Chapter 29

Zephyr

Zephyr stood tall as he watched the sky. His scales prickled with anticipation. Queen Granite had sent out patrols to watch the skies. She was worried about Alistar. She had gotten reports of Silverwings attacking the outer cities. He always feared that the Silverwings would attack. Ever since Queen Lilly was killed by Alistar, the Silverwing tribe had been acting strange.

"Zephyr." a dragon exited the palace. "How's the watch coming?"

Zephyr shook his head. "Nothing yet." he looked back up at the sky.

The other dragon sat next to him watching the sky as well. She twined her tail with his. "I'm worried too." she said almost as if reading his thoughts.

"What will we do if he succeeds?" he asked her. "Gabbro." his wings shivered. "What will happen to us?"

"Nothing." Her stance was strong. "Because he won't succeed. Princess Asha is out there somewhere. She can take the throne from him. We just have to wait and be patient."

A blue green dragon was winging its way towards them. Zephyr grabbed his spear and stood up bristling. "Who are you?" he growled as the dragon landed.

The dragon in question was a Shimmerwing. He was panting as if from flying non-stop. "I come with an urgent message from Queen Azule to Queen Granite." he held up a scroll.

Zephyr looked at Gabbro. She nodded. "Follow me." Zephyr answered.

The Shimmerwing followed Zephyr into the palace. It was completely made of stone and was sliced into a deep crevice. The halls were lit with dim torches and small candles. Few windows were open to the sky. Zephyr made the way down the main corridor. It was long and winding as it led up to the highest tower.

They passed a few guards who looked at the Shimmerwing with suspicion. They stopped at a set of large thin stone doors. Two guards on each side were covered in a silvery set of armor with matching spears.

"Reason for entry?" one of them said.

"A message from Queen Azule." Zephyr answered.

The two guards looked at each other. One held up a talon. "Hold here." and entered inside.

Zephyr could hear hushed voices on the other side of the doors. He waited patiently as the guard exited. "You may enter."

Zephyr nodded to the both of them and walked inside. Already it was brighter than the rest of the palace. Not only was it the throne room it was also the treasury. Large piles of gold and silver and gemstones stood around the room. In the middle of it all was a golden throne and on top of it was a dragon, red, white, black and grey scales showered over her sleek body. A crown of twisted gold and silver inlaid with rubies and sapphires stood atop her head. Chains of silver and gold wound their way around her horns and neck.

Zephyr had to blink back tears as the light went to his eyes. Queen Granite may have been the most beautiful of Queens, but she was also the most cunning and smart. She had always trusted her allies and her tribe.

Zephyr went into a deep bow, showing his respect. "Your majesty. A dragon from the Shimmerwings has come with a message from Queen Azule." Zephyr stood up and gestured to the Shimmerwing.

His blue green scales were shining like emerald and sapphires in the light. He took a shaky step forward and held out a talon. "It's an urgent message from Queen Azule. She demands a response right away."

"Demands?" the queen hissed. "No one demands me."

She snatched the scroll from the Shimmerwing with a snarl. The Shimmerwing jumped back in fright.

Granite scanned through the scroll with wide eyes. She hissed slightly. Handing it back she quickly said, "Tell her I'll be there."

"Of course, your majesty." The Shimmerwing bowed.

"Basalt." she flicked her tail to one of the guards inside the throne room. "Make sure our guest gets out of our kingdom safely. Take at least three more with you. If you see a Silverwing kill on sight."

"Of course," the dragon nodded and led the Shimmerwing out of the room.

"Mother, what's going on?" Zephyr turned to the Queen.

She looked at him with fear in her eyes. "Azule has called a Queens council."

Zephyr let out a gasp. "There hasn't been one in over a hundred years. What's the meaning of it?"

"I do not know. It is said to be held in four days. Without King Alistar." she shook her head. Smoke raised from her nostrils. "The sniveling worm. If he finds out we're doing this behind his back."

"I'm coming with." he stomped a talon.

She sighed. "I was going to ask you to. I hoped you would." she smiled at him.

It was strange how she treated him. Yes she had a daughter to take the throne from her when she was ready to pass it down but Zephyr was closer to his mother than his sister was. Princess Marble looked more like their father, who passed away a few years back. She was mottled brown with white and black flakes from their mothers side. That's not to say Queen Granite didn't love her any less.

"When do we leave?" Zephyr asked.

"We can leave tomorrow at first light. It should take us at least a day before we reach the Shimmerwing Kingdom." Granite thought.

"Alright." Zephyr nodded. "Do you think he'll find out?"

"I don't have a doubt he knows already." Granite said grimly. "But if there's a chance he doesn't know."

"We have to take it." Zephyr finished.

"Exactly." Granite nodded. She looked at Zephyr. "You should go pack. Tell your sister she must stay here and protect the kingdom in our absence."

"Alright." Zephyr bowed.

Just as he was about to leave he felt talons on his shoulder. "I love you, Zephyr." and she hugged him closely.