Arimore

Gabriel rode swiftly back to Calithorne. He entered the courtyard and was greeted by Rowan, “What word have you from Prince Mason?”

“He said to tell Queen Elara that he will be here in two days’ time.”

“Very good.”

Rowan went to the dungeon and found the door locked.

“Rowan is here,” Sacha said.

Elara went to the door and opened it. Rowan entered and told her that Gabriel had returned. “Prince Mason will arrive in two days.”

“Very good,” Elara turned back to Sacha, “I must make preparations to receive the Prince. I will return as soon as I can and we will continue our conversation.”

“I look forward to your return my Queen,” Sacha smiled, closed the chamber door and lie on the mattress to rest.

Elara and Rowan locked the dungeon and walked to the throne room.

“Rowan, I want to welcome Prince Mason with the welcome of a friend. Please prepare quarters for him to stay and have the kitchen prepare a banquet. I would like the royal guard to attend. This will be an opportunity for us to show him that we desire friendship and unity between our nations. He will be King one day and hopefully he will look back on this day and our nations will be united as friends.”

“Understood my Queen.”

“Rowan, can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Do you believe in magic?”

“Honestly until the other day when I encountered the mountain man I probably would have said no. Now, however, I’m really not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Things have changed so much over the past few weeks. I too would have said I did not believe but now I’m starting to. Just a few short days ago we both thought dragons were only legend. We rode on the back of a dragon, Rowan. You and I. It’s a bit overwhelming.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Rowan paused then turned back to Elara, “May I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Why do you think this is all happening? I mean why now? Why us?”

“Us,” she thought, “Rowan, Arimore spoke to your mind too didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. Have you considered that maybe we were meant to raise Sacha together? I don’t think I was chosen, I think we were chosen. Have you ever experienced anything magical in your life?”

He looked deeply into her eyes, “Only the first day I laid eyes upon you my Queen.”

Elara blushed, “Rowan, I’m serious.”

“So am I. There is something about you. It’s almost magical.” He leaned forward to kiss her when there was a knock at the door.

Elara backed away and tried to mask her blushing face, “Come.”

“Your Majesty,” Gabriel stood in the doorway, “There is a man here requesting audience.”

“Who is it?”

He looked at Rowan, “It’s the old man we saw in the mountains.”

“I will grant him audience.”

Gabriel bowed and went to retrieve the man from the courtyard.

Rowan and Elara looked at each other and at the same time uttered, “Arimore.”

The door swung open and Gabriel announced, “Your Majesty, I present Mr. Draco from Mount Crystos.”

“Thank you Gabriel. You may leave us and see to it that we are not disturbed.”

“Your majesty,” Gabriel bowed and pulled the doors closed behind him.

“To what do I owe this visit?” Elara asked.

“I must see the child.” Arimore commanded.

“No.”

“You are bold Elara but do not forget with whom you are dealing.”

Rowan drew his sword and stood between Elara and Arimore. Arimore raised his arm and tossed Rowan aside like a rag doll. “I said I will see the child.”

“And I said no.”

“Do not test me.”

“It was appointed to me to guard and protect her and that is what I shall do.” Elara stood firm.

“You will take me to her now.” Arimore approached with a threatening glance.

Elara raised her hand and much to her surprise as well as Arimore’s, she pushed him back with a blast of power.

“Well, well, what have we here?” Arimore smiled, “I see you have discovered something new.”

Rowan stood speechless.

“Do not test me Arimore. I will protect her, even from you.”

“Very well, but I will return and when I do I will see her.”

“You will not see her until I say she is ready. Do not show up here again unless I summon you.”

“You have passed your first test young Queen.” He bowed and retreated back to his mountain home.

“What was that?” Rowan asked as the doors closed behind Arimore.

“That is the reason I asked if you believed in magic.”

“How did you do that?”

“I don’t know. In fact I didn’t even know I had magic until just a short time ago. I still don’t know exactly what I can do or how I do it. It’s actually a little frightening.”

“Frightening? It’s amazing!”

“You really think so?”

“Yes! This makes things so much easier. I couldn’t imagine how we would protect Sacha before but now, well you just made things a lot simpler.”

“Rowan, if it is true, which I think it is, that we were both chosen to protect her then there is a very good possibility that you have some form of magic as well. Sacha told me that only a magical being was chosen to raise a dragon. I didn’t believe her at first but now…”

“So you had no idea you could do that?”

“None,” Elara smiled, “Let us return to Sacha. She may know more.”

They left the throne room and headed straight for the dungeon. Elara locked the door behind them then opened the chamber where Sacha slept.

Sacha stirred at the sound of the wall moving, “Elara?”

“Yes, and I have Rowan with me,” the two stepped into the room, “Sacha, has there ever been a case where two were chosen to raise a dragon?”

“Not that I am aware of,” she thought, “however there has always been special people in place to support the chosen one. Rowan, you are one of the people chosen to help Elara.”

“Does Rowan have magic?”

“Step forward Rowan and take my hand.”

Rowan placed his hand on Sacha’s. She looked deeply into his eyes. “Dear Rowan, you have the heart of a warrior, true and noble. Your loyalty and love for your Queen is admirable. I am afraid I see no magic in you, at least not on the surface but there may be a spark deep within. One day something will raise it to the surface and you will have to fight to control it and fight hard you must for if you do not it will destroy you. I sense a deep desire for magic in your heart. Tread carefully where magic is concerned dear friend for magic can be a costly endeavor. It can rob you of your very soul and steal away all that you love.” She turned to Elara, “You would be wise to heed the same warning my Queen for magic, if you are not careful will end up controlling you. You will desire it. If you allow it to gain a foothold you will begin to lust after the power it wields.”

“Sacha,” Elara asked, “Is there a way to assure that it doesn’t control us?”

“Keep your focus on what is truly important in life without magic.”

“How is it for one so young, you are so wise?” Rowan asked.

“Wisdom is born within a dragon’s heart.” Sacha smiled, “Just as love is born within a human heart. When a baby is born it does not need to be taught love for it is born with love. The same applies to dragons, we are born with wisdom and thanks to you two I have also been born with love.”

“I do love you Sacha,” Elara reached out and brushed her cheek.

Two days passed quickly and Sacha grew stronger every day. Along with her physical strength her magic grew stronger by the minute. She spent most of her days teaching Elara how to control and tap into her magical ability. Through their time together they became bound to each other; their magic intertwined. Alone each grew more powerful but together they were a force to be reckoned with.

As morning drew to a close Rowan came to the dungeon to find Elara. “Elara, the scouts are here. They report that Prince Mason will be here within the hour.”

“Wonderful,” Elara replied. “send an envoy to escort him here. Make sure he feels welcome. I will call for you when I am ready to meet with him.”

“Sacha, I will not be able to come to see you as often while he is here,” she reassured her, “but know that if you need me I will be here in an instant. You know how to call me now.”

“Not to worry my Queen, I will be fine. Take care of Prince Mason and do what you must. I will miss you.”

“And I you.”

The Queen went immediately to her chambers and readied herself to meet the Prince. Once she had washed and dressed she headed for the throne room and sent for Rowan to have him bring Prince Mason to see her.

“Are you sure you are ready?” Rowan asked.

“Yes,” she replied, “This is necessary if we are to advance relations with Mardock and assure a peaceful future for our two nations.” She had thought long and hard about whether to share the existence of Sacha with Mason. She decided to keep her secret for the time being and to reveal small hints of magic to Mason to see how he reacted.

Mason arrived and bowed to Queen Elara, “My Lady, thank you for your hospitality. I am quite pleased with the acceptance I have been shown.”

“Mason you have earned my respect and I do not say that lightly. Please, have a seat. I have taken the liberty of arranging for a feast to celebrate what I hope is the beginning of a long friendship.” She clapped her hands and servants entered carrying tray upon tray of the finest Calithorne had to offer. The royal guard followed, each offering their hand in friendship to the Prince.

“I am overwhelmed,” Mason smiled at Elara, “and not just by this profound display of friendship but of your beauty and grace as well.”

“Why Mason, be careful one might think you are making advances.” She grinned.

They enjoyed an evening of food and laughter. When it came time to retire Elara instructed Rowan to show their guest to his quarters, “I trust they will meet with your approval. We shall deal with matters of state in the morning when you have had a good nights rest.”

Elara excused herself and headed straight for the dungeon to check on Sacha. She opened the chamber and Sacha looked up at her and smiled, “I have missed you my Queen.”

“And I you sweet Sacha.”

“How did the meeting go with Prince Mason?”

“Very well,” she grinned, “I think we have impressed him.”

“From your smile I think it was you that impressed him.”

“Sacha, I know that you can see pieces of the future and that nothing is written in stone but can you tell me who will I fall in love with?”

“Love is a dangerous thing my Queen,” she said sheepishly, “You would be wise not to fall in love until your mission is complete otherwise it might be compromised.”

“Tell me this then, should I allow Prince Mason to know of my magic?”

“That is a difficult question. It could go either way. Either he will see it as an asset against the great Arimore or he will fear it. Whichever you decide, tread carefully for how much you hold back is as important as how much you reveal. I would not reveal your entire ability to anyone. The element of surprise may one day save your life and maybe mine.”