gigantic trees that were enchanted to grow swiftly into whatever shape the elves required. Queen Andrielle’s home was well-placed in the centre of the great city, and was the largest of them all. The elves had carved extraordinarily detailed images of animals into its surface. Sapphires, diamonds and rubies were used to enhance the carvings and decorated the animal's eyes. Long swatches of red silk were hung from the branches, which swayed in the wind when the canopy was opened.
Princess Helenia wiped the built-up tears from her eyes as she bit into the soft honey bread. Its sweet taste and soft texture only worsened the longing in her heart. Queen Andrielle and the remaining knights also joined her at the table. The Elven Queen took a deep breath to cut through the silence and prepared herself to address the table.
'We have already spent too many days in mourning, and it is important that we discuss the difficult matters which I know we would all prefer to avoid. We must accept that we cannot change events that have already passed, and I know that my words will not make the pain of our losses any easier, but we are all safe here, aren't we? We have no choice but to stay here and work together. Brave men, you are all welcome to reside with us in Veldrenn. I understand that you may wish to seek your own vengeance or seek out your families, and I would not stop you if you chose to leave our city to pursue those desires.”
The knights stopped eating and slowly turned to look at each other, before they all nodded in agreement. They all knew that only one choice would be made. One of them rose to his feet and spoke for them all, bowing to Andrielle. “My Queen, you knew our bravest knight, Vartan. All here will agree that he was the strongest of all of us, and we do hope he finds us here; the gods know that we could use his help. However, I gladly accept the responsibility of leading the knights in his absence. My name is Dryden, my Queen. We served you in Greenhaven and will serve you with our lives wherever you may take us.'
Andrielle smiled at them warmly. “Then let it be so, Sir Dryden. Greenhaven may be lost, but chivalry and honour can never be taken from us. Former Knights of Greenhaven, stand and give your oaths to become Knights of the Elves. You may induct yourselves as you would have in Greenhaven.”
The knights stood as one and drew swords, connecting the tips of their shiny blades in the centre of the table.
“We swear never to use violence without purpose; never to submit to murder or treason. We swear on our honour as knights to give mercy when asked, and to protect all innocents and enforce their rights. We promise never to fight in any unjust cause, or to fight for personal gain. This oath we take upon our Knighthood of the Elves.”
Andrielle nodded gently for them to sit. “Be seated, Knights of the Elves! Welcome to your new home. Allow me to introduce you to our finest elven warrior, General Faowind. He will work with you to establish a new army — a combined army — that will be strengthened by both the skills and training of your knights, and the magic and enchantments of the elves.”
The knights all watched in amazement as an empty chair was engulfed by a thick puff of white smoke. As it cleared, the elven general was revealed. Faowind was a tall elf, visibly battle-hardened, with numerous scars of combat marking his otherwise smooth skin. He had long, silver hair, tied back tightly in a ponytail. Faowind smiled as he looked over the knights, his pearly white teeth glistening. “Welcome, brave knights. The pleasure of our meeting is all mine. Our people cannot thank you enough for bringing our queen and princess home safely and unharmed, and we will be forever in your debt for doing so.” His gaze swept around the new Knights of the Elves. “I will do my best to teach you everything I know, given that undisturbed time is of an uncertain nature. Be prepared, as there will be challenges ahead. We need to work together to build an army capable not only of defending our city, but ultimately of reclaiming Greenhaven and returning it to its former glory. Know that Arman’s death will not go unavenged. For the king!”
The knights raised their glasses in unison and shouted, “For the king!” They drank heartily, pounding their glasses on the table and wiping their mouths.
Andrielle raised her hand to settle them down as she addressed them once again. “Our good spirits are returning, but we can never forget the lives that we lost in Greenhaven. Dryden, I am sure that Arman’s instructions would have included saving our most sacred scrolls. One of them is partly damaged. What I am about to say stays within this room, as the last thing we need right now is panic and hysteria among us. It’s about time that we openly discuss Talonsphere.”
The knights stared at each other silently in astonishment until Dryden found the courage to speak up. He spoke cautiously, “My Queen, with all due respect… Talonsphere only exists in legends and fables. We cannot put our faith in ancient stories to save us.'
Andrielle reached under the table to produce a dirty old scroll that at first appeared unremarkable. Half of it had been hastily torn away, but their eyes lit up with curiosity when she opened what was left of it. As the dust fell off the scroll, it appeared at first glance to be blank.
“Not everything is as it appears,” said the queen with a knowing smile. She took a deep breath and blew warm air down the scroll. The dust cloud made them cough as they waved it away.
“ Redivivet, ” she whispered.
The scroll glowed with a white light as a layer fell away from its surface to reveal a shining golden map. They all gazed in awe and disbelief at what was now before their eyes.
Andrielle spoke firmly. “We should assume that Kassina holds the other half of this scroll. However, Derian was never entrusted with the secrets of the scrolls, which proved a wise move under the circumstances. The portion they hold is only an illusion, ink magically formed to mislead the wielder. We alone hold Talonsphere’s true location. They may find it by absolute chance, but that is a risk we will have to accept.”
The queen quickly rolled up the scroll and carefully returned it to its leather binding. Placing her hands on the table and leaning forward, she continued. “We must reclaim Greenhaven and protect Talonsphere at all costs. There is something else about Talonsphere that is crucial to our success in this war, and that we are still missing; we don’t know where to find the key, the prophecy, to activate this weapon.'
Dryden paled at the revelation. “By the gods, are all the songstresses in Greenhaven singing of the truth? Talonsphere? The tale of the boy born of dragon blood?”
“I speak the truth, Dryden. The best way to keep such a secret hidden is to display it in plain sight. Nobody believes in something unbelievable that is given to them on a silver platter, especially if it’s sung to them by a songstress. We lived in the hope that eventually the boy would seek us out, visit the royal chambers to reveal himself, and unlock Talonsphere to rid Marithia of the tyranny of darkness for eternity. This is all that I know. All we can do now is hope for a sign.” She sighed, and returned to her seat.
The entire company returned to eating quietly, deep in their own thoughts.
Helenia!
The princess was so shocked by his voice filling her mind that she dropped her food on the floor.
Did I imagine that? she thought, her eyes widening.
Helenia, it’s me-Vartan!
“Vartan!” she cried out in delight, her voice startling everyone at the table.
Andrielle gently placed a hand on her wrist and whispered, “Helenia, are you all right?”
The princess leapt from her chair anxiously. “It’s Vartan-he’s alive! He says he’s flying, with dragons. They are circling above us and ask if we can open the trees to let them in.”
Everyone else at the table burst out of their seats with excitement at the thought of Vartan’s return. Andrielle quickly regained her composure. “Wait-did you say dragons? This may be Kassina’s trickery. If it really is Vartan, and he is in the company of dragons, ask him to name any of the dragons he accompanies.” Andrielle’s eyes revealed her confidence that Helenia was wrong.
Helenia's eyes glazed over momentarily; then she smiled as she turned her beaming face to her mother.
“He is with Karven and Nymira, King and Queen of the Dragons.”
Andrielle was frozen still for a moment as the realisation sank in. Suddenly she rose from her chair, equally full of disbelief and hope. “I truly can’t believe it. Dragons still live among us, after all this time? Of course, we will open the tree canopy immediately. Ineant omnes.”
Sounds of wood creaking and groaning heavily filled the city, as the giant trees began to move. In the centre of Veldrenn, beams of bright daylight broke through the trees as the sky opened up.
They all looked to the sky with anticipation, which quickly turned to disappointment. Dryden drew his sword and the other knights followed, surrounding Andrielle. 'I don't see dragons-I see nothing but open air. This may
