Wooh! Finally, I have finished the chapter! Please don't be angry! I feel like this took a while . . . School has been a bit stressful, so I haven't had much time to update. Anyway, please review! They make me happy and motivate me to write! ^-^ On with the story!

Disclaimer:

Chapter 6

"Who is going to take the throne in Du Weldenvarden?" Prentis asked.

"Why do you think we came to find you?" Vanir replied.

Al rolled her eyes. "Other than the fact that we're your friends and we were worried about you."

"That too."

The three friends arrived in the training arena. Campers glanced their way, but didn't otherwise cease their fighting. Al, Vanir, and Prentis found an empty corner of the arena. Vanir and Prentis unsheathed their blades and blunted the edges. They squared off, Al sitting off to the side with an amused smile on her face. The sounds of their swords clashing tore the campers' attention away from their own battles. Vanir and Prentis were a flurry of limbs and swords. Their movements were too fast for the campers to follow, and they all stood staring at the fight in awe.

Prentis parried Vanir's silver sword and thrusted his own blade at Vanir's side. Vanir twisted and blocked Prentis' second attack. Vanir pulled his sword up, aiming for Prentis' abdomen as Prentis swung downward to hit Vanir's ribs. Their swords met in an x, the hilts locking the blades in place. The two elves stared at each other for a long moment, straining against the other's strength. Vanir twisted his wrist and pulled his sword backward. With two quick steps, he moved away from Prentis. Prentis pressed what he thought was an advantage and charged at Vanir. At the last second, Vanir spun to the side and extended his sword. Prentis stopped just in time to see Vanir's blade at his throat.

"Dead," Vanir breathed.

Prentis smiled and stepped back, sheathing Vanyali as he went. The two elves showed no sign of exhaustion, save for the sweat rolling down down their necks. Al stood and removed her gold blade Kveykva from its scabbard.

"My turn," she happily proclaimed.

Vanir and Prentis glanced at each other, mischievous smiles playing on their lips. Prentis unsheathed Vanyali, and the two elves rushed at Al. She dove out of the way and rolled to her feet.

"That's not fair, you two!" she yelled.

"Really?" Prentis taunted. "Are the two of us too big a threat for a Rider such as you?"

Al arched her eyebrow. She lifted Kveykva and stood prepared for her two opponents. Prentis and Vanir separated to circle Al, and she glanced back and forth between them. Turning towards Prentis, she whispered, "Malthinae." He halted, Al's magic binding him in place, and Al rushed at Vanir. Prentis racked his brain for the right words to undo Al's spell. He mumbled the spell, and moved towards the fight between Al and Vanir.

"I didn't know magic was allowed," Prentis said.

Al ducked under Vanir's sword and rolled backwards.

"It always is!"

"In that case -"

Prentis stopped, falling to his knees. He dropped his sword and clutched his head as a stabbing pain assaulted his mental barriers. Vanir and Al ran to his side.

Hello, Prentis. Did you miss me? a sickly sweet voice chimed in his head. I know you're down there with all those puny little humans. Come and face me, if you're not a coward. I know how much you long to drive your blade through me and spill my blood on the ground.

All at once, the pain stopped and the voice retreated. Prentis scoopped up Vanyali and stood, anger threatening to bubble up out of him.

"Are you okay?" Al asked.

"Who was it?" questioned Vanir.

Prentis shoved past them, determined to meet the one that had killed his parents.

"Prentis!"

Al's call fell on deaf ears. Prentis ran to the beach where Nestia and Rhys were playing. Nestia stopped and looked up as he approached.

What is it, young one? she asked.

She's here. he growled. We're going to go get our revenge.

Nestia bristled with rage. Prentis slipped his sword into its sheath, then grabbed Nestia's saddle. Vanir and Al ran onto the beach as he climbed up her foreleg.

"Prentis, be reasonable," Vanir said. "She can't get in here. We're safe. You don't have to fight her."

"She's too strong for you," Al continued. "Wait until we can make a plan and -"

Nestia launched herself and her Rider into the sky, leaving their friends behind. Al stomped her foot in frustration, and Vanir ran a hand through his hair.

"That stupid elf!" Al yelled. "We have to go after him."

"Obviously."

Al glared at him, then rushed to find Rhys' saddle.

Prentis and Nestia rushed through the air in search of the familiar emerald dragon. They hovered, Prentis clutching Vanyali hard enough to turn his knuckles white.

"Where are you?!" he screamed.

There was a flash of green off to their left, and Nestia dove, barely escaping the green dragon. The dragon and Rider swooped towards them again. The two dragons collided, their claws clashing in tune to their Riders' swords. The Rider of the green dragon grinned evilly at Prentis, throwing her red hair back. She thrust her sword at his abdomen, and Prentis just barely deflected it. Prentis pulled Vanyali back to pull down in an arc, but the Rider lunged forward and grabbed his arm. She slipped her sword into its sheath, pulling Prentis closer to her. With a smile, she plunged her dagger into his stomach. Prentis gasped, his whole body going limp. The Rider pulled her dagger out and pushed Prentis out of his saddle.

The two dragons pushed away from each other so avoid hitting the ground. Nestia whipped her head around frantically to find Prentis. The green dragon and its Rider flew off, seemingly pleased with their work. Nestia caught sight of Rhys flying back towards camp and followed, hoping that her young one was on his back. When they landed, Vanir ran to Al and Rhys. Al lowered Prentis from her saddle, and Vanir caught him. He rushed into the Big House with Al following closely behind. Carter came running over as Vanir laid Prentis on one of the infirmary bed.

"Back up, let me -" Carter began.

Vanir glared at him, and Carter backed away. He and Al knelt next to Prentis, Vanir mumbling in the Ancient Language. Carter crossed his arms and stared before huffing in frustration.

"If you would just move, I could help him," he said.

Vanir stopped. "No, you can't."

Carter opened his mouth to protest, but Al cut him off.

"What is it?" she asked.

"She poisoned him," Vanir replied in the Ancient Language. "Please tell me you have Tunivor's nectar."

Al's eyes widened. "Oh, no," she mumbled. "Oh, no."

Vanir covered his mouth with his hand.

The traitor has returned. Rhys' baritone voice echoed in Al's mind.

Her face hardened, and she stood, drawing Kveykva. She stormed towards the door, and Vanir jumped up to stop her.

"I'm going to slaughter her," she growled.

"Alensha, wait," Vanir warned. "Don't be rash."

"Let go of me!" Al spun around to face him. "He's your friend too! Why don't you stop talking and help me murder that traitor?"

Vanir took a deep breath. Al waited a millisecond before huffing and turning back around to march out of the Big House.

"If you won't do something, then I will."

Outside, the silhouette of the green dragon had begun to fade on the horizon. The only thing left was a note slowly floating down. With a scowl, Al mumbled a spell in the Ancient Language to bring it to her faster. The words written on the parchment stopped her heart.

If you haven't discovered by now, then I will inform you that the dagger I stabbed Prentis with was laced with skilna bragh. I have Tunivor's nectar. If you would like your precious prince to live, I have but one request: Let me into your little safe haven. You have two days. I will come back sunset of the day after tomorrow. Sincerely, Myriden.