Thunderfall Part One
The sun rose too slowly the next day. Willow leaned against Caldor as they flew on Pyrrah and Bait was in her arms. As she slept, more future visions appeared in her mind.
A group of teens. Some mages. Some normal humans. Some are half-elf, half-human.
The two teens with the black and blue dragon travel through a portal with a large gemstone.
The blue dragon rider and purple dragon rider carry swords of great power, wielding magic very similar to Xadia's magic.
A dark entity and a dark dragon.
Xadia in flames.
"Ahhhh!" Willow sat up, struggling to breathe.
You okay Willow? Asked Pyrrah.
"You all right?" Caldor rubbed her shoulders.
"Not really," Willow rubbed her eyes, Bait croaked, worried for her. "Can I tell you something?"
"Of course,"
"I've been having these weird dreams. In my dreams, I've been seeing people. People who aren't from Xadia. I see this guy and this girl from two different lands. And two dragons. One's black. One's blue. They're not like dragons here. And I also see two dragon riders wielding magic much like Xadia's. And I think...I think I see people from our land too. But that's not what frightens me. I'm seeing something dark. And it's a threat to Xadia," Her escort absorbed her words, becoming befuddled. "Caldor, you don't think what I'm seeing…it's gonna happen, do you? Sometimes not everything I see comes true but many visions I've had ever since we discovered the dragon prince have come true,"
"Whatever it is that you're seeing, don't ignore it," Caldor said.
"The things that I'm seeing in these dreams, I don't see myself or my family and friends in it. What if this future isn't when we're alive but several years in the future?"
"It could be many generations in the future. But that's not what we should be concerned about. We have to focus on what's happening now,"
"You're right," agreed Willow. She looked down at the great below. And to her alarm, she saw the great river of lava. They passed over the border, hearing the giant bubbles of molten rock bubbling like mad. When they came to the other side, they were over groves of beautiful forests. They landed in a clearing and Pyrrah yawned and stretched her legs. She dismounted her. "There. You rest," she patted her snout.
I'll rest for as long as I need. And then we'll be back in the air. She lay down as Caldor dismounted her as well. Bait came over to her, licking her face. She purred. They sat down.
The princess stared around at the beautiful vegetation. "I can't believe we're here already,"
"I haven't been here in many, many years," said Caldor.
"Caldor, I know you might not want to answer this…but what exactly drove you to betray your brothers?"
"Many reasons," he rubbed his arms.
"Will you tell me who they are?"
Caldor pursed his lips, deciding he should at least tell her that. "They are the Cult of Aaravos,"
"Aaravos? Is he an elf?"
"Yes. A very dangerous elf who was imprisoned centuries ago for causing conflict. The purpose of our cult was to find his prison and set him free. But it doesn't matter. No one knows where it is or even how to find it. So we have nothing to worry about. Now, let me find something for all of us to eat. I will return soon," he dashed off the forest, leaving Willow to lie against Pyrrah with Bait and wonder if her sister and the rest of their team had reached the Storm Spire by now.
Gren peered from the crowd, cloaked, and disguised. Ezran and Opeli had instructed him to be undercover for a while. He watched as Viren went to his knees and Saleer held up the king which rightfully belonged to Ezran. "I give you King Viren!". The moment the crown was placed on his head, the crowd cheered. Claudia nearby on the platform smiled whilst Soren remained as quiet as ever. He hated his father more than ever right now.
Viren rose up on his feet, crown atop and smirked down. He raised his hand. The crowd silenced. "Today begins a new dynasty! Today, we march up, four kingdoms together against a common enemy! Xadia!". The crowd booed thinking of the right side of the continent. "We will head to the Storm Spire and destroy the Dragon Prince! Together! We will avenge the fallen leaders of our homes! And we will claim the lands that belong to humanity! Within a few days, victory…will be ours!" the crowd roared louder than ever. Gren snuck away. He had to find help quickly.
The Ambler was ready to leave. And the travellers were saying their goodbyes. "Travel well,". Dovina bid to the party, waving Carol goodbye.
"You too,"
"Stay safe Sunus," Ethari waved to the Sunfire elf on his dragon.
"I will warn the queen and her sister. But I can't promise I'll be successful," he said cautiously.
"Just do what you can," Raylan said.
"The rest of us will spread the word," Suroh promised. "But not the Moonshadow Elves until he is returned and this war is done for,"
"Save the queen! Bring the dragon home!" Thorten implored. The three nodded, Felix, barking, the Adoraburrs jumping for joy, and Zym howling. They waved to their new friends as they flew off in the opposite direction. In an hour or so, they would finally reach the edge of the Midnight Desert and hopefully by the end of the day reach the plains that would lead to the Storm Spire.
Ezran had fallen asleep against Corvus. As he leaned against Corvus, he began dreaming again. But none of his dreams were goofy childish ones. He was dreaming of people riding dragons. And a wise one with grey and white hair riding a blue dragon, bright as sapphires. Phoe-Phoe squeaks woke him up.
"Sleep well my king?" asked Opeli in a motherly voice.
"Yes," he rubbed his eyes. "Sorry. I spent a lot of the night worrying about my sisters. I hope Willow's reached Xadia by now,"
"King Ezran, Caldor will take care of him," Corvus assured. "I only hope that Gren will be able to gather what allies he can back in Katolis before everyone becomes swayed by the dark mage,"
"I just can't believe that Saleer was a part of all this," Opeli cursed. "I wish to see him hung,"
"Guys, we've made it!" Barius pointed ahead and in the distance they saw a beautiful kingdom surrounded by prosperous plains of fields and forests. Duren.
"Duren," breathed Ethari. "We made it,". Suddenly Phoe-Phoe started plunging out of the sky. "We're going down! Hang on!"
"You don't need to tell us!" cried the baker, turning green.
They plunged from the sky, crashing into the nearby forests. They rolled across the ground, sliding to a stop. They groaned. Corvus fell off. Barius puked. Opeli rubbed her head. Ezran dismounted her. "That's it, girl," he stroked her. "Thank you. You got us here. She's really tired. She can't carry us anymore. We walk from here to the palace,"
Opeli dismounted her and gave her a stroke. "You're a lovely bird," she complimented.
"Thanks for giving us a ride here," Corvus stroked her.
"And thanks for not dropping us," added Barius. He nearly puked again but he swallowed his lunch.
Stay safe. She squawked. Ezran gave her a big hug before she chirped and took off into the sky.
"Come on," said Ezran. "The sooner we get to Duren, the better,". They began to make their way to the palace.
Raylan and Carol had fallen asleep against each other for a while, the animals on their laps. Ethari was holding his pendant and his husband's lotus. I don't know what's happened to you, my love. But I will find you. I promised. He shed some tears.
"Here we are!" cried out the voice of Nyx. She flew from her seat right towards the teens. "Wake up love birds!" Zym and Felix growled at her. She giggled nervously and stood back. "Backing away now,"
The couple stood up, rubbing their eyes. The moon mount yawned and stretched his legs. The Adoraburrs hopped up and down eagerly desperate to start a new day. They all glanced forward and to their relief saw trees and flora everywhere. Their journey through the desert had now ended.
"Finally," breathed Carol, relievedly. "I cannot stand another moment of seeing nothing but sand,"
"So…how much farther?" demanded Ethari.
"Just beyond this forest and then some plains. Then it's the Storm Spire. Big pointy mountain. Can't miss it. And there'll be so many dragons everywhere as well. And the Sky patrol. Also, probably should say I grabbed your message before it reached them,". Her confession only made Ethari glare at her more darkly and she just flew back up to her seat. Once the Ambler walked into the forest slightly, she offered up her tail and the passengers leapt on before being lowered down.
"Good to be in forests again," cheered Raylan.
Nyx flew down. "Once again, thanks for not killing me even though I tricked you guys and tried to leave many of stranded in the desert. And tried to kidnap you, human. No…tip?" she offered a hand, cheekily demanding something.
"Really? A tip?" Raylan crossed his arms. "I don't think so,". To him, she didn't deserve a tip after kidnapping the love of his life.
You're not getting anything. Felix growled.
Nyx giggled again. "I suppose that's fair. A word of advice. The air gets pretty thin up the Spire," she hovered above them. "Looks like I gave you a tip," she pointed down to them. "Guess we're even now,"
"Why are you still here?" Carol demanded, crossing her arms.
"Just get out of here before I shoot you down," ordered Ethari.
The nervous Nyx chuckled and flew back up to the Ambler's head. "Bye!" she waved. And the Ambler turned around and marched back off into the desert.
"I never want to see that Skywing Elf again," remarked the blacksmith.
"Well, we're getting closer to the Storm Spire now," said Carol. "And soon the Sky Patrol. They can help us reach the queen. I just hope we're not too late,"
Ezran and his allies and guardians walked through the forests, looking for a way out. The boy noticed his protector was pacing slowly. "What is it Corvus?"
"I have the strangest feeling something is watching us,"
"'Watching us'?" Barius became jumpy.
"Men," Opeli rolled her eyes. "Guys, there is nothing to worry about,"
Suddenly four small dragons swooped from the skies, all different colours surrounding them. Corvus pulled out his hook chain. Barius, a rolling pin much to the annoyance of the whole female member of the group. "No! Don't!" Ezran begged. "Don't hurt them! They're just scared!". He tried to urge them to be calm but the dragons kept swarming like a colony of angry bees. Barius threw jelly tarts at them. They caught them and munched on them and to his surprise, they loved them.
"Who dares enter these forests?" boomed a voice. The dragons roared as if responding and out of the forest appeared a teen of about eighteen with golden hair in a warrior wolf tail, dark eyes, wearing blue and white and gold with the crest of Duren stamped on the chest plate. They landed beside him, showing no fear at all. Only commitment much to the surprise of Ezran and the others.
"We mean Duren no harm!" Opeli spoke up. "We meant not to intrude!"
When the Duren soldier approached them, he noticed Ezran.
"Are you Prince Ezran?" asked the man.
"He is King Ezran," Opeli said strictly.
"Your majesty," he humbly bowed.
"Please don't bow," Ezran insisted.
The man rose to his knees. "What brings you to the kingdom of Duren? And why do you have no crown and you're travelling with a lot of protection?"
"Lord Viren our high mage has taken his throne by force. We were forced to come here for aid," informed Opeli seriously. "We wish for a council with Queen Aanya,"
"Come this way," he guided the way, with the dragons flying over them.
"What might your name be sir?" asked Barius.
"I am Prince Grark," the man introduced. "Adoptive brother and general of Queen Aanya,"
"Your Highness," Ezran bowed as he walked.
"You have no need to bow Your Majesty. My sister will be pleased to see you're here,"
"Prince Grark…" Opeli spoke up. "What exactly are four dragons doing here in Duren?"
They came out of the forest and into the open where they saw the palace in the distance. He whistled and some horses appeared. He mounted his black horse. One of the little dragons: a Dreamwhisper dragon of purple with golden markings named Lalaya landed on his shoulders. He saw the awed face of Ezran and the stunned faces of his friends. "They are friends of mine. Come,".
As Ezran had never rode a horse by himself, Corvus lifted him up and sat with him. Opeli and Barius mounted their own ones. Then with a yip of the reins, they rode off into the kingdom to reach the balance, The other dragons: a blue Dreamwhisper dragon named Ruvudad, an orange Sparkdrake dragon named Maiugo and a berry-red berry dragon Clododo flew over them. As they rode through the streets, the citizens of Duren stared at them, surprised by the arrival of Katolis citizens. As they passed the main square, Ezran saw two white marble statues of the two queens Annika and Neha who gave their lives, the same way his mother did.
In her orchard, Aanya was sitting with seven other dragons, quite small, feeding them food. They purred and nuzzled her like she was their mummy. "Queen Aanya!" called a voice. She twisted her head and saw one of her handmaidens appearing. "Your brother has arrived! And he has with him King Ezran of Katolis and some of his protectors,"
"Send them over!" she requested. Her servant disappeared. She stood up brushing the dust off her dress to look representable. "I must attend to my duties," she said to her friends. "Go and have some fun,". They scurried off just as her brother, Ezran and the party appeared. She approached her brother who she greeted with a hug. "How wonderful to see you, brother,"
"Queen Aanya…sister…King Ezran comes here because he is in need of help,"
Ezran approached her and bowed. "Please, don't bow," she said. They were close friends and she felt there was no need. "The first thing I would like to do is offer my sympathies for your father,"
"Thank you," Ezran managed to keep himself from crying.
"Are your sisters alright? What has happened King Ezran? Is this do with Lord Viren?"
"It is," He said gravely. "He's taken over Katolis and he's leading my armies and the other kingdoms to Xadia. Caroline and a friend of ours are in grave danger and Willow is trying to warn them,"
"It seems we have much to discuss. Let us talk," Aanya invited them inside. She whistled for servants to get them some food and drink.
(Over four months ago)
King Harrow was in his office discussing with Lord Viren. The high mage had claimed that he had found a way to kill King Avizandum, otherwise known as Thunder by the human Kingdoms. He claimed that on the day Katolis's beloved queen died, he had captured her final breath hoping one day it could be used to kill the mighty dragon. Aside from her breath, the horn of a unicorn and a drop of blood filled with hatred could vanquish the beast. The king was befuddled that such a thing was possible. Though his heart graved for vengeance, a voice inside him told him that it wasn't right. That it wouldn't change things. It had been nearly ten years since he lost his dear wife, the mother of his children, both biological and adopted. He walked to the window.
"It has been a long. There is peace. My kingdom is prospering. And…my children. They're all growing up. And my kingdom is prospering," he peered down again, watching them play ball with Felix. "Perhaps it is wise to focus on these blessings,"
"Your wife never got to see them grow. She should have. Ezran and Willow grew up without a mother. And don't forget dear Caroline. She was the only birth parent she ever had. And she has felt so alone for years because of what that monster did.
His words made the king cry, remembering the times when Sarai was pregnant and he imagined her watching them grow up. He grieving remembering how Caroline was so heartbroken that the only birth parent she ever knew had died and would not be coming back. He remembered scooping her into her arms and holding her close, praying that his love and warmth would be enough to take care of her. "Yes, you are right,"
"They were robbed of their mother's love. But now you can take revenge for those precious moments stolen from them. Kill the monster that murdered their mother,"
Harrow turned again to his mage who offered a needle. He reached to touch it. But he paused. "I need a moment," he walked out of the room, the impertinent Viren watching out for him. He walked out to the gardens, tears falling from his eyes. But the moment, he was greeted by the open air and the echoes of cheerful voices, he felt himself smiling again.
Felix finally caught the ball. "Good job boy," Ezran stroked his head, taking it from him. "You try Carol?"
Carol was about to do a cool throw when King Harrow arrived on the scene. "Hey Dad!" they waved.
"You three having fun?"
"We sure are Dad," said Carol.
Felix barked and Harrow genuflected to stroke him. "He really has grown so much," he licked his face and laughed.
His children saw a tear falling from his eye. "Dad…are you all right?" asked Willow.
"I'm already darling," he wiped it away and stood up. "May we take a walk, Carol?"
"Of course. Catch you guys later," Caroline gave Felix the ball and they watched her and their dad walk into the gardens. "What is it that you want to talk about?" She noticed he looked rather sad, conflicted. "If it's something I'm doing…"
"No. No. It's nothing like that at all," he assured.
"Then, what do you want to talk about?"
"It's something I feel I can't consort with Viren. Since your…you know…" he didn't need to say it. "I've wondered what kind of children you and your siblings would become but seeing you all now…I've seen how much you have grown. Sometimes it feels like it was only yesterday you were all youngsters, dreaming about what kind of futures you all wanted once you'd grown up into wise women. Or a wise man in Ezran's case," his adoptive daughter chuckled. "It seems you all have bright futures, possible dreams…"
"Well, we are still kids but we're learning and growing every day. Dad, what is it that you want to talk about?"
Harrow led her to a balcony where he leaned on the stone rails and sighed. She leaned as well. "Carol…if someone hurt you so much…do you think if you had a chance to take revenge…would you take it? And if you did, do you think it would make you feel better?"
Carol was quite surprised by his question. She stared out into the distance. She wondered what would make her dad ask this kind of question. But the harder she started into the east, the more she realised the horrible tragedy that had devasted their family years ago. She felt pain, anger…but something inside her twitched. "I don't think vengeance makes anything feel better. If anything, it makes things all the worse,".
As she spoke, her father began reflecting on what he had said to Viren earlier. For almost a decade, there had been peace prospering in the Human Kingdoms. They had never had any attacks from Xadia. If they were to kill the dragon king…that peace would be destroyed. Xadia would want revenge. "Killing him would destroy the peace," he muttered quietly.
But his voice was so loud that Carol could clearly understand now why he had wanted to consul her. "It wouldn't make it right," she solemnly. "It wouldn't take the pain away and it wouldn't bring Mum back," he realised she was right. Nothing could bring Sarai back at all. Even if they killed the beast who took her life and those of the queens of Duren who never even got to see their baby girl walk on her feet. "If anything, it would only lead to war. I don't think that's what she would have wanted,"
"You're right," Harrow said. When he turned his head, he saw Carol's eyes scrunched tight, her fingers coiled up.
She was full of anger and hatred but from her eyes came tears. "I hate that dragon…but what could would it do to kill him? Besides, he was probably just protecting his home,"
The way she spoke made all that anger and hatred Harrow held in his heart turn to love. He sniffled. "What she asked?"
"I see so much of her in you, Caroline,"
"I'm not really sure that's true," she shook her head.
"You have her generosity and integrity. Even though she hasn't been with us for years physically, she's always been with us spiritually. In you," he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. They exchanged tearful smiles and he embraced her tightly.
A few moments passed and Harrow wandered into the room again where Viren had awaited impatiently. "Well…are you ready?" he offered the pin again.
Harrow was silent. And then he said: "No. I won't do it,"
"what?" viren was flabbergasted. "Why do you not want to strike down that monster? Wasn't she your whole world?"
Harrow was silent again. "She was my whole world," he said solemnly. "But I will not let my hatred for Thunder endanger my children, my kingdom or anyone,"
"But what about your children?" Viren questioned. "They have no mother, to love, to cherish them like you,"
Harrow closed his eyes for a second again. "Yes. They do," he walked again to the window. "We may not have had Sarai," Harrow wiped his tears away. "But we had her," he looked outside, showing Viren that it was his beloved daughter who had been the mother in their family. They watched as she played with Ezran and Willow as they laughed and cuddled with Felix. Seeing them together brought the king joy. "Sarai has always lived here. Through Caroline. Sarai sacrificed herself so that our kingdom could live and thrive. Not endanger our home by striking down the dragon which Xadia will seek justice for. If we do that, then we endanger Katolis and the other kingdoms for good. I am ordering you Viren to stay away from Xadia so our lands are not threatened by everlasting war,"
Angered and outraged as he was, Viren buried it and bowed humbly before the king. "As you wish Your Majesty," he left the room but his face turned red and his eyes narrowed. If the king wouldn't kill the king of the dragons, then he would do it himself.
That's the next chapter done. What did you all think? By the way, Prince Grark is an actual character mentioned on the Dragon Prince website just so you all know. I didn't make him up. Thank you very much to those of you who offered the ideas of the dragons of Duren and their names as well. A wonderful new feature. Thanks again. Thank you everyone else for the other OC ideas. I will try to use as many as I can but I can't promise I'll be able to use all of them. I love the OC star dragon idea and the moon idea too. They're wonderful. Thank you to those who suggested them. See you all next week in the next half of this episode. Thank you WildGirl for spotting the errors and sending a reminder about them. In the previous chapter, the dragon's name is back to Cyrus and i've made the dragons small as you described in the book. Hope it's all good.