Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognize

A/N: Thanks a lot to all of those who reviewed and to Ally Serenity for betaing this chapter

Chapter Seventeen

The next day after training, Lily gathered the wing. Bella left to go bring everything they would need to the training room.

"All right riders, I have an announcement to make. Our King has decided to add another part to the training of wizards. It has been decided that all the wizards and witches will learn how to fight without their wand."

At this point Lily wasn't able to continue, as a chorus of protestations exploded.

"Why?"

"This is useless!"

"What's the point of learning it if we have magic?"

And so forth, the loudest were a group Lily and Bella had called "the snobby snobs". The only ones silent were James, Sirius and Remus. Lily let them calm down; it took them several minutes.

"As I was saying: you are going to learn fencing, knife throwing, and archery. Let me finish before you start shouting again!" she exclaimed, seeing that some were about to protest again.

"This is absolutely necessary. Can some one volunteer, so I make you see what I mean?"

After a minute of hesitation, one, Sir Yvan stepped forwards.

"Thank you. Come, we are going to duel. Ready, you start; Go!"

Immediately, Sir Yvan, shot a stunning curse towards Lily. She dodged it easily, and then cast a disarming spell, which sent his wand meters away from him. Lily summoned the wand.

"That is what I mean. Once a wizard has lost his wand, he is completely defenseless. Thank you Sir Yvan, you have greatly improved. Your stunning was very powerful."

Sir Yvan smiled and took his wand back.

Lily looked at the riders. Some seemed thoughtful, some others were apparently convinced, but others had stubborn, smug, and defiant faces. She sighed.

"Sir Severus? You do not seem convinced."

"No! I do not see how learning commoners' ways of fighting can help us."

Lily looked sharply at him.

"Come here Sir Severus and I will show you. Accio sword, Accio knives and dagger."

Her sword, knives, and dagger came towards her. She grabbed them and turned to face Sir Severus. She took her sword and got in a fighting position. She motioned for Sir Severus to start.

He shot a few spells in her direction, a smirk on his lips. James, Sirius and Remus who knew what was coming had trouble restraining themselves.

As the curses flew towards her, she prepared herself. In a fluid motion, she deflected them with the blade of her sword. The deflected curses flew back to Sir Severus, who was so surprise that he had just the time to hold up a shield around him. He cast another curse, which was also deflected. Sure that she could not go through his shield, he approached. In a quick and fluid movement she jumped and hit him on the head with the flat part of the sword. The look on his face was priceless. He was a bit knocked out and fell on the ground. Before he had time to realize what had happened he was pinned to the ground by a few knives.

"That is what happens when a wizard too full of himself encounters someone who possesses charmed weapons. The advantage of these weapons is that if you duel and you are disarmed, you can surprise your opponent, who, sure of himself will approach you, giving you the chance to strike. It is very useful, and that is why you are all going to learn how to fight without your wand. And for the ones who need a bit of encouragement, some… hmmm… friends of mine will help."

The riders were silent. Knowing nobody would protest, Lily continued.

"Now, we are going to see the people who will be teaching you."

She walked towards the training room. Kermal, Nathael, Derna, and five other people were waiting for them.

"You are late Lily!" said Kermal.

"I know, I know, but I had to 'convince' them to come. They were rather reluctant…" she had a small laugh. "But after a small show, they finally agreed."

"Marvelous." Said Nathael sarcastically.

"Well, everybody listen," Derna said loudly; "We are going to teach you about wandless fight. As most wizards think it is useless to learn it, I presume that you do not know a lot about it. I am Mistress Derna, this is Master Kermal, and Master Nathael." She pointed to them. "This is Master Orthon, Master Urval, Mistress Ramona, Master Gerin, and Mistress Xeirdre." Urval was a tall muscular blond man with green-gray eyes; he was nearly as skilled as Nathael. Orthon looked a lot like him, except he was shorter and had brown reddish hair. He was known for his swordplay for only Derna had managed to beat him so far. Ramona and Gerin could have been twins. Both had dark long hair and amber eyes, they were rather short. The difference between them was that Ramona was first a woman, and then that she was not really muscular: she had developed a method of fight, which involved the use of the opponent's strength. Her other advantage was his agility. Gerin's style of fight was more based on the strength along with the agility. Lily knew their reputation and had already worked with Master Orthon and Master Urval.

Derna continued her little speech.

"Orthon and myself will teach you sword fight. Nathael and Urval will take care of archery, Kermal and Xeirdre of knives throwing, daggers, and spying. Finally, Ramona and Gerin will teach you body-fight. Just a few more things. In this room, we are the masters even if we are commoners. You will be able to disobey us when you are be able to beat us! Understand?"

The riders nodded, not daring to contradict her. Even if a few wondered how women could teach them to fight…

"Good." continued Kermal. "Today we are going to test you and divide you into groups."

Once he had finished explaining them what they were going to do, the session started.

Just before they started, Lily looked at Bella who winked at her. They clapped their hands, and immediately some creatures came near them. They looked a bit like fairies except they were a little taller and had claws and four arms. There were apparently five types: some were entirely yellow and seemed surrounded by electricity, other were blue and surrounded by water, some others were white and had hail around them. Another type was red and surrounded by flames and the last ones were green.

Lily and Bella smiled.

"These are Haelfleawas. I made a bargain with them, so they will help you with your training. I would advise you not to laugh at them, as they can be dangerous. They have power over elements such as electricity, fire, water, earth and hail." Explained Bella.

Lily spoke to the little beings. Five of them, one of each type approached her and listened carefully. Suddenly a crystal sound could be heard. All the people saw that the Haelfleawas were laughing, as was Lily. Then rose in the air and posted themselves everywhere in the room.

As the riders started to fight, a few screams could be heard.

"Oh! I forgot!" said suddenly Lily with fake innocence. "They have special… methods to help you, be careful…"

Groans echoed in the room as one of the Haelfleawas shot an electricity lightning to a fighter who had let his guard down.

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At the end of the session, all the riders were exhausted. Many had burns, were wet, had been hit with hail, stones or electricity lightning, ect. When Derna and the others said that the session was over, relief was visible on their faces. They quickly left the room to go nurse their wounds since they knew that Lily was not about to suppress the training tomorrow because of this…

"That went well," said Lily, after having thanked the Haelfleawas who left as well except the five chiefs.

"Yes" nodded Ramona, "But your friends were really helpful."

"Indeed, during the previous sessions, we had to make a show to convince them, and even after, they didn't really listen to us. Do you think you could convince them to stay with us during the whole day?"

"I don't know, wait." Lily started to talk with the five chiefs. After a few minutes, they nodded and Lily smiled.

"They agreed! All you'll have to do is to give them a bit of leather… they love it… Don't ask why, I've no idea." She shrugged.

"Thank them!" said Xeirdre enthusiastically, "We'll take care of that immediately."

"This will really help us. A lot of wizards did not respect or listen to us; they think they know everything…" said Kermal bitterly.

"Don't worry; they will realize their mistake quickly…" said Bella.

Two days later, Lily and the other riders went to Voldemort's camp to cast the Zizadis charm. The mission went smoothly. The dragons had appeared near the camp. At Lily's signal, the riders cast the first charm on stones, and then Lily broke the shield around the camp. Immediately the volunteers started to attack to create a diversion. The other riders took advantage of the confusion to drop the stones at the limits of the camp. Then Flitwick cast the second part of the charm with success. Once they were done, they retreated along with the volunteers. Nobody was killed, a few were injured but the injuries were not serious. A few days later, spies reported that huge fights were taking place in the camp. This lead to big celebrations, which lasted until late into the night. But the riders from the Lions had to wake up at the usual hour unless they wanted to be thrown in the nearby lake, or in manure, or dragged in nightclothes, or… the list of punishments for lateness went on.

Little by little, the ability of the wizards at wandless fighting was improving; particularly for the Lions, as Lily had added fencing on dragons to their daily training. James was given extra lessons, as he was participating to THE mission.

Soon, too soon for Lily's taste, it was the D-Day. The day before, Lily warned the wing that Bella would be the only one to assure the training the next day.

Early in the morning, all the participants of the mission met at the headquarters. The King, the Queen, and the counselors were waiting for them.

"You are fully aware of the dangers of this mission?" asked the King. "If you have changed your mind, say so now."

There was a silence.

"Well, I thank you for your courage. The portkeys are ready. The last thing I can say is 'good luck'."

The participants bowed to the King and the Queen. Then, the fighters took the portkeys as they were not wizards, and so could not apparate. The two fight-scholars, Sir Mundungus and Sir Xoal, apparated. The only ones left were James and Lily.

The Queen approached her son and embraced him.

"We are very proud of you James, be careful…" said the King.

"I promise." James kissed his parents and climbed on his dragon, waiting for Lily to come.

While James was talking with his parents, Sir Albus had approached Lily.

"Lily, do not let anyone besides you touch the staff; it is really important."

Lily raised an eyebrow, and nodded.

"Good. Be careful Lilyaris, Praïn does not want to loose his granddaughter, nor want I to loose one of my best students."

"I will, Sir." Answered Lily. Suddenly she hugged the old man, something that was unlike her usual behavior. He was surprised at first, but after regaining his composure, Sir Albus hugged her back.

"Thank you for everything." he heard her whisper.

She released him and turned to face the King and the Queen.

"Be careful, Lilyaris." said the King.

"Our prayers will accompany you." Said the Queen.

"Thank you, your Majesties" said Lily bowing.

"You are welcome, now go."

Lily bowed again and headed towards Amaris. Before climbing on, she spotted a shadow on her right. The man stepped forward. She recognized Praïn. She hugged him tightly.

"Be very careful Lilyaris. I do not want to loose you."

"I promise I will come back."

"Take this."

He handed her a silver necklace that held the figure of a dragon with emerald eyes.

"Each elf-child receives one once he becomes adult. I t represents his spirit, and protects him against poison."

Lily put it immediately around her neck and embraced Praïn gratefully.

"Thank you for being here."

"You're welcome. Go Lilyaris…"

He kissed her on her forehead and stepped back as she climbed on her dragon.

Amaris and Tharis rose into the air, and then disappeared.

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James and Lily arrived at the Infernio Canyon in three heartthrobs. They landed near the tablet. The others were already here.

"Finally!" said Derna.

Lily ignored her and turned to looked at Kermal.

"Have you found how to open the entrance?"

Kermal shook his head.

"They are working on it." He added, pointing to the two fight-scholars.

Indeed they were studying the tablet, poking it with their wands. Suddenly Sir Mundungus showed something to his colleague, who nodded vigorously. They turned and looked relieved to see James.

"My Prince, have you the Gryffindor locket?"

James looked confused but nodded.

"Could you come over here, we think it is the key." Said Sir Xoal.

James, followed by the others, curiously approached the two other men.

"We believe that you have to put it there," Xoal pointed to a place on the tablet. Indeed, the locket fit perfectly into the hole. It glowed brightly. Slowly another hole appeared. It became bigger and bigger.

They looked apprehensively at each other. Finally, Lily spoke.

"Well, before entering, I'd like to know if you would all accept to be called only by your name. It will be easier and faster."

They nodded.

"Good." said James. "Ladies first," he said, bowing mockingly before Lily and Derna.

Lily smiled.

"Thank you my dear Prince." She curtsied.

"Come Derna, we have a staff to find…" she said and passed through the hole, Amaris behind her.

Derna looked at the hole, then at the other before following her.

The men glanced at each other.

A minute after, they heard Lily.

"Are you coming? We are not going to wait forever!" shouted the young women. "I warn you, you have ten seconds before I summon you! One, two, three…."

They didn't wait any more, and walked through the hole.

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They arrived at the limit of a forest.

"I think we have to cross it." Said Kermal.

"Yes, be prepared for anything." Said Lily.

They entered the forest. Everything was deadly silent, something that was worrying the team. It wasn't normal. Suddenly they found themselves in front of a pack of Firewolves.

Immediately they prepared themselves to defend their lives dearly. The Firewolves were growling menacingly, and seemed to jump at their first move.

Lily looked at the wolf which seemed to be the leader.

"Drop your swords, and do not move."

They looked at her like she was crazy, but obeyed. The wolves' leader looked at them quizzically. Apparently he was not expecting this. Lily approached him. He tensed, growled, and showed his teeth. This sight would have been enough to scare the most courageous warrior; indeed his fangs were as long as a forefinger and seemed very sharp. However, Lily did not seem affected by this. She knelt near the beast.

"Derishai, little brother, we have nothing against your pack, we just want to cross this forest."

The wolf approached her, put a heavy paw on her shoulder and sniffed her.

Seeing this, James made a move to go help her.

Stop that! said angrily Tharis.

But…

Don't move, she knows what she is doing, she is part-elf…. This did not leave room for discussion.

The wolf sniffed her, then looked at her with something that looked like recognition in his eyes. He bowed to her and made a little howl. The other wolves stepped aside.

"Thank you little brother, may our paths cross again." Said Lily.

The team continued his walk. Once the wolves were out of sight. They surrounded Lily.

"How did you do that?" asked Derna, awed.

"I'm part-elf, so I have very strong links with nature and animals. I can communicate with magical animals like Firewolves. They didn't want to attack us, they were just defending their territory…"

They starred at her.

"Happy to have you on our side." Said Quentin.

"Wolves are intelligent, but some other animals are simply too stubborn to listen. They think they are always right."

"Does this involve Ticegerans?" said Nathael all of the sudden.

"Yes, why?"

"Because there is one in front of us which is about to jump on us!"

"What?" shouted the team. At that moment a orange and white blur passed before their eyes and landed on Derna who had barely the time to raise her shield.

"There." Said Nathael.

"Superb, I haven't seen one of those before. They are quite big, aren't they?" Said James.

"Yes, but they are stupid." said Lily, "It is impossible to talk with them; they are too arrogant to even acknowledge other beings."

"Really? But…"

"Sorry to interrupt you, but CAN YOU STOP THIS BEAST BEFORE I KILL IT OR IT KILLS ME!" yelled Derna, desperately trying to push the Ticegerans back without harming it.

"Oh, sorry." said Lily apologetically, "Stupefy". The Ticegerans fell on the ground, petrified.

"Thank you!" said Derna, getting up and dusting herself.

"You're welcome." said Lily. Then she looked at the animal. "You deserved it," she said.

They continued to walk across the forest. They encountered a few more animals: some Ironhorses, who Lily convinced that they were not about to attack their pack, some Hailhaw, which Nathael managed to push back. He had discovered that they did not like some sounds at all. They had to cross a river where a giant Kraken lived. After a little talk he let them pass. Finally they arrived in grassland. They hurried, feeling that the exit was close. Suddenly Amaris warned Lily.

Lily, Tharis and I are sensing something but it's impossible….

What Maris?

No, it must be nothing… ON THE GROUND!

Lily didn't think, she fell on the ground and pulled the others with her. She saw in the corner of her eyes, that James was doing the same thing. Several things passed above their heads. As soon they had passed, Lily looked up. What she saw made her gasp.

About ten dragons were hovering above them. And their intentions were not good. The amazing fact, was that these dragons were not the normal colors; they were red, black, and steel-gray. Lily saw that the others were stunned too.

Lil, these are the common dragons.

Common?

Yes, we are magical dragons, these are not. they cannot blow fire or apparate. Their advantages are their claws, their horns on their head, and the spikes on their tail. A long time ago there were as many Common dragons as magical, but they disappeared brutally, none survived. But apparently it wasn't true, these ones survived. Common dragons can be linked with commoners who have latent empathic or telepathic abilities.

Really?

Yes, be careful with them; you may be able to contact them, but they are very defiant… I cannot talk to them. Something is blocking our communications.

Alright Maris.

She repeated what Maris had told her to the others. They were completely stunned.

"Common dragons… Impossible…" muttered Mundungus.

Derna and the other fighters seemed equally surprised, as were the healers.

Lily had to raise a shield as the dragons dove. Once they had passed, James looked at Lily.

"Lily, do you think you could convince them not to attack us?" asked James.

"I don't know, I'll try."

Lily concentrated, her face tensed. Sweat pearled on her forehead.

Finally after a few minutes during which the others had recovered from the shock, Lily relaxed. She sighed.

"They accepted to land and look at us, they do not believe we are humans, that we are 'their' humans. They have been here for a long, long time. Be careful with them, they are extremely defiant."

They nodded and looked at the dragons, which were landing in the meadow. Apparently the leader was a Steel dragon. They approached them, Lily first. She bowed to them and started to present each of them. At the moment she presented Derna, something happened: the eyes of the dragon shone, and a small fire appeared in them. He roared. Derna looked at the dragon, her eyes watering. Then she slowly approached it and slowly as if she was scared to dare to touch the superb animal, she put her hand on its head.

Then she looked at her friend.

"She says she's Earas"

Lily, the communications had been fixed, I am explaining everything to them.

Alright, thank you Maris.

Lily saw a black dragon approach them, he was very tall and had several scars on his neck. He approached them and looked at them as if he was searching something or someone. Finally his look fell on Kermal and the same thing happened. The dragon was Jahas.

I'm done Lilyaris. Earas is their leader. She said that they will stay here until we come back from the remaining part of our search. But, they will come back with us to the castle. There, the dragons will link with fighters and form a new wing of dragons.

Alright, Maris. then she added Some people are going to have a heart attack….

Maris chuckled.

"Alright! We must continue! The dragons will wait here."

They nodded and resumed their walk.

They arrived at a new hole.

Lily decided to pass the last.

As James passed, followed by Tharis. Tharis howled in pain.

Lil, We cannot go with you said Amaris after having calmed the golden dragon.

It's all right Amaris. Wait with the group and answer their questions about our world.

If you want me to, but be careful Lilyaris I do not want to loose you…"

I'll be careful Amaris

Lily hugged her dragon and walked through the hole.