only woman for me. I love you, you know that."
" Smooth talker," laughs Leona.
I laugh and drop a pile of dragon dung at Drake's feet and fly off ahead. Female dragon dung is said to attract a male dragon.
" Apparently I am forgiven," smiles Drake. He uses his powers to transform himself into a dragon and goes flying off after Alanna.
" I think they need sometime alone," smiles Maggie," We shall rest here and wait for them."
I see Drake closing in on me. I spot an opening among some trees and go swooping down to land. I quickly transform myself back into my human self . Drake lands behind me and returns to his human form.
" Looking for someone i say," running off ahead.
Drake follows me. I stop short in my tracks. The scenery around me is breath taking. Their are tall pine trees and the animals and pixies that live in the forest have decorated them for the yuletide. It looks so magical nd breath taking.
" Oh Drake,it is so beautiful," I say to him.
" Not as beautiful as you," smiles Drake.
" It is like a magical fairyland." I say to him," Oh Drake, lets get married here tonight."
" But we don't have a priest or any witnesses ," says Drake.
" Well we can at least consummate the marriage," I say to him flirtatiously.
" Mi lady, well i never," teases Drake and he grabs me and pulls me into his arms. His lays me down on some soft moss and we make love over and over again among the beauty of the magical fairyland.
Afterwards I lay in his arms. I look at the stars above. It is so peaceful. I begin to cry.
" It's okay Alanna," says Drake kissing me," After what you went through these last few days , and especially tonight, you have every right to cry."
" Drake," i am so sorry," I am the cause of all this mess. It is my fault that Jeter did what he did."
" What do you mean?" inquires Drake. I tell him how i heard of Jeter's plan through Jeter's page boy. I did though despite everyone protests, I said i was going to marry Jeter.
" They wanted me to marry you," I said," But i tricked Jeter into thinking I would marry him. Then he led me out to the dance floor. I grew thirsty, and let my guard down.I allowed Jeter to get me something to drink. It is all my fault."
" It is not your fault," says Drake," You had no idea that Jeter was going to slip you something. If i ever get my hands on him.But enough with that." he pulls me close to him and starts to kiss me all over again.
" Drake," i tease him," If we keep this up, I will find myself with child ."
" What's wrong with that," smiles Drake.
" Good, cause I want a big family, at least 12 kids or maybe 16," I tease.
" Yikes !" exclaims Drake. I start to laugh out loud.
" You little imp !" laughs Drake and he grabs me and starts to tickle me.
" Drake," I say to him,looking around at all the decorated yuletide trees," What did you get me for yuletide ?Show me, show me, show me ." I start flirtatiously kissing him all over.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 18:02:22
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I lay on the rock and stare off to the sky as the sun starts to dissapear behind the trees. Alanna passed out, I think she winded herself from asking me what her gift was over and over again. I couldnt show her right yet. The air is quiet and I have not seen many animals, it would seem that something has scared them from this area.
I run my fingers through Alanna's here. How breath taking she is. Her soft skin on mine, a feeling I will never forget or stop longing for.
I start to struggle to keep my eyes open, when suddenly I hear a noise across from us. An arm lays on mine and I look up to see Leona giving me the sign to stay quiet and I nod. She stays low behind me and out of the bushes jumps a Vyru.
"It's a Vyru," whispers Leona.
I shake my head, "Not just any Vyru, it looks like a Cavern Vyru, much nastier than their brothers above ground."
We stay silent in hopes he won't spot us, but they are used to the dark and have much better vision than dragon or fae kind. I didn't want to wake Alanna, but if this fellow got the best of us they'd take her back and do who knows what to her.
Leona see's the worried look on my face and starts to move forward but I grab her arm.
"Leona, theres never just one Vyru...he is most likely a scout..there will be more following shortly. We cannot afford to abuse our powers and weaken ourselves on a petty advisary. Lets get back to maggie."
I pick up Alanna forgetting we have no clothes on and Leona turns bright red and slinks into the woods. I wake her up and begin dressing.
"Drake...?" She says, half awake.
"Come on darling, we need to go. There are some enemies approaching."
Alanna gets up alot quicker than I thought and changes. We head back to where Maggie is and Leona is off in the distance with her back turned.
"Lets go everyone, we don't have much time."
Everyone begins packing up the makeshift camp and we begin moving at a slow and quiet pace. Leona stays in the back of us, she has much better tracking abilities than any of us combined, and will me more suited to sense an oncoming enemy.
"Drake..whats wrong with Leona?" Alanna asks.
"I'm not sure.." I reply.
"Sure you do, I can tell..you took a moment to give an answer."
I look over at Alanna and smile.
"Right before I woke you up, I stood up without thinking and Leona seen me without any clothes on."
Alanna's jaw drops and she punches me in the back.
"No wonder she is like that, she must be traumatized!"
Alanna notices I'm not laughing
"Drake..whats the matter..?" She says before trailing off.
"Alanna, neither I, or Leona have been very honest with you about a few things. Many many years ago..when I first meet her, we fell in love and wanted nothing more than to be together. My family forbade it though. I never understood why, but now that you came into my life I think I understand. She is most likely upset because what she saw was something she never saw before, maybe she was jealous of you. It's true, we are best friends now, but she still clings to what we had."
Alanna just looks at me with an empty stare.
"I'm going to scout ahead"
I then make my way quickly ahead of the party to look for any signs of danger, or more importantly, to escape explaining any more of the past I shared with Leona.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/14/2008 : 23:01:59
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<<<< Meanwhile back at castle Farland , Jeter has been attended to by the royal court doctor much to the protest of the queen , who after talking to Alanna, before she fled, knows the truth about Jeter. But the queen can not say anything, for fear that she may put Alanna more at risk. She now sits , with her husband, and his royal advisors for Jeter has demanded an meeting with them. He now enters the room.
" Sir Jeter," says the king," It is good to see you back on your feet."
" No thanks to your daughter," remarks Jeter bitterly.
" My daughter?" inquires the king.
" Yes," snarls Jeter," For she is the one who tied to kiill me."
" That is outrageous," says the king.
" Really," says Jeter," Then why can't she be found anywhere in the castle. Her horse is missing, and so is that fellow Drake . She would not have fled unless she was guilty. I demand that the two of them be arrested for attempted murder."
" What proof do you have ?" demanded the king.
" I have witnesses," says Jeter. He goes to the door and beckons in 3 young woman, 2 young lads, and an elderly couple. He must have paid them well, or threaten them badly, for they all admit to witnessing seeing Alanna stab Jeter.
" I can't arrest my own daughter," says the king.
" I shall have them remove you from your throne and title sir ?" replied Jeter," I demand satisfaction."
" Very well," sighs the king," My hands are tied of the matter. I order that Alanna, and Sir Drake be arrested at once ."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/15/2008 : 15:41:05
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I need to get Drake alone and talk to him some more about Leona. I also need to confront Leona. I know that i am suppose to marry Drake, but i will not come between Drake and Leona. I would feel awful if their relationship were to end because of me. I go to talk to Maggie and get some advice from her first when all of a sudden i have one of my visions. It is a strong one. My head starts to pound and I fall to the ground.
" Drake," shouts Maggie in a panic. Drake comes running and kneels down beside me.
" What happen ?" Drake asks me.
" My head," i say to him.
" She must be having a vision," remarks Maggie.
Then i see the vision.Soilders and guardsmen being led by Jeter.
" We are in great danger," I shout," we need to get out of here fast ."
" What did you see ?" demands Drake.
" No time to talk," I shout," They are coming."
" Who?" everyone asks at once.
" Soldiers, guardsmen, all being led by Jeter. He has a warrant for our arrest."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/16/2008 : 14:18:11
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Just then there is a loud blasting noise up-ahead, and the sky lights up bright orange.
"What was that!" exclaims Maggie.
" I hope it's not who I think it is ?" I reply.
" Stay back," says Drake, running ahead to investigate, but I am not going to let him go alone. I follow behind him.
" I thought I told you to stay back," Drake yells to me.
"And I thought we were in this together," I remark back. Just then a figure appears in front of us in a cloud of smoke..Drake draws his sword. As the smoke clears we see that it is Rhondel.
" Sorry," says Rhondel," Did not mean to startle anyone."
" We heard a loud explosion," I explain," Are you alright?"
" Ah, the explosion," smiles Rhondel," I was just taking care of some Vyru, I saw following you."
" Vyru ?" I ask.
" Yes, not the friendliest of creatures," says Rhondel," Why just ask Drake here. He saw them too."
" Oh he did , did he?" I say, turning and giving Drake a angry warning glare of my eyes.
" Um, Rhondel," says Drake trying to avoid a ugly situation," What brings you here?"
" I have been looking for Alanna," says Rhondel.
" Why?" I ask.
" Alanna child," says Rhondel," You are the most powerful and strongest being in this world ."
" Even more powerful and stronger then Drake ?" I ask.
" Yes," says Rhondel.
I smile a mischievous grin and look at Drake.
" Lord help me now," sighs Drake.
" That is why I have been looking for you," explains Rhondel," You have powers you don't even know you have. I must teach you how to discover them."
" I don't have time for lessons right now," I answer," Jeter and his men are headed this way."
" Then we will learn along the way," says Rhondel.
" I'm going to scout ahead and make sure the Vyru are gone," says Drake sounding kind of grumpy.
" What is wrong with him ?" I say
" Male pride," says Rhondel.
" What !" I exclaim.
" Drake may not like the idea Alanna, that you are stronger and more powerful then him."
" Oh for goodness sake," I say. I walk back to Maggie and Leona. We mount our horses and ride ahead. Suddenly i hear a loud cry, like that of an injured animal.
" Stay here," I say to the others. I dismount my horse and go walking slowly ahead.The cry grows even louder.
" Drake where are you ?" I think to myself. I grow afraid for Drake, and I realize even though he drives me crazy at times, how much I really do love him.
" Drake, where are you ?" I call out. I hear a loud cry again. I decide to follow the direction the cry came from. I walk a short distance when i see Drake laying on the ground.
" Drake," I cry out to him.
" Alanna, don't come any closer ," shouts Drake," Their are animal traps all around. I'm afraid I stepped in one of them. My leg is caught."
" Don't tell me what to do ?" I shout back," You are hurt ." Okay, focus Alanna. You use to be able to move things with your mind. Okay there is one trap ahead of me. I focus on it, and it springs shut.
" There is another one in the tree ," calls Drake.
I focus on the tree, and a big wooden cage comes crashing down to the ground.
" That looks like all of them," I say and start to walk towards Drake when suddenly a spear with a long rope attached comes flying out of a tree.
" Alanna, duck," shouts Drake.
" Apparently i missed one," I say ducking and rolling out of it's way. I roll towards Drake.
" Now let me see that leg ," I say to him.
" Stubborn one," Drake says," I told you to stay back."
" You rather I leave you to bleed to death?" I remark back. Drake does not answer.
" You are the stubborn one ," I say to him.
" Me !" exclaims Drake," You are afine one to be calling me stubborn, why you are the most stubbornest woman i ever been with."
" Oh really ," I answered," And just how many woman have you been with ?"
" Never mind ," says Drake.
" No seriously Drake," I say to him," How many woman were their before me . I want to know ."
" Can we fight and argue later," says Drake," My leg is still caught in this trap here."
I look at the trap. It has some kind of steel springs and and sharp steel ends. Some of the steel ends have penetrated into Drake's leg ripping at some of the flesh.
" This does not look good," I say to Drake," The steal has penetrated into your leg. I can get you out, but it is going to hurt like hell."
" Do what you have to do ," says Drake.
" Bite down on this ," I say to him, handing him a large stick. I go to work freeing Drake's leg. It was not a pleasant task, and Drake screams out in pain, but I eventually get his leg free. Drake passes out from the lost of blood and the pain.
" I need to get you back to the others," I say to Drake. I pick him up and carry him in my arms back towards the others, who thankfully were growing concern and decided to ride ahead looking for us. They see me carrying Drake and come running to help me.
" He is hurt badly," I say to them," Rhondel please tell me you can help save his leg."
" It's not me who can heal him," says Rhondel," It is you Alanna."
" But i dont know how," I say in a panic.
" And so begins your first lesson," replies Rhondel.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/17/2008 : 12:45:05
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I lay on a blanket, close to passing unconscious. I look down to my leg and see blood all over. I hear footsteps coming up from behind us. I look up and see Leona.
"Drake..you idiot! How careless can you be!? We've battled beings who could wipe out entire cities and here you get caught by a inanimate piece ot steel!?"
I can see tears forming in her eyes.
"If you don't get better, you won't make it, and if you don't make it, you won't be around to help me get Azerious back."
Leona looks to Alanna with anger in her eyes.
"And you! This is your fault, stop pushing him so hard and tormenting him. Thanks to you now he will have to be carried the rest of the way!"
I look at Leona and she looks down at me and turns away to walk towards Maggie.
"Ok ladies, come on, this is no time to argue. I see I will have to do this myself."
Rhondel puts his hand over my leg and starts an incantation, his hand starts to glow white and the blood starts to dissipate. I feel no pain, and in a few short moments it's all over.
"Now it will still be sore and you shouldnt walk on it for a bit, but that should be enough to get ye goin my boy."
I smile and then black out
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/17/2008 : 17:02:54
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I walk over to Leona.
" We need to talk," I say to her.
" I don't feel like talking to you right now," snaps Leona.
" No," I replied," We are going to talk now, and you are going to listen to what I have to say." Leona starts to walk away from me. I leap at her and pin her down to the ground.
" Let go of me!" shouts Leona.
" Not tell you hear what I have to say," I say to her.
" Never !" remarks Leona.
" Ladies!" exclaims Maggie running to the noise of our shouting," What is going on here ?"
" Leona and I are just having a friendly discussion," I reply.
" Humph !" shouts Leona.
" Leona,listen to me,"I say to her," I know you feel that I have pushed Drake, but that is not true. Lets look at it from the beginning. Yes, I accidentally shot him in the arm , but that was a accident. He volunteered for the joust."
" If I recall he had no choice," snapped Leona.
" But everything else was his choosing," I say to her," I did not ask him to fight against Maltivan. I did not ask him to come to my aid when Jeter tried to attack me. I did not ask him to go and scout ahead this morning. That was his own choice. My lord woman, do you think I want to hurt him, or any of you for that matter. I care for all of you. I am not some evil, terrible creature you are making me out to be."
Leona does not say a word . she turns her head away.
" I know why you are really mad at me. Drake told me about you and him. Leona, I don't want to come between you and Drake, but I am afraid i do not have any say in the relationship between me and Drake. Our paths were chosen for us the day we were born . Yes, I do love Drake dearly. Who wouldn't. He is a good man, kind, gentle, caring, loving."
Leona crawls at me with her finger nails scratching my cheek and left shoulder.
" Why you little...." I shout releasing my hold on her.
Leona rolls away from me, and shouts,
" I hate you ."
I walk away from her . I walk over to my horse , and check my saddle and my pack.
" You are hurt," says Rhondel noticing my cheek and shoulder.
" it is minor, I'll be okay," I say to him, " Rhondel will you please go check on Maggie and Leona for me. I want to be alone with Drake."
Rhondel walks away. I walk over to Drake who is sleeping. I kneel down beside him, and kiss him gently on the forehead.
" Goodbye Drake," I say to him," I will always love you, but I can not come between you and Leona. You two have been together for years. I can't break up a relationship like that." I kiss him again and wipe away my tears, then i quickly go to my horse and ride away out of sight.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/17/2008 : 19:05:37
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I wake up what must be several hours later. It's daylight and when I blacked out the sun was setting. I look around and realize I'm on a makeshift bed being dragged by one of the horses. Rhondel and Maggie are the only 2 visible to me.
I sit myself up and the horse stops.
"Look Maggie! Drake has awakened!" Rhondel says.
"Thank Goodness," Maggie replies.
"Where is Leona and Alanna?"
Both Rhondel and Maggie look at me with troubled eyes.
"And why are you here Rhondel?"
"Don't ye remember anything from last night?" Maggie asks.
"Not really...."
Rhondel puts his hand on my shoulder and takes a puff from his pipe.
"Well Drake..Leona and Alanna got into a argument and both of them ran off and never came back. Right now we are continuing our root to Maggies kingdom, in hopes that Alanna is on her way there."
"What about Leona?"
"She can take care of herself," Maggie responds.
I mutter something under my breath about woman and Maggie slaps me upside the head.
Suddenly a loud explosion sounds off in the distance. Northeast of us smoke begins to rise from the forest. I stand up , but soon as I do a pain in my chest puts me back down. I fall hard to the ground and curl up in a ball. The pain is too much and I scream out in agony.
"Rhondel, whats wrong with him?" Maggie asks.
Rhondel stays quiet for a longtime, but when he sees I'm holding my chest over my heart, he knows.
"Leona is in danger"
Maggie looks at him awkwardly.
"When they were younger, they were to be married, in love they were. They used to come to my tower often and listen to stories. Drake was fighting a spawn of Maltavian and the spawn got the best of him, pierced a spear through his chest...."
Rhondel starts to stare off and Maggie nudges him
"...Unfortunately thats not all it pierced. Drake fell from the sky and right through my roof, where Leona was hiding. He died in her arms that night...."
Maggie just sat and listened, with her jaw at her feet and a tear in her eye.
"But, being of Dragon kin, a dragon doesn't need a whole heart to live. Two hearts can beat as one. In this case, Leona begged me to give half of her own heart for Drake to live. They have been inseperable for so many years, longer than I've been alive. At any point if their hearts fell out of sync or stopped loving the other, they would both die."
"But what about Azerious? Leona keeps asking Drake to help her save him?" Maggie inquires.
"Azerious? I havn't heard that name in a long time. Thats the family name he recieved from Leona's family."
"Who's name?"
"Drake's of course," Rhondel replies. "Leona loves Drake very much, and he loves her. Leona I'd imagine is asking for Drake to become Azerious again for her."
Maggie sits in silence
Suddenly I regain my calm and stop convulsing.
"Is Leona going to be alright?" Maggie asks.
"It would seem so, or else Drake would not be breathing any longer."
I lay on the ground, in pain, thinking..."Leona...don't die on me..."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/18/2008 : 00:32:40
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Little did Maggie, Rhondel, or Drake know that i was lurking in the trees above them , and I heard every word of their conversations.So Drake and Leona were to be married at one time. But wait a minute, I thought Drake told me that they were forbidden to marry each other, and didn't Leona tell me that day at the joust that she did not love Drake. That she loved someone else.
I listen to more of the conversation.
Leona gave Drake part of her heart. If she die dies he dies, and vice versa. Oh wonderful.They both love each other very much.
This is suppose to make me feel good.Ilook up at the sky towards the heavens of the dragon gods. What do you want from me,I think to myself. You kept my true identity fro me all these years, making me think i was some crazy person with strange powers. Then I have a black dragon who either wants to kill me. I am suppose to be the queen of the dragons. I am suppose to marry someone who is inlove with someone else. I suddenly feel like screaming , but I don't want to give away my presence.
Then I am hit by one of my visions. Leona is in danger. Oh, lord I am going to regret this later, I say to myself, as I go flying off to save her.
I fly over wants seems to be some kind of encampment.Then i see some beastly creatures, Vyru's I think they are called cooking something in a large pot over a fire. I fly closer fora better look. Oh my, the thing, or creature being lowered into the pot is Leona. Oh this is good, real good. I try not to laugh. Okay, Alanna, get a grip of yourself. This is serious. She is still alive, thank goodness. I fly over her.
" Got yourself in abit of a heated mess I see Leona," I call to her.
" Alanna,is that you ?" shouts Leona," Go away I don't need your help."
" Very well then ," I say flying away. I turn and watch them lower Leona into the pot. She lets out a scream. She maybe stubborn , pain in the neck, but I can't let her die.I transform into a dragon and go swooping down over the vyru igniting a few Vyru on fire. Then i transform myself into human form , go rushing over to the pot and pull Leona out . She is barely alive.
" No, don't you dare die on me," I shout to her, " You maybe pain in my side at times, but you are like a sister to me, and I love you."
Just then an ghostly image of a dragon appears before me. I recognize that image. It is my dragon father.
" Father, I need your help," I cry.
" Leona's blood has been boiled to a dangerous level," says my father.
" What can i do to save her ," I say to him.
" You must give her some of your blood Alanna," says my father," Your blood has special healing powers only few dragons possess.You are the only dragon still alive to have those healing powers."
" Very well then," I say. I search around the camp. I find a willow tree and with my dagger start to whittle away at a small branch until i get the inside hollowed out. Then i take my dagger and make a cut in Leona's arm near a major vein.then i cut my own arm. This better work i say to myself. i stick one end of the hollow stick in my arm , and the other end in Leona's arm and let the blood flow from me to her. I lay there beside her.
I wonder why the others have not shown up yet. Most likely because they are dragging Drake on a litter, and I can move much faster then them. I lay quietly next to Leona for what seems to be forever to me. Leona suddenly awakens. She looks at her arm then at me.
" You saved me," she says to me," but why? After what i said to you ."
" Because," I said to you," contrary to what you may think, I do care about you."
" Thankyou Alanna," says Leona," I don't know what to say."
" Just don't ever make me regret it," I say to her with a smile.
I hear horses coming and hear the familiar voices of Drake, Maggie and Rhondel. I pull the stick out of my arm and say to Leona,
" I have to leave ." I go running off.
" Alanna, wait, don't leave," calls Leona, but i do not here her. I transform back into a bird and head south.
<<< 3 more pages to repost back up ... phew........ >> :) :P
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Drake and Maggie and Rhondel see Leona laying on the ground.
" Leona," Drake shouts," Rhondel help me over to her."
Drake holds onto Rhondel and limps over to Leona.
Leona sits up when she sees Drake coming.
" Leona," cries Drake," You are alive."
" Yes,thanks to Alanna," replies Leona," Drake she saved my life."
Drake looks around him for Alanna.
" Where is she ?" he asks Leona.
" Drake," says Leona sadly," I am afraid she fled when she saw you coming. We have hurt her badly ."
" I have to find her,"says Drake who starts to rush away, only to be overcome with pain in his leg.
" You can't go anywhere on that leg," Rhondel says to him.
" I need to find Alanna,"insists Drake.
" Alanna can take care of herself," assures Rhondel.
"That is what i am afraid of," replies Drake," She is hurting right now and not thinking straight. Who knows what she could wander into to."
Rhondel looks at Maggie and gives her a wink and then says,
" Maggie, it looks like this is the best time to have that talk I mention to you about, with Drake. Stay here and look after Leona."
" I don't feel like talking right now," replies Drake.
" I will do the talking," says Rhondel," You will do the listening. Come Drake." Drake holds onto Rhondel and they walk a ways until they come to a hollow tree stump.
" Sit," says Rhondel to Drake, pointing at the stump. Drake sits down.
" Drake you are a stubborn man," says Rhondel," You are a stubborn man, almost as stubborn as my daughter ."
" Your daughter," asks Drake.
" Alanna is my daughter Drake," answers Rhondel.
" How can that be?" asks Drake," Alanna is the daughter of the great dragon king who was killed in battle years ago."
" Drake, I need to show you something ," says Rhondel.
Rhondel chants some long chant. A bright glow of light surrounds him. Drake shield's his eyes with his hands from the light.
" You can look now Drake," says Rhondel. When Drake opens his eyes there standing before him, is biggest dragon he has ever seen, wearing the medallion of the dragon king.
" My king," says Drake bowing his head. Then he looks up at Rhondel and says," But how...you are suppose to be dead."
" Maltivan thought he had killed me .I was bleeding badly and I was knocked unconscious. He left me for dead, and when i awoke, my wife was gone.I have searched for her, for years, but have never found her. Anyway, i knew that I had to protect Alanna, who was only a infant, for i knew what powers she possessed and if Maltivan was ever to find her, he would use her to his advantage. So i took her far way to the kingdom of Farland. Little did i ever dream that Maltivan would find her there."
" But that still does not explain what happen to you ? Why did you let every one think the dragon king was dead.?"
" Because Drake," answered Rhondel," Maltivan used something on me. He rid me of most of my powers and took them as his own. That is why he is so powerful today. The powers he possess now, use to be mind. I barely have any powers left.So I went from being the Dragon king to Rhondel, the old wizard. This allowed me to keep an eye on you and Alanna until the time was right."
" You mean until Alanna and I were to meet," says Drake.
" Exactly," says Rhondel," For your destiny's were written way before either one of you were born."
" You need to let Alanna know you are alive ?" says Drake.
" I have come to her already in a ghostly image," says Rhondel.
" Yes but she needs to know you are alive ," insists Drake.
" It is not for me to tell her," says Rhondel," You are to be the one to tell her."
" Me !" exclaims Drake," She will think I am making the whole thing up. She will hate me for sure."
" Drake how much do you love my daughter ?" asks Rhondel.
" I love her,' says Drake.
" No, I mean seriously," says Rhondel," I know that you and Leona were in love with each other at one time."
" Yes," says Drake," but I am suppose to marry Alanna."
" But do you still love Leona ?" says Rhondel," I know you do, or at least you think you do, but it is not true love Drake."
" What?' asks Drake.
" It is what we call first love or puppy love," smiles Rhondel," You think you are in love, but in reality you really are not. Neither one of you have met your true soul mate. I'll take that back. Your true soul mate is Alanna, and Leona, does not know it, but there is someone special waiting to meet her."
"So i have been infatuated with someone for over 800 years," says Drake," How pathetic is that ?"
" Pretty pathetic," teases Rhondel.
" Thanks alot," replies Drake.
" No, seriously Drake," says Rhondel," I really do not find it pathetic at all. You and Leona were always together. You shared a true bond that you felt was love. Not that i am not saying that you two don't love each other. You do, but their are different types of love. Their is love between a brother and sister..."
" If you are saying I am infatuated with Leona like if she was my sister, then I am really patheic," says Drake.
" No, no no," says Rhondel," well you just be quiet and listen to me for a second. AS i was saying there is love like that between siblings, there is love like that beteewn a child and a parent, there is the love felt bewteen two friends, like a tight kinship, and there is the strong emotional and physical love felt between a man and a wife."
In the meantime Maggie was having a similar talk with Leona, for Rhondel had already talked to Maggie and told her what to say to Leona.
" So what I feel for Drake is not real ?" says Leona.
" Oh it is real, but not in the sense you think it is," says Maggie," and Rhondel tells me their is someone special waiting for you."
" We need to find Alanna," says Leona," We need to tell her about her father, and more importantly we have to tell her about me and Drake and that we are not meant to be. That i understand it all now."
" You are in no shape to go anywhere ?" says Maggie.
" I feel fine," says Leona," I don't know what Alanna did to me, but really I feel fine. Don't say anything to Drake, but I am going to find Alanna."
Leona changes into a dragonling and goes flying off.
As soon as Leona disappears Maggie goes running to Drake and Rhondel to tell them where Leona went.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/18/2008 : 17:56:06
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I sit quietly pondering everything that has happened. My whole life I've been told I had a destiny to fulfill. Something I needed to do, and was meant to do. I wish I could do what I wanted to do...
Rhondel turns back to me and see my head burried in my hands.
"Drake, there is no need to be upset over these turn of events.." Rhondel starts to say, but I quickly cut him off.
"No..there is. My whole life I protected my clan, my family, you, Leona, and many others. Even though it was my sworn duty, I've done it because I wanted to. Not because I had to but, everything else in my life has always been pre-determined. I'm not a child, I am a Dragon Lord of the Starsong clan. My whole life was plotted for me before I was born."
Rhondel looks at me with a serious look in on his face.
"I'm no longer living up to everyone elses expectations and desires other than my own. I'm going to defeat Maltavian, but with how I see fit. My relationship with Leona was never pety or an infatuation. I'm not so blind that I cannot tell the difference between what is real love and what isn't. I care the world for Alanna, and I'd do anything for her, but my heart tells me Leona is the one that will heal my wounds, and I hers."
Rhondel slams his staff into the ground and a thunderous bolt of lightning comes down, striking the ground before me.
"You will do what our people have left for you to do!" Rhondel yells.
"And I will!" I shout back. "I have no intentions of letting this threat to our world go unchecked. I'm just tired of everyone thinking about how they feel. Everyone wants me and Alanna to get married. Everyone wants us to have children so we can carry on our peoples future. Has one person ever asked me what I thought? or how I felt? Never a day in my life. Except two people. Alanna and Leona."
Rhondel stands still for a few moments, unable to find words to lend my ear. I can tell he is frustrated, he has always had a nervous twitch when unsure of the right thing to say.
"You can tell me all you want that Alanna is meant to be my wife, and that she is the most powerful Dragon still alive. But your wrong on a few things. Maltavian took my life once, and he will not have it again, I will kill him, for there is something about me I've kept hidden from everyone, except my mother and Leona."
Rhondel's eyes perk up a bit at the last statement to leave my mouth.
I no longer feel like I can argue with such an old friend of mine, love him dearly I do, but right now I don't think this is something I want to deal with.
I spread out my wings and take off for Mount Orgeent. I fly for what must of been half the day and finally step down upon its darkened peak.
I pull out the sword I found in the cavern with Rhondel and set it on the ground. I then remove the pack from my back and unravel a short package I have had with me. Inside the pack are several shards of a broken staff. My mother gave this to me many years ago.
::Forgive me Alanna, for even though I love you, I feel my love for you is not one of deep longing, I thought it was, but I realize that Leona still holds mine:: I think to myself.
I then grab the remnants of the broken staff and head into the cavern mouth at the top of the mountain peak. I travel through many winding caverns, for what must be hours. Finally through the last corridor I see a shimmer. I step into the room and in front of me is the shimmer of the Angels Tears. A body of water said to be created from the tears of the goddess Hireen, mother of the Dragons. I put the staff pieces into the water and nothing happens. Unsure of what the next step may be..I take a chance and toss my sword into the water. Suddenly the room turns bright blue, painful to the eyes I have to turn my back and cover my face. A piercing howl screeches through the room. Finally the noise and the glow are gone, when I turn, there it is.
"Hireens Arm.." I say to myself. "The spear that Hireen used to defeat the evil gods who tried to wipe my people from this world many years ago.." I continue to say before trailing off.
I grab hold of the spear and the surge that it sends through my body is definitely not of this world.
::With this sword, I will be able to defeat Maltavian without having to combine my soul with Alanna's:: I think to myself.
"Please forgive me Alanna, if only you knew how I truly felt."
I make my way out of the cavern and when I reach the peak I'm greeted by Leona.
"Drake..."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/18/2008 : 23:56:14
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I sit by a small lake relaxing and getting a drink of water. My head and body grow tired and weary, but I can't sleep yet. It is not safe out here in the open for me to fall asleep. I miss the others. I let out a small sigh.
" Look into the lake ," says a voice.
" Who goes there?" I shout," Father is that you ? No it is not you. It is not your voice. Who are you ?"
" Look into the lake," the voice says again.
" Your voice sound familiar but yet i can not place it," I say,'What do you want with me?"
" Look into the lake," the voice says again.
" Why?" I answer," What is so special about the lake?"
" The lake holds magical powers, look and you will see," says the voice.
" I don't believe you," I call back. As i say that images appear on the water. I see Drake and Rhondel. I see and hear them talking about Drake's feelings for me. I hear say he can never love me, and that he loves Leona."
" Is this some trick?" I shout," Why are you showing me this ?"
" The Lake of Truth does not lie," says the voice.
Drake how can you do this to me. You said you loved me. Wemade love together. I feel hurt and betrayed. Darn them. Darn them all . I go running through the woods, blinded by the tears in my eyes. I bump right into something.
" Whoa, slow down there," says a voice,"A person could get hurt out here running around like that."
I wipe away my tears and stare at the creature in front of me. What a fine looking creature it is. Infront of me stands a tall handsome male hunter carrying a bow and arrow on his back.
" If you would please, let me pass," I say to him.
" Easy now," he says to me," I mean you no harm. What is a fine looking lass like yourself doing out here alone? You are crying . Has someone hurt you ?"
" In a way yes," I answer.
" Show me the beast, and I will make him pay," says the hunter.
" Please ,if you just let me go on my way," I beg him.
" No can do," says the hunter," The forest is adangerous place for a lass to be running around in, and I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to you.So if you don't mind I will escort you till you get to were you want to go."
"But i am not sure where I am going ," I say to him.
" Ah running away from some one are we ?"
" Yes, someone who has hurt and betrayed me."
" well then i will keep you company until we getto wherever it is you want to go."
" You don't have to," I say.
" But i insist," says the hunter," My mother raised me to be agentleman and i can not let a lady like yourself wander alone."
" Very well," I say.
"Robert Swiftwind , at your service mi lady ," says the hunter bowing before me.
" I am called Alanna," I reply.
" A beautiful name for a beautiful lady," says Robert picking a bunch of flowers and handing them to me. I can't help but blush a bit.
" I think I may enjoy your company Robert," I say to him with a smile.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/19/2008 : 11:52:57
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I stand in front of Leona, the woman who I loved for so very long....I never questioned it untill now. Even though my feelings for her are strong...the feeling I have around her is much different than the feeling I have for Alanna. Both are of love, but..was Rhondel right? I shake the sensation out of my head just as Leona jumps at me and holds me tight.
"Drake, you need to stop making me worry. You know your like a brother to me, if I lost you, I don't know what I'd do."
"You'd probably die..." I say with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
It's true though, she would. If one of us dies, so does the other. I repeat what she said over and over in my head..."Like a brother to me"...
I pull away and look Leona straight in the eye. "Leona, how do you feel about me?"
She looks confused. "Wha.."
"I mean, how do you love me, in what way?"
"Drake, come on. Why are you asking this?" she asks.
"Please just answer me, its important."
Leona stares at me for a long while before saying anything.
"We have been through a lot together you and I. I used to think your all there was in this world to me. I do love you so very much, but we were young when we had thoughts of marriage and children. Drake you are my best friend, my brother....and so much more but, you know as well as I do, that its Alanna's heart you belong to, not mine. A heart thats in trouble and needs to be saved....by you."
I kiss Leona on the cheek and nod in approval.
"Thank you, thats all I needed to know," I say as she smiles back to me.
Suddenly she see's the pole arm strapped to my back.
"Drake! Is that...Hireens Arm?"
"Yes, and I will use it to defeat Maltavian once and for all"
I spread my wings and take off, Leona follows behind me
"What will we do now?" Yells Leona
"Find Alanna" I shout back
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/22/2008 : 15:22:25
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I walk along leading my horse , while I listen to Robert talk.
" So," says Robert," Who is this person that you are running away from ?"
" His name is Drake."
" Ah, is he your husband ?"
" He was suppose to be ,"I replie," But he loves someone else, and if you don't mind I rather not talk about it."
" If you ask me," says Robert," The man must be blind and stupid, to let a beautiful lass like yourself get away. And I'm not just talking about your outer beauty, and must i say not a more beautiful creature have i met, but i can tell you possess a inner beauty too. My mother always told me i was good judge of characters, and yes, you are a definitely a rare find. That Drake was a darn fool to let you go."
" Thankyou," i say with a smile.
" Ah," says Robert," I made you smile. Good. Can't have a pretty face like that frowning."
" Are you trying to charm and flirt with me sir ?" I ask.
" Nay lass," says Robert," Not that I would not mind winning your hand. But I was mainly just stating the truth. You look much better with a smile on your face then a frown."
I laugh again and continue walking along with my horse and Robert. We spot a cave up ahead.
" Let me scout it out," says Robert. I start to protest, ans say it would be safer for me to check it out, but then i remember I don't know Robert very well, and I can not reveal my secret yet. So i stay with my horse while Robert scouts around the cave. A few minutes later he signals me to come forward.
" Looks safe to me," says Robert," We can rest here for the night. I have some bread and fruit in my pack, we can eat that."
We both fest on the food Robert has in his pack. Then Robert lays his cloak that he is wearing down on the ground.
" There you go mi lady," says Robert," you can sleep there."
" Where will you sleep?" I ask.
" I will stay awake and keep watch over us." says Robert.
" No you sleep Robert," I replie," I am not very tired. I will keep first watch."
I wait for Robert to fall asleep. Then i write him a message in the dirt :
>> Thankyou for your help, but i must continue on my own.- Alanna >>
I hated to say goodbye to my new friend, but i had to continue on my own. If Maltivan were to find us, Robert would be no match for him.
" Goodbye new friend, thankyou for making laugh for a little while. I will always remember you ." I mount my horse and ride off.
The next morning Robert is awaken by someone kicking at him with his boot. He awakes to find a tall dark haired man standing over him. A small petite size woman stands next to him.
" Who are you and what do you want?" asks Robert pulling the cloak he is laying under around him.
" Easy friend," smiles Drake," I'm looking for a young beautiful woman."
" Aren't we all friend ," teases Robert . Leona tries not laugh, but she can't help let out a small giggle.
" You are no help," says Drake to her. Robert smiles at Leona , and Leona blushes and giggles.
" This particular woman," says Drake," is very tall, has hair the color of the sun raising in the sky, and eyes the color of emeralds,very nice..um..um...bosom, and lips to die for."
" You mean Alanna," says Robert teasingly," Ah yes, she is a good kisser." Robert winks at Leona .
" What ! " says Drake getting furious.
" Take it easy," laughs Robert," I'm just fooling you. I never laid a hand on her. My mother raised a gentleman, she did indeed. Hmm..you must be the fool she calls Drake. "
" So she is here ?" says Drake, not looking very amused.
" She was " replies Robert.
Leona trying to keep from blushing in front of Robert, stares down at the ground. She notices something written in the dirt.
" Drake, Look," she says and points to the ground.
Drake reads the message.
" Great," says Drake," She was here but left."
Hello dearies," calls a voice. Drake turns and there stands Maggie and Rhondel.
" Maggie it is good to see you ," says Drake giving the woman a hug. Then he turns to Rhondel.
" I am surprised to see you here ," says Drake.
" Maggie was worried about all of you. I was only escorting her to you," says Rhondel," As for me and you, you have not taste or felt the wrath of my fury yet." A bolt of lightening comes out of the sky, just missing Drake, and Rhondel vanishes into thin air.
" Who was that?' says Robert to Drake," And what did you do to make him so angry ?"
" He was to be my future father n law," shouts Drake.
" Nice family," laughs Robert out loud. His laughing startles Maggie's dog Tugs who runs over to Robert and tugs at his cloak pulling it away from him, and revealing a very naked Robert.
" Oh my !" exclaims Maggie with a smile, trying not to blush," I guess i forgot to tell you all how Tugs got his name."
Leona just stares and tries not blush. Drake sees her staring and places his hands over her eyes.
" Drake !" Leona mutters in protest.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/23/2008 : 14:59:33
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I grow hungry and tired and I would kill for a warm bath, but i can't stop out here in the wilderness. It would not be safe. I let out a sigh, and day dream about my warm bed back in the castle, and my lady in waiting pouring me a hot bath. Well i will just have to be dirty for now I say to myself. My head starts to nod, and I find myself dozing off. I awake awhile later. My horse has stopped to graze on some grass. How long have I been asleep. This is not good. Someone could have sneaked up on me. I decide that I must find a place to rest. I ride for a few more miles, when i come across a small village. I spot a inn and tavern with it's light on and enter. The barkeep, a pleasant looking older fellow , smiles at me and says ,
" What be ayoung lass like yourself doing out on a cold night like this ?"
" I would be looking for a place to sleep," I say," I don't have any money, but i can offer you these." I had left any gold coins i had packed on the pack horses with Drake and the others. I take the rings off of my fingers and hand them to the barkeep.
" Mighty fine looking rings ?" says the barkeep.
" They were a wedding present from my late husband ," I lie.
" Then i can not take these from you," smiles the barkeep," Instead you can pay for your room, by working it off. My serving wench ran off and got married. I am in need of someone to take her place."
" I accept the job," I say. A couple pf patrons come walking into the tavern.
" You can start now," smiles the barkeep. I walk over and take the gentlemen's order. After fetching them all their drinks I take a glance around the room. I notice a small harp sitting by the fireplace hearth.
I pull up a chair and sit down beside it and strat to strum a few chords. The barkeep comes up to me.
" I hope you don't mind ?' I say to him.
" That harp belonged to my dead wife," he replies.
" I'm sorry sir," I answer back, and i cease playing.
" Please," says the barkeep," Please continue playing. It does my heart good to hear it being played again. And please don't call me sir, my name is William."
" Please to meet you William," I replie with a smile," My friends call me....... they call me Anna." I did not feel it was safe giving my real name with all those people ,in the room. I start to play the harp again, and i sing as i play. Some of the gentlemen pull their chairs closer to hear me sing and play.
" William, where did you find this lass?", one of the men calls," she has a voice like an angel."
" Aye," agrees another and he orders another round of drinks for everyone.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/24/2008 : 12:59:17
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I can tell by the look in Leona's eyes that she is on the fast track to love, she hasn't looked away from the stranger the entire time.
"Well I must go, I must find Alanna before anything else does. Sir I ask you please make the trek with Leona and Maggie to her keep, keep them safe from harm, I would pay you well."
Robert waves his hand, "That won't be necessary, as a gentleman, I shall escort them, it would be my honor."
I take my bow, hug Leona tightly and give her a good luck kiss on the cheek. "Take care, me and Alanna will catch up to you later, don't go dying on me, your the closest thing to a sister I have."
Leona smiles and nods
I give Maggie a hug as well and lock arms with Robert in a good show of friendship.
I run out of the cave mouth and stop at some tracks. I kneel down and take in the surrounding area. ::Alanna came this way I said to myself::
I look around and spread my wings, taking off to a low flight.
///////Behind me on the top of the cave mouth sits Rhondel/////////
"I'll be damned, he finally is growing up and getting the hint"
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I fly for several hours before seeing a small village, as I look closer I see Alanna's horse and swoop down unseen.
I run my hand over her horses mane, "Good girl, thank you for watching over Alanna for me," I say. The horse nays and nudges me a little to show she understands.
I walk into the inn and I'm greeted buy an older fellow.
"Welcome, welcome! What can I do for you on this fine night?" He asks
I look around but theres no sign of Alanna.
"I'm looking for a woman who may of came in here, I see her horse outside, she is tall and beautiful..."
The innkeeper cuts in, "And a voice to die for? You mean Miss Anna?"
I smile and nod, "She is my fiance, we were seperated and I was stuck several hours behind her due to a Vyru attack."
The innkeeper motions to follow him and he then leads me up the stairs to a second floor. "She is in #24 on the right at the end."
"Thank you very much..."
"William is the name, and you must be Drake. Anna told me much of you."
"Thank you William."
He then bows and walks back downstairs. I walk over to the door and turn the nob, to my surprise its unlocked and I peek inside. Alanna is fast asleep, like an angel.
I slowly enter the room and kneel down next to the bed, stairing at her beautiful face. I kiss her forehead and sit on the chair next to the bed where I fall fast asleep.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/24/2008 : 16:57:09
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I have the feeling i am being watched. I awake to find Drake asleep in a chair in my room.
" So you found me," I say to myself," But if you think you can just come waltzing in here and apologise think again sir." I am still angry and hurt by Drake's actions. How he made a fool of me, and convinced me that he loved me, when all this time he was planning on marrying Leona. He used me and betrayed me.Then a mischievous , revengeful idea comes to my mind.
Nothing wrong with using my powers to have some fun is there I think to myself. I summon up a spell and Drake's clothes that he is wearing disappear. Then I cast another spell and ropes come out of the chair and wind around him. They can only be realeased by a certain spell.
" Lets see him get out of that," I say with a laugh. I sit and stare at his handsome physique for a second and sigh . Part of me wants him to take me in his arms and kiss me all over, and another part of me is still very hurt and angry. I let out another sigh and then leave the room to get ready for the morning customers and to feed my horse.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/24/2008 : 18:55:07
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I awaken to see an empty bed, and a small cluttered room. Not quite sure where I am at first, but then I remember finding Alanna.
"Alanna!" I yell, but as I jump I find myself restricted, and naked
"What the...?" I shake my head, "Yeah, guess I had this coming."
I lean my head back in the chair far enough to see out the window and I stare at the sky for some time. Thoughts drifting aimlessly in my mind.
..why am I here?
..whats my purpose?
..who am I really?
..will Alanna forgive me?
..she really is the woman I love..
..I am a fool of a dragon indeed....
I snap out of it and spread my wings which break the rope. It's obvious Alanna isn't 100% used to being a dragon yet.
"Time to set matters of the heart straight," I say to myself as I throw my clothes back on and head downstairs.
As I get to the bottom floor I see and hear the roar of a small crowed. They are cheering for Alanna who is playing a harp and singing.
I walk over to the innkeeper, "Excuse me..but do you have any other instruments?"
The innkeeper smiles and hands me a flute, one made of ivory it would seem. He winks at me and says, "Ah, using the magic of sound to win back a wayward heart are we?"
I nod and soon as Alanna stops playing I take the flute to my lips. Suddenly the crowed shifts over and even Alanna cannot look away.
I step up to the front of the room next to Alanna and take my bow. "Lads and lasses, this is a gentle song for a gentle, and amazing woman."
I begin to play a song that most people already know, the common folk refer to it as "The Ladies Melody" but it was accually first done by the Dragon kin, and its original name translates into "Bouquet of hearts".
As I play, Alanna starts to play with her harp. People are starting to crowd into the room from the streets.
A small girl who is in the crowd steps up and begins to sing..
There she walks amidst the forest,
Long green gown, blowing in the wind,
Her hair as beautiful as the suns waking,
Where will she go today...?
A melody of the stars,
The lady wanders with the melody in her heart,
A song for all the beauty,
The boquet of hearts are in her hands...
The little girl smiles as thats all she knows and sits down. Everyone claps and we stop playing the music. Alanna smiles at me but quickly turns it upside down and looks away. I put down the flute and get on my knee's. The crowd turns quiet.
"Alanna..."
"Shh!! It's Anna!" She whispers
"Anna. I'm sorry for everything. I love you, with all of my heart and all that I am. I never ditched you, or lead you on. What I felt was real, but what I feel for Leona is real too, I just wasn't sure which was which feeling. I know how where my heart resides, Leona may be the best friend I ever had, like a sister even, but thats all she is. Ever since I met you, you gave me tingles down my spine. A feeling any man would kill to feel. I felt it with you and I put it in danger. I won't deny my heart anymore, please forgive me, I want nothing more than to have your hand in marriage, and spend the rest of whatever my life may be worth...with you."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/24/2008 : 21:13:51
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I look at Drake down on his knees, begging for my forgiveness, a sight i thought i would never see. I want to laugh and giggle, but i can see the passion and the pain in his eyes. Even though I still feel hurt, and a bit angry, I can see that he truly does love me.
I stand before him and say to him :
" You think you can just waltz in here and beg forgiveness from me ?"
" Anna, please," begs Drake.
" Let me finish," I replied," Your hurt me Drake. I felt lied to and betrayed. I loved you. I opened my heart to you and told you things i never told to anyone before ."
" I can understand if you are angry with me ," says Drake starting to stand up.
" Get back down on your knees," i say to him," First you must promise me that you will never sing again ." Drake looks at me not very amused, and then i laugh and kneel down beside him and take his hands in mind and sing the following :
" Are you going to Scarborough Faire?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lived there.
She once was a true love of mine.
Have her make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Without no seams, nor fine needle work.
Then she'll be a true love of mine.
Tell her to weave it in a sycamore wood lane.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Gather it up in a basket of flowers
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Have her wash it in yonder dry well
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Where water ne'er sprung, nor drop of rain fell.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to to find me an acre of land.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between the sea foam and over the sand.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Plow the land with the horn of a lamb.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Then sow some seeds from north of the dam.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Have her reap it with a sickle of leather.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Gather it up in a bunch of heather.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
If she tells me she can't, then I'll reply.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Let me know, that at least she will try.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Love imposes impossible tasks
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Though not more than any heart asks.
And I must know she's true love of mine
When thou has finished thy task.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Come to me my hand for to ask.
For then you'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to dry it on yonder thorn,
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Which never bore blossom since Adam was born,
And then she'll be a true love of mine.
Ask her to do me this courtesy,
Parsely, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
And ask for a like favor from me,
And then she'll be a true love of mine.
Have you been to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Remember me from one who lives there,
For he once was a true love of mine.
When he has done and finished his work,
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Ask him to come for his cambric shirt,
For then he'll be a true love of mine.
You are my true love Drake."
I pull him close to me and kiss him, and then i whisper in his ear " Follow me upstairs ."
I take his hand and smile a flirtatious smile. I lead him upstairs to the hoop and hollers of the crowd down below. I lead him into my bedroom, and close the door behind me.
" Sit," i say to him pointing to the chair. Drake sits down on the chair. I quickly remove my skirts, and then undo the ties of my chemise letting it fall to the ground.
" Now show me just how much you love me," i say to him with a mischievous smile and leap into his lap.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/25/2008 : 16:13:01
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I wake up in the inn bed with Alanna in my arms. When I look up I see a figure in front of me, but my eyes are still adjusting. When it clears up I see Maggie.
"Maggie..?"
"We have to go, now. Ashmith has found a band of Vyru following our tail."
"Vyru? Why would Vyru follow us...?
"They aren't alone, a small dragonling is with them."
Suddenly things get tense in the room.
"What did it look like?" I ask
"Smaller than normal...it had a red strip across his nose, looked like a scar."
I lay back down and in anger I punch the wall, waking Alanna up.
Alanna sits up and covers herself with the blanket, she looks bewildered and asks whats happening. Maggie explains to her what she told me.
"Dornus Starsong..." I say.
"Someone of your tribe?" Maggie aks.
"Yes, he is my half brother. My father had a first wife who died when giving birth to Dornus. My father re-married and they had me, after I was born Dornus felt that my father betrayed him and ran away. I didn't see him again untill Maltavian attacked, he is an underling of his...or an apprentice if you will."
The room remains quiet and Alanna and Maggie look to each other for something to say.
"Well we better get moving, Maggie if you don't mind...we'd like to put our clothes on..."
"Oh..sorry..." Maggie says as she closes the door behind her.
"I'm sorry Drake, I didn't know you had any siblings."
"It's alright, we were never close, he always had a insatiable hatred for me."
We start to put our clothes back on and suddenly Alanna looks at me and grabs my arm.
"You know we may not be able to do this again for some time..."
Before either of us can say anymore we jump back in bed and make love one last time..
We finally emerge out of the inn where the look on Maggies face shows a lack of patience and we start our trek once more to her keep.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/26/2008 : 16:32:25
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We mount our horses and start to make off for the keep. I glance back at the tavern.
" Hold up," i shout to Drake and Maggie. I turn my horse around and head back towards the tavern.
" Where are you going now ?" demands Drake.
" I'm not fleeing from you if that is what you are worrying about dear," I say to him with a smile," I have something i want to give William."
I dismount my orsein front of the tavern, go running in, and look around for William. I spot him cleaning some tables.
" Back so soon," smiles William.
" I have something to give you," i say to him. I slip off one of my gold rings and hand it to him.
" I can't take this," he says to me.
" Please William," I say to him," I want you to have this. You are a good man and a good friend."
" Thankyou Anna," says William giving me a hug," You will be missed around here lass. Sure i can't talk you both into staying ?"
" Anna is it now ?" says a voice from behind me," Her name is princess Alanna, atleast it was when i knew her."
" You have me mistaken for someone else sir," I replie without turning around.
" No, you are Alaana," says the voice," I would recognise that face and figure anywhere. Still as beautiful as ever."
I turn around to face the voice . Infront of me stand one of my ex beaus. A man by the name of Dorrian. He had onced tried to court me , but I turn him down. Matter of fact, it was he who introduced me to Jeter. I realize this and i start to get nervous. Where is Jeter (Maltivian ) now ?
" Excuse me," I say and go rushing by him and out the door. I quickly mount my horse and say to Drake and Maggie who have been waiting for me outside,
" Lets get out of here quickly."
" Alanna, love," says Drake in a concern voice," What is wrong? You look like you have seen a ghost ?"
I don't say anything. Instead i kepp thinking of Dorrian's name. Why does that name bother me? Then it dawns on me. Dorrian-Dornus ..no.no.no.nono.
" Drake," i ay to him," tell me what your brother looks like ?"
"Why?" asks Drake, " I rather not talk about him."
" I want to be able to recognise him," i say to Drake," incase we should cross paths."
" He is medium height, stocky built, blond hair, dark grey eyes, and has a star shaped birthmark on his right cheek."
I almost fall off of my horse when Drake says that. Dorrian and Dornus are the same person, their is no doubt. No wonder he intoduced me to Jeter. He was working for him all along. I suddenly feel sick and lean over my horse and heave.
Darke notices and summons to Maggie to stop. He dismounts his horse and walks over to me.
"Are you alright," he says to me.
"I'm fine," i say heaving again, just missing Drake.
" Give me your hand," says Drake lifting me off of my horse . My legs are shaking and i fall to the ground.
"You are not fine," says Drake," Your sick."
" Or umm," says Maggie witha smile, walking up to offer a hand,"she could be with child." Drake looks at Maggie and then at me.
" Thats not it," i say to them," It's just nerves,i say heaving again."
Drake picks me up and caries me over to a shady place under a tree.
" Stay here with Maggie," he says ," while i go get some water."
Maggie sits down beside me, amd smiles.
" So we have a wee little one on the way," she says.
" That's not it," I say," Maggie when i went back inside the tavern ,I saw a man that i use to know by the name of Dorrian. A man that once courted me, a man that eventually introduced me to his friend Jeter."
" Oh !" exclaims Maggie.
" There is more," I add," Dorrian is Dornus. He is Drake's brother. That is why i feel so sick. He and Jeter were working together all along."
" You need to tell Drake," says Maggie.
" How do i tell him that i was once courted by his brother?" i say," and that is just part of it. I was once betrothed to him, but i called the marriage off, because i did not love him."
" Oh dear !" says Maggie.
" Tell me about it ," i say and heave again. Maggie places her hand on my stomach.
" What are you doing?" i ask.
" I know a bit of magic myself," smiles Maggie," Yep, just as i guessed. You are with child. "
" So soon," I say," We have only mated a few times."
" it only takes ne time dear," smiles Maggie," Besides you are no ordinary human or dragon."
" I'm carrying Drake's child," i say witha smile.
" Not just one child, three," says Maggie.
" Three !" i say almost fainting.
" Yes," says Maggie," You are carrying two part human, part dragon children, a boy and a girl, and one full blooded dragon."
" I thought Dragons hatched out of eggs ?' i said.
" Normally yes," says Maggie," But like i said you are no ordinary dragon. You have human, dragon, elf, and fairie blood in you."
" Oh my ," i say and heave again.
" How is the patient Maggie ?" asks Drake approaching with fresh water for me to drink.
" The four of them are doing just fine ," says Maggie with a smile.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/26/2008 : 17:56:40
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I stop in my tracks and give Maggie a funny look
"Maggie, are you seeing things?" I say as I laugh.
"Not at all, you asked how the patient was and I said the 4 of them are fine. Alanna and the 3 children growing in her womb." Maggie says very non-chalantly and skips away with a smile.
I nearly spill all the water and Alanna gives me a puppy look.
I hand the water to Alanna to drink and after she finishes I take her in my arms. "Well now I have more people to protect, eh?"
Alanna smiles and squeezes me tightly.
"Drake, I should tell you something, but I do not want you getting upset."
"I won't my love, you can tell me anything."
"Well, several years ago, I courted a man named Dorrian..."
I look at her for a moment wondering what she is getting at
"And..."
"And...it was a long time ago, and I just ran into him at the inn, which was the reason I started feeling ill."
"Why would an old flame have that effect on you?" I ask. "Still in love with him...?" I say again before trailing off.
"No Drake, he's really your brother..Dornus. He introduced me to Jeter, and now it looks as if they are working together. I'm so sorry Drake."
My brother...here...this close...a feeling is stirring in my heart which I havn't felt in a long time. I never cared for him, but never fully hated him. Right now though...I want nothing more than to kill him by my own hand.
"So I see you have a new play toy my brother..."
I turn quickly to see Dornus right behind me.
He starts laughing loudly. "I hate to tell you but your carrying used goods there my friend."
I struggle not to take his life, but I don't want Alanna and Maggie getting caught up in our feud. It will only make things harder, and he will have the upper hand in the situation.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/26/2008 : 18:20:32
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" Don't listen to him Drake," I say," He has never touched me, nor will he ever. The only man i ever been with is you ."
" You don't remember that time you were drunk and we made love in your bedchamber," says Dornus to me.
" You are a liar," i hiss. I leap up and lunge at him, wanting to kill him on the spot, but still being weak from heaving, he he gets the upper hand on me and grabs me. Then he pulls out a knife and holds it to my throat.
" Don't anyone move," he shouts.
" Drake !," I cry out.
" Why you Bas.... !!" shouts Drake and starts to lunge towards Dornus, but Maggie grabs his arm and stops him.
" Drake, you could harm the children she is carrying ," she says to him.
Dornus hears Maggie and smiles.
" So we are with child are we," he says . He takes the sword from my throat and presses it against my stomach.
" Please no," i say. I try to get away, but I feel Dornus press the sword even more into me. Thank goodness i am wearing several layers of clothes to keep warm. The knife cuts at my skirt.
" I won't harm them or you for now," says Dornus," Just start walking backwards."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/26/2008 : 18:45:08
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Dornus slow steps back with Alanna strapped against him, sword to her stomache.
"Dornus you know you're no match for me, your half human, I'm full dragon, a Dragon Lord of the Starsong clan."
"Of course I know I'm no match for you, why else would I be taking a hostage, you idiot. You don't think I'd show up without a plan? HA! I don't have any intentions of dying today, especially not to my half-wit brother."
I notice Alanna making a weird face, and then looking at her stomach I realize she formed scales to defend from his blade. I start running towards Dornus and he looks confused by the action.
"What? You fool!" Dornus yelles as he attempts to slice open Alanna's stomache, but instead gets the grating of steel on steel. He looks down confused but as he looks up, my well placed fist lands right in his face. Dornus flies backwards and hits a tree. He then lets out a loud shrill and starts taking dragon form.
"I don't think so, I should of killed you long ago. I will attone for that mistake now!" I spread my wings and pull out the Hireens Arm, it glows a florescent blue and looks beautiful to the eye. Dornus charges as me, but theres nothing he can do. I wave Hireens Arm in front of him and without even touching him, the impact instantly turns his body to ash which gets carried away in the wind.
I take apart Hireens Arm and put it back in my pack. I turn and Maggie and Alanna are just looking at me like they seen a ghost.
"That was Hireens Arm, the dragon killer. Hireen, mother of the dragons created it to defeat the evil in this world. My brother had a dark heart which caused it to glow so brightly and wisk him away from this world."
We sat in silence for several more moments when suddenly a horse tred upon us. The man Robert, with Leona at his back.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/26/2008 : 18:59:56
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I sit trembling and shaken. How could I have let my guard down. He could have killed he children i was carrying. I begin to weep.
" What is wrong with her ?" asks Leona.
" She is with child ," says Drake.
" Why Drake, you old stud," teases Leona.
Drake can sense that i am really upset and walks over to me.
" Alanna ,"he says to me gently kissing me on the cheek," Come walk with me." He takes my hand and we walk for a short ways, not saying a word to each other. Finally we stop and he pulls me into his arms and holds me close.
I begin to cry and then i lookup at him and say :
" I'm sorry Drake. You had to kill your only brother because of me, and whats worse i put our children in harms way. I can understand if you are angry at me. Please forgive me."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/26/2008 : 19:28:38
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I look at Alanna and smile.
"He wasn't my brother, he never was. His dark heart isn't capable of love or emotion towards anyone, friend, family, or otherwise. You amazing in the situation, you didnt put anyone in danger, you couldnt possibly forsee his plan."
Alanna just holds me tighter
"Come on, we have some more travelling to do."
Alanna nods. I pick her up in my arms and carry her back to the others.
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 01/27/2008 : 08:59:39
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After a few hours of riding, I point over toward the East.
"Now, if you can all stop going off on your own, my keep is right over that ridge," I say half jokingly. I've been worried about Alanna and Drake, and more so now that Alanna is with child and dragonling. I tell Ashmith to fly ahead and tell the Sage Women to ready the rooms for them. I mentally contact my sister and tell her we should be arriving in the morning, barring any more unforseen delays.
I call back to Drake, and he comes forward to talk to me.
"Tell me now, if there is any more I should know. Alanna does not need any more surprises. I know that you rode with my sister, and I know that you have been in our lands before. Is there anything, and I do mean anything, that would upset her further? I have been gone from my lands for a while, and have not kept up with the daily comings and goings of my keep."
Drake looked at me, thought for a few minutes, and replied "No, not that I am aware of."
"Good," I replied. "Go back to Alanna. I have sent Ashmith on to have the rooms readied, and told my sister that we should be arriving in the morning. The Sage Women will check on your progeny upon arrival, to make sure they are healthy and strong, and a feast is being readied."
Hearing the word 'feast,' Tugs poked his nose out from under my cloak and sniffed the wind. "Soon, my friend," I said as I patted his head.
After long adventure we finally arrive at Maggies keep. We walk up to a massive draw bridge which is already lowered for us. Through the doorway a wisp comes flying and in a burst of light appears before us. Its Maggies sister.
"Maggie!" She yells as she gives her a hug. "I misse...." She suddenly stops mid sentence.
She looks at me once, walks over and curtsies, when I bow I get an uppercut and see black for a momeent before I land on my rear end.
"I probably deserved that."
"Damned right you did, thats what you get. Last time I saw you, you were going to get our horses and never came back. You took all those rubies for yourself, you two timing backstabber!"
"Hey now, you got it all wrong, I never even got the rubies! I went to get the horses and seen my brother, I took off and lured him away so you wouldnt get hurt by him. I was merely protecting your best interests. I didnt even look for the rubies, if you don't recall I left the map with you!"
Alanna and Maggie stare at the two of us for a long time.
"Another ex-girlfriend of yours Drake," I say to him not very amused,"How many does this make now ?"
Ashmith comes flying in and lands on Maggie's shoulder.
" Oh this don't look good," he says," Old girlfriend meet new girlfriend ."
"Ryza and I are old friends," insists Drake," nothing more."
" That is what they all say," says Ashmith.
" Watch it bird," snaps Drake," Or else you may become dinner."
Ashmith squawks and flies away.
"I think I would like to go rest before dinner," I say, and then I turn to Drake and say,
" Just remember I am the one carrying your children."Then I storm out of the room.
" What's wrong with her ?" asks Drake," What did I do ?"
" Well first you tell her I was a ex girlfriend," says Leona," then you tell her that Ryza was an old friend. Smooth move."
" But Alanna knows that i love her," replies Drake.
" You know nothing about pregnant woman , do you Drake ?" laughs Leona.
" What does that mean !" exclaims Drake.
" Hormones, and mood swings " says Maggie.
" How long does that last?" asks Drake
" Nine months," laughs Leona," Or is it longer when you are a dragon ?"
Maggie and Leona start laughing hysterically.
" I'm in big trouble ," sighs Drake.
" What else is new ?" teases Leona. Drake glares at her not feeling very amused.
" You are a big help," he says to her.
"Well" says Leona," You could get yourself out of hot water by giving Leona the yuletide gift you were going to give her."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/27/2008 : 19:56:58
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I sit on a ground a little longer and shake my head.
I look at Leona and stick out my tongue.
"I can't give her my yuletide gift yet....not untill the time is right."
"Uhh yeah, I think now is as right a time as ever..." Leona responds.
"You don't understand...I just can't"
"If you say so.." Leona then walks away. Robert shrugs and follows her in.
I lay back and stare off into the sky. "9 months huh..." ::sigh::
I doze off and several minutes later awaken to someone calling my name. I jump up, brush myself off, and continue on to the keep where something smells wonderful.
"Finally..some real food...."
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 01/29/2008 : 08:57:29
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My sister and I see Drake coming toward us. When Drake sees Ryza, he stops short. She laughed and said "Don't worry, I won't hit you again." When he got closer, both my sister and I put an arm around him and escorted him toward the feast that was laid out. Tugs was jumping around my feet, so I scooped him up in my other arm.
"The Sage Women have checked Alanna, and she and your progeny are doing fine," I told him, "Your rooms are ready for you to sleep in after the feast if you so desire."
"Thank you Maggie and Ryza, but where is Alanna now?" Drake asked.
"She is waiting for you at the tables," Ryza answered. "I understand your journey took a bit longer than expected, Maggie told me of it while we talked. I have posted guards to keep us informed of any outsiders that may come here."
We walked to where the feast was laid out, and Drake walked to Alanna's side. "The children are fine," she said when she saw Drake. "I know, Maggie told me," he replied.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/29/2008 : 12:20:27
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"Wait a minute," says Drake,in abit of shock," You are talking to me now. Does that mean you are not mad at me anymore ?"
"Why would i be mad at you dear?" i say with a smile.
" Oh brother," sighs Drake," Woman, I guess will never figure them out."
" It's has only taken you 800 years to realize that," I tease. Then i help myself to three turkey legs, 5 slices of roast beef, 3 chicken legs, and a huge bowl of yams.
" You are going to eat all of that!" exclaims Drake who stares at me in bewilderment.
" I'm eating for four now," I replie, and then I turn to Maggie and say," Everything looks wonderful. I am so grateful for your hospitality, that I hate to ask you for a certain favor that i request of you."
" Please, don't hesitate," says Maggie," What favor do you request."
" I want my mother,my adopted mother, to know about the babies. She would be so thrilled. Plus i want to make sure she is okay."
" Alanna,it is not safe for you to go back there," says Drake in an alarmed tone.
" I know that" I remark back," That is why I am asking Maggie to send Ashmith."
" It is too risky," says Drake, "What is Maltivian finds him, and fellows him."
" With no disrespect to Ashmith," I say," But he looks like any other ordinary bird.He would just blend in with the other birds in the forest."
Ashmith lets out a squawk and a hoot.
" Ordinary bird...why I'll let you know that i am fluent in seven languages ," says Ashmith flying out of the room.
" That went well,"I say.
" Especially since he still has not forgiven Drake for threatening to have him for dinner," laughs Leona.
" You did what ?" I say to Drake.
" Don't worry about Ashmith," assures Maggie," He is always getting his tail feathers in a dither. I will send him to Farland for you Alanna."
" I 'm not crazy about the idea," protests Drake," I still say he could lead them back to us."
" Please Drake," I say to him with a puppy dog look on my face, "For me and the children."
"Oh you play dirty," says Drake with a laugh,"Very well,Ashmith can go,but Magggie I will ask that guards be placed around the keep, just incase he is followed back here."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 01/29/2008 : 19:41:43
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Meanwhile word has gotten back to Maltivian on the death of Dornus.
"That fool, I should have never sent a weakling like that to do a man's job," Maltivian growls.
A lone scout rides up to him and adresses him and says,
" Mi lord ,I just came from a small village up ahead. Their was quite abit of talk among the villagers about a fair skinned, auburn haired maiden who had a voice and face like an angel who was staying at the tavern there."
" Alanna," smiles Maltivian with an evil grin," Move out," he shouts to the soldiers behind him."Search every part of the tavern. Don't let anyone escape and if they won't talk burn the place."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 01/31/2008 : 12:37:16
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Many hours pass and the dinner really hit the spot. It's late and Alanna is fast asleep, though for myself, I'm very irritated tonight. I'm unable to sleep, for I feel something is going to happen. I pace the length of the keep wall, greeting the guards as I pass them. Suddenly a small voice breaks the silence.
"Help!!! Someone please help!"
It's hard to make the figure out in the dead of night. As it gets closer I see it's a small girl, Aeryn, who sang with us at the inn.
When the girl see's me the look on her face brightens up a little.
"Drake!" Yells the girl as she jumps up into my arms and cries.
"What happened Aeryn?"
"The inn is burned to the ground, they came looking for someone name Alanna, I think they were confusing her with Anna. They tried finding out where she went and when know one told them, they burned it down and killed most of the village."
"Did anyone follow you!?"
"I don't think so, I was in the cellar when it happened and I went out the secret entrance which comes out far outside the village."
I don't want to say anything to make her feel worse, but I assume her parents were among those slaughtered. I pick Aeryn up and carry her into the keep. As I pass the guards I fill them in on what happened.
I head to the room set for me and Alanna and as I reach it, Aeryn is already fast asleep.
I open the door quietly, but not quiet enough as Alanna wakes up. She looks at me with a curious look and then jumps out of bed.
"Is that Aeryn?" Alanna asks.
"Yeah...she needs some sleep. Someone razed the village to the ground and took all the villagers with it. I'm guessing it was Maltavian because they came looking for you."
Alanna's face turned pale.
"They died..because of me?..."
"Alanna...."
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 01/31/2008 : 17:09:01
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I wasn't able to sleep well, and heard some whispering out beyond the wall. I stood up from my bed, and put on my cloak. I watched as Drake carried a small person in his arms back to his rooms. Tugs noticed I had arisen and stretched, coming to my side. When I picked him up, I thought to myself that something in the air did not feel right. I patted Tugs, and said "Come, my friend, we need to awaken Ryza and go see Alanna and Drake."
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 01:24:45
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I pace back and forth across the bedroom floor thinking about the poor villagers. My heart is full of pain,sorrow , and then anger . I have never felt this angry before.I let out to my surprise, a loud dragon roar, and then i pick up a vase on a table, and throw it across the room. It makes a loud crashing noise.
" What the !" exclaims Drake, being suddenly awaken by the loud noise. Then he sees me start to pick up a chair and throw it.
" Alanna,"he shouts to me,"Take it easy."
" I can't help it," I say to him, picking up the chair and throwing it across the room, and letting out a loud roar.
" Oh man !" sighs Drake.
"What?" I shout.
"You have got yourself so angry that it has stirred up your dragon fury, and you never want to get a dragon angry."
I turn and look at Drake . I try to calm myself down, but then i get one of my visions. I see William, and flames all around him. I let out a scream and then go storming out of the room.
Drake goes running after me.
" Alanna, wait up," he calls to me.
Maggie,Ryza and Leona and Robert hear him shouting and come running. I charge pass them almost knocking Leona and Ryza down in the process.
" What is wrong with her? "asks Ryza .
" Dragon fury," says Leona," I can see it in her eyes."
I make it down the stairs and through the halls to a door that leads outside. I let out another loud roar, and transform into a dragon and go flying off.
"We need to stop her," says Drake to Leona. They both transform themselves into dragons and go flying after me.
" Alanna, talk to us," says Drake calling after me. I dive down and set a row of trees on fire with my breath.
" I would say she is mad ," says Leona.
" I have never seen her act this way," says Drake.
" What brought this on?" asks Leona.
" She blames herself fro the villagers deaths," replies Drake.
" Let me talk to her," says Leona. She flies ahead and catches up with me.
" Alanna,I know you are hurting," says Leona.
"You don't know how I feel," i snap back at her.
"Yes,I do," says Leona, " I watched my own parents die when Maltivian burned my viilage."
" I need to go to the tavern" I say fighting back the tears," I need to find William."
"What if there is no one alive ?" asks Leona.
" He is alive, I can feel it,"I cry.
Drake comes up beside us. Leona informs him that I want to go to the tavern.
" It is too dangerous," says Drake," How do we know it is not a trap. Maltivian could b there waiting for you."
" I am going," I say to him" William needs our help. I'm not about to let another person die because of me. You are welcome to come along."
" Alanna, please rethink this,"pleas Drake.
"Drake I love you, " I say to him," But if you try to stop me from saving William and any of the others, you will leave me no choice but to hurt you."
Drake realizes he can not argue me. H e sighs and says to me," Leona and I are coming with you."
" Why do you always get me into theses things Drake," says Leona.
We head towards the tavern. No one says a word to each other. It seems to take forever to get there, but finally i spot the village uphead, or should i say what was left of the village. All around small houses, huts, and farms are burnt to the ground. Some are still smoldering. The smell of smoke and death fills the air. The horror and destruction makes me want to scream.
" Alanna,you don't need to see this," Drake says to me," Let me look for William."
" I'm okay, I need to see this," I say to him. We land on the ground and transform ourselves back into human form.
" Stay close,"Drake says to me. We walk along past burning huts. The stench is terrible and i feel like i am going to be sick.
" You okay?" Drake says to me.
" I just need to...." i say but then I stop as I see some movement in some bushes upahead.
" Drake," I whisper and point towards the bushes.
"Stay here," Drake says to me. H e goes walking slowly towards the bushes with his sword in his hand. He is about to charge into the bushes when i come up behind him and startle him.
" I thought i told you to stay put."he says glaring at me.
" I'm the stronger, more powerful one," I said to him," I'm here to cover your butt, and what nice buns they are dear." I smile at him.
" Flattery is going to get you no where miss," says Drake," I told you to....." A soft crying sound coming from the bushes stops him from saying anything else.
" Drake, that sounds like a child," I say to him, walking infront of him.
" Alanna,it could be a trap.Be careful," says Drake. I walk into the bushes. Sitting ahead of me all huddled up together are five small children. 2 boys and three girls. The oldest boy looks to be between the ages of 6 and 8. The youngest between 3 and five. The oldest girl look around 6 and the younger one must be between 1 and 2. The older of the two girls is holding a small female infant, that does not look very old. I kneel down infront of them.
" It is alright, I won't hurt you." I say to them, and then I call to Drake," Alright mighty,brave dragon, come save me from these ferocious beasts here."
" What are you talking about ?" shouts Drake back. Then he walks into the bushes and sees me with the children, and smiles and says
" You look like an angel kneeling there before them."
" We can't leave them here," I say to Drake.
" We will take them back to Maggie's keep with us," says Drake.
"I still need to look for William." I say to Drake.Leona approaches.
" Stay with the children," Drake says to Leona.
" Oh sure, now i'm a nanny," protests Leona.
"It will be good practice for when Alanna and I have our children."
" Nothing can prepare me for taking care of your kids," replies Leona," With you and Alanna as parents, lord help us."
" Just stay with the children please," says Drake. Leona sighs and shrugs her shoulders.
Drake and I head towards the tavern to find William. It is still smoldering, but part of the structure is still in tact. Drake and I walk through the smoldering ruins. I see something standing up among the rubble. It is the harp i played that belonged to William's wife.
" Drake, look," I say to him,pointing at the harp," We can't leave it here. It meant so much to William. " Then i hear a loud moan, and then a voice calls out,
" Is someone there,I hear voices. Help me,I'm trapped."
" William," i shout," William where are you ?"
" In the back storage room," calls William.
Drake and i race towards the storage room.
"Stay behind me," says Drake," Just in case he has company of the wrong kind." I nod, and we slowly enter the storage room. We spot William. He leg is trapped under a large fallen beam.
" Hang on William," i say to him.
" I'll lift the beam, while you pull him out," Drake says to me. Drake grabs onto to the beam. He struggles with it, but he finally manges to lift it, and i quickly pull William free. He tries to stand, but he is leg is badly broken.
" Well have to carry him back," says Drake.
" It's along walk," I reply," Plus we have the children. I have a better idea."
I turn to William. I can not explain what you are about to see, but i need you to trust me.
" I do," says William," You are a good person Anna, or should I say princess Alanna."
" You know who i really am now?" i ask him.
" I recognised you from the moment you walked into my tavern,"William said,"I use to travel to your kingdom alot with my wife. she loved the shops there."
I smile at him and kiss him gently on the forehead, and then i focus on my powers i have to shape shift into animals, which even though i am pregnant, surprisingly i can still do, and I turn myself into a horse.
" Put him on my back," i say to Drake. Drake helps William unto me, who is in a bit of shock and daze after seeing what i this did.
" Someday I will explain everything to you William," i say to him," Now lets go find Leona, and the children. I don't feel comfortable here. It was too easy for us to enter here. Why did Maltivian leave in such a hurry after burning this place?"
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 06:58:58
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We make our way back to the keep with the children and William, when we arrive several guards come out to keep watch in case of enemy pursuit.
"Keep your eyes open men, Maltavian is a cunning creature. Watch the skies and everything else that you can spare to watch."
The captain of the guard nods and starts sending his men into positions. The keep is fortified heavily.
Ryza and Maggie run up to see that we are all ok. I help William down and Alanna shifts back to human form.
"What are you..really?" William inquires.
We head back to the main dining room where we bring out food for everyone. There was much left over from the earlier feast. While we eat, Alanna and Leona..of course Leona is more or less interjecting random information for the sake of saying it..more or less, anyways...Alanna and Leona start telling William about the story and whats been happening.
William isn't sure what to make of it but smiles and thanks us for our kindness.
Alanna is smiling, which is good, she hasn't since she found out the village burned.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 08:29:47
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I go to check on the children. They have all been fed and bathed. They all have similar features, and I question whether they are all siblings. I have not been able to get any of them to talk to us yet. They either don't trust us, or are still in shock over what they witnessed in the village. The young infant starts to cry. I pick her up in my arms and start to sing to her.
Drake enters the room . He stands quietly and smiles.
"What are you staring at?"i say to him teasingly.
"Seeing you holding that baby," said Drake," made be think about when you will be holding our three you are carrying in your womb." He comes closer to me and kisses me.
" You know ,"he whispers to me," We have not personally celebrated our good news yet." He starts to kiss me passionately down my neck.
" Drake,"I laugh," The children are watching, plus you are going to make me drop the baby." The baby starts to cry again.
"Let me hold her," says Drake,"I need the practice."
I hand the infant to Drake. He takes her in his arms and she immediately stops crying.
" I'm impressed," I say to him smiling.
" I just have a way with woman," boosts Drake.
" Thats not the only thing you have ," says Leona entering the room,"Have you looked at yourself?"
She starts laughing.
I look at Drake and start laughing too.Leona is practically on the floor laughing so hard. The young infant had leaked all over Drake.
" Oh yes," i say to him,"You really have a way with the ladies."
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 10:09:39
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Ryza and I went to the rooms where Drake and Alanna are, and stand outside watching the scene. Alanna looked up and saw us there.
"Come in, you two...after all, this is your place," Alanna said.
We stepped in, followed closely by Tugs. I spoke to Alanna "The Sage Women say that you need your rest," I started. Alanna held up one hand and said "I know, I know. Thank you for your kindnesses, and your worry. But I think I need this right now." I looked at Drake and Ryza stepped forward with a silver shirt, and told him to change before he rusted. After we all laughed, he took the shirt and went to change it. When he returned he asked if the guards had seen any trace of Maltavian or his crew.
"Not as of yet," Ryza answered, "But we are keeping a close eye on all surrounding areas of our keep. We doubled the guards. We alerted our kin next keep over and they are also keeping watch. It would be my suggestion that everyone get some rest for we do not know how long the peace will last."
I picked up Tugs, and patted him behind his ears. One of the children said "Did you know that you and her have the same ears as your dog?"
"Out of the mouths of babes..." I said as Ryza and I left the room laughing.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 10:15:51
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The children are asleep as is most of the keep with the exception of the guards and myself.
Today has been a long day, so much has happened. More like a long life is like it. I slowly crawl out of bed so I don't wake up Alanna and make my way to the top tower where I can survey the keep and surrounding area.
When I get to the top I see someone in a robe overlooking the keep. I can already tell its Ryza.
"Hey" I say.
She never looks back.
"So..you never told me what happened to you after that night you took off."
I walk up next to her and stare out at the sky
"Well..."
"You don't have to tell me" She interjects.
"No, I do need to." I say before taking a deep breath. "When we got to Rinsdale with the map I felt something was wrong and I knew you'd say something like "chickening out so soon Drake?" or "thats what happens when you let a man do a womans job." So I never said anything, after you passed out in the inn from a drunken fit of violence I did some snooping around."
Ryza looks at me quickly. "For your information I wasn't even drunk, one of the barkeeps kept touching my behind so I gave him what he deserved."
"Well..after you passed out from "protecting" yourself. I found that my strange feeling was true. My brother was in the town looking for me and the treasure we were after. We ended up running into each other...I didn't want to involve my partner and good friend so I had him chase me out of the village..also I left the map with you...so you could find the treasure yourself."
There was silence for a short while untill Ryza broke it with a sigh.
"I never went to get the treasure..I knew you wouldnt betray me and run off to find it without me. I assumed something happened and if we werent going to get it together I didn't want it. In truth I wandered off and same back here, my parents were alive back then..when they passed..in return they gave me the keep."
Ryza looks to me and puts her hand on my shoulder.
"Drake, we had a lot of fun together, even though most adventures led to trouble...I admitt you were a great friend to me. How I'd love to go on another adventure like that. I envy you, you havn't changed one bit, other than the fact you have a beautiful princess by yourside and 3 children on the way...I honestly always figured I'd see you die alone in the dark.."
"Wow..thank you Ryza..for those wonderful words." I say as I laugh
Ryza cracks a laugh to and gives me a hug. "Good luck Drake, my adventuring days are over. The people here need me, you take care of Alanna, you have my blessing."
Ryza then turns away and leaves the tower.
I look back out to the stars and wonder whats yet to come
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 10:27:57
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I see Ryza leaving the tower, and I nod to her in passing. She gave me a hug, and asked me what I was doing. "Going to the tower, since I can't sleep," I replied. "It's a busy night for the tower, Drake is up there" she said.
I carried Tugs under my cloak, and went up the stairs. I saw Drake standing and went up to his side.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked him.
"Just what might happen next," he said. "Why did you leave here?" he asked me.
"Oh, lots of reasons. Most particularly, I wanted to go out on my own, make my own way. This," I said sweeping my arm outward, "is home to my sister. I rather like being out amongst the humans of the world. It's not that I dislike courtly matters, I do come home on occasion. Besides, if I never left, I would not have gotten to be very good friends with Tugs here."
"Your owl doesn't seem to like him much," Drake laughed.
"Eh, Ashmith doesn't like much of anything. You know, Drake, you should go back to Alanna. If she awakens and doesn't find you there with her, she might get worried."
"I know," he started.
"Really, if you simply can not sleep, find one of the Sage Women, and they will help you."
Drake said good night, and left the tower. "Well Tugs, looks like it's you and me." Tugs looked at me sleepily, and laid his head back on my shoulder.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 10:59:54
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On my way back to the room I hear the clanking of swords. I decide to make a detour to the training yard where a handful of guards are training.
I walk out and they halt their activities to look back at me.
"Isn't it a bit late for you guys to be training?"
The youngest looking in the group walks up and greets me in an arm cross
"We heard from Miss Ryza about the threat we are facing and want to be prepared to defend the keep."
The other guards behind him all nod in agreement
"Well I can't sleep so what do you say I join in the fun?"
They all look at each other and smile.
"It would be an honor to train with you Sir Drake." The youngest says.
"An honor? I wouldnt say that.."
"No, it really would. I heard much about you from my father" Replies the guard.
I look at him with a perplexed look for a few moments, but when he see's im confused he continues on.
"My father was Renault Turon, you fought with him 40 years ago in the Vyru Rebellion at Norsica."
I look at the boy for a long while and I finally see it. "You're Ren's son huh? You do look a lot like him.."
"He told me about you and that your a Dragon Lord. Also he said your battle prowess is unmatched."
I laugh a little and pick up a sword. "Ok lets give it a go shall we. I think I may have a few tricks I can teach you guys."
Time was lost to me, for some reason I was really enjoying myself, teaching young men how to defend their home, and to vanquish there foes. They picked up very quickly indeed. When the time comes to defend the keep, and Ryza they will be well prepared.
......................................................................
Several months pass by and theres no sign of Maltavian or his armies, no knew news of his whereabouts.
I been spending every night in the training yard with Ryza's guards. They have turned into a very efficient team. I taught them in the use of swords, lances, and bows. Some had a knack for magic which Ryza added us in teaching to them.
Its close to the birth of our children....I can only imagine what the outcome will be.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 11:41:03
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I have spent most of my time with the children from the village. It took awhile, but I finally gain their trust, and they soon open up to me and spoke. I learned that they were all siblings. Their mother had died in child birth which scared me abit, and their father had died in the burning of the village. The children and I have grown very close and I consider them part of my family to the point that I have decided to request something of Drake.
I go off in search of him, and find him resting against a wall in the training yard.
" The young lads wearing you out mi lord ?" I ask with a laugh.
" Very funny," retorts Drake," Should you not be resting?"
" I'm pregnant, not ill," i say ," I feel fine, healthy and strong, but there is something you could to do for me,that would make me very happy."
" Oh man ! What is it?" asks Drake nervously, and giving me alook.
" Don't give me that look," I say to him," This is very important to me. I want us to adopt the orphan children from the village."
" I'll have eight mouths to feed !" exclaims Drake.
" that's not all," I say to him.
" I am afraid to hear what you have to say next," laughs Drake. I make a face and stick my tongue out at him.
" I know hardly anything about being a female dragon," i say to him.
" I don't know about that," says Drake with a mischievous smile," You have the mating part down pretty well."
" Drake Starsong !" I say to him whacking him in the arm," I'm serious, if i am to be a dragon queen, I need to know more about being a dragon. I need to learn all about them, and i need to learn all about the powers and skills i possess, and you are going to teach me and help me."
" Why me ," sighs Drake.
" Because ,thats why," I say to him," Besides if you behave i will throw in some personal fringe benefits ." I smile at him and bat my eyes.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 12:02:30
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"Fringe benefits? Like you will learn to cook?"
Before I finished the sentence I forseen the fist flying at my face and boy did it. I can take on many a dangerous foe, but Alanna's temper is something I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy.
"Ok ok" I say in a serious voice. "So..teach you about being a dragon..honestly Alanna, theres nothing to teach you. It's natural for me just like you learn to walk and talk when your younger, there was no formal teaching. I can say though our powers heighten with emotion. A dragon in a corner with something to loose is a dangerous foe..trust me."
Leona comes from behind alanna and puts in her two cents.
"Yeah, you'd be surprised. When we were younger there was a Vyru elder that kidnapped me. Normally Vyru in general were something our elders told us to stay from but the elder cheiftans, they are even a challange for the elder dragon lords. So Drake decides to be the hero and find me on his own. He did and when he seen a small cut on my face, he went nuts, it was a show that made your Dragon Fury episode look like a magic trick in a cheap bar."
"Wow, Drake I never knew you had a wild side." Alanna pipes in.
I just shake my head and walk back to the training
Leona puts her chin on Alanna's shoulder.
"I can teach you how to be a woman!!!"
Alanna back hands Leona and they both laugh and walk back into the keep
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 11:54:18
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We gather in the dining hall that evening for supper, when I notice the children are missing.
" Where, could they be ?" I say to everyone," It is not like the children to miss dinner." Just then one of the servant girls enters the room, and announces to everyone,
" Mi Lords and Ladies, please forgive the intrusion, but the children have asked me to inform you that they have a small play to put on for you to thank you all for your kindness."
I smile and say " Send them in ."
Drake is sitting next to me, and I reach for his hand.We both smile at each other, and I know Drake is thinking the same thing I am.
The children enter the room.
The oldest , a 8 year old dark haired boy, dressed in his finest attire , by the name of Johnathan recites a poem that he has written about me and Drake.
"Alanna is very nice, she spoils us alot, Drake can sometimes be grouchy, but he really is an old softie."
Everyone starts to laugh, even Drake can't help but Laugh.
Next comes the 6 year old Megan .She has ribbons in her red hair, and she has dressed in one of her best dresses. She puts on a little dance for all of us.
Then comes four year old red headed James and his two year old red headed sister Katie. They have picked flowers from the garden. You can tell they have been out in the garden. Their clothes are covered with mud.
Then one of the maids comes in carrying a basket which inside of is the young infant child. A red haired girl by the name of Annie. I take Annie from the maid. She has something moving under her blanket. I look under the blanket and there staring me in the face are the eyes of a wee puppy.
" And where did you come from ?" I say with a laugh. The children stare down at their feet trying not to look guilty. I look at Drake. He nods at me. I stand up, look around at everyone and then i say
" Children, Drake and I have a surprise for you too. We have decided that we want to adopt all of you. That means that we would be your new mommy and daddy."
The children jump for joy and come running to hug Drake and I.
Little did we know at the time, that our happiness would be short lived, for far way in his keep,Maltivian was planning his next evil plot.
" Zargon," he shouts , calling his dragon assistant.
" Yes mi lord ," replies Zargon, coming to his masters call.
" It is time for my next attack," smiles Maltivian.
" What do you have lanned in that wonderful evil mind of yours dear master ?"
" I want to see the kingdom of Farland burn to the ground. I want no survivors. Maybe this will drive dear princess Alanna out of hiding ."
" You are still obsessed with her master ?"
" Of course I am your fool," shouts Maltivian," I need her blood to live for ever, plus with her as my bride i would rule the dragon world."
" Like she would evr marry you master."
" Don't be so sure Zargon. When i startkilling off everyone around her that she loves, she will give into my commands."
" You are delightfully evil master ," laughs Zargon .
" Yes," smiles Maltivian," Come Zargon, let the attack on Farland begin."
Back at Ryza's and Maggie's keep......
The children are still dancing around in excitement.
" So," asks Leona walking over to me and Drake," If you and Drake are going to adopt the children and become their parents, does that mean that you are finally going to get married?"
" Why don't you ask Drake ?" I respond," He has yet to officially propose to me ."
" You are not chickening out Drake ," says Leona," Cause if you are you will answer to me."
" I told you I am waiting for the right time ," says Drake.
" When," i say laughing," Like when the babies I am carrying have children of their own."
Everyone tries not to laugh.
" Well ," says Robert standing up from his place at the table and walking over to Leona," If Drake won't propose marriage I will, for my heart has been captured by a fair beauty, a true angel from heaven."
" Watch it buster," warns Drake stepping forward," Alanna is already spoken for."
" I was referring to Leona," replies Robert.
" Leona!" exclaims Drake in shock.
" Humph !" says Leona," You mean you don't find me beautiful Drake?"
" I..I..never mind ," Says Drake," I think what ever I would say would just get me in trouble."
Leona and I both giggle. Robert grabs Leona's hand and kneels before her. Leona blushes.
" Leona, my love," says Robert," Would you make my heart forever happy by becoming my wife."
" Yes," answers Leona," But first you must ask Drake for my hand, since he is the closet thing I have to a brother or father ."
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 13:57:33
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Robert looks up to me for an answer and I start to smile wickedly but Alanna slaps the back of my head, ruining any excitement was left open to have.
"You're a good man Robert, under normal circumstances I wouldnt let any human being be stuf with her the rest of their life, but you look like you can take a beating and hopefully, cook."
The room erupts in laughter and Leona gets up to hit me, but stops short and kisses my cheek. "I love you to Drake."
I smile and Rober picks Leona up to carry her away.
I stretch and yawn, "I'm exhausted and think I will get some rest."
Suddenly all the kids jump at me and yell "Lets play dragon slayers!"
"Hey now, dragons aren't all bad!" I say
All the kids quiet down and then we all laugh
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 19:09:07
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Drake and I finally get the children settled down in bed after they coaxed Drake into telling them a story about dragons and dragon slayers.
" You know someday we are going to have to tell them that we are part dragon," I say to Drake.
" Yes, but for now I am just happy to get that wild bunch of ruffians to bed," laughs Drake.
" Like you were never young and wild ," I say to him teasingly.
" I'll show you young and wild," he says to me. He picks me up and carries me off towards our bedchamber.
" Man," says Drake," I'm not going to be able to keep up this much longer. You must way a ton."
" Very funny," I replie," Need i remind you that i am pregnant with three ."
Drake carries me into our bedchamber , lays me down on the bed and starts kissing me passionately.
" You know this is how i got pregnant in the first place ," I say to him.
" You really know how to set the mood," laughs Drake, and he starts to turn away.
" Drake Starsong," i shout after him.
Drake looks at me with mischievous smile.
" And you call me the mischievous one in the family," I say teasingly.
" You want mischief, I'll give you mischief missy," teases Drake and lays down next to me and pulls me into his arms, and we share some romantic and passionate time together.
Afterwards there is a knock on the door. Drake grabs for his breeches and dressed quickly, while i pull the blankets up around me. Drake goes and answers the door, to find Maggie standing there. She looks at Drake and blushes,lets out a little sigh, and smiles embarresingly, and says
" Forgive the intrusion mi lord, but I thought you and mi lady would like to know that Ashmith is back."
We were all beginning to worry about Ashmith. He had be gone for months. Maggie keep trying to reassure us, but saying that Ashmith sometimes would go off on his own for weeks, but we were still worried.
" Send him in Maggie," I call from bed. Ashmith comes flying in, and lands on one of the chairs. He looks tired and hungry.
" Drake, send for some food and water please," I say. Drake leaves the room .
" Ashmith, what news do you have of my parents ?"
" Mi lady," says Ashmith" i ..I...i maybe we should wait for another time..."
" Tell me now Ashmith, I asked you a question, I want an answer."
" Mi lady, i hate to be the bearer of bad news.I spent time with your mother. She was thrilled with the news of the babies, and gave you her blessings and said she wished she could be with you. I was on my way back here, when something told me to turn around and go back to Farland. But when i arrived back there your kingdom has been attacked. The castle and the village around it were in flames ."
" No, it can't be ," I scream," Why didn't i have any visions ?"
With that, I faint on the floor.
ClereonSwiftarrow
The Sire of Swift
201 Posts
Posted - 02/07/2008 : 13:10:02
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I return to the chamber when I see Alanna on the floor. Maggie is holding her head in her lap.
"What happened!?"
Ashmith turns to me and tells me of the news. Deep inside me my heart burns hot with hate for Maltavian.
"Maggie, watch after Alanna. I'm going to Farland."
"But Drake.." Maggie tries to say
"No, Maggie I'm going and no one is stopping me. Whatever you do, do NOT let Alanna follow me when she awakens." I start out the door and suddenly am cut off my Ryza.
"You're not going anywhere alone Drake. I'm going with you."
I stare at her for a moment before nodding.
"Very well, but so help me if you slo..."
"Drake Starsong!" Ryza interrupts with, "We all know who the slow one is, don't you give me that speech."
We both take off towards the castle entrance. As we pass the guards, we warn them of a possible invasion and of the downfall of Farland.
I shift into dragon form and Ryza shifts into an eagle. We move as quickly as possible without tiring ourselves out to much, should we encounter an enemy it would be bad.
We travel for 3 days, only resting at night in high places. Finally we reach the outer borders of Farland. What remains of the towns still burn or are already down to ash. Corpses litter the streets.
"Who could do such evil..?" Asks Ryza.
"Maltavian..thats who" I respond.
"DRAKE! LOOK!" Ryza swoops down and I follow. It seems as there are some survivors being cornered on the pier where I first got of the boat upon meeting Alanna.
"Ryza, thats the King and Queen! We must hurry!" We quicken our pace and shift back into human form upon hitting the ground.
It looks as if more than a few of Maltavians minions are out to play. Surrounding Alanna's parents are a slew of Vyru, Orcs, Trolls, and some Dragon kin.
"Hey you ugly bastards! Pick on someone your own size!"
I look to Ryza and shake my head.
"Your mouth is foul as ever for a lady." I tease.
All the minions turn to us and charge in.
"It worked did it not?"
Ryza readies a spell and lunges a fireball which demolishes the first group of monsters.
The remaining group is near 50 strong and Ryza needs time to summon another spell.
"Nice try Ry, but it looks like your a little rusty!" I throw in.
"Hmph! So show me how its done then!"
"Gladly!" I yell back.
"Gorwen fatir haem se nar! DRAGONS LANCE STRIKE DOWN THY ENEMIES!" I yell and from the sky a lightning bolt in the shape of a massive lance strikes the ground which the enemies tread upon. All but 5 of them dissintigrate instantaneously.
"I guess you have learned a lot haven't you Mr. Starsong?"
"I like to think so," I reply back.
Ryza pulls out her sword and rushes in finishing off the others quickly.
"Wow, Ry, looks like you took my advice and got some sword training in"
"Don't flatter yourself, I was ALWAYS better than you." Ryza says in a harsh tone.
I just mimic her and continue to the King and Queen.
"Drake!" Yells out the Queen with the King right behind her. "Thank God you've come! You were right the whole time not to trust Jeter, he is Maltavian! He killed near the whole kingdom and burned it all down. We made it out and only gotten this far due to the sacrifice of our guards and servants."
"Tell me Drake, is Alanna ok!?" The King asks.
"No, my lord...from the depths of my heart I am sorry..but Alanna was killed...by the hands of my own brother...."
The King and Queen look at us for a brief moment in silence and then beg us to follow them to the shipyard.
"Drake! Why did you tell them that?" Ryza whispers.
"They aren't Alanna's parents. The King is wearing Jeters Dragon pendant and neither of them said anything to their own daughters death."
"So he is Maltavian???" Ryza asks.
"Yes, we cannot kill them though, not untill we find the real King and Queen."
The Pretenders lead us to the shipyard where they continue to explain a few of the survivors made off towards an inlet with a safe haven off the coast of Yaelwic.
So the journey continues...
While I am asleep i have one terrible dream after another , or are they visions of what is going to happen. I see the castle in flames, i see my parents, and some of the hand servants being tortured.
" No!" I scream out in my sleep. Then I see Drake laying on the ground bleeding, and not moving. Maltivian is standing over him smiling a wicked smile.
" Drake," I scream, and awaken from my dream. I am covered in a cold sweat. Maggie is sitting next to me sponging my forehead.
" Stay calm, dear," says Maggie in a motherly voice," It is not good for you or the babies ."
" Drake, where is Drake ?" I say to Maggie in a panic tone of voice.
" He just stepped out to check on the children ," says Maggie trying not to look me in the face.
" Maggie, you are a terrible liar," i say to her," He is not here is he ."
" Drake will have my hide if I tell you ," says Maggie nervously.
" That is all i needed to here Maggie," I say to her climbing out of bed," He went after Maltivian didn't he ? The fool. He is going to get himself killed. He is no match for Maltivian alone . Maltivian almost killed him the last time they met up. "
" Ryza went with him," informs Maggie.
" Ryza !" I exclaim. I don't know wheter to be relieved, worried, angry or jealous. All i know is those two can't fight Maltivian alone.
" Where is Leona, Robert and William ?" I say to Maggie.
" I would guess that they are all sleeping ," says Maggie.
" Please have them come here," i say to Maggie.
" But..." says Maggie.
" I can assure you i am not going anywhere," i say to her .
" Very well," she says to me and goes off to find the others.
" Maggie,I'm sorry i had to lied to you," i say to myself , and then I open a window, transform myself into a hawk and go flying out.
Maggie returns to my bedchamber with the others after informing them on everything that has happen.
" She is gone !" exclaims Maggie.
" Drake is not going to like this," says Leona, then she turns to Robert and says " Looks like we will be making a trip to Farland ."
In the meantime, I am half way to Farland, when i feel a familiar presence.
" Please let it be Drake ," I say to myself.
" Going somewhere, " calls a figure flying on a small dragon.
" Rhondel, is that you ?" I say, happy to see my old friend.
" Yes , child," says Rhondel," and can I assume that you are going to Farland to confront Maltivian."
" You know ?" i ask him.
" Yes child," says Rhondel," I have ben keeping close tabs on you through my crystal ball ."
" Good old Rhondel," i say to him," You have always been there for me."
" Yes, but now I must insist that you turn back," says Rhondel.
" I can't turn back, I have to confront Maltivian. You told me i was the only one who could fight him."
" Yes, but now i am telling you to turn back," insists Rhondel.
" Why are you being so persistent ," I ask him.
" Because i don't want to see you get killed ," says Rhondel.
" Thankyou for the concern, but i can handle myself."
" Alanna, you don't understand," pleas Rhondel.
" No," i shout at him," You don't understand. I lost my real parents to Maltivian, now I may have lost my adoptive parents too, not to mention the one man that i love with all my heart, and the father of my children.Do you even know what is like to have your loved ones killed because of you ?"
" Yes, I am afraid I know all to well," says Rhondel" Alanna there is something I need to tell you. May we land on the ground for a second."
" Very well," I say, still angry. We land on the ground, and I transform back to my human self.
Rhondel walks over to me and takes my hand.
" Rhondel,I am in no mood," I begin to say but then i see how nervous and concern he is.
" Rhondel, what is it ?" I say to him.
" Alanna, you know me as Rhondel the wizard. But I use to be a mighty and powerful dragon lord. That was before Maltivian tricked me and took away my powers."
" You are a dragon ?" i say to him in shock.
" I was more then a dragon Alanna, I was the dragon king."
" But then, that would mean..."
" Yes, Alanna, I am your father ."
" Liar," i shout in anger," You are just trying to keep me from going to Farland."
" Alanna, please, I can prove it to you. It will take some doing, cause i don't have much powers left ." He transforms himself into a big mighty dragon.
" So you are a dragon," i say to him," That does not prove anything."
" Ask Drake and Leona, they know who I am."
" Drake knew all the time, just wait till i get him alone," I shout.
" Does that mean you belive me," says Rhondel.
" No!," I reply.
" Alanna turn yourself into a dragon if you would please ."
" Very well," I say to him. I transform myself into a dragon.
" Look at your inner right wing. You have the same mark on it that i have one my wing. It is a very rare mark. It is the mark of the dragon kings."
Sure enough, we have the same mark. I don't know what to think.
" There is something else ," says Rhondel walking over to me. He places his hands on my stomach area. I feel the babies inside of me move and a warm bright light shines from my stomach.I watch in awe.
" The power of one dragon king to a future dragon king," smiles Rhondel.
" Father," i say to him and start to cry. Rhondel gives me a dragon hug and then he says to me,
" Come let us go find my future son in law ."
" You changed your mind," I say to him.
" I knew there would be no stopping you daughter," sighs Rhondel," I'm afraid you inherited your father's stubbornness and his temper too."
" I love you daddy," i say to him
Deborah
Advanced Member
929 Posts
Posted - 02/11/2008 : 07:14:02
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I woke up, not able to sleep. I wandered the corridors until I reached Alanna's rooms, and saw that she was not there. I ran to Ryza's room, and found that she had gone too. I whistled for Ashmith, who came immediately to my side. "I need you to find everyone! They're gone!" Ashmith flew off immediately to do as I commanded.
I went back to my room, grabbed my cloak, and told Tugs to stay where he was. I ran to the clearing, where I saw the guards.
Lady Amy of York
noble lady/horsebreeder/ pirate captain
1947 Posts
Posted - 02/11/2008 : 23:10:57
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Rhondel, or should i say my newly discovered father and I flew towards Farland. As we flew I continued to ask him several questions that I had on my mind, in attempt to put together pieces of my past and to try to make better sense of what was going on now.
" Father why did you pretend to be dead all these years ?'
" Because this as Rhondel I could keep an eye on you and protect you."
" But you could have told me who you were," I reply.
" It would have been too risky ," Rhondel answered," After i lost my powers to Maltivain, and knew what Maltivian was capable of, i knew I had to protect you. That's when I became Rhondel the wizard. I took you to Farland, to live with some old friends of mine."
" My adoptive parents, the king and queen, they were friends of yours? Does that mean they knew you were the dragon king ?"
" No, they never knew me as a dragon, they only knew me in my human form."
" So father, you took me to live at Farland, but what of my mother ? What happen to my birth mother ?"
Rhondel looked away from me for a second, trying to hide a tear in his eye.
" Father did I say something wrong ?"
" No child. I am afraid i do not know what happen to your mother . You see she was with me when Maltivian attacked me. I was knocked unconscious, either that or Maltivian used some spell on me. Anyway when i woke up, your mother was gone. I have searched for her for years, but have never found her."
" You mean she could still be alive ?"
" I don't know child," says Rhondel," I shouldn't have told you. Now i may have yor hopes up for nothing."
" He has her doesn't he ," I say in a furry," Maltivian has my mother !"
I fly faster,the dragon fury stirring inside of me.
" Alanna, do you know of anyone in Farland , who would want to harm you ?" my father asks.
" Why do you ask father ?"
" Because someone had to inform Maltivian that you were there , but who ? Someone is a traitor and a spy."
" But who would do such a thing ?"
We fly a few miles more, not saying a word to each other. I can tell Rhondel is deep in thought.
" Father, what really did happen between you and Maltivian. Why did he want you dead, and now me ?"
"Alanna,"sighs Rhondel," There is something you should know . Years ago there were two powerful dragon lords. One of them was destined to inherit the throne from his father. The other was jealous and envious, and felt that he should be the rightful king. His anger and hatred grew. It was said that the jealous dragon lord was just being foolish . No one knew that he had made a pact with the dark world. One day he disappeared. No one knew where he went. The other dragon lord went onto to inherit the throne. He married a beautiful woman who was part elf, part fairy. part human.They married and soon had a child.The child was said to be the chosen one. She would be the most powerful of all dragons."
" Are you referring to me ?" i say with achill running down my spine for some reason.
" Yes," replies Rhondel," For you have powers and capabilities you have yet to discover child."
" and you were the one dragon lord ?"
" Yes, said my father," shall i continue the story ?"
" Please do ."
" you were born and dragons came from all around to see the chosen child. Well of course the news must have gotten back to Maltivian. Your mother and I were having a picnic one afternoon. She had not wanted to leave you, but I assuured her you would be safe with your lady in waiting. Thank the dragon gods we did not bring you with us , for it was while we were on our picnic that Maltivian attacked us ."
" Because he wanted the throne to himself ," I replie," and now he is after me, because he knows i am the rightful heir to the throne ."
" There is more Alanna, I guess when Maltivian made his pact with the darkworld, he lost his ability to live forever. He needs to mate with a female dragon with the same dragon blood as him in order to gain back his ability to live forever."
" But i don't have the same blood as him ," I say.
" Alanna, there is something about Maltivian you should know."
" What is it father ?"
" Maltivian was my younger brother.He is your uncle . You are true blood relatives."
" No !" I scream .
I cannot believe what my father just told me. How could I be realted to such a evil being as Maltivian. I feel sick to my stomach, and I find myself placing a hand on my growing belly. My thoughts turn to the children growing inside of me.
" If i share the same blood as Maltivian, then these children I have growing inside of me, have his blood too. What have I done ? I can't bring another Maltivian into this world," I say to myself.
I turn and look at my father,
" I need to be alone right now father," I say to him.
" Alanna, I won't let you go to Farland by yourself."
" I won't go to Farland without you, I just nedd to be alone," I snap at him.
" Alanna, what are you planning ? Don't do anything you will regret later."
The pretender King and Queen motion us to board the small vessel. I enter first followed by Ryza.
The pretenders board and we take off slowly.
"My King, do you not think it best if we row the oars? You and your wife are surely tired in both body and mind."
"Nonsense, I'm full of energy. We will reach the island shortly."
Ryza looks at me and I can tell what she is thinking. No royalty would ever give up a offer like that.
Suddenly a nasty fog begins to roll in and soon I can only see my own hands in front of my face. I reach in to summon a small amount of my Dragon energy, now I can see better. We are still far from anywhere. The shipyard behind us is but a small sillouette now.
I lay back and figure this may be the last sleep I get for a while. Ryza seems to have the same idea, she is already fast asleep.
Rhondel realizes he cannot argue with me and leaves me alone. I change into my human form and then i reach for my dagger. I hold it in my hands and point it towards my chest.
" Forgive me Drake ," I cry out. I take the dagger, my hands begin to shake. What am I doing ? What am I thinking ? I kneel to the ground and begin to weep.
" Drake, where are you ? I need you now, more then anything. "
I suddenly awake from a deep sleep.
Ryza notices me jump and puts her hand on my shoulder.
"Is everything ok?"
"No...I felt something..something painful....Alanna...."
I feel a pinch in my heart, and another...and another...I am on my hands and my knees in pain. Please hand in there Alanna I think to myself.
Ryza nudges me, "We are at the island."
I look up and see the beginning of a large cave mouth. Suddenly I feel as if I'm going to black out, and I do as I fall over the side of the boat.
................................................
I wake up what must be several hours later. When I open my eyes I see Ryza in front of a Globe of Warmth.
"You're finally up...I was worried."
"What happened?" I ask.
"You were in much pain, you said something about Alanna and then fell to your hands and knees....then you fell over the side of the boat, I jumped in after you and brought you to shore."
I take a deep breath.
"What about the Pretenders?"
"I don't know," Ryza responded. "It seemed like the boat went straight to the opening of the cave.."
"It's probably better that I fell then...we'd be in the midst of Maltavians scheme."
"You need to rest," Ryza interjects.
"Yeah.." I mutter out before trailing off and falling back asleep.
I open my eyes and squint as the bright sun intrudes. I look over to my right to see Ryza up, she is tossing small rocks into the water.
I slowly rise and look at my surroundings, trying to remember what happened the night before.
"You're finally up I see," says Ryza.
"How long have I been down for?" I ask.
"At least 14 hours, its around noon..." she says before trailing off.
I jump to my feet and stretch. I continue to walk around abit to regain my bearings.
"Ry, what happened last night?"
She remains silent for a few moments before explaining.
"You said something about Alanna, then you fell to your hands and knees in pain, then went over the side of the boat. I brought you to shore, you were up shortly but fell fast asleep."
"Alanna..." I start to say. "Lets go, we need to find the people of Farland."
I pick up my gear and we start to explore the island when suddenly we see a long line of people.
"What is it Drake?" Ryza asks.
"It's the people of Farland, they are being herded into the cavern mouth," I say as I study the scene before me. "It looks like Goblins."
Ryza sighs.
"Don't worry, we will be fine, lets wait for them to all get into the cave and then we can sneak in."
Ryza nods in agreement and we patiently wait.
Several minutes later the last Goblin guard enters the cave and we make our move. We silently get to the cave entrance, I summon a small amount of Dragon strength and see an empty entrance. We both move in silently and as we move in, we can hear cries for help and cries of pain.
I awake to a warm camp fire, and my father sitting near by.
" What happen ?" I ask him.
" You cried until you could cry no more, then you fell asleep from exhaustion ."
" I remember now," I replie. I stand up and look around me.
" I also found this laying beside you," says my father holding my dagger," Do you wish to talk about it."
" No," I reply, starting to walk away.
" Alanna, don't be angry," says Rhondel.
" I'm not sure how I feel right now," I shout at him," I feel like my whole life has been one big lie. Everyone I have ever known and trusted has lied to me, or get information hidden from me."
" Not everyone,"answers Rhondel.
" Drake," I replie, and let out a sigh. My father reaches out to touch my hand and I start to turn away from him.
" I'm sorry Alanna," says my father," I never met to hurt you. I only did what I thought was best. I was trying to protect you from Maltivian. But i see that despite all my efforts, all I have done is failed you and caused you much pain."
I look at my father, and see the pain and anguish in his face. How can I be angry with him. He has always been there for me, that is true, not as my father until now, but as my friend Rhondel the great wizard.
"What are we doing standing around here ?" I ask my father," I am Alanna, queen of the dragons, and I'm not going to let Maltivian beat me, or destroy my people."
" That's my girl," smiles my father.
" Father, teach me everything I need to know about being a dragon queen. Show me all the powers and skills I posses."
" That could take days !" exclaims my father.
" Well then, what are we waiting for," I say with a smile," Lets get moving."
We spend all afternoon training, over and over, until my head grows weary, and I feel like I can't absorb anymore. The sun is strating to set, and the sky starts to grow dark.
" Lets go," I say to my father, changing to dragon form and taking flight.
" Alanna, you still have more to learn," calls my father after me.
" Enough time has been wasted father," I shout back," I am going to find my husband to be, and save my people . "
We both hug the cavern wall and stay in the shadows. As we inch along the screams begin to get sharper and louder. Finally we reach an intersection and when I peer around the corner I can see many people, all chained down with their captors whipping and beating them.
"This is is Ry, we are going to free these people" I say with conviction.
Ryza nods and follows as I make my way towards the prisoners.
Suddenly a loud shrill encompasses the entire cavern and I cusp my ears falling to the ground. All around me the prisoners drop in pain and the Goblins laugh.
I look back to Ryza and she is standing tall with a smirk on her face.
Suddenly the shrill stops and Ryza shakes her head.
"Sorry Drake, Maltavian promised me that if I helped him kill you, that he would spare my kingdom."
"Wha..? I begin to say, but Ryza knocks me hard in the head with her crystal staff.
I fall to the ground before she jabs me in the stomach
I ball up in pain and roll away from her next attack.
I slowly regain my footing and back away from Ryza.
"How can you do this Ry? How?"
Ryza turns from me when she starts to talk.
"How can I not? If I don't..my home..people..everyone and everything will be gone, Maltavian is letting me live and will reward me greatly."
"You're poisoned by his words! this isn't the real you!"
Ryza looks away once more and begins to chant
Nor keloc me twa lilir nas racht!
She puts the staff against my chest and a blue burst burns straight through my chest, knocking me to the ground.
All the prisoners stand looking in awe
"I'm so sorry Drake, I just had to do it...forgive me.."
Ryza turns and walks off with the Goblin Cheiftan and I lay motionless on the cavern floor.
As I am flying, a sharp pain hits me in the chest and I almost fall to the ground. Then I see a vision in my mind. Drake, he is laying motionless, and Ryza is standing over him. Why isn't Ryza helping him ?
" What is it Alanna ?' asks my father noticing the puzzled and worried look on my face.
" Something is terribly wrong father ? We must move faster ."
" Use your necklace Alanna ," says my father.
" My necklace ?" I ask, looking down at the necklace i have worn since i was a child. Somehow even in dragon form it stayed around my neck.
" The necklace is the necklace of the dragon queen. It holds special powers. Use it now to teleport you anywhere you want to go ."
I hold onto the necklace and say
" Take me to Farland and to Drake."
I open my eyes...but have I? Everything is pitch dark. No sounds, no movements...nothing..silence.
I shift my position and sit up, my arms and legs are throbbing and It would seem I have been chained to the floor and wall. I try to summon some of my Dragon energies so I can see what I'm contending with...but I cannot, I'm to weak. What happened to me...whats this sharp feeling in my chest. I cannot help but gasp for air.
"You must lay down and rest boy, or you will never heal."
"Who said that? Where are you?" I say frantically.
"I said it, and I'm to your right," replies the soft voice.
"Tell me your name."
Suddenly in the dark I hear movement.
"My name is Lorendil, and I know much about you Drake Starsong."
"Your an elf? I reply in a surprised tone.
"Aye, I was visiting the King and Queen when the castle was besieged, I tried defending them with my life, but Maltavian is to much for my magic. Although you, are not beyond my ability, someone laid a nasty bolt of lighting through your chest, a normal man would of died, but now your not normal are you? Either way I patched you up best I could without the use of my arms or potions."
"I see..."
I lay still and breath slowly for a while in order to ease the pain.
"Is there any way out?" I ask.
"Not unless we can break our binds...so for the time being, unless you can regenerate all your strength we are going to be visitors for a long time."
I lay back again and try to relax, just thinking to myself..Alanna..I hope your ok...
" Looking for me ?" I say with a smile appearing before Drake.
" Alanna ! " exclaims Drake," I don't know how you got here, nor do I want to know, but I am glad to see you. Free me please."
" What !" I exclaim," You mean the mighty warrior can not free himself ?"
" Very funny," replies Drake.
" I don't know I kind of like you being all tied up ," I say with a laugh.
" Alanna this is no time for games," says Drake.
" Ah games..yes...," I say witha laugh and kneel down besides Drake and start to kiss him.
" Alanna, not here ," says Drake.
" Hush," I whisper to him," I have a feeling we are being watched. Take this ." I hand him a short sword i had hidden on me, and then using the spell that shoots flames out of my hands, I burn thru the ropes that kept him prisoner.
I feel the fire burn threw the ropes, I try to stand but cannot, I fall back to the floor.
"Drake, come on, we need to go," Alanna says.
"I'm sorry my love, but I cannot...I am to weak...free Lorendil...he may be able to give me strength."
"Who?" Alanna says confused.
"Me, I am Lorendil, a prisoner of Maltavian. Young Princess, I was visiting with your parents when the castle was sacked."
Alanna forms a fireball in her hand to illuminate the room and she sees Lorendil and smiles.
"I remember you...you used to visit my parents when I was a child."
"Thats right," replies Lorendil.
"Enough banter, please free me from my binds so I may tend to Drake."
Alanna nods and burns down his shackles.
Lorendil crawls to me and puts his hands over my chest. He begins chanting in old elvish and his hands turn a soft blue.
"Lorendil, what happened?"
"From what I gather, the mage who came with him betrayed him and burned a hole right through his chest. He was on the edge of life and death when they shackled him up, luckily even without the use of my hands I was able to save him."
Alanna sits in silence.
"I'm so sorry my love...I had no idea it was that serious..I didn't mean to rush you.."
I cut Alanna off with the wave of my hand.
"Worry not, I will be fine, you had no way of knowing, but it's true. Ryza was tempted by Maltavian to kill me and help his cause. He promised to spare her home and her people."
Alanna stands up and clentches her fist.
"I will kill that woman..."
"Alanna calm down, we will deal with Ryza when the time comes. For now we have to help these people."
Alanna sighs and nods.
I motion her to me and she gets on her knees and grabs my hand.
"I was beginning to think I wouldn't see you again..." I say before Alanna puts her finger against my lips.
"Don't talk like that, this wasn't your fault, the mighty Drake Starsong won't be defeated so easily, if you could then I need to find a new suiter," Alanna says as she winks.
She leans over and kisses me softly.
"I love you," She whispers.
I smile and wait patiently for my wounds to heal.
I pace back and forth like a restless tiger as Drake sleeps.Finally I decide i can not stand around any longer.
" Lorendil, tell Drake I will be back in a while," I say to him.
" Don't do it," responds Lorendil.
" Pardon me ?' I say back to him.
" I know you are going off to hunt down Ryza," says Lorendil.
"She tried to kill Drake, and would have probably suceeded if you or I had not been here to heal him. "
" Alanna, Drake would not want you to go after her alone."
" Drake is too weak to help me fight her, and he needs you here Lorendil to help heal him. Besides, this is my fight now. She made it my fight when she tried to kill the one I love. Now she must answer to me. "
I transform into a dragon and fly off to hunt down Ryza.
I wake up and see Lorendil to the side and strangely enough the once dark room is now illuminated.
"Drake I'm sure I don't have to tell you..."
"Alanna went after Ryza...yeah...I figured she would..." I reply.
I jump to my feet, I feel great, and well rested.
"Lorendil, you should get back to your people, me and Alanna can handle this situation."
Lorendil bows and meets me in an arm lock
"God speed my friend, may the Malfurian watch over you," Lorendil says before exiting the room.
I can feel Alannas presence close by, as well as Ryzas. I leave the cell and head towards the front of the cavern, near the docks. The slaves are gone and the supplies left over are burning.
I turn the corner and see Alanna guarding herself from one of Ryzas fireballs.
"Alanna!" I yell.
Both Alanna and Ryza turn to me and simultaneously say my name in shock.
I summon as much of my energies as possible and in the middle of a transformation Hireens Arm begins to glow a bright blue and I feel a rush of power.
Hireens Arm also blasts a wave at Alanna which causes her to glow as well.
We look at each other with much confusion in our eyes and Ryza is stopped in her tracks, not full knowing of what just happened.
I feel this powerful glowing light all around me. The dragon's queen pendant around my neck begins to glow too. I feel this strong power comingover me and controlling my body. I approach Ryza, I put my hands on her and she begins to shake all over as I slowly drain her life from her. But then i stop and she falls to the ground.
" Why did you not kill me ?" hisses Ryza at me.
" Because unlike you and your master I am no killer ," I say to her," besides now you are going to talk and tell us where Maltivian is and what he is up to."
" Never ," replies Ryza, spitting at me.
" Ryza," I say to her," why are you doing this? Look at yourself. You have traded your soul for what, to be a slave to a evil creature like Maltivian?"
" You don't understand ," shouts Ryza at me.
" I do understand," I answer," I know that he threaten you and your people. I know you felt you had no choice. Don't let him get the best of you. Fight him Ryza. Join me and Drake and help us get rid of Maltivian for good. Make him pay for what he has done to you."
Ryza lowers her head, I can see the pain in her eyes.
"Ry, come on, I've known you for a long time now. Even after what happened, I can still call you my friend. It doesn't need to end this way. We WILL protect you and your people."
Ryza falls to her knees and begins to cry, but suddenly a pendant around her neck begins to give off a black smoke. She falls to the ground and begins convulsing, then rises up in mid-air as her body still is limp.
"You will not save anyone, or anything," Ryza says in a dark voice.
Alanna looks over to me confused.
"Leave her body Maltavian, she is of no use to you, just let her be."
Ryza laughs and lifts up an arm to cast a spell.
"I don't think so Maltavian!" I say as I chant a short spell.
"Bind thy demons in shadowy chains!" I yell and Ryza's body becomes entangled in shadow chains which keep her from casting any spells.
"You may of saved the girl for now, but your whole world is coming closer to destruction every day!"
Ryzas body hits the ground just then and the evil aura surrounding the room begins to dissipate.
Drake starts to run forward to help Ryza, but I grab his arm and stop him.
" Don't," I say to him.
" Alanna, Ryza needs our help," says Drake give me a puzzled look.
" I know she does, but it is a trap. I can still sense Maltavain's presence ."
Then I whisper in Drake's ear ,
" Drake, my love, how well do you know Ryza ?"
" Alanna this is no time to get jealous ," Drake whispers back.
" I'm not jealous," I whisper back," I don't think that is really Ryza ."
"I know its not Ryza, Maltavian took control of her, I feel his presence as well, but not in Ryza."
Alanna lets my arm go and I bend down by Ryza. I feel her wrist for a pulse and its very feint, she is cold and clammy.
"Alanna, Ryza didn't feel she had a choice, she only means to do whats best for her people. We need to reassure her that everything will be ok. We must keep her safe, away from Maltavians reach."
Alanna nods then looks away.
"Alanna...Ryza is an old friend, I know she means well...trust me....if it was you, instead of her...if the blast didn't kill me, my broken heart would of."
Alanna looks back up with a tear on her cheek. She gets up an walks to me and I stand up to wrap my arms around her and hold her tightly.
"Lets get her to Rhondel...he should be able to heal her..for the most part."
I nod in agreement, I pick up Ryza and throw her over my shoulder. Alanna leads the way as we approach the cavern entrance where a large ship sits and all the slaves are on board. We step on board and are greeted with mixed emotions, some are cheering for their rescue, others staring coldly at Ryza's limp body.
"Everyone listen to me, we cannot go back to Farland, not yet at least. It is far to dangerous, so we will be taking a coarse to a friends keep. She has armed guards and plenty of food and room for everyone."
Everyone stares at me blankly.
"We WILL recover your homeland...I promise you this."
Everyone cheers and we set sail, hopefully Maggie can work her own magic once we reach the keep.
"What is your plan Drake?" Alanna asks.
"We will take the sea route to the Rontile Channel and then we will take the channel to Vesperia. We can dock there and its only 2 days south of the keep, if we need any supplies we can do so in town."
Alanna smiles and gives me an awkward look.
"Whats that look for?" I ask.
"Oh nothing really...just picturing you as a king...just now seemed very uncharacteristic of you."
"Oh really?" I retort.
"Yes really, its probably one of the first moments you didn't think of yourself."
I try to come up with something witty to say, but fail to find the words. I set Ryza down below deck on a hammock and come back up to help navigate the ship.
"How long will the journey be my love?"
"Seven days...what only takes us a few hours by air, will take much longer by sea and foot, but we cannot abandon them, who knows what Maltavians up to."
Alanna stares at me for a while and then stares out at the sea.
"Seven days.." She reiterates. "Seven days..."
" Well, if there were not so many people around, I know what we could do for seven days to keep busy," I say to Drake giving him a kiss on the neck infront of everyone.
" Alanna ," replies Drake, his face growing red in embarrassment.
" Actually Draki wanted to clear something up thaat I sais earlier. When I implied that Ryza was not Ryza I was afraid that maybe Maltavian had found someway to make himself look like Ryza. It would not have surprised me. Speaking of Maltavian, I am concerned about your plan love. How do we know Maltavian is not watching us. If we go back to Maggie's we could be leading him right to them. I will not endanger Maggie, Leona, Robert, William, and the children. "
" Where do you suggest we take these people then," Drake says to me giving me a slightly impatient look.
" I know we can't take them back to Farland, so I don't know...wait a sec..I got it Drake...Oh Alanna you are so brillant sometimes...why thankyou I know i am....oh yes you have outdone yourself this time..." I say witha smile.
" Are you through fooling around and talking to yourself ?" asks Drake not amused.
I stick out my tongue at him and make a face.
" Grouch," I replie.
" So are you going to tell this grouch where we are going ?"
" The only place that Maltavian can not enter. To the Dragon Kingdom itself. We will send word to the others to meet us half way ."
Drake looks at me and says nothing at first, but then he agress that the Dragon kingdom is the only pace that Maltavian can not enter.
" Alanna it is a long journey. Are you up to it in your condition ?"
" I am the dragon queen Drake, and the future queen of Farland. I must protect my people at all costs ."
That what i am afraid of mumbles Drake to himself. He knows Alanna would sacrifice her own life for her people and family, but we should harm her unborn children. He could not help worrying that Alnna was taking on too much .
We soon make land. My people are hungry and tired, but we are still to close to Farland, to stop and rest yet.
We must keep moving, despite the protests of some.
" Those who are strong enough will help the elderly and the weak and sick ."I order.
I see a young child who is weak and crippled fall to the ground.
" Leave him," shouts someone,'he will only slow us down."
" We will not leave anyone behind ," I shout, picking up the small boy and carrying him my arms.
Drake walks over to me .
" Let me take him from you," he says to me.
" No, I have him," I say to Drake. Drake looks at me and puts his hand on my arm.
" Alanna, darling, you have to stop this."
" Stop what ?" i say to him.
" You know what I am talking about. You can't keep blaming yourself for what happen to your people."
" I should have been there Drake. None of this would of happen. And for all I know my adoptive parents are dead because of me. So no Drake I can not stop this, for the pain I carry in my heart right now is too great ."
I look at the small boy in my arms and begin to cry. I turn to Drake and say,
" Look at this child Drake. What kind of Queen am I? I could not even protect an innocent child like this from harms way ."
"Alanna there is nothing you could of done, you had no way of knowing this would of happened, and the sooner you understand that the better. Right now you're just making it harder for yourself, and for everyone who cares about you."
I put my arm on her shoulder and a little girl and a man walk up to us. The man says he will take the young boy for his future queen and then the little girl hands her a flower and hugs her.
"Alanna they all have faith in you, they know its not your fault, they don't blame you..neither should you," I say in a gentle voice.
We continue to walk for several miles.
"Alanna..do you know where we are going?" I ask.
"What do you mean love? I thought..."
"Alanna the Dragon Lords kingdom was obliterated when I was a child...not only do I not know my way..but theres nothing to know my way to.."
Alanna's demeanor becomes grim once again.
"While we may not be able to make it to our homeland....I do have an old friend who may be able to help us. It is in the Elven city of Llorethiel."
" Then we shall head for there love," I say to Drake with a smile. I start to move forward when i feel a sudden pain in my side. I place hand on my stomach.
" Alanna are you alright," asks Drake all concern.
" Our young ones just let their presence be known. Here feel for your self." I take Drake's hand and place it on my stomach. Our children all let out swift kicks. Drake looks at me in awe.
" They are strong like their father and mother that is for sure ." Then I feel another pain. I'm not too sure this one was a kick, but I say nothing to Drake, for I need not worry him.
So we make way for the elven city. Drake has sen t a scout ahead to send word to Rhondel, Robert and the others. We wait n ow at the meeting place.
" They should be here by now," says Drake to Lorendil.
" My husband to be worries too m much, " i say walk ing up upon them.
" Alanna," sa ys Drake," I forgot abo ut yo ur keen sense of hearing. I am not worried...d id i say i was worr ied, y o u m ust have mistaken wha t I said."
" D rake, yo u don' t need to keep worry ing abo u t me, and pro tec t ing me, I am fine ."
J us t then another sharp pain h i ts me and I fall to the ground.
" Alanna," Drake yells o u t, r ushing to my side.
" Something is wrong Drake, i t is wa y too early for me to have these babies. Please don't let me lose them ."
Drake and Lorendil carry me over r to a shaded tree to res t. D rake seeks out the help of some elder r village women.
One elderly woman kneels and tends to me. I recognise her. She was known to be a very wise woman. She gives me some he rbs she has ina small pouch wi th her. I soon fall asleep.
" Yo ur wife and five young ones ar e fine," she says to D rake.
" F ive,! exclaims Drake," You must be mis taken, we are only having three."
" No, i detected five strong heart bea ts, believe me son, the y have not called me the wise lady of the village for nothing. Now yo ur w ife m ust take i t easy and rest if she is to ca rr y these babies to full term . I suggest yo u s ta rt making something to carry he r on . She can no t walk to the elven city ."
I wake up to find myself laying on a wagon full of hay, being pulled by two farm horses. What in the world. I climb down and go to find Drake, who does not seem very happy when he sees me approaching. Before i can say a word he picks me up and carries me back to the wagon. I start to protest but then Drake tells me what the old wise woman had to say.
" I'm carrying five babies ! " i exclaim," I'm going to get as big as a house.
There goes my figure that i am known for. Do i look huge to you Drake ?"
Drake does not answer me.
" I do don't I, otherwise you would have said something . This is all your fault ." I shove him off back of the wagon. Drake picks himself up and starts to brush the dirt off of him.
" what happen to you ?" asks Ryza coming up to talk to him.
" Apparently you don't tell a pregnant woman that she is huge." sighs Drake.
" You did what!" laughs Ryza," Oh man, are you crazy or suicidal ?"
As I sit down next to Alanna in the wagon I can sense Ryza staring at me.
"Something wrong Ry?" I ask.
She just nods her head and looks away.
"I see...you try to kill me and now you can't talk to me huh?" I say with a sarcastic voice.
"You're horrible Drake....thats not it...I'd rather talk about it some other time..." Ryza says as her voice trails off.
Suddenly a small hawk comes zipping down from the sky and lands on my shoulder.
It whispers in my air, its using an old form of Elvish my father had taught me.
"Whats it saying?" Inquires Alanna.
"A friend awaits our arrival in Llorethiel.....an old old friend..." I say before trailing off.
Alanna gives me a funny look and then shrugs.
I fall asleep soon after...as I drift into slumber, a dream begins...
I'm in a room all alone, a dark room with one lonely candle lit in its center. I walk to the candle but It moves back, no matter how quickly I move I cannot catch it.
Suddenly a figure appears and it's Alanna. She is holding the candle and has her eyes closed...
I try to call out to her but I cannot talk.
Alannas eyes open, but they have no form, just blank white. Then a shadow appears behind her, it slowly becomes more clear, and I can see its Maltavian. He is large and overwhelming, he is holding her in his arms and he gives a wicked smile.
I try to scream but nothing comes out, Alanna opens her mouth and a shrill scream sends me flying backwards into the wall.
She turns her head and kisses Maltavian passionately and then the sound of children crying and laughing starts to flood my head. Alanna screams again and knocks me back but this time I begin to fall down a hole, hearing laughter all the way down. Soon as I hit what seems to be the bottom...
I suddenly sit up, awaking from the nightmare in a cold sweat. I look over and see Alanna sleeping soundly, but Ryza was stirred by my sudden movement.
"You had thad dream again didn't you," She asks.
I nod.
"You have been having that dream for as long as I've known you and beyond."
"Yes, but now I know who the woman is." I reply.
Ryza stirs suddenly, "who?" She asks.
"Alanna," I reply.
Ryzas face turns white.
" Alanna ?' asks Ryza," Are you sure Drake. I know i don't know her as well as i know you, but I know the hatred she has for Maltivian. She would never turn to him. Plus she loves you too much. She would never leave you."
" I know," replies Drake," I know Alanna would never willfully go to Maltivian. But this dream is so real and the fact that it is reoccurring tells me that something terrible, beyond our imagination is going to happen, and that it will involve Alanna choosing between us and Maltivian ."
I hear the last few words of Drake's and Ryza's conversation and I sit up and say ," What is this about me and Maltivian ?"
" Nothing my love," says Drake kissing me on the forhead," I am sorry we woke you. Go back to sleep ."
" I am awake now," I answer," Besides Drake, I can tell there is something you are not telling me. You have that look in your eyes. Out with it sir. Tell me what is bothering you ?"
" It is nothing I tell you," replies Drake.
" Drake Starsong," i say to him impatiently and slightly annoyed," If we are to be married, then there are to be no secrets among us ."
" You should tell her about the dream Drake," says Ryza butting in.
" What dream ?" I demand.
Just then there is a rumble of thunder and it begins to pour down rain.
" This conversation, can wait till later," shouts Drake," We need to get the children, the elderly and the sick out of this rain. I think i recall seeing a cave nearby ."
I try to say something back to Drake, but he has already ran off to help the others.
" Ryza, do you know about the dream ?" I question her.
" I do," sighs Ryza," But i think it best that Drake tell you." She leaps off the wagon to go help the others.
We make tracks to the cave. The rain is coming down harder and it is starting to hail . Drake comes to to the wagon and helps carry me inside.
" This cave is huge ," i say to him," Are you sure it is safe ."
" It is better then being out there in that hail storm," says Drake.
I stand up and look around. I feel a sudden chill down my spine and i begin to shiver.
" You are cold ," says Drake putting his arms around me to keep me warm.
" Yes, i guess so," I replie, but i'm not to sure. Something just does not fell right to me. I snuggle next to Drake and watch the rain and hail come down outside. I keep feeling uneasy though. I turn to say something to Drake, but from his lack of sleep the last few nights, he is now sound asleep.
I stand up and look at the others huddled together in the the cave. The young, the old, and the sick. I let out a sigh. Some of the children are running around playing. Suddenly i see two young boys wander off into the darkness of the cave. I go to find them.
The cave is dark and there are many tunnels. Where did hte boys go to?
They seemed to have just disappeared, but they couldn't have. I know i saw two small children come this way. Then i heara child crying. I wander furthur into one of the tunnels following the sound of the crying. I enter into a large cavern. The crying grows louder. The boys must be around here somewhere. Suddenly i feel that cold chill again. The walls of the cavern seem to be getting smaller, i feel the cavern closing in around me... suddenly a strong odorous gas fills the cavern. I can't breathe. I feel the ground opening up underneath me. I see the arms of some monstrous creature reaching out to pull me under. I try to fight, but i can't breathe and i pass out cold.
I wake up to find myself in some under ground dark cavern. I look down at myself. I look the same, but for some reason i feel different. I go to shout out to the others for help. A loud evil like, hiss comes out of my voice.
What in the world ! I call out again. A evil voice laughs inside of me.
" You are awake, I see dear human ," it says to me.
" Who are you ?" I shout.
" I am a soul reaper. We area demon like creature . We enter ones body and take control of their minds ."
" I will not let you control me ! " I shout.
" That's it," the demon hisses," We like when you get angry, for we feed on anger and hatred ."
Then i just have to remain calm and think of happy thoughts, I think to myself. I can do that. I think of Drake and our unborn children. I feel happy. I don't hear the demon. This is working i say to myself. I find a tunnel and make my way down it. It end up leading me back to the main cave entrance and to where the others are.
" There you are ," says Ryza,' Drake has been looking for you. Are you okay ?"
" I am fine ," I hiss.
I walk up behind Alanna and put my hand on her shoulder. "Fine? That didn't sound very fine to me my love."
"I'm fine!" Shouts Alanna and everyone turns to her. "I'm fine! I don't appreciate you prodding me! GRRR!!!" Alanna storms off back into the cave.
Ryza looks to me and we both shrug.
"So...maybe..the pregnancy is getting to her..you think?"
Ryza just gives me a weird look and rolls her eyes. "I hardly think so..didn't you hear the way she talked...sounded..different. I had this weird feeling from being near her just now."
The two of us enter the cave to follow Alanna.
"How deep does this cavern go?"
"Deep, I noticed Drow ruins on some of the walls..." I reply.
"Drow?? You don't think this goes to..." Ryza starts to say before being cut short by an Arrow that whirs by.
We both jump and instinctively Ryza summons a light orb which illuminates the cavern.
"Well whatever was here is gone, I'm guessing most of the creatures in these parts aren't to fond of light."
Suddenly the touch of cold steel pushes against my throat and Ryzas light goes out.
"You would be wise to come quietly.....rather..you have no choice.."
I hear a laugh and then a sudden thud to the back of my head as I pass out cold.
Then I ryza over the head as well.
" What are you doing?" I yell out to the demon inside of me," You could have killed them.."
" thats the way," says the demon," Be angry."
" I have had enough of you," i shout
" I ahve had enough of you," mimics the demon.
" Stop."
" Stop."
I kneel beside Drake.
" Kill him, kill him now," says the demon.
" No, he is my soul mate. I love him."
" he does not love you," hisses the demom.
" How do you know ?"
" You loves the other woman with him ."
" That is not true," i shout.
" that it get angry," hisses the demon. The demon feds on my anger taking control of my mind. I pick up knife and go to stab Ryza, but Drake wakens and ses me and leaps at me knocking the knife out of my hands.
" No !" I hiss at him. Drake holds me tight. I fight gainst trying to break free.
" Alanna, please love, it is okay," says Drake witha soothing voice," Calm yourself..it is okay, everything is going to be okay."
" Drake." I look at him and i begin to cry.
" It is okay my love, we will get help for you," replies Drake.
" No," I replie," You cannot help me. It is best you stay away from me. I almost killed the both of you." I turn from him and run down the dark tunnels.
I run until i can no longer run. I stand sobbing.
" What ashame to see such a pretty face soaked with tears," says avoice i have heard before, and had grown to detest.
" Maltivavian, show yourself ," I shout.
He appears before me.
" I should have known you were behind this," I hiss at him.
" I had nothing to do with this," he replies.
" I don't believe you," I snap back at him.
" tis a pity then," he sighs," For i was going to help you."
" Why would you help me," i shout," what do you want from me ?"
" If you recall i did love and care for you and I still do ."
" I'm listening," I replie.
" You agreee to be my mistress and I will rid you of this denom."
" Never," I shout.
" very well then," says Maltavian," suit yourself. But i do know a thing or two about soul reapers.I have dealt with them before. first they control your mind. then they will take over your body. and you don't want anything to happen to those unborn children you are carrying do you. who knows what the demon could do to them. Come with me and i will protect you, and i promise no harm to the children."
I don't know what to say. I don't want to give into my enemy, but what if Maltivian is right. Oh come on Alanna he is just trying to trick you. But then again what if he is right. I want no harm to come to my children.
" Very well Maltivian," i sigh," I will go with you. But you must promise me not to harm the children and leave my people alone."
" as long as i have you ," smiles Maltivian," I can agrre to the other conditions."
I let out a sad sigh and go off with Maltivian to become his mistress. I look back. I can hear voices. Drake. I am so sorry my love, but i must do what i have to do to protect our children.
Drake comes running towrds me, just as i vanish out of sight with Maltavian.
" No !" cries out Drake.
Maldivian puts a blindfold on me.
" what is this for ?' i demand.
"It is just until we get to my keep" he replies,"I would not want you to try to escape once we get there."
" I told you I would not try to escape if you help me to rid me of the soul reapers."
Maldivian insists that i remain blindfolded. So be it, little does he know that i can still see. I am led thru several dark tunnels. Finally we reach a entrance, and we step out into daylight again. We are on a sandy beach. Maltivian's pirate ship sits off shore waiting. I am led to a row boat, and ordered to climb in.
" Where are you taking me ?' I protest.
" We are going to our new home love," Maldivian replies.
We row out to the ship. I look back at the shore, wondering if i will ever see this land again, and if I will ever see my family or Drake.