Chapter Five: "Dragon Flames"

Looking up at the sky, Daine trotted through the darkness of late evening. Trying not to appear too suspicious, she made her way towards the royal bedchamber, knocking on the door…no answer. Frustrated, she clenched her fist and slammed it into the door, avoiding the splintering pain that went through her arm.

"Miss, I'm going to have to tell you to leave."

Glaring at the old guard stationed in front of the royal bed chamber, Daine noticed as recognition filled his eyes.

"I'm sorry Mistress Veralidaine. But you will have to cease your disturbance until dawn."

"I will not cease. I refuse! If you don't allow me to speak with the king then I shall-"

But the guard didn't find out what Daine would do, because just then, standing in a long, gauzy, pink, satin nightgown came Thayet. "Daine?" She yawned, "What's wrong? Has something happened, did you fi—"

"We aren't doing ENOUGH!"

"Daine…" Thayet's smile faded, and the wild mage realized just how tired she looked. "We're doing as much as we can to find Numair."

Jonathon appeared in the doorway next to Thayet, "Who's there?"

"Daine."

"Oh…she received this, I never got a chance to give it to her. It's addressed to me, but there's a part for her." handing Daine a thick envelope with the jagged circle seal of Carthak, the king added, "Gwith, will you lead her back to her rooms." It was more of a command then a question, and the guard took Daine's arm and led her back. The Wild Mage didn't bother to struggle, fiddling with the envelope. When they reached her rooms, Daine said goodbye and entered, eager to read the letter.

'Addressed Formally to King Jonathon of Conté, our Royal Cousin

Emperor Kaddar has died. He disappeared an evening last month. His body was found near Scanran borders by a party of Gallans. May the Black God lead him on.'

In a grubby slip of paper behind the formal one, was the letter addressed to Daine.

'Daine;

In reading this it generally means I'm dead. After the news of the disappearance of your Master Salmalín, Varice knifed herself; as you may know. Since then I knew it was time to do something for you. I'll never understand why you liked him so, but I guess love will always be a mystery. Naturally had I survived, I would of looked into the topic, but since I sacrificed myself. I shall now tell you what I did.

In hearing that an organization called the 'AKT' has formed a conspiracy against all the areas surrounding Tortall, including Tortall itself, I looked into it. I now know what lays as their guard. A dragon of dark nature, neither from Divine nor Mortal Realms. This dragon was summoned from the air, not even from the Dragon Lands. I know what awaits me, but I must go alone. If you receive this, I am dead. Please don't shed tears over me, in hopes that I may bring back Master Salmalín.

Emperor Kaddar

Carthak'

Tears pouring from her eyes, Daine counted on her fingers, "That's three dead…for Numair's behalf…V-varice…L-l-l-Lindhall and K-KADDAR!"

Authoress's Notes: Poor Daine. Life just isn't agreeing with her these days. Hmm…