Just beyond the castle gates, two cloaked riders rode over the drawbridge.  Immediately, the gates opened to let them in.  Inside, two red and dark blue dressed sorceresses strode to the front entryway, dodging the scurrying of grubby servants.  “Hurry up you grubby peasants! Our Lord will want food and ale when he comes in.  So will his Second.” A sorceress commanded, picking up her black dress so she could walk faster.

The other sorceress giggled.  “I can’t wait to hear what Our Lord has been up to and his newest discoveries.” She said, moving her ghostly blond-white hair out of her face.

The other woman rolled her eyes, though she was in front of the other, so it was unseen.  “Pallia, all you want is to get under his covers tonight.” The other said in utter distaste.  She gracefully walked down a short flight of stairs ahead of her sister.

Pallia growled.  “No worse than you trying all that gushy stuff with Andre, Mervea.  At least I’m getting a warm bed at night.  I intend to be Our Lord’s Queen.” She snapped.

Mervea glared at her as they walked towards the front entrance.  Siegev and Andre were just walking in, already being attended to by their subjects who were all helping with their Lords’ riding gear.  When the two sorceresses were close enough, they curtsied.  “It’s an honor to have you back, my Lords.” Pallia greeted with a seductive smile as she leaned forward more than necessary.

Siegev smiled and went up to her.  “It’s good to be back.” He said and kissed her roughly on the cheek.

Mervea secretly rolled her eyes at her sister’s antics.  “We’re preparing a banquet for your arrival, my Lords.” She told them.

Removing himself from Pallia, Siegev nodded.  “Good.  Just allow Andre and my-self to get into some cleaner cloths before we go to eat.”

“Can I help, my Lord?” Pallia asked saucily.

“Pallia! Let us go.  We’ll await your arrival at the dinner table, my Lords.” Mervea said, pushing Pallia with her to the dinner hall.

Andre shook his head.  “Why do you string that witch along like that? I know you don’t like her and her conniving ways.”

Siegev smirked.  “As long as I have a warm bed at night, I don’t care.  Besides, she’s good at what she does, and that’s the black arts.” He said as they walked through a long corridor then up a long spiral stairway.  “Though I must admit, my dreams have been visited by one certain elusive wench. Pallia will do for now.”

“You mean that magic neonate girl we saw in the West Mountains? We haven’t seen or heard of her since then, you really think she’s worth wasting your thoughts on? You’ve only seen her once.” Andre asked him.

Siegev Shrugged as he removed his riding gloves.  “She’s training, no doubt.  She was in the presence of a Dragon Speaker, so she must be one as well.  I’m sure when I proclaim my intentions, I’ll not only draw out the Destined Child, but perhaps her as well.”

Andre nodded.  “Yes, Master.”

After a few more moments of climbing the stairway, they reached a room that was on top of the highest tower.  The door to the room was locked.  Siegev took out a key and opened it.  As he stepped in, he chuckled.  “Behold it, Knight.  The Golden Egg.  Without it, the Destined Child is incomplete.  He’ll never be able to bond with a Dragon and grow to keep me from claiming my kingdom.” He said, stepping up to the large golden egg that lay on a cushioned pedestal.  He put a hand on the shell; after every excursion, he always came up here to check on this prized item.  “Soon we will be ready to come out of hiding and start claiming this land.” He gave the egg a considering glance.  “It’s really too bad this egg will never hatch.” He said sarcastically and chuckled again.

Andre stood near the door.  “If we have the egg, why must we search for its rider?  Eventually he’ll come to us?”

Siegev looked at Andre.  “A precaution.  He must be killed seeing as we cannot destroy the egg.  I’m certain it will die when its destined companion dies at my hand.”

Andre smiled and nodded at the sense.  His master tended to be more proactive; not liking to leave things to chance or to the devices of incompetent fools.

“Now… I suppose we must prepare ourselves for the feast our sorcereress’ have no doubt slaved over for us.” Siegev smirked. “Get you to your chambers, Andre. Tonight we shall relax.”  Siegev walked out of the room.  After Andre got out, he locked the door and proceeded back down the stairs.  “We’ll send out more men to search for the child at day break.”  Siegev told Andre.

Andre nodded.  “Yes, Master.”

Roseweed stood out of the way, by the stone wall, watching Ranen and Aspen teach Trinity how to use the finer points of the element of Water.  “Breath, Trinity.  Concentrate on creating a ball of water in the palm of your hand.” Ranen was saying to Trinity.  Manipulating waters surface tension to create a ball, without container, was harder than one would think. Still, Trinity was determined to figure it out.

Trinity had her eyes closed, and looked like she was concentrating very hard.  Her hand shook from exertion.

Aspen smirked.  “Don’t concentrate too hard, Trinity.” Aspen told her.  “It’s not all about visualizing; just feel the ball of fresh spring water in your hands.”

“Who’s teaching her? You or me?” Ranen asked, more sharply than he’d intended.

“Hey! I’m just trying to be helpful” Aspen snapped.

“Neither of you are helping.” Trinity cut in.  She took a deep breath and concentrated on her goal.  After many moments of trying it their way, she decided to simply envision a crystal ball in her hand.  Once she had a stable image, she slowly changed the crystal into water. Much like other forms of elemental magic, the end result was better to focus on rather than how to get there. The “journey” was different for everyone.

They watched Trinity’s outstretched hand start to bead with water.  Soon, the beads of water came together in the middle of her palm and started forming a ball of water.  Trinity opened her eyes and looked at the wet ball.  Trinity giggled as she turned it onto her other hand and threw it in the air just to catch it again.  “I did it! This is so cool.” She said, and then drank out of the ball of water.  It was clean and cool; the most refreshing water she’d ever drink.  “Now that’s good water.” Trinity commented.

“Here, let’s see if it’s sturdy enough for me to handle.” Ranen said, taking the ball slowly from her hands.  It wavered slightly but stayed in its shape.

Roseweed giggled and nodded approvingly.  Water was always a finicky element, even for natives of the element.  “Good job, Trinity.  Congratulations.” She said.   “Now can you convert it to gas form, perhaps using Fire?” she asked with her usual astute gleam in her eyes when knowing her student will figure things out quickly without much guidance.

Trinity paused for a moment.  “Yeah.  Of course I could.”

Roseweed nodded.  “Then do it.”

Ranen handed Trinity the ball of water.  “Just don’t burn yourself.” He jested.

Trinity looked down at the water and concentrated on heating it up.  Soon it was glowing red with heat.  Steam began to rise from the water as it began to boil.  Trinity quickened the process so that it would only take a few more moments for the water to disappear into steam and air.  “There.  I did it.”

Roseweed nodded.  “Not surprising, your Dra’lorra training is almost over.”

Trinity’s face lit up.  The last few months now seemed to have flown by.

“Another few weeks or so, and you’ll be doing things almost effortlessly.” Roseweed told her.  “Dion has to go through the same.  I’m surprised with her though.  You taught her how to do most of the advanced Fire powers I taught you, and she helped you with the Air.  Now the both of you are doing wonderfully.” She sighed, almost forlornly.  “I admit, as an Air dragon, it’s a bit upsetting to the pride that she learned better from you.” She shrugged it off nonetheless.  “I’ll get over it.”

Trinity frowned as a thought crossed her mind and she looked to her teacher timidly.  “I hope I wasn’t I wrong to?”

Roseweed shook her head.  “No.  It gave me some free time and made things much easier.  I’m still getting used to magic as a humanoid after centuries using it as a dragon.”  She said and smiled half-heartedly.  “And you’re also a good teacher yourself.”  She added much more genuinely.

“It was the least I could do for her.  She did help me with that teleportation trick, which is really cool by the way.  Though very scary.  I understand why it’s the more advanced powers and usually a very rare one.”

Aspen joined their conversation excitedly.  “So… when do we go evil hunting?” Aspen asked, rubbing her hands together.  She was cooped up long enough.  It was time she saw the world again.

The young Dra’Sukren’na rolled her eyes.  “You’ll have plenty of opportunities to do that sort of thing another time.” She told her, but then she took Aspen away from the others, her bare feet pattering on the cold rock floor.  “While you’re waiting I have an acquaintance of mine coming. Between Trinity’s and my efforts to get information on the Golden Egg, we know it’s in an old and publically unused castle.  We’ve narrowed it down and I’ve had my …acquaintance find it’s… what are they called?  Blue…? Blue… blue… blueprints! They are meeting at my most southern tunnels, but it’s too far for my small lets. I’ll never reach there in time.  I was wondering if you’d go in my stead.”  She whispered to her, handing her a pouch of gold coins.

Aspen looked down at the money.  She was about to ask questions, but thought better of it.  That may prevent her from having the opportunity to stretch her legs.  She could always ask them after she got back.  “Be back before you know it.” She said and left the room; Aspen would go with Nemesis, who’d enjoy the exercise as much as she.

“Where’s she going?” Trinity asked, watching the younger ‘Speaker disappear down a tunnel.

Roseweed turned and smiled towards Trinity.  “To do an errand for me.  Don’t worry Trine.  She’ll be back.” Trinity nodded.  “Don’t you have to go with Ranen to do some combat training?” Roseweed asked.

Trinity nodded.  “Yeah.  We were just going.” she said.  She turned around and ran to meet up with Ranen.

Roseweed watched the couple leave with a sigh.  “I hope I know what I’m doing.  My limited Sight says someone will turn… but not where or when…  Could it be Aspen?  No…no.  She’s strong.  Aspen will never give into the other side.” She sighed again.  She was talking to herself.  She’d been alone in this small human form for too long while training Trinity.  Nonetheless, she continued.  “It’s Trinity I’m worried about.  She knows nothing about evil, or its trickery.” Roseweed admitted and sighed.  “But according to Ranen, she’s sensed and seen it.” She crossed her arms.  “She knows how to see it, but will she be able to resist it?

Skyflyer came in and perched on Roseweed shoulder.  Sounds like you worried.  He said.

Roseweed nodded.

No worries, Roseweed! They be fine! He reassured, chirping out loud reassuringly.

Roseweed stroked him on the belly.  “I hope your right, my little dragon.” She said.  “I hope your right.”

Aspen entered her room where both her sword and dragon were currently located.  She greeted the black water dragon cheerfully.  “Come on, Nemesis.  We’re going for a little walk.” She said, putting her sword and sheath onto her belt.  Aspen also put a small dagger in each of her boots.

What sort of walk? Nemesis asked, watching Aspen fumble around the room, half-tempted to stretch and yawn, though Aspen would take a wing in the chest, so she didn’t; she could wait until she got into the wider tunnels.

Aspen stuffed the pouch of coins Roseweed gave her into her pocket.  “Oh, just to get something.  Roseweed didn’t seem to want the others to know what yet; I think she’s planning a surprise.” She said as they started their journey into the tunnels towards the south side of Roseweed’s Mountain. 

Nemesis followed through the more dragon sized tunnels.  After a mile, Aspen climbed onto Nemesis’s back, it would help in later attempts at flying when Nemesis got to the right age.  What is the mission? She asked again, still not sure it was clear.

“To get some maps from a boyfriend of Roseweed’s.” Aspen whispered with a sigh as Nemesis angled her large wings to stretch them without hitting her rider.

Roseweed is older than she looks. Roseweed scolded Aspen’s flippant tone. If she has a prospective mate, that’s her right. Dragons are patient. To a dragon, she hasn’t been cursed in that body all that long, respectively. I’d leave it be, love.

Aspen giggled.  “Thanks mother.” She commented fondly.

It was a long walk to the southern tunnel entrance.  What more, these were hardly used and travelled upward. Aspen was determined, though, to reach the rendezvous without stopping for a break.  She had traversed worse terrain than this, so it became a matter of pride.

Nearly the moment that Aspen and Nemesis felt wind blow through the tunnels, they more than doubled in size.  They became large enough for an adult dragon.

Soon they turned a bend and the rock opened up into a great cavern filled with sticks, hay and, to Aspen’s dour distaste, bones.  On the far side of the cavern, the rock opened up once more to the sky and far off landscape.  Up at this altitude, the air was crisp and thin, but still breathable.  When Aspen inhaled it brought the taste of clouds and mountainsides.  There was quite a bit of breeze up this high, blowing into the cave and rustling Aspen’s hair in a high whistle as it passed.

Aspen sighed, as much to feel the air in her lungs than to express her irritation at finding she had to wait.  Though it did give her the advantage of being able to look around.

This must have been where Roseweed clutched the Golden egg all those years ago.  The remnants of an old empty egg was in evidence. Empty eggs were thought to be an archaic dragon survival technique at a time when dragons were not the top predator and much more primitive.  Aspen knelt by a fragment and touched its smooth surface.  Each egg laid had an empty counterpart. A way to discourage predators of the time, making getting their lunch a gamble with their lives.

Dragons clutched millennia or so apart, after their extreme estrus and/or rut; and usually not very many at a time. As a long lived race, it was a form of population control.  Else dragons, and possibly several other species on this world would be extinct by now.

The sound of powerful down strokes broke her ruminations, and Aspen started for the cliff edge.  Once again thankful to Roseweed for sending her here. Aspen wasn’t afraid of heights; no, it was closed in spaces she needed breaks from.  From the cliff edge she could see much of the southern mountain range.  She could almost imagine the mining city of Kitinsburg over the far horizon.  There were mountains close by, obscuring the view to southeast.  The thumps of wings sounded again; it sounded like an echo, but was getting louder.  Then from around the peaks of the close mountains, the form of a dragon making a sharp bank appeared.  It flapped its wings and leveled out, heading straight for where Aspen and Nemesis waited.

The dragon had a hide of iridescent yellow and white.  He was sleek and agile, marking him without a doubt an Air sub race of dragon.  He also had a rider; making him Dra’Sorrian.

We should probably move so they can land. Nemesis suggested.

“Agreed.” Aspen smirked as they both moved to one side of the opening. It was more than wide enough to allow at least two dragons to land; but they did have to worry about the adult males wing span.  As well as the down draft when landing; Aspen had to clutch at Nemesis or risk being unceremoniously flung to the other side of the cavern.

The dragon settled on his hunches first before clutching the ground with his fore claws.  He adjusted his wings once before folding them back completely.  Once those limbs were settled, he settled on his stomach to make it easier for his rider to dismount.

Said rider shoved his riding goggles to his thick hairline and grinned down at Aspen and the suddenly diminutive Nemesis.  “You must be one of Roseweed’s wards, then.” He called down as he unstrapped his legs and bound down onto his dragons shoulder, then fore knee before landing with a hard thud on the uneven ground.

Aspen straightened her stance before nodding. “Aspen, Water Dra’lorra of ‘Lorrani Terrence.” She introduced formally.  Dra’Sorrian did not bow to each other, but put a hand to their chest and gave a nod of greeting.  Aspen made that gesture while keeping her eyes on the newcomer.

“Alec, Alec Sheer, Air Dra’Lorria of the western coasts.” Alec copied the gesture with an enthusiastic grin.  “And this great lout is Valortex. Say hi Valortex!”

The great sparkling yellow and white head had been inspecting the two youths and now nodded with a grunt.  Greetings.  How is Roseweed?

Exchanging a look with Nemesis, Aspen tried to hide a grin.

Before she could answer, Alec elbowed his larger companion.  “That was rude Val.  I told you, business before pleasure.”  The Air Dra’Sorrian turned back to Aspen.   “I have what the wee Dra’sukren’na asked for; the blueprints of Tazmenzy Castle.” At that, he flourished a large case; inside there came a heavy thud of heavy paper.  “It was hard to come by, though, which may mean something to her.”

“If you are wondering about further compensation, ‘Lorria, I can’t guarantee anything.  She only gave me the payment you agreed on; I doubt she thought to put extra.”  Aspen replied, a bit chagrined.

At that Alec waved off with both hands. “No, no.  I wasn’t digging for a bigger cut.  Us draskena need to stick together; human and dragon alike.” He chuckled and leaned against the hind leg of Valortex.  “Prints for all notable castles in the realm must have at least two copies sent to all city archives each.  All but one place… had none.”

Aspen’s ears perked up at that. “Really?”

“Really.” Alec nodded.  “The proprietor at the archives I was able to get this copy from,” said copy was waggled in front of Aspen, “used to have two additional copies. Seems they liked to have a third as back up.  Good thing too, as they told me their predecessor gave a death bed confession of how the other two were taken.  Some androgynous magic user came for them. They were accompanied by a young boy apprentice; probably grown by now.  The price was ‘bartered’ but the figure also ‘paid’ for discretion.”  By the thick sarcasm in his voice, it wasn’t hard to surmise that by “bartered” and “paid”, that in fact threats and coercing was used.  Alec saw Aspen acknowledge that with an eye brow raise.  “Before the predecessor died, he told his replacement, who has now told me.”

Taking a moment to process that information, Aspen brought out the bag of coins and exchanged it for the long, cylindrical case.  “Thank you, I will pass that along.”

“My pleasure.”  Alec replied, tying the pouch to his belt and turning to remount Valortex.

“She’s doing fine, by the way.”  Aspen informed; both dragon and rider looked back at her in interest.  “Wishing she wasn’t cursed, perhaps… but fine.”

Valortex made a satisfied noise and sat up straight. Alec nodded with a smile and continued to climb onto his saddle and strap himself in.  “Tell who ever Roseweed has been hiding from the Council, that when the time comes, to give us a shout, aye?”

There was more in that message unsaid, leading Aspen to believe he knew more than the Council knew.  She smiled sardonically and nodded.  “I will.”  That said, both she and her blue-black dragon moved further away from the cliff edge to give Valortex more room to maneuver for takeoff.  Which he did in such a way that put seeing her own master’s dragon launch technique to shame.  It was something the lighter air dragons were known for.

They watched them fly until both rider and dragon were out of sight. Then Aspen hoisted the case’s strap over her shoulder and patted Nemesis’ hide.  “Let’s get back before they have supper without us.”  With that, they started their journey down.

Blackveil studied the tall human.  His heart was dark, like his hooded face.  He had come to her lair while she slept and woke her up - after chaining her with magical manacles.  She had tried to fight, but the chains held her sharp claws and razor sharp teeth away from him.  The pest had merely sneered at her attempts and even had the audacity to laugh at her.  After she had calmed down, he told her that he came to make a proposition.  He told her that the foreseen Golden Egg was in his possession.

“If the Destined Child ever finds out where his dragon is,” he smirked, “If ever, he’ll no doubt bring others with dragon’s to be prepared for anything.  If this event shall ever occur, I want you to deal with the dragons.  Lure them away from their humans as long as you can, so I can deal with the Destined Child and any others he brings.” He said to her.

Blackveil shifted her weight, making the chains clatter together until she was settled.  This is an interesting offer.  She said in her hoarse rustic ‘voice’, which no doubt grated the mind of any human she spoke to.  But what am I against more than three other dragons?

The shaded figure smiled.  “You, with your strength, wisdom and experience will surely be more than enough against dragons who could be still considered adolescent brats; though I am more than willing to have more dragons like yourself supporting my cause.” He said with a sneer.

Blackveil nodded and extended her claws.  Yes.  But still… what’s in it for me?

“Fame, fortune.” He smiled again.  “Power.  But I guess those things don’t concern you.  If I ruled, you’d become the most powerful Earth dragon when all this is over and I rule the world.  You are already feared and respected, but if you fight for me, you will be able to coo and command any dragon within Starza.” His eyes held promises for the black-red dragon.  “You would become the Queen of Dragon kind.”

Blackveil glared at him for a moment.  Why did you choose me? She asked, narrowing her eyes.

Cracking his fingers and flexing them, he drew an impatient breath.  “Isn’t it obvious? Cause you’re the only known Earth dragon that can go as fast as lightning and can actually fly.” He stepped forward.  “That is why.  So, what’s your decision? I need an answer right now, Blackveil.”

She thought for a moment and sighed.  I suppose you’ll want me to move to your castle and scout the area.  It was more of a statement then a question.

He nodded.  “And, if you like, you can command the new recruits I found.”

She blinked her large, dark, swirling eyes.  What kind?

“Oh, just barbarian Warriors.  Some bilnogs.  They’re easy to maintain and manage as long as they get rewards.  But are strong and clever.  There should be no difficulty if you are charged with them.” He answered and sneered.

Blackveil shifted again.  All right then, mister Abinor.  Deal.  The chains that held her suddenly came off and disappeared.

“Call me Siegev.” He said.  Siegev chuckled.  “And I promise, you won’t regret this.” He told her as he looked up at the large dark rust red and black dragon that had abnormally large and thick wings that were as long as Blackveil herself.

Blackveil leveled her head with Siegev’s; only able to peer at him with one eye.  I better not regret it.