Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies

Chapter 14: The Queen

Everything faded away into muffled sound as the moment seemed to last an eternity. The hair on the back of her neck was standing on edge as a sudden chill wrapped around her tight and descended into the marrow of her bones. Hilda's words returned to her, whispering of the tyrant that had demanded her loyalty. Queen of the Eternal Flame. Even the mere name brought a shiver down her spine as she stared awestruck at the now smirking elf before her. She was brought out of her daze by the carriage hitting a bump in the road. She shook her head, feeling more like a fly trapped within a spider's web rather than the princess and mage of her country. It was all in her power to try and not leap to the door and escape.

“You look terrified girl." The elf spoke, her voice almost as cold as the winter's breeze. “Like a doe caught before the gaze of a mighty predator. You'd not be wrong, but perhaps one such as yourself should carry yourself better than the meek others of your kin. It is ill fitting of a future queen to have one's face twist in fear like yours is threatening to do so."

Nivra straightened her form, recomposing herself with a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Something whispered into her mind to please this woman. That doing what she asked would bring pleasure and comfort to no end. She gazed to the elf's slender face, holding her head high. She had a fleeting feeling that this siigonis and elf were looking at her more like a piece of meat. “So, you're the Queen of the Eternal flame I've heard about." She spoke calmly, masking her inner worry with a hint of bravado. “I've only heard pleasant words spoken of you." She met the woman's gaze only for a moment before her mind screamed at her to stop and she found herself darting her eyes away instead to her leather clad feet, laced with steel buckles that glimmered in the light that flowed in through the carriage. She wondered briefly why the vampire women before her were not bursting into flame like the tales of old, but she had rather more pressing matters.

“You're in awe." The queen said flatly as Nivra's eyes traced the woman's clothing. Looking to gold trim that was stitched into her dress, the frilly sleeves that adorned it, and finally to the necklace that hung around her neck of a black scale suspended by a gold chain. “It is to be expected among your kind, even if you're better than them."

“You mean cause I'm royalty?"

“Yes. It is for that reason alone that I am speaking with you right now." The elf gestured to Yarnick with narrowed eyes, an untold fury almost igniting the air. “I would not waste my breath on the ears of some mangy dog or pet. You…" The woman sighed, hand going to caress Nivra's head. She would have pulled away but found herself not wanting to. Instead leaning into the woman's touch. While a dog, are a cut above the rest. A grand pedigree to be tended to and nurtured. You are important to the future of your people after all."

“Future?" Nivra groaned, sitting back up but feeling as though she weighed three times more than usual. The cold that had been eating away at her suddenly shifted to a grand warm blanket that enveloped her being. She felt at ease, like she was laying back in a grassy field with the gentle sun licking at her skin. “What…do you mean?" She could feel the fuzziness that she experienced with the hag suddenly return. If that sensation before was a wind than this was a raging storm of no equal. One that would take all Nivra's strength to not be swept away into the void. Her hands were left trembling as she bowed her head. It was all she could do to not kneel before this woman and kiss her boots with puckered lips.

With but a sigh from the elf all the warmth and fuzziness faded away, leaving the princess suddenly hollow. Like all the warmth from the world had been dragged outside of her. She shivered, and to her horror she longed to feel that sensation again.

“Nivra..Nivra..What an interesting human name. I will have to get used to saying it I suppose. Unless I wish to call you something else. Now girl." The elf's voice suddenly froze, instantly growing as sharp as an executioner's ax. “I never dreamed I would be meeting Cornellius' spawn. Would you believe that during all our talks the king never mentioned you once?"

“He doesn't talk about me much…Thinks I am weak." The words slipped from her mouth as if lubed, the mere thought of denying this woman the answer never occurred to her.

“Indeed. Then you understand why this must happen." The queen rose a hand, pressing it to Nivra's skull with upmost care. With an intense glare and rap of her finger upon her skin everything suddenly exploded.

Lights sprang from every direction; screeching noises made her ears sting. Her skin felt as though it had been cast into a forge. She tried to scream but it would not come. Her body was not her own as she struggled in agony for untold minutes. She could feel information being plucked from her as memories came to the forefront of her mind. Her name, kin, quest, past. Everything that made who she was came flowing like a raging river. Her heart beat pounded against her chest as dread wormed its way around her, coiling around her heart and entrenching firmly. There was no escape. She tried to struggle against the impeding force but whatever the elf had done was too powerful. Her brief resistance was broken like a dam. Then all too quickly the sensations vanished. The burning shifted into soothing warmth, the high-pitched screams morphed to the steady click-clack of the carriage wheels against cobblestone, and her vision slowly retained color and volume. She was left gasping. Long ragged breaths that tickled her lungs. She braced herself against the side of the carriage while the elf simply stared at her, her arms folded across her lap as if observing her.

“What did you do to me?" She tried to snarl, but it came out meekly as her body threatened to collapse. It felt as though she had been running for miles, all her strength drained fromf her. She didn't think she could even lift herself from the seat as she glared at the two across from her with absolute dread. She was ripe for the picking. If they wanted her dead there would be nothing she could do. The thought made her tremble, too weak to even call out for Voidwing.

“Just a method to ensure you were who you said you were." The elf spoke calmly, glaring to Yarnick who seemed to be in shock with all color drained from his face. “The spell I used showed me the truth of your words, although it can be trying on the body and mind. You are a strong individual to still be breathing and conscious. Most others would have passed out from the experience." The woman gave her a cold smile. “just more proof that you are leagues above that of your meager kin."

“What…if I wasn't who I said I was?" The thought came to her, shivering in her skin as the lizard showed off all her gleaming teeth. The un-named siigonis pulled out a glass vial from her pouches filled to the brim with a thick red substance and a caduceus plastered on the side. She thrust it into Nivra's hands without a word.

“Then we wouldn't be having this conversation. You'd be dead right now or kept as my servant's pet for her loyal service..

“Wonderful." She groaned, uncorking the glass vial and pressing the container to her lips. She tried to not gag when the vile liquid touched her taste buds and swallowed it down with tears forming in the corner of her eyes. It was rather horrible like most potions, but it did the trick. The empty feeling and exhaustion were swept away the moment the last of the liquid was swallowed down with a loud gulp. “Can you answer some of my questions?" Nivra hissed, pushing the vial back into the siigonis' grasp as the carriage came to a sudden stop. Yarnick sprang from his seat like a loosed coil, opening the door with a mere gesture from the elf.

“Like why haven't I killed you yet? Especially since you dispatched one of my wild witches of the woods?" The queen tilted her head to the side with a sudden crack, an inhuman calm about her face.

Words failed the wizard at such a casual proclamation. How much had been transferred to her by that spell? Nivra bit her lip as the woman hungrily stared at her, she would have to assume until otherwise that this woman knew all about her. “I.."

“Oh, don't look so surprised Nivra. It was one of the many memories that I gleamed from your mind. The other one was the fate of the king." The elf tapped her temple with an evil grin. “You and I are more alike than you know little human. But the reason that you still draw breath?" The woman pulled herself from the seat, brushing off her dress. “Because I find you interesting and much better use to me alive. Besides, its rather bad form to kill the daughter of one of your must trusted allies."

Allies?

“What?" She blurted out, the thought alone alien to the mind. It made her stomach churn if such a thing were true.

“You didn't know? The elf sighed, straightening her back. “Your father truly left you in the dark in that regard." She took a powerful stride from the carriage, right into the sunlight before Nivra's eyes.

She followed as if pulled by a wire, taking steps out and admiring the building that appeared to be made of white oak timbers. Little wolves and humans were burned into the surface of the trimmings, making it look more like a work of art. Large brown banners hung from the windows on the second floor, the rampant gryphon of Lumara stitched in elegant gold and flapping away in the breeze.

“But yes Nivra. We are allies. Think of our agreement as the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The matter was fairly simple. They had a problem..One that we could solve and so we did in agreement for a cease fire.

Ceasefire with the undead? The idea sounded preposterous. Surely father wasn't so misguided that he allied with one of the most hated foes of all living kind? If it where true, she shuttered to think of what else he had done during his time as king. What new low would he stoop to “defend" the nation he cared about. His words about sacrifice came to her, almost as if in justification for such methods. She must have shown on her face her discomfort for the elf was giving her a lingering stare.

“I can tell you recoil at such ideas now. It is only natural to be. You're a human and one with such naivety that you don't see what needs to be done in this world. Don't worry little one. We will make sure you learn the lessons well so that one day soon you can return to your nation and take your birth given right to rule over that cesspool that you call a kingdom."

“Cesspool?" Her eyes narrowed, “My country has things wrong with it, but I'd hardly call it a cesspool." Her mind drifted to her father's deeds and the clang of swords against one another while countless bodies stacked high on either side. Blood running from them in crimson rivers of human misery and sorrow.

“Because you lack reference." The queen held her head high, eyes closing as if in enjoyment of the afternoon sun teasing her face with its golden rays. “Your kingdom hardly reaches the coasts of this continent. Long ago I'd seen kingdoms that had the very world in their grasp. What is your puny kingdom to that? Just a drop of water to the mighty ocean before it."

“I heard of those stories. But you don't see many kingdoms like that anymore. I'm not looking to create another empire. I'm happy to have what we have and make peace with that."

“Then you do understand…in a way." The queen sighed. “That is imperative for the future I suppose." She turned towards the elegant doors of the townhall, large golden swirls engraved onto sturdy stone with iron knockers at waist high. The vampire strolled up the stone steps leading to it, motioning to Yarnick to open them without a word. The commander scampered up the steps in a blind panic, ripping open the doors with a nervous smile and bow.

Nivra hesitated as she stood in the sun. The warmth it provided a stark contrast to the swirling cold eating away at her insides. Like he could sense her indecision, Voidwing was soon to her side. His caring eyes locking onto hers as he gave her a concerned chip.

“Are you alright?" His tail swished cutely behind him as he cocked his head to the side. “You look like you've seen a ghost of sorts."

She touched his face softly, thanking the gods for having him by her side as she reviewed the calamity of her situation. The undead. The ones that plagued this land with their ravenous teeth and dark magic. The ones that ripped families to pieces and stitched them back together to make grotesque minions to cause yet even more death. It was they that her father had decided to ally with, and it was the dragons that would bring about the ruination of their kingdom? She nearly collapsed into the gryphon's chest, wanting nothing more than to be shielded away from the world by his silver tipped wings. She instead looked to her forearms, hating the blood that pumped through her veins. “We have lots to talk about." She whispered softly, “The undead…they-“

“Nivra!" The Queen turned, her servant shouting the words. “We request your presence as well! Don't worry about your gryphon sweetheart. He is allowed in as well, just have him behave is all. The queen does not like unruly beings."

“What is that Siigonis blabbering about?" Voidwing refolded his wings against his back before shifting around her with flicking tail. “And why do my insides feel cold when I look to the elf?"

“That is the queen of the eternal flame." She avoided his backwards glance and loud gasp.

“That's her?" His feathers threatened to ruffle as worry found its way into his words. “Are you certain?"

“That there can be no doubt. She told me herself. She just wants to have a talk is all about the estate of recent events." She curled her arm around Voidwing's head, preparing to move with him into the building. “Just stay by me and everything will be okay. She wants us alive for some reason."

“I can't let you go in." He suddenly stopped, his words as sharp as his many talons. “That is clearly not a good sign that you're acting so calm about her."

“Voidwing..listen." She grasped her mind for answers as the queen stared at them, making the mage's hands tremble every so softly. “She didn't want to kill us. I'd be dead if she wanted to. She had the entire carriage ride to kill me if she did." She shivered, already picturing those pointy fangs against her throat, digging into her skin and drawing blood for the unholy abomination. “Trust me." She touched his cheek, a brief glimmer of hope residing in his eyes. One that told her he would listen, but that vanished with his next breath and slow extending of his crown feathers.

“Yes…Clearly you've been influenced." He pulled back, ruffling his feathers as all his muscles tensed.

Oh no.

“Problem is there?" The siigonis asked, almost in joy as she tossed Voidwing an amused smile. “Birdy isn't going to be any trouble, is he?"

Nivra's heart skipped a beat as she looked to the queen of the eternal flame. Her cold icy stare not on her but to that of her gryphon. “No there isn't trouble! Just let me talk to him!" She placed herself in between the gryphon and queen. Somehow, she was going to convince him to stick around these undead monsters.

Oh god it does sound like I'm already enthralled.

“Voidwing." She hissed, grabbing at his beak. His eyes stared at her and narrowed while he tried to pull away, but she held firm. “She's powerful and wants to talk. You really think a spell has been cast to cloud my mind? That I'm not at my full mental faculties?" She stared into his apricot eyes, watching them quiver and stare right back into her own. “Look me in the eyes and tell me Voidy." She tugged him closer, desperation in her throat as her words cracked.

He did. Silence soon wrapping around the street as his tail swished in contemplation at her proclamation. “I'm supposed to protect you. Even from making bad decisions that put your life in jeopardy. All my nerves are standing on edge and screaming at me. This queen. The master of that hag is standing just over there, and you ask me to be calm? I can't. You're making a horrible decision. I will not allow you to make that one and pay the price." His claw shot up, gasping at her and tugging her away from the townhall. “We're leaving. You can be cross with me later. When we're safe."

She had forgotten how strong he was. “Voidwing!" She tugged uselessly against his iron like grip. “Come on, you're going to ruin everything! Please!" Fear brimmed around her as she snuck a glance to the elf giving them both a death glare. “We have to stay!"

“No. Your mind is clouded. Quick, use a mist form spell and get us away from here. Before this queen has a chance to do anything horrid." Voidwing snapped his head back to the others, giving them a half-beaked smile. “Thanks for the invitation, but we have more pressing matters to get to!"

“Come on." She protested, smacking his claw as he dragged her slowly over the cobblestone. She new she could escape with but a spell, force him along but he gave her pause. How could she forgive herself for casting a spell on him and forcing the issue? “She's going to-“ Words suddenly stopped as Voidwing squawked in surprise. The queen had appeared before them in a sudden puff of rising smoke in front of him.

“I insisted that she stay gryphon." The elf moved in a fluid motion, easily avoiding the gryphon as he defensively tried to strike at her. Like lightning she had touched Voidwing's head, a brief flash of yellow light springing forth from her hands and wrapping around Voidwing in a translucent cover of pulsating energy. His movements all ceased but his slow breaths and rapidly darting eyes.

Nivra stood in shock as the elf composed herself, dusting off her dress with a heavy sigh. She hadn't even said a word. Whatever magic she had used had been done without any reference to how Nivra understood how magic worked. She was just coming to terms with it when she spoke next with a stern voice.

“I think I made my point…She is staying."

“What did you do to him?" Nivra leaned back, pulling out her staff and pointing it at the disturbingly calm elf before her who regarded the move like she was a mere toddler.

“He is fine for the time being. Simple hold creature spell stopping his rebellious movements. I'm surprised that you keep such a disobedient servant around. You are the one in charge, not he. Would you have me dispose of him for you? I can whip up several replacements that would never disobey your wishes like that." She turned to the gryphon, giving him a withering glance as her eyes regarded him no more important then the dirt beneath her boots.

“No!" She exclaimed faster than a hummingbird's wings. “He was just trying to protect me like he usually does!"

The Queen of the eternal flame sighed. “Very well, that is your decision to make." She leaned in close, staring straight into Voidwing's eyes. “But if you interfere with my will again. I will not be as understanding as I am right now." She tapped Voidwing's beak firmly. “Remember that Gryphon."

Nivra almost tossed a spell at the woman but held her emotions in check with a firm biting of her lower lip with her teeth. When the queen straightened herself and turned to walk away, Voidwing collapsed to the ground with a weakened groan.

“Are you two coming?" The queen asked, cocking her head slightly back as Nivra leaped to her gryphon's side. The elf glanced around to all the other guards, who had watched with frozen arms and trembling hands on their weapons. “I can be very impatient."

“Let me see if he's okay!" She snapped as she fussed and rubbed at the gryphon's face. “Are you okay?" She asked, heart pounding like a drum.

“Fine." The gryphon groaned, wincing as he pulled himself up to all fours. It looked as though whatever spell she had used had left the poor gryphon exhausted. His breaths were coming in heavy pants as he composed himself. “What did I tell you?" He gave her a pained look, one that seemed to imply she betrayed him. He even pushed away her caring hands when she tried to touch him. “Let's not keep your new friend waiting."

She nodded, following at a snails pace as the queen and siigonis watched on, almost mocking the slow gryphon's movements. When they had reached the base of the steps the elf's scaled servant pulled out another red vial and wagged it before Voidwing's beak.

“Now what do you say to my queen?" The siigonis sneered.

“Sorry." Voidwing replied meekly, head drooping as his ears splayed.

“Sorry for what? You might wish to speak up. My queen sometimes has bad hearing."

Nivra clenched her staff tightly, knuckles going white in silent fury as she stared daggers at the taunting lizard woman. She felt her heart throb as the gryphon she loved let out a defeated sigh, hanging his head lower like a scolded dog.

“I'm sorry for conflicting with your queen's interests. I shall reconsider such actions in the future."

“Very good!" The siigonis cooed, handing the submissive gryphon the healing elixir. “And who says you can't make a gryphon show some humility? I think we both just learned a valuable lesson today!"

“Hey!" Nivra snapped, losing the battle to keep herself composed. She didn't get any further than that as the elf snapped to her, eyes trained on her as if daring her to speak another word.

“Yes?" The siigonis smirked, tilting her head to look into Nivra's eyes with malevolent intent. “Anything you'd like to say to the queen's loyal servant? Any insult that you wish to dispense to me?"

“No." She spat, the words like poison to her tongue. She already could feel anger swirling inside of her for such an act. Even Voidwing coughing as he drank down the potion was little comfort to her. Thin streams of the liquid that didn't get in his mouth dripped down his beak as his eyes clenched in disgust. The black furred bird gulped the last of it down, ending with a dissatisfied clack of his beak.

“Now mind your manners both of you." The siigonis snatched back the glass vial with a smug smile. One that wedged a thorn right under Nivra's skin. “You don't seem to appreciate the honor it is that my queen even is in your presence. So, keep your flapping mouth and beak shut unless it has something nice to say about her or myself."

“Are you finished?" The queen snapped to the siigonis, giving the lizard a tired look.

“Course I am my queen." She bowed her head with a flick of her tail. “I was just trying to crush their rebellious attitudes before they formed. Course. Why not charm them my queen? Seems like it would be far less trouble, and on the plus side we could play with them more openly."

“Because my little lizard. I do not require her to be a thrall at this time." The elf turned back towards the door. She gave Nivra a stare as sharp as an arrowhead over her shoulder. “I grow weary of this place, now all of you. Get inside. I have questions that I expect to be answered thoroughly. Do I make myself clear?"

Nivra averted her gaze as the elf's harsh voice rang in her ears. “Yes queen." She replied, fighting the urge to raise her tone. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Yarnick and Voidwing nodding in agreement. Despite looking well rested, no doubt from the potion, she could still see the concern lingering in his eyes, battering around his mind like a caged animal. With a sigh and trembling step, she followed after the queen into the townhall.

When she passed through the doorway encased with small elven runes Nivra felt empty. Like her soul had suddenly been drained from her body. With that sensation came the lingering cold from within her heart, spreading out to her finger tips as if by thin wires of ice. The short corridor before them was well kept with small desks lining the wooden walls. Each one had a small bit of art on the surface, a marble sculpture of a flying pegasus that looked to be near pristine, a golden chalice dented and scared with age, and a silver comb in the shape of a dragon's wing. Above such things were painting that lined the walls, spaces between them filled with lanterns that sat dead, waiting to be lit. She passed the portraits of previous mayors and the current queen and king of Drenedar. How calm and stern they looked, unlike the storm of worry that surged beneath her own skin right now and threatened to reduce her to a quivering mess. How were they going to get out of this alive? She looked down to the baseboards that were engraved with golden swirls, almost gleaming in the light streaming in from outside. The vampire had said they just wanted to talk, but part of her didn't want to believe that was true. Why didn't you misty step away when you had the chance? She glanced back to Voidwing, guilt eating away at her senses and making her head hang in silent shame. Maybe I am bad at decisions…Or was captivated…Or Naïve.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Voidwing let out a lingering, irritated chirp that hung on the air. The gryphon had indeed fit into the building not built for him but was being forced to squeeze his body and wings together to fit. She could see the discomfort on his eyes, the beak that clacked away in irritation at the air. She felt bad for him in a way. They often hadn't been in places not designed for his kin. It was not until they were brought to the back and Yarnick opened a well-kept door made of mahogany did the white lizard speak.

“Get in." She said sternly, moments after her mistress spoke in a language that consisted of hisses and growls.

Nivra passed her without a word into the new room, admiring the large rounded table that dominated the place. It was covered in a royal blue covering with gold trimming around the edges, a centerpiece of a large candle and multicolored books resting as if waiting for someone to pluck them up. Around the table were seven chairs with royal blue cushions and looked to have seen little use. They lacked any dents or scratches and seemed to have been polished with wax. She slunk into a chair, feeling the weight of the day suddenly melt away into the comfort provided. No, She forced herself to sit up straight and ignore the comfort her backside was enjoying. You're being held captive. Don't enjoy a moment of this.

Voidwing slunk in next, setting down onto his haunches beside her with a hardened stare. His tail thrashed the floor in defiance, something that struck at her. Her gryphon looked to her and could see the lingering worry present there. He was just as uncertain at what was going to happen. “It's alright." She had wanted to say to him, but under the watchful eyes of the queen she found no voice to call her own. Even her body didn't want to move without permission. Anything to keep this blood thirsty monster from losing her temper and deciding they all were better suited to be food.

“What can you tell me about the red dragon?" The lizard spoke, taking a seat opposite of them across the table after her mistress spoke once more with a lingering hiss. “The one that traveled through my forces and caused quite a stir."

“Nothing much your highness." Yarnick bowed his head in reverence. “They were escorting in a village to save them from the undead…Er.Your undead as it were."

“Then if you knew they were against my forces why did you not prevent their departure? Why did you let them escape? Especially human when you consider we're supposed to be allies?"

Color drained from Yarnick's face as Nivra was almost certain this commander of a lumarian vessel was about to make a mess of his trousers. “I would have if there had been time. They left today, and we have just stationed a presence here. You do understand that my lady? I do apologize for the undead minions of yours they scattered around."

“It is no matter." The queen held up her hand to silence the sweating man. “They are easily replaced. I do not wish to waste my precious resources chasing after mercenaries only concerned for coin."

“Why even be concerned with them in the first place? Especially when you're trying to contain the sapphire guardians? Surely it was just one isolated case?" Yarnick asked, hopefulness sounding in his voice. Something that Nivra could stand behind. Especially when cornered with the vampiric lord. Course, it wasn't that far of a stretch to see the adventurers stopping to help the sapphire guardians from the villainous undead. It had the making for a grand heroic story. Until she spoke in person with the dragon it would only be guesses. The queen must have had the same idea because she pondered the commander's words in silence. She folded her hands against the table with a heavy sigh.

“That it could be human. It would be a simple task if that were true, but if not for a second bit of information I gained on them. In their infinite error they made the mistake of stealing something from my grasp. Something that could have easily allowed me to finish off the sapphire guardians and ensured peace across this land."

Peace? The mere mention of it coming from the vampire's lips brought a snort of skepticism to the air. She doubted that any peace that they wished to obtain would be good for her kingdom. “Is that another word for everyone being dead?"

“No." The siignois snarled, baring her teeth. “The people of this country will be subdued into peace. Not taken away and butchered."

“But is that not what the undead do? Kill the living in your path?" Nivra raised a brow. If they didn't want to see everyone dead what did they want? Perhaps if she asked a few more questions she would get her answer.

“One would think that if they were ill informed. The farmer doesn't kill the livestock littleone. They keep them healthy and well fed so that they reap the rewards of their investment. The people that chose to surrender to us instead of fighting would have lives other then being speared and turned into my army."

“Wonderful, and what was it they took from you? Perhaps Voidwing and I could return it for you." She gave the pair a fake smile. She had no intention in returning whatever it was to the elf and her minion but if it got them out of this room she would take it. “Was it some sort of magic gem or device? Maybe a wand or staff? We could get it back for you." She nudged the gryphon with a chuckle. It helped fight off the dread that was lingering in the air.

“Oh yes!" Voidwing gasped, nervously tapping his tail. “We would be happy to return something that was stolen from one of our allies. Especially if it brings about this peace you mentioned. It's all Nivra talks about!"

Nivra watched the effect of her words. The as the elf's steady eyes narrowed into a warry stare. Truthfully part of her was worried about what she was seeking. What was so powerful that having it assured her victory? To that affect, what was stopping the undead woman from using it on them as well?

“Lets just say it's very important and I wish to retrieve it. That should be enough for you to ponder on for now. I am sure there are things you and your country do not tell me about their plans."

Damn. Her words did contain truth. Or at least she thought she had. Wouldn't even be out of character for you dad. Undead? Indomitable aegis? The mana crystals? What else haven't you told me about. Are there going to be demons at your beck and call next?

“Now back to the topic at hand. The adventurers with the red dragon. Did they happen to have a half-elf with them? One with almond like hair and amber eyes? She had an emerald sash around her waist and a tongue as sharp as her rapiers."

Nivra sook her head as Yarnick did the same.

“Pity. Would you happen to know someone that would know?"

“Wait a moment!' Yarnick suddenly blurted out, his hand smacking the table. “I remember now! It was mentioned to me in passing. There was a half-elf from the reports. Someone said something about her spending the other day around the taverns and having quite a bit of fun. Left with the dragon today of course."

“Did you happen to know where they were heading?" The elf leaned in close as if captivated by the commander's words. Nivra wondered if she was on the verge of speaking herself to the man. In addition to this Nivra could see how the siigonis trembled as her tail smacked loudly against the ground. If the lizard had some unfinished business with such a woman Nivra didn't know. Though she had seen that look, that glimmer of hate lingering in her eyes before. It was one that told of a lover spurned.

“Perhaps the leader of that hovel they came from would know?" Yarnick's hand went to cup his chin, rubbing over the stubble in circular motions as he thought. “We have her in a cell. She tried to free one of th-“

The Siigonis held up her claw. “She cares not for the reason why you hold such a woman. If you think such a human would help us by all means go fetch her. But do so in haste,  she has spent enough time here as it is."

“But of course." Yarnick gulped, his chair scraping loudly across the floor as he practically bolted from his seat. With a nervous glance and wave he opened the door, shutting it behind him. His boots could be heard heavily thumping down the hall. Nivra wished she had gone with him.

Nivra gulped as the rest of her body shivered. Once more she was trapped with these two without escape. It took all her effort to hold her head high, not look too afraid despite her body's reaction. To her relief, Voidwing crept closer despite his earlier outburst. His silver feathers pressed against her, even in his irritation he still felt her worry eating away at her. She had to make it up to him. He deserved so much better than her at times.

“So why the elf?" She cocked her head to the side, trying to fight back the gnawing fear within her. “Seems to upset you to no end."

“Slip slipped through my fingers." The siignois replied, no words being uttered from the queen. Her fangs flashed as a low growl worked its way from her throat. Nivra could see the fire of hate brimming in her pinkish slits. “The little half breed ape thought she was ever so clever and managed to somehow turn the tables on me."

“Sounds like my kind of adventurer." Voidwing chirped happily, snapping his beak shut when the Siigonis shot him a sharp glare. One that seemed to set the air ablaze.

“I'd watch that tongue gryphon or you might find yourself in my tender care." She licked her snout, “And I won't be kind."

“Yea, but that'd make me most unhappy. And if you did that I would not help you in the slightest." The words contained as much bravery as she was able. Even lasting as the siigonis glared daggers from her eyes. The woman snapped to the elf as if expecting her to interfere, but when she did not Nivra internally grinned at her smallish victory. It wasn't much but it helped fight of the lingering fear clutching her heart like a vice.

“So, what do you two do for entertainment when not running an empire of the damned?" She asked, half joking and the other half just wanting to buy time for the commander. If the vampires were not going to be forthcoming with their information, then she was going to try and draw anything out them. She rose a hand to casually rub at Voidwing's ear, the small sensation to her fingertips bringing a sensation of warmth to them. The scared spirit inside of her growing ever smaller as she gave the siigonis a warm smile. She laughed internally as the surprised lizard looked to her as if she had sprouted three heads.

“Are you starting to warm up to us now?" The lizard smirked, crossing her arms across her chest. “Bit late for that isn't it? After all those hate filled glances and irritated looks. Now is when you decide to get to know us?"

“Yes. Stuck in here with you. Figure I'd learn about you is all." She leaned back, continuing with this fake bravado. She had a lingering suspicion that the queen wasn't buying it, but she continued anyway despite her stare. “What's your name for instance. Can't be white Siigonis or lizard."

“Fair enough soft skin. I suppose I could part with that." The lizard turned to her queen with a brief bow. “If it is alright with my queen."

“It is." The elf spoke calmly and without emotion. “You may refer to me as my title. I have gone by many over the years. The Queen of Eternal Flame is my most treasured one." She grinned, a genuine look of pride emanating from her eyes and voice. “By the end of this little venture perhaps many more will have been added to it. I somewhat relish at finding the most dreadful sounding one and using that. Although. Queen has a very nice ring to it." She then gestured to the lizard with her palm. “And this is my lovely servant Shisk."

“Hmm." Nivra soaked in the elf's words. Different titles and such? The woman's age suddenly became of an interest to her. Just how many ages had this vampire been around? She waited until now to make her move? “Why did you offer to finish off the sapphire guardians anyway?"

“Let's just say we share a common goal human. Within Struport is a being I hold much contempt for."

“Oh?" She rose a brow. She just had to push a little further. “What could make the powerful Queen of Eternal flame quake in her boots? Who could even hold a flame to you? I saw your might first hand."

“You flatter me. It is true I am mighty now, but that was not always the case. This was…" The elf looked away as if searching a place far away for the answer with her wandering eyes. “Long ago..I faced off against the Drenedarians in a long struggle. One that had my swarms of undeath winning victory after victory. That was until they recruited a blue dragon to their side by the name of the Swirling Storm." The elf clenched her fists as a fire suddenly lit within her darkened pools. The aura of calm suddenly broke down as her face twisted into seething hatred. “It is he that lingers within that city, and it is he that I shall see broken and dead at my feet before this campaign is done."

“Revenge?" She set her hands to work caressing Voidwing again. The idea of simple revenge didn't sit well in her mind. That couldn't just be it. There had to be more, though she doubted the elf would tell her any more. She got her answer when the queen practically ignored her question with a dismissive wave.

“That is all I wish to discuss for now. I hope this little chat has proved more enlightening to you little human."

“It has indeed." She nodded, curling her finger around Voidwing's ear. She smiled when he leaned into her touch. She could see him fighting off the pleased chirp that was begging to spring from him. She could see it in the way his white furred hind twitched, and his tail flicked softly against her boot. “It better helps me understand my ally. Generates…trust.

“So, you're saying you trust me after that? Then surely you are a naïve little girl as to put trust in such an easy gesture."

“I never said I trusted you." She snapped back. “I just said it helps generate it. I almost expect you to stab me in the back right now and drink my blood.

The pair smiled at her, like she had uncovered some great secret. The teeth made Nivra shiver and lower herself in her seat. “Keep that feeling princess. It helps one stay alive and thus in power. I always wondered why humans didn't fight their heirs for control of their kingdoms." The elf sighed, “Would make sure the most powerful or cunning is in power if they did."

“Sounds uncivilized to me. Bunch of rapid dogs snapping away at each other for control. How can you be unified like that? Sounds like that sort of empire would crumble away into dust. It's leaders taking what they want for themselves." She suddenly stopped when the elf's coolness began to fade. Her eyes returning to her as if she had said something truly offensive. Her muscles tensed as the pounding in her heart increased, and the woman's eyes suddenly shifted from their usual state to those of a bright blue and slitted. Just like that of her minion.

“Then..you have no idea what your talking about." The Queen shook her head, blinking her eyes as she wiped them with the back of her hand. When she returned her gaze back to the princess, the blue eyes had faded and dulled back to their normal hue. It left Nivra's mind doing a double take, unsure of what she had just seen.

Was that an illusion? She rubbed the back of Voidwing's back, only to maintain a sense of strength and not give away that she had just seen whatever the elf was trying hard to conceal. “I'll take what you say to heart. Hopefully with Voidwing here by my side, all my enemies will think twice before making a move against me."

They sat in relative silence after that. Nivra's shivering had stopped the longer she caressed Voidwing's head and tended to his feathers. The gryphon wiggled his tail cutely on the floor, thumping against her chair like some happy dog. Despite this however he kept his head in the direction of the pair across from them, never once letting them leave his sight as they talked among themselves in that hiss and snarling language of theirs.

She could have listened in on them. It was a simple matter of casting a comprehend language spell. One that she always prepared each morning. Never knew when it was going to come in handy after all. Though by the looks she was getting from her “allies" she doubted she would get hardly a syllable uttered before that little venue was squashed down like a bug. Instead she focused on her gryphon and his pleased sounds softly emanating from his throat. She was going to hug him after words, apologize for her actions and hope he forgave her. So, it was she sat in a calm, mind brimming with ways to escape.

When Yarnick returned, he did so by loudly announcing his arrival with a pride filled voice and a thunderous crash of the door slamming against the wall with a thud.

“Here she is for you. Her names Navarra." The commander snarled, dragging the woman by her bindings around her wrists and propping her in one of the chairs across from the queen and Shisk. The woman's brow stitched together, her eyes as sharp as a crossbow bolt.

“What is it ya want?" Navarra hissed, fire brimming in her eyes. “Damn't Lumarians. I knew we couldn't bleedin trust ya. This is what ya haf ta say about keepin me safe? Toss me in a room to be killed by the lot of ya?" The brown-haired woman spat on the floor, wiggling in the chair like a trapped animal. “You can focken go to the nine hells ya can."

“She has been rather vocal on the way here. Almost considered putting a gag on her."

“That would have been wise. Next time do that." The Shisk translated, Navarra's eyes widening. “We do so hate them when they get like this."

“That's the same language the dragon was using! How is it you know it?" Navarra exclaimed the struggling against her bindings increasing as her flames started to flicker. “What do ya wan't?" When her bindings would't budge she slumped in her chair defeated. She looked up, a fleeting look of despair flickering across her face. “You're not Lumarians are ya?"

Is that what that was? Draconic? Nivra sat in frozen silence as the queen rose from her chair and glided towards Navarra like a specter, the elf's feet hardly touching the ground. Her hands clenched tight around Voidwing's fur as her body tensed for whatever horrible thing she was going to witness. She silently prayed for the woman's safety, whatever that would do her in face of such beings.

“Now human." The queen leaned in closer with an eerie chill that caused all the hairs to rise on the back of Nivra's neck. Her spine feeling as though icy water had been poured down her back, the fridged waters tracing every bump of her skin. Navarra trembled when the queen was right in front of her. “I will only ask this once. Don't try my patience. You spent time with the red dragon that visited this town. One of his companions. The half-elf. The one with the green sash around her waist and almond hair. Where did they go?"

The woman cowered before the queen's gaze, her eyes looking to anything else and resting on the floor. “So, what?" Navarra's voice cracked. “You can hurt them?" She then shouted at the top of her lungs. Like that would help fight off the dread lingering in the air like a thick cloud. “They didn't help us all this way for me to sell them out! You can shove it ya spooky elf! I won't be telling ya their plans." The woman weakly smirked, her last defiant act seeming to bring her a glimmer of relief. Nivra admired that but felt her stomach twist and turn as the queen sighed In disappointment.

“So be it." The vampire lord reached out with a cupped hand, placing her fingertips around Navarra's forehead. Like the woman had been touched by a molten poker she screamed, thrashing against her chair in agony. Her words devolved into a cacophony of pained shouts, as her boots kicked wildly, her body quivering and spasming.

Is that what she did to me? Nivra sat frozen, transfixed on the woman's torture. The thought to look away was ever present but something deep inside told her to look. Maybe part of her wanting to see firsthand what collaborating with the undead had to offer. This is the being you sided with father. She grit her teeth as Shisk smiled with folded arms, as if she were getting a sick amount of pleasure by listening to the female's cries. The sound dug into Nivra's core, begging her to do something about it. How could she just sit here and watch this unfold? Because you're playing the long game. Doesn't do the woman any good to die here right now. Remember this Nivra…Remember what she's capable of.

So, she watched, silently telling herself she would make a difference one day. The phrase kept her from drawing any weapon as she bit into her lip so fiercely that she almost drew blood. Still Navarra screamed and thrashed. Despite the long moments of time the woman's screams had not lost their strength or volume as large beads of seat dripped down the squirming woman's scrunched up face. Color had started to drain from her skin, starting to look more and more like that of her attackers.

Voidwing's tail thrashed against her boot, his hind end shifting as his talons started digging into the wood, leaving little valleys of bright brown among a sea of dark chestnut. Nivra could almost taste his need to help the woman. In a way it mirrored her own but went leagues beyond. It was his duty to protect and help. Granted it was to her, but by the way he was staring and twitching she doubted that it mattered in this moment.

Then it all grew quiet. The screams dying away into raspy, groan filled gasps as Navarra slumped against her chair.

“That was most displeasing." The elf rose, straightening her back with a disapproving frown. Whatever the woman had learned it obviously did not sit well with her.

“What did you learn? What are their plans?" Nivra blurted out, despite how the woman had gotten the information she wanted to know.

“They are heading to Struport." The elf scowled, looking at the walls as though she could see right through them. “Where they hope to put an end to the war. Put an end to Lumara."

“That's.." Her voice came meekly, the doubt of her plan returning like an invading force and ramming themselves at the gate of her mind. “That sounds about right…"

“And a more personal matter of vengeance that must be attended to." The queen placed her hands together, striding towards the door with a confident gaunt. Clearly, she had gotten whatever it is she wanted.

“That's it?" Nivra stood up, looking to the injured woman still wiggling in her chair with pain laced moans.

“Is there something else I should have been looking for?" The queen tilted her head to the side, making Nivra look away with goosebumps forming on her arms.

“Do you have a way to track them then?"

“We have our ways Nivra…If you worry about finding the red the worry not. We shall not stop that goal of your quest. If you do however place yourself in conflict with me though I want you to remember." The elf's eyes narrowed, turning into glowing blue slitted specters. “I am a most dangerous enemy to have."

Let her win this. “That you are Queen of Eternal Flame." Nivra bowed her head to keep in the elf's good graces. “Good luck in retrieving whatever it was that the half-elf stole."

“As to you human….Ah I knew I was forgetting something important." The elf suddenly slunk close to Navarra, touching the woman's cheek with the back of her hand. “Thank you, mortal, for the information. It will be most helpful for the road ahead.

“Yea…" Navarra gasped weakly, “Fock you too." The woman then froze, even her breaths coming to a halt. The color that had been returning to her face suddenly vanished, and a wave of dark stone grey started to spread from the vampire's fingers. From the human's body came a wispy like blue mist that shimmered and filled the room with a ghostly glow. It coiled in the air with little tendrils of glowing light that wrapped around the queen's fingers. The elf took a deep breath, almost in pleasure as the mist snaked up her arm and flowed into her nostrils.

“You will not be wasted." The queen sighed as the mist flowed into her. The room seeming much darker when the mist had vanished inside of her.

“What did you do?" Nivra shouted as the queen backed away, the rest of Navarra's body shifting to the same grey before suddenly bursting into ashes before her eyes. “You.." Shock coursed through her veins like a bolt of lightning. “Killed her!" She found herself shouting, almost attacking the woman with a fireball to the face. Even Voidwing had leaped to her side, toppling over the table as he rose up with a keening cry.

“Yes I did." The elf stood back up, looking to them as if they were no threat at all. “I tied up the loose end for you. You should be thanking me instead of going to attack me as you were." She turned her back on them and strode towards the door.

“What am I going to tell there town now?" Yarnick's voice wavered as he stared to the pile of once human. “That was a way to show how merciful we were!"

“Think of something human. I know your kind always does. I did show her mercy in a way. I made sure her death was quick and painless." She snapped to Nivra her eyes glowing with a cold blue fire. “Remember that lesson well here princess. Cover your tracks, leave no lose ends. Always watch your back from those around you. It's how those in power stay power." With a final wave to the siigonis to follow, the elf walked out of the room without waiting for a counter reply.

Nivra found herself shaking, even when they heard the front door shut loudly. “You.." Nivra hissed, hands trembling as her skin began to flush. Like a pot filled with water she was threatening to boil over. She stared at Yarnick with white hot flames. She almost killed him. “You allied with that woman!" She stomped up to the commander, who now seemed so small as he cowered before her. “She just murdered an innocent woman before our eyes!"

“She wasn't innocent princess! She tried to help one of our enemies escape!" He looked away, as if staring into her eyes meant death. In this moment Nivra didn't care.

“Did she have a trial? You meant to spare her right?" She shoved her finger right to his nose, flicking it as it trembled. “She didn't deserve to die for that! I can see why the red dragon wants to dismantle our nation if this is the standard we show the world! Alliances with the undead? Killing innocent dragons? Look captain!" She gestured to the piles of ash on the chair. “That is what we get for that. She just did that without your or my permission. I suggest you let this sink in. Mark my words, this is only the beginning!"

“B-but it needed to be done princess. The sapphire guardians needed to be contained. I didn't give the order! I'm only following them!" His words twisted into her gut and made her sick. In a way he was right.

“So I should take this up with your general?"

“Or the steward." The man nodded, “It is they that keep the truce going. Since you're not on the throne, they are the ones in charge." Yarnick gulped head looking down in shame. “Your father is dead your highness. They were waiting on you to take over, but they couldn't find you."

“Wonderful!" She made her voice crack, to at least fake the pain. “Then once I'm done saving this kingdom from dragon fire I will be back to crack some heads when I get home." She jabbed his nose like a sword with here fingertip, teeth clenching as she grabbed his shirt with a white knuckled fist. “I will make sure whoever kept this truce with those undead monsters will be punished and seen as traitors to the kingdom. I will undo all the horrible policies that my father and those that sided with him have done in the name of progress or spreading the wealth." She shoved the commander back, not minding that he slammed into the wood. “I will drag our nation into the light where it once started and be the grand kingdom it used to be." She turned without another word, her cloak swishing behind her as she stomped her way towards the exit. She wasn't going to stick around here for another moment. She had a mission to do, a dragon to catch. The sooner she got that over with the sooner she could set her goals closer to home. She burst through the doors of the town hall and let out a shout, all her fury and hatred getting released in a lung tingling cry. If she could have breathed fire she would have. She stumbled over to a tree, collapsing against it when Voidwing emerged behind her. He looked tired for lack of a better word as he padded over to her, his eyes filled with the concern he always had.

“I'm sorry." She said softly, looking down as she grabbed at her legs. “I should have listened to you and run when we had the chance. I thought we could learn more information about her. Something to help fight or defeat her. You we're right all along." She hung her head, the shame consuming her like a tasty treat. “You deserve better then I Voidwing."

He nudged her with his beak, lifting her chin with a claw so she was staring into his apricot eyes through misted spheres. “I can't stay mad at you." He replied warmly, “I should have realized we didn't have much of a choice. I have never seen magic used like that." His demeanor darkened for a moment, but he held the affectionate gaze. “Whatever she is..I think we only saw the tip of the ice burg."

“Agreed." She chuckled softly, hand going to caress the underside of his jaw. “Thank you, my friend." She pulled him in close, almost whimpering into his fur as his warmth radiated out to her like the sun. She didn't realize how much she needed his touch until this moment, practically begging him to stay like that as he wrapped her back with a claw. They stayed like that for several moments, shivering against each other. She wrapped her arms tightly around his back, never wanting him to let her go. When her mind brought her back to task she groaned and released his warm embrace. “We have to get going. Dragon to catch after all."

“That we do." He smiled, pulling away and giving her an affectionate nuzzle. “Which direction shall I bring us?"

She wiped away at her eyes, flicking away the moisture before she lost control and they turned into tears. She dug into her pack, pulling out the teal tipped feather and performing the spell. When the feather pointed eastwards they had their course. “Right towards the Wallowdale mountains." She stood up, climbing onto Voidwing's back as the gryphon tensed his muscles for flight, test flapping his wings against the air. When the gryphon pounced into the air she glared at Yarnick for a moment as the commander watched them depart with a frown. She would have to remember him when she took power. Look into what deeds he had listened to or done in Lumara's name." She clenched her hand into a fist as the onyx feathered beauty below her rose high above the sprawled-out buildings below. She would remember all their names. With a flap of his wings and quick course correction the gryphon carried them towards the horizon, and the dragon they sought for so long.

*

Voidwing carried them across the rest of the green earth that flowed like the waves of a grand ocean. Red and crimson darted the landscape like little islands along with barren trees that had lost all their leaves. That night they slept under the inky void of the night with quiet whispers and thoughts of the journey ahead. The spoke reassurances to one another of the red dragon's motives and steeling themselves for their first words with the scaled beast. They drifted off into a peaceful slumber soon after, her face pushed into his feathered chest like a warm pleasing pillow, and his claw wrapped tightly around her protectively.

The next morning, they headed out with a brief meal, soon making good time as the ground below passed in an almost blur. There were no signs of the undead lingering around the ground, no flying skeletal horses to infect the sky with their infernal twisted flight. They enjoyed the moments together with pleased sounds, gliding high over the land like some angel of old. She had to remind herself to not get lost within the pleasing feelings as Voidwing broke with the standard flight to do some tricky swirls. If only to fight the itching boredom beneath their skin. When the after-noon sun began to sink below the mountain's that reached high into the sky, and the red-orange light spread to the land like a raging fire did they near their destination. The blue feather she had gripped so tight flickered and fell over in one last direction point. A clearing below them among the trees, right at the base of the mountains.

They landed with little fuss, her heart starting to pound a little faster as she leaped off her gryphon. She dusted off her robes, flicking her cape back with practiced ease. When she held her staff she noticed it was wiggling, her hands trembling in worry.

“Nervous?" Voidwing chirped, eyeing the parting of the forest before them as he took position beside her.

“Course I am." She admitted, pulling him close. “Big day ahead of me isn't it? One step towards the betterment of my country. Why would I not feel anxious?"

“Because you lacked a heart?" Voidwing nudged her, nuzzling her side as they began to tentatively walk. “You will do fine. I shall be here for you."

“What if the-“

“That's the doubt talking my princess." He smiled, holding his head confidently. “We have heard of their deeds and what kind of people they are. I doubt they will attack us. They will listen to reason."

She smiled, scratching behind his ear. Her heart melted when he purred for her. Course she ended that quickly, no sense in embarrassing him in front of the others when they met. Let them see the strong and brave gryphon that always had her back. “Thank you Voidy. Couldn't have done it without you." His pleased chirp was music to her ears as he replied in kind. She could hear shouts of what could only be laughter coming from ahead.

Brimming with excitement she stepped forth into the clearing, getting a good look of a campfire roaring away with the people she had searched for so long around the crackling flames. There was a red vested dwarf with crimson hair, holding a wooden ladle and stirring something inside a great onyx pot resting above the fire. She pulled up the spoon, motioning for a green scaled kobold to lean in and sniff the steaming concoction. The little lizard clacked her claws together, a pleased croon escaping her jaws as her tail swayed behind her in joy.

 Arcturus the paladin she knew from all the times he had visited the castle was near the edge of the flattened, grassy clearing. He was trading blows with a brown furred minotaur which towered over him with a stern look. The clacks of their wooden swords filled the air as the two went back and forth, trying to get the better of the other. They passed by the form of a half-elf sitting on a dark purple carpet, her legs crossed against one another with her eyes closed as if she was meditating. Beside that woman made Nivra's eyes widen for it was one she had known most of her early life. It was her master Shandalar, kneeling before the half-elf with a look that she had always given the human wizard during her years of training. It was one of understanding, one that she had learned to take comfort over the years. For a moment the anxiety that had been swirling around in her chest vanished. If she was here, then clearly the dragon wasn't as bad as the reports had said.

“Hah! You think you can get the best of me? I will show you kitty bird! It is dragons that reign supreme of your ilk!" Came a loud growly like boast, as the red dragon she had been chasing after rolled by, a blue gryphon with teal tipped wings wrapped up in his grip. The pair landed with dull thuds, nipping at each other as they thrashed and smacked at each other with talons and paws.

“Nothing but boasts dragon!" The gryphon snapped with a happy chirp. “I bet you just want to pin me and have your way with me!"

“We shall see about that." The dragon grinned, flicking his tail as the gryphon used the dragon's weight to roll with him to the side. “Arcturus! I think the gryphon wants to play with us! How would you feel about that?"

“Greetings!" She proclaimed loudly, putting on a warm smile. She held her hand to her chest as they all suddenly stopped to look at her, surprise flickering across all their gathered eyes. “I am Nivra, princess of Lumara." She spoke proudly, ending her words with a bow. “And this is Voidwing." She gestured to the gryphon who did his best to bow before them as well. “It is nice to finally meet you after all this time."

“Really?" The red dragon snorted with twitching frills, pinning the gryphon below him with a sturdy forepaw. “Another one?"

*******

Thank you for reading along with this tale of mine! Be sure to vote or favorite it to let others know to read it! If you feel like leaving a comment go for it! I would love to hear about characters or ideas you have about the current situation. (Even if this isn't the latest chapter I have posted.) If anything is amiss let me know, it's all a process after all. :3