Chapter One

Darkness smothered him, crushing him, threatening to destroy him, but he rebelled, his anger awoke stronger than anything he had ever felt burning through him, making his body scream in pain but bring everything into focus. He didn’t understand what was going on only that he had to escape the darkness that was crushing him, and so he fought, scratching, clawing, beating, he would not be destroyed and slowly the weight on him eased and he broke though, the cool kiss of the evening air brushed his skin, he had been buried and fury tore at him, who dared to do this to him, his anger flared burning inside. The night wind chilled his skin, bring to him the smells of the night, a hunger awoke in him that over loaded his senses almost blinded him from everything else,

“Finally you are awake,” said a female voice and he wiped around seeing, her leaning against a tree its soft branches swaying in the light breeze. He broke free of the ground and launched at her, his anger demanding it, wanting blood, she raised her hand and in mid-air he froze, “you are a strong one,” she laughed, her brown eyes sparkled in the moonlight, the scent of lavender drifting from her, she wore a tight black leather suit which creaked as she sensually walked over, “you are hungry? Yes,” she asked in a caressing voice, his eyes followed her every movements, he nodded his mouth salivating, he was hungry but didn’t know what for, “Good, follow me, but be warned if you attack me I will destroy you,” said the woman sternly walking away into the dark forest.

The scoring wind blew hot sand into Tam’s eyes blinding him as he tried to blink away the grit, his green eyes tearing at this intrusion. He looked up towards the blinding sun as it batted down on Tam its heat enveloping him, making it hard to breathe, repositioned his hat trying to get better shade for his face. The days of traveling had blending into one and Tam couldn’t remember how long he had been on this wagon through the Desolate. Tam thought back to Demon Guse’s cave when he thought everyone he loved would be killed and so he’d tackled the Demon Guse into the shimmering wall, it was the only thing he could think of to do to help his friends, even if it had just given then a few minutes to recover he was not sure what would happen after entering the wall and even now his memory is fuzzy, he was sure there were lights and a warm feeling but that might of been a dream. The next thing he remembered coherently was awakening in a room with a baby dragon laid beside him, the baby softly crooning in his ear, the soft comforting sound reassuring him that all was safe, this could only be Hayleigh’s cave, the torches that lit the room flickered a soft warm light around the chamber, and Tam was lying on a mound of straw feeling content, as he moved the dragon raised up and made a soft coughing sound.

“Tam, are you awake?” called a soft voice from the darkened entrance, Tam tried to sit up to answer and pain shoot through his skull making his head swim, he let a groan and lay back down. “Tam don’t move.” Said Hayleigh walking in the entrance her long blonde hair glowing in the torch light, her Emerald eyes sparkling,

“Hayleigh?” asked Tam cluching his head to try and stop the pain. “What am I doing here?” He asked as Hayleigh walked over and placed her cool hand on his forehead,

“Hush, we can talk about that later” said Hayleigh, gently probing his forehead and as the pain eased she placed a bowl of steaming soup beside him, Tam sniffed the delicious aroma and his stomach rumbled awakening his hunger he hadn’t realised how hungry he was and wondered how long he had been here.

“Here eat this.” Said Hayleigh lifting the spoon to his lips gently, the soup was a simply beef broth but satisfying and filled to Tam’s empty stomach, as soon as he finished tiredness swept over him and darkness claimed him.

The next time he woke, he felt better and carefully sat up with no pain or dizziness, which reassured Tam. He was alone and could see fresh clothes folded neatly in the corner, so he got up slowly checking for any sign of pain and carefully hobbled over to a small basin, he stripped off his sweat sodden clothes and cleaned his body constantly checking himself, as he did this he started to feel better moving more freely. Once he was washed and dressed he moved into the corridor still moving slowly as he still felt fragile from whatever had happened to him. The corridor was dark but with Tam’s eyesight he was able to see quite well, he followed the corridor and after a while he was able to see a soft glow at the end, Tam slowly moved into the next room and it was a brightly lit room, he had tpp blink a number of times for his eyes to adjust, Hayleigh was sat in a high back chair singing softly to her child.

“How are you feeling Tam?” Asked Hayleigh her emerald green eyes sparkling in the torch light when she looked up at Tam.

“Better thank you.” Replied Tam moving into the room with care,

“There is some food over there if you are hungry” Said Hayleigh pointing to a large table on the other side of the room, Tam looked at the table and it was filled with food, Roast Turkey, Beef, potatoes, parsnips, swede, carrots, sprouts, gravy and so much more , Tam’s mouth watered at the sight of all of the food. He hurried over to the table forgetting any pain and loaded up his plate as full as he could, he sat down at a space at the end of the table, Hayleigh’s child waited until Tam had sat when he walked over and laid his head onto Tam’s lap and Tam started to feed him food from his plate between his own mouthfuls. “Slow down Tam or you’ll make yourself sick” said Hayleigh and Tam started to take smaller bit, he looked down at the baby dragon and wondered when Hayleigh’s child was going to take on human form but though it would be rude to ask, he had always liked Hayleigh’s child but then when a baby dragon saves you from a creature from the bottom of a lagoon in the middle of an underground cavern you tend to like them. Tam could never understand why Hayleigh had sent him on that mission or why she hadn’t rescue her baby herself but knew she would have a reason and in time he may find out, but doubted it. Hayleigh waited until Tam had finished eating before she started to talk. “So Tam you may have been wondering how it is you survived your fight with the Demon Guse and how it is you came to be here?” asked Hayleigh as she stood up and moved over to sit next to him.

“Yes Ma’am” Replied Tam pushing his plate away, feeling a little sick from all the food he’d eaten, Hayleigh patting his leg affectingly.

“Well to start there are things you need to know about yourself, you are not what you think you are,” said Hayleigh as Tam stared in bewilderment, wondering what she meant. “You” said Hayleigh Regally “Are the eldest male descendant of Prince Soutore, heir to the Dragon Throne in Cadornet.” Stated Hayleigh, Tam starred at her, his mind trying to understand what she had said.

“What? How? What?” Stuttered Tam, bewildered by that statement “That is not possible!” Exclaimed Tam, feeling as if someone had hit him in the stomach,

“I’m sorry Tam but it is,” said Hayleigh sadly, “Your father worked with the Sentinel’s in defeating the Demon Guse during the Great War, but this went against your grandfather’s and the rest of the Dark Elf kingdom wishes. After the war most of the Dark Elves lands were destroyed and your father was believed dead, but he was injured and after a long recovery he chose not to return because after disobeying his father and indirectly causing to destruction of much of the Dark Elves prosperity he felt ashamed and couldn’t return to face his father. It took many years before your father forgave himself and its towards the end of that recovery that he met you mother, she was a single mother raising a baby and she had help him during his recovery, they fell in love and you were conceived, they were so happy but as you know your father died shortly after your birth but what you haven’t been told is his death wasn’t natural causes, he was murdered. Luckily those that murdered your father know nothing about you or your mother which is why you have lived.” Said Hayleigh as she watched Tam, his face showed a stunned reaction that Hayleigh expected.

“Murdered by who?” Asked Tam,

“Your Uncle”,

“Will he come after me?” asked Tam anger lacing his voice,

“Eventually but we have time” smiled Hayleigh,

“But what about my sister?” asked Tam trying to take everything in?

“You sister is safe from your uncle she is only your half-sister, her father ran out on your mother when she found out that she was pregnant, it broke your mother’s heart, and your father helped your mother find love as she helped him find peace.” Said Hayleigh,

“Ok, but then how did I survive the fight with the Demon Guse?” asked Tam, his brain skittering around the prince thing.

“When you pushed the Demon Guse into the shimmering wall a place called the Realm of the Kings, anyone other than a royal member of the seven ruling clan entering there will be swept away by the fates, you as Heir to the Dragon Throne managed to survived even though it hurt you greatly, the Demon Guse no matter how much power he had cannot take on the fates and survive, his essence was ripped apart, a fate far worse than death, you luckily were just battered and disorientated.” Said Hayleigh, as Hayleigh descried Tam’s last battle , he got up and started to pace around the small room remembering images of floating orbs and a feeling of peace, and then a tugging feeling that settled a great weigh within him, and then he woke up here.

“What now?” Asked Tam “Does Alexandra and the others know that I’m alive?” Continued Tam and Hayleigh offered Tam his seat, his mind jumping from one question to the next.

“No, but I will tell them as soon as I see them” Said Hayleigh smiling.

“But can’t I go to them, it’s not far and I can get there on my own,” Said Tam confidently,

“No Tam, I’m sorry but there is something you need to do and you can’t wait for the Sentinel’s.” Said Hayleigh rising, “Please follow me,” Said Hayleigh as she left though the far door, Tam wanted to continue talking but as much as he liked Hayleigh she did scare him, and so he followed quickly catching her up, but Hayleight didn’t say anything. The two of them walked through a number of corridors and Tam soon became disorientated, he hoped Hayleigh wouldn’t leave him as he didn’t want to repeat the last time he was down here; he did not want to run into the creature of the lake only bearly surviving his last encounter. Hayleigh and Tam finally entering Hayleigh’s throne room and Tam felt more comfortable being somewhere he knew. Hayleigh sat down on her throne and offered a seat to Tam. “The Dragon kingdom is close to falling into Darkness that it will never recover from, dragging the world into darkness with them and another war that they would not survive, the chaos would lead to the destruction of everything we hold dear.”

“But why me, why should I care?” asked Tam his voice petulant, anger radiating from him, why should he help the people who killed his father.

“Well Tam I thought better of you,” Sighed Hayleigh, “I though you would want to help thousands of people, to ease their pain and suffering. You are the only person capable of doing it.” Said Hayleigh and a burning shame welling up in Tam and he looked down, thinking of Alexandra, the Sentinels and the things they must do for the greater good.

“I’m sorry Hayleigh, I’ll help.” Said Tam quietly,

“That’s ok Tam, I understand, but this is something only you can do.” Smiled Hayleigh sadly “All of the things you need are through that door” Said Hayleigh pointing off to one of the side doors. “I have also arranged transport for you to Cadornet.”

The wagon jumped as it bounced through a hole in the road bring Tam back to the present, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, cursing the heat again.

“Don’t worry Tam we will be there soon,” Said Tam’s companion as he looked over. Tam’s companion was an older man with wispy grey hair that stuck out from under his faded battered brown hat, his skin was tanned and wrinkled from the long hours in the sun travelling, but is eyes were blue and bright with intelligence.

“I know Doran, but how do you put up with this heat?” Asked Tam, Exhaustion toning his voice as he took a small sip from the water canteen that hung from the side of the wagon occasionally banging against the side of the wagon as they travelled,

“Just with time and practice, I’ve been doing this run for three decades, after that you get us to the climate, also if you ever travel over the Spire further to the west,” Said Doran pointing to the distant mountains, hazy in the distance heat “There you would wish for this heat, there it is so cold that you have to keep you water close to your body to stop it from freezing.” Said Doran as he flicked the reins to keep the oxen moving at their slow but mile eating pace,

“I cannot imagine any place like that but then before this I could never of imagined this heat.” Said Tam smiling, wiping his forehead again,

“Well it will soon be night,” Said Doran, and Tam shivered knowing how cold the night could be in the Desole, Tam sat back and closed his eyes hoping that the gentle rocking of the wagon would send him to sleep, but knew it would be a fruitless hope.

Eleanor sat in her room trying to read while her maid prepared her bath, it had been a long day and the words swam before her eyes, Eleanor needed to relax, today she had sent back her mages to the Ladies Hall, many of them were not happy with it now that they had tasted the real world many of them didn’t want to go back to isolation that her Uncle the late Lord Reagent had imposed, but Eleanor knew that the Realm was not yet ready for the mass reinstating of female mages, her Uncle had spent his whole rein subjugating female mages, killing them where he could and installing fear where he couldn’t. Luckily before he came into power Eleanor’s grandmother had created the Ladies Hall, a safe haven for all female magic uses. But for their fight with the Demon Guse Eleanor had striped the Ladies Hall of most of the able bodied mages and she was concerned leaving it as defenceless as she has. So she sent most of the woman back with orders to protect the hall and continue their studies, but she was sure a number of the woman would soon be leaving to reconnect with the world which made Eleanor smile, giving her hope for the future. Eleanor had Nikki and Tracey stay as advisers and protectors to Queen Alexandra, which would allow her to go and see Hayleigh, she had many question for the Dragon, Eleanor had also tasked the two girls with cataloguing the Realms library, many books, tomes and scrolls had been destroyed in the battle to retake the Capital, but is was still a vast library and could help the Queen. Eleanor Still worried about the amount of knowledge lost. A soft rose smell distracted Eleanor’s thoughts telling her that her maid had put some of her favourite oil in her bath.

“My lady your bath is ready,” Said her maid curtsying, her cheeks a rosy red colour from the hot water of the bath.

“Thank you Ellen and its Eleanor” said Eleanor as Ellen bowed her head; Eleanor rose and headed into the bathroom. She let out a heavy sigh as she lowered herself into the hot bath water her muscles relaxing and eating away at her stress.

“Would you like me to wash your back my lady?” Asked Ellen and another sigh exceed Eleanor’s lip, she didn’t think Ellen would ever use her first name, and she had been trying for the last couple of week and Ellen still wouldn’t use it.

“No thank you Ellen, I’ll manage.” Said Eleanor slipping further into the how water, it’s heat enveloping her body, easing her aches and Eleanor sighed again, she could feel her eyes lids becoming heavy and she knew she shouldn’t fall asleep but the hot water had relaxed her so much that she couldn’t fight her eyes anymore and they slowly closed.

A loud banging from her bedroom door snapped Eleanor awake splashing the cooling water over the floor with her shock. Eleanor could hear muffled sound coming from her bedroom and she wondered what they were saying, Eleanor focused her power, a tingling sensation covered her body as if hundreds of insects covered her body, it was a strange sensation but Eleanor enjoyed it.

“I am sorry but the Lady Eleanor is indisposed.” Said Ellen, Eleanor could now hear her clearly with her spell and could imagine the look on Ellen face as she spoke.

“Would you please inform her that the Queen has asked for her attendance in the throne room?” Said a Royal messenger, and Eleanor sighed heavily as she released her magic, Eleanor wondered if her relaxing bath had been wasted now. She stood up and the cool air gave her Goosebumps on her wet skin, Eleanor heard Ellen close the front door and head for the bathroom door.

“My Lady” Cried Ellen in shock as she entered the bathroom seeing Eleanor standing in the bath drying herself,

“Ellen I have been washing myself for a number of years, and no matter how much the Queen would like me to be pampered, I can still look after myself.” Said Eleanor stepping for the bath wrapping the damp towel around herself, grabbing a second towel to continue to dry her wavy blonde hair.

“Yes my Lady,” Said Ellen her voice full of chagrin, “The Queen has requested your present in the throne room.” Continued Ellen,

“Yes I heard Ellen thank you,” smiled Eleanor, “I think I’ll wear the emerald green gown.” Said Eleanor sitting down at her dressing table, picking up an ornate hair brush and starting to brush her hair enjoying the feeling of the brush flowing through her hair,

“Yes my Lady,” Said Ellen, collecting the required dress and other items that Eleanor would need, she then walked over and gently but firmly took the hairbrush from Eleanor and continued to brush her hair. Eleanor allowed herself to be taken care of by Ellen, knowing she had hurt Ellen feeling slightly with the reprimand, before Eleanor knew what had happened Ellen had her already to see the Queen.

Eleanor walked into the throne room from one of the small side corridor’s, not wanting to go through all of the customs of been announced but the Royal guards at the main entrance, the Queen saw Eleanor enter and smiled kindly to her who smiled back and walked up the Queen taking a knee before her.

“You’re Majesty.” Said Eleanor her head bowed.

“Raise Eleanor, you do not need to bow before me, all that you and the others have done for me and the Realm, I should be bowing before you.” Smiled Alexandra as Eleanor stood up, taking in the beauty of the Throne room, she couldn’t believe that only a month ago this had been the scene of a war, the walls had been repainted and the floor relayed, new paintings and restored tapestries hung around the room, giving it a majestic feeling. Alexandra had also added a number of new windows, replacing the once gloomy feeling of the room with a bright sunshine and warm feeling. Eleanor nodded to Lady Jane, Alexandra’s long time friend and confident who stood beside her, on the other side stood Mac, Eleanor’s savour, friend and fellow Sentinel, he smile at Eleanor and she waved to him, Eleanor wondered how long it would be before Mac and Alexandra would get married they were clearly in love and Eleanor was very happy for them. Eleanor look around the room and a strange tingling feeling came over her, like pins were being pushed under her skin, she had lightly felt it on entering the room but had dismissed it, but now it increased and she looked around trying to find out where it was coming from. Eleanor looked to Alexandra light blue eyes seeing a slight strain there that she hadn’t noticed on entering, before Eleanor could ask what was wrong Nikki and Tracey enter through the same corridor that Eleanor had and bowed deeply before the Queen. “Raise both of you, thank you for coming so quickly.” Said Alexandra, “We may have a slight problem, and I need you three here to help, but I must ask that all of you hold your temper no matter what is said.” Continued Alexandra looking at Eleanor,

“Why would we lose our temper?” Asked Eleanor and Alexandra sighed, as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders,

“Because your father, Sir Baker has asked for an audience, while I am certain that it is about the use of female mages, my Uncle supported Sir Baker greatly, so it may be something else.” Said Alexandra, Eleanor’s face dropped at the mention of her father, Mac walked over and squeezed her shoulder as he leaned in.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be here for you and I know what he did remember.” Whispered Mac, Eleanor shivered, she only vaguely remembered the Flowers in Bloom Inn, and what she had told Mac in her drugged induced haze when he rescued her from there.

Alexandra nodded to the Guard standing at the main entrance; who turned, his black and gold uniform sparked in the afternoon’s low sun that shone through one of the large windows.

“Sir Baker” Shouted the guard announcing him as the door opened, Eleanor watched as her father stepped through the doors his back straight and arrogant as if he commanded the world, he wore his ceremonial purple robes and his brown hair tied back in a ponytail, his green eyes flicked to Eleanor briefly but he disregarded her quickly, he came to a stop in from of Alexandra and bowed slightly.

“Your majesty,” Said Sir Baker is voice nasally, Alexandra’s eyes flashed with anger.

“Tell me Sir Baker do you think you are better than your ruling monarch or are you just trying to anger me?” asked Alexandra, her voice tightly controlled,

“Your Majesty?” replied Sir Baker not understanding,

“Is it not customary to kneel before your monarch, and for your lack of this custom I must believe you either think you are better than me or you wish to anger me.” Said Alexandra her voice cold, but she appeared calm; Eleanor could tell that Alexandra was angry.

“Your majesty! I meant no disrespect,” Said Sir Baker, contempt barely hidden in his voice, “Your late uncle never asked me to kneel before him.” Said Sir Baker,

“Do I look like my Uncle Sir Baker” Said Alexandra “The ones that do not require to kneel before me are those who have done a service to the Realm and as of yet you have not.” She continued and Sir Baker’s face paled kneeling.

“I apologise your majesty, I will admit that I am ashamed that I was unable to help in the war, I was looking for my daughter who had run away from home and I have been distort with worry, she.” Sir Baker was saying.

“Stop Sir Baker before you say something that you regret and I will have to punish, Let me tell you what I know. Your daughter ran away because of long term abuse from you and a message given to her by her grandmother. Yes I will admit I know you went after her but when you came upon information that she had gone to the Capital and that she was wanted by the Royal Guard you returned home and declared her dead, then when you were called upon by me to supply mages for my war against the Demon Guse you spelled my messenger and returned him not giving me any mages for the battle and endangered the Realm.” Said Alexandra who was now standing fury radiating from her in waves,

“Your majesty,” Cried Sir Baker about to deny what she had said,

“Sir Baker I have a number of witnesses, first being the guard Captain in Samatol, and then a number of constables around the Realm, but when you came to Lustor you spent the night with the barmaid Kali and unfortunately for you, you talk in your sleep, which is how I know what happened with your daughter, as for the messenger, as you can see I have a number of mages at my disposal, one of them felt the trace of magic on the messenger and after a little bit of investigation your spell was broken and we found out what had happened. So now that you know of the evidence before you think carefully before you continue to lie to me.” Said Alexandra her voice calm but with slight edge to it, Eleanor always thought that this voice was worse than when Alexandra shouted. Sir Baker looked up his green eyes flashing with hatred, his voice turn sinister.

“I told the Lord Reagent that this plan wouldn’t work and he should of killed you with your parents” Growled Sir Baker raising his arms, purple lightning flashing along them, he threw his arms forward as if to throw the lightning onto Alexandra, Nikki and Tracy moved as one a crystal shield surrounding Alexandra, Mac leaped in from of her to protect her his sword coming free of its scabbard but nothing happened, Sir Bakers face showed shock, Eleanor stepped forward her pale blue eyes sparkling with power.

“You dare to harm her?” Said Eleanor her voice tight with anger, Sir Baker arms flashed with different colours trying to attack everyone, when he realised that he had lost he turned to run but he couldn’t move.” Really, you think I would let you run?” Growled Eleanor,

“You have no idea what you had caused; I cannot believe that you are my daughter.” Said Sir Baker panic starting to infect his voice, Mac took a step closer his sword aimed for Sir Baker’s throat.

“Mac!” Said Alexandra halting Mac, “Sir Baker you have attacked your monarch for this and crimes against the Realm you are sentenced to death.” Said Alexandra,

“Queen Alexandra?” Said Eleanor, “May I ask a request?” she continued, Alexandra looked to her, her eyes filled with remorse.

“Go ahead Eleanor,” Replied Alexandra,

“I know that my father has done great crimes and I will not contest that but may I ask that insead of death he can he be exiled” Asked Eleanor,

“I am sorry Eleanor but with your father’s power we cannot release him.” Said Alexandra sorry in her voice,

“What if we could remove his power, cut him off from his magic’s?” said Eleanor, Alexandra paused thinking over Eleanor’s request,

“Can this be done?” Asked Alexandra giving herself more time to contemplate Eleanor’s request,

“Yes your majesty, it would need the help of some of the male mages from Cocrell, but yes it is an old punishment for mages, some even say it was worse than death as the mage has no idea how to survive without their magic.” Said Eleanor looking to her father,

“What do you need Eleanor?” Asked Alexandra, Eleanor could see her father’s face pale. Eleanor could remember the times when her father had threaten her with that when he was drunk, but would laugh because there were no more female mages, Eleanor know that this was the worse punishment for her father.

“The Council of Cocrell will need to be informed and I’ll need three of their strongest mages.” Said Eleanor,

“No. No don’t do this,” Cried Sir Baker struggling against Eleanor’s hold.

“Why Father, because you deserve better?” Asked Eleanor rage contorting her face, “Because you’ve a stand up citizen and a loving father?” Cried Eleanor tears streaming down her face, Mac stepped over to Eleanor sheathing his sword and placing his hand on her shoulder.

“Eleanor,” Said Mac,

“Eleanor we’ll take him” Said Nikki her hands already glowing with power, Tracey stepped up beside her.

“Eleanor, let them take him, he will be held in the east dungeon, and messengers will leave today.” Said Alexandra, Eleanor could feel Nikki and Tracey’s power take hold of the shield and binding.

“Only one of you is needed, I’ve tied the shield off, you will only have to maintain its power.” Said Eleanor, releasing her power, Mac pulled Eleanor into a hug, Nikki grabbed Sir Baker’s arm and two guards flanked them, Eleanor cried freely into Mac cotton white shirt.

“Mac, Tracey take her up to her room, Let Ellen take care of her, Tracey stay with her in case she needs anything.” Said Alexandra as Mac scooped up Eleanor.

Night had fallen and Tam watch the distance lights flickered in the darkened sky, the stars sparkled like jewels on a cloth, Tam looked over at Doran, he didn’t know how he did it, they had both been up at dawn and hadn’t stopped all day, Tam was shattered , he was fighting his eyelids, his skull felt to small and everything irritating him.

“Don’t worry lad, we’ll be there soon.” Repeated Doran, reaching over and ruffling Tam’s light brown hair, “We’re closer than you think, maybe an hour, a little more,” Continued Doran,

“How do you do it Doran?” asked Tam sleepily, Doran let out a deep roaring chuckle,

“By doing this for too many years and living off caffeine for the most of it,” Laughed Doran, taking out a metal tin and opening it, Tam could see a mass of something brown and sticky, Doran took a large wade and put it into his mouth.

“Caffeine?” asked Tam, a puzzled look crossing his face as he fought his concentration.

“A herb that the Dark Elves produce, one of the only things since the old war.” Said Doran he took another wade, “Here try,” Tam took the sticky mess and gingerly placed it into his mouth, all he could taste at first was the sweet taste of honey, then something bitter cut through the sweet flavour, sweeping Tam’s tidiness away with it and Tam felt instantly awake. “Easy lad, this stuff wakes you up, but when it runs out you’ll feel twice as worse.” Smiled Doran,

“Wow, it feels as if I slept all day?” Said Tam a strange energy coming over him and he wanted to move.

“And that’s all it is, a feeling, in an hour you’ll feel twice as bad as you did, so come on now we’re almost there.” Said Doran snapping the reins making the oxen continue moving. Tam watched happily as the blacken mountain in front of them slowly edged closer, he could see twinkling lights scattered throughout the mountain almost blending in with the night sky, and as Doran said slowly Tam could feel the herb wearing off and his fatigue returning Tam was back to fighting his eyes. “Welcome to Cadornet, home and Capital of the Dark Elves, now you be careful around here, these people have a short fuse and while I don’t know why I was asked to bring you here I can imagine you know how to find trouble.” Said Doran looking across at Tam as the oxen slowly moved up to the entrance that looked like a large cave entrance with a portcullis over it, the sand brown rocks look jiggered and two guards stood either side of the portcullis, their armour were matte black with large spikes sticking out from it, they carried a standard sword and shield. The guard said something to Doran that Tam missed, and he cursed himself for not paying more attention when Doran was teaching him their language.

“That’s Absurd, I have always been allowed entrance no matter the time, no man can guarantee how long it will take to cross the Desolate.” Replied Doran, Tam felt better that he had understood that.

“Even so no-one is to enter until morning.” Said the Guard as the other guard moved around the wagon. “Lad do you have any idea who I am?” asked Doran his voice taking on a hard edge.

“I don’t care.” Replied the guard his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, Tam felt his sleeves feeling the reassuring hardness of the two daggers he had hidden there, Tam looked over the guard, looking for weakness in his armour, gaps and soft points that Mac had taught him to do. “Now turn around and clear the road, no-one is to enter until dawn.” Said the guard,

“I’d remove your hand from that sword, if you want to keep it.” Said Doran, all the friendliness was gone and Tam briefly wondered where the sweet man he had travelled with had gone, until he heard the second guard moved up behind them, Tam gently rolled his shoulders, readying himself to move and defend himself if it came to that.

“What’s going on here?” shouted a tall man stepping through the side gate in the portcullis.

“Sir these gentlemen want entrance and when I denied them, they refused to clear the road.” Said the guard his hand still on his sword, Tam looked at the new Elf, he was taller and wider than the other and had a dark complexion, with short cut brown hair and the unmistakeable pointed ears of an elf, Tam was surprised at how much he looked like every other elf he had seen, he was darker but that could just be from the sun, his armour was different from the other guards, it was a crimson red , sleek in design, with a black dragon embossed on his right shoulder.

“Take your hand from you sword solider before you start something you cannot survive.” Said the elf, Tam saw Doran smile but still sat as relaxed as he had the whole journey.

“Sir?” asked the guard sounding perplexed,

“Did you ask this driver his name?” Continued the elf,

“No sir, I was told no-one was to enter.” Said the guard standing up to attention,

“And does that order apply to those granted entrance by the King?” asked the elf, Tam recognised his tone, like that of Sergeant Jackson when he was teaching Adam and Mark.

“No sir, they have royal approval to enter the city at any time.” Replied the guard still not sure where the conversation was going,

“So if you didn’t ask this driver his name, how do you know he is not one of those with a royal pardon?” asked the elf,

“Sir there is something like five people with a royal pardon and they all live in the city.” Said the guard,

“Sir what is your name?” asked the elf to Doran, Tam could see Doran smiling openly now,

“Captain Cosar my name is Doran Dawnfall.” Said Doran and the Captain snapped to attention followed shortly by the other two guards.

“Would you be the Doran Dawnfall that risked his own life to save the King’s step granddaughter, Princess Jessica, when she almost drowned as a child?” asked Captain Cosar,

“Captain you know that I am,” Said Doran and Tam saw for the first time the Captain smile and was amazed by how young he looked when he smiled.

“And would you also be the Doran Dawnfall who has trained with the Dragon knights and is considered one of the top ten deadliest men?” asked the Captain,

“I have trained with the Dragon Knights, but I’m an old man now and doubt I could be classed as deadly.” Said Doran as the Captain barked a laugh.

“Guard open the gate, and at the end of your shift report to my office,” Said the Captain as he stepped up onto the wagon and Tam moved over to allow him up. “Who’s the young lad?” asked the Captain and Tam froze not ever thinking of a story of whom or why he was here.

“The youngest of an old friend, she died recently and I promised her I’d keep an eye on him and when he told me he wanted to see a bit of the world, well I thought I’d bring him along. Not a problem is it?” Asked Doran and Tam sat there surprised at how close that story was to being true, but he had started travelling with Laura and Alexandra, not Doran.

“Not for you, just bring him along to my office in the morning and we’ll sort him out with some papers.” Said the captain,

“Thanks, that is appreciated.” Said Doran,

“Where are you staying?” asked the Captain,

“I’ve got rooms at the Red Dragon; I should be there about a week at the most.” Said Doran,

“Ok I’ll see you in the morning,” said the Captain as he climbed down and Tam got his first look at Cadornet. The main part of the city was sat inside a deep bowl stretching across most of the mountain, soft light flicked in the late evening, Tam looked up and saw that the top of the mountain was open to the sky, and the sides of the mountain was alight with what looked like stars and Tam assumed that more homes reached up the mountain.

“Wow,” said Tam trying to take everything in, but couldn’t see as much as he would like in the darken city.

“Ha, wait until morning that will blow your mind,” said Doran edging the oxen on.

Morning came to early for Tam, he was woken by someone knocking on his door, Tam lay in a small cot with thick furs draped over him, the bed was the softest he had ever felt, but he wondered if that was from all the hard travelling that he had done, the room was small but clean and comfortable.

“Sir, Mr Dawnfall requests you company for breakfast.” Said a soft voice from the other side of the door, Tam dragged himself from his bed and washed, feeling better as he wiped sleep from his eyes. Tam walked down stairs he looked around the inn as he’d not seen much last night being too tired to pay attention, it looked like most inn’s that Tam had been too, with a roaring fire that had an animal slowly roasting over it, people moved around busy with their lives, Tam saw Doran siting in the corner by the door and he headed over.

“Ah so you are alive, “smiled Doran as he put a large slice of toasted bread into his mouth, Tam stomach grumbled loudly,

“Morning” Yawned Tam, “So what’s the plan for today?” He asked,

“Well to start with we’ll see Captain Cosar and get you your papers and then you can explore a bit while I take care of some business.” Said Doran, a young barmaid came over and gave Tam a steaming bowl of porridge and some bread, Tam forgot all about the conversation and devoured his food. “Come on lad, time to go,” said Doran as Tam finished the last of his breakfast and Doran waved to the man behind the bar as they left. Tam was surprised to see how bright it was, light was everywhere, the soft yellow mountain basked in the sun, and Doran saw Tam’s bewildered expression.

“They use mirrors throughout the mountain to supply the daylight, it’s quite a feat. I believe the Dwarves helped with it, you’ll find that the Dark Elves are more comfortable with machinery than their wood cousins. The two of them moved though the city and Tam watch as people darted around them. “Here we are.” Said Doran as they stopped in front of a large opposing building with tall pillars and carved dragons over the front of the building. Doran walked up the steps and Tam followed, Doran continued through the door and up to a large front desk that an elderly elf sat behind, his long silver hair tied neatly into a ponytail.

“Can I help you sir?” asked the Elf his voice strong and deep,

“We’re here to see Captain Cosar, he is expecting us.” Said Doran,

“And who may I say is calling?” replied the Elf, his eyes never leaving the paperwork in front of him.

“Doran Dawnfall,” Said Doran as the Elf’s eyes snapped up.

“Right this way sir,” said the Elf, stepping from around his desk and lead them through the maze of desks taking them deeper into the building, Tam wondered at Doran history to get all of this treatment. Shortly they came to an office and the Elf knocked and entered, Doran waited outside and could hear soft murmurs but couldn’t make out what they were saying, after a few minutes the Elf returned. “You may enter sir,” said the Elf as he walked away, Doran headed inside and Tam followed looking around the Captain’s office, it had a few pictures on the wall of people in a similar armour as the Captain but apart from that the room was sparse, with only one large desk and three chairs in the room giving the room a clean tidy feeling, until you saw the Captain’s desk where papers were scattered across it.

“Ah Doran, how are you?” asked the Captain,

“Good thank you, feeling great after a good sleep,” Said Doran smiling,

“Glad to hear it, now it was papers for this young fellow,” said the Captain

“Yes please” Said Doran and watched as Doran give the Captain all of his details, Tam had never told Doran any of his story and he wondered how Doran knew as much as he did. Tam decided that here wasn’t the place to ask but knew he would have to as early as possible. In a very short time Tam was standing outside with his new papers, shocked at how quickly that had been sorted out, but his mind was still wondering how Doran knew about Tam.

“Go on lad ask, I know it’s eating at you.” Said Doran,

“How do you know so much about me?” Asked Tam,

“I’m a traveller lad, I’ve been all over, and stayed in some places longer than others, Battle Bridge longer than most. There was a young widow there that I had feelings for, she had two children and no time for a vagabond like myself, but she was kind and helped me once when things were partially bad, and so on my travels I always kept an eye on her and her children.” Said Doran and Tam remembered a young caravan driver that use to stop by every couple of seasons, some of his favourite toys had been brought by him.

“You!” said Tam and Doran smiled,

“Come on lad the day’s a wasting.” Said Doran slinging his arm around Tam’s shoulders, “Here a gold dragon, go and explore, I’ll see you for dinner at the sixth bell,” Said Doran and he walked off never looking back. Tam stood there and watched him disappear before setting off to look around the city. Cadornet was a busy city and Tam loved it, the only place that he had been to that was close was the Capital and even then it didn’t seem to have the same energy, the day quickly passed for Tam as he explored everywhere, the poor quarter where people were sat in the streets begging for money, the merchant quarter was his favourite as people cried out their wares and everyone move around quickly trying to get all of their shopping done, Tam bought a nice belt with a iron buckle that had a dragon embossed on it, and to finish off the day Tam head to the richer part of town with their tall building and large gardens that had stone carving of different animals around them. Tam heard the fifth bell and decided it was time to head back otherwise he would be late for dinner, and as he walked back admiring the build he heard a woman scream from a small alleyway not far from him, Tam didn’t even stop to think as he rushed down the alleyway, sprinting as fast as he could to help the woman. Tam skidded to a halt when he saw what was happening, a young woman was being pinned down but three men in the same clothes, they wore light leather jerkins and pants, covered with a grey tabard that had some animal on it that Tam couldn’t make out, the sound of tearing clothes brought Tam attention back as one of the men tore the woman’s bodice, Tam charged, instinct taking over with the woman in distress, Tam ran toward the one man who had is back to him and grabbed his tabard at a full sprint leaping and twisting his body in mid-air pulling the tabard over his head and temporally blinding him, allowing the woman to get her legs free and kicking out wildly, she connected between the legs of one of the man holding her, he let out a high pitched squeal as he fell to one side, the other two men let go of the girl and focused on Tam.

“You shouldn’t get involved in this boy.” Said one of them slamming his meaty fist into his hand, he had brown hair that curtained around his face that was twisted in anger. The other man charge swing his fist towards Tam’s face, Tam relaxed and swayed out of the way, the man fist breezing past him, Tam remember everything Mac had taught him and his body move with the fluid grace that Tam could never remember having before. He side stepped grabbing his attacker wrist and twisting it his left hand slashing up against his opponent’s neck and dazing him, Tam pivoted and throw the man to the floor and pulled on his twisted arm at the same time, Tam felt the distinctive pop of his shoulder dislocating, this gave the woman time to get away, the other man who had been watching Tam fight stepped in front of the woman trying to block her path and went to grab her, Tam seeing this stepped up and under the other man’s new attack and came up in front of him as he reached out to grab the woman, Tam slapped his arms away, stopping him reaching the woman and then grabbed his collar seeing for the first time a black dragon on the front of his tabard, Tam grabbed him by the collar, Tam slapped away the grip and lashed out at his throat, he then pivoting and grabbed, throwing the man over the top of him to land next to his friend. The woman had run off and Tam was glad to see that she’d gotten away as the first man started to stand up, his face red with rage and Tam decide it was time to leave with three of them unified against him, looking as if they want to kill him, Tam was about to turn when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, Tam without thinking grabbed the wrist and feeling metal but it was too late to stop and his body was already in motion, his right leg moved back and his shoulder took the man’s weight throwing him cleanly over his shoulder and to Tam’s horror watched as a member of the city guard flew toward the three men. Tam turned to run and had to stop suddenly running into another guard.

“Don’t!” said the guard as another two guards stepped up behind him, their swords drawn, Tam lowered his head thinking of how disappointed Doran was going to be. The guards took the four of them into custardy. The three men tried a few time to get close to Tam to do him an injury but the guards kept them separated even over their protest of who they were, Tam had a sinking feeling that he had attacked some noble men and knew this wasn’t going to end well for him. Tam did the only thing he knew to do when he was in trouble was to keep his mouth shut and see what happened. The guards led them back to the building that Tam had started at this morning but this time led them through a side door that had thick metal bars and a number of burly guards moving around, heavy doors clanged shut as they moved through the building, the corridors were dark and straw covered the floor, Tam thought that this was an area that Doran didn’t really want Tam to see. Tam could hear a few moans coming from behind the heavy wooden doors that he passed, but the guards never threaten him or pushed him around as long as he went where they wanted, the other had moved off in a different direction and as they had entered the prison, Tam wondered if the nobles were kept somewhere better than the average felon. The two guards that were escorting Tam stopped in front of a large wooden door and one of them opened it, they didn’t say anything to Tam but he knew they wanted him to enter the cell, and so Tam entered and turned to watch as the two guards closed the door with a heavy clang, he looked around his cell and was a little disappointed there was none of the commonly held beliefs, no chains on the wall or skeleton in the corner. It was completely boring, fresh straw covered the floor and a small square window high up in the wall that Tam would not be able to reach. The only way Tam knew that time was passing was by watching the shadows move across the cell from the small window, Tam wondered what Doran was thinking and if he was worried about Tam. Tam heard a loud clang as the key to his cell door turned, the door slowly opened and Captain Cosar stood there.

“I don’t think I’ve ever meet anyone who has got into trouble as fast as you.” Said Captain Cosar, “follow me,” Tam follow the Captain without saying a word, Captain Cosar lead Tam through the build, but Tam paid little attention wondering what would happen to him, they came to Captain Cosar office and Tam had mixed feeling hoping that Doran was in there to get him out of the trouble and then hoped that he wasn’t because he didn’t want the old man to be disappointed in him, as Tam walked in he saw that the room was empty and the Captain sat down behind his desk. “Now tell me what happened?” said Captain Cosar his voice hard. Tam’s mind spun with everything and wondered what he should say, but just as he was about to answer a knock sounded at the door and the elderly Elf from this morning walked in. “Jared?” said Captain Cosar clearly angered by being interrupted.

“Captain Cosar, Princess Jessica is here to see you.” Said Jared and before he could continue the Princess walked in. Tam only saw her briefly before he went down to one knee his head bowed, she was slim and average height, with flaming red hair that curled around a stunning heart shaped face, she had full red cheeks and luscious red lips, her skin glowed softly with a golden complexion. She walking into the office like a lioness hunting on the savannah.

“Your highness?” Said Captain Cosar,

“Is this the one?” asked Princess Jessica, her voice sounded like honey and Tam wanted to look up and see her, but knowing that would be inappropriate so could tell who she was talking to.

“May I ask what this is about your highness?” asked Captain Cosar,

“Captain you have known me from a small child and know that I am not a true princess, so please stand.” Said Princess Jessica and Tam assumed that the Captain had also gone down to one knee, “This gentleman may stand as well.” Continued Princess Jessica and as Tam was about to stand the Captain cut in.

“Your highness, this lad is charged with attacking three nobles and a city guardsman. I’ll have him removed before we continue.” Said Captain Cosar as Tam reached his feet,

“I know why he is here Captain; he is the reason for me being here.” Said the Princess Jessica stepping aside and Tam saw the woman that he had rescued,

“My Lady?” Said Captain Cosar and Tam realised that this was a noble Lady, Tam’s stomach sank and he wonder how this was going to end.

“Captain, this gentleman is to be released,” Said the Noble Lady as she told the Captain what happen and Tam felt the cold sensation that was in his stomach slowly disappear, and he thought that he might just get out of this alive. The Captain slowly sat down and Jared entered bring in more chairs for everyone to sit down and they listen to the lady’s story.

“Tam what do you have to say?” Asked Captain Cosar,

“Sir, of the Ladies story before I arrived I know nothing about, I was on my way back to the Red Dragon Inn when I heard a lady scream, I ran to help her, and what I found, well I reacted on instinct and didn’t think about anything other than helping the Lady.” Said Tam, he sat straight on the chair, his back ridged as he looked straight ahead, fighting the urge to look at Princess Jessica, he had been taking quick looks as the lady told her story, and Tam couldn’t get pass how beautiful she was, her glowing skin and golden hazel eyes that pierced into his soul every time she looked at him.

“And the guard?” Asked Captain Cosar,

“To be honest sir, I didn’t realise it was a guard until I had thrown him, he grabbed my shoulder from behind, and I thought he was a friend of the other three and I decide it was time to leave, the odds were against me and I thought I needed to get out of there.” Replied Tam,

“So let me understand this, at the sound of a lady in distress you ran to her aid and without any thought to yourself, you tackled and incapacitated the three men and when surprised you threw a city guard in full armour?” asked Captain Cosar,

“Almost sir, the Lady took out one of the men when I distracted them.” Said Tam without any hint of irony in his voice,

“Also what do you know about the lady’s attackers?” Asked Captain Cosar,

“Not much sir, they wore the same clothes and tabards, that had a dragon on them, but I do not know what it meant.” Said Tam,

“I don’t understand, “said Princess Jessica,

“Tam here arrived late last night with Doran Dawnfall, only this morning did we sort out some papers for him.” Said Captain Cosar,

“Doran is here?” cried Princess Jessica jumping up in her seat, not hear anything that the Captain had said,

“Jared!” Called Captain Cosar anticipating the Princess’s next question,

“Yes sir,” Replied Jared as he stepped into the office silently,

“Would you send a runner to the Red Dragon Inn and ask Doran Dawnfall to come here, I sure by now he is a little worried about our young friend here, also I would like a runner sent to Captain Banner asking him for his presents here.” Said Captain Cosar, Tam wondered what was going on. The Princess turned to stare at Tam wondering who Tam was.

“How do you know Doran?” asked Princess Jessica, her gaze was making Tam sweat,

“He was a friend of my mother when I was growing up,” said Tam,

“Was?” continued Princess Jessica and Tam could see a burning intelligence hidden in the Princess.

“She died about a year ago.” Said Tam, trying to keep as much of his story hidden as possible,

“Oh, I’m sorry, what happened?” asked the Princess, and Tam mind worked overtime trying to think of a good explanation.

“It was a wasting disease, we all knew what was going to happen, and once it did I left my home, my older sister didn’t want me around, she was starting a new life with her husband and I was just in the way, so I travelled for a bit and when I meet Doran again and he offered to take me with him, I jumped at the chance.” Said Tam thinking that it sounds as close to the truth as he could get without getting him into more trouble.

“Is that where you learnt to fight?” Asked Captain Cosar,

“Kind of, for a little while I travelled with a mercenary group and watched as they trained each day, I joined in with a couple of the basic things but they wouldn’t let me train properly with them. Once I left them I practiced what I had seen but that was the first time had ever had to use it.” Replied Tam, another knock sounded at the door and Doran walked in, Tam could see the concern in his eyes, but they were dragged away as Princess Jessica launched herself at him.

“Doran!” Cried Princess Jessica, as Doran’s arm enveloped her,

“Hey trouble,” Laughed Doran as he hugged the Princess, Tam wondered if he was going to crush her, but the sound of her laugh Tam knew she was ok.

“Why didn’t you come and see me?” Asked Princess Jessica, a pout crossing her face as she stepped back, Doran laughed loudly.

“I haven’t even been here a day your highness and had some urgent business to take care of, I’d planned to come and see you tomorrow, but that’s all mute now.” Said Doran his eyes looking to the Lady and then falling on Tam, “What happened?”asked Doran his voice taking on a hard edge,

“It seem Tam here is a saviour, but in doing this he assaulted three noble boys who are Dragon whelps and one city guardsman,” Said Captain Cosar,

“Ahh,” Replied Doran, as another knock cam and someone else stepped into Captain Cosar office, Tam saw the Lady shrink down in her chair.

“Ah Captain Banner, I’m so glad you came.” Said Captain Cosar, Tam looked at the new Captain, he was tall and skinny, with long blonde hair tied back, with sunken cheeks and dull looking brown eyes.

“Captain Cosar?” said Captain Banner his voice cold and without emotion; Tam felt anger run through him, ignoring royalty like that is like a slap in the face, even if what the princess said about not being a true princess.

“Captain Banner, I would like to bring it to your attention that I am holding three of your whelps for attempted rape, also I was wondering how well you are training them, when three of them were over powered by one untrained lad.” Sad Captain Cosar,

“Who are the three?” asked Captain Banner, still his voice held no emotion.

“Whelp Si, Whelp Libu, and whelp Laco,.” Said Captain Cosar, smiling as if he was taking great pleasure in this, Tam saw for the fist time emotion cross Captain Banner’s face,

“You know that you cannot hold the without a royal decree.” Said Captain Banner, his voice back in control,

“You are free to take them, but I would advise you to keep better control over them, because the next time this happen I will have that Royal decree and your name will be on it as well.” Said Captain Cosar standing up, and the two Captains starred at each other as Jared entered.

“Captain Banner I’ll take you to your whelps.” Said Jared, turning without waiting for the Captain to follow, the room stayed silent until Captain Banner had left.

“What just happened?” Asked Tam before his brain kicked in and he realised where he was and with whom, Tam face flushed bright red and Captain Cosar burst out laughing,

“Ha, Tam today you defeated three Dragon Whelps, who are men training to become Dragon Guards, those that guard the Royal family and the three that you fought are about a year from completing their training, they should of torn you apart and they are the three that look like they have gone ten rounds in the training ring and you don’t have a scratch on you, you could of walked up to him and slapped him in the face and cause him less insult.” Said Captain Cosar as Tam’s face fell.

“What’s to happen to Tam?” Asked Doran,

“For the attack on the whelps nothing, I cannot charge them and because of that there is no assault, also I don’t think the Dragon Whelps want it know how easily they were beaten, but for the assault on the guard I have to take action.” Said Capitan Cosar,

“And your punishment?” Asked Doran, Tam was holding his breath, and noticed that the lady and Princess Jessica were as well,

“If I follow the law it would be two years imprisonment and the banishment with no water or transport, but I am willing to drop that if Tam signs up for the new class of whelps that begins next week,” said Captain Cosar, Tam let his face fall, but inside he was dancing, somehow he had done it, he had gained access to the Royal family, now all he had to do was survive the training and free a dragon, how hard could that be.