KingObion’smouth was set into a harsh line. “Andyou have not changed your opinion on the solution to this problem.”
Runyastood tall and proud, andIadmired her resolve against the male before us. “No.Whena dragon is killed, the drop is tenfold than with any other beast.Wemust call off the attack onSacrignusTorr.Thedestruction of the dragons on that scale can only result in one thing, the loss of all magic.”
Plagislet out a grunt of disapproval. “Asusual,Runyacontinues to ignore theGreatProphecy.Theboy continues to gain power, and he grows more popular among the rabble every year.Hislatest victory against the dragonLevaniahas the bard singing songs that will last through the age.”
“Ibase my opinions on facts and alchemy,Plagis, not ancient faetales spun by drug-addled women.”Iwould have cowered from the face thatRunyagave the man, but his sleazy smile only grew.
“Yes, butIsee how you have let that beautiful daughterof yours remain plastered to the boy’s side.Nomere coincidence,I’msure.Tellme, hasHadeon’spower diminished after he killedLevania?”
Runya’sface grew ugly, caught in her own logic. “No, but…”
“Andthere you have it.Proofenough for me,YourMajesty.Theboy is destined for greatness.”
Plagis’ statement did not seem to ease theKing’smind.Infact, his face grew even grimmer.Helooked between his two advisors. “Theattack will continue.Plagis, make sure everything is as it should be.”
“Ofcourse,YourMajesty.”Theman gave a sweeping bow and shotRunyaone more satisfied smirk before leaving the room.
“YourMajesty,Imust really—”Runyabegan.
“Donot thinkIhave not also noticed your daughter’s position beside my heir.”Shehesitated but did not cower.
“MyLord, it is simply an affair of youth, youngling love.I’msure onceHadeongrows into his role as prince, he will leave her behind.Ihave warned her of this myself many times.”
Theking’s brow rose in thought. “Tellme, have you ever had absolutely nothing?”
“I’mafraidIdo not understand,YourMajesty.”
Obionlet out a chuckle with no humor. “Youare a knowledgeable woman, but you have never been burdened by the curse that can be love.”
“Iknew enough to give him something to fight for, didn’tI?”Runyaresponded, butObionseemed done with the line of thought.
“Nomatter.Iseverything prepared for after the battle?”
“Theenchantment is complete.ButasIhave stated before, the likelihood of being able to return with a dragon’s heart intactis—”
“Youhave told me the odds,Runya.Itis your job to make sure that everything is prepared, nothing more.”
“Ofcourse.ThenIonly need the last component.”KingObionnodded asRunyastepped forward with a dagger.Hepulled back his sleeve, and the blade flashed as it cut across his fair skin.Runyaquickly stowed the weapon and pulled out a small vial.Glyphsflashed a deep grey around the neck of the bottle, and as the blood dripped fromObion’sarm, it fell into the vial without a single drop going to waste, guided by the magic.
AsIstepped forward for a closer look, the scene dissolved into nothingness.Thelast thingIsaw wasRunya’sface set in a lookIhad seen many times onPallas.Stoneyresolve.
Istumbled in the dark again untilIheard the rustle of legs, and a familiar chitter in the dark.
“Spinner?”Iscrambled after the sound until a soft blue light leaked from around another bend.Iran towards it, and a cavern was revealed.
Waterdripped down the walls of the cave, dropping in a steady rhythm off the end of stalactites into the glowing pool below.Wispsdanced over the pool’s surface, and it felt so familiar.Thiswas whereIneeded to be, whatIneeded to destroy.Icouldn’t do that untilIfound my brother.
“Overhere,Tori.”Ispun, and in the heart of the cave grew a cherry tree, the twin of the one in the gardens back home.Thisone blossomed virulently, sending waves of delicate floral aroma towards me.Belowits protective branches, littleJunsat holding his youngling-sized harp, strumming a tune and humming.Hesmiled at me and waved as if this was just another day in the gardens of our marble palace.
“Jun, what are you doing?
“Shh, just listen.”Thesong he played turned somber, a slow and lilting minor key melody that brought tearsto my eyes.
“Whysuch a sad tune, brother?”
“Well, it is a dirge, sister.”
“Whois it for?”
