The final part of the fallen stars, I hope you all enjoy it. I have tried to use as many ideas as I can so I give the credit of these OC ideas to those of you who sent them. Enjoy the chapter. By the way, there is a song in this chapter which I've used in the previous Dragon Prince book and once again the credit goes to Barbie. Not me. I am just adding it in because it's important to what will happen in this chapter and the story. I own only my OC characters, not Dragon Prince or any elements from the Dragon Prince game, the credit goes to the creators.
Fallen Stars Part Three:
Ezran and Willow were having more drinks with Janai and Green. Felix, Serena, Ghost and Bait were sharing some delicious food that had been prepared for them when their attention was captured by the sight of Amaya and Caldor fighting sign language.
Please, Amaya. Caldor begged. She's eighteen years old.
No, we made a promise to Sarai. Remember.
When she gave me that primal stone, I told her that one day her daughter would have to know everything. And she agreed.
Amaya turned her back on her friend and went off into deep thought.
What do you think they're arguing about? Felix barked.
I don't know. Serena honked.
Ghost purred. But if I didn't know any better, I think it has to do with Caroline.
It makes sense. Bait croaked.
Asserais the great Archdragon of the Stars stood on a floating podium in the cosmos. A red dragon appeared before her; his rider cloaked in black dismounted and bowed before her.
"How you have grown since we last met,".
"You summoned me," the rider bowed.
"Murtagh, the time has come for you to reveal yourself to Caroline so that she knows she will not be alone in the great conflicts that lie in wait. The others will soon be appearing to those they are meant to protect. Just as the Lady Galadriel is still guiding Raylan of the Silvergrove,".
"Are you sure?".
"I am sure now more than ever. There is so much that I can do but the knowledge I carry must be protected from the Cult at all times,".
"You must stay out of the great conflicts ahead to protect it," her ward acknowledged.
"As much as I hate to, I must. But sooner or later, Caroline will seek me out,".
"Why?".
"Because the knowledge I hold is the key to setting free the family of her beloved. You mustn't let that happen, Murtagh. You must depart for Katolis at once. Do whatever it takes to protect her,".
Carol and Warveth were walking back to the tent when a fire dragon with its Sunfire elf rider approached them. "Carol!".
"Hey Sunus!" Carol approached him and he offered a big hug. "It's so good to see you again,".
"It's good to see you too,".
"There you are," Caldor arrived with Soren, Ethari and the siblings. "How good to see you both again,".
"A pleasure to see the rest of you,".
Cyrus the dragon allowed Ezran and Willow to stroke her maple scales before she wandered off to say 'hello' to Pyrrah. They were great friends and often loved to go on races together. Ghost teleported to join them and they played a chasing game in the sky.
"It's so wonderful to celebrate the queen's engagement to your aunt," Sunus said gratefully. "I apologise my brother isn't here to say 'hello'. Our mother hasn't been feeling well recently,".
"That's awful," Ezran sympathised. "Let us know if there's anything we can do to help,".
"She's doing her best to cope but she's so happy for Queen Janai and your aunt,".
The three dragons, the two big and the one small continued playing their chase game in the sky. Ghost was too quick for the dragons much to their annoyance. He was about to zap again when three huge shadows loomed over them. The bigger ones roared.
Heads were raised to the clouds. "What's with all the growling?" Caldor asked.
Ezran scrunched his eyes. "They are sensing something in the air. Look!".
Three large shadows loomed over them and they stumbled back allowing three large dragons of different breeds to land. And upon them were three different elves.
"Well, well, well," an Earthblood elf with ginger hair adorned with flowers greeted.
"Oh my god, Hestia," Carol breathed. The elf giggled and dismounted her mossy dragon to greet her with a big hug.
"It's so good to see you, Carol,".
"Hello Hestia," Ezran rushed to greet her too with Willow.
"How lovely to see you again Draylenn," Ethari greeted, shaking him by the hand before greeting his fellow Moonshadow elf with a hug.
"We're so glad we received your invitations," the Tidebound elf embraced Caroline. "And this must be by your brother King Ezran and your sister: Princess Willow,". She had fin-like ears and long hair the colour of sea blue adored with starfish in braids. Her dragon was a crested shore drake.
"Everyone, this is Hakucha," Carol introduced. "I met her when I was travelling across Xadia,".
"A pleasure to meet you, Sea-Elf," Soren greeted.
"I would prefer not to be called that thank you very much," she said in a blunt voice.
"Sorry," he apologised.
"How did you three find us?" Carol asked.
"It was Mossy," Hersita stroked her brown dragon patched with moss. "He caught your scent so we thought we might surprise you,".
"Surprised I am indeed," she stroked the dragon and so did her siblings.
"Well, it's so lovely to have more friends over," Ethari said. "The more, the merrier,".
"Let us enjoy the party!" Soren cheered again. They escorted the three elf friends towards the tent and the future wives were overjoyed, Amaya leaving her conversation with Caldor. The dragons meanwhile kept on playing outside and Felix earned a few strokes from the friends he and his person had made over the years. Hestia was quite an awkward talker, nevertheless, she was a wonderful grower of plants and loved to think of funny jokes. Draylenn was a Moonshadow elf who haled from the Hollow Wood and as a passionate keeper of Xadian wildlife, he was very protective of animals and the community. After learning of humans building an encampment settlement in the Sunfire elf realm, he went to investigate and upon meeting Caroline who had visited to learn Sun Magic, he began to see humans in a new light.
The day passed with dancing and drinks and more gifts piling up in the tents. But the sun was setting and it was time for the royal siblings to head back.
"We must leave and prepare for the Dragon Queen," Ezran sadly announced.
"Please give her our regards," Janai requested. "And send our apologies for not coming to her in person,".
"No need at all. There is something I must ask of you,". Carol asked.
"Of course,".
"Please will you allow Ethari to stay here? The Nexus is not safe for him anymore,".
"Caroline…" her friend argued.
"Ethari, it's not safe for you to return to the Moon Nexus," Ezran agreed with his sister. "Stay here, and our aunts can protect you,".
"I cannot ask that of them,".
"No, she is right. Stay here," Janai insisted. "You'll be safe amongst Sunfire elves, and no Moonshadow elf will dare to trespass on my land without my permission,".
Karim barged in on their conversation. "Sister…" he argued. "We cannot harbour a fugitive. We have no means of defending this camp,".
"That's enough," Janai silenced him. "Ethari is our friend. He's staying with us until it's safe,".
"If he is your future nephew and niece's friend, why should he not stay there instead?".
"Because his people attacked their home, and it would agitate King Ezran's subjects to know that a Moonshadow elf is being harboured there," Warveth explained. "We can handle them in ways humans can't. It's the best option,".
"But if it does get worse, I will take my chances in Katolis," Ethari humbly accepted.
It's settled, then. Amaya announced. We won't let anything happen to him. She promised her niece as she hugged Ethari goodbye.
"Thank you," Carol said.
Which brings us to one more thing. Amaya turned to Gren, holding a wrapped-up journal. This is for you. Your birthday present.
"Of course, Happy Birthday," Janai praised. "I wish we could have been there to celebrate,".
"Nonsense. Your proposal was more important. And I'm glad we've had so much to celebrate today,".
Please give it to her. Caldor signed.
Amaya handed it slowly to Caroline and she took it gently. "What is this?" she asked.
You will know it when you read it.
"We must make haste, unfortunately," Caldor said. "And our guests for the festival and the annual race will be wanting somewhere to stay,".
The dragons were mounted and Carol's arms were turned into wings. Felix said goodbye to his family. Don't worry mum. He purred. I'll be back soon.
I know. She licked his face and he mounted Carol's back.
"We'll see you soon," she promised. The extended party took flight and the Sunfire Elves and their human friends waved goodbye. They soared through the clouds till they saw a river of lava marring the continent below.
"You guys go ahead to Katolis," Carol said. "I have to check on the Nexus with Lujanne,".
"You can't just go off alone," her best human friend said.
"She won't be," Hestia flew beside her on her dragon and so did Draylenn and Haruka.
"Thanks, guys," Carol smiled gratefully. "Don't worry guys. I'll be home soon,".
"She can do this," Caldor said with confidence to her worried siblings. Ezran and Willow nodded and the girl group flew down leaving Pyrrah to continue carrying her riders further towards the kingdom.
"You may have been able to conceal your secrets Lujanne but my patience wears thin," Moono threatened. "I will find out where you're finding Ethari and Caroline,".
"I will never betray them," she swore.
Moono chuckled. "Then you are more stupid than you can imagine,". He clicked his fingers. Before the soldiers could take her away, a cacophony of roars boomed from the sky.
Carol was leading her elf friends when the roars reached her ears and her companions. It's dragons. Ghost zapped ahead and saw over ten dragons circling the Caldera. He zapped back and roared heretically.
"Dive!" Hersita ordered. As a lover of animals, she understood them. The fliers' wings folded and they dived bombed.
Pyrrah landed in the courtyard with her four weary passengers. "Man am I ready for some workouts before bed," Soren leapt down and started doing push-ups.
"It is so good to see you have arrived safe and sound," Barius greeted, already holding up a tray of jelly tarts. Only for Pyrrah to swallow them all in one gulp.
"Pyrrah!" Willow berated. Her dragon burped. "You didn't save any for us!".
Sorry. She roared. Flying makes me so hungry.
"It is good to be home again Opeli," Caldor said happily. He noticed something was off about her.
"What is it, Opeli?" Ezran asked.
The cleric showed them a small wooden chest with a silver surface. "This was found on the roof of the High Mage's Tower with this letter,".
Ezran took the letter and he and Willow stared closely at the elegant handwriting. "It's Raylan's writing," she said. "This chest must be present for her. We should give it to her,".
"No," Ezran refused. "If she sees this now, she'll be a total wreck all day tomorrow, and I don't want her to go through like that,".
"Ezran, she needs to see this,".
"Let's just wait till afterwards. She's already got enough on her plate with Ethari having to hide in the Sunfire camp. Do you think this means he'll be returning to her soon?".
"I can't say for certain. If I had seen him in Katolis in my dreams, I would have told her already. But perhaps you're right. Let's not tell her till after the festival,".
An earth dragon carrying a green-hair elf with deer antlers and long hair in braids breathed green fire scarring away the Moonshadow assassins including their leaders.
"Get back here you cowards! Don't leave!" their leader roared.
"I would get out of here if I were you," Lujanne warned, riding Phoe-Phoe again with her boyfriend who was relieved she was safe but ashamed he was hiding whilst she was being intimidated. She waved her hand and Ava and Ellis appeared, the wolf growling.
More roars boomed from the sky and the Moonshadow king saw Caroline dive-bombing from the sky with more dragons. "This isn't over,". He pulled a hood over his cloak and he disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Janai was sitting silently in her tent. Warveth entered. "You wished to me, my queen?".
"Warveth, I require your council,".
"I am always at your service, my queen,".
"Do you think elves and humans are moving too fast?".
"Is this about your brother?".
"He thinks my marriage to Amaya will cause discontent amongst the people,".
"Nonsense, my queen. Your betrothal to Amaya is a beginning for us all. Your brother is afraid because of all we lost to the Cult and that dark mage. Times have changed. And whether he likes it or not, we have to change with them. It's your life, Janai. Not his. We're living in peace with the humans who are helping us, and perhaps your marriage to Amaya will strengthen that peace,".
The tent flap opened, and inside appeared Amaya, whose face turned worried as she saw her future wife in a bit of an anxious state. "I will leave you two," Warveth said, walking out. He walked down the stairs but saw Karim right in front of him. "Prince Karim,".
"Warveth, I know times have changed but we cannot lose sight of our way of life. Humans cannot become a permanent way of our life,".
"They already are. They have helped us build this settlement for our people. I've trained a human mage to perform Sun magic,".
"And you trust her?".
"You doubt the High Mage Caroline who brought the Dragon Prince to the Dragon Queen?".
"Humans are not meant to do magic,".
"Watch your tongue, my prince. Don't assume that because we are elves and were born with magic, we are better than humans. Times have changed, and like it or not, your sister is marrying that human. Do not get in the way of anything,". Warveth glared cautiously at the prince before walking away.
"It's so good to see you again dear friend," the Earthblood elf who had saved Lujanne was called Tua. She wore a white crop top with dark pants with brown leather armour including a breastplate, kneepads and vambraces. She wielded a bow and arrows and vines coiled around her waist like a belt adorned with special flowers.
"Thank you so much Tua," Carol said gratefully before going to check on Lujanne. "Are you sure you're alright?".
"Don't worry about me," the guardian held her hands. "I've dealt with worse things before,".
"I decided it was safer for you and Ethari to stay in the Sunfire camp instead,".
"So long as he's safe, that's all that matters,"
"I will have my dragon friends watch over the Nexus," Tua promised. "Moono will never disturb you ever again,".
The other three dragons arrived back. "No sign of the elves. They used invisibility cloaks to disappear," Hestia said, ashamed with disappointment.
"We should have your kingdom's garrison guard the borders," Hakucha suggested.
"Absolutely. But the last thing I want is for the festival to put all our guests at risk. Especially Del Bar and Evenere's new rulers and their families. This festival will be so important but we can put everyone in danger,".
"We must inform your brother at once," Daryleen agreed. "Summon us if you need us again Lujanne,".
"I will," the old mage embraced her former human pupil before she took off with her friends again to reach Katolis.
Zubeia and her son walked into the light. "Now's a great chance to stretch your wings for your first long flight," the mother said.
"I look forward to it. I'm just happy to be seeing my best friends again," Zym said excitedly. The Adoraburrs jumped for joy.
"Yonas, I humbly insist you accompany the queen and her son," Ibis told him.
"Are you sure you'll be fine?"
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be back when you return. Look after him Caelus,".
Caelus upon his dragon nodded. "You know I will. I look forward to seeing Katolis for the first time,".
"A while ago you weren't sure," their queen remembered.
"Yes. But as long as I'm with my kin, I have nothing to fear," his dragon purred and he scratched his chin. Yonas hugged Ibis before Caelus pulled him up. Yonas asked his batfish to stay with Ibis and his guardian was happy for the company.
In the distance, Castor peered through his spyglass and watched the Dragon Queen and prince take off with Caelus and six other sky dragons. "Perfect," he smirked.
"All is well," Carol promised her siblings once they returned to the castle under the nearly full moon. "But Lord Moono unfortunately escaped. I don't think we can hold the festival anymore,".
"I'm afraid all of our guests have already left their kingdoms," Ezran said despondently "Any messenger crows we send won't reach them in time and if their soldiers spot any dragons we send, they'll get scared and shoot them down. They may be used to Pyrrah but they're not used to other dragons. We can't risk them like that,".
"It seems the only thing we can do is have as many forces stationed around Katolis," Willow said.
"I know how they attack and strike so I'll do what I can to help," Draylenn promised.
"I am already sending my animal friends out," Tua promised.
"Good. I'm afraid there is no more room for your dragon friends and the animals here would be rather agitated," Ezran apologised to their elf friends. "They can stay close to the castle in the forest and we can make you guys some rooms,".
"I would rather we stayed with our dragons," Hestia requested. "We honestly don't mind camping,".
"The least we can do is set up some tents," Ezran insisted.
"It would be most grateful, young king," Haruka bowed. The tents were set and the four elves camped in the forest with their dragons. Soldiers brought them all the comforts they required including food, blankets and beverages.
In her bedroom, Carol was stroking the red leather journal her aunt gave her. She remembered her sister telling her that she noticed their aunt and Caldor had a tense argument in sign language. Unfortunately, she could not quite make out what the argument was about. But the tenseness that pinched her aunt's face as she gave it to her? That was the big question.
The first thing that appeared on the open pages, was a handsome man with facial hair, a goatee, and long hair tied back standing with her mother. A child was in his arms. And at that moment, her face was pinched by the feelings of shock and sadness. It was her birth father. She finally remembered his face, his eyes, which she had inherited. Behind the drawing was a letter, which she slowly pulled out. She opened it, and beautiful calligraphy shone in the candlelight.
My darling daughter,
This is my final piece of work. I know I don't have much time left as my breathing sickness takes hold of what little time I have left with you and your mother. So, I wrote this for you. It was the brightest stary night I had ever seen. Today is your second birthday. So, my gift to you is my journal so that you can always read it and remember me so that I am always with you in spirit, if not in person.
My final gift to you is this song, which I hope that when you sing it, I am always with you when you dream.
Sun goes down
And we are here together
Fireflies glow like a thousand charms
Stay with me and you can dream forever
Right here in my arms. Tonight.
Sounds of day pave away
Stars begin to climb
Melodies fill the breeze
Sweeter all the time
My love is always with you
Whether near or far
How sweet to hold you
Right here in my arms tonight
Ezran and Willow were just walking along the corridor, carrying the secret box when they heard sniffling. Stashing the box away, they rushed to her slightly open chamber doors and pushed them open. She was on her four-poster bed pressing her hand under against his face.
"Sister…what's wrong?" Ezran asked.
"Is it about Raylan?" Willow asked.
Carol sniffled. "No,".
"Then what's wrong?" Ezran asked. Carol pointed to an open gift on the desk and went to her balcony to wipe her tears away. The moment, her siblings saw the picture, they joined her outside with solemn faces.
"Is that…your dad, dad?" Willow asked.
Carol nodded. "That lullaby I sang to you both, it wasn't hers. It was his. He wrote it for me. There was a letter. I couldn't read all of it. My whole life, I wanted to remember him, learn about him, I wanted to at least read some last words from him. And now…".
"Carol, it's okay," Willow walked over and hugged her.
"I don't know how I can continue reading it,".
"Dad would want you to remember who he was," Ezran said. "It's why Aunt Amaya gave you it now,".
"But how could I do that? After all he's done for me. How could I replace him in my heart?"
"You wouldn't be betraying his memory at all," Ez said. "Besides, this might be a wonderful chance for you to know more about the other side of your family and where you come from,". His words could only do little to sooth the agony growing in his sister's heart.
"I think it's time we all went to bed," Willow suggested. "We have a big day tomorrow,".
"We do," Ezran said. "Learning about your birth dad Caroline doesn't mean you'll be replacing dad in your heart,".
"Good night," Carol pecked their heads, and they walked out of her room. She walked back to her journal and glanced at the page again.
It was midnight. Carol walked out of her bedroom, her companions following behind her closely. They made their way to the tower, and she pulled the cover off the looking glass.
"We're going to get to the bottom of this," she opened the tome her Sun Tutor gave her to a pair of blank sheets. Ghost nudged forward an ink bottle, and Felix lit a candle. "Thank you guys,". With the dragon curled around her soldiers and the fox on her lap, she carefully etched each symbol in order in a shape that matched the mirror. Once the final symbol of ink was drawn, a magical copy appeared on the right. Then, the symbols swirled around in a vortex of black goo. "It's working,". The words appeared. "In darkness, gaze upon a fallen star," she read. "I wonder,". She sent a gust of wind around her room, blowing out all the candles and slamming the window shut. Total darkness enveloped them.
I'm not too fond of the dark. Ghost groaned.
Relax, Ghost. Just hold onto my tail. Felix's tail gave him comfort.
The glass lit up. Felix quivered and hid his head. Ghost hid behind the chair. "It's alright, guys," Carol soothed. "It's alright,". Stroking her fox's fur, she watched the mirror surface seeing a silver and purple room and a cloaked being reading something.
Carol stood up but Ghost pulled her hair. "Easy Ghost. I'll be fine. I need to know if it's Runaan,".
Felix barked disapprovingly. "I know what he did buddy but I made a promise to Ethari. He saved my life and I will not become like Viren and let hatred darken my heart the way it did his,". She walked to the mirror glancing through. "Hello?".
A face was raised and a pair of dark evil eyes stared through. The lips formed a smile and the blood froze in her veins. It was not her father's killer.
"Caroline,". The purple-skinned elf with stars dotting his clothing approached her carefully, his cloak falling from his shoulders.
Carol stumbled back. "How…how…how'd you know my name?".
"As a Startouch elf, I can see the past, the present, and the future in the heavens. I can see the destiny of all who walk this earth. And I have seen your destiny, my dear,".
His words sent chills down her spine. Ghost and Felix pawed at her legs, but she wouldn't respond. "Stop," she begged the speaker.
"And now, time to pull you to my side, grand…."
Felix glowed a bright red, blinding the elf in the mirror. Quickly, Carol set the candles alight with sun magic and pulled a cover off the mirror. "Noooo!" Aavaros's screams filled the room. The High Mage slumped against the wall, covering her ears. Ghost and Felix stood beside her. Though the Startouch elf's screams faded, Carol remained stuck under the invisible iron grips of horror.
The night was passing slowly and she had fallen asleep on the sofa inside, Felix and Ghost hugging close to her. But she began shaking until she sat up screaming and crying. "You are frightened, young one,". A kind, caring voice spooked the room.
"Who's there?" Carol took up her mother's spear, twirling it around in circles. "Come out wherever you are!". Ghost and Felix activated their powers and they stood together in a circle. The fox's ears stood high and they tingled. He barked towards the open window.
It was a cloaked intruder. "Don't be afraid," he raised his hand. "I will not harm you,".
"Who are you? Show your face,". Carol kept her spear pointed out as the man slowly pulled down his hood and her mouth dropped. She saw a man in his early twenties with dark piercing eyes; he looked strikingly handsome. "I know you," she lowered her guard. "I saw you. At the Spire,".
"You did indeed. You've grown up so much these last two years since we saw you,". As he spoke, a red dragon flew through the open window and landed on his shoulders.
"Who are you?".
"Murtagh. And I'm your Spirit Guide, Mage Caroline,".
So Ethari is staying in the Sunfire camp now, Moono has been scared off from the Nexus, Carol has a journal from her biological father, Murtagh has appeared to her on Asserais's orders, and the festival is about to commence. I hope you all loved it very much. And Raylan will appear in the next one. I just wanted to do something different for a change. Look forward to seeing your reviews. See you next week or the week after.