10. Chapter 10
Chapter ten
E rendrial called Eeri to the front gates. We rode her to a place where Eren told me ragamors usually nested in the nearby forest. Eren was cautious of our contact, but it didn’t bother me as much anymore. It would still take time before I would be comfortable with a male’s touch, but last night had been a huge breakthrough. And against my better judgement … I was beginning to trust him.
We landed at the bottom of a waterfall where swarms of ragamors nested. They came in all colors and sizes. Some were small, some were big. They were yellow, blue, red, and green. Their wingspans differed in size and shape, each perfectly designed to their structural design of their bodies.
Their hides shimmered as their scales reflected the rays of sunlight that broke through the clouds above. Their bodies were long and sleek, perfectly designed to navigate through the air. Massive retractable claws hid beneath their long toes, sharp enough to tear any creature to pieces.
Each of their faces was unique, decorated with different markings and colors. Their eyes, so vibrant and aware, seemed to be gateways into their souls, as if they could experience emotions of their own. But inside each of their mouths hid rows of sharp, flesh tearing teeth.
“First thing you need to know is that each ragamor has its own personality. Some are sweet, like Eeri here. Others are feisty, and some are straight-up deadly. If a ragamor bows when you approach, that is a good indicator that they will allow you to ride them. If they ignore you or make any threatening action towards you, back away slowly, head down. Never turn your back to them, or they won’t hesitate to attack.”
“So how do I mount one?”
Erendrial started laughing. “We are really going to have to work on your wording of phrases.”
“Oh, shut up. If you didn’t have such a dirty mind this wouldn’t be a problem.”
“You’re the heir to the dark court. It’s going to be a problem. Anyways, when you mount the ragamor, slit your palms and slide your hands into the slits gently. A flash connection will happen instantly. You will be able to see the ragamor through its own eyes. You will feel its power and be able to harness it. Then, once you are in your right mind again, you will be able to control the ragamor with your thoughts. Before you take flight, let me mount the ragamor with you so I can talk you through the navigation. When the first flight is complete, the ragamor will lean his neck back into the sky revealing a very sensitive patch of scales if he accepts you as his rider. You will take one and we will form it into the calling beacon you will use to call him or her.”
“Got it. Find a ragamor, mount ragamor, pluck ragamor.”
He laughed again, which sent an odd sense of joy spiraling through me. “You’ve got it.”
I took the dagger from him and headed into the heart of their swarm. Some ragamor seemed interested in me, while others didn’t even look in my direction. After studying their faces, bodies, and wings, I came across a ragamor that was unlike any other. Its scales were black as night. Its face was long with a strong jaw and vibrant white teeth. Its eyes were red, and it had green markings going down the center of its faces.
The other ragamor seemed to steer clear of the massive creature. I didn’t know if ragamors had alphas, but if they did, this one was clearly superior. It spread its wings as I approached, revealing its inner green lining. It was magnificent.
I moved forward slowly, looking for any sign that it would accept me. It looked at me for a moment and then huffed, turning its back to me. I walked around to face the creature again, but got no response. I was becoming agitated with the stubborn beast, but I didn’t give up. I circled around to face the creature one last time. It saw me out of the corner of its eyes and extended its head forward releasing a loud roar, as a warning to stay away.
My eyes narrowed and my determination flared. I had overcome so much. I had been gifted this new life … a life where I got to start over and choose who I wanted to be. I needed this ragamor. It symbolized the strength and power I wished to possess.
Oh, no you don’t . I climbed on top of a high boulder nearby that lay parallel with the beast. I slit two gashes in my hands and dropped the dagger to the floor, then took a leap of faith.
I slammed into the silky scales of the creature’s back. It began to lash and growl as it fought to get me off. My thighs tightened around its strong back while I searched for the slits. As the ragamor inhaled, two pink pockets appeared by its shoulder blades. I could hear Erendrial yelling for me to stop, but I didn’t listen. I slid my palms into the slits, wrapping my hands around two bones that acted as handles.
Images of the ragamor soaring in the air flashed behind my eyes. Battles and fights for dominance. Memories of the beast killing creatures of all sizes and shapes. Defending his territory. My vision returned to normal while the ragamor stomped his feet in protest of my action. I felt his power, strength, and ferocity streaming through me like a wave of delicious energy.
I couldn’t wait a moment longer. I had to get into the air. I held on, leaning low against his body. The ragamor flared his wings, shooting into the sky so fast tears began to pour from my eyes. As he broke through the clouds the air thinned. He twirled and flipped forcing me to hold on for dear life. His wings were strong and glorious, catching the beams of sunlight.
He steadied out, gliding at a calm and easy pace. Eeri and Eren broke through the clouds, evening out next to us. I looked over at him with a smile on my face.
“You’re insane! You know that?” he yelled, shaking his head.
I shrugged, still enjoying the thrill. “You only live once! Well, unless you’re Otar, that is.”
“Yes, easy for you to say. If you die, then my life is over as well. Do you know what your father would do to me if you were killed on my watch?”
“Skin you. Isn’t that what you told me last time?” I laughed at his overprotective behavior.
“That’s if I’m lucky.”
“Get the stick out of your ass, Lyklor.” I said before leaning into the ragamor, sending him hurtling down to the ground. The rush was unbelievable. It was like breathing for the first time. I didn’t think I would ever get enough. The beast flew across a massive body of water, skimming the surface with his clawed feet before we shot back into the air, tumbling through the clouds and atmosphere. I smiled, allowing the feeling to consume me.
We made our way back to the hive of ragamors. I landed the beast and pulled my hands out of his slits. My wounds healed automatically. Eren landed a few paces away, sliding off Eeri and rushing towards me. I slid off the ancient creature, hoping he would offer me a scale so he would be mine, forever.
“So, you’re an adrenaline junky—good to know,” Eren said.
I laughed, walking towards the front of the beast. He looked down at me with his radiant eyes and stomped his feet again. He snapped at Eren to back away before returning his fierce gaze to me. Eren did as he was instructed. The ragamor stood with his head bent, assessing me for a long time, before finally raised his neck to the sky.
I smiled, walking slowly towards him. I pulled a black scale from the soft part of his neck, trying to be as gentle as possible. He lowered his head, allowing me to touch his beautifully sculpted face.
“You are incredible,” I said. “Tarsyrth, is that your name?” I said, pulling the name from his memories while I ran my hand over his scales.
“That’s an interesting name,” added Eren, coming up behind me slowly. Tarsyrth snapped his head to him and growled. “I can see the resemblance between the two of you.”
“You mean the black scales and green markings?” I asked.
“I mean the stubborn, impulsive behavior, along with a side of snarky attitude.”
I laughed, turning to face him. “Better watch it. My collection of creatures keeps growing. Odd how none of them seem to like you. It must be a sign.”
“It’s a sign that you have terrible taste in pets. Come on, we should be heading back to get ready for dinner.”
“Why don’t we skip dinner and go for a ride instead? Maybe we can fly over the light court and take out some of their buildings. ”
“Though I like where your head’s at, we are not allowed over there right now. We have to wait until they make contact with us before we can fly in their skies again. They’re still pissed about someone killing their king.” he said.
“What can I say, he was a dick.”
“You will hear no argument from me. Here, cut your palm again and cover the scale with your blood.” I did as he instructed. “Now, hold it in your hands. I am going to encase your hands with mine and then you are going to blow between them. This will create the calling beacon.” I covered the scale with my hands. Eren wrapped his long fingers around mine as a bright light beamed from them. He nodded signaling for me to blow in between my palms. When he removed his hands, I looked down at a small, whistle-shaped instrument.
“Amazing,” I exclaimed.
“Try it out.”
I brought the whistle to my lips and blew. A deep, booming echo sounded, like a war call. Tarsyrth nudged my back, letting me know he was there. I smiled, taking his face against my shoulder.
“Okay, one more ride, and then we have to get back,” said Eren.
“Deal,” I said, mounting Tarsyrth. I used Eren’s dagger to cut my palms before throwing it back down to him. I slid my hands into his slits and shot back into the air. My new favorite escape.
We got back to the castle thirty minutes before dinner. Eren showed me how to open the doors to the kingdom before I took off down the hall to my room. Atalee was waiting for me on my bed. She got to work on my windblown hair and chapped face. I slid on the black dress that was lined with fur before Eren reappeared in my sitting room.
I took his arm as we headed down to the throne room for dinner. I was still buzzing with happiness from having my very own ragamor when I felt a familiar lightning zap up the back of my spine. I stopped, turning to Eren before it reached my brain.
“My head—” I muttered, before my whole body gave out as a vision took hold of my mind in a savage, painful embrace. I saw St. Paul’s Church up in flames. My human family stood outside, crying while they watched their home burn to the ground.
Another image appeared of a light alfar exiting from behind the burning church with a smile on his face. He wore a necklace with the Lysanthier sigil. Then I saw Sister Ester’s body, burned, and charred. My family stood over her, praying and crying as they mourned.
My eyelids opened slowly. I blinked a few times, trying to will the pain behind my eyes away only to realize I was in Eren’s arms, off to the side of the hall. Groups of humans and alfar stared at us in curiosity. I sat up pulling away from him, reaching to rub the back of my neck. My head was killing me, and I felt weak, but it wasn’t as bad as the last vision I had.
“How long was I out?” I asked Eren.
“About five minutes. I was about to call for help.”
“I need to get to The Frey, now,” I said, forcing myself up. I was still weak, and my legs protested wobblingly unsteadily. Eren helped me lean against the wall. My father came around the corner and beelined straight for us.
“Are you okay? One of my guards saw you collapse,” he said, taking my face in his hands as he checked me over to be sure. My uncle came up next to him, looking worried for my sake.
“I am fine. It was just a vision,” I replied.
“What did you see?” asked my uncle.
“My church, burning. The sister that took us all in didn’t make it out. She’s going to die. I saw a light alfar with the Lysanthier sigil leaving from the burning church. I think Daealla is going to burn my home down as revenge for killing her father. I have to warn them. Please, father. I know they are only human, but they are important to me. I owe them,” I pleaded.
My uncle placed a hand on my father’s shoulder and whispered something into his ear.
“I will give you five hours. Be back by midnight, or I will send a rescue team out to find you,” said my father. “Erendrial—”
“Of course, your majesty,” answered Eren before bowing.
“Thank you, father,” I said, reaching up to kiss his cheek.
He froze, looking down at me in shock. That was the first time I had ever kissed him with affection. I guess breaking King Lysanthier’s hold over me had taken down other barriers I hadn’t even known I had built. My father smiled and nodded before returning to the throne room.
“I am going to change. Get Zerrial and Lily. Lily will want to come,” I said to Eren.
He nodded before I took off to my room.
I changed into a more practical dress with a long black fur coat that trailed to the floor. I removed my crown and let my hair fall around my shoulders. I rushed to the entrance and called for Tarsyrth. He appeared in a few moments with a loud roar. Eren, Zerrial, and Lily appeared at my side. Eren and Zerrial called their ragamors. Within minutes their beasts soared down out of the air, landing by Tarsyrth. My creature snapped and hissed at the others.
“See what I mean? You two are one in the same,” joked Eren.
“And you expect me to believe you are soft and fuzzy like Eeri?” I asked.
“You’ve never been in my bed,” he laughed, mounting her.
Lily looked at the ragamor with sheer fear.
“You haven’t ridden one before?” I asked her.
“Uh, no. Why would I?” she answered .
“It’s okay, angel, I won’t let you fall,” assured Zerrial, reaching for her. She smiled up at him and took his hand. He positioned her carefully underneath him. Eren looked at me and made a puking face.
“Oh, very mature,” I said. We both laughed, taking to the sky.
The flight to The Frey was a bit rough. I was still getting use to flying on the back of a dragon and how to navigate and control the creature. Tarsyrth was accommodating, banking every time I nearly slid off his back, to prevent me from plummeting to my death. Flying felt natural, but it would still take time to get good at it.
We followed Eren to the border, where we dismounted. Eren handed me a small, blue stone.
“What is this?” I asked, rolling the smooth, flawless crystal in between my fingers.
“It’s so you can cross through the border whenever you want. Your father wanted me to give it to you. Since you’re only half alfar, this will allow you to walk through on your own.”
I nodded, sliding the stone into my pocket. We crossed into The Frey, where the air was thicker, and the land was barren. Zerrial found us two horses at a nearby stable, one for he and Lily, the other for Eren and I before we rode through the streets towards home.
An hour later, we arrived at the church, which was fully up in flames. I dismounted quickly, rushing towards the building in disbelief. A crowd of humans surrounded the burning pile of stone and timber, completely silent while they watched the structure fall into the thrashing flames.
I froze, feeling the sorrow envelop me. “We’re too late,” I whispered, as the others joined me. “Why did my gift show me this, if we were going to be too late?”
“Sister Ester,” Lily whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Zerrial held her while she wept for the kind woman. From the back of the church, I saw a blonde-haired figure move into the crowd. Without thinking I took off towards them. I pushed my way through the onlookers until I had a clear path to the culprit. I flung myself towards him, tumbling us both to the ground. He began to fight me as I pulverized his face with my fist.
He rolled on top of me, wrapping his hands around my throat, trying to suffocate me. His body suddenly stiffened. His eyes bulged and the veins in his neck protruded. He fell off me shaking and convulsing in pain. Eren appeared above me, offering a hand to before pulling me from the ground. I dusted myself off.
“What are you doing to him?” I asked.
“Bursting the veins in his brain over and over again as he heals.”
“Remind me not to piss you off.”
“Don’t piss me off,” he said with a sarcastic smirk.
Zerrial appeared, wrapping ulyrium cuffs around the light alfar’s wrists. Once the restraints were secure, Eren released his hold on the male. I turned back to the church that was now falling in on itself.
“Do you think I can still save her?” I asked.
“If everything in your vision has already come to pass, I doubt it,” answered Eren.
Lily appeared by my side, taking my hand in hers while we watched our haven burn.
“We can at least find the others,” suggested Lily. “Just to make sure they’re okay.” I nodded, turning back to Eren.
“We will secure the prisoner and join you shortly,” Eren said to us.
We made our way through the crowd in search of our family. A group of young, dirty boys and girls stood off to the side, watching as their home burned to the ground. I approached Jordan, touching my hand to his shoulder lightly. He turned, taking in the sight of both of us.
“Gen, Lily, is it really you?” he asked in disbelief.
“Yes,” I said with tears in my eyes.
The others turned around at the same time, tear-filled faces turned into smiling ones. Jordan exhaled in disbelief, picking me up and swinging me around until I thought I was going to be sick. Kara and Nil bulldozed into me, as they clung to my waist. Evan picked up Lily, kissing her on the cheek. Zerrial appeared behind her with his eyes deadlocked onto Evan.
Jordan and Evan pulled us behind them as Eren stepped out of Zerrial’s shadow. Zerrial stood face to face against Evan before reaching around him, taking Lily by the arm, and pulling her to him. Evan reacted, pulling her back, but Eren stopped him before he could succeed.
“I wouldn’t do that young man. My friend here is very territorial. You wouldn’t want to lose an arm now, would you?” Eren said to Evan.
“She is no one’s property, you filthy dark elves,” spat Evan.
Eren cleared his throat, walking closer to Evan and Jordan. He noted Jordan’s hand on my waist before clearing his throat. “Princess … are you going to cut in here or am I going to have to kill your friends?” Eren said, smiling as he restrained his hands behind his back.
“I was enjoying watching all of the steam coming from your ears,” I replied.
He chuckled, nodding his head. “Clever as always,” he mumbled.
“Princess,” said Jordan. “Gen, what is he talking about?”
“Why don’t we go somewhere quiet, and we will explain,” I suggested, looking at each of them.
Nil and Kara were in each other’s arms, shaking at the sight of Eren and Zerrial.
“The stables are cleared out for the night. No one will be there,” Evan said.
“Fantastic, the smell of horse shit and filth. Let’s go,” Eren said sarcastically, turning to lead the way .
I laughed as my eyes caught Jordan’s. He looked at me with confusion. I cleared my voice to chase away the laughter.
Once we reached the stables, the questions began pouring in.
“Okay, what in the hell is happening here? How did you both manage to survive?” asked Stefan.
“Luck, mostly luck,” I replied.
“Don’t forget the magic, scheming, oh, and murder. Your friend here killed the light king. She’s very impressive,” added Eren.
“You did what? How? Tell me everything,” demanded Stefan.
“Yes, I did, but that isn’t the point. We are both alive and well. Happy even,” I said, looking at Lily. “Where is Conner?”
“Gone,” answered Stefan. “He left the day after you went with the light alfar. He said he had to start over. We haven’t heard from him since.”
“How are you happy with these things?” Evan blurted out, still sizing up Zerrial. “Are the legends not true?”
“Most of them are wrong or exaggerated,” answered Lily. “In the dark court, they don’t rape any more than humans rape here. They don’t experiment on humans or torture us. We have jobs, and are treated well, for the most part.”
“If you are taken by an alfar that is,” said Evan, still staring Zerrial down.
“He didn’t take me, and no. You are treated well regardless of who you are sleeping with,” added Lily.
Evan made a disgusted face and walked to the back of the barn. Lily chased after him.
“Where is your covering?” asked Jordan. “If they know who you are, why aren’t you dead?”
“Turns out my father is the King of Doonak. I am the heir to the dark court,” I said slowly.
The girls’ faces went blank. They stared at Erendrial, still shaking with fear.
“He isn’t going to hurt you girls, I promise,” I said, kneeling in front of them. I rubbed both of their dirty faces, kissing each on the head.
“What about the law against half-breeds?” asked Stefan.
“My father got rid of the law in his kingdom before he claimed me as his heir,” I answered.
“How did you know about the church?” asked Kara.
“My gift … I have visions. I saw the church burning and I saw Sister Ester … dead.”
The girls began to sob, falling to the floor in each other’s arms.
“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I tried to get here before it happened, but I was too late.”
“Princess, we need to be getting back,” said Eren from behind me.
I looked back at my family, feeling the pain of having to leave them again.
Jordan looked distressed as he walked over to me. He took my hand with his and my face in his other. “You don’t have to go. Stay. Stay here with us. We need you now more than ever. I will protect you. We can protect them,” he said, leaning in close to me.
“Jordan, I wish I could, but I—” I started to say. “I didn’t realize …” Jordan started, but then stopped and hesitated for a moment. “I didn’t realize what was right in front of me until you were gone. Please Gen … stay,” he pleaded, leaning his head into mine.
A slow clap of hands disrupted our moment. Eren strolled over to us with an amused smile. “How sweet. The poor boy from the church basement is in love with the Doonak princess,” he said, moving a curl away from my face.
Jordan looked at him and then back at me. “Is he your … are you two?” asked Jordan.
I looked at Eren, connecting what he was trying to ask. “Oh, gods, no. He is our ambassador,” I replied.
“Oh, thank the Lord,” exhaled Jordan.
“Doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen though. Right, princess?” Eren said, winking at Jordan.
Jordan’s face tightened with rage as he peered at Eren, who was calm and collected.
“Jordan, I can’t stay. I just found my father, and there is so much I have yet to learn and experience,” I admitted.
“So, we’re not enough. That is what you’re saying?” asked Jordan.
“Exactly,” Eren said happily.
I pushed him behind me, trying to calm Jordan. “Not at all. I am saying that I will never fit here. I didn’t belong in the first place. There, I am learning how to use my gifts and magic. I am learning who I am.”
“You fit with us,” he said, dragging his hand down my hair.
I looked at him tenderly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stay.” I took a large pouch of gold coins from my jacket and placed it in his hands. “This should buy each of you a chance at a good life.”
Jordan dropped his head in disappointment.
“You may have to go, but Lily can stay, right?” asked Nil. Lily and Evan made their way back over to us.
I looked at Lily with a heavy heart. “If she chooses to stay, then yes,” I said. I heard Zerrial take a step forward behind me before Eren stuck his arm out to stop him from continuing. Lily looked at our family and exhaled. Tears filled her eyes as she took the girls in her arms.
“I love you all so much, but I too have found where I belong. I am sorry, but I won’t be staying,” she said.
I was surprised how quickly she turned down the offer to return home. I stole a glance at Zerrial, noticing the relief that consumed his face.
“Will you both at least visit?” asked Kara.
“Of course. As soon as it’s safe and we can, we will visit,” I said.
“Princess, we really should be going,” said Eren.
We hugged each of them one last time before we took our leave. We retrieved the light alfar prisoner and made our way back to the horses. The light alfar dragged behind us as we rode to the border.
“Did you really have to be so rude?” I asked Eren.
He leaned in from behind me and whispered in my ear. “Would you have me any other way?”
I shoved my elbow back into his stomach.
He grumbled and laughed.
“They were grieving and in shock,” I replied. “You could have at least just stood there and brooded like Zerrial.”
“Now, where is the fun in that? Plus, little Jordan was too easy to torment. I couldn’t help myself. If he didn’t realize what he had when it was right in front of him, then he never deserved it in the first place.”
“You don’t know him. He’s a good man. Any woman would be lucky to have him as her husband.”
“Yes, but you are not a woman, and he will never be a king.”
“And to think, at the beginning of this day I actually liked you.”
“See, I told you I would grow on you.”
“You’re like a fungus. You just keep spreading,” I said.
“Oh, so you like to be consumed. Duly noted.”
I laughed, feeling my cheeks blush. I felt Eren stiffen behind me. I turned to see a look of surprise on his face. “Wha’s wrong?” I asked.
He inhaled deeply. “Do you smell that?” he asked.
I took a deep breath and shook my head. “No. What is it?”
“Sandalwood and …” he took another breath, “… lavender. ”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Probably some perfume your last victim was wearing.”
“Jealousy is a good look on you, princess.”
Taken aback by his arrogance and assumption, I allowed my aggravation to get the best of me. “Do you have a comeback for everything?”
“Yes, but so do you. That is why I enjoy our little tiffs. You can keep up. Most people give in by now, or end up trying to kill me. You just keep firing back. Then, once I am done, I can just shut you up.”
“Oh, and how do you plan to do that?” I asked.
He smiled as the horse galloped down the road, bouncing both of us in the saddle. I felt Eren’s fingers gently caress the back of my hand that held the horn of the saddle. Whiskey and oranges drifted into my nostrils. I inhaled, welcoming the comforting and familiar scent. I relaxed back into him as my whole body loosened. He wrapped his arm around my waist, preventing me from falling. He chuckled in my ear, resting his head against mine. “I win,” was the last thing I heard before I drifted into a deep sleep.