And the story goes on! -MAG
Freefall. There was nothing to stop me from plummeting down towards the cold waves below. Warmth fought against bitter ocean gales, and the struggle grew fierce the further the ice palace retreated. To my amazement, orange surfaced at the edges of my bound wings, sawing against the chains, and I urged them on, grinding away at the frigid metal with the blazing hot tips.
The first chain link popped open, and the rest followed suit, cracking and melting away as I continued my freefall. My wings burst wide and I caught myself a minute distance above the icy ocean, coasting above the watery depths.
I pumped my wings twice to gain altitude and turned my direction back towards the palace that loomed in front of me. No guards were filing out to chase me, no pointy spears were thrown my way, Queen Glacier was confident in her method of execution, and thus took no precautions. No IceWing would dare dishonor themselves and their family by trying to escape.
My wings still felt warm, and a quick glance to my right gave me the reason. My wings had extended quite a bit, giving me a larger wingspan, with the additional growth covered in crimson red scales that looked out of place compared with the rest of my white scales.
Er, Walrus, why are the edges of my wings red?
-Not important right now. You need to get out of the Ice Kingdom immediately. It's not safe for you any longer, come to the Sky Kingdom.
Excuse me, where?
-Sky kingdom. Trust me, it will make sense when you get here. I have something rather important to show you. This is where I can keep you safe.
No. I have a stop to make first.
-That is a dangerous idea. Don't do it. Auster, I'm warning you, I cannot help you if you choose that path.
Thank you for your help. We will meet again.
I turned southeast, using my newfound wings to gain speed. I hurtled pass the ice palace in a blur, my complete attention focused on flying to the borderlands of the Mud Kingdom.
I had never felt tired before, exhausted to the point that flapping my wings became a chore. Flying was fun, to soar upon the air a marvelous gleeful activity enjoyed at any opportunity. It wasn't supposed to be so difficult. Yet, it took all my concentration to not lose altitude. The barren tundra and forests were behind me now. I saw the telltale marshes of the Mud Kingdom ahead.
Following my memory, I flew towards the mountains and valleys that separated the mud and sky kingdoms until I happened upon the stand of trees. I crash landed into the grove, unable to arrest my velocity with my fatigued body. I came to a rest in front of the hut, where a familiar disapproving IceWing sat waiting.
"Well look who we have here," Caspian noted with a hint of disgust. "Did your antics finally catch up with you? Manta, we have a visitor."
The SeaWing pattered out of the hut, wincing as she examined the damage. "You look like a dead fish, how long were you flying? Actually, before you answer that, you need a drink." I nodded weakly.
Caspian pulled me upright while Manta mixed up some foul smelling herbs in a metal bucket. She handed me the mixture which despite its putrid taste, cleared my throat enough to the point that I could begin talking.
Caspian started first. "I always thought there was something suspicious about how you seduced Bering and were awarded such a high rank so quickly," he drawled. "But that's not as questionable as why are your wing tips red? Would you care to provide an explanation?"
"No idea," I replied, taking another sip of the disgusting drink. "I'm not a scientist, this is beyond my scope of understanding. There is someone who probably does the answer though."
"Bering isn't here, as you may have noticed."
Caspian narrowed his eyes and inspected my wings. "Are you some sort of SkyWing spy?" He drew a talon across the scales, causing me to wince. "It's not paint, those are actual scales. You're hiding something, I can tell, tell me your secret now!" he snarled.
"Alright Caspian, that's enough, let me give it a try," Manta interrupted.
The IceWing scoffed, "And what makes you the superior interrogator?"
"The fact that I am a trained spy and professional interrogator," retorted Manta. "Do you forget how I teased your precious secrets out of you the first time we met?"
Caspian frowned.
"Exactly," said Manta. She turned back to met, and her gentle warm gaze put me at ease instantly. "Auster, how do you feel?"
"A bit bruised but otherwise fine," I answered. "Also, before you ask, I genuinely don't know why my wing tips are red. It just happened."
"How about you tell us your story? What events happened prior?"
"It's quite complicated, but long story short, I was sentenced to execution because apparently I lead the IceWing warriors into a trap and now Queen Scarlet has Prince Narwhal. I jumped from the ledge and my wings expanded and burned through the chains so I could escape."
Caspian snorted, and Manta scribbled something down, though she wouldn't let me see. "Great, now tell me, how did you feel when you jumped from the ledge? What emotions when through your mind as you were falling?"
"Fear, despair, and hope."
"Interesting. What gave you hope?"
-Don't say it. Don't you dare.
I ignored Walrus. "There's this voice in my head. It's like a different conscience and he promised everything would be just fine as long as I could get away from the palace."
"Okay, and what did the voice tell you to do after you escaped?"
"Why does that matter?" Caspian barged in. "We need to know what kind of freak she is, not her tragic backstory. I saw some IceWings flying overhead with the Talons of Peace. We should round them up and try to have them explain what's going on."
"We should go see the Talons of Peace," contemplated Manta. "I think there may be someone there that you would enjoy reconnecting with."
"What?"
"Nothing. Anyways, Auster, back to you. What did the voice tell you afterwards?"
"He told me to go to the Sky Kingdom. He could 'keep me safe' there."
"See?" Caspian shouted. "She's in cahoots with the SkyWings. This spy was going to reveal IceWing secrets to Scarlet. It all make sense! Auster is a traitor and involved in some kind of twisted dark magic." He lunged towards me with his claws poised to strike, but froze, scratching the side of his neck. His eyes widened and he looked to Manta, who was carefully storing away a small needle.
"I am very disappointed in you, Casp," chided Manta. "You know that I hate to do this, but you need to control yourself dear."
"Wait, what did you do?" I asked.
"The serum temporarily paralyzes his vocal chords, so my mate will," she glared meaningfully at the sullen IceWing, "keep his voice down and allow me to do the talking."
Caspian growled, but he kept still.
"Now, let's go find the Talons of Peace. Someone there would like very much to meet you. Typhoon, you want to come along?"
The little dragonet popped out of the hut and chirped excitedly.
"Wonderful. Caspian," Manta gestured. "Guide the way."
The IceWing snorted but he leapt southwards into the air. I spread my battered wings and followed.
It wasn't hard to find the camp, the group of assorted dragons wandering lazily around an open meadow. They were careless, exposing themselves to potential enemies, maybe this was why Caspian despised them.
The IceWing stomped down first, alerting a green SeaWing who took up a defensive position. Caspian snorted, but otherwise waited for the rest of us to catch up.
The Talons of Peace, or at least this bunch, numbered around ten dragons, and they formed a circle around us. I could feel their judgement and curiosity, in particular another IceWing, was watching us intently. He had to be staring at my crimson wing tips.
"Why are you here?" asked the green SeaWing, apparently the leader.
"Dropping off a supply of medicine," replied Manta cheerfully. "In exchange for information of course."
"We appreciate your generosity as always," thanked the green SeaWing. "Unfortunately, we don't have any information on Blaze." He tried his hardest not to stare at me, but I saw his gaze flicker a few times. "Would you like to introduce your new… companion?"
Manta followed his eyeline to me. "Oh, but of course, that is Auster. She travels with us now. We would like to talk to Cirrus."
The green SeaWing furrowed his brow. "Cirrus, come over here, please."
The IceWing that had been intently examining me stalked over, cold and distant animosity radiating off his pure white scales. "What?" he barked.
"What do you know about IceWing animus powers?" asked Manta.
-I don't like the look of this IceWing. He seems awfully fake to me.
What does that even mean?
-I have no idea, but just looking at him gives me a strange feeling.
"There is nothing to know. They all disappeared over a thousand years ago," stated Cirrus.
"There certainly has to be something that can explain my good friend's condition here."
"Your friend is a freak."
Manta frowned. "There is no need to be rude."
"How are you not used to IceWing hospitality by now?" Cirrus asked smugly. "You're mated to an insufferable example of my tribe."
"Caspian is a far better dragon than you are, Cirrus. Right?" Manta glanced around but Caspian had disappeared. "Caspian, where did you go?"
Her mate had found another IceWing. Caspian beckoned us over. "Look," he grunted incoherently. The drug had yet to wear off.
This IceWing stood taller and more regally. He looked like he had come straight out of IceWing combat training. "Do I know you?"
Manta looked dumbfounded. She shrugged while Caspian struggled to form words. "Hit var," he grumbled, "Com der."
I thought that sounded familiar. I had seen this dragon before, but I had to dig through some memories to try and find where. His deep blue eyes and long skinny body reminded me of the portrait hanging in Mink's chamber. It was the dragon in the portrait in Mink's chamber.
"Hvitur?" I asked tentatively.
Caspian nodded.
Hvitur appeared confused. "How do you know my name? I don't think I have ever seen you before."
"You haven't," I confirmed. "But I have met your mate."
"Oh, Mink," he said softly. "How is she doing?"
"You abandoned her," I explained bluntly. "What do you know about animus magic?"
Hvitur rubbed his talons together nervously. "The council hasn't punished her for my behavior have they? I couldn't keep fighting in the war, but if she's hurt…"
"Mink is fine. She's in the second circle now, no thanks to you. What do you know about animus magic?"
"The war is pointless," he spat. "Every day, innocent dragons die for no other purpose than to satisfy the ambitions of power of a foreign kingdom. I thought queen Glacier would know better than to get involved. I couldn't be an accomplice in this horrific bloodshed."
"And running away from your troubles was the solution?"
"I am not running away. I am fixing this problem, bringing peace to Pyrrhia. I was chosen to take part in the prophecy."
"Prophecy?" coughed Caspian.
Hvitur seemed to stand taller as he spoke. "A NightWing prophet told us of the dragonet prophecy, which will finally bring peace to this torn world." He puffed out his chest and began to recite:
When the war has lasted twenty years…
the dragonets will-
"Shut up Hvitur," Caspian hissed. "I don't care what your stupid NightWing friend has to say, but your puny Talons of Peace lichen munchers are going to do what?"
"I am going to infiltrate the SkyWing palace and steal an egg for the prophecy," Hvitur declared proudly.
-Now that's a terrible idea.
"Excuse me," laughed Caspian. "What in the three moons are you doing? You won't even make it past the walls before you're caught. You may be good in one to one combat but by yourself, you're weak and vulnerable."
"It is the only way," Hvitur replied. "You're not doing anything to stop the war."
"I say let the world burn on, and I'll go about my business, away from all the stupid fighting."
"You can't hide forever," asserted Hvitur. "Your mate was devastated when you deserted."
"His what?" Manta chimed in.
"It's nothing," Caspian growled.
"And it all continue to be nothing if you avoid the truth. You're a spineless coward, Caspian. Once this war ends, just be thankful that someone did something. Because it surely won't be you that made a difference." Hvitur marched away.
"Casp-"
"Give me that," Caspian snatched a needle from Manta's satchel and injected himself with it.
"Wow, he silenced himself," muttered Manta. "Well then, we have gained absolutely no useful information."
-See? Just come to me, I will make sure you're safe. I can explain everything.
Go munch on lichen.
I peered around the ragtag band of dragons. Hvitur had gone off to talk with a SandWing with a broken wing and an exceptionally angry looking SkyWing. An idea popped into my head.
-If you must, but they can't tell you anything.
I approached a red SkyWing who had smoke fuming out her nostrils. "Go away," she hissed.
"I need to ask you about SkyWings."
The SkyWing squinted at me. "You're not a Talon, why'd I tell you anything?"
I held out my wing for her to inspect. Surprise mustered in her eyes but she swept it away with a mean scowl.
"You're a freak, is that what you wanted to hear? You're probably a hybrid, your parents ran away from their tribes and boom you were made. The end."
"I've lived in the Ice Kingdom my entire life. These red scales just appeared yesterday."
"Great. Now go and bother someone else. I have an important job to do, and it does not involve answering your stupid questions. Go bother Kestrel." She gestured to the angry SkyWing.
Seeing as there was no point in continuing to pester this grumpy SkyWing, I set my sights on the other grumpy SkyWing. The SandWing looked up as I approached. "Who are you?"
"I am Auster, I'm an IceWing that was recently banished. I need to know about SkyWings and animus magic."
"Animus magic is dead," said the SandWing. "The Eye of Onyx is all that remains. Good riddance."
"Your wings look abnormal, IceWing," noted the bright red SkyWing. "Did you paint them yourself?"
"These are natural. When I escaped, my wings grew outwards and the tips turned red."
"They look like my wings," the SkyWing said, holding out her wing to compare. "You are one strange dragon. I can tell you SkyWings don't take kindly to abnormal dragons." The SkyWing kept her voice level but I could tell there was a bitter tone underneath her straightforward words. Was she somehow also abnormal?
"Now now, Kestrel, it wasn't your fault. Let's get back to planning."
"It was my fault, Dune. I killed the weak one, and the firescales one is also likely dead. If only I could wring my talons around Scarlet's neck, I would let that sadistic screwball know true pain."
"Kestrel," the SandWing reprimanded, "It is too late for that now, the best we can do is to keep these dragonets safe and stop the war. Then we can discuss decapitating queen Scarlet, if she's still around then."
"Seven years of being miserably holed up with a crew of dragonets that will probably turn out to be dimwits. Why did I sign up for this?"
"Because you know the inner workings of the Sky Kingdom, you will help Hvitur to infiltrate and steal the egg. It will also let you have the opportunity to be a parent again. Nautilus thinks it will help you with your pain."
"Wait," I interrupted. "You know how the Sky Kingdom is run?"
"Somewhat. But before I tell you anything, don't get any idiotic ideas."
"I just need to know if there is an animus in the Sky Kingdom, or perhaps someone who can communicate telepathically."
-I'm right here.
Kestrel shook her head. "As I said before, all abnormal SkyWings are executed at the earliest opportunity. We learned a long time ago that keeping around unstable powerful dragons leads to unpleasant consequences."
"Can I help you infiltrate the Sky palace?" I asked.
"There we go, there's the idiotic idea. Honestly, just let me go alone, Dune. I know the palace layout best, and I won't get caught. I'm your strongest, fastest, most experienced dragon."
"No." It was Dune's turn to shake his head. "They already know you, they caught you once already. Also, you're not exactly nimble and skinny like Hvitur. Just show him what to do and he'll get it done."
"I can help," I said. "I want to help, there's something in that palace that I need to retrieve." That sounded right, even it was made up. The secret surely lied within those palace walls. "Besides, I've been there before."
"You've been where? Inside the Sky palace? Give me a break," laughed Kestrel. "Someone like you would be executed on the spot."
"It's true, it was in a dream. Scarlet showed me around the palace personally."
"Yeah yeah, dreams and whatever. No. It's too risky just having one dragon. Two dragons sneaking around doubles the trouble. We still haven't figured out how we are going to take out the guards."
"I might have a solution for that." Manta sidled up besides me. "I think Auster should go on this mission, whatever it is. She has some remarkable abilities."
Kestrel was unconvinced. "What special abilities? Demonstrate."
Walrus?
-Fine. But you must promise to listen to me when you get into the Sky palace.
I promise.
A slight tingle permeated from my talons and spread outwards like thin strands of power reaching for an object to latch onto. I directed my claw towards a twig lying on the ground and commanded it to come to me. It floated up and much to the astonishment of my audience, flew over and settled in my talons.
Kestrel hissed angrily. "Impossible. Animus dragons haven't existed for over a thousand years."
-Wave the stick in a circle.
I waved the stick. The end of the stick sparkled and Kestrel blinked. "Impossible, Animus dragons haven't existed for over a thousand years."
-Would you look at that? Kestrel's a pretty straightforward dragon. The stick compels the dragon to repeat their last thought.
I waved the stick at Hvitur, who had been keeping quiet this entire time.
The IceWing blinked. "I hope Mink is alright. I never got to say goodbye. Wait, why did I say that out loud?"
"Auster, try waving the stick at me," Manta ordered. When I did so, the SeaWing blinked and said, "Seaweed is a marvelous source of nutrients and an essential ingredient for many potions. So the stick makes the dragon speak their last thought?"
"You figured it out fast."
"Gib!" Caspian lunged from behind me and snatched the stick. He waved the stick at himself, then in a perfectly clear voice, said, "I think I found a way around the voice stopper."
"Don't get too confident, genius." retorted Manta. "I have other methods of subduing you. Return the stick to Auster."
The IceWing pouted and waved the stick again. "Only because you're asking." He handed the stick back to me, and I tucked it under my wing.
Manta rolled her eyes. "I'll make up for it when we get back to the hut. Hvitur, come here. I need to show you how to use these." She unpacked her satchel and took out a half dozen vials of colored liquids.
While Manta showed off her collection to Hvitur, Kestrel came over with an accusatory glare. "What kind of magic are you playing at here?"
"Let me go with Hvitur on the mission."
"It's not up to me to decide. Ask Dune. Tell me, are you an animus?"
-No.
"No."
"Then tell me how you enchanted that stick."
"That is why I need to go to the Sky kingdom. I don't know the answer except that it lies there."
"Then go. You don't need to jeopardize our mission. With your powers, infiltrating the palace should be no issue. Just enchant yourself to be invisible. Three moons, enchant one of the princesses to become queen and end this bloody war already."
-I wish it were that simple.
"Not possible. Magic doesn't work like that."
"Then how does magic work?"
"I'm not quite sure. Would you believe that there's a voice in my head that does all the enchanting for me?"
Kestrel snorted. "That's the most ridiculous story that I have ever heard. If you want to keep your little secret to yourself, then be a selfish jerk. I'm going to go brief Hvitur on his mission now. Listen in if that's what you want."
I followed the SkyWing back over to Manta and Hvitur.
-You know that I can help you right?
Sure.
-Seriously. Just follow my instructions and I will make sure that you are safe. I can explain everything, but you need to come to me first.
I want to hear what this grand prophecy plan is about.
-Some NightWing came up the idea that 5 dragonets are going to save everyone by ending the war and choosing one of the SandWing sisters as the new queen.
Is it possible to enchant something so that one of the SandWing princesses becomes queen and stops the war?
-Theoretically yes, but practically I cannot. That level of enchantment requires immense power and training. Whatever idea you come up with to end the war, there will be downsides. Someone will win and someone will lose. Not to mention the toll it takes on the enchanter.
What toll?
-Albatross went crazy from using too much magic and murdered a bunch of his family. Something about Darkstalker too. I don't remember the exact details but his name makes me automatically think he was evil.
"Yoohoo, Auster!" Kestrel waved her talons in front of my snout, trying to get my attention. "Did you hear any of that?"
Hvitur sat nearby, inspecting a map while Manta had finished packing up her supplies. I must had zoned out while talking with Walrus.
"Hvitur is going to need a distraction, do you think you can manage that? Actually, who am I kidding, you are perfect for this," said Kestrel. "Auster, you will accompany Hvitur to the outpost where you will monitor the movements. Three sets of patrols means that Queen Scarlet is conducting important business and everyone will be on high alert. Two sets means that one set pair is drunk and not doing their job, and one set means that either Scarlet isn't in the castle or there is some big party going on and the two dragons on patrol are being punished. It should be obvious when to move in.
Next, the nursery is kept in the southern tower. It has a redder roof than any building around it and has plenty of open windows. Watch out for small dragonets." Kestrel winced. "Of course don't harm any of the dragonets, but know that they are the most likely to blow your cover with their annoyingly loud voices."
"If one of them sees you, pop them with this," Manta added. She gave each of us a bundle of small needles. "These are single use, just jab and the dragon will fall into a light slumber. Should be long enough for you to get in and out."
"Fine by me," said Hvitur, stashing away the needles. "We will meet at the rendezvous place in a few days. Hopefully, I will have the SkyWing egg."
Kestrel nodded. "Best of luck."
Hvitur waved his wing and took off and I followed suit. The flight was uneventful, we didn't see any other dragons as we headed north. Hvitur didn't say anything as there was nothing to communicate. Eventually the sun started to set and Hvitur descended into the mountains and found a cave.
"I am going hunting," he declared. "I will bring something back for you. Stay low." Without any further statement, he was gone.
I yawned and settled down near the entrance and reached out to Walrus.
I'll be in the Sky kingdom soon. Are you happy now?
-Words can't describe my delight. I think you will feel the same joy that I do when we finally meet. I have so much to show you, so many treasures that I have kept tucked away just for you.
That sounds wonderful, but the only real present I need is an explanation.
-I will try my best, but once you're here, it will all make sense. Three moons I can't wait.
Are you sure you can't start your explanation now? Sounds like a really long story and I have nothing to do at the moment.
-Trust me, it won't make sense unless you see it for yourself. Animus magic can do wonderful things, but it's really about the wielder. Come home, Auster.
Home? My home is in the Ice Kingdom, from which I am exiled.
-Hm. You might change your mind when you get here. But I won't spoil it!
Whatever you say, Walrus.
A quiet crunch broke my focus. The wind had picked up speed but there was something under the sound of air moving past. A wing flap, and an unmistakable damp step echoing from the cave walls. Someone else was here with me.
I drew out a needle and held it steady as I drew closer to the noise, taking care to take slow and silent breaths. The mystery dragon snorted once; it was much closer than I thought, they were headed my way.
Up ahead, the cave bent to the right sharply, cutting off my eyeline. The mystery dragon seemed to be just beyond the bend. As their foot stepped forward out towards me, I lunged and stuck my needle into their leg. As I charged forward, I saw who the mystery dragon was and instantly tried to change course, but it was unfortunately too late. The needle inserted cleanly into the leg and the dragon fell unconscious within five seconds, hitting the cave floor with a thud as loud as my regret.