Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the characters involved in the Bastard! series, they belong to Kazushi Hagiwara. I only claim ownership of Elira and Rosalia as they are of my own creation as well as any kingdoms and royalty that appear here.

Haunting Melodies

Chapter 10 - Waging War

Prince Ike and Prince Zeke of Erlendale were always being showed around by the maids, it was Princess Sheila's request that she not be disturbed, however Elira always waved to the smaller prince when he was within eye sight. The small boy was fascinated by everything but mostly he wanted to know about the common people, her eyes softened as she knew that he would be a great king, his older brother she wasn't sure about. Geo called to her attention, she turned around, nodded, and entered the room; Ike had seen her and decided to deviate in that direction. Geo bowed to him but he shook his head, he stood by to watch Elira, the male field worker held out his arm to her, she removed the sling, analyzed it, and nodded.

"You've been gentle with it as I have instructed?" The man nodded, she smiled, roamed her hand over his arm, and nodded. "You're fine. You can return to work but be more careful with that sickle alright?"

"Of course, thank you so much Healer!"

"You're welcome." She smiled at him while he hugged her, she returned it, and bade him farewell as the next person was brought in. The soldier from before watched as she analyzed the wound once more, she nodded, "You have a clean bill of health. It's fully healed." He thanked her as well and she smiled, "You're very welcome! Thank you for protecting us." The man grinned and left with his head held high, she smiled at him, a boy was brought in by his mother, he was sniffling, and crying loudly. The mother simply plopped him down on the bed and was about to hit him, Elira caught her hand, "I wouldn't do that." The woman looked into her eyes, they flashed golden for a brief second before she nodded and put her hand down. "Don't you ever lay a hand on a child." She nodded meekly while Elira turned to look at the boy, "Okay little one, it's alright." He sniffled, looked up at her, and showed his arm; it was impaled by a piece of wood. "Now how did you manage that one?" There was humor in her voice, Geo grinned, and the boy chuckled a little, "That's what I thought! You were being rowdy out there with those trees and one decided to fight back." Again the boy chuckled, "Let's see if we can't get this battle wound healed up nicely." She put a piece of leather in his mouth, he bit down, she used her ability to gently slide the stick out along with all the splinters, the boy was crying, but she did it quickly, and used her ability to stitch up the hole as well. He spit the leather out, cried openly, and she wrapped it while cooing to him; telling him how brave he was to fight a tree.

He chuckled, "Thank you Healer."

"You're very welcome little one but have more respect for the foliage. I have a friend out there, she guards the forest, so be careful okay?" He nodded while she leaned in and told him that her friend was a Dryad of the forest, his eyes went wide. "But you have to keep it a secret." He nodded vehemently which made her laugh, she reached behind her on the table, and handed him a strawberry, "There you go. For being such a good boy. Now go on." He nodded, thanked her again, the mother thanked her as well, "You're both very welcome." They left and it was then that she saw Ike, she stood up, bowed to him, and said, "I hope that you're finding Metallicana to be hospitable."

"I am," came his flat response. Elira was going to excuse herself but he grabbed her elbow, "Show me around."

"That's not my job. I'm a Healer."

"I don't care." Her eyes looked to Geo and he shrugged, she conceded, and he nodded, "Good." The pair left together but she was never alone as Zephyr had taken to crawling on the ceiling, out of sight. Elira showed the prince around the castle, the kitchen, the training grounds, the knight barracks, she avoided the rose gardens, and took him into the market. Princess Sheila had taken to watching from the balcony, the healer showed him around the market, offered to buy him some food, but he simply stated, "I don't eat this peasant food." Elira's brow darted down in anger, she lead him to the steps of the castle, "Why are we back here?"

At this point the merchants watched as she stated, "You insulted the people of Metallicana by saying that you don't eat 'peasant' food. That's insulting to me as well." He stared at her, "These peasants are the heart of Metallicana, they work hard to till the land, bring their harvest here to be sold, and all you can do is say that you don't eat it because you think you're higher than them? Without them there would be no kingdoms. You need to respect those in the fields, those who give their lives to run the farms and ranches that you eat your fancy food from. Because of that remark I refuse to be your guide around my home. Find another." Elira whipped around, her hair flying out behind her as she stalked into the crowd of gathered merchants, they cheered for her, thanked her, and she smiled at them while Zephyr beat his wings above them. Her crimson eyes gleamed at his presence, she smiled up at her dragon, and she was handed a squid on a stick. "Oh thank you so much!" She went to retrieve money but was told that it was on the house for her bravery. "You're all so kind to me." They laughed, she nibbled on her squid while walking around the merchant area, seeing if she could help in any way.

The prince of Erlendale watched her mingle, she stood out because of her silver aqua hair but his eyes never left her, a male presence appeared next to him, he looked to see a man dressed as a knight with armor. The man stated, "Leave her alone. If you touch her, I'll make your life a living hell here."

"You're just a knight, you have no power here."

Green eyes glared at the older prince, "I'm Prince Lars of Metallicana and I have all the power here." Ike stood shocked, "That's right. The prince of Metallicana has returned, been here for a long time, and Elira is special to this kingdom and to me. I won't have any one harming her or taking advantage of her no matter what."

"You and who else?"

"Oh there are others. You may not be able to sense them because you have no magical inclination but they're here."

"You have no magic either."

Lars stared at him, "I have the blood of dragons running through my veins. That's all you need to know." The prince of Erlendale stood shocked as Lars walked down the steps with Heavy Metal strapped onto his back, the male gasped because he recognized the sword of legend, and he could only stare as Lars was welcomed by his people; he met up with Elira. He tapped her on her shoulder, she turned around with a half-eaten squid in her mouth, he grinned at her, she smiled. Lars laughed, "You're nibbling?" She nodded, nibbled some more while he laughed as they walked through the market, "I see you were trying to play hostess but he wasn't being very kind was he?"

She finished nibbling, "No, he wasn't. I don't respect anyone, regardless of station, who looks down upon the people of the land. No respect."

"I understand. I don't like him either but he'd be perfect for my sister."

"Oh? He's here for her?" Lars nodded while she nibbled some more, he smiled, "They'd be perfect together but I fear for the future of Erlendale." Lars burst out laughing and she smiled while finishing her squid, the stick she had, she kept in her hand, and tucked it away into her ribbon around her waist. He glanced at her questioningly, "I may need it later." He chuckled while they walked through the market towards the gates, immediately she grabbed his hand, "Shh! Come with me." She lead Lars out of the kingdom, she was able to sneak past the guards thanks to the help of some rowdy children that she had healed. She winked at them as they grinned, laughed, and ran away from the guards; Lars continued to follow her, he was happy that her hand was entwined with his.

As they disappeared into the forest, he asked quietly, "Where are we going?" The only response that he received was a quick glance and a smile. "A surprise then." She nodded while continuing to guide him through the forest, he noticed that those wing beats continued over head, the prince of Metallicana was comforted in the fact that Zephyr was watching above the trees. Elira finally slowed down, he was faced with a rock that overlooked a beautiful lake. "I had no idea that this was here."

"Neither did I until Zephyr and I felt a presence here." Lars was about to ask whose but he was stunned into silence when Rosalia emerged from the thicket of trees, Elira ran up to her friend, they hugged one another, and when they parted; the amnesic motioned to Lars. "Rosalia this is Lars, prince of Metallicana."

The Dryad looked at him, moved towards him, looked into his eyes, and nodded, "He'll do." Lars only blinked a few times while Rosalia chuckled. "For one who holds dragon blood, he doesn't know very much beyond the castle walls."

Elira smiled, "He knows a lot more than I do about the world and he's always been very kind to me."

Those eyes looked at Lars once more, she smiled, "I'm only teasing him." Elira nodded while the pair took a seat on the rock, Rosalia motioned for him to join them, he did so but decided to lean against it, and watch Elira. "My dear friend, why are you here?"

"I wanted Lars to meet you. I have others but it's too dangerous, there is talk of war."

"I know and I also know why you brought Lars here. Ike made you very angry," she nodded, "I understand why. Elira you have a big heart and you're very powerful, you just haven't realized it yet." Elira shrugged which made Rosalia laugh, it echoed around the clearing, the trees moved with her laughter, Lars was making a note of everything but his green eyes watched Elira over his shoulder. The Dryad smiled warmly at them, "Your destinies are more entwined than you could ever imagine, that's all I can say for now." The amnesic nodded while Lars did the same, "Elira, will you sing? Zephyr can feel your power. He has grown much since the last time I saw him. I can feel it in his wing beats. He is a very special Argonite."

"He is very special. I remember when I summoned him, I felt so sad that he had to leave and then Abigail told me that I would see him again one day. He was right, I love Zephyr with all of my heart, I just wish I could call more of his brethren."

"Perhaps you will one day but for now he is enough. You're not strong enough to care for more than one right now. Until you fully remember who you are, you cannot call others." She nodded, "Very good, will you sing?" Elira nodded once more while she closed her eyes, looking for a song that would benefit her friend and her forest. Elira opened her eyes, they were radiating with joy, she slipped off the rock next to Lars, he watched as she removed her shoes, entered the shallow part of the lake, it only went up to her ankles. "Ah! A water dance!" Elira looked over her shoulder, smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes. She began to move to an invisible beat, a melody that only she could hear, and when she opened her mouth, the strange words flowed over like bells playing in the wind. He closed his eyes, he could feel the power she was radiating, Lars could feel it vibrating in his body, and he could feel Zephyr as well. Rosalia looked down at the prince, she smiled, and closed her eyes to enjoy the melody that the Undine was weaving into her forest.

Many minutes had passed, it was one of her longest songs, Elira let it roll off her tongue gently, it faded away, she opened her eyes, she chuckled, slipped her feet back into her shoes, and looked at Lars. His eyes were still closed, his hand clenched over his heart, Elira tapped his shoulder gently, his green eyes slowly opened, they were glowing; radiating with power. "That was amazing Elira."

"Really?"

Rosalia interjected, "Yes. You see Lars holds the blood of dragons, which I'm sure you already knew, and as your songs and dance weave magic into them, they weave power that affects dragons. Zephyr has grown in strength but not body, so has Lars. His body is stronger than before, more stamina, more strength, but outwardly nothing has changed due to the dragon blood."

"Is this a curse Rosalia?" asked the prince.

She smiled, "Not at all. It's a blessing because Elira can save your life in a battle as can Zephyr and vice versa." She used her power to push Elira and Lars together with roots, they were gently pushed together, both of them looked up at her on her rock. Her eyes glowing with excitement, "It is not often that a love so strong blossoms so quickly but they are to be treasured and protected. You two are one such love, some never get to meet their other half but you two have met, albeit under strange circumstances. Do not lose one another, stay together no matter what for it will bring Metallicana into an age of prosperity and peace that it has never seen."

Elira smiled, "I won't lose him." Lars chuckled while kissing the top of her head as his affirmation, "Thank you Rosalia, your wisdom is always welcome as is your friendship."

The Dryad laughed, "I know. You are such a good friend Elira. You sing when I ask you to and you always weave such powerful songs for my forest. I will aid you when you ask me for war is coming to Metallicana."

"Can you tell me who?" asked Lars.

She nodded, "Erlendale's Rogue Riders have joined forces with the southern kingdom of Bastion." Lars sighed, "They are mighty but you are mightier as you have the Four Lords of Havoc with you on your side as well as Elira and Zephyr. There are many more things in her spell book that you have yet to see young prince." He nodded while they bade farewell to their Dryad friend, she smiled at them, and did the same. However as she slipped back between the trees, Rosalia whispered only for Lars to hear, "The coming war will break down her walls be it good and bad; comfort her when she needs it most and do not leave her side for when those walls fall down there will be a bloodbath in its wake. Heed my words Lars."

He whispered in return, "I will do as you say Rosalia for you are a friend to us both and wiser than any scroll or human with more knowledge than centuries past."

"You are a wise prince. Metallicana is blessed to have an heir such as you."

"I am blessed with friends like you." She gave a low laugh while they exited the forest, they snuck back into the castle market, and parted immediately before any one could see them. Elira went straight to the children while he went for the castle, Elira took the children home, and he entered the stone walls.

-::::::-

News of war had reached Metallicana, Ike was attempting to hide a smirk on his face but it never when unnoticed by Lars because he had information from Rosalia but he could do nothing at the moment. He made sure to go to the knights' barracks to organize a defense so that he wouldn't know about it. Lars kept his voice down while he explained the plan to them. They nodded, he rolled up the map, and handed it over to a squire; who immediately put it in the bag around his waist. As they prepared to head out, he turned around to see Elira standing there. She was wearing a white dress that came down her knees, three-quarter length sleeves, a v-neck collar, and there were thick trims of blue. On the left breast was an embroidery of a mermaid and the necklace that he had given her around her neck. A matching bandanna kept her hair away from her face. "What are you doing here Elira?"

"I was sent by Geo to help as a healer. That's my job."

"It's dangerous."

"I want to help my kingdom in any way that I can. Besides, there's a monsoon coming in a few days."

"I see," he smirked, "your power will be very strong that day."

She nodded, "If we could do battle on the high seas, I would be unstoppable."

He laughed, "Always a spirited one." She shrugged, "Alright. Just make sure that Zephyr stays close to you."

"No, I've told him to help the front lines and listen to their commander. You'll need all the muscle you can get in the front and I doubt the enemy is expecting a dragon to fight."

"Very true. Alright go on and follow Richard, he'll tell you where to go."

She curtsied, "Thank you my liege."

Elira followed the knight that he had indicated, she nodded to him, and followed him out of the barracks, Lars sighed, turned around, and stared at his nights. They all made kissing motions at him, he shook his head while Von Jobina approached him, "We have all been talking sire and we believe that you should tell your father that Elira is the one you want to be with."

"What makes you think she's the one?"

"Sire we can all see how you care for her."

Lars laughed, "Nothing gets passed the knights of Metallicana huh?" They all cheered, "Alright alright! After this war is done, I'll tell him." They all cheered while he only shook his head and they began to gather their items together in preparation for deployment.

Meanwhile Elira followed Richard, he mounted his horse, she whistled, Zephyr landed, she mounted her dragon, and Richard smiled. "It's good to have you with us Healer." She nodded while they both trotted out into the field, "Even if Prince Lars had not said for you to join us, you would have anyway?" She nodded, "Thank you very much Healer. You have no memory but consider Metallicana your home, the people here are very grateful to you for your kindness as are the knights. There is a handful of us that are marked with the same symbol on your breast." She lightly touched the embroidery, "We are your loyal followers even though no one else knows it. We will do anything for you, just ask us."

"How can I ask if I don't know who you are?"

He chuckled, "I, Richard, am the leader of the this little group."

She smiled, "I knew that."

He laughed heartily, "You will meet the others soon, we have you set up with us so we can guard you. We know that you can take care of yourself as can Zephyr but we still wish to protect you as his dragonship needs his rest too."

The Argonite smiled, "I thank you with all of my heart for your kindness Richard. I shall bring food and water to you and your men when you are in need of it."

"Thank you Great Dragon!" He inclined his head to him, Elira kissed the top of his head, his scales shimmered, and Richard was in awe. "So beautiful! Great Dragon you are full of surprises." Zephyr gave a guttural laugh, Richard was glad that the dragon liked him, and Elira smiled. It took them thirty minutes of trotting to reach the camp, he lead her to the tent that he had designated, and he dismounted. Elira did the same, the moment that she did, she heard gasps. Crimson eyes looked to see four seasoned warriors staring in awe of her and Zephyr. Richard grinned and introduced them, "The far left with the beard is Redford, next is Greige, then Jorvik, and lastly Nymn."

"Nymn?"

"Yes, he doesn't talk much but he is the strongest and fastest of the nights." Elira nodded, she looked upon Nymn, he was easily four heads taller than her, lean but dense build, and she could tell that he was fast. Elira shook each of their hands, when she reached Nymn, she motioned for him to lean down, she kissed his cheek, this made the others stare in shock.

"Thank you Nymn. I can tell that you are strong and swift as a coursing river and will do anything for me but I have one request." He nodded, "Do not give your life for mine. I don't think that I could bare it."

"I shall try my lady." The other four were in shock that he spoke, she nodded, he nodded, and pulled open the tent for her. She entered, noticed that there were five beds for the nights, one in the center for her, and a large open space for Zephyr. The dragon entered as well, curled around her bed, and sighed happily. "We have everything that you like from the sea that we could gather."

"Thank you all." They nodded, hung about outside the tent awaiting their prince, while guarding their Healer. Nymn sat by the entrance, he easily blocked the opening while the others worked on sharpening their swords, polishing their armor, and generally listening to the chatter of the other soldiers. "They're very nice people." Zephyr nodded, purred while he rested his eyes, and she reached over to see what they had procured from the sea. She recognized the seaweed but it was dried into jerky, she smiled at the memory of the cook from the castle, and she knew it was him. There was dried squid, seaweed, kelp, fish, and some kind of strange long animal. "Zephyr what is this?"

He peeked one amber eye, "That is a sea cucumber. Very delicious." Elira picked it up, sniffed it, then bit into it, she chewed the piece carefully, when she swallowed, Zephyr chuckled. Elira ate the rest of the sea cucumber, she looked over at her Argonite, "I was able to get that for you." She leaned over and kissed his forehead, his scales shimmered, "Thank you my lady. I will get you more when we are done out here." She nodded and she curled up on the bed next to her dragon, "I do suggest one thing for this war." Elira tilted her head, "Do not hesitate to use those dangerous spells. They may be needed."

"I won't use Serentine."

"No, there is another there that is far more useful for this war." Elira flipped through her book until Zephyr watched her eyes go wide, "Yes, Lumus is the one."

"What..exactly is he?"

"You will see when you summon him but he is only one of two Trenches. Mirrored by one another, one male, one female, but Luna is meant for other means as she detests war but Lumus will do anything in his power to see that you are safe."

"Why? Did I save his life or something?"

"More, you saved his children."

She thought for a moment, "Kraken?" Zephyr nodded, "Kraken are Lumus' children, whereas Luna's children are-"

"The Stars of the Deep." Zephyr nodded with a smile, "I remember that! I know what The Stars look like, they are luminescent tendrils I think."

"Close enough. When the need arises, you will know when to call upon The Stars and Luna."

"Thank you Zephyr." She kissed him once more, his scales shimmered, "You get some rest. You haven't had any proper rest in a long time. I will go and mosey about." He nodded, closed his amber eye, and fell into a deep sleep, once she was sure he was sleeping, she emerged from her tent. She slipped behind Nymn, took a seat next to him, and looked up. "Thank you." He nodded while she sat there and listened with the others about the war and how brutal the Bastion army was. She frowned, Redford looked at her, "I don't think I'll ever understand war but Bastion doesn't sound like a very friendly place."

"They're not my lady." She looked at him, "Bastion is known as a war kingdom, they win their territory by war and then enslave the prior inhabitants. That's how they get their wealth and power, they brainwash the children from an early age and only use the women as breeders." He could see the shock on her face and in that shock was brief anger, he saw the flash of gold. "I didn't mean to offend you."

"No it's alright Redford. I need to know my enemy. Thank you."

"Any time my lady.

"Do you know why Bastion wants to wage war with Metallicana?"

Jorvik held a tattoo on the side of his face, it was something tribal, and Elira could see that he wasn't from this area, he even held a mild accent, "Bastion wages war with those kingdoms that they think have something they can use to their advantage. In this case, it's you and Prince Lars."

Greige had an identifying scar that ran across the bridge of his nose, "Prince Lars holds the blood of dragons, it allows him to wield Heavy Metal with ease as well as turn into a dragon." Elira was shocked but nodded, "Somehow they learned about our Healer. Now they want you for themselves in order to either breed you to make more like you or use you for your ability like an animal. They'll chain you up just as Princess Sheila had done."

She smiled, "Thank you all for the information, it helps me a great deal as now I know who my enemy is. I will be strong for the five of you and for my little Zephyr. I won't back down from a fight no matter how dangerous it is and I've got a few tricks up my sleeves that no one's seen yet." She winked at them which made them laugh, Nymn kept silent as he watched their surroundings. Elira had picked up some of the dried seaweed, it was five strips, she held them in her hands, they watched with interest, she wove a spell in her mind. The strips of seaweed floated between her hands, ancient glyphs wove around each one, they were embedded into the strips, and they curved and flexed as if they were malleable once more. As the glow faded, she got up, wrapped one band around Nymn's wrist, then Jorvik, Greige, and Redford. Richard had reappeared, she wrapped the final one around his wrist, he was perplexed as were the others of the little band.

"What is this?"

"Protection. When you lose sight, this will protect you from the unseen. My gratitude to all of you for being so kind to Zephyr and myself. You made this little group of your own free will, you owe us nothing but you did it anyway, we thank all of you from the deepest parts of our hearts. As he and I beat as one, so shall all of you. Let our heart beats protect you from those things that you cannot see."

Nymn said, "Thank you." She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled, "We are your loyal servants my lady. You have given much to Metallicana and to the people, you go beyond your duty to heal those that are forgotten in the fields, and you defend them from insults. We are your personal guard, we are the Tidal Knights."

Elira walked up to him, she wrapped her arms around him, he was shocked as were the others, he patted her back, when she relinquished him, she was smiling; her eyes twinkled like rubies in a fire. "Thank you very much Nymn. I like that name, Tidal Knights, so fearsome!" He smiled as did the others, she sat down with them once more, and listened as they told her about Bastion's princess; they said she was brutal and volatile to those who were more beautiful than her. "I suppose that would be me then." They laughed and nodded, "I thought so. I can handle her, no one here has seen me angry but maybe it's time." One more her Tidal Knights laughed while Zephyr had fallen into a deep sleep, he was hibernating for the time being, gathering his energy from the emotions of his Undine mistress.

Lars had arrived, the knights gathered around him, he explained their plan to them, and that the Rogue Riders of Erlendale were on Bastion's side. Richard had asked why and he responded, "We're not sure. But we believe it has something to do with Prince Ike. We believe that he may be after Elira for her healing abilities or perhaps something else." Everyone looked at Elira, she shrugged, and he smiled, "Elira can take care of herself so we need to focus on ending this war before it gets out of hand. The last thing we need is for Bastion to reach Metallicana's gates. We end it here! We protect our home here and now!" The knights cheered together, Elira joined in, Nymn looked down at her, and she smiled. She cheered with them once again, Lars stepped down to give out the orders, each group of soldiers had a different objective, this way he could see if Bastion found out anything, and when he reached the Tidal Knights, he smiled. "You five are the bravest, strongest, and most intelligent of the knights. I'll need each one of you to guide the five factions I've split up." They nodded he looked at Elira, his green eyes softened, "You're our healer, that's your role."

"I know. I'll have Zephyr as your eyes in the sky, I doubt they're expecting an air strike." He nodded, thanked her and she replied, "Nonsense my liege. Metallicana is as much my home as it is yours and Zephyr and I intend to do as much as we can to protect it. He can protect the kingdom while I can heal the warriors who defend it."

"Thank you Elira." She nodded while he left, Elira entered the tent, Nymn sat outside, and she curled up with Zephyr. The amnesic stroked his forehead, she was smiling at him, and humming a lullaby to him; little did she know but that lullaby was strengthening his bones, muscles, wings, and scales.