Scribbled Thoughts

Chapter Thirty Two:

Old Grudges

I was surprised Amelia didn’t attack me. She just stared at me with a bemused look before scrambling to Dagan, who was slumped against the sink counter, breathing heavily.

            ‘What the hell was that?’ he gritted out, teeth clenched together through the pain. ‘Are you trying to turn me into charcoal?’

            ‘It’s the same as on your hand.’ I said absently, still in shock myself.

            ‘What? I don’t have a burn on my hand, you crazy freak!’ Dagan growled, trying to smack Amelia’s hand away from the burn. She gave him a stern look in return.

            ‘I need to get your shirt out of the way…well, what’s left of it.’

            I winced, feeling bad about that.

            Did I feel bad about burning Dagan? Not one bit.

            ‘I’ll go get some water.’ I said, leaving her to it. I wasn’t worried though, something told me even if we left the wound alone he’d be fine.

            Amelia had moved him into the spare bedroom. His shirt was off and he lay on his back on the bed. Amelia was tentively touching the edge of the burn, frowning.

            ‘It’s already started to dry and scab over.’ She told me, giving me a suspicious look. ‘What did you do?’

            I shrugged, as mystified as she was.

            ‘Okay.’ She sighed. ‘Then why did you do it?’

            ‘To change his fate.’

            She shook her head at my answer and sighed.

            ‘Forget I asked.’

            Dagan gave me a bitter grin.

            ‘Change my fate? You should worry more about your own, Firo.’

            I rolled my eyes and left.

            I won’t let him regain his magic. I promised myself. And I won’t let him waste what he has, including his own life.

The next morning I rose early and went outside, finding Ulmar in wolf form, watching the sun rise over the lake. I sat down near him, enjoying the view.

            ‘You’re his friend, right?’ I said twenty minutes later. The wolf lifted its head to look at me, but nothing more. ‘Don’t let him become the monster he was.’

            A flash of light at my side indicated Ulmar’s transformation. He sat, still staring at the lake.

            ‘He’s not my responsibility to worry over.’ He said curtly. ‘Besides, it seems you’ve already taken care of the problem. That mark will keep him out of trouble.’

            I frowned, but didn’t question him. I didn’t want to look stupid, not knowing what I’d actually done to Dagan.

            ‘Why are you really helping us?’ I asked instead.

            ‘My master-’

            ‘Yeah, yeah. I knew an earth immortal with a master he had to obey, but he still managed to act in his own interests too. Why are you doing this?’

            Ulmar stared at me blankly before an admiring smirk broke out on his face.

            ‘Because things have to change, for all of us.’

---

Amelia came out with breakfast an hour later. She was upset, trying to hide it with a smile.

            ‘Enjoying the view I see.’ She said with false cheer. ‘Even after living here so long it soothes my nerves.’

            We didn’t bother replying, and she let her smile drop as we began eating. Ulmar picked at his.

            ‘Do you eat human food?’ I asked, curious. I’d seen him eat fruit the day before, but only small bites.

            ‘I can.’ He said, ‘But it’s not necessary. I have never found eating meat pleasant.’

            A vegetarian immortal. Why not.

            ‘Um,’ Amelia began nervously, staring at me. ‘Before, you said something about a mark on Dagan’s hand. What did you mean?’

            ‘Not his hand, your hand. Can’t you see it?’

            She glanced down at her right hand, frowning.

            ‘The other one.’ I said helpfully. After examining it she shook her head, puzzled.

            ‘I don’t see anything.’

            ‘It means you’re important.’ I insisted, grabbing her hand in sudden urgency. ‘Don’t throw your life away for Dagan’s sake, understand?’

            She stared at me, her face troubled, and didn’t answer.

            ‘In other words.’ Ulmar broke in. ‘Stay here instead of trying to follow us, which is what you’re planning, right?’

            ‘No.’ Dagan’s voice interrupted. Amelia winced guiltily, standing to face him. I sighed, turning my head to watch. ‘You’re staying here and having nothing more to do with us.’ His eyes narrowed further, looking her up and down. ‘Taking off your illusion magic isn’t going to make me change my mind.’

            ‘What? Dagan I haven’t taken anything off. The illusion barrier is built around the town; I can’t switch it off at will.’

            ‘But you look like your real self now.’ Dagan insisted, voice fading in his confusion.

            ‘It’s the mark.’ Ulmar said, standing and moving in between Amelia and Dagan. ‘It’s given you some resistance to magic. Because you’re aware of the illusion you can now see through it.’

            Dagan’s startled gaze shot to me before he looked down, starting to unbutton his new shirt. The mark looked fully healed now, just a huge burn scar covering his upper chest. It was in the same fire shape as Amelia’s.

            ‘Well, I guess I shouldn’t complain about being burnt then.’ He said reluctantly.

            I expected Amelia to smile at this, but she was gazing off towards the village, frowning.

            ‘What’s wrong?’ I asked when her concerned face turned to dread.

            ‘He’s come early.’ She whispered, turning her gaze back to Dagan. ‘Dagan, please don’t over-react.’

            ‘What are you talking about?’ he asked, turning to look. In the distance a male elf was approaching, humming to himself. His hair was the usual blonde, but cut at different lengths, as though he’d decided to hack off random chunks when he was bored. His eyes held a glazed look to them, like the world wasn’t entirely clear. Like earth immortals, his veins were visible under his skin, but they were black, while his pale skin was almost snow white.

            Dagan’s own skin paled at the sight.

            ‘Amergin?’ he whispered, turning to face the strange elf and backing away a few steps.

            The elf Amergin looked up at his name, his carefree smile disappearing at the sight of Dagan, twisting into a look of pure hate.

            ‘You!’ he spat, charging forward and knocking Dagan to the ground. Dagan scrambled onto his feet, backing away in my direction, making me stand and move further from the lake.

            What on earth?

            ‘Amergin, please calm down!’ Amelia begged as the elf charged into Dagan again, this time falling too, so Dagan was trapped underneath him. Dagan’s head was inches away from the lake.

            ‘He did this to me!’ Amergin screamed, his hands going around Dagan’s throat. ‘This pain! This poison! He killed me!’

            ‘Look! Look at him!’ Amelia begged, tugging at Amergin’s arms to loosen his grip. ‘His eartips are gone; his magic is gone! He can’t hurt anyone anymore, and he suffers too.’

            ‘Not enough!’ Amergin hissed, knocking Amelia away and squeezing harder. ‘I’ll-’

            He stopped with a surprised yelp when Ulmar linked either arm under the elf’s armpits and hoisted him up, placing him in an effective lock.

            ‘Let’s all calm down, shall we?’ His deep voice rumbled, making Amergin go rigid.

            Dagan was still wheezing on the ground, pulling himself into a sitting position.

            ‘W-what’s he doing here?’

            ‘He lives in Engon.’ Amelia said shakily. ‘He comes to talk sometimes…and to be near the lake.’

            ‘Why would you-?’

            There was a splash as two figures popped up from the lake, their upper bodies visible. Both were water immortals, one a man and the other a woman. The man grabbed hold of Dagan, quickly submerging them both and disappearing.

            ‘No!’ Both Amelia and Amergin screamed.

            Ulmar released his grip in shock as we all crowded around the lake’s edge, searching for Dagan. The woman immortal remained, staring at me with open curiosity.

            ‘Candence.’ Amelia said, drawing her attention. ‘Don’t do this; give him back!’

            Candence’s icy gaze fell on Amelia, who flinched but stood her ground. Candence’s arm grabbed Amelia’s ankle, but did nothing more. They were staring at each other, and I realised Candence must be speaking in Amelia’s mind.

            ‘I know.’ Amelia said, sounding defeated but desperate. ‘I know he did terrible things, and what he did to you was unforgivable…but he’s different now, please…’

            ‘Let me kill him!’ Amergin interrupted, tears in his eyes. ‘Let me get revenge.’

            ‘Do something!’ I hissed at Ulmar, drawing his attention away from the drama. ‘Dagan will die if you don’t!’

            ‘Me go against Candence?’ Ulmar scoffed. ‘I would be useless.’

            I glared at him and did the only thing I could think of.

            I pushed him, hard, into the lake.

            All heads spun towards me as Ulmar sank like a stone and disappeared from sight. For thirty seconds nothing happened, but then two heads broke the surface.

            It was Dagan, unconscious, and the water immortal.

            ‘Ordoardo.’ Amelia began, but stopped when Candence let go of her ankle and turned to glare at Ordoardo. A silent conversation took place, and Ordoardo pulled Dagan’s shirt back, revealing the burn scar.

            Candence frowned, but looked resigned, giving Ordoardo a tense nod.

            ‘Can I kill him?’ Amergin asked again, an eager smile crossing his lips.

            Candence moved towards him and grabbed his ankle. His smile soon fell away.

            ‘What do you mean?’ he cried out in despair. ‘We have to kill him!’

            Candence shook her head, glancing at me. Amergin’s mad gaze turned to me too, seething.

            ‘And does it matter if this guy has a claim? Who is he?’

            Whatever answer she gave made Amergin slump down to the ground in defeat.

            ‘Thank you! Thank you.’ Amelia said, grabbing the soaked Dagan from Ordoardo and checking his breathing. With a strength I didn’t realise she possessed she lifted him into her arms and walked back to the house.

            Ordoardo and Candence nodded at me before disappearing beneath the water. Ulmar was still nowhere to be found.

            What an earth was that about?

            Watch out! Firo’s voice echoed in my head. Don’t let the dark magic’s poison touch you!

            I turned, seeing Amergin had stood and was glaring at me as he coughed violently into his hand. It came away stained with black blood.

            ‘This is all your fault.’ He hissed, moving with lightning speed and smearing the blood across my face.

            Immediately I began to fell weak and dizzy, my body turning numb.

            Little one! Firo called out.

            I couldn’t answer, sinking into darkness.

Chapter Thirty one:

Amelia

 Once we were past the bog field we travelled another half a mile before collapsing for the night, near the edge of Leaf Lake. We managed to force some water into Dagan, but had no surviving supplies to feed or shelter ourselves.

            ‘We’ll have to risk visiting a town.’ Ulmar sighed in the morning, glancing down at the still unconscious Dagan. ‘What was the idiot thinking jumping in after me?’

            ‘I don’t think he was; that’s the problem.’ I sighed, trying to scrub the dried mud off in the lake’s water. ‘Where should we go?’

            ‘Lacar is closest. Neither the King nor Haven bother it much, being a small village near the lake. Hopefully no soldiers will be there.’

            I didn’t argue, knowing we had no other choice.

---

What surprised me the most about Lacar wasn’t the simple lifestyle or the relaxed atmosphere. It was the pleasant smiles and friendly ‘Good morning’ s we received as we walked through the village. No one batted an eye at the fact we were a half-human, half dragon and an earth immortal carrying an unconscious elf in slave clothes.

            ‘Must be Amelia’s work.’ Ulmar commented. ‘Good, I was hoping she still lived here.’

            ‘Who?’ I asked, remembering Dagan had said the name when under the Forest of Illusion’s spell.

            ‘An old acquaintance of Dagan’s.’ Ulmar said, surprising me by actually answering. ‘Hopefully she can help.’

            He led me to the outskirts of the village, the lake only a few metres away. By the water’s edge was a cottage supported on stilts. Three large steps led up to a veranda, looking out over the lake. An elf woman was sat there on a rocking chair, her gaze on us as she stood, her anxious hope turning to a delighted but sorrowful smile.

            ‘Dagan?’ she asked, running down the steps to meet us. She ran round Ulmar to gaze at Dagan’s face over his shoulder. She touched his cheek gently, her hopeful smile turning into a beautiful grin. ‘It really is him!’ Her gaze strayed to his ears, her smile dropping into a sad one. ‘Oh, Dagan.’

            ‘Can we come in?’ Ulmar interrupted, snapping her attention to him. ‘He still needs time to recover.’

            Her gaze turned cold and hard.

            ‘Ulmar.’ She said, making me flinch even when it wasn’t directed at me. ‘What happened? Why did he never come back?’

            ‘That’s not my story to tell.’ He said, unmoving.

            Amelia glared at this, but reluctantly led us to the veranda, opening her front door.

            ‘Welcome to my home.’

---

I let out a sigh of pure ecstasy, sinking deeper into the tub. Finally I could fully scrub all the mud from my scales, rinse my hair clean and wash away that awful smell.

            I’d been reluctant to bathe in the tub outside the house, conscious of passer-bys, but Amelia had assured me villagers didn’t come here often, and the warm water would be worth the risk. She wasn’t wrong.

            She hadn’t questioned my appearance, not once looking shocked. She merely handed me a towel, some brown cropped trousers and black socks and shoes.

            ‘I’ll figure out a shirt for you when I can.’ She promised. ‘Luckily your tail is high up enough that you can still wear trousers easily.’ She teased, turning to tend to Dagan.

            I couldn’t reach the whole of my wings alone, so I dipped them in the lake, hoping that was good enough.

            Once dressed and blessedly clean I entered the house, seeing Ulmar also clean, his original clothes still on but free of mud and the stench. His appearance was as scruffy as ever, but I doubt that would ever change. He sat at the kitchen table, munching on some fruit.

            ‘She’s giving him a sponge bath.’ He said, not looking up from his fruit.

            I gave him a funny look, wondering why he let a woman clean Dagan up, but felt too tired to volunteer and take her place.

            ‘It’s not a big deal.’ Ulmar said with a shrug. ‘They were lovers once; she’ll have seen him naked countless times.’

            I should have felt embarrassed, but I just nodded and sat down, grabbing some fruit from the centre of the table to eat.

            When Amelia emerged from the guest room she looked flushed, carrying a bowl of muddy water and Dagan’s ruined slave clothes.

            ‘I’ll make him some broth to eat later.’ She said, setting a kettle on her stove. ‘But first let’s sort you out.’

            She disappeared to tip the dirty water on the ground and rinse the bowl outside before returning, pouring the boiling water and leaving it to cool a little.

            ‘Unless you’re trying to style your look off Ulmar, you need a haircut.’ She teased, approaching me with a pair of scissors and a comb.

            I didn’t argue, but I felt uncomfortable the whole time she cut my hair, able to feel the heat of her body so near.

            I really am turning into a pervert. I thought, trying to ignore the feeling and stare straight ahead. Amelia tried to engage me in light conversation, but I was too flustered to contribute.

            Why am I like this with women? I was fine with Annie and Iris…Well, I guess even with Iris I was awful at first.

            Still, Firo was technically a female, and I’d never felt awkward with her.

            So I just have to pretend Amelia’s a dragon. I told myself, trying to be convincing.

            My inner voice scoffed back at me.

            ‘Done!’ Amelia announced, moving away as I stood and turned around. She came back holding a mirror, letting me see.

            I was impressed. I had no fringe, it blending into my new hairstyle. My hair reached the mid-back of my neck, but was a layered, choppy texture all over, leaving it with a slight spiky effect.

            ‘Thank you.’ I said, meaning it.

            Amelia nodded, clearly pleased, before putting down the mirror and grabbing the bowl.

            ‘Right, now to properly clean your wings.’

            The dragon idea didn’t work, and the next twenty minutes were personal torture.

            ‘There!’ she beamed, finally finishing. I was about to sink into a humiliated puddle of relief when she grabbed my arm, leading me out of the kitchen. ‘Now, for a shirt.’

            By the end of it was praying Earl would storm in with his army to relieve me of the torture. This beautiful elf woman was measuring my chest and using me as a live manikin while she sewed together a three-piece shirt.

            I sighed, giving in and taking a better look at her.

            Like most elves she had blonde hair, but it was cut short in a bob style. Her eyes were a warm hazel. She was the first elf besides Dagan I’d seen wearing trousers. Unlike Dagan’s they were a beautiful quality, a shimmering blue with a smug fitting blouse. There was a small fire tattoo on her left hand.

            She gazed up from her sewing and smiled, making my face heat up at being caught.

            ‘I know I can’t ask your name,’ she said, making me jump. ‘But may I call you Firo?’

            So she does know what’s going on. I thought.

            I nodded.

            We lapsed back into silence, and she’d begun working on the buttons before I worked up the courage to speak.

            Pretend she’s a dragon. I told myself.

            ‘S-so,’ I began, drawing her amused attention. ‘I like your plants.’

            The house was covered in them, several potted plants in every room, even the lavatory. The corridor had a vine plant growing up the walls.

            Amelia frowned at me.

            ‘You can see them?’

            I blinked, not sure how to answer. She stood up from the chair she’d been working in, moving as close as she could to gaze at my eyes.

            ‘I see; I didn’t realise. You’ve seen through my illusions this whole time, haven’t you?’

            ‘Illusions?’ I asked.

            She nodded, stepping back and relaxing.

            ‘Yes, it’s my gift. When you entered the village made you look like ordinary humans. The villagers see me as a middle aged woman.’

            ‘Oh,’ I said, not knowing what else to say.

            ‘I set up an illusion barrier over the whole village, so any unusual characters, like elves and immortals, would appear human…I guess I was always hoping Dagan would return, one day.’

            We fell back into awkward silence until she finished the shirt, holding it up triumphantly.

            ‘Now let’s see if it works.’

            The shirt was in three sections, designed to join by buttoning each one up together. The front section was the largest piece, with two others for the back. Each section buttoned up down my side, and reached to my wings. Here Amelia had shaped the shirt so a hole was left for my wings while the rest buttoned up so my back was covered.

            ‘Wow, thank you.’ I said, grinning in relief. ‘I was worried I’d never be able to wear a shirt again.’

            Amelia giggled at my reaction, making me blush. This only made her laugh harder.

            ‘Amelia?’ Came Dagan’s voice from the door, making me spin around.

            He looked at us both, irritated and angry.

            Great, I thought, Amelia’s laugh dying away. I do not want to be in the middle of this.

---

Dagan’s new outfit matched Amelia’s, the same shimmering blue trousers with a white shirt. He didn’t look too impressed with this.

            ‘That is you, right?’ he said, eyes narrowing at her. ‘Why do you look like a human?’

            Amelia was speechless a moment before regaining her composure and producing a shaky smile. All her underlining confidence from before had disappeared.

            ‘Don’t you remember? Mum and I put up an illusion barrier around the village so we’ll always look human…’she trailed off.

            Dagan frowned at this, then realisation came into his eyes, making a bitter smile settle on his face.

            ‘Oh yes, I remember now. It just never affected me before, did it?’

            Amelia winced, but tried to form a smile.

            ‘How are you feeling? I was about to prepare a broth for you.’

            ‘Why are we here?’ Dagan snapped at me, ignoring Amelia completely. ‘Do you just love bringing me to the worse places possible?’

            ‘Whoa, this has nothing to do with me.’ I argued, ‘Ulmar brought us here; I didn’t even know who Amelia was.’

            ‘Well, you look acquainted with each other now.’ He snarled.

            I rolled my eyes at that.

            ‘This was the only place we could go.’ Ulmar’s voice came from behind Dagan, making him spin around. ‘Would you rather we left you to die in the bog field? Or hand you back to the King?’

            Dagan gritted his teeth, but bowed his head in defeat.

---

The awkwardness moved into the kitchen, with us sat eating Amelia’s delicious broth while Dagan glared at everyone. Ulmar had declined to eat and escaped the house, putting Dagan in an even fouler mood.

            ‘I waited,’ Amelia began in a small voice, her food forgotten. ‘I’ve waited so long for you to come back.’

            ‘I never intended to come back.’ Dagan said coldly, staring at his empty bowl. ‘Even if I hadn’t become…this. I wouldn’t have come back.’

            ‘You’re lying.’ She said, tears in her eyes.

            ‘You know I’m not. All I want is my magic back, nothing more.’

            ‘How can you say that? After everything we went through? My mother died because…and you’re still…’ she trailed off, head bowing in defeat. ‘I waited…all this time.’

            ‘I didn’t ask you to.’ He scoffed, standing up. ‘Thanks for the food and clothes, but we need to get to Tempit.’

            I stood too, unable to listen any longer.

            ‘What the hell is wrong with you?’ I screamed. ‘Amelia has done nothing but help us, how can you act so cruel?’

            ‘Stay out of this.’ Dagan spat, stalking towards me so we were eye to eye, inches away from each other. ‘Don’t let your stupid crush sway you from your mission, Firo!’

            ‘Don’t be stupid!’ I scoffed, ‘Amelia loves you, that’s obvious! Stop acting like a bastard and talk to her properly. Stop running away from everything!’

            ‘Stop snooping in my business!’ he hissed back. ‘We’re only together because our goals lead us to the same place, don’t forget that!’

            ‘Um,’ Amelia tried. We both ignored her.

            ‘Yes, your magic. It’s all you care about.’ I mocked. ‘The dark magic that you couldn’t control. What exactly did you do to get the King’s attention in the first place? Why did he steal it? How many people did you kill with it?’

            Dagan looked uncertain then, for a moment, but soon regained his composure, glaring at me.

            ‘That was different; I only had one magic then. The King’s foreseeing magic will balance it out.’

            ‘He’s still a tyrant.’ I laughed coldly. ‘Do you want to become him?’

            ‘I’m not like him.’

            ‘No, you’re worse.’ I spat.

            Dagan lunged at me in rage, hands going round my neck. I didn’t bother stopping him; he couldn’t hurt me with my scales as armour. Instead I let him squeeze uselessly a few seconds before shoving him back, hard.

            He smashed into the sink, snarling at me. I just gave him a cocky grin.

            ‘If I had my way Dagan, you’d never get that magic back.’ I promised.

            ‘Stop!’ Amelia screamed, jumping between us. ‘This is crazy!’

            ‘Get out of the way!’ he snarled, shoving her away. She fell onto the floor, looking more stunned than hurt.

            Even so, I snapped.

            He’s just like Father!

            Dagan was still staring down at Amelia in shock when my fireball hit him right in the chest. He didn’t stand a chance.

Chapter Thirty:

Mud and Fire

‘Is he breathing?’ A voice asked, not sounding worried or concerned. ‘It would be a pain if he died.’

            I groaned, slowly blinking my eyes open. Dagan and a human-form Ulmar stood over me, looking annoyed.

            ‘Wherever you’ve been better have been worth it.’ Dagan grumbled, dropping into a crouch and letting out an exhausted sigh. ‘After Eilir dumped you through his portal, he ordered me to follow him and find Ulmar.’ Dagan glared up at Ulmar. ‘The idiot was miles away, outside Line Woods.’

            ‘It only annoyed you because you had to suffer the illusions again.’ Ulmar said, not looking the least bit sorry.

            ‘Eilir left Laven?’ I asked, sitting up and wincing. I’d woken on my back, squashing my wings. Dagan moved around me to massage them, leaving Ulmar to answer.

            ‘Yes. His magic is strong, but using it to open rips in space everywhere is dangerous. He usually opens them to certain areas, like Firo and near the seals, to prevent lasting damage. It would have been the reason he was reluctant to send you to Tempit. With this in mind, he couldn’t just open a portal near me and pull me through to Laven, then open another one for us both; he needed to travel to me himself. He then sent Dagan and me through a rip, leading here. Half a day later Tallulah emerged from the water, carrying you.’

            ‘What?’ I asked, looking at our surroundings for the first time.

            It was a similar design to the fire temple, but instead of a bonfire at its centre there was a large circular hole filled with water.

            ‘How deep is that?’ I asked.

            ‘It leads to Leaf Lake, which is connected to the ocean. Leaf Lake is where Tallulah guards the seal.’

            So she brought me up through there?

            ‘How did I not drown?’

            ‘We thought you would know.’ Dagan spoke up, shrugging.

            ‘It doesn’t matter.’ Ulmar broke in. ‘You’re here now. We don’t need to know what happened; let’s just keep moving.’

            Dagan scoffed at this. ‘Easier said than done. You do know where we are, right?’

            I glanced around at the statues circling the room and closed my eyes in despair.

            ‘The water temple,’ I gritted out.

            ‘Exactly,’ Dagan laughed harshly. ‘The water temple in the centre of the bog lands, close to Lar and Haven. The same route you wanted to avoid in the first place.’

            I sighed, whacking away Dagan’s massaging hands and standing.

            ‘Well, we’ll just have to go through the bog lands then.’

As soon as we stepped out of the water temple I realised how stupid this idea was. I’d assumed the bog lands would be grassy lands with water patches, like after a heavy rainfall. Instead it was a few spare patches of grass in a landscape of mud.

            ‘This is the water temple’s protective defence.’ Ulmar said, wrinkling his nose and looking pale.

            ‘I think I preferred the fire temple’s deadly firewall.’ I muttered.

            ‘And we don’t have a water immortal’s blood to disperse it.’ Ulmar gritted out, glaring over at me. ‘If you had become Firo already your blood would work. She is the creator of all realms, after all.’

            I gave him a puzzled look, but didn’t bother asking what he meant.

            ‘We should try it, just in case.’ Dagan reasoned, his shirt pulled up over his mouth to dull the smell.

            Ulmar sighed, but I saw a plant shoot begin to grow in the mud anyway. It didn’t even reach my knee before beginning to shrivel.

            ‘It’s no good.’ Ulmar admitted. ‘The magic here is stronger than mine.’

            I sighed, using my right hand to lift a scale on my left arm. ‘Anyone got sharp nails?’

            Ulmar stepped forward, his human nails tough and sharp like talons. I winced and stepped back.

            Letting an immortal get my blood…

            Ulmar just stared at me, a cruel smirk forming.

            ‘What? Don’t you trust me, little lizard?’

            I glared back.

            Before I could react he grabbed my left arm and stabbed his fingertip under the lifted scale. He winced, drawing back quickly.

            ‘You definitely have a hard shell.’ He muttered. His finger was bent a little, but had a few drops of blood on the end of his nail. He crouched down, dipping his finger into the mud before standing again, cracking his finger back into a natural angle.

            We waited for five minutes, but nothing happened.

            ‘You’re still too weak.’ Ulmar scoffed, glaring resentfully at me. ‘Human.’

            ‘I guess we better get started.’ Dagan said.

            Nobody moved.

            Dagan sighed, glaring at us.

            ‘It can’t be that deep.’ He scoffed, taking a step forward.

            His foot sank up to his knee, making him cry out in surprise.

            I glanced back at my tail and wings and started laughing.

            We are so screwed.

---

Half a day later we had barely gone a hundred metres through the bog lands. Before we’d even set off we’d had to solve the issue of my wings and tail. In the end Dagan had ripped my shirt off and Ulmar had cut it into strips, binding my wings together and strapping them with my tail against my body. To avoid dragging them through the mud I had to lean forward as much as I could without getting mud in my mouth.

            Ulmar was our scout, trying to pick the safest route with his animal senses. Or perhaps he thought his surprised whelps were less humiliating in wolf form, because the height difference wasn’t helping him much. Out of all of us he was suffering the most with his heightened sense of smell. When he’d still been in human form he’d retched up all the food in his stomach and still kept dry-heaving.

            ‘Is he going to be-’ I began, cutting myself off with a wail of despair. Dagan was half beside me, half behind me, turning to give me a startled look. ‘My shoe’s come off!’

            Dagan rolled his eyes.

            ‘Oh please, I lost both my shoes ages ago! What are you doing?’ he cried out, grabbing my wings to stop me toppling over as I bent down, sinking a hand into the mud. ‘Forget about your stupid shoe!’

            ‘But-’

He yanked on my wings, pulling me up and shoving me forward, all patience gone.

‘I will not die here because you’re too attached to your footwear!’

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in annoyance. It was only after I realised it was the hand coated in mud.

Maybe they won’t notice, I prayed.

‘Ulmar, what are you doing?’ Dagan yelled at the wolf, watching it try to leap over a large mud patch, and instead landing right in the middle. He started to sink rapidly and Dagan rushed past me, plunging into the mud patch to help.

So he does care, I thought, amused for a moment before the danger of the situation began to sink in.

‘Hey, get out of there!’ I yelled. Dagan had reached Ulmar, pulling the wolf’s head back up above the mud, but sinking up to his chest himself. He glanced back at me, struggling to drag them both back, his movement making him sink up to his neck.

‘Get out of here, you idiot!’ he yelled, seeing me charge towards them. I reached them just as Dagan’s head sank beneath the mud, making me freeze.

What do I do?

The mud was only up to my chest, but I began to choke, coughing violently. Just like in the Forest of Illusion, I could feel something rising in my throat, smoke starting to spill from my mouth and nose, singeing my nose hairs.

This time there was no Ulmar to stop me opening my mouth, hacking up a small fireball that sank into the mud.

What the? That was that?

            A moment later the mud began to glow orange, heat cracks forming and quickly spreading past me to the whole bog field, I plunged my hands into the mud, groping around for Dagan. I growled, ducking my head under too.

            I don’t know why I did it; I don’t know if I’d instinctively knew I’d be able to see under the mud now, with my magic running through it. I spotted Dagan straight away, still clutching onto Ulmar. Luckily he was still close enough to grab, heaving them up and back to the surface. The mud around us had already started to solidify, so I pulled them both on top of it, panicking that neither were moving or breathing.

            Ulmar can’t die, so don’t worry about him. I told myself, turning to Dagan and starting to pound on his chest. Come on!

            I’d only done ten heart compressions before the elf began to cough up mud, turning on his stomach so he could retch it up. I helped by pounding on his back, hearing him take desperate breaths where he could.

            Beside us, Ulmar the wolf was doing something similar, somehow revived without help.

            When Dagan could finally breathe again he sank into an exhausted sleep. I sat back, sighing in relief, but still shaking.

            ‘That was too close.’ I complained, running a hand through my messy hair, the mud now dry and flaking everywhere.

            ‘Agreed,’ Ulmar coughed, now in human form. ‘Whatever you did, I’m grateful.’

            I said nothing, trying to ignore his piercing gaze.

            What did I do? And how?

            …What am I now?

            Ulmar didn’t push me. He stood, coming over to pick up the unconscious Dagan, and began walking across the solid mud.

            ‘We don’t know how long this will last. We should cross the bog field as quickly as possible.’

            Despite my exhaustion I agreed, climbing to my feet to follow.

Chapter Twenty Nine:

Tallulah and Baptista

 I woke slowly, groaning as I forced my eyes open. It made no difference; it was still pitch black even with my Anellan eyes.

            Is this Tempit?

            I shuffled my stiff body, the surface beneath me smooth like glass, but feeling denser, tougher. My wings reached each end of the prison as I lay down. I struggled to sit up, finding the length was higher and I had to stretch my arms straight up before feeling the top.

            Standing is out of the question then.

            I lay back down, trying to relax.

            Panicking isn’t going to help. Eilir wouldn’t have sent me somewhere dangerous.

            …Right?

            I tried to reach out to Firo in my mind, but her presence was too faint.

            A small light was moving closer below me, no bigger than the fairy-lights in Laven. More appeared, moving along the floor, the ocean floor -I now realised- which was the length of a house below me.

            The lights were too far away to see well, but they looked like small creatures. They bobbed along contently, weaving through a small caverned area filled with eggs. They resembled bird eggs, but much larger, propped up and half buried in the sand.

            I could see all this because the cube container holding me was transparent. It was also unmovable, but not visibly supported by anything.

            This thing could fall and smash at any…

            Do not worry, young Firo, you are quite safe.

            I spun my head around, seeing two women-like creatures next to my prison. One had a hand pressed against the cube’s side. Their whole body gave off a warm glow, calming my nerves.

            Both had pale, white skin with long flowing white hair, which was covering their bare breasts. Their upper body was human, while the lower was a fish tail. The scales were a deep, shimmering blue on the chunkier one, while the smaller was a lilac colour. It was the smaller one who’d spoken into my mind and had their hands pressed against the glass.

            What am I doing here? I asked, trying to appear polite but unwilling to drag this situation out.

            I am Tallulah.The lilac one said, pretending I hadn’t spoken. Eilir brought you here so my mistress, Baptista, could read you.

            I glanced at the blue one, trying not to shake.

            Baptista? That means she’s…

            Yes.Tallulah said, voice amused. She is the current strongest of the immortal children…And yes, we can hear every thought you have, whether you project it or not. As long as Baptista is present no truth can be hidden.

            That isn’t good. I thought, flinching back when Baptista moved nearer, placing both her hands on the glass. Tallulah immediately retracted her own hand and moved back.

             Young Firo, Baptista’s thoughts rang through me, deep and authoritive. I read you while you slept, so I could offer you advice on what is to come?

            W-what? I asked.

            I have the power to read a person’s destiny, and therefore predict their future based on this. Many of my fellow immortals have lost faith in my gift, but I knew I had to meet you and advise you on what I know.

            Lost faith? Why?

            I have predicted the next, and last, immortal to be born will not be the strongest among us, as everyone believes.

            I tried to stand out of shock, knocking the top of my wings on the roof and wincing, forcing myself to crouch.

            You mean the birth of Arŕ Wel? My father was sent back to Aneller to prepare for it. I paused, cursing myself for thinking this. I shouldn’t be revealing personal information they can use.

            I have read your destiny, young Firo, I know everything about you. Baptista said, sounding amused. Do not worry, it stays with me alone.

            Even my name?

            Yes, especially that.

            I nodded, having no choice whether I believed her or not. Instead I frowned, remembering what she’d said earlier.

            What do you mean Arŕ Wel won’t be the strongest?

            That is not what I said. She said sternly. The next and last immortal will not be Arŕ Wel at all.

But-

Enough of that. All I can say is he will come one day, but not in a form you’d expect. You will meet, influence, and be influenced by him. But that will be far in the future, when you have become very different from what you are now. I did not meet you here today to explain that. I came to instruct Tallulah to introduce her water people to you. I will leave you to it. Goodbye, young Firo.

Wait! I mind-screamed, making her pause from turning. If you know my destiny, can you see my sister? What happens to Annie?

She gave me a searching look, studying my face for a long time. Eventually she looked away, half turning before she answered.

Your sister will lead a happier life in the next seventy years than you. That is all I will say.

With that she removed her hands from my prison wall, cutting off our communication and swan away into the vast ocean.

---

I was left alone after that, Tallulah swimming to the ocean floor without another word. I watched her weave through the eggs, inspecting them, while I rummaged through my thoughts.

            Looks like they have to touch this cube prison thing to hear my thoughts. I sighed. Or communicate with me…What is she doing down there?

            I tried to stay focused on the situation, but my mind kept drifting away to Baptista’s final words. Did they mean Annie would lead a happy life? Or did it just mean her life would be miserable, but mine would be even worse?

            Does it mean she’s dead, and she’s happier than me because she doesn’t have to live with the agony of loss the way I will?

            I shook my head, trying to dispel the terrifying thoughts. But now that they were there I couldn’t ignore them.

            Annie. Please, please be alive.

            Young Firo.

            I jumped in surprise, turning to see Tallulah with her hand on the prison’s side again. With her were two similar beings. Like Tallulah they were part human, part fish. One was male, the other female. Their hair was also white, their fish tail the same blue as Baptista. Their faces held more expression than the immortals, staring at me with open wonder. Like Tallulah and Baptista, they wore no clothes, but unlike them, the woman fish-person wasn’t covering her breasts with her hair. I couldn’t stop myself from staring at them.

            These are two of the merpeople who live here. Tallulah spoke again. I nodded, still staring. They use the water realm’s seal as a barrier to keep them safe. I am the guardian and protector of both.

            I snapped my gaze away then, staring at her in shock.

            Water seal? We’re at the water seal?

            Yes. No one can hurt you here.

            The female merperson placed a webbed hand on the cube, moving so close her breasts pressed against the glass. They had my full attention again.

            We are pleased to meet you. It is an experience we will always treasure.

            Uh huh, was my intelligent response.

            His thoughts suggest he wants to mate. A male voice spoke, sounding curious and a little excited. What an interesting egg that would make!

            That is not possible. Tallulah said, sounding amused. He would drown before the coupling was complete, no matter what his thoughts say otherwise.

            My face felt like it was on fire. I shrunk back so far as I could, trying to control my thoughts and ignore them at the same time.

            We are flattered by your interest. The woman said, sounding sincere. Including you in our link would have been an honour, if possible.

            Link? I asked, my puzzlement overriding my humiliation.

            Yes, the merpeople have individual bodies, but they share all the memories of the previous generations.

            …I don’t understand.

            For example, when an egg is laid, it contains all the memories and life experiences of both its parents, as though it had been them itself. But it also inherits their grandparent’s memories and experiences, and their parents back as far as the merpeople’s original creation. This is the link, meaning they all have the same memories, experiences and way of thinking. They are a race without individuality, joined forever with their link. It is a powerful and beautiful thing. It has evolved, so that what you tell these two will be seen by the others here as well.

            That sounded pretty creepy, but I nodded, trying to smile.

            We know the concept of losing individuality is daunting to you, the male spoke. We are not offended by your opinion.

            Their link could prove a very powerful ally one day. Tallulah said seriously.

            I agreed with that, but wasn’t sure why Baptista had wanted me to know about it so much.

            Who knows, Tallulah answered honestly. Even Baptista can’t see all the details.

            I turned my gaze downwards, seeing more merpeople were moving around the eggs. Some hugged them close while others merely inspected them. All had at least one merperson near it except one. This egg was on the outskirts of the crater, away from the others. Its shell was dull, neglected, yet…

            Those are the children yet to be born. The woman piped up, Some stay in longer than others, gathering knowledge at their own pace.

            What about that one? I asked, pointing at the lonely egg.

            That egg was laid one hundred and eighty years ago. Tallulah answered, watching me closely.

            What? I asked, staring at her. That’s insane!

            Indeed, the longest before that was fifty. The merpeople are beginning to think it will never hatch, that it should be disposed of.

            No! I screamed, trying to stand again and hurting my wings. Do not hurt that egg!

            All three stared at me in shock, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t explain why, but I knew that egg was more important than anything here, including the seal.

            You have to let it hatch no matter what! Swear you’ll keep it safe. Swear it will hatch and survive, no matter what happens.

            All the merpeople below stopped moving, glancing up at me.

            We swear The man and woman said in unison. They removed their hands from the wall, swimming towards the egg.

            Now I understand, Tallulah said with a smile.

            I’m glad one of us did.

            Don’t worry; I will personally make sure the merperson in the egg will live through whatever comes.

            So do I. I said, thoughts commanding. One day I will send a gift, make sure he gets it.

            Very well.

            My eyes began to droop, I frowned in puzzled sleepiness.

            Rest now, young Firo. I will return you to land, so you can continue your journey. I look forward to the day we meet again.

            I kept my eyes on the egguntil they closed completely.

            Please stay safe, no matter what.

Chapter Twenty Eight:

Family complications

Lance was waiting at the top, his face pale, anxious, but full of barely concealed hope.

            ‘Dagan?’ he choked, only seeing the now unconscious farry-turned-elf next to me. ‘All this time, you were still alive…’

            ‘Can you carry him?’ I asked, wincing as I stood. ‘It’s been a long day, and-’

            I didn’t get any further before Lance hurried over to his son and scooped him up, striding away towards his house.

            I sighed, having no choice but to follow.

---

Dagan was laid on Lance’s bed, his face being lovingly wiped with a damp cloth, removing all traces of dirt before Lance even acknowledged I existed.

            ‘What happened to him?’ he whispered, gently massaging Dagan’s scarred ears, where his missing eartips were even more shocking now they were clean.

            ‘I don’t know the details.’ I said cautiously, remembering the darker side of Lance I’d occasionally glimpsed. ‘But I know the King stole his dark magic from him, and he’s been a slave ever since. He helped me escape Lar, and is helping me reach Firo in Tempit. He-’

            I stopped, realising saying he wants to kill the King and get his magic back might put me in a difficult position with Dagan.

            Lance didn’t seem to notice my hesitation, or he wisely chose to ignore it.

            ‘With no magic, he’s stuck in elf form now.’ He sighed, taking Dagan’s hands and squeezing reassuringly. ‘He must have been affected by the forest’s illusions.’

            I coughed awkwardly.

            ‘Yeah, I didn’t realise that would happen. I don’t think he did either. He might still be a bit shaken when he wakes up, so don’t hold anything he says against him, okay?’

            Lance gave me a piercing stare, searching for the meaning behind my words.

            ‘…I see.’ He said finally, making me wince. ‘He did not plan to meet us. Would you be so kind as to do me a favour? Bring Sapphire here; she deserves to see her son is alive.’

            I nodded, not sure it was a great idea, but not daring to argue.

---

I debated leaving Dagan there with his parents and going to Eilir alone, but knew if Dagan ever met me again he’d kill me for sure. So I waited in the background as Lance and Sapphire fawned over their sleeping son, wiping off the dried blood and dirt as best as I could. My clothes smelled foul; the plain slave clothes hadn’t been changed since my wings grew. I didn’t dare interrupt Lance to ask for more.

            How am I going to wear a shirt now? I thought, Or should I just keep this filthy thing on the rest of my life and wash it by jumping in a river? Not that I can swim…

            My personal hygiene dilemma was interrupted when Dagan groaned and opened his eyes, blinking several times to clear his vision.

            I thought the look of horror on his face when he recognised his parents was a little extreme, even for him.

            ‘Hello, son.’ Lance smiled, ignoring Dagan’s reaction. ‘How are you feeling?’

            Dagan opened his mouth to speak, but only a strange squeak came out.

            ‘Oh Dagan, what happened to you?’ Sapphire whispered, her voice filled with pain.

            Immediately Dagan’s jaw clenched shut and his eyes went cold. He sat up quickly and slapped away any helping hands.

            ‘Do not concern yourself with me, Mother. I chose this path, and I live with the consequences, just as Father instructed me to.’

            Lance flinched, raw pain visible in his eyes.

            ‘Dagan, I didn’t mean it-’

            ‘Yes you did.’ Dagan spat, standing unsteadily. ‘You meant everything you said. Well, don’t worry Father; I paid for my sins and arrogance. I’ve been paying for two hundred years.’

            ‘I know, but it can be over now.’ Sapphire burst in, taking one of Dagan’s hands in both of hers. ‘You’re back; you came home. Stay here with us, Dagan, and be at peace.’

            ‘Be at peace?’ he laughed, snatching his hand away. ‘Stuck like this? I think not. I know what I have to do, and Laven has no part of my future.’

            ‘You plan to kill the King.’ Lance said, his voice cold and calm. ‘To get back your cursed dark magic?’

            ‘I am nothing without it.’ Dagan admitted quietly. ‘And I will not live on as nothing.’

            ‘You’d rather return to being out of control, slaughtering everything in sight?’ Lance asked, eyes hard. ‘You wish to be that monster again?’

            ‘If I kill the King I’ll get both his powers.’ Dagan argued. ‘I’ll be able to control myself this time.’

            ‘No, you won’t.’ Lance said with such certainty Dagan flinched back. ‘You’re not a patient person, Dagan, you never were. You’ll never gain control of that magic; it will just use you until there’s nothing left.’

            Dagan’s eyes glistened with angry tears, a bitter smile on his face.

            ‘I was never good enough for you, was I? You always longed for a normal child, one you could manipulate into what you wanted.’ He turned his angry gaze to me, making me freeze. ‘Is it everything you hoped for, finding such a gullible fool?’

            ‘Hey.’ I began, angry.

            ‘Dagan.’ Lance interrupted, his voice turning desperate. ‘Don’t go to Tempit with him; he can do this alone. Please stay, son. Please.’

            A heavy silence settled in the room, so thick that I didn’t dare breathe. Lance’s pleading gaze bore into Dagan’s angry one. Finally, Dagan spoke, his voice as cold as ice.

            ‘I’d rather live another two centuries as the King’s slave then stay here with you. I will get my magic back, and I’ll never see you again.’

            With that he walked out of the room, heading to the hut’s exit.

            Sapphire sank to the floor, helpless sobs escaping her. I shuffled awkwardly, seeing only black despair on Lance’s face.

            ‘I’m sorry.’ I muttered, before following Dagan out.

---

I didn’t dare speak to Dagan as we walked to Eilir’s hut. His very aura radiated hatred, and I didn’t want it directed at me.

            ‘Why did you take me there?’ He growled out through gritted teeth.

            ‘I didn’t.’ I said, as calmly as I could. ‘Lance was waiting at the platform.’          

            Dagan seemed to accept this, nodding before sinking back into his dark mood.

            Eilir was waiting outside his hut, only acknowledging Dagan with a slight eyebrow raise before focusing on me.

            ‘So you have come at last.’ he said, turning to enter his hut. ‘Firo has been in contact with me and explained her wish.’

            ‘Great.’ I said, relieved I wouldn’t have to convince him myself. ‘So you’ll send us to Tempit?’

            He didn’t answer. As soon as I entered the hut he took out his knife, closing his eyes a moment before slashing the air.

            He moved aside and I stepped closer.

            ‘What the?’ I asked, seeing only blue as the slash opened further, big enough to step into.

            ‘There is someone you must meet before freeing Firo. I wish you luck.’ He said, before shoving me hard, making me fall through the portal.

            I hit the water, and couldn’t breathe.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Illusions

‘Is he always going to stay that far back?’ I asked, glancing behind to see the wolf figure in the distance. ‘Not that I mind, but he’ll need to be closer when we get to the entrance for Laven.’

            Dagan shook his head, distracted as he stopped in front of Line Woods.

            ‘He won’t enter Laven. No immortal may enter without all the elders consent. Earth immortals can enter Line Woods, to reach their realm, but they’re not allowed near the elves or the seal.’

            I frowned, glancing back again.

            The seal and the main earth realm entrance are different?

            Yes, Firo answered, clear again now we were near the woods. The seals lead to a hidden part of each realm. It is connected to the realm, but it is not the main entrance. It was the only place I could hide it, from both humans and immortals.

            Hide what?

            She didn’t answer.

            ‘Well, we better get moving.’ I said pointedly after Dagan just stood staring for two minutes. ‘The faster we are the less likely anyone else will realise we’re here.’

            Dagan sighed but stepped forward into the woods.

            ‘This should be fun,’ I muttered, glancing back at Ulmar in the distance. He had stopped moving closer when we’d stopped at the entrance.

            ‘Hurry up!’ Dagan called back, irritated and anxious.

            Dagan started acting weird soon after I caught up, batting his arms at something in front of his face.

            ‘A fly?’ I asked, not seeing one.

            His gaze whirled towards me, scowling like he’d never seen me before.

            ‘Who are you?’ he almost growled, his frown turning into a manic grin. ‘Have you come to try your luck against the black scurge?’

            ‘What are you talking about?’ I asked, wondering if he’d whacked his head on something when he’d gone ahead.

            ‘You’ll never win.’ He smirked, the look in his eyes leaving no doubt he would happily kill me. ‘I’m too strong. You couldn’t even touch me.’

            I gave him a deadpan look and poked him in the chest. The look on his face was priceless, his mouth open like a gaping fish as he stared at my finger in complete shock.

            ‘But that can’t be…’ he quivered, making alarm bells ring in my head.

            ‘Dagan, are you okay?’ I asked, trying to place a hand on his shoulder. He skidded back, eyes staring at me in horror.

            ‘I won’t let you take it, human! You can’t have my magic! My wings…’ he trailed off, gazing off to the left, forgetting I was even there.

            Then his attention snapped back to me, leaping forward and knocking me to the floor.

            ‘I’ll kill you first!’ he snarled, grabbing the top of my wings and pulling. ‘And take them back!’

            I cried out in pain, my tail sweeping round to whack Dagan off me. His grip pulled my wings even more, but luckily he let go before they were ripped off.

            ‘What is wrong with you?’ I asked, wincing as my hands went to massage my wings. ‘Attacking me won’t get your magic or wings back.’

            ‘It’s the forest,’ A female voice answered, making me whirl around and look up.

            Just like six years ago, Zara was sat casually on a tree branch, swinging her legs silently as she smiled down at us.

            ‘W-what?’ I asked, hearing Dagan groan and begin to stand behind me.

            ‘This forest casts illusions in people’s minds to prevent intruders.’ She giggled, swinging her legs high enough to jump off the branch. She landed gracefully in front of me, making me skid back. ‘Everyone sees something different, but it’s usually something personal and painful.’

            A knife slammed into my shoulder blades, where my wings connected to my back. The knife bounced off harmlessly, making me spin around in surprise and Dagan curse darkly.

            ‘Protecting yourself with magic, you foul creature?’ he spat, staring at me with such hatred that I felt a spark of fear. ‘I won’t rest until you’re a rotten corpse in a forgotten ditch.’

            ‘I see your bloodlust hasn’t simmered.’ A child’s voice spoke from behind Dagan. I’d half turned when Dagan attacked me, keeping one eye on him and the other on Zara. Dagan did a similar pose now, allowing me to see Vance beyond him. The young-looking earth immortal wore a satisfied grin. ‘To think you’d be stupid enough to come back here.’

            Dagan’s gaze was unfocused, eyes staring past Vance with a confused frown.

            ‘Amelia, what are you doing here?’

            Vance let out an amused chuckle, moving closer.

            ‘Look how pathetic you are now! You can’t even guard yourself against an illusion. I think I’ll take my time carving up your face while you-’

            ‘As if you could reach.’ I scoffed, trying to sound casual.

            Vance’s childish glare immediately landed on me, stalking past the inactive Dagan to stop near my left side.

            ‘As for you,’ he hissed, vines beginning to grow near our feet, ‘I don’t care what Ignatius says, I’ll never let you become one of us!’

            I saw his hands twitch and swung my tail, sending him flying into a tree in front of me. The impact made me wince in sympathy.

            I glanced at Zara, who was watching her master with a blank look.

            ‘Don’t just stand there.’ Vance wheezed, struggling to stand.

            ‘But he managed to hurt you.’ Zara said, voice void of emotion. ‘Doesn’t that prove he’s one of us already? V and Z wouldn’t stand a chance against F, let alone an original.’

            ‘He is not one of us! Now attack, that’s an order!’

            Zara sighed. Something snapped around my ankles, making me glance down. Vines were wrapped around my legs, locking me in place. I tried to swipe her with my tail, but she was too far away.

            As the vines climbed up me, trapping my tail and lower body, huge vines began to grow near me, covered in thorns. They joined the normal ones, twisting and wrapping around me. Some managed to wedge themselves between my scales, cutting the flesh beneath.

            Don’t let them take your blood! Firo’s urgent warning rang through my mind.

            I began to cough, feeling like I was choking. There was something rumbling in my throat, moving up. Smoke trickled from my mouth, making Zara’s eyes widen with fear and back away.

            ‘What are you doing?’ Vance snarled at her, glancing my way. I saw him audibly swallow, but a moment later his own sharp vines began to slither up my body.

            I opened my mouth, ready to unleash something…

            …When a shaggy figure stepped in front of me, forcing me to swallow whatever it was.

            ‘Ulmar?’ Vance asked, voice filled with disbelief. ‘What are you doing with them?’

            Ulmar didn’t answer. He glanced briefly my way, touching the vines around me and making them wither into nothing. I winced at my multiple small wounds, but was relieved to see the bleeding had already stopped.

            ‘Do I always have to rescue you?’ The wolf man sighed. ‘Take that idiot and go. I’ll keep these two occupied.’

            Vance laughed.

            ‘Oh really?’ You’re only one above me Ulmar, and there’s two of us. Don’t be so delusional.’

            I didn’t want to hear more. I grabbed hold of the glass-eyed Dagan, leading him as fast as I could towards Laven.

            Despite everything, I had to fight myself not to glance back.

---

The journey to the entrance took twice as long as usual. Dagan’s blank compliance didn’t last long. At times he tried to attack me again, others he clung to me, weeping in fear and despair. I tried to erase these moments immediately from my memory, knowing neither of us wanted me to witness it.

            Damnit, I don’t want to feel sorry for this guy! He’s crazy, and I get the feeling he’ll get me killed if I’m not careful.

            I’d thought Dagan would start to calm down once I activated the lift. Boy, was I wrong.

            ‘Don’t take me back there!’ he screamed, clawing at my face in a desperate attempt to make me let go. ‘It’s so dark. So, so dark!’ he sobbed, ‘I can’t bear it anymore! Just kill me! Kill me!’

            Anymore words were lost as the platform shot up into the trees.

Chapter Twenty six

Consequences and an Alliance

‘Oh? And where are you taking my pet, slave? I didn’t give you permission to let him loose.’

            The wolf jumped between me and Earl, growling low. Earl frowned, but didn’t look worried.

            ‘What are you doing here?’

            The wolf was engulfed in a bright light, making Dagan shield his eyes. With my Anellan eyes I was able to see the wolf’s body shifting within the light, bones breaking and growing into a human form. He was covered in clothes made from the same scraggly grey fur he’d had in wolf form. From the back all I could see was that his scraggy dark hair came to his shoulders.

            ‘Go!’ he growled, not looking away from Earl. ‘I’ll catch up.’

            ‘Fine.’ Dagan said, not even hesitating as he started dragging me away. I didn’t bother resisting.

            There were no soldiers in the town. It was late evening, so the streets were quiet, but not deserted. Citizens stopped and gawked at me openly, pointing. One woman even screamed and ran away. But no one tried to stop us, and no one from the castle came after us.

            There’s probably no one left to try.

            I glanced at the modern houses, seeing they were made of stone, but unlike the houses in Firo the stone was less bulky. All the houses looked the same, lined up neatly in rows, compared to Firo’s more wobbly structure.

            That was all I got to see before Dagan dragged me out of the city, pulling me East. I stopped dead.

            ‘What are you doing?’ Dagan seethed. ‘Do you want to get caught?’

            ‘Do you?’ I seethed back. ‘Are you seriously heading towards Haven? That’s where Cedron brought me from! The Duke there will hand us straight back to Earl if he sees us.’

            ‘We won’t be going that close.’ Dagan insisted, not sounding too confident.

            ‘Really? Are you going to go through the bog fields then? We’d have to go close going round that!’

            ‘What else can we do?’ Dagan snapped. ‘Go all the way round the lake and across two bridges? That’s an easy place to be attacked, and it would take months!’

            ‘We go to Firo for supplies,’ I said, ‘Earl won’t look there because it’s the opposite way of Tempit. Then we can head to Laven and have Eilir transport us straight to Tempit. It’s the fastest and safest way.’

            What colour Dagan naturally had drained away at the sound of Laven. He shook his head vigorously.

            ‘No, I won’t go to Laven.’

            I frowned.

            ‘Why? You’re a farry, right? You must have lived there.’

            Dagan let out a cold, harsh laugh.

            ‘Do I look like a farry? My magic was stolen from me, and so I’m stuck in elf form, no longer able to fly. Laven won’t easily welcome someone like me back.’

            ‘They don’t have to welcome you; they just have to help us. Eilir will help, now that Firo’s agreed I come to Tempit.’

            I paused, a sudden memory tugging at my mind. A harsh comment Sapphire had once said to Lance.

            ‘That is not Dagan, no matter what you wish.’

            ‘Besides, you’re wrong. I know Lance would welcome you back.’

            Dagan’s whole body stiffened, his face turning as white as a corpse’s.

            ‘How do you know my father?’ he whispered, voice shaky.

            ‘W-what? He’s your father?’

            Lance is a parent? That lunatic?

            Then again, from what I’d seen, Dagan wasn’t the most stable of creatures…

            ‘How do you know him?’ He asked again, his voice shifted into that deadly cold tone.

            ‘I’ve known him for years. He lets me stay at his house sometimes when I go trading in Laven.’

            ‘Oh?’ Dagan laughed that cold, deadpan laugh again. ‘So they still have Ignatius choose some Anellan fool to trade the ash with? I guess some things won’t change. I’d rather die under the hands of the King then see my parents again.’

            ‘Fine, we’ll just go straight to Eilir’s hut, but we have to go there. You must see that.’

            I didn’t bother arguing further, I just started walking in the direction of home.

            Eventually Dagan began to follow.

---

We walked all night, my legs and muscles aching from the sudden exercise after eleven months of inactivity. But we’d wasted enough time arguing in front of Lar and couldn’t afford to stop.

            It was mid-day when I noticed a figure in the distance, catching up to us at an alarmingly fast pace. As it got closer I realised it was a wolf. That fact didn’t make me relax any.

            ‘Your friend is back.’ I told Dagan. He frowned, glancing behind us and squinting.

            ‘It doesn’t look like he’s being followed at least.’ He said, not slowing down.

            The wolf soon caught up with us anyway, shifting into a man and walking beside us.

            ‘Weren’t we supposed to be going the other way?’ he asked, his voice still deep even when not growling. Like all earth immortals, his skin was decorated with visible vein outlines. His eyes were an animal yellow.

            ‘This plan made more sense.’ Dagan admitted. ‘We’re going to Firo for supplies, then to Laven for Eilir’s help.’

            The wolf man raised an eyebrow in surprise but didn’t comment.

            ‘Is Earl following you?’ Dagan asked.

            ‘No, he’s too busy clearing up his mess. He knows where we’re headed and knows it will take time to get there, so he’s not worried. He’ll head to Tempit with his and the Duke’s army within days.’

            Dagan gritted his teeth in irritation. ‘Cocky bastard.’

            The wolf man shrugged. ‘He isn’t wrong; even if we go to Laven he’ll get there first.’

            ‘But he can’t conquer the city that fast. We’ll have time.’

            ‘Then you should be glad he’s so cocky. It’s better for everyone if he’s wrapped up with is father and forgets his other objective.’ He said, glancing at me meaningfully.

            ‘Who are you?’ I asked, making sure I stared him right in the eye.

            ‘Names have power, why should I give you mine?’ he answered with a sneer.

            Dagan rolled his eyes.

            ‘This is Ulmar.’ Dagan said, earning a glare from the wolf-man. ‘His master is Querida of Arswing village. For this mission of rescuing Firo and killing the King you can trust him.’

            I didn’t. In fact I didn’t trust either of them.

I’d never seen my hometown of Firo devoid of tourists, not once since I was born. Even during the rainy season a few would be caught in it and forced to stay.

            Not one tourist wandered the town now. The usual bustling of locals was subdued, trading replaced with building and repairs. Even after nearly a year a lot of houses were unliveable.

            The people were naturally skittish. Ulmar had waited a mile from town, but Dagan had entered with me. Some people recognised me, smiling in relief. Others recognised me and a deep spark of hatred grew in their eyes. But they didn’t dare approach me.

            ‘Dint? Is…that really you?’

            I turned to my right, a relieved smile invading my face to see Aaron. He was thin, too thin, with a haunted look on his face, but he still had a will to live clear in his eyes.

            ‘Yeah, it’s me. I can’t really go into it, but I’ve become more….dragon-like since I was last here.’

            Aaron nodded slowly. I knew he must have had tons of questions, but he pushed them aside and asked the only one he knew mattered to me.

            ‘Did you find Annie?’

            ‘She’s in Tempit,’ I said, ‘That’s where I’m going now.’

            He nodded again, turning towards the Inn.

            ‘Then you’d better come grab what you can; take whatever you need.’

            There were no tourists at the Inn, but it was packed with people who’d lost their homes. I was surprised and relieved to see so many survivors after all the death I’d remembered that day.

            ‘Some people managed to hide, and the houses further in hadn’t been reached when they withdrew. They spared some of the older people, like Mary, but…a lot of people died, or were taken.’

            I nodded, not knowing what to say.

            ‘I wish I could go with you.’ He said, surprising me with the venom in his voice. ‘I’d love to kill the bastard who slaughtered my dad, Iris’ Mum, Chuck…’

            ‘Don’t worry, he’ll die.’ I promised glancing at Dagan who nodded with fierce determination. ‘You need to stay here and look after this place.’

            Aaron nodded, stuffing two backpacks with as much long-lasting food as he could. We followed him as he went upstairs, grabbing blankets from the cupboard and adding them in.

            ‘Dimi?’ Came a hesitant voice. I turned, seeing Iris peeking her head out of Aaron’s room, her eyes wide. ‘Is that really you?’

            ‘Yeah,’ I said, trying to smile. ‘I just came to stock up before I go save Annie.’

            She bolted out of the room, pulling me into a tight hug. I blinked in surprise.

            ‘Iris?’

            ‘You’re alive!’ she sobbed, holding me tighter. ‘Thank goodness you’re alive!’

            ‘I told you he wasn’t dead.’ Aaron smirked at her, a ghost of the smirks he used to have. ‘Nothing would keep this guy from his sister.’

            Iris pulled back, staring straight into my eyes. She didn’t flinch once, reminding me of the young woman I’d once known.

            They didn’t deserve this.

            You’ll bring her back, right? You’ll both come back? Aaron and I…we wanted to get married, but not unless you and Annie are here.’

            I smiled, pulling her into another hug.

            ‘I’ll bring her back, I promise. Everything will be the way it used to be.’

            From her eyes I knew she couldn’t believe me, but she still gave me a watery smile.

            ‘Thank you, Dimi. Thank you for coming back.’

Chapter Twenty Five

Dagan

‘Ceee?’ I tried again, struggling to focus on the elf instead of the ash field.

            ‘Yes, Cedron. He was sent to trade in Tempit, and convinced the King to send me in reply to Earl’s…peace offering.’

            I gave him a confused look. The elf sighed.

            ‘When Earl attacked Firo eight months ago, it was without the King’s consent. Earl sent young girls to Tempit as slaves in order to appease him.’

            My eyes widened.

            Annie!

            ‘The King accepted it easily. He’s grown too comfortable and arrogant in his reign to realise Earl is planning to overthrow him.’

            I don’t care about the stupid king! Did you see Annie? I wanted to scream.

            ‘Don’t worry; I’m going to get you out of here. I’ll help you get to Tempit and save Firo.’

            I sighed in relief, glad words weren’t needed.

            ‘You’ll need to be able to move on your own, so I’ll start cutting back your…blood intake.’ He circled around me, staring at my back and frowning. ‘…Or maybe I should increase it and let those come through first. Having them half formed would be problematic.’

            I stared at him like he was crazy.

            ‘Trust me, you don’t want half-formed wings, the pain would distract you.’

            Great. I thought, But how am I supposed to move with giant wings on my back?

            I knew how big my wings were in dragon form on the field; they were longer than my body.

            ‘I’ll look after you, and I’ll keep you informed on what’s happening. I need to wait for my accomplice anyway, so we have three months to get you in shape.’

            I groaned, already dreading it.

---

Dagan wasn’t a naturally chatty person, and I couldn’t form words properly. A lot of our time was spent in awkward silence, him helping me eat, bathe, relieve myself. Not anything I wanted anyone to help me with, let alone a stranger.

            ‘Earl has been planning a coup ever since he was sent away from Tempit. Usually the King waits until his children turn twenty five before relocating them to Lar, but Earl has shown an alarming interest in the King’s dark magic.’

            So he really does have dark magic.

            Yes, Firo answered, surprising me. A dark power that no human should ever possess.

            ‘Earl wants that power for himself, but he didn’t inherit it. For dark magic to be inherited the parents must both possess magic, and pass them onto the child. This balances out the power of the dark magic a little. If a child is born with just dark magic they are still-born, usually killing the non-magic mother too. The King’s children only live because they have no magic.’

            Does that mean the King has another magic too? I asked Firo, seen as my physical mouth wasn’t co-operating.

            Yes, he was originally born in Arswing, and inherited foreseeing magic. He can use water or reflective items to spy on people.

            But doesn’t that mean he knows Earl is planning a coup?

            Yes, to a degree. He knew it before Earl left Tempit…but now you are blocking his magic. Any of Earl’s plans involving you are invisible to him.

            Why?

            Immortals are too powerful for his magic to work on. He cannot see into the immortal realms or spy on the immortals. So any plans Earl makes involving Ignatius and you he’s ignorant of. This makes him overconfident and believes Earl is no longer a threat. He views the attack on Firo the equivalent of a temper tantrum. He has grown too lax and arrogant in his long reign. It will be his downfall.

            ‘The only way Earl can gain dark magic is to kill the current owner, then he will inherit both of the King’s magic…which is the last thing we want. Earl would be a bigger tyrant than his father. Someone needs to kill the King before he gets a chance.’

            I gave him a dubious look.

            I’m not killing him and gaining dark magic. I mentally tried to tell him.

            ‘As an elf I would be a better host for such magic.’ He said, his gaze demanding I agree.

            Do you agree with that? I asked Firo.

            I think no being should wield such darkness. But if an elf must do it, it should not be Dagan.

            I didn’t know why, but Dagan’s name sounded familiar. Where had I heard it before?

            ‘Earl will dispose of his siblings before killing the King. Hopefully that will give us some time.’

            Yeah, time to grow some wings, which was not fun. Even when most of my senses were in the ash field the pain was excruciating. Every nerve and muscle was in constant spasms as the wings slowly grew.

            Weirdly, Dagan seemed to know a lot about wings and massaged my back to ease the spasms, caressing the nubs that started to form. I was starting to worry he had a fetish.

            After two months I was relieved to see the wings weren’t as big as I feared they’d be, reaching to the back of my knees. I could no longer sit down though, having to lay on my side while my personal wing-carer fussed over them.

            ‘You need to stretch and exercise them regularly, otherwise they’ll be useless. It would be unforgivable to waste them.’

            I tried to turn my head, looking at his wistful expression, full of longing.

            He may be an elf now, I thought, But he used to be a farry.

            While Dagan looked after my physical body, Firo insisted I start moving my dragon self, leaning to use my unfamiliar body parts. Firo herself couldn’t move anymore, too weak, but she watched and encouraged me as I learned to move my tail and wings. My physical body began to respond, so Dagan began cutting back on Firo’s blood.

            I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to fly, but I could now fold them neatly against my back.

            ‘Now we wait.’ Dagan said, ‘And hope my ally gets here before Earl makes his move.’

---

I’d been in the dungeon eleven months when Dagan’s ally showed up. By then we’d stopped Firo’s blood completely, her presence a faint but constant spark in the back of my mind.

            What’s that? I was startled awake by a quiet rumbling. The whole ground was shaking, the noise growing louder and louder. I glanced over at Dagan, who was awake, but not concerned.

            ‘About time.’ He muttered, glancing over at the dungeon door where the usual guards were absent. ‘It looks like Earl is making his move.’

            I listened, hearing screams and sounds of fighting coming from above in the castle halls.

            ‘He will come here when he’s killed all his siblings and take you to Tempit with him.’

            No thanks, I thought, my attention going back to the shaking ground. Cracks were beginning to form next to Dagan, the concrete being pushed up.

            What kind of monster can push through concrete?

            Finally the concrete parted and a grey, shaggy wolf crawled through the hole, looking irritated.

            ‘Wha?’ I drawled out, starting to question whether I was back in reality.

            ‘I guess going out that way won’t work.’ Dagan sighed. ‘You’d get stuck. We’ll have to go through the castle.’

            I was still too busy staring at the wolf to contribute to this.

            ‘Can you get us out?’ Dagan asked the wolf instead.

            The wolf stopped shaking the dirt off itself and padded to the cell door. Out of the stone cellar the door was the only thing made of wood, with a high barred window for the guards to peer through and a little light to enter. Dagan had commented once that the dungeons had been here before the castle was built, but the King had changed the prison into a mansion, naming it a castle to appease his children as he banished them here.

            I’d wondered how long Dagan had been a slave to know that.

            The wolf stood staring at the door, not moving. I was about to whisper my questions of what the hell is going on? when saplings began growing up the door, weaving into cracks in the wood.

            My whole body went cold.

            That thing isn’t a wolf; it’s an earth immortal.

            The door began to crack and split apart until there was nothing left except a pile of firewood, the plants immediately withered away. The wolf trotted away around the corner, out of sight.

            ‘We’ll have to be careful.’ Dagan said as he helped me stand. ‘We’re about to walk through a massacre.’

            ‘Why are you working with that thing?’ I hissed, backing away from him as far as my chains would let me. ‘Immortals can’t be trusted!’

            ‘I know that.’ Dagan said, eyes on the doorway. ‘But I’ve known him and his master a long time; they have the same goals we do. As long as we’re useful to him he won’t betray us.’

            I doubt he sounded convincing even to himself.

            I would have continued but the re-appearance of the wolf made my throat seize up. His fur was covered in blood and he carried a set of keys in his mouth. Dagan took them with no hesitation, not even noticing the blood.

            ‘Right, let’s get moving before Earl remembers you.’

---

Dagan had been right; this place wasn’t a castle, just a fancy mansion. The floors were carpeted, the walls coated with large tapestries. It was more enclosed, warmer, with mosaic glass windows rather than stone bar ones.

            The carpets and tapestries were splattered with blood, some of the beautiful windows had been smashed, stray bits of glass all over the floor…And there were bodies. Most of them in the corridors were soldiers, probably the ones Earl couldn’t convert to his coup.

            ‘He would have instructed his men to attack while all his siblings were eating with him in the great hall.’ Dagan whispered, his voice lacking any sympathy at the sight before us. ‘Now they’ll have joined him there to slaughter them.’

            ‘Can’t we stop them?’ I asked.

            Dagan gave me a cold look that made me tense, expecting him to attack.

            ‘Why would I help them? The royal family have kept me captive for two hundred years. I want them all to suffer and then die. If Earl kills all his siblings then only two of my sworn enemies are left.’

            The wolf gave a loud snort, turning Dagan’s intense hatred to it.

            ‘You be quiet! I will kill the King and get my magic back!’

            Wait, what?

            I was starting to wonder whether staying with Earl would have been the safer option.

            We were near the supposed castle’s entrance, which was also the great hall. We’d walked past it, almost at the unguarded gates leading us to freedom when the great hall doors opened.

            Earl stepped out, covered head to toe in blood, and grinning from ear to ear.

Chapter Twenty Four:

Lar

My mind was clearer by the time we reached the harbour close to Haven. I was still shackled, so my jailers retrieved their chain ends and led me off the boat. I wobbled like I was drunk, the soldiers going at a slower speed due to Earl’s presence. I doubt he was about to march anywhere.

            We reached Haven within an hour, approaching from the back of the city. Two men were waiting there with a carriage and a cart, horses already attached and saddled up, ready. One of the men’s eyes widened at the sight of me. I frowned, trying to focus my mind.

            It was Cedron.

            ‘What on earth? Samuel, what is this?’

            ‘Like I said,’ the other man sighed, ‘You are helping Prince Earl transport his property, nothing more.’ He turned his full gaze to Cedron, eyes full of warning.

            The man, Samuel, was older than Cedron, old enough to be his father. His black, greying hair came down on his shoulders, and he wore clothes as fine and beautiful as Earl’s.

            Cedron lowered his gaze and nodded, moving towards the cart. Samuel smiled and turned back to Earl.

            ‘Cedron is a reliable trader; he will be discreet with your parcel.’

            ‘Good.’ Earl said, already heading towards the carriage. ‘I thank you for your help, Duke, and will reward you when I can.’

            Samuel bowed slightly. The soliders tugged at my chains again, leading me to the cart.

            ‘Cee…’ I tried, but realised my tongue still felt too heavy. Cedron looked over at me, wincing with guilt. He turned back to the cart, lowering one of its sides so he could climb in.

            ‘Lay him out.’ Cedron told the soliders.

            The soliders gave each other dubious looks but moved forward, half of them climbing into the cart and trying to pull me up.

            ‘You want me to lift my legs up that high with all these on?’ I snorted, finding my voice for my important sarcasm. ‘I don’t have super strength you know.’

            ‘He’s right.’ Cedron said, looking everywhere but me. ‘You’ll have to lift him.’

            What followed was an embarrassing five minutes of soliders groping me, trying to get a steady hold on my legs and waist to lift me up. Meanwhile the soliders still on the cart heaved on the chains. I definitely felt hands on my butt when I was half-dangling on the cart’s edge.

            ‘You should invest in a cart with a ramp.’ I told Cedron once I was on. He still avoided my gaze. Instead he lifted the cart’s side back up, securing it in place. It was then I noticed the large holes in the sides, big enough to slip chains through.

            I sighed as I was shoved to the centre of the cart, the soldiers rearranging the chains and handing them to Cedron. He slipped them through the holes, looped them back over the side and secured it further up on the same chain using a handcuff shaped lock, which was hammered shut.

            ‘Isn’t it a bit loose?’ One soldier asked, realising I could stand and move a few steps if I wanted, enough to reach the cart’s edge but not to climb off.

            ‘He can only move from one side to the other, not to the front or back, so he can’t tamper with the horses. Trust me; if he needs to relieve himself this will make things a lot easier.’

            Twelve hours ago I might have shuddered at the thought, but since then I’d experienced the humiliation of ‘relieving myself’ with eight soldiers watching, holding my chains.

            ‘Maybe I’ll aim at your head.’ I said coldly.

            Cedron winced, but didn’t tighten the chains.

            ‘Can I rely on you to get him to Lar safely and promptly?’ Earl interrupted, calling out from the carriage window. ‘I have things to prepare for his arrival.’

            Cedron nodded. ‘Of course, Your Majesty.’

            Earl nodded, pleased.

            ‘I’ll leave the soldiers with you then.’

            With that Earl’s General climbed to the front of the carriage, urging the horses forward into a steady trot. Cedron let out a heavy sigh as the four soldiers climbed off the cart, awaiting orders.

            ‘I need one of you to steer the horses, and one to walk in front of them as lookout. The rest should surround the cart, two on either side and two at the back. I’ll stay on the cart and make sure the chains stay secure.’

            My hopes rose at this.

            Is he going to help me escape?

            I waited patiently for over an hour, expecting Cedron to suddenly spring his daring plan to set me free.

            But all he did was check my chains and stare stubbornly into the distance.

            ‘Cedron.’ I whispered harshly, now fully focused on reality and able to control my body. ‘What’s the plan? We should act now before we get too close to Lar.’

            ‘I have no plan.’ He said, dead pan. It was the first time he looked me in the eye. ‘I don’t know what trouble you’ve got into with Earl, but I can’t get you out of it.’

            I sat in stunned silence, feeling tears of betrayal in my eyes.

            ‘W-what? Are you serious?’ I seethed, a harsh whisper. ‘You’re really going to deliver me to that monster?’

            ‘I…’ he faltered, head dropping in defeat. ‘I can’t risk my position with the Duke. I’d never see Elena again…’

            ‘Who?’ I asked, still reeling with emotion.

            ‘His daughter.’

            I just shook my head, determined not to cry in front of him, someone I’d viewed as a friend and trusted.

            ‘I can’t believe you. The king has the dragon Firo imprisoned, slowly bleeding her to death. Earl has some dark alliance with Ignatius, which somehow involves me. How can you ignore that? You’re an Anellan, aren’t you? Our people descend from dragons.’

            ‘You forget; I come from the clan that doesn’t.’ Cedron said quietly, but not sounding as sure.

            ‘So that means you’ll do nothing as the original dragon dies? Free me and I can save her!’

            For a moment I’d thought he’d do it, his hands hovered over the closest chains, pure anguish on his face. His gaze darted to the soldiers surrounding us. He sighed and clenched his hands into fists, lowering them.

            ‘I can’t. I’m sorry, but I can’t.’

---

Cedron didn’t speak another word to me for the rest of the trip, and we arrived at Lar all too soon. The cart headed straight for the castle, the soldiers joined with more back up to keep any curious citizens from looking at me. I was forced to lie down out of sight, the chains now too tight for me to move freely.

            I’d heard Lar was a more modern town, its castle more of a large mansion than a historical landmark. All I could tell was the sky was the same colour here as Haven, the sun warm but nothing compared to the desert’s heat.

            The cart was led right into the castle walls before I was finally unbound from it, back into my jailer’s control.

            Earl was there, waiting eagerly with another blood vial. Cedron nodded his head at Earl and reversed his cart, not looking back as he left.

---

Time soon began to lose meaning for me, as did a sense of reality. I was left chained in a dungeon room, hooked to the floor, and forced to drink vial after vial of Firo’s blood. Sometimes I’d get human food too. Sometimes they would draw blood from me before giving me Firo’s.

            Firo would curl around me in the ash field, like a protective mother, and tell me stories. Old stories of a young world, where people were full of hope and potential. She told me more about immortals, especially Berthilda.

            You knew the real Eilir, what was he like?

            She paused, her thoughts sad and full of longing.

            He was the mate of my soul. I miss him greatly. But his current task is more important, which you’ll see one day.

            I was about to question her further when I suddenly felt a familiar, overwhelming presence.

            Firo drew back her wings, allowing me to see the snake-like red dragon near us, staring in open curiosity at me.

            It is too soon, my child. Firo said softly. He is not ready.

            The dragon was smaller than Firo, closer to my size. It stepped forward, reaching out its long neck. It couldn’t help but respond, moving so our noses could touch.

            We stayed that way a long time, heat and energy focusing between our chests. When we finally parted I realised a small red blob had formed, still without a shape, but very much alive.

            Did we just create that?

            The dragon didn’t answer, they just bowed and vanished , the small life going with them.

            I am impressed,Firo said. You already have enough power to create. That messenger will be a great help to communicate with your new ally.

            Who was that?

            You will see, young one. One day you will see.

---

If I’d been more connected to my body and emotions I think I would have cried in fear and revulsion to what was happening to me. Firo’s blood contained magic, which meant my transformation was no longer limited to my human body’s capacity. The two horns on my forehead grew first, splitting my skull apart to add to the bone structure. Then came the long tail almost the length of my body, covered with red scales and topped with red spikes. Now I could feel something stirring under the skin on my back, growing and readying itself to break through my skin.

            What would life hold for me if I ever escaped? If I rescued Firo, could she fix me? Could I ever be human again?

            How long have I been here?

            Firo grew weaker everyday. My hair, which had been a scraggly, thin length on the back of my neck was now thick against my shoulders.

            ‘Can you hear me?’

            ‘He doesn’t respond much. Just make sure to feed and bathe him when needed.’

            ‘…As you wish.’

            I heard a door close, and was going to retreat back to the ash field when the first voice spoke again, surprising me.
            ‘Well that’s good. We don’t have to worry about the guards hovering over us.’

            I focused more on the voice, blinking my eyes a few times until they focused on the dungeon.

            A dark haired elf stood over me, holding a bowl of broth. His eartips were missing, and he was wearing the plain ivory clothes of a slave.

            ‘Whooo…’ I tried, my tongue thick.

            ‘Hello Firo.’ He said, trying to twist his face into a smile. ‘I am Dagan. Cedron sent me from Tempit.’

Chapter Twenty Three:

Blood vial

They attached so many shackles and chains I couldn’t move an inch on my own. The large shackle around my neck even prevented me from turning my head, trying to find Annie.

            ‘Annie!’ I screamed as they dragged me further away from the school. They didn’t try to silence me, but no one answered me either.

            I was paraded around, soldiers stopping their slaughtering and cheering, following behind.

            At least they really are stopping the attack now.

            At the town’s entrance, standing where the archway used to be, was a soldier directing the others. His armour was more refined and he was the first man I’d seen wearing a helmet.

            ‘Sir! We’ve captured him.’ One of my eager jailers reported.

            The man, General of the army, gave a stern nod before spinning around and heading towards the desert.

            ‘Then you four follow me. The rest begin evacuating as planned. Main Team head back to Lar, Side Team escort the prisoners to Tempit.

            ‘No!’ I screamed, trying to struggle and forcing the men to stop and focus on restraining me. ‘Give my sister back!’

            ‘Bring enough people to keep him under control.’ The general said, not even looking back.

            Four more people grabbed chains attached to me, pulling me until I was forced to walk or get dragged.

            When I realised where we were going, I prayed they’d just kill and bury me in the sand.

---

The general strode right into the caverns, not even flinching at the flames. The soldiers were more hesitant, but their fear of him must have been greater, dragging me into the caves of my nightmares.

            I laughed coldly as the soldiers flinched at the flame’s heat and their eyes watered at the smoke.

            ‘You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.’ I chuckled. ‘What monster lives in these caves.’

            Still they followed their general, who headed straight towards Ignatius’ throne.

            So he knows the way. I thought, Is Earl giving me to Ignatius then?

            The soldiers were coughing openly by the time the flames opened out to Ignatius’ throne area. Ignatius was sat there, face smug. Earl stood next to him, grinning in delight when his eyes landed on me.

            ‘Well done, General Shmy. Take your men and prepare the boat; I will bring him along shortly.’

            General Shmy inclined his head and turned. Immediately my captives released the chains and followed him out of the caves.

            I glared at Ignatius, trying to hide my trembling.

            ‘You no longer have Rafferty to protect you, boy.’ His voice boomed, making me shiver.

            ‘I don’t see why you bothered indulging him.’ Earl shrugged. ‘But you got rid of him when it was needed, at least.’

            Horror filled me.

            ‘What did you do to him?’ I demanded, dragging my chains to move forward.

            Ignatius’ booming laugh made me stop.

            ‘Worried for an immortal? You really are a fool. I just told Katriona it would be better if she ordered his return sooner. Clearly she saw the reason in this.’

            I exhaled in relief, unable to stop myself.

            At least they can’t drag Lennie into this anymore.

            ‘What do you want with me?’ I asked.

            ‘I thought that would be obvious.’ Earl answered, startling my gaze away from Ignatius. ‘When we met last you claimed to be Firo, the true form of fire. She clearly has touched you. Ignatius has been watching you for years, waiting to see if his suspicions of Firo’s chosen successor was true. And so it is. We came to an agreement soon after.’

            Ignatius rose from his throne, moving towards me. I tried to back away, but couldn’t move fast enough with the chains weighing me down.

            ‘You will be the perfect tool I need for my goals.’ Earl gloated, ‘And so Ignatius has gracefully allowed me to borrow you.’

            ‘I don’t belong to him!’ I screamed, just as Ignatius reached me and clamped a death grip on my shoulder, making me wince.

            ‘What is your name?’ He demanded, his grip tightening.

            I winced in confusion.

            ‘You don’t know?’ I asked, eyes widening as I realised he didn’t.

            Father always called me ‘boy’ in his presence. I didn’t tell Earl my name either.

            And they had just killed most of the people who knew my real name, not realising some still lived.

            I hope Annie realises that too.

            ‘Tell me!’ Ignatius bellowed, gripping my other shoulder too and squeezing.

            I winced again, but held my head high, staring into his eyes with pure hatred.

            ‘I am Firo,’ I said, almost spitting with venom. ‘And one day I will kill you.’

            Ignatius’ face twisted with rage, releasing my left shoulder and back-handing me across the face. My ears ringed at the force, tasting blood in my mouth.

            ‘Stop!’ Earl ordered, ‘Don’t worry about that for now. We don’t need total control over him, just give him the vial.’

            Ignatius paused, struggling with his temper for a moment. I wasn’t sure if it was aimed at me or Earl this time. Finally he gritted his teeth and released me. I dropped to my knees like a rock, my face and shoulders screaming in pain.

            ‘Very well.’ He said, one hand going to his belt and opening a pouch there. From it he pulled out a glass vial half the size of a mug, the red liquid inside visible. A small cork stopper sealed it shut, which Ignatius popped off.

            ‘Drink.’ He commanded, shoving the bottle under my nose.

            The smell confirmed that it was blood.

            ‘Are you crazy?’ A hysterical chuckle escaped me.

            Ignatius grabbed the back of my neck and shoved the open vial into my mouth, tilting it back so the liquid flowed down my throat. I almost choked, trying to escape his grip and automatically swallowing. When Ignatius released me I fell forward, retching. But it was too late, most of the blood had already been swallowed.

            I immediately realised it was her blood.

            ‘You’re a monster.’ I said shakily, unable to stop trembling. ‘Both of you! What are you hurting her for?’

            ‘Oh, I can’t take credit for that one.’ Earl chuckled, ‘That honour belongs to the King. I’m just taking advantage of the situation.’

            I could barely feel my body anymore, my vision overlapping with the fire caves and the ash field. I was dimly aware of Ignatius picking me up, following Earl out of the caves towards the harbour where a boat was waiting.

            In the ash field she was no longer a red blob in the distance. She was close enough to touch, her figure clear and breath-taking. A huge red dragon, injured, bleeding from all over, but still powerful. Her eyes opened, seeing me, and throwing back her head, releasing an angry and sorrowful roar.

            They have my little one! How dare they!

            In reality Ignatius dumped me on the boat and turned to Earl, nodding his head.

            ‘I have fulfilled my end; I look forward to you fulfilling yours.’ He half-warned the prince.

            ‘Don’t worry, God of Aneller, I have been planning this far too long to falter.’

            Ignatius nodded and left the boat, heading back to the caves without another word. The boat immediately started to move.

            In the ash field Firo wrapped her bleeding wings around me, her dragon body sheltering my own.

            I am sorry, little one. I am truly sorry.

            I’ll still come for you, I vowed. I will find a way to save you.

            She paused a moment before wrapping her wings more securely around me.

            Yes, she said finally, Escape and come to Tempit. Come to me, my little hatchling.