Chapter 2

A month after our meeting. I was in the garden taking a nap, while Spirit sat on the grass to meditate. Our peace and quiet was interrupted by the sound of pounding footsteps and ragged breaths. We both looked up to see Iris running towards us.

"My Lord," Iris cried out running down the palace halls. Her face looked flushed and her hair was disheveled. "Thank heavens I found you."

"Iris, child what is wrong," I asked trying to calm her down.

She held up a scroll that she was carrying in her hand.

"A message from Lord Greiga and Lord Falzer requesting an audience with you," she caught her breath and added, "sir."

Spirit frowned. "Any message from them is an ill omen, my lord. They are up to something."

"I agree with Master Spirit, but I wonder what are they up to and what do they want?"

I looked up from the scroll that I retrieved from Iris. I too agree that they are up to something, except I do not have the answer to Iris' questions. Spirit and I made precautions on any plots they have to take my life, or the lives of my friends. Still…

"I think," I said very slowly, "that I should investigate this."

"Lord Trithos (trilithon)," Spirit said sharply. "You know very well it could be a trap and you might get…"

"I know," I interrupted him. "Nevertheless they might become suspicious if I do not come."

I felt a small cool hand touched my hand; I looked down at Iris.

"My Lord, please don't go alone," she pleaded. Her large green eyes looked frighten.

"She is right my lord," Spirit murmured softly, "with your permission."

But I knew what he is thinking.

"No," I said firmly, "I must go alone."

"But," protested Spirit.

"You," I pointed to him, "must be in charge of my absence. And you," I pointed at Iris. "Must take care of things while I am gone."

"But Trithos," Iris asked. "Who is going to protect you?"

I smiled at them mysteriously. "Oh I have my ways child."

Iris looked relived, she bowed before she left. After we were sure she is out of earshot. I looked at Spirit and he looked very upset.

"Why didn't you tell her that you are going by yourself?" He demanded in thought speak.

"Because of two reasons. One, I don't want her to worry and secondly, I don't want anyone else to get hurt on my account." I replied.

"Meaning me," he said sourly.

He looked away and I merely smiled knowing that my friend is grumbling again in his language. Spirit glared at me again. Don't forget to contact me every three hours. He growled. If you don't, then I swear I will haunt you down, regardless of your orders.

I saluted him smartly. "Hai."

I returned to the small clearing in the garden and took off my white robes leaving nothing left on except for my armor. I opened my metallic wings and stretched them wide open. Closing my eyes I focused on transforming to my Beast form.

Spirit was forced to shield his eyes as I exploded into a brilliant burst of golden light. When he uncovered his eyes, he saw a huge metallic golden dragon with golden wings and silver talons.

I'm off. I told him in thought speak. I launched my sleek serpentine body into the sky. Opening my wings, I allowed the wind to carry me to the air. I circled above the castle a couple of times before I made myself invisible and flew off towards the meeting area.