The Dragons Egg : XIX : Dungeons of Nor : Maethilda : Draft

XIX

Dungeons of Nor

Maethilda

The great white peaks of the ancient towers of Nor could be seen upon the horizon. The great sea city was basked in an ethereal light, the not only extenuated its beauty but caused all those who looked upon it to feel awe struck. The city was according to scholars one of the oldest in the south and it was for this very reason that its population was the most diverse amongst the southern kingdoms. Men and women from far and wide left their oppressed worlds behind and made for the city, seduced by its democratic system, bustling economy , ancient architecture and rich history. Great scholars, particularly from the largest city in the south, Caci came to Nor to study under the guidance of the great and powerful seerer’s. And pilgrims, inspired by the foot tales of the God’s, believing Summe to be the very first foot print of the God, Ruda, came from across the world, from countries unknown to most and islands far, far away from Summe. The population had increased dramatically in the last ten moons, from around ten thousand citizens to twenty, more so of late due to the raging wars of the north and south. Sitting upon her mare, Art, Maethilda looked on at the great white city, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had visited the city only twice in her life and had heard of the great female warrior, Sile who was not only known for her incredible sword fighting techniques but was also praised for greatness because she was born without sight. She had risen to the top of the military and had her own group of female warriors, she was the inspiration behind Maethilda’s task of putting together her own female group of warriors.

“I never tire of the sight,” Aabe said from close by. “I spent six months under the guidance of the great seerer, Hathom and enjoyed every minute of it. The city is enchanting, mesmerising and so unalike any other city I have ventured too. There is not but one religion but many, and many people who have travelled from across the world, their skin and hair different in colour and texture. I wonder sometimes why my father keeps his distance from the city.”

“Maybe beneath the enchanting exterior, something sinister lies?” Maethilda teased aloud as she lifted her hood and brought it over her head.

“I think it may be in due part because it was were my parents met,” Aabe said seriously. “Or that conflicting theories are given birth within the city walls, theories that test my father’s traditional mind-set.”

“We must learn to progress Aabe, even if it feels wrong in doing so, for how can we evolve if we stay stuck in our places?”

“I am a great believer in change,” Aabe said with a sarcastic smile. “But I am afraid of the small groups and their fanatical ideas, which may prove costly to our people in the future.”

“Sometimes it takes a controversial thread of thought to bring about perspective, wouldn’t you agree?” Maethilda returned with a shrug.

“I suppose so,” Aabe smiled with warmth. “As to our plans, I think we should find lodgings at rest a day before we set out for the dungeons.”

“Do we have time though?” Maethilda said with concern as she tried to control the reins of Art. Aabe turned about and pointed across at the miserable looking companions.

“They have been riding hard with little rest for three days, I think they may very well perish if not allowed to rest for a day,” Aabe said knowingly.

“I suppose your right,” Maethilda said as she smiled across at the gravely angry Mairina, who looked as though bolts of lightning could possibly disperse from her eyes.

“How are you feeling today?” Aabe asked as the group now made their way towards the great bridge of Caun.

“I am fine,” Maethilda lied. She was not fine, when napping her mind was filled with the torturous emotions of drowning and when awake, her body ached with a dull pain from the sheer experience of it. No, she was shaken and due to her stubborn and determined self was unable to speak of it for fear of causing her companions further anxiety. As for Evalean, she too was much quieter than usual and had for much of the journey rode upon Aabe’s stallion, her arms tightly wrapped about him. Maethilda now feared water, and as she drew closer the too entrance of the great bridge, she felt the prickles of anxiety run through her as she looked down the great cliffs towards the wide and rushing river below.

Holding onto the reins of Art tightly, she slowed her mare down until she stopped before the entrance of the bridge. Two guards dressed in silver armour and sea green cloaks stood still with long silver spears by their sides. Behind them, the great statues of sea boats stood tall and defiant. As she edged closer, the guards blocked the entrance with their spears.

“Is the bridge closed?” Maethilda asked as she looked down into their helmeted faces.

“We have been ordered by Anvin to inspect those who cross into the city,” the guard to the left replied, his brown eyes staring up into her face. “My Lord.”

“Why so?” Maethilda returned.

“The city of Ashlouis was attacked two nights past my Lord,” the guard said.

“By who pray?”

“A fleet of five ships from Galgor my Lord.”

“Beon’s forces?”

“Indeed my lord.”

Maethilda turned to Aabe with anxious eyes.

“Did you know?”

“No, no I did not,” Aabe said thoughtfully, Evalean close by. “Good men, what happened to the city?” he asked the guards.

“A great fire broke out my Lord,” the guard responded. “Killing many people.”

“Have the galgorian forces taken the city?”

“No my Lord, they had control over the city for a few hours, but forces were sent north by Anvin and my Lord Tudor. They took back the city and have jailed those found guilty of spying and aiding the enemy,” the guard said, his brown eyes blinking twice. “Are you the Lord Aabe?”

“I am,” Aabe said regally as he brought back his hood and revealed his face to the guards. “And I wish to make for the city with my friends.”

“My Lord,” the guards said unanimously as they instantly fell into a low bow.

“You may rise,” Aabe said with a small smile as he waved the young guards up from their positions upon the ground. Maethilda watched on with mirth, the guards now standing away from the entrance. “I wish for you both to undertake a task for me.”

“Yes my Lord, anything my Lord?”

“I and my friends here are taking part in the games, yet during our journey we have come across a two dozen guards who have been ordered to attack us, now if you should come by men who order you to do exactly the same, I would have you send me a message with their names,” Aabe said sternly. “They are breaking the rules and should be tried for their crimes, for they nearly killed my friends.”

“But my lord, who could order such a thing?” the guard on the right answered in w high pitched voice.

“Those who are bitter and who clearly do not know the rules of the game,” Maethilda intervened loudly.

“I will be sure to send you word my Lord,” the guard upon the left said with another bow.

“Good, now we shall be on our way!” Aabe said as he kicked his stallion into a sprint, followed closely by the rest of the company. It did not take long to cross the bridge and soon they found themselves in the outer parts of the city, which was overflowing with citizens and houses. They air both smelled of the sewers and of freshly baked bread. Dotted in and amongst the heavy mass of crowds were soldiers, poorly dressed in comparison to the guards of whom Maethilda met upon the bridge. Along the main route known as the route of Kings, beautiful flags flew against the gentle breeze, all with the four leaves of Summe printed upon them. The great wall of Nor could be seen now, dotted with great spiralling towers and arched windows. The wall was made up of grey and white stone, which beautifully reflected the old city within. There were only two city gates, and the southern now within Maethilda’s sight was in the shape of an arch and its gates made of iron. The gates were open and when making her way through the gateway, Maethilda looked up at the ceiling of the wall and found herself in awe. Great spikes hung down from the ceiling and animal faces were engraved in between the spikes. The air seemed to change as the group entered the old city, it was somehow cleaner and crisper. Those within the walled city were in comparison to the poorer citizens, gowned in fine silken dressed and robes, many wore the statement white gown of the seerer’s which bore a golden star upon the front. Maethilda looked down among the finely dressed woman, bathed in great diamonds and jewels and found herself wishing to be back in Summe, a city so very different to Nor. Summe was steeped in the natural beauty of the earth and nature whereas Nor was grand and imperial in comparison.

“These woman, they are so pretty,” Evalean said as she rode beside Maethilda. “I look like a common man in comparison.”

“What are fine jewels and dresses to a sword and bow?” Mairina interjected with a scowl. “All my life I have watched these fine women and men walk about as though we were but leafs upon a dying tree. Damn them all!”

“Now, now Mairina, not all of those born into wealth turn out to be stuck up snobs,” Innis said with a laugh. “You cannot help what you are born into. Anyway I know plenty of peasants who are as stuck up as these fine women.”

“To think, that just one of these jewel encrusted necklaces could buy us all an upgrade in swords?” Sabia wined aloud as she drew back her hood. Maethilda noticed a young pair of ladies looking up at them with disdain and remembered why it was that she had only visited the city twice. Of course it was beautiful, mysterious and enchanting, but to women like herself it was also a pit filled with jealousy, overzealous gossip and dark pleasures. The role of men and women were different in Nor, whereas in the outside world the roles of men and women were clear-cut and often mercilessly treated. In Nor, women could have secret liaisons whilst married and men often had more than one wife. She could see the nervousness in Evalean’s eyes as she watched Aabe closely. The city was built upon a great hill which overlooked the ancient ports below to the East and the great country of Summe to the West. About her, beautiful music filled the streets and above her, great towering buildings and forts hung over the city like the great stars above. Everything within Nor was rich and pleasant, the smell of foreign spices and perfumes filled her senses and great array of different colours caused her eyes to widen with wonder. Even the animals varied, with great coloured birds flying overhead with pieces of tied parchment to their feet and great dogs from the north making their way through the crowds with the foreign owners. It was a different world and what intrigued Maethilda the most was that the world within the walls of Nor was one of advancement, not many cities could boast such a wide variety of people, knowledge and culture. Nor was paving the way forward for the next generation and its ideals were a good ten moons ahead of the rest of the world outside. It was a fast moving world built upon the ancient world and Maethilda not only felt pleasure at such a prospect but felt fear too.

“Come I have a friend who will give us room for a few days,” Aabe said as he directed the company away from the main road and off into the great space of plush round houses. The roads beneath them were not of mud or grass but of stone, and as they made their way West through the city and houses, Aabe raised a hand causing the group to come to a halt. “Wait here moment,” he said as he jumped down from his stallion. The house they looked upon was considerably larger than they had ever seen before, it was not only a roundhouse but its centre was square, the front made up of large black column’s. There were several such houses surrounding the one they observed, with at least one or two acers of gardens surrounding them, with beautiful trees that offered the companions shade from the warm sun. It was unlike anything Maethilda had ever seen and made her feel a little disorientated. Statues of the old Gods stood within the confines of the gardens and servants ran to and fro from the round houses. Soon Aabe returned, this time with an elderly man by his side and four servants who ran out to meet the new guests. “Maethilda, Evalean this is my old tutor, Hathom who will give us shelter for two days.”

Maethilda jumped down from Art, stepping out of the way of the young servant who took the reins of her mare.

“I have heard much about you my Lord,” Maethilda said with a smile as she curtsied before the old tutor.

“And I you,” Hathom replied with sparkling green eyes. He was now verging on eighty moons, now leaning upon an old stick for aid. But Maethilda could see beyond his age and appearance, she saw the great mass of acquired knowledge and wisdom within his eyes and found herself curious. Behind her the rest of the company jumped down from the mares, taking their bags and weapons before handing over their tired and exhausted mares to the servants. “Come you must bathe and eat before we talk.” Aabe held out his arm to Evalean, who took it willingly before turning about and following the elderly man up the marbled steps and into the great house before him. Maethilda, still astonished, followed silently, her friends whispering hurriedly under their breathes. Upon entering the house, Maethilda stood still and allowed her eyes to take in the beautifully mosaiced walls, with images of finely dressed women and men taking centre stage. The floor was made up of white tiles and servants stood about the edge of the great entrance hall, dressed in fine gowns, some baring small jugs of laman. As they came to an archway, two corridors opened up to the left and right. “My servants will show you all to your lodgings. Come and find me when you’re ready,” Hathom said with a pleasant smile. Maethilda looked across at Evalean before being guided away from her companions. Suddenly her body felt sore and in deep need of a wash. When she was taken to her room, which was smaller but still as grand, she noticed a small bath built into the ground, close to an arched window and drew in a sigh.

“Do you wish to wash my Lord?” the servant asked, her soft blue eyes nervous.

“Yes,” Maethilda said as she turned about. The servant bowed before leaving the round room. The bed was larger than her own in Summe, and with a groan, she let go of her bags and weapons and made for the freshly made bed and threw herself upon it, boots and all.

*

Maethilda stood before the mirror in the fine clothes that had been brought to her, male attire of course. She had upon her a silver and gold robe that has embroidered upon it the sun and a dozen or so leaves which fell in a spiral to the ground. Upon her head was a thin wreathe of leaves and around her waist a belt of gold. As she looked at herself she felt tears prickle at her eyes. She was never really an admirer of dressing up and was always more comfortable dressed like a boy, but for the first time in a long time, she looked at herself with critical eyes. Her face was sharper and seemed fuller as she traced her features with the tip of her index finger. Her green eyes were rounder, her nose more projected and her lips fuller. Many claimed she was a true beauty when her hair was long and lush, but how they would furrow their brows if they saw her now. Even her long frame seemed thinner and more alike a mans than a women’s. As she furrowed her beautifully arched brows, she heard a knock from the door.

“Maettie it’s me Evalean, may I come in?”

“Of course!”

The arched door opened and in floated Evalean, herself dressed in a fine red gown with a beautiful wreath of flowers upon her pixie hair.

“You look as always beautiful Evie!” Maethilda said with a slight pang of jealousy.

“Do you think? Marina told me off, she said I was letting our whole motto down,” Evalean said with round anxious eyes. “Am I?”

“You know Marina just secretly wishes she could be prancing about in a fine gown with flowers upon her head, but she is too stubborn and too much alike me alas!” Maethilda said with a smile.

“Well you look…well you look…” Evalean frowned as she assessed her friend.

“Like a lord?”

“No! No you look …. Fine.”

“Always the beacon of hope Evie as ever!” Maethilda laughed as she took her friends arm and wound it in her own. “Come before we are late for the feast!”

“Oh Maettie I am so hungry!”

“Me too!”

When the enter the great hall, Maethilda observed the great round table laden with bowls of fruit and meats, great garnishes of flowers and berries and jugs of Laman of which Sabia was most attentive off. Evalean walked away from Maethilda, taking a seat beside the newly attired Aabe who was deep in discussion with Hathom. Maethilda took a seat beside Sabia, who was like the rest of her companions dressed in a fine robe.

“Bloody servant was giving me flirtatious looks!” Sabia said with a roll of her brown eyes. “I mean, I can’t look that masculine, can I?”

“With a pipe in your mouth and laman upon your chin…your guess is as good as mine,” Maethilda smiled as she filled her own plate with fruit and meat. “But for goodness sake Sabia take it easy on the wine please, you really do not want a repeat of what happened in Summe.”

“Oh pisssh, I’m thirsty that is all,” Sabia said with round eyes.

“The last time you found yourself drunk, you not only took off the ear of a young soldier, but you happened to burn down the tavern too!”

“Well anyone that puts candles upon wooden tables which just happen to be within a wooden round house is looking for a fire, I just unfortunately answered all those who questioned such logic,” Sabia said with defiance. Maethilda rolled her eyes and took a gulp of her own laman, aware of Hathom’s eyes upon her.

“My young student has told me compelling stories of your adventures thus far,” he said with kind eyes. “I am sorry however that some of the groups have forgotten their honour!”

“Oh it was to be expected,” Maethilda said with a wave of her hand.

“I don’t suppose you have heard of our very own female warrior, Sile?” Hathom asked as he leaned closer to Maethilda, tresses of his white hair falling upon the wooden table.

“Of course! She is an inspiration and a hero to the likes of myself and my friends,” Maethilda said with pride.

“It is unfortunate that she and her own female followers are away north in Ashlouis, you both would have got on splendidly!”

“I’m sure we would.”

“You know all the men fall at her feet, she is so very beautiful…but you…well Sile she is more inclined to fall upon the feet of others, if you know what I mean?” Hathom said with a wink. Maethilda batted her eyelids.

“No, what do you mean?”

“Well…” Hathom gushed, his grey skin flushed slightly. “She would look upon you favourable I would think…yes, favourably.”

“If you mean what I think you mean then…”

A loud cough alerted Maethilda to Aabe, who was giving her teasing eyes.

“Hathom my old friend, why don’t you tell my companions here about the dungeons, yes?”

“Ah yes the dungeons!” Hathom said with a clap of his hand. “They lie about a league under our very feet and the way to the dungeons is no mean feat!”

“What do you mean?” Maethilda asked with curious eyes.

“Well the ancient script of Caci lies within the dungeons and so people from far and wide have tried and failed to steal it from us,” Hathom said with disgust. “However a very strong intention spell was cast upon the entrance to the dungeons and so it is nigh on impossible to get into.”

“But the flag is within?” Sabia said with alarm. “So how is it possible for us to retrieve it? And what happens if you try to enter?”

“Well the spell will seek out your true intentions and if they are worthy then you may enter, but if they are not…well none have entered the dungeons and returned if you know what I mean.”

A loud groan filed the hall as the pickets looked to one another with strained eyes before turning their gazes on Aabe.

“Well?” Mairina asked the young wizard. “What do we do?”

“Well the probability of you entering the dungeon was greater before my tutor told you of its contents!” Aabe said with a deep sigh, his gaze turning upon Hathom. “Now however the probability is actually zilch. The knowledge of the script is already within your mind, so naturally you may be either consciously or sub consciously curious of it and so you would be rejected.”

“But the other groups? Do they know of this spell?”

“Yes,” Aabe said.

“So how could they possibly retrieve the flag without dying?” Evalean asked with trembling lips. Maethilda watched as Aabe put a hand upon Evelina’s.

“They will have sought out an ignorant peasant who knows nothing of the script,” Aabe said in reply.

“Well if it is that easy to get in how is it that everyone before us hasn’t used that form of deceit before?” Maethilda asked Hathom with stern eyes.

“They have,” Hathom said innocently. “But you see it isn’t as easy as just entering and returning with the script, no there are more cunning and devious traps at the ready.”

“Like what?” Maethilda replied breathlessly.

“Mummified soldiers for one,” Aabe intervened.

“And a trained dragon for two,” Hathom ended.

“We are fu…” Innis was about to say before Maethilda raised a hand.

“Is there even any point to us being here?” she said angrily. “Or have we just wasted precious time.”

“You wouldn’t think that I would allow you to enter the dungeon without aid now do you?” Aabe said with a knowing gaze. “I will go with whoever wishes to retrieve the flag and aid you along the way.” The gazes of the pickets turned suddenly to Maethilda.

“Are we forgetting that I retrieved the last flag whilst nearly dying?” she said with her hands raised.

“Maettie you’re strong and though we are too, you have more courage than us and you and Aabe work well together,” Evalean said with a smile.

“These games were meant to test us as a company not just me,” Maethilda argued hotly.

“Well I agree!” Innis said with a defiant gaze. “I say we all together or not at all.”

Another silence filled the hall before Marina stood up from her chair.

“Innis is for the first time right, we are all in this together and so it seems only right that we take part in the games as one.”

Maethilda looked to the others.

“If I’m going to be burnt then why not by a dragon,” Sabia said as she raised her goblet into the air before her. “What a legacy to leave behind to all future intruders of said dungeon.” Everyone’s gaze fell to Evalean. Maethilda could sense the caution in Aabe’s eyes.

“I’m not very well being left behind, where would the fun be in that?” she said with a wide smile, much to Aabe’s annoyance.

“Well then we rest today and make for the dungeons tomorrow,” Maethilda said as they all raised their goblets in a toast to each other.

*

The company stood in fearful silence before the entrance to the stairwell in which the dungeons of Nor lay beneath. It had been a long night for Maethilda, who was unable to sleep, her mind filled with several varying scenarios of today’s task. Dressed in her normal everyday clothes, her sword within its sheath and her dagger within another, she looked to Aabe, who was also dressed practically for the day ahead.

“Well what’s you plan?”

“You may not like what I have to say,” Aabe said as he turned to the group of women, all of whom had their hands upon their hips, their steady gazes upon the somewhat nervous wizard.

“Try us,” Innis dared with a flick of smile. Aabe gulped anxiously, looking down into Evalean’s face for comfort, yet he found nothing but wide round eyes.

“You remember that only those who do not know of the script can enter yes?” he asked the women.

“Uh huh,” they replied unamiously.

“Right well the only way for us to get through the entrance is if we let’s say figuratively,” Aabe placed the tip of his index finger upon his chin and looked up at the ceiling wisely. “If we remove the memory of last night in which we all found out about the script and its whereabouts.”

“Is that even possible?” Marini asked aloud as she ran her long fingers through her hair.

“Yes, yes it is,” Aabe said, taking something out of his pocket. In his hand was an hourglass which was upon quiet a large chain. “It is an old and tried method and only works for short periods of time, and should be averted as much as possible. However in time of need it can not only take you back to a specific time in your past, it can eliminate certain memories.”

“How does it work?” Sabia asked as she stepped forward to take a better look at the instrument.

“I will put the chain about all of us and then you must go back to the memory and hold onto it, I will then turn the hourglass twice,” Aabe said as he began to place the chain about the company.

“You’re sure it will work?” Sabia asked as she and the rest of the company formed a small circle.

“How will we know it’s worked?” Maethilda asked.

“I have here a piece of parchment with a few pointers written down,” Aabe smiled. “Now close your eyes and find the memory when you have I need you all to tell me that you’re ready.”

“Wait, will we remember the dragon and mummified soldiers?” Innis asked quickly.

“Don’t worry about that, I have it all written down,” Aabe said with assurance. “Now on the count of three. One…two…three.”

Together the company voiced their readiness and with two clean turns, the hourglass spun, the members of the group keeping their eyes closed. Standing with her feet inched inwards, Maethilda felt a strange breeze cross her body and felt herself float for a mere second before the air returned to normal. A little dazed, she opened her eyes and the rest of the members a little disorientated.

“How do you all feel?” Aabe asked aloud as he took out a piece of parchment.

“A little strange,” Maethilda said under her breathe, he eyes on Aabe who was now standing away from the group. “What are you doing?”

“I have more memories than you, so I need to get rid of them alone,” he said with a wave of his hand.

“What memories?” Evalean asked aloud, her eyes dazed.

“Never mind, just wait a moment,” Aabe said as he turned away from the women. Maethilda watched her friend, wondering what he was trying to rid his memory of and unsure of what exactly she had rid her own memory of. After a moment of two, Aabe turned to the group and took off the hourglass and put it away in his pocket again, brining for a small sheet of parchment. “Let’s go shall we?” With a wave of his hand the stairwell door opened and the group entered quietly, passing by Aabe who waved his hand over the door again, closing it tightly behind him.

“Its bloody dark down here,” Sabia said aloud as she held onto the railing firmly, steeping down the steep stairwell slowly behind Maethilda.

“Don’t worry,” Aabe said as he produced a small glass stone and whispered over it, a great beam of warm light filling the narrow stairwell.

“Always one to surprise us,” Evalean said gently as she descended down the stairs alongside Aabe.

“How long will it take us to reach the dungeons?” Innis asked as she drew forth her sword.

“About half an hour I would think,” Maethilda said in response, her heavy boots making a strange noise. It indeed was a long way down and the group quickly exhausted by the descent, made to take a break twice before reaching the dungeons. Breathing heavily, strands of short hair falling across her face, Maethilda looked up at the large arched doorway and let her hands rest upon her hips. “It’s too simple,” she whispered aloud. “To just wonder in without being put to the test.”

“You will be put to the test,” Aabe said as he stood beside her. “Inside lies at least a dozen mummified soldiers and a dragon according to my notes.”

“A dragon? Down here?” Maethilda said in shocked awe. “I mean that’s barbaric, don’t you think?”

“A dragon would only be down here if it were guarding something precious and secret,” Aabe said as he stepped forwards. Maethilda frowned as he turned to the group. “We must be quiet and vigilant, keep your swords and bows at the ready, what we will face in here will be beyond anything you have faced before.”

“How exactly can a sword take out a mummified soldier?” Sabia asked with a groan.

“It cannot,” Aabe said as he brought forth a small bottle from his satchel. “Which is why I will be putting a special ointment upon your swords and the tips of your arrows.”

“What kind of ointment?” Evalean asked eagerly as she brought forth her bag of arrows.

“It is made of a poisonous plant known as argnal,” Aabe said as he opened the bottle and poured its contents upon a cloth. Maethilda twitched her nose.

“That smells like death!” she said, tilting her head away.

“How strange,” Aabe said as he began to wash the blades of the swords carefully. “Most people can smell nothing, yet you can.”

“Oh,” Maethilda said with a raised brow.

“Please make sure to not touch your swords or arrows, this will kill you instantly,” Aabe said. “If we make it out of here alive, you will have to get rid of your blades unfortunately.”

“But Aabe, these were given to us on our name days!” Marina argued hotly as he took her blade from the wizard.

“I’m sorry, it is the only way,” Aabe said apologetically.

“We will find new blades,” Maethilda said with a smile as she placed a hand upon her friends back. When Aabe was finished, he put the bottle away and stood before the door.

“It should open willingly,” he said, the piece of parchment in his left hand. With a gentle push, the door sprang open and Aabe walked forward into the darkness. For a moment, the women stood together closely and awaited his confirmation.

“Aabe are you there?” Evalean asked nervously.

“It’s quite safe!” came Aabe’s reply as he stepped forth from the darkness, bringing out the small glass ball. “Come on, we have little time.”

Anxiously Maethilda, Evalean, Innis, Sabia and Marini stepped under the archway and entered the dark dungeons, now alit with Aabe’s glass ball. There weapons at the ready, Maethilda looked about the great space which was filled with a great many treasures. Unusually the ceilings were very high, with wide buttressed scattered across the dungeon. Along the edge of the dungeon were small cells, all of which were protected with iron gates. Curiosity taking a hold of her, Maethilda walked over to the nearest cell and looked inside. It was bare but for a single stone table which had upon it a crown. Maethilda let her hands fall upon the iron bars as she strained her eyes to get a better look. It was small, and upon it were golden flowers and silver thorns. Maethilda felt an odd connection to the small crown.

“Maettie, come on, we cannot linger,” Aabe said into her ear.

“Whose crown is that?” Maethilda asked quietly to her friend as they walked away and joined the rest of the group.

“It is the crown of Caci,” Aabe said seriously.

“Why is it here?” Maethilda said under her breathe as they moved deeper into the dungeon.

“Anvin took it from the High King and promised to keep it safe until Celestine’s return,” Aabe said as he searched the area with keen eyes.

“Oh.”

Aabe held up a hand as they came to what seemed to be the centre of the dungeon. It was empty but for another tall circular stone table which lay in the centre.

“Aabe what is that on the ground?” Evalean whispered with terror as she backed away slightly.

“That is a dragon,” Aabe said under his breathe.

“Mummified soldiers I can bare but a dragon,” Maethilda said as she grabbed Aabe’s arm. “How do you rectify this?”

“Listen the flag is upon that rather large book, which lies within the centre of the sleeping dragon,” Aabe said as he blinked his eyes.

“Where are the soldiers?” Innis said as she readied herself for an attack.

“I have no idea,” Aabe said with a shrug.

“I think I do,” Sabia said as she patted Maethilda rather harshly on the shoulder, forcing Maethilda to turn away from the dragon and face the two rows of standing soldiers, all of which looked like human bodies made up of dust, their swords ancient and their shields at the ready.

“Aabe…answers now!”

“Keep your voice down!” Aabe said severely as he turned about. “I need you and the rest of the company to focus on the soldiers, I will focus on the dragon and whatever you do, run if I say! Do you understand?”

“I thought you had this figured out?” Evalean cried out as she took Aabe by the arms.

“I do, I just need you and the others to follow my orders,” Aabe said calmly. “Once you initiate an attack with the soldiers this dragon will awaken and when it does, only I can stand a chance against it.”

“How did Anvin think this was a good idea?” Marina stated with a groan.

“It wasn’t his idea,” Aabe said.

“Then whose was it?” Maethilda asked.

“It’s better not to say at present,” Aabe declared as he carefully stepped forward. Maethilda watched as he walked away calmly, leaving herself and her friends alone with the mummified soldiers, who were now hissing at them with vengeance.

“Right, there are about two dozen, Evalean now is the time for your arrows!” Maethilda ordered her company as they prepared themselves. “We need to be focused and calm, make every shot count, understand?”

“Aye,” the company replied as Evalean shot an arrow through the air and took out one of the soldiers who stood upon the edge of his group. As soon as the arrow had been released, chaos erupted about Maethilda. With focused eyes, she began to dance about the ground, her sword meeting her enemies. It amazed her the strength of the mummies as she cried out and made quite daring leaps into the air. Her arms still sore after the incident in the sea, she wielded her sword with strength and determination, slaying each opponent that turned upon her. In the background an enormous growl forced the company to the ground, including the soldiers. Picking herself up, Maethilda turned about and cried out with fear. The great green dragon, its piercing yellow eyes now open, swung about it lengthy tail and knocked Aabe to the wall. Still on the ground, Maethilda watched on with sheer terror as Evalean turned her arrows upon the dragon, trying to give Aabe time in which to re-focus.

“That’s it Evie! Keep the beast distracted!” Maethilda commanded as she got to her feet once more and swung her sword high up in the air, slashing it down into her opponents dust riddled body.

“It’s not a beast!” Evalean cried out as she quickly shot another arrow through the air. “It’s a dragon and it didn’t choose to be so beastly!”

“Now isn’t quite the time for hysterics and animal cruelty lectures Evie!” Maethilda said as she leapt atop a soldier and floored it, piercing its chest with the tip of her sword.

“Hurry up Maettie!” Sabia called out as a great flame of fire flashed across the air above.

“Shit!” Maethilda swore as she caught the neck of a soldier and dragged it across the ground before Innis, who pierced him in the eye with her blade.

“Three to go!” Innis said with a wild smile. “God the rush!”

“Have you looked behind you yet?” Maethilda enquired as she threw her sword into the face of a stray soldier.

“I’d rather leave that to you guys for now, I will contemplate my death in a minute,” Innis returned as she began to plummet her opponent with her elbows. Picking up her sword, Maethilda pierced the last surviving soldier and kicked it to the ground. The high pitched growls from the dragon put the fear of the God’s in her as she turned to face the great green beast, who was spuming fire without much concentration.

“How to tackle a dragon lesson one,” Mairina said as she stood beside Maethilda, wiping her face which was now drenched in sweat.

“If we try to distract it from Aabe, then he may have a chance to get the flag,” Maethilda said as she watched Aabe tackle the dragon with his magic.

“Good idea,” Innis said. “Apart from the fact that we are clearly initiating a suicide pact.”

“For god’s sake Innis stop being so morbid!” Sabia said, her eyes still wild and daring. “Let’s show this dragon a good time!”

“Aabe can you hear me?” Maethilda called out.

“What is it?” Aabe shouted aloud, his hands twisted before him as she danced wildly with the dragon.

“We are going to try and distract the dragon, it should give you enough time in which to get the flag!”

“How will you do that?” Aabe called out, turning his eyes slightly to Maethilda.

“Well, well…”

“Good point really,” Innis said with a shrug. “I mean in comparison to another dragon we are like flies.”

“Noise!” Marina said with a flicker of brilliance.

“Yes, why didn’t I think of that?” Maethilda smiled. Mairina ran off into and found a rather large goblet and with the tip of her sword began to tap the goblet roughly, a high pitched noise protruding into the air.

“Innis run to the door and make sure it is open when we flee!” Maethilda ordered quickly as the dragon suddenly turned away from Aabe and squinted its yellow eyes. “Now Aabe now!”

Tapping the goblet mercilessly, Marina, Sabia and Maethilda ran in the opposite direction from Aabe, the dragon following suite.

“Oh shit! How can it live with that amount of heat inside its belly?” Sabia cried out as they hid behind a buttress. “I mean god that likes being eternally constipated!”

“For flips sake Sabia!” Marinia laughed with terror. “Fire for dragons is like air for us humans!”

“I know that but God just imagine it!” Sabia said in return as they all jumped away from the buttress and ran wildly towards the next, the dragon all the while following angrily.

“Aabe have you got the flag?” Maethilda cried out, her head cautiously peeping away from the wall. Across the dungeon, Aabe was retrieving the flag whilst Evalean still focused on piercing the impenetrable skin of the dragon.

“I have it!” Aabe cried out with relief.

“Great now everyone try to make for the door!” Maethilda ordered. Together Maethilda, Sabia and Marina made for the door, dropping the goblet along the way. Near to the door, Aabe and Evalean joined them whilst behind the dragon cried out again.

“Hurry!” Innis screamed as a great flame of fire covered the articles of treasure, close to where the company were located. With fervorant determination, Maethilda forced herself through the doorway until she hit the wall and fell back onto the ground with a thud. Rubbing her head carefully she looked around and with relief found that the door had been closed. Everyone fell to the ground in exhaustion, their clothes covered in ash and singed around the edges. Coughing wildly, Maethilda crawled over to Aabe and noticed the flag in his hand.

“You did it!” she said with a compassionate smile.

“Remind me to never fight with a dragon again!” Aabe said with bated breathe.

“I can’t promise you that…but I will try in earnest to aid you in steering clear from any dragons in the near future,” Maethilda smiled.

“That’s enough for me,” Aabe said as he handed over the flag.

“Two flags!” Innis said with merriment. “And a dragon! You can’t ask for anything more really?”

“Now we need to race to Ashlouis and claim the last two!” Evalean said as she wrapped her arms about Aabe and rested her head against his.

“I can’t believe what has just happened!” Sabia said as they began to make their way up the stairwell, all well and truly exhausted and thoroughly covered in ash.

“I think a few jugs of the finest laman is only befitting of our endeavours!” Marini said with gladness as she slapped Maethilda’s shoulder with pride.

“Ha! You can think twice pickets, we rest and we leave as soon as the sun rises,” she ordered, hearing the groans from behind.

“You’re such a kill joy Maettie,” Innis growled.

“And you burned down a tavern!” Maethilda laughed.

“Why do you always bring that up?”

“Because it still shocks us to the core, that’s why!”

*

The house was quiet when Maethilda arose from her restless sleep and pulled on a heavy fur cloak. The flag was safely put away with the first and certain that both were safe, Maethilda exited her room and wandered along the dark corridors. Without much thought of direction, Maethilda found herself outside, and with surprise found Aabe standing quite alone, his eyes upon the sky above.

“Have you noticed the sudden shift too?” Maethilda said aloud as she came to stand beside him, her arms folded.

“You noticed?” Aabe said seriously, his eyes turning to her with concern.

“Aabe, they tried to bar me from the astronomy tower when I was only eleven moons old!” Maethilda smiled warmly. “My affiliation with the stars is long and deep.”

“I know,” Aabe said with a nod.

“They are aligning quicker than assumed, should we be worried?” Maethilda asked softly, the cool breeze causing her bare skin to chill.

“I would be a fool to lie to you Maettie,” Aabe said quietly. “I am worried.”

“If my assumptions are right, then the stars will align within days and not weeks. We don’t have days to secure the island from an attack, even with a few weeks our defences are still too weak.”

“I know,” Aabe said with a sigh. “My father is trying to speed the situation as much as possible, but I am afraid that you are right. We will not be strong enough to fend off a great fleet of ships.”

“Do you know how many ships Beon has?”

“Reports have come to us, they speak of around a hundred ships that are ready to sail,” Aabe replied heavily.

“God Aabe, what are we to do? How are we to protect this woman and save our people too?”

“Our mission is to protect Celestine, it is for the rest of my father’s forces to protect the people of this island.”

“But...”

Aabe raised a hand.

“You cannot protect everyone Maethilda, and don’t undermine the strength of our hardy people,” Aabe said with a smile. “They are strong and will not willingly hand this island and their lives away without a good fight.”

“Where are we to bring Celestine?”

“My father thinks we should keep her in Summe, but I don’t agree with his plan,” Aabe said with a shake of his head as he ran his fingers through his dark locks. “I think we should keep her isolated from any direct towns, cities or villages that Beon may know of.”

“Do you have a particular place in mind?”

“I have given thought to perhaps using a small ship and sailing it east across the sea, far enough away from the war in order to protect Celestine,” Aabe said with a furrowed brow. “I know it is a bit radical, but the King has written to my father explaining a plan, in which all the heads of the clans and tribes are to meet at Tavan in the north. If we can get Celestine and the rest of our company on a ship, we can sail east and then north, passing by Beon’s fleets.”

“Were would we sail from?” Maethilda asked as she was deep in thought.

“I’m not sure yet, it depends entirely on where Celestine falls,” Aabe said as he turned his eyes once more upon the night sky above where the three stars of Ungilith, Maglorn and Zuenaye shone brightly.

“It is strange, how our fates are so entwined the fate of another, who is at this moment on the other side of the universe,” Maethilda said in awe. “It frightens me that we are placing all of our hope on this one woman.”

“She is more than a woman Maethilda,” Aabe said with a frown. “She is the granddaughter of Heiden and the future of the universe lies within her hands.”

“Let us pray that she does not betray us.”

“She won’t,” Aabe said.

“How do you know?”

“I have a feeling,” Aabe said as he placed an arm about Maethilda. “She will surprise you Maettie and you will surprise her.”


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