Chapter 5
The Dracorex sailed through the sea, speeding back home. Edelweiss stood on the lookout deck, looking ahead. Black Widow paced around the deck. The other dragons were roaming about the ship, keeping their eyes open for more pirates. They were very overprotective of their riders. Saturn and Eagleheart stood on the sun deck. Saturn looked across the ship at Edelweiss. Loose strands of her dark hair were blowing in the sea breeze. She had on a white one shoulder tunic that went down passed her knees. Saturn could now see the tattoo on her left shoulder. It was of a large white star shaped flower that had a golden center, and green leaves surrounding it. The flower's pedals sparkled in the sunlight.
Saturn made his way over to the lookout deck. Edelweiss spotted him out of the corner of her eye.
"Nice tat," Saturn said casually.
"Thanks," Edelweiss said, smiling. "It's the flower I was named after."
"I have seen those flowers, high in the mountains," Saturn said. "Never seen flowers growing in such a harsh and cold climate." Edelweiss turned to face him. He now saw the gold bracers with the same white flowers and matching chocker around her neck.
"Yes, the edelweiss is strong and very durable," Edelweiss said. "Able to withstand such conditions." Saturn reached his hand out to touch the white flower on her back, but was interrupted by a snarl. He turned to see Black Widow glaring at him, gnashing her teeth.
"Keep your hands off my rider!" The black dragon hissed. She suddenly charged at him with a thunderous roar. Eagleheart blocked her screeching and flaring her wings.
"Black Widow, stop!" Edelweiss cried. She ran to her dragon and clamped her mouth shut with her arms. Saturn had secured his griffin's reins. The dragon and the griffin eventually settled down, but still glared at each other.
"I'm sorry, these dragons get really overprotective of us," said Edelweiss. "Especially after being manipulated by pirates."
"Eagleheart's like that too," Saturn said. "She really doesn't trust dragons, or really anyone." Edelweiss released Black Widow's head, and the dragon sat on her haunches.
"Please try to get along Black Widow," Edelweiss said. "The last thing we need on this boat is another bad fight." Black Widow sighed, then relaxed.
"Very well," she said. At that moment the others had come up to see what the commotion was about.
"What's happening now?" Tenor asked.
"Nothing, Black Widow and Eagleheart are having trouble getting along," Edelweiss said.
"Well, we're almost home," said Serenity. "Why don't you guys fly ahead to Dracoia and introduce Saturn and Eagleheart to Avalon. Edelweiss hesitated.
"You sure?" She asked.
"We'll be fine," Chris assured her. "As long as we stick to safer waters." Edelweiss wasn't convinced. She went to get her saddle from next to the railing. She turned to Tenor and Windwalker.
"You'll keep them out of trouble right?" She asked them quietly.
"Don't worry Edel," Tenor said. "The whole family decided that this ship won't be going anywhere without a dragon escort from now on." Edelweiss nodded, feeling reassured.
Edelweiss saddled up Black Widow, watching Saturn saddle up Eagleheart. Once they were ready, they mounted up.
"What should I know about your queen?" Saturn asked.
"Don't lie to her," said Edelweiss. "She'll know if you're lying and won't help you."
"Noted," said Saturn. They took off and headed out over the ocean.
It took several hours, but they soon reached Draconia. The dragons that were going out to fish, greeted Edelweiss and Black Widow. They landed in front of the big castle, and dismounted.
"Wow, this is your home?" Saturn asked.
"Yeah," said Edelweiss. At that moment the big front doors opened of their own accord. "Queen Avalon is expecting you."
"So she has magic," said Saturn.
"Yes," said Edelweiss. "Hurry don't keep her waiting. We'll come in a bit later." Saturn nodded and walked through the doors into the entrance hall. The doors closed behind him, and a pair of large doors opened at the other end. A strong smell of pine and fresh water wafted through the entrance hall. Saturn walked through the doors in a beautiful forest. Tall pine trees towered over him, and were so close to each other that Saturn couldn't tell how big the space was. He walked through the trees and ferns. There was a narrow trail that guided him along. There were a few birds chirping in the tree tops. Soon the trail ended on the shore of a large lake. The water was very still and very clear. Across the water was an enormous golden tree. A large throne was carved into the tree's trunk. Sitting on the throne, Saturn assumed, was Queen Avalon. Her jade green scales were reflecting the sunlight. She wore a crown that was made of peacock feathers. She also had on a silver necklace that had a purple and blue peacock.
Avalon looked at Saturn with friendly lavender eyes.
"You must be Saturn," she said.
"Yes your majesty," Saturn said. "Edelweiss and Black Widow brought me here from the Dracorex. I'm here with my griffin Eagleheart." Avalon nodded. She crooned loudly. From the trees came to more dragons. A large red and gold one, and an even larger purple and black one. They took a seat on either side of the throne, on the lower branches of the tree.
"This is my mate Eider, and my brother Apollo," said Avalon. "This is Saturn. The Roman boy who helped Chris and Serenity get their ship back from pirates."
"Nice to meet you boy," said Eider. Avalon lifted her left talons over the water. Thick golden roots snacked out of the ground and across the lake to Saturn's feet, forming a bridge.
"Come closer," the queen said. Saturn walked on the roots across the lake towards the big tree. At that moment Edelweiss entered with Black Widow and Eagleheart. The griffin tossed her head and flared her wings. Edelweiss calmed her down. Avalon looked over at them.
"Never seen a griffin be friends with a human," said Apollo. "They usually stay away from humans, or any other species."
"But they are just as capable of making friends with humans as us dragons," said Avalon. She squared her shoulders. "Edelweiss, will you please take Eagleheart outside and set her free."
"What no," Saturn protested. "Please don't take my griffin away."
"I'm not taking her away," Avalon clarified. "I'm setting her free. If she wants to return to you she can." Saturn didn't argue, and nodded sadly. Edelweiss led Eagleheart out of the room. Once they were out, the four dragons turned back to Saturn. Avalon got off her throne and walked down onto the tree root.
"So Saturn, you're wanting to live here in Draconia?" She asked.
"If possible," said Saturn. "All I'm asking for is a patch of land where I can grow my own crops and has room for Eagleheart."
"I think something like that can be arranged," said Eider. "We do owe you for helping to defeat those pirates."
"As long as you're willing to keep this place a secret from the human world," said Apollo. "There's too many humans out there who would love to invade us."
"It's a deal dragons," said Saturn. "Thank you." Edelweiss came back inside carrying Eagleheart's saddle and reins. She went back to stand beside Black Widow.
"Edel, how about you and Black Widow show our new citizen for a ride around the country," said Avalon. "Then help him find a patch of land for him to settle."
"Thank you my queen," Saturn said, and bowed humbly. Avalon nodded once, smiling. Saturn, Edelweiss, and Black Widow turned to leave.
"But know this Saturn," said Eider firmly. "If you do spill our secret, or even think about doing it. We will silence you." Saturn turned back around to face them.
"I understand," he said. With that they headed outside.
Out in the yard Saturn turned to Edelweiss as she checked Black Widow's saddle.
"You have quite the family here," he said.
"Yeah, I love them," said Edelweiss hugging Black Widow. The dragon returned the gesture but seemed tense. Saturn looked at the flower tattoo on Edelweiss's back. Even with her white scales it showed vividly.
"That tat looks really good on you," he said. Edelweiss smiled at him.
"Thanks," she said. At that moment a loud cry came from above. They all looked up to see Eagleheart flying towards them. She landed on the grass and folded her wings.
"She came back," said Saturn happily.
"Yes, she must like being with you," said Edelweiss. Saturn stroked the griffin's beak. Edelweiss handed him his reins and saddle. Saturn took them and saddled up Eagleheart. Edelweiss mounted Black Widow. "Come on, we'll show you around then find you a place to stay." Saturn smiled and nodded. He mounted Eagleheart.
"Thank Edelweiss," he said.
"You can call me Edel now," Edelweiss said. "You're a friend now." Saturn nodded. Black Widow took off, and Eagleheart followed. They flew over the castle then out over the land.