Later as the late evening came, monks at the monastery had gathered at the
feasting table. Some blessing food, others keeping silent prayers amongst
themselves. At one table Father Christoph and Mansel sat patiently for
Martian Orodruin to arrive, when he did they showed their respects letting
him have a seat at the table. Around the corner of the door, Geoff appeared
counting everyone, but found that two were missing. The two priests sat
patiently waiting for Drake and Grace to show. Mansel caught Geoff peering
around the corner; he left his seat investigating the situation. As Mansel
came to the doorway he whispered to Geoff", where is Drake and Grace?".
Geoff shook his head," I don't know but I was just about to check the old
dungeon". Mansel released a frustrating sigh", well go get them there
suppose to be here".
Geoff nodded," no problem Mansel I just was just checking to see if they were here". " Well there not", Mansel rasped in a harsh whisper. All the brothers of the monastery looked to Mansel in a steam of silence. Mansel grew embarrassed looking back at them then to Geoff again," here I'll go with you". Geoff shrugged," okay". Then they headed toward the old dungeon. Down in the cold depths of the old dungeon, candlelight danced in shadows across the walls. Soft croons and moans where heard from around the corner of one of the rooms. Grace carefully helped Drake patch up all the recent wounds he received while fighting off the angry peasants. The damp rags weren't too painful as much as the bruises he had. After, Drake rested. Grace gave him a faint smile and walked around waiting for Geoff to call on her and Drake to the feast. " Why are you pacing" Drake asked. Grace looked at him with innocent eyes then replied", Oh! Heh.just bored". An immediate scarlet red blush appeared on her face as she looked away. Slowly Drake smiled pulling him self off the ground and asked a different question," have you ever heard of the old code?". Grace looked back at him and shook her head," no can't say I really have".
Just then, Geoff and Mansel appeared rushing through the rooms. Geoff held off the side of the wall catching his breath, while Mansel announced," you guys need to be ready". " Why", Grace asked," ready for what?". " remember this morning when I told you and Geoff about the prophecy" Mansel added. Grace nodded. " Well were discussing it over the feast right now, we are needed". While the four of them headed back for the feast, Drake and Grace doddled behind Geoff and Mansel. Curious Grace asked Drake," So what is this old code?". Drake whispered in reply," I'll explain it to you tonight". The four of them had finally reached the doorway where everyone had been eating.
Silence and slumber had fallen over the kingdom. Osric waited for his guests to arrive. As Osric heaved in silence and in deep thought a black raven glided, landing on the edge of his window delicately. It rapped its beak three times against the cold stone wall and after broke Osric's silent pondering. A few minutes after the doorkeeper knocked a few times awaiting Osric to open the door. Just as Osric barked an order, the doorkeeper bowed showing Osric's guests in. Afterward Osric gave each man a fair greeting and several shackles of gold coins. Each man had been very different in appearance, but had all been taking part in the tournament. Osric walked by them slowly yielding his movements. He studied every weapon and every detail each warrior and barbarian carried with them. " I suppose you are curious as to why I have hired you all", Osric began watching each of the men that stood like statues, yet the movements they made were their eyes following Osric's slow walking. " I have paid you all well enough to keep you satisfied and well in health, what I ask of you is to find an old priest by the name of Martian Orodruin. Find him and Kill him and bring me the gems after the Grand ball has taken place". The leader of the barbarians group spoke up", it shall be done lord Osric, we will assassinate the priest and have the gems too you by the 7th sunset". Osric nodded and walked to the door showing the men out.
Geoff, Mansel, Drake and Grace were greeted by father Christoph and Martian Orodruin. Geoff couldn't wait to dig into the food that sat in front of him. After they blessed the food Geoff sunk his teeth into the fresh bread nearly shaking it around like a puppy would a stuffed toy. Grace watched Geoff amused smirking as she tried to hold in her comical laugh. Geoff ate like a hungry crazy wolf. Most of the monks eyed Geoff strangely about his disgusting eating habits. Grace shook her head giving Drake a smirk. At the same time, Drake returned the grin. Mansel sighed in frustration hitting Geoff off the side of the arm. " Ow!", Geoff yelped," Mansel what was that for!". Mansel sighed again", please we are not eating yet". " Oh" Geoff got the idea setting the piece of bread down. After the embarrassing moment had passed, Mansel kindly introduced Drake, Geoff, and Grace to Martian Orodruin. Martian Orodruin began speaking soon after he received everyone's attention.
" It is a pleasure to have finally meet you all. I come from far away but have heard much over the years about this place. The most recent is of the passing of the two-tailed comet. But of the fact that the introduction of the prophecy was only a warning a real threat is coming and it has only begun.". Orodruin explained the second prophecy, which he called the dragon- stigmata. Everyone at the table seemed to still in fear. " Is there anything that can stop this evil from coming?" Geoff asked trying to keep his voice and movements calm. " There is only one thing" Martian Orodruin replied. " What?" Drake asked curiously. With a hand signal, Orodruin brought the group in a little closer to hear what he had to say. In a low whispering voice Orodruin explained", the ancient dragon souls that have been incased with the four gems are only part of the saving. The one who has the signs of the ancient dragons tattooed on their wrist is the one chosen to help stop this evil. This being was created from the tears of these ancient dragons for so the blood runs through them".
His voice seemed to haunt them. After many minutes of silence Geoff looked sternly toward Orodruin", where are these gems and how can we be a possible defense to the evil that is coming with out knowing who or what is chosen". Orodruin rose from his seat before he got the chance to reply to Geoff's question. For several minutes, Geoff impatiently waited for an answer but then noticed that Martian Orodruin had his eyes oddly glued to Grace. He slowly walked around the table placing his hand on Grace's shoulder startling her. Alarmed Drake resided from staring at the floor and kept his eye suspiciously on Orodruin. " My dear maiden, please forgive me for asking you this but, where are you from I have never seen clothes like yours before". Before Grace got the chance to answer Geoff interrupted and shouted," from the east!". All the monks in the room spun around looking at Geoff annoyingly. Geoff pressed his lips together turning red with embarrassment." Om yeah." he said looking down and then hushed up. Martian Orodruin grinned at Geoff shaking his head and afterward went with father Christoph into another room.
The light had fallen and soon the land danced with a combination of shadows and glittering lights defined by natures fire flies that put on a firework show of their own. Constantly the wind would russel over the fields toppling over thin blades of grass as it swept in a humming whisper. Tomorrow had been the big event. Every warrior from far off in different villages would be taking their first skill to test their worthily ness as being part of the Kings realm of knights. That night after everyone at the monastery had fallen into sleep, only two had been awake. Within the old dungeon, few off-white candles danced in shadows of flame off the walls of rough stone. Grace quietly snuck into the old dungeon to meet up with Drake. Drake was to occupied thinking of so many strange events that had taken place. While he thought in silence a rattling, noise startled him. Alarmed he stood up slowly and carried his steps in a slow pace. He reached the corner of one of the rooms and seen a shadow figure limping across the wall heading towards him.
Just as the shadow reached to where he was, Drake immediately snarled thinking it was an intruder. He jumped out in front of Grace who just happened to be that intruder. Surprised Grace threw her arms up and let out a startling gasp. " Grace", Drake shouted surprisingly," I didn't realize it was you". Grace smiled," no hard feelings Drake". " I thought that you were an intruder. Please forgive me I didn't mean to startle you like that", Drake said a little embarrassed. " Its quite alright", Grace replied," I should have called upon you first, instead of sneaking up on you like that". Drake smiled at Grace relieved that she wasn't angry with him. " Are you looking forward to seeing the tournament of skill tomorrow?" Drake asked. Grace nodded," I hear its going to be great. Especially with Geoff being there". Drake smiled walking toward the exit of the old dungeon. " Where are you going?" Grace asked. Drake halted in his steps and turned toward Grace," out side to see the stars". Grace looked to Drake with a bright smile," I'll join you". Drake smiled and turned toward the exit with Grace following behind.
With the pale moon high in the glittering sky to which the stars dangled in their crying mutiny, a sound of a long thin metal blade cut the dark clear air of silence. The silver clad knight Sir Ronald had been determined to win. Sleep had no effect on him as he continued to fight an invisible opponent. Within the darkness, Osric watched never breaking his stare on Ronald. However, as he watched the thought of the mystic maiden broke into his mind again. He assumed that she would be at the tournament, but needed to know more about her. His thoughts sailed away as he watched Ronald. His eyes followed Ronald's movements and his silver sword and after he gazed to the stars believing, that everyone's destiny had been born from them.
Far from the monastery, near the hill, Drake sat on the soft grass. His eyes followed the stars in their twinkling. Close behind, Grace climbed the hill, and when she finally reached the top, she flopped down next to Drake catching her breath. Drake lowered his gaze down toward her and gave her a gentle smile. Her eyes seemed to stare at the heavens," their beautiful", Grace said softly. Drake agreed," They are beautiful aren't they". He shifted his body lying down on his side, as Grace carried out a conversation with him. " You know what the stars remind me of?" she asked. " No", Drake replied," what?". Grace smiled", its almost as if someone has taken a hand full of diamonds and scattered them over black velvet". " They do look a lot like that," Drake added. " All my hopes and dreams are hanging from the stars", Grace sighed", now that I'm here, I don't want to go home. This place feels like home to me". At the corner of his eye, Drake studied the sad expression on Graces face. He watched her eyes searching the heavens for something. " You know that star constellation Draco?" she questioned. " Yes I do", Drake said," I know it very well". " Well", Grace continued," where is it I can never seem to find it".
Drake rolled onto his back next to Grace. " Well I'll show you, " he said. His clawed hand pointed to the stars," see that constellation with all those bright stars?". Grace glared at the sky trying to find where Drake was pointing. " I can't really see where they are". Drake smiled pulling Grace closer beside him until their faces nearly touched. He pointed to the stars once more", just follow where I am pointing". Grace's eyes followed the direction to where his clawed fingers marked the dragon constellation. " I see them!" she said intrigued by the pattern they made. " They call it the dragons heaven", Drake spoke in a soft voice never taking his eyes off the stars. " There's more to it if you would like me to tell you" Drake exclaimed ready to start a story. Grace smiled warmly," tell me?". " well", Drake began", it all started many years ago , there had been a knight Sir Bowen who became friends with a mighty dragon who shared his heart with a dying prince.". While Drake continued to tell Grace about the old story, Geoff and Mansel were peeking around a corner from the monastery.
" What do you think there talking about?" Geoff asked. Mansel shook his head", I'm not sure but I don't think it would be us". A look of jealousy crippled Geoff's features," Mansel wouldn't you say that there getting a little bit to close?". Mansel shrugged", why would you say that Geoff?". Geoff sighed," I don't know it just feels like Grace is taking Drake away from me or Drake ignoring me and spending more time with her". " I mean look at them!" Geoff pointed in frustration", there practically Siamese twins just by the way their snuggling so close together like that". Mansel said nothing for the moment while he watched Drake and Grace. Mansel knew Geoff had been right but had been carrying his jealousy a little bit to far. Then a haunting thought came to him," Geoff?" Mansel asked. Geoff sighed," what". " Did Drake ever tell you where Grace was from?". Puzzled Geoff replied," no, he just told me that he saved her from a bunch of knights who were chasing her why do you ask?". Mansel shook his head," just a thought", he paused", but do you remember what Martian Orodruin told us about the prophecy Dragon-Stigmata?". Geoff nodded, Mansel continued" I have a strange feeling that Grace plays a big part in it".
" You can't be serious!" Geoff laughed. " Yes serious!" Mansel said harshly", we can't be sure yet but we can't assume too much". Geoff stared blankly at Mansel. " I'm going to get some sleep I suggest you do the same, it's going to be a long day tomorrow". Mansel left folding his hood over his head and left in the darkness of the monastery. The sun rose into the morning sky. Everyone through out the kingdom had awoken to a brand new day of skill and entertainment. The morning had started with a gigantic festival and parade as everyone had been invited to enjoy and take part in the excitement. Through out most of the morning, many gathered by the market place to buy all sorts of items that had been traded from all over different parts of the land and farther beyond in different countries. There had also been plays and shows that broke out through out the kingdom to keep every one occupied.
Back at the monastery, all the monks prepared for a gathering. Only one monk decided to leave the gathering of the monastery and plummeted the streets of the town and market place to find Geoff. Once Mansel had found Geoff, he talked with him about the tournament. Geoff had been to distracted with what everything Mansel had said and disappeared into the crowd of people passing by. Mansel shook his head rejoining the monks at the monastery in the gathering. Somewhere out side the monastery, Drake waited patiently for Grace. When Grace arrived Drake asked", how was your sleep". Grace stretched her fingers high to the sky as they would go," I slept well you?"". very well" Drake smiled, " would you like to go flying?" he asked. " With out Geoff?" Grace questioned. Drake smiled", he's preparing for the tournament this afternoon". " Well okay then" Grace said with a giant smile.
they would go," I slept well you?"". very well" Drake smiled, " would you like to go flying?" he asked. " With out Geoff?" Grace questioned. Drake smiled", he's preparing for the tournament this afternoon". " Well okay then" Grace said with a giant smile.
The King sat dully within the throne room waiting for the long afternoon to pass and longed for the evening to come. The young knight Sir Ronald along with many other knights boasted to the ladies in the court about how many adventures they were on. Sir Ronald himself exaggerated about some. During that time, Geoff arrived bringing a bunch of gifts to the king. The king had been surprised and remained speechless as he watched Geoff smile then turn to join in with the crowd of lords and ladies in conversation. Sir Ronald glared at Geoff with a jealous look over his princely features. " He's only giving the king gifts so he can win the tournament ", Ronald scowled to the other knights. Geoff bumped into some of the ladies apologizing as he passed by. Then Ronald approached him with a greeting slap on the back. Geoff's eyes bulged abit from him as he resigned from grunting in front of the ladies. Geoff turned slowly toward Ronald. A chiseled smile curved on Ronald's face", I hear you have natural skill with the sword, perhaps you would enjoy trying me in a round tonight at the tournament". Geoff could not refuse the challenge, since he already knew that if he refused he'd make a fool of himself.
Sheepishly Geoff replied," sure I'll challenge you, I'd be most honored to". " I'll be looking forward to seeing you lose stable boy", Ronald laughed as he patted Geoff on the shoulder, cringing a little then left Geoff. High in the blue dale sky, the shadow of a magnificent form glided in shear grace across the sky. His wings seemed to swipe the air cutting through it like a knights sword in battle. As he flew above the canopy of deciduous forest Drake angled over to a clearing of fields and beyond. Later he came toward the mountains and soon the ocean that Grace had mentioned earlier. Grace had enjoyed the scenery just as much as she enjoyed flying with out happening to hang off the side of Geoff like she had last time. After awhile Drake had reached the shoreline along the coast where Grace had wanted to go and explore the day before.
He drifted lightly letting the wind sail over and beneath his wings, which carried him down toward a rocky area, then took a safe landing upon the rocks letting Grace hop off his back. " That was wonderful!" Grace shouted against the roar of the oceans waves. Drake registered a fixed smile over his young features. And after he took a rest on the cliff like rocks. Grace hopped the stones and rocks until she planted her feet in the soft beachy sands. Her eyes sparkled, looking over the ocean, shore, and sky distant from it. Her feet hurried her over to the wet sands and into the cotton white waves of salty seawater, washing the edge of the beach and would roll away leaving the smooth wet sand flawless.
Geoff nodded," no problem Mansel I just was just checking to see if they were here". " Well there not", Mansel rasped in a harsh whisper. All the brothers of the monastery looked to Mansel in a steam of silence. Mansel grew embarrassed looking back at them then to Geoff again," here I'll go with you". Geoff shrugged," okay". Then they headed toward the old dungeon. Down in the cold depths of the old dungeon, candlelight danced in shadows across the walls. Soft croons and moans where heard from around the corner of one of the rooms. Grace carefully helped Drake patch up all the recent wounds he received while fighting off the angry peasants. The damp rags weren't too painful as much as the bruises he had. After, Drake rested. Grace gave him a faint smile and walked around waiting for Geoff to call on her and Drake to the feast. " Why are you pacing" Drake asked. Grace looked at him with innocent eyes then replied", Oh! Heh.just bored". An immediate scarlet red blush appeared on her face as she looked away. Slowly Drake smiled pulling him self off the ground and asked a different question," have you ever heard of the old code?". Grace looked back at him and shook her head," no can't say I really have".
Just then, Geoff and Mansel appeared rushing through the rooms. Geoff held off the side of the wall catching his breath, while Mansel announced," you guys need to be ready". " Why", Grace asked," ready for what?". " remember this morning when I told you and Geoff about the prophecy" Mansel added. Grace nodded. " Well were discussing it over the feast right now, we are needed". While the four of them headed back for the feast, Drake and Grace doddled behind Geoff and Mansel. Curious Grace asked Drake," So what is this old code?". Drake whispered in reply," I'll explain it to you tonight". The four of them had finally reached the doorway where everyone had been eating.
Silence and slumber had fallen over the kingdom. Osric waited for his guests to arrive. As Osric heaved in silence and in deep thought a black raven glided, landing on the edge of his window delicately. It rapped its beak three times against the cold stone wall and after broke Osric's silent pondering. A few minutes after the doorkeeper knocked a few times awaiting Osric to open the door. Just as Osric barked an order, the doorkeeper bowed showing Osric's guests in. Afterward Osric gave each man a fair greeting and several shackles of gold coins. Each man had been very different in appearance, but had all been taking part in the tournament. Osric walked by them slowly yielding his movements. He studied every weapon and every detail each warrior and barbarian carried with them. " I suppose you are curious as to why I have hired you all", Osric began watching each of the men that stood like statues, yet the movements they made were their eyes following Osric's slow walking. " I have paid you all well enough to keep you satisfied and well in health, what I ask of you is to find an old priest by the name of Martian Orodruin. Find him and Kill him and bring me the gems after the Grand ball has taken place". The leader of the barbarians group spoke up", it shall be done lord Osric, we will assassinate the priest and have the gems too you by the 7th sunset". Osric nodded and walked to the door showing the men out.
Geoff, Mansel, Drake and Grace were greeted by father Christoph and Martian Orodruin. Geoff couldn't wait to dig into the food that sat in front of him. After they blessed the food Geoff sunk his teeth into the fresh bread nearly shaking it around like a puppy would a stuffed toy. Grace watched Geoff amused smirking as she tried to hold in her comical laugh. Geoff ate like a hungry crazy wolf. Most of the monks eyed Geoff strangely about his disgusting eating habits. Grace shook her head giving Drake a smirk. At the same time, Drake returned the grin. Mansel sighed in frustration hitting Geoff off the side of the arm. " Ow!", Geoff yelped," Mansel what was that for!". Mansel sighed again", please we are not eating yet". " Oh" Geoff got the idea setting the piece of bread down. After the embarrassing moment had passed, Mansel kindly introduced Drake, Geoff, and Grace to Martian Orodruin. Martian Orodruin began speaking soon after he received everyone's attention.
" It is a pleasure to have finally meet you all. I come from far away but have heard much over the years about this place. The most recent is of the passing of the two-tailed comet. But of the fact that the introduction of the prophecy was only a warning a real threat is coming and it has only begun.". Orodruin explained the second prophecy, which he called the dragon- stigmata. Everyone at the table seemed to still in fear. " Is there anything that can stop this evil from coming?" Geoff asked trying to keep his voice and movements calm. " There is only one thing" Martian Orodruin replied. " What?" Drake asked curiously. With a hand signal, Orodruin brought the group in a little closer to hear what he had to say. In a low whispering voice Orodruin explained", the ancient dragon souls that have been incased with the four gems are only part of the saving. The one who has the signs of the ancient dragons tattooed on their wrist is the one chosen to help stop this evil. This being was created from the tears of these ancient dragons for so the blood runs through them".
His voice seemed to haunt them. After many minutes of silence Geoff looked sternly toward Orodruin", where are these gems and how can we be a possible defense to the evil that is coming with out knowing who or what is chosen". Orodruin rose from his seat before he got the chance to reply to Geoff's question. For several minutes, Geoff impatiently waited for an answer but then noticed that Martian Orodruin had his eyes oddly glued to Grace. He slowly walked around the table placing his hand on Grace's shoulder startling her. Alarmed Drake resided from staring at the floor and kept his eye suspiciously on Orodruin. " My dear maiden, please forgive me for asking you this but, where are you from I have never seen clothes like yours before". Before Grace got the chance to answer Geoff interrupted and shouted," from the east!". All the monks in the room spun around looking at Geoff annoyingly. Geoff pressed his lips together turning red with embarrassment." Om yeah." he said looking down and then hushed up. Martian Orodruin grinned at Geoff shaking his head and afterward went with father Christoph into another room.
The light had fallen and soon the land danced with a combination of shadows and glittering lights defined by natures fire flies that put on a firework show of their own. Constantly the wind would russel over the fields toppling over thin blades of grass as it swept in a humming whisper. Tomorrow had been the big event. Every warrior from far off in different villages would be taking their first skill to test their worthily ness as being part of the Kings realm of knights. That night after everyone at the monastery had fallen into sleep, only two had been awake. Within the old dungeon, few off-white candles danced in shadows of flame off the walls of rough stone. Grace quietly snuck into the old dungeon to meet up with Drake. Drake was to occupied thinking of so many strange events that had taken place. While he thought in silence a rattling, noise startled him. Alarmed he stood up slowly and carried his steps in a slow pace. He reached the corner of one of the rooms and seen a shadow figure limping across the wall heading towards him.
Just as the shadow reached to where he was, Drake immediately snarled thinking it was an intruder. He jumped out in front of Grace who just happened to be that intruder. Surprised Grace threw her arms up and let out a startling gasp. " Grace", Drake shouted surprisingly," I didn't realize it was you". Grace smiled," no hard feelings Drake". " I thought that you were an intruder. Please forgive me I didn't mean to startle you like that", Drake said a little embarrassed. " Its quite alright", Grace replied," I should have called upon you first, instead of sneaking up on you like that". Drake smiled at Grace relieved that she wasn't angry with him. " Are you looking forward to seeing the tournament of skill tomorrow?" Drake asked. Grace nodded," I hear its going to be great. Especially with Geoff being there". Drake smiled walking toward the exit of the old dungeon. " Where are you going?" Grace asked. Drake halted in his steps and turned toward Grace," out side to see the stars". Grace looked to Drake with a bright smile," I'll join you". Drake smiled and turned toward the exit with Grace following behind.
With the pale moon high in the glittering sky to which the stars dangled in their crying mutiny, a sound of a long thin metal blade cut the dark clear air of silence. The silver clad knight Sir Ronald had been determined to win. Sleep had no effect on him as he continued to fight an invisible opponent. Within the darkness, Osric watched never breaking his stare on Ronald. However, as he watched the thought of the mystic maiden broke into his mind again. He assumed that she would be at the tournament, but needed to know more about her. His thoughts sailed away as he watched Ronald. His eyes followed Ronald's movements and his silver sword and after he gazed to the stars believing, that everyone's destiny had been born from them.
Far from the monastery, near the hill, Drake sat on the soft grass. His eyes followed the stars in their twinkling. Close behind, Grace climbed the hill, and when she finally reached the top, she flopped down next to Drake catching her breath. Drake lowered his gaze down toward her and gave her a gentle smile. Her eyes seemed to stare at the heavens," their beautiful", Grace said softly. Drake agreed," They are beautiful aren't they". He shifted his body lying down on his side, as Grace carried out a conversation with him. " You know what the stars remind me of?" she asked. " No", Drake replied," what?". Grace smiled", its almost as if someone has taken a hand full of diamonds and scattered them over black velvet". " They do look a lot like that," Drake added. " All my hopes and dreams are hanging from the stars", Grace sighed", now that I'm here, I don't want to go home. This place feels like home to me". At the corner of his eye, Drake studied the sad expression on Graces face. He watched her eyes searching the heavens for something. " You know that star constellation Draco?" she questioned. " Yes I do", Drake said," I know it very well". " Well", Grace continued," where is it I can never seem to find it".
Drake rolled onto his back next to Grace. " Well I'll show you, " he said. His clawed hand pointed to the stars," see that constellation with all those bright stars?". Grace glared at the sky trying to find where Drake was pointing. " I can't really see where they are". Drake smiled pulling Grace closer beside him until their faces nearly touched. He pointed to the stars once more", just follow where I am pointing". Grace's eyes followed the direction to where his clawed fingers marked the dragon constellation. " I see them!" she said intrigued by the pattern they made. " They call it the dragons heaven", Drake spoke in a soft voice never taking his eyes off the stars. " There's more to it if you would like me to tell you" Drake exclaimed ready to start a story. Grace smiled warmly," tell me?". " well", Drake began", it all started many years ago , there had been a knight Sir Bowen who became friends with a mighty dragon who shared his heart with a dying prince.". While Drake continued to tell Grace about the old story, Geoff and Mansel were peeking around a corner from the monastery.
" What do you think there talking about?" Geoff asked. Mansel shook his head", I'm not sure but I don't think it would be us". A look of jealousy crippled Geoff's features," Mansel wouldn't you say that there getting a little bit to close?". Mansel shrugged", why would you say that Geoff?". Geoff sighed," I don't know it just feels like Grace is taking Drake away from me or Drake ignoring me and spending more time with her". " I mean look at them!" Geoff pointed in frustration", there practically Siamese twins just by the way their snuggling so close together like that". Mansel said nothing for the moment while he watched Drake and Grace. Mansel knew Geoff had been right but had been carrying his jealousy a little bit to far. Then a haunting thought came to him," Geoff?" Mansel asked. Geoff sighed," what". " Did Drake ever tell you where Grace was from?". Puzzled Geoff replied," no, he just told me that he saved her from a bunch of knights who were chasing her why do you ask?". Mansel shook his head," just a thought", he paused", but do you remember what Martian Orodruin told us about the prophecy Dragon-Stigmata?". Geoff nodded, Mansel continued" I have a strange feeling that Grace plays a big part in it".
" You can't be serious!" Geoff laughed. " Yes serious!" Mansel said harshly", we can't be sure yet but we can't assume too much". Geoff stared blankly at Mansel. " I'm going to get some sleep I suggest you do the same, it's going to be a long day tomorrow". Mansel left folding his hood over his head and left in the darkness of the monastery. The sun rose into the morning sky. Everyone through out the kingdom had awoken to a brand new day of skill and entertainment. The morning had started with a gigantic festival and parade as everyone had been invited to enjoy and take part in the excitement. Through out most of the morning, many gathered by the market place to buy all sorts of items that had been traded from all over different parts of the land and farther beyond in different countries. There had also been plays and shows that broke out through out the kingdom to keep every one occupied.
Back at the monastery, all the monks prepared for a gathering. Only one monk decided to leave the gathering of the monastery and plummeted the streets of the town and market place to find Geoff. Once Mansel had found Geoff, he talked with him about the tournament. Geoff had been to distracted with what everything Mansel had said and disappeared into the crowd of people passing by. Mansel shook his head rejoining the monks at the monastery in the gathering. Somewhere out side the monastery, Drake waited patiently for Grace. When Grace arrived Drake asked", how was your sleep". Grace stretched her fingers high to the sky as they would go," I slept well you?"". very well" Drake smiled, " would you like to go flying?" he asked. " With out Geoff?" Grace questioned. Drake smiled", he's preparing for the tournament this afternoon". " Well okay then" Grace said with a giant smile.
they would go," I slept well you?"". very well" Drake smiled, " would you like to go flying?" he asked. " With out Geoff?" Grace questioned. Drake smiled", he's preparing for the tournament this afternoon". " Well okay then" Grace said with a giant smile.
The King sat dully within the throne room waiting for the long afternoon to pass and longed for the evening to come. The young knight Sir Ronald along with many other knights boasted to the ladies in the court about how many adventures they were on. Sir Ronald himself exaggerated about some. During that time, Geoff arrived bringing a bunch of gifts to the king. The king had been surprised and remained speechless as he watched Geoff smile then turn to join in with the crowd of lords and ladies in conversation. Sir Ronald glared at Geoff with a jealous look over his princely features. " He's only giving the king gifts so he can win the tournament ", Ronald scowled to the other knights. Geoff bumped into some of the ladies apologizing as he passed by. Then Ronald approached him with a greeting slap on the back. Geoff's eyes bulged abit from him as he resigned from grunting in front of the ladies. Geoff turned slowly toward Ronald. A chiseled smile curved on Ronald's face", I hear you have natural skill with the sword, perhaps you would enjoy trying me in a round tonight at the tournament". Geoff could not refuse the challenge, since he already knew that if he refused he'd make a fool of himself.
Sheepishly Geoff replied," sure I'll challenge you, I'd be most honored to". " I'll be looking forward to seeing you lose stable boy", Ronald laughed as he patted Geoff on the shoulder, cringing a little then left Geoff. High in the blue dale sky, the shadow of a magnificent form glided in shear grace across the sky. His wings seemed to swipe the air cutting through it like a knights sword in battle. As he flew above the canopy of deciduous forest Drake angled over to a clearing of fields and beyond. Later he came toward the mountains and soon the ocean that Grace had mentioned earlier. Grace had enjoyed the scenery just as much as she enjoyed flying with out happening to hang off the side of Geoff like she had last time. After awhile Drake had reached the shoreline along the coast where Grace had wanted to go and explore the day before.
He drifted lightly letting the wind sail over and beneath his wings, which carried him down toward a rocky area, then took a safe landing upon the rocks letting Grace hop off his back. " That was wonderful!" Grace shouted against the roar of the oceans waves. Drake registered a fixed smile over his young features. And after he took a rest on the cliff like rocks. Grace hopped the stones and rocks until she planted her feet in the soft beachy sands. Her eyes sparkled, looking over the ocean, shore, and sky distant from it. Her feet hurried her over to the wet sands and into the cotton white waves of salty seawater, washing the edge of the beach and would roll away leaving the smooth wet sand flawless.