Bang!
A burning missile from Kassina’s catapults exploded spectacularly into flame, sending screaming fairies fleeing from tree to tree in desperation as they struggled to find safe shelter and prepare for another attack. Andrielle focused her mind to send out a message to the fairies.
Do not attempt to stay in the path of the Dark Army. There is nothing more you can do. Come to the safety of the city, brave fairies. Quickly now.
The fairies all stopped in mid-air momentarily and looked to their queen, Nicolai. Only the crackles of fires and trees burning could be heard. Nicolai nodded knowingly and they suddenly flew as fast as they could towards Veldrenn. A flurry of glowing fairies lit up the forest. Andrielle sighed with relief and allowed her shoulders to relax momentarily.
However, the Elven Queen was not as lucky as she had hoped. Her message was also heard by unfriendly ears.
Kassina turned to her catapult teams and laughed with delight.
“Keep up the bombardment, but don't stop moving! Fire and move forward before firing again. We have them on the run!” She turned her attention to her golem. “Glaucus!” she barked. “Start clearing those trees!”
Glaucus grunted as he made his way to the burning wall of trees ahead of them. With a horrible cracking sound, he tore the first burning tree in his sight from the ground and held it up in the air. He turned to Kassina with a look of confusion on his face. She smiled back at her summoned pet as she calmly relayed her order with an ominous voice. “Every tree you rip out, throw it ahead of us as far as you can. The elves can keep their treasured trees.'
Glaucus grunted as he took a few heavy steps back. The surrounding army steadied themselves from the shaking ground. Glaucus swung the giant burning tree behind him and then launched forward. The tree tore through the air like a burning spear, flying in the direction of Veldrenn.
Andrielle returned her vision and turned to Karven with a paled face. “We need to get ready for battle, now — and we need dragons in the air,” she said, with a slight hint of panic in her voice.
“And why do you need my dragons in the air already?” asked Karven warily.
The canopy of the city shuddered loudly. A burning tree crashed through it and smashed violently into one of the houses below. The screams of the elves within were blood-curdling as they began to burn alive. Elves and humans rushed to the water wells in a vain effort to save them.
Andrielle pointed to the burning building and cried, “ That’s why! Please, great dragons, help us stop those trees before more of us get killed.'
Karven snorted jets of fire, nodded and took flight with great strength, sending dirt and leaves flying into the air.
“ Exeunt omnes, ” chanted Andrielle. The canopy of trees burst open with a resounding roar, as if they were longing for her command. The city was filled with a high pitched vibration that sounded as if it was coming from the trees around them.
“Dragons! The time has come for us to take to the skies and honour our alliance. Let us move to the skies and defend Veldrenn!” ordered Karven.
The dragons took flight and sent a surge of wind over the city. Everyone ducked for cover as the dragons ascended into the sky. Their clothes flapped wildly in the whirlwind.
“Good luck, Karven!” yelled Andrielle.
“Good luck to you, too, Andrielle,” responded Karven, before the formation of dragons filled the night sky and almost completely blocked the moonlight.
A second burning tree hurtled through the sky towards the city. Karven soared to it with great speed, catching the tree in his claws with a smooth roll of his body. Strips of bark burst from its surface as his grip took hold.
“Dragons, grab yourself a tree and let’s show them how bitter their own medicine tastes,” cried Karven.
The dragons all blew a burst of fire in acknowledgement of Karven’s order and flew powerfully in Kassina’s direction, ready for war.
Andrielle sat in her room, sharpening her sword with great haste. Her door creaked open as she felt a presence enter and close the door behind them. She breathed deep as she turned to face her intruder, her shaky hands revealing her fear.
'My queen, you summoned me?' asked Dryden softly.
She turned to him and stared at him with watery eyes. After a silent moment, her lip quivered as she began to cry. 'Is this really happening?' she wept.
Dryden approached her gently and hesitated before daring to take her in his arms and hold her close to his chest. Her words came in quick breaths between sobs. 'Look at me! I need to lead us into war and I am falling apart. How will I do this? I have never shed blood in my life. Deep down, I am scared stiff. Am I a coward, Dryden? Do I have what it takes to lead them?'
Dryden reached up and held her chin to bring her face up to his as he looked deep into her eyes. 'My queen. If I may, it is because you are scared stiff, and you still stand to lead them, that you are worthy of doing so. Courage is in your heart, and I will be proud to stand beside you in battle, Your Highness. I will protect you and Helenia, and would die for either of you.'
Andrielle looked deep into his eyes and she suddenly leaned in to lay a soft kiss on Dryden's lips before her eyes burst open and she quickly withdrew from his arms. A shudder went through the ground as a burning missile crashed into the city.
She looked away from him and her face reddened. 'Forgive me, Dryden,” she whispered. “You are one of my most trusted friends, and I did not mean to break that trust. Thank you for your kindness, but I need to be alone for a moment. Please, leave me to make ready my sword.'
Dryden smiled. 'My trust has not been broken, my queen. I am always here for you, whatever you need.'
He shut the door behind him and shook out his hands to calm his fluttering heart as he returned to his duties.
Chapter 15: Homecoming
“I never thought war would be such an awful reality until I stared into its grisly face. To die in battle is often referred to as a heroic act, but I will never understand that. What glory is there in bleeding to death in agony on the battlefield?
I have no intention of dying at the hands of my enemy.”
Vartan dismounted from Nymira and onto familiar grounds, drawing the night’s air into his lungs. Closing his eyes tight, he took in the air through his nose, hunting for the scent of blood. His eyes shot open and his heart pumped wildly when the vision’s memories flooded his mind. The blood, the writing, the bodies, the ropes-all sent cold shivers up his spine and turned his stomach.
“Vartan, I will hide myself outside and be ready at the first sign of trouble. All you need to do is to call for me and I will be right here,” said Nymira.
Vartan and Tusdar watched her slowly fade into the night as she mutated her scales and her footprints were all that were left behind.
Tusdar put a hand on Vartan's shoulder and whispered, “Do you want me to come in with you?”
“No, thank you, Tusdar,” replied Vartan, patting his companion's back. “This is my journey to make. Search the surrounding area, and yell for me if you find any survivors. Search quietly and carefully.”
“As you wish, Vartan,” said Tusdar, nodding. He watched as Tusdar began his search through the surrounding farmland, walking carefully with each step. Satisfied that Tusdar was busy with his task, he spun around to face the farmhouse.
Come on, Vartan, be strong, said Keturah reassuringly. I am right here with you, no matter what
