The sun was just above the horizon when he spoke. His voice softly interrupted me through my trance.
I see Ignant. He said without breaking stride. I forced my eyes open to see where.
They were still in their studies, last we saw them.
They must be on a task. I furrowed my brow, glancing at the sinking sun to our right. Where are we? My muscles stretched at the prospect of walking again.
Nearing Ceunon. Are we sleeping inside the gates? He asked. I continued watching Ignant fly above the trading town; her orange scales glimmering with a reddish hue from the horizon behind her. She caught sight of us and flew lower to the city, before turning to meet us. I could only assume her Shur'tugal was on the ground. My stomach leapt as Maelorum tucked in his own wings to match her while they flew towards each other.
It had been over 20 years since I had seen another dragon besides Maelorum. My eyes couldn't help but stare with newfound appreciation. Ignant and her rider, Laudra, had been much smaller than the dragon before me. But the dragoness's movements were so undeniably hers, that there was no mistaking her identity.
Once she approached close enough for us to communicate, I reached for the spike in front of me before Maelorum broke his flight to stop. His head shook in greeting as the two lightly circled each other in friendly greeting. I leaned forward as his belly faced her; my saddle awkwardly vertical to the ground. After another moment, I was able to sit up again and speak with the young dragon in front of us.
Ignant, before you and I greet properly, would you mind if we spoke on the ground? Maelorum and I have been traveling all day and I'm sure he could use the respite. I suggested. Without another word, she faced the ground and we followed. Ignant was less than 40 years old, and held half his size. However, he was smaller than most other dragons his age, rivaled a dragon no older than 100. Ignant flew gracefully downward, as if to impress. Maelorum flew with effectiveness, conserving his energy at the cost of speed. He landed softly on the dense grass a few seconds after her.
I jumped down from the saddle gratefully and spoke again. She bowed her head as we greeted in my kin's tradition. I began our conversation in my mother tongue.
"I see your apprenticeship is progressing." I smiled pleasantly and her eyes turned from Maelorum to mine. Her happy humming did not go unnoticed.
It is, Ebrithil. Are you planning on visiting Ceunon? Laudra would enjoy your company. I faked another smile and replied.
"I could benefit from a night in a good bed. How long will you two stay?" Maelorum caught sight of a specific holder on Ignant's saddle. They were transporting an egg.
I do not know. We only arrived this afternoon from Iliria. Her golden eyes watched me as I turned back to Maelorum. My own stomach clawed at me from hunger as his did. Without a physical signal, he left to his own devices. I kept my attention on him as he flew away; his dark form already beginning to blend into the darkening horizon. Ignant dug her talons into the ground, torn between joining him or staying to converse with me. Maelorum's teachings with Ignant as she was a hatchling crossed into my mind and I couldn't help my smile.
"If Laudra is not with duty, perhaps I could speak with her over a proper meal?" I asked. She bowed politely and replied once more.
I will ask, Ebrithil. Before turning her head, she ruffled her wings. I can fly you to the city, if you wish. I showed deliberation, though I had no intent on accepting her kind offer.
"I'd like to gather my thoughts before reaching the city." I signaled my farewell, and she walked a few paces toward the last light before taking to the sky. However difficult, Maelorum was within my mental reach. He was already tracking his meal in the nearby forests when I gently nudged him.
If you feel inclined to save me from the horrors of conversation, I would be grateful. I pleaded, already making my way to the city through the brush. His response was only the happiness he felt at my reintroduction to another rider. I spent little time ignoring the pang of nervousness I felt at being around people again. Our exile had been a long and hard journey. Years came and left as we roamed the mountains, forests, explored, studied. My only regret was not having my kin to keep me company.
My feet became impossibly heavier the closer I edged to the gates. My eyes easily made out the lanterns that were still being lit. The structures of civilization felt foreign to me, and I hurriedly remembered what I could about Ceunon. It was a river-side town, humans occupying it. However, it was the closest to any elven city, and many of the structures echoed that fact. Vines clung to the walls of the outside gates, fields of unrestrained weeds grew outside, and the wood used in the building was dark, providing a calming compliment to the nearby vegitation. However, the unmistakeable scent of burning firewood and oils was already invading my nose.
Two soldiers in their usual garb conversed quietly in the growing darkness as I approached from the dense field. One was obviously a new recruit, as he swung his sword in a fanciful motion, fighting an invisible enemy; albeit clumsily. I walked toward them, making no attempt to hide myself.
The more experienced guard remained sitting but caught sight of me first. He immediately sat up and cleared his throat to alert his comrade. The recruit turned away from me just in time to miss my form, as well as not hear the warning. The sitting man opened his mouth to speak up to me but was interrupted before he could begin. The words seemed foreign to me as I hid my accent.
"If you're going to practice out here, you should at least keep your attention where it should be." He jumped in surprise before instinctively raising the weapon in his defense, and his partner struggled to keep his composure. "All it takes is a determined man to attack you from the shadows." I lectured, looking to the dense brush to my right. The younger followed my gaze for a moment before looking back to me. The soldier behind him stood, keeping his hand on the hilt of his sword in an authoritative stance. My travel-worn form shows no signs of aggression, but he was smart to remain cautious.
"And what's yer business here in Ceunon, stranger?" He asked. The younger lowered his arms slightly as the weight of his sword tired him. He managed to keep it held, however. I showed my hands briefly, loosening my gloves slowly as I continued in his tongue.
"I am Radi Argetlam. My business is passage into Ceunon to meet with my fellow rider. She is expecting me." I punctuated my statement by unveiling the slight shimmer of my rider's mark. All suspicion escaped them as they bowed in respect. The younger man immediately dropped his weapon. It created a dull thump as it displaced loose dirt.
I walked forward and reached for it. He made to pick it up, but stopped himself quickly, not knowing what to do. I held it as I walked to the gate. The younger soldier followed after me and the more experienced one hastily opened a door behind him. I looked behind me to the recruit with a false smirk; holding his sword by the blade. I felt disgust more so than humor. Yet another reason why I disliked their kind. Humans inherently lacked discipline. It was not my place to cause insult, so I held my tongue.
"By all means, continue entertaining the shadows." With that, I walked through the door to leave the two and their duties. The door closed and they gossiped about our encounter quietly. The city's buildings were taller than the trees outside of Du Weldenvarden, much to my slight comfort and discomfort. I preferred the lush canopies of my youth, not the lifeless trees that the humans built. The sounds of laughter and overwhelming stench of people barraged my senses. Merchants and peddlers cried out, hoping to find a customer. Citizens and guests busily made their way through the crowds.
My boots lazily kissed the worn path I walked over, and the cheers of a crowd I could not yet see praised and spoke of Ignant's scales. Before reaching the end of the road, I pulled my hair over my ears and raised my hood. My previous encounters with humans told me that despite the elven features of my face, the lack of pointed ears told them I was human. I clenched my teeth in unresolved anger as memories flashed behind my eyes. They had done this to me, and it took every ounce of restraint in me to not punish the men, women, and children around me. Even if these individuals were not the ones who did this to me, I know in my heart that they still have the capacity to commit such horrible acts; given the opportunity and motivation.
Bodies fought for room as the humans gawked and asked Ignant questions. My own eyes lingered on the pale spikes on her back as she was bombarded by children. Her neck swiveled back and forth, making sure none fell. My arms gently pushed outward as I made my way through. Few people pushed back, and those who did were met with my unmovable form. Ignant caught sight of me and stopped her playfulness to slap her jaw shut. The air tensed at the sound, and parents pulled their offspring down from their perches.
Ignant walked toward me and the people moved out of her way. I bowed my head lower to keep my face hidden from the onlookers. She escorted me to the town hall. With my identity hidden, whispers began as people guessed. When we reached to door, the guards motioned for me to reveal myself, causing me to sigh with a soft smile.
They bowed and hastily opened the door. Another pattern I noticed, was the rushing humans were inclined to after greeting. Once all parties meet, business must be dealt with. The cool air melded into the hearth of Ceunon's main hall. Several Lords and Ladies turned to me and a renewed excitement rose.
Ignant pulled her head out of the hall, allowing the guards to close the doors once again. I quickly scanned the room in search of Laudra. Slowly, I met with a few enthusiastic Lords on my way to her. None of them had met me before, and the excitement of that knowledge was the only thing that kept me conversing formally with them. I was explaining Maelorum's absence to one man before I heard Laudra greet me from behind in her usually happy fashion.
"Kvetha, ebrithil!" She cried. I smiled through my facade. I could feel hunger gnawing at my stomach in tune.
"Kvetha, Laudra. It's been too long." I replied in my more natural accent. A few waiting nobles left us to our privacy, while a couple hovered at a respectful distance for us to finish.
"Aye, it has. How was your 'adventure'?" She asked with her gums almost showing. I shrugged and lied.
"Dull. I missed the excitement of being around other Shur'tugal," I glanced around before continuing, "including the excellent food that accompanies the conversations." She winked and held her hand out for me to take and follow her. I glanced at the gesture and began walking. As smooth as she could, she let her hand fall and led the way. I had never shared a touch with her since she first became a rider, but that never stopped her from trying to affectionately offer a handshake or hug. After a moment of silence, I spoke up again, "How long will you be presenting the egg here?" I asked. Surprise flashed across her face before she hid it.
"Oh, we're expected to be here until a fortnight. There's an issue with a local dispute as well, so it's a bit more than just presenting the egg." She busied her eyes while pointing to our right up ahead where the hall branched. Her steps slowed as she followed my lead to the more quiet room. A woman was already setting a table for a few members. The hall was large, but mostly empty save the women making it presentable to the humans. The table itself was nothing special, but the decorations on it was meant to show a sense of grandeur to the lords and ladies dining shortly.
I nodded in acknowledgement and she rushed to make room for my place. No one had arrived yet, likely socializing in the hall. I walked around the table, waiting for Laudra to explain the set-up. As though I had spoken, she smiled as she helped the woman prepare.
"Ignant and I arrived earlier this afternoon, so the Lords are preparing a small feast. Lord Ausric is preparing for a place for us to stay. You'd be welcome to share a room with me, if you'd like." She offered. My eyes glanced at her, just as my heart spoke.
Inside the walls, then? He questioned softly. I looked down in contemplation and replied.
I'm willing to trade comfort for solitude. I thought. He sent me a wave of acceptance, though I sensed an undertone of relief. I blinked back to the rider in front of me, responding after my conversation with Maelorum.
"I think I will spend the night with Maelorum. I would, however, gladly accept a wash… and more appropriate attire." I let my voice sing a little, adding a tone of humor at the end. She smiled and nodded.
"You should have time for one before the food is brought out." I thanked her, and waited for the maiden to finish her immediate duty so I could clean myself. In the bath, Maelorum interrupted my singing. Ignant and I are outside the hall. The folk are curious about you.
I stood, drying myself off. We will eat shortly. Can you keep them entertained until we finish? I asked. His sight brushed over my own vision, my eyes glazed over to see the beauty. Children jumped over his tail, awkwardly stepping on it. He didn't feel any pain from it, but wasn't all too comfortable about being trampled over. On several occasions he flicked it slightly, just enough for them to notice, but not so harshly as to frighten them. A smile crossed my face.
Tell them to stop, then. His snort was met with laughter from the crowd.
You know I swore never to converse with humans. My vision returned to what was in front of me. I sighed, suddenly hearing footsteps just outside the door. Their owner jumped as I glanced over. The door shut quickly, a young man behind it. He reopened it to display the clothes I had requested, making sure to keep his body out of my line of site. I could feel his embarrassment through the door.
"I'm so sorry, Argetlam. I'm to tell you the food is being placed." His voice shook, obviously frightened from me catching him. I casually made my way to the door and grabbed the clothes from him. My jaw clenched at his unintentional rudeness, but my voice remained untempered.
"I will be there shortly." I answered. He rushed away, and I put my clothes on. I was still angry when I entered the dining room, despite my aloof appearance. Half a dozen lords, with their sons, and wives on either side of them lined the sides, with the town's leader at one end and a spot for me at the other. Ignant was to sit on my right, with a diplomat on my left, likely to fill me in on what was happening.
The room burst into cheers, with one exception. A young man with a blushed face and lowered head. He clapped, but only enough to seem normal. My anger turned slowly turned to humor at his demeanor.
When I sat at the table, the high lord stood, and toasted to the riders present. At my name, several lords widened their eyes at the knowledge. Laudra merely smiled at me in friendship. I bowed my head, raising my own cup. I smelled it before drinking, preparing myself for the mead.
Servants walked from behind everyone and, at the highlord's command, lifted the covers from our plates. Green covered mine and Laudra's platter except for the meat beside my own salad. Laudra immediately saw the difference, making to speak up about elvish diet. I subtly motioned for her to not say anything, smiling at our host.
"Thank you for the food, and for your hospitality, Lord Ausric." He grinned and sat back down, everyone beginning their meal. I started with my meat, first cutting it into small bites in case someone struck a conversation with me. My preparation paid off, as the diplomat spoke first through his bread.
"Ebrithil Radi, this is quite the pleasant surprise. Is there a reason for your visit? Have you spoken to the council yet?" Crumbs stuck to his beard, despite his attempts to keep it clean. Laudra leaned forward for my reply. I finished my mouthful of pheasant before replying.
"I have not. Maelorum and I are returning from the north. It's been too long since we've visited, and when we saw Ignant, we thought we'd stop for a visit. I was told there is some commotion nearby?" I asked, diverting the questioning towards him. Laudra watched me incredulously as I prepared another piece of meat on my plate. I was used to the staring, being one of the very few of my race to accept meat.
"Ah, yes… a traveler, from eastern Surda has just come back from his yearly exploits down there. He's speaking of some very odd creatures. Humanoid in appearance able to change into a wolf. I've heard of werecats, but something about his story just doesn't seem right. He's petitioning Lord Ausric to ask the riders to kill them." He made a disapproving face and swallowed some mead, continuing. "Won't stop frightening the townsfolk. He's got influence, though, so it's difficult to keep him quiet."
I nodded, having dealt with fears with urgals and kull before. I glanced at Laudra before asking him my own question. She looked at me and back down at her food, hiding something. I noted it, speaking.
"And why haven't the riders already managed the situation? Why are they allowing the man to escalate?" My tone turned harsh, and he looked down submissively.
"Because they found no evidence of such creatures existing. Laudra was sent here to bring him to Iliria." He admitted. I took a bite, glaring at my salad. If he was to be taken there, the elves would question him, likely to the point of madness, where he would be either executed or killed upon returning here. People would rather silence a madman than listen to his tales.
"I will contact the council. Perhaps a trip to Iliria will be unnecessary." I put my utensil on the platter, my small stomach full. Laudra looked to me in relief, changing the subject.
"You've missed a lot in your absence. Three new riders have been chosen. One pearl, another the color of sapphire, and another of ruby. An elf, and two young boys. I've only met one of the boys. Master Oromis is taking them under his instruction." I smiled slightly at the news.
"He always was intrigued by your kind." I replied. She seemed confused.
"I thought he didn't teach you?" She cleaned her face one last time, shifting her shoulders to me slightly. My smile faded as I looked forward.
"Though I was not his student, he has taught me many things," I paused and looked to her, "including how to interact with the likes of your kind." She smiled and drank from her cup. Across the table, plates were still half-full, with their owners joyously conversing with each other. My eyes wandered to my own, as my thoughts turned to Maelorum. His mood seemed better, as he watched a tailor sew fabric.
His fascination turned to happiness as the tailor was somehow unaware of being watched by the dragon.
Having fun? I asked.
Indeed. I believe she's making a blanket. It looks almost finished. On it are flowers, with vines. You should come see. His mind silently prodded, and I blinked back to my salad.
I cleared my throat, getting the attention of the two next to me. A pang of caution struck my spine. It took me a split second to realize it came from Maelorum. I sharply turned my head to his direction, causing Laudra to become nervous.
I listened for the footfalls, putting the background noise out of my head. Maelorum's attention was to an alley just outside the hall. His head was raised just enough for the tailor next to him to screech in surprise. The room went quiet at the noise, and Laudra seemed to be focusing on keeping them calm. What she said blurred as I ignored her words.
With my left hand, I picked up a dining knife as I stood and walked calmly to the door. There was hesitation behind the door, and I grew poised for defense. The wood flew open, and my makeshift dagger whistled through the air until it stopped just before flesh. My potential victim gasped in surprise, his own weapon falling to the floor immediately. My eyes met with his own taut expression.
The only words he could manage were as loud as whispers. "They, they do. I saw it. I'm not lying. I'm not lying… Please," His whispering turned to frantic crying as tears welled in his eyes and he continued, "I-I'm not. I saw it… I saw it… I saw it." I made a decision to kick the dull knife behind him, and pushed the man back. He began crying with more force as fear overtook him.
"Please, you have to believe me! He's trying to cover it up! The riders- please!" His voice shook as he tripped and fell backwards. I walked forward, shutting the door behind me so as to not ruin the nobles' meal. In my head, Laudra prodded with worry. Not for me, but the man. I could hear her chair move as she stood. The lords outside began mumbling, still confused about what had transpired. I stalked forward, speaking low, "Explain."
He shouted in defense, with wide eyes and looked at my weapon. "No! Wait-wait! They-" He cut himself off this time, jumping to his knife next to my leg. Faster than he could touch it, my foot struck his nose. His hands and legs worked together to bring him into a standing position. I raised my knife up to him.
"What did 'they' look like?" I asked. He looked around, seemingly disoriented for a moment before answering my question. His stutter increased as his thoughts grew less coherent. Maelorum watched through my eyes, speaking for the first time since I stopped his attack.
Radi, stop. His concern was evident. The man was closer to madness than I was led to believe, which annoyed me even more. I kept my arm up, asking again.
"Describe 'they'." I ordered. His head turned to me as I watched him. His eyes snapped and he jumped forward, fueled by fear and rage. I could feel Maelorum jump forward as well, his muscles tense.
Before I knew it myself, liquid kissed my hand as he reached for my throat. His hands stopped, grabbing my forearm. In a moment of disbelief and clarity, he remembered where he was, gasping once before a dull gurgle made its way up his throat. He fell, with the knife deep into his chest.
After a moment, I called calmly for Laudra. She immediately opened the door, ready to help. Upon seeing my bloody hand, she hurriedly closed the door. Her hands went to cover her mouth as she looked to his form on the floor, unsure of what to do. I spoke, breaking her thoughts.
"He made for my life." She looked to my hand, still in shock, "Do you hear me? I did not kill him, he killed himself… Laudra." She seemed to snap out of it, nodding. I leaned down, using his shirt to clean my knife, and replaced it with his own. Once I was done, I looked up to Laudra.
"Get me Lord Ausric. He has some explaining to do."