Sol Regem Part One
On the mountains just by the coastal town which the children had sailed from on Villad's ship, the three men and two children took camp on a cliff. Pyrrah rested after lighting them a fire.
"I am glad to see that you both are safe and sound," said Caldor to the two children. "I had a feeling Viren was up to something after you and your sister left. And I was right,"
"Thank you for coming after us," said Ezran.
"I strongly insist that Viren be arrested,"
"He will be," said Ezran.
"And what about Soren and Claudia?" asked Corvus.
"Soren definitely," said Willow. "He tried to kill Carol,"
Gren was shocked. "Oh, my Jove. I can't believe Soren would go so far like this,"
"And the dark mage?" asked Corvus. "She worked with those mages,"
"Probably just to capture us but not for them to take Carol," said Ezran. "Still, that doesn't mean we can fully trust her,"
"Did you manage to locate the other mages?" asked Gren to Caldor.
"Most of them," Caldor reached behind his back and pulled out a pink sphere of swirling energy. "They are trapped in this sphere. I had to use their own Dark magic against them to capture them,"
"You won't be charged for that," said Ezran. "You did what you had to do,"
"Did you capture Castor?" Corvus asked.
Caldor shook his head. "I searched every acre of that forest for him but he was nowhere to be found,"
"What if he found his way to the border of Xadia?" Ezran began to panic. "What if Carol, Raylan, Felix and Zym are in danger?"
"I should have gone with her," Gren cursed himself.
"No," Caldor shook his head. "He wouldn't risk going into Xadia,"
"But what if he does?" freaked out Willow, afraid of seeing an awful vision of him capturing their sister or doing harm to Raylan and the dragonling.
"He wouldn't. Xadia would be too dangerous for him. He has no primal stone, nor any items of dark magic. He'd be powerless anyway against Carol and Raylan. But that's not the only thing they need to be aware of,"
His words only frightened the children even more.
"That's no ordinary dragon,"
Raylan had pushed Carol behind a large boulder and they were peeping out from their hiding spot with the scared dragonling and fox.
"Is there such a thing as an ordinary dragon?" Carol asked, already freaked out enough as it is by the colossal dragon who was ten times larger than Pyrrah and looked deadly despite its elderly state.
"His name is Sol Regem. The sun king. He was the king of the dragons, a long time ago. But he was blinded in a battle with the first dark mage Ziard and he's become a symbol of rage and bitterness. He stepped down as king and has guarded the border between Xadia and the human kingdoms ever since. I hoped we wouldn't encounter him but it seems our only way into Xadia is to sneak past him,"
"Surely we could reason with him. I mean if Pyrrah saw that not all humans are bad when we helped her…"
"No. He will not listen to reason. Many in Xadia fear him and he was always so prejudiced towards humans even before the wars began,"
"Okay. So how are we going to get past him?"
"We won't have to worry about his sight. All we need to focus on is his smell and hearing,"
"And no taste or touch because it's doom for us," said Carol. Felix took another glimpse at the giant dragon. He whimpered and hid under her cloak; he was more afraid now than ever. "It's okay buddy. I'm here for you. We just need to get through this together. Okay?"
Okay. He was gonna try and be brave for his person.
After a well-needed rest, Pyrrah prepared to carry the five humans back to the kingdoms. One though had a request.
"Your majesty," said Gren to the young kid. "Would it be possible to make a stop at the stronghold on route back to Katolis? Your aunt, General Amaya will be concerned about the well-being of you and your sisters,"
"The choice is yours, your majesty," said Corvus.
Ezran thought for a second; he turned to Willow for guidance.
"I think we should," she said. "We owe her after what happened at the Banther Lodge,"
"We'll go there," Ezran announced.
I'm not going to a fortress with humans that will shoot me down. Pyrrah refused.
Ezran cupped her face. "It's okay Pyrrah. Once they see us on your back, they won't think to shoot us down. It's gonna be all right," he comforted.
Gren and Corvus eyed him strangely. Caldor meanwhile looked astounded. "You can really understand animals?" asked Corvus.
"He sure can," said Willow proudly.
"Such a lovely gift you have your highness," said Caldor.
"Willow has a gift too," said Ezran, ignoring his sister's shaking head. "She can see glimpses of the future,". She smacked her forehead.
"Really?" asked Corvus.
"Yes," she sighed, eying her brother bitterly.
"You both are blessed," said Caldor proudly. "But perhaps we should keep this between ourselves,"
"I think that would be a good idea," said Willow.
"Come on everyone. Time to see our aunt" announced Ezran.
I will take you wherever you need to go. Said Pyrrah. But if they try to attack me once you're off my back, I will not hesitate to defend myself.
"That's fair," accepted Ezran. "But only if they attack you,"
Still hiding behind the rocks, Raylan peered out to find a safe route past the blind archdragon of the sun. A flock of sunbirds flew over their heads. Sol Regem roared and his roar echoed through the canyon. Zym still on Raylan's back whined, scared to death. He hid behind Carol. "Come on Zym. You gotta be quiet," he whispered.
"He can't help it. He's so scared," said Carol. She picked him up. "I wish Ezran and Willow were here. They'd know how to keep you calm," She held him up and rocked him gently. He calmed down. "I've got you. Okay? We're all gonna get through this,"
Okay.
"Come on," whispered Raylan. "Be very quiet,"
Zym settled on Carol's shoulders. She knelt by Felix. "Stay close to me,"
I will. He barked gently. He was gonna be brave.
Raylan tiptoed ahead of them across the sand. Carol followed, Felix, trotting beside her. They had almost reached a huge boulder ahead of them when they saw Sol Regem's head with his face marks turned towards them. They felt their hearts jump. He couldn't see them. But he could still smell them. It turned the other way. They sighed in relief. They tiptoed to the next boulder near his resting spot. They hide behind him. They heard him do a gentle roar again. Raylan watched as his head leaned forward, sniffing the silent air. He growled.
He leaned back in his resting position. Raylan spotted another huge boulder over forty feet away. A gust of wind came. Perfect to hide their scents. "Wait here," he said. He stepped onto the rock. Then he leaps to a small one ahead. And another. And then he did a huge, graceful, flipping leap to the large stack of boulders ahead. He looked up and saw Sol Regem's face turned towards a different direction. He gave the thumbs up to Carol and their companions.
"Come on guys," she whispered. "We can do this,"
She walked quickly but carefully towards Raylan. Zym looked up over her shoulder and saw the dragon shaking its head as some birds tried to land on him. He got scared. He tried to fly off but Carol grabbed it.
Zym. It's okay. She tried to soothe him but his whining started attracting Sol Regem's attention much to Raylan's horror. He flew off. Carol tried to chase after him but Raylan pulled her back. Felix pursued him. They could Sol Regem's growls form above their heads.
Zym bumped into a rock. Felix ran over to him. But they turned and saw the Sun Dragon's head leaning towards them. They hid behind a rock together as Sol Regem stepped down from his post and placed his front right paw on the giant rock Raylan and Carol hid behind, sending pebbles raining over them.
Quickly Carol got an idea. She drew a large pebble away from them, making it clang and drawing Sol Regem's attention away. Zym and Felix peered over and saw their friends flapping their hands towards them.
It's okay. Carol called to Zym in his mind. You both can come over.
Come on Zym. Encouraged Felix. It's now or never.
The two came out from their hiding place and started rushing over. They were almost there when suddenly Sol Regem appeared out of nowhere and his long neck started heating up towards his mouth. Quickly Carol and Raylan sprinted, grabbing the fox and the baby dragon and rushing back towards where they came from. A stream of fire chased behind them but they leapt behind another big rock and avoided the streaming hot flames that scorched the canyon earth behind them. They peered up from their hiding spot and saw Sol Regem blocking their path to Xadia, standing tall. He knew they were here.
"What now?" panted Carol, scared to death from being almost burned alive.
On the fortress further north of the Human kingdoms near the Breach, General Amaya punched a rock wall. The Sunfire elves had taken over the outpost and there was no way of defeating the increasing number of elven warriors.
"Dragon!" shouted a voice. A soldier came over to Amaya pointing upwards. She looked up and saw a large red dragon. The soldiers prepared to fire.
"Tell us when to fire," a soldier asked. Amaya raised her hand. But just then she saw someone and shook her head. She pulled out a telescope to get a close look and to her surprise, she saw her nephew, youngest niece, her two most loyal friends and her tracker riding on it. She was astounded. She lowered her hand, signalling her men to stand down.
From above, the children were relieved to see their aunt had spotted them. Still, the soldiers look very wary. Pyrrah was more agitated.
"It's okay Pyrrah," Willow promised soothing her neck. "It's gonna be all right,"
Trusting her, Pyrrah took them to a clearing just outside the fortress's main gate and landed gracefully. Soldiers had their spears out but they dared not to attack less they risk harming their new king.
The men dismounted first.
"Stand down men," Gren said, holding his arms out. "King Ezran requests that no harm come to this dragon,"
The soldiers stood down whilst Corvus and Caldor helped the children off.
"Thanks for taking us here, girl," said Willow, patting her neck.
As a response of affection, Pyrrah licked her face.
"I guess you're not so bad after all," said Corvus, being more friendly with it.
Amaya came out of the gate, a warm smile on her face. "Aunt Amaya!" cheered Ezran. The overjoyed aunt rushed forward and lifted her family into a big hug.
She then embraced the three men.
I'm so glad you're all safe. She translated. She glanced at the dragon, amazed that her family and her closest friends would ride such a creature.
"She's really nice Aunt Amaya," said Ezran, holding his glow toad.
Where is Caroline? Asked the worried aunt.
Seeing how Gren was too uncertain to answer, Caldor spoke first. "Caroline is in Xadia," he used sign language.
What?
"She was telling the truth about the elf at the Banther Lodge. He's on our side," Gren informed.
"And they're delivering the Dragon Prince to his mother, the Dragon Queen, hoping to end this war," explained Ezran; Gren translated for him.
I don't understand. The aunt remained confused.
"Viren stole the egg of the Dragon Prince and he killed the dragon king. He's responsible for the elves coming here…to kill Dad," Willow's heart broke speaking of him.
Amaya embraced her family again, comforting them. The men gave them a moment.
"We're really sorry we scared you back there," apologised Ezran.
The important thing is that you're safe. She said. She looked at the three men. You three really believe that elf is truly on her side?
"I do," said Corvus. "We saw him protect her from mages who tried to capture her,"
Amaya was shocked. She remembered about eight years ago, there were four mages who had come to Katolis trying to capture Carol.
"Most of them have been taken care of," said Caldor. "Their leader remains uncaptured. But he wouldn't dare go into Xadia. He's powerless anyway. And the Moonshadow elf will keep Carol safe,"
Amaya still remained agitated.
"Aunt Amaya, I know you hate elves. But not all of them are bad. Raylan has saved our life and Carol's countless times," said Willow. "It was Dad's final wish for that egg to be returned to where it belongs to end this war once and for all. Before his death, he requested that Raylan protect us and she and he had. And revenge against Xadia is not what he would have wanted,"
Amaya could see the wisdom in her niece's eyes. She stared out into the distance, praying she was safe. I just hope Carol knows what she's doing.
Gren felt a little guilty for letting her go alone with just Raylan, a baby dragon, and a fox. "I wanted to come with her but I had to trust her and the elf,"
"Caroline's fate is in that good elf's hands now but we must discuss recent matters," said Caldor. "Lord Viren sent his children to try and capture and kill your family and we have a feeling he's up to something very bad,"
Before Amaya could respond, a soldier with a letter from raven mail came. She took it and unrolled it.
"What is it?" asked Ezran.
Lord Viren has been arrested for treason. Signed Amaya, Gren translating again.
"What's he done?" Corvus asked.
He used the king's seal to call a meeting at the Pentagon and lied to them about being the regent.
"That snake," cursed Caldor. "First he provokes the assassination. Then he sends his family to commit murder. Now he tries to rule in his place,"
Amaya looked to Ezran. You must return to Katolis and take your place as king. I must stay here and do what I can to stop this threat.
"What's going on?" asked Willow.
Sunfire elves have taken over the outpost. Amaya pointed to the waterfall of lava where they could see a path hidden underneath the falling fluids of hot molten rock. I know you both believe this war can be stopped but I must defend our half of the continent.
Willow looked at Ezran with a serious expression. As much as they knew there was good in elves as there was in humans, they had to put the safety of their home first.
"Do what you must to protect our kingdom," Ezran acknowledged to Amaya. "If you destroy that pathway, Carol can find another way across with Raylan's help,"
"We will take the king and the princess back to Katolis," Corvus gestured to himself and Caldor.
Good luck King Ezran. Saluted Amaya.
The children gave her one last hug and they mounted Pyrrah again. Amaya lifted a hand to stroke the dragon and she accepted, purring into her palm. The aunt could see how close this creature had grown to her family and if they believed there was good in magical creatures, then so should she. Your parents would be so proud of you. She said proudly.
The children and Bait blinked tears. With a flap of her wings, Pyrrah carried the children and their two friends high into the sky and they flew further west towards the kingdom of Xadia.
Gren walked back inside the fortress with Amaya. Why didn't you mention Caldor's true identity?
Amaya knew that he knew the truth. I'm so sorry, Gren. Sarai and I promised him we wouldn't tell anyone. And if the truth got out it would have put loads of people in danger.
He explained everything. I understand completely. Without him, Corvus and I would never have been able to find the children.
In the sky, Corvus was taking a nap leaning against one of Pyrrah's spines. Ezran and Willow eyed each other after observing Caldor holding the pink sphere containing three of his living brothers.
"Caldor, I know you know might not want to talk about it…" Ezran started. "But are those mages who attacked us really your brothers?"
Caldor was shocked. "How did you two know?"
"I had a vision, of their leader calling you brother," said Willow.
Caldor nodded. "They are. I was part of their cult. I was the moon mage. But that was a long time ago when I was a very, very different person. But I give you my word my king that my loyalty is to your family and Katolis. You both have no reason to trust me…"
"We do," said Ezran. "You're one of us, Caldor. That person who you might have been before doesn't even exist anymore. And if our mother and aunt trust you deeply then so should we,"
Caldor was touched by their compassion. "I will not let you know down King Ezran and Princess Willow,"
"Once we see Carol again, will you tell her?" Willow asked.
"I will," he stared into the distance. "I just hope they bring peace before things get worse here,"
That's the first chapter of Season 3. Hope you all enjoyed it. What did you all think of the new dialogue and scenes? I hope you're all enjoying it. See you soon for the next half. Please send reviews and let me know what you all think. Also, Season 5 is coming out in July. And there's been a release of new scenes. Anything, in particular, you'd all like to happen?