Chapter One<\/u><\/p>\n
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\u2019t 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,<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally you are awake,\u201d 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, \u201cyou are a strong one,\u201d 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, \u201cyou are hungry? Yes,\u201d she asked in a caressing voice, his eyes followed her every movements, he nodded his mouth salivating, he was hungry but didn\u2019t know what for, \u201cGood, follow me, but be warned if you attack me I will destroy you,\u201d said the woman sternly walking away into the dark forest.<\/p>\n
The scoring wind blew hot sand into Tam\u2019s 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\u2019t remember how long he had been on this wagon through the Desolate. Tam thought back to Demon Guse\u2019s cave when he thought everyone he loved would be killed and so he\u2019d 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTam, are you awake?\u201d 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. \u201cTam don\u2019t move.\u201d Said Hayleigh walking in the entrance her long blonde hair glowing in the torch light, her Emerald eyes sparkling,<\/p>\n
\u201cHayleigh?\u201d asked Tam cluching his head to try and stop the pain. \u201cWhat am I doing here?\u201d He asked as Hayleigh walked over and placed her cool hand on his forehead,<\/p>\n
\u201cHush, we can talk about that later\u201d 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\u2019t realised how hungry he was and wondered how long he had been here.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere eat this.\u201d Said Hayleigh lifting the spoon to his lips gently, the soup was a simply beef broth but satisfying and filled to Tam\u2019s empty stomach, as soon as he finished tiredness swept over him and darkness claimed him.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow are you feeling Tam?\u201d Asked Hayleigh her emerald green eyes sparkling in the torch light when she looked up at Tam.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter thank you.\u201d Replied Tam moving into the room with care,<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is some food over there if you are hungry\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019s child waited until Tam had sat when he walked over and laid his head onto Tam\u2019s lap and Tam started to feed him food from his plate between his own mouthfuls. \u201cSlow down Tam or you\u2019ll make yourself sick\u201d said Hayleigh and Tam started to take smaller bit, he looked down at the baby dragon and wondered when Hayleigh\u2019s child was going to take on human form but though it would be rude to ask, he had always liked Hayleigh\u2019s 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\u2019t 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. \u201cSo 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?\u201d asked Hayleigh as she stood up and moved over to sit next to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes Ma\u2019am\u201d Replied Tam pushing his plate away, feeling a little sick from all the food he\u2019d eaten, Hayleigh patting his leg affectingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell to start there are things you need to know about yourself, you are not what you think you are,\u201d said Hayleigh as Tam stared in bewilderment, wondering what she meant. \u201cYou\u201d said Hayleigh Regally \u201cAre the eldest male descendant of Prince Soutore, heir to the Dragon Throne in Cadornet.\u201d Stated Hayleigh, Tam starred at her, his mind trying to understand what she had said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? How? What?\u201d Stuttered Tam, bewildered by that statement \u201cThat is not possible!\u201d Exclaimed Tam, feeling as if someone had hit him in the stomach,<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry Tam but it is,\u201d said Hayleigh sadly, \u201cYour father worked with the Sentinel\u2019s in defeating the Demon Guse during the Great War, but this went against your grandfather\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019t been told is his death wasn\u2019t natural causes, he was murdered. Luckily those that murdered your father know nothing about you or your mother which is why you have lived.\u201d Said Hayleigh as she watched Tam, his face showed a stunned reaction that Hayleigh expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cMurdered by who?\u201d Asked Tam,<\/p>\n
\u201cYour Uncle\u201d,<\/p>\n
\u201cWill he come after me?\u201d asked Tam anger lacing his voice,<\/p>\n
\u201cEventually but we have time\u201d smiled Hayleigh,<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what about my sister?\u201d asked Tam trying to take everything in?<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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\u2019s heart, and your father helped your mother find love as she helped him find peace.\u201d Said Hayleigh,<\/p>\n
\u201cOk, but then how did I survive the fight with the Demon Guse?\u201d asked Tam, his brain skittering around the prince thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen 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.\u201d Said Hayleigh, as Hayleigh descried Tam\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat now?\u201d Asked Tam \u201cDoes Alexandra and the others know that I\u2019m alive?\u201d Continued Tam and Hayleigh offered Tam his seat, his mind jumping from one question to the next.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, but I will tell them as soon as I see them\u201d Said Hayleigh smiling.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut can\u2019t I go to them, it\u2019s not far and I can get there on my own,\u201d Said Tam confidently,<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Tam, I\u2019m sorry but there is something you need to do and you can\u2019t wait for the Sentinel\u2019s.\u201d Said Hayleigh rising, \u201cPlease follow me,\u201d 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\u2019t say anything. The two of them walked through a number of corridors and Tam soon became disorientated, he hoped Hayleigh wouldn\u2019t leave him as he didn\u2019t 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\u2019s throne room and Tam felt more comfortable being somewhere he knew. Hayleigh sat down on her throne and offered a seat to Tam. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut why me, why should I care?\u201d asked Tam his voice petulant, anger radiating from him, why should he help the people who killed his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell Tam I thought better of you,\u201d Sighed Hayleigh, \u201cI though you would want to help thousands of people, to ease their pain and suffering. You are the only person capable of doing it.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry Hayleigh, I\u2019ll help.\u201d Said Tam quietly,<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s ok Tam, I understand, but this is something only you can do.\u201d Smiled Hayleigh sadly \u201cAll of the things you need are through that door\u201d Said Hayleigh pointing off to one of the side doors. \u201cI have also arranged transport for you to Cadornet.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry Tam we will be there soon,\u201d Said Tam\u2019s companion as he looked over. Tam\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know Doran, but how do you put up with this heat?\u201d 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,<\/p>\n
\u201cJust with time and practice, I\u2019ve 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,\u201d Said Doran pointing to the distant mountains, hazy in the distance heat \u201cThere 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.\u201d Said Doran as he flicked the reins to keep the oxen moving at their slow but mile eating pace,<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot imagine any place like that but then before this I could never of imagined this heat.\u201d Said Tam smiling, wiping his forehead again,<\/p>\n
\u201cWell it will soon be night,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t 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\u2019t. Luckily before he came into power Eleanor\u2019s 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\u2019s thoughts telling her that her maid had put some of her favourite oil in her bath.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy lady your bath is ready,\u201d Said her maid curtsying, her cheeks a rosy red colour from the hot water of the bath.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you Ellen and its Eleanor\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you like me to wash your back my lady?\u201d Asked Ellen and another sigh exceed Eleanor\u2019s lip, she didn\u2019t think Ellen would ever use her first name, and she had been trying for the last couple of week and Ellen still wouldn\u2019t use it.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo thank you Ellen, I\u2019ll manage.\u201d Said Eleanor slipping further into the how water, it\u2019s heat enveloping her body, easing her aches and Eleanor sighed again, she could feel her eyes lids becoming heavy and she knew she shouldn\u2019t fall asleep but the hot water had relaxed her so much that she couldn\u2019t fight her eyes anymore and they slowly closed.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sorry but the Lady Eleanor is indisposed.\u201d Said Ellen, Eleanor could now hear her clearly with her spell and could imagine the look on Ellen face as she spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you please inform her that the Queen has asked for her attendance in the throne room?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy Lady\u201d Cried Ellen in shock as she entered the bathroom seeing Eleanor standing in the bath drying herself,<\/p>\n
\u201cEllen 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.\u201d Said Eleanor stepping for the bath wrapping the damp towel around herself, grabbing a second towel to continue to dry her wavy blonde hair.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes my Lady,\u201d Said Ellen her voice full of chagrin, \u201cThe Queen has requested your present in the throne room.\u201d Continued Ellen,<\/p>\n
\u201cYes I heard Ellen thank you,\u201d smiled Eleanor, \u201cI think I\u2019ll wear the emerald green gown.\u201d 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,<\/p>\n
\u201cYes my Lady,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Eleanor walked into the throne room from one of the small side corridor\u2019s, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re Majesty.\u201d Said Eleanor her head bowed.<\/p>\n
\u201cRaise 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.\u201d Smiled Alexandra as Eleanor stood up, taking in the beauty of the Throne room, she couldn\u2019t 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\u2019s long time friend and confident who stood beside her, on the other side stood Mac, Eleanor\u2019s 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\u2019t 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. \u201cRaise both of you, thank you for coming so quickly.\u201d Said Alexandra, \u201cWe 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.\u201d Continued Alexandra looking at Eleanor,<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would we lose our temper?\u201d Asked Eleanor and Alexandra sighed, as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders,<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause 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.\u201d Said Alexandra, Eleanor\u2019s face dropped at the mention of her father, Mac walked over and squeezed her shoulder as he leaned in.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll be here for you and I know what he did remember.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Alexandra nodded to the Guard standing at the main entrance; who turned, his black and gold uniform sparked in the afternoon\u2019s low sun that shone through one of the large windows.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir Baker\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour majesty,\u201d Said Sir Baker is voice nasally, Alexandra\u2019s eyes flashed with anger.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell me Sir Baker do you think you are better than your ruling monarch or are you just trying to anger me?\u201d asked Alexandra, her voice tightly controlled,<\/p>\n
\u201cYour Majesty?\u201d replied Sir Baker not understanding,<\/p>\n
\u201cIs 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.\u201d Said Alexandra her voice cold, but she appeared calm; Eleanor could tell that Alexandra was angry.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour majesty! I meant no disrespect,\u201d Said Sir Baker, contempt barely hidden in his voice, \u201cYour late uncle never asked me to kneel before him.\u201d Said Sir Baker,<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I look like my Uncle Sir Baker\u201d Said Alexandra \u201cThe 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.\u201d She continued and Sir Baker\u2019s face paled kneeling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d Sir Baker was saying.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop 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.\u201d Said Alexandra who was now standing fury radiating from her in waves,<\/p>\n
\u201cYour majesty,\u201d Cried Sir Baker about to deny what she had said,<\/p>\n
\u201cSir 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.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told the Lord Reagent that this plan wouldn\u2019t work and he should of killed you with your parents\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou dare to harm her?\u201d 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\u2019t move.\u201d Really, you think I would let you run?\u201d Growled Eleanor,<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have no idea what you had caused; I cannot believe that you are my daughter.\u201d Said Sir Baker panic starting to infect his voice, Mac took a step closer his sword aimed for Sir Baker\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cMac!\u201d Said Alexandra halting Mac, \u201cSir Baker you have attacked your monarch for this and crimes against the Realm you are sentenced to death.\u201d Said Alexandra,<\/p>\n
\u201cQueen Alexandra?\u201d Said Eleanor, \u201cMay I ask a request?\u201d she continued, Alexandra looked to her, her eyes filled with remorse.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo ahead Eleanor,\u201d Replied Alexandra,<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u201d Asked Eleanor,<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sorry Eleanor but with your father\u2019s power we cannot release him.\u201d Said Alexandra sorry in her voice,<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat if we could remove his power, cut him off from his magic\u2019s?\u201d said Eleanor, Alexandra paused thinking over Eleanor\u2019s request,<\/p>\n
\u201cCan this be done?\u201d Asked Alexandra giving herself more time to contemplate Eleanor\u2019s request,<\/p>\n
\u201cYes 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.\u201d Said Eleanor looking to her father,<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you need Eleanor?\u201d Asked Alexandra, Eleanor could see her father\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Council of Cocrell will need to be informed and I\u2019ll need three of their strongest mages.\u201d Said Eleanor,<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. No don\u2019t do this,\u201d Cried Sir Baker struggling against Eleanor\u2019s hold.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy Father, because you deserve better?\u201d Asked Eleanor rage contorting her face, \u201cBecause you\u2019ve a stand up citizen and a loving father?\u201d Cried Eleanor tears streaming down her face, Mac stepped over to Eleanor sheathing his sword and placing his hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cEleanor,\u201d Said Mac,<\/p>\n
\u201cEleanor we\u2019ll take him\u201d Said Nikki her hands already glowing with power, Tracey stepped up beside her.<\/p>\n
\u201cEleanor, let them take him, he will be held in the east dungeon, and messengers will leave today.\u201d Said Alexandra, Eleanor could feel Nikki and Tracey\u2019s power take hold of the shield and binding.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly one of you is needed, I\u2019ve tied the shield off, you will only have to maintain its power.\u201d Said Eleanor, releasing her power, Mac pulled Eleanor into a hug, Nikki grabbed Sir Baker\u2019s arm and two guards flanked them, Eleanor cried freely into Mac cotton white shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cMac, Tracey take her up to her room, Let Ellen take care of her, Tracey stay with her in case she needs anything.\u201d Said Alexandra as Mac scooped up Eleanor.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t know how he did it, they had both been up at dawn and hadn\u2019t stopped all day, Tam was shattered , he was fighting his eyelids, his skull felt to small and everything irritating him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry lad, we\u2019ll be there soon.\u201d Repeated Doran, reaching over and ruffling Tam\u2019s light brown hair, \u201cWe\u2019re closer than you think, maybe an hour, a little more,\u201d Continued Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you do it Doran?\u201d asked Tam sleepily, Doran let out a deep roaring chuckle,<\/p>\n
\u201cBy doing this for too many years and living off caffeine for the most of it,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaffeine?\u201d asked Tam, a puzzled look crossing his face as he fought his concentration.<\/p>\n
\u201cA herb that the Dark Elves produce, one of the only things since the old war.\u201d Said Doran he took another wade, \u201cHere try,\u201d 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\u2019s tidiness away with it and Tam felt instantly awake. \u201cEasy lad, this stuff wakes you up, but when it runs out you\u2019ll feel twice as worse.\u201d Smiled Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cWow, it feels as if I slept all day?\u201d Said Tam a strange energy coming over him and he wanted to move.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that\u2019s all it is, a feeling, in an hour you\u2019ll feel twice as bad as you did, so come on now we\u2019re almost there.\u201d 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. \u201cWelcome 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\u2019t know why I was asked to bring you here I can imagine you know how to find trouble.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s Absurd, I have always been allowed entrance no matter the time, no man can guarantee how long it will take to cross the Desolate.\u201d Replied Doran, Tam felt better that he had understood that.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven so no-one is to enter until morning.\u201d Said the Guard as the other guard moved around the wagon. \u201cLad do you have any idea who I am?\u201d asked Doran his voice taking on a hard edge.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t care.\u201d 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. \u201cNow turn around and clear the road, no-one is to enter until dawn.\u201d Said the guard,<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d remove your hand from that sword, if you want to keep it.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d shouted a tall man stepping through the side gate in the portcullis.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir these gentlemen want entrance and when I denied them, they refused to clear the road.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake your hand from you sword solider before you start something you cannot survive.\u201d Said the elf, Tam saw Doran smile but still sat as relaxed as he had the whole journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir?\u201d asked the guard sounding perplexed,<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you ask this driver his name?\u201d Continued the elf,<\/p>\n
\u201cNo sir, I was told no-one was to enter.\u201d Said the guard standing up to attention,<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd does that order apply to those granted entrance by the King?\u201d asked the elf, Tam recognised his tone, like that of Sergeant Jackson when he was teaching Adam and Mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo sir, they have royal approval to enter the city at any time.\u201d Replied the guard still not sure where the conversation was going,<\/p>\n
\u201cSo if you didn\u2019t ask this driver his name, how do you know he is not one of those with a royal pardon?\u201d asked the elf,<\/p>\n
\u201cSir there is something like five people with a royal pardon and they all live in the city.\u201d Said the guard,<\/p>\n
\u201cSir what is your name?\u201d asked the elf to Doran, Tam could see Doran smiling openly now,<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain Cosar my name is Doran Dawnfall.\u201d Said Doran and the Captain snapped to attention followed shortly by the other two guards.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you be the Doran Dawnfall that risked his own life to save the King\u2019s step granddaughter, Princess Jessica, when she almost drowned as a child?\u201d asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain you know that I am,\u201d Said Doran and Tam saw for the first time the Captain smile and was amazed by how young he looked when he smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd would you also be the Doran Dawnfall who has trained with the Dragon knights and is considered one of the top ten deadliest men?\u201d asked the Captain,<\/p>\n
\u201cI have trained with the Dragon Knights, but I\u2019m an old man now and doubt I could be classed as deadly.\u201d Said Doran as the Captain barked a laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuard open the gate, and at the end of your shift report to my office,\u201d Said the Captain as he stepped up onto the wagon and Tam moved over to allow him up. \u201cWho\u2019s the young lad?\u201d asked the Captain and Tam froze not ever thinking of a story of whom or why he was here.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe youngest of an old friend, she died recently and I promised her I\u2019d keep an eye on him and when he told me he wanted to see a bit of the world, well I thought I\u2019d bring him along. Not a problem is it?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot for you, just bring him along to my office in the morning and we\u2019ll sort him out with some papers.\u201d Said the captain,<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, that is appreciated.\u201d Said Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere are you staying?\u201d asked the Captain,<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got rooms at the Red Dragon; I should be there about a week at the most.\u201d Said Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cOk I\u2019ll see you in the morning,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow,\u201d said Tam trying to take everything in, but couldn\u2019t see as much as he would like in the darken city.<\/p>\n
\u201cHa, wait until morning that will blow your mind,\u201d said Doran edging the oxen on.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir, Mr Dawnfall requests you company for breakfast.\u201d 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\u2019d not seen much last night being too tired to pay attention, it looked like most inn\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh so you are alive, \u201csmiled Doran as he put a large slice of toasted bread into his mouth, Tam stomach grumbled loudly,<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning\u201d Yawned Tam, \u201cSo what\u2019s the plan for today?\u201d He asked,<\/p>\n
\u201cWell to start with we\u2019ll see Captain Cosar and get you your papers and then you can explore a bit while I take care of some business.\u201d 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. \u201cCome on lad, time to go,\u201d 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\u2019s bewildered expression.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey use mirrors throughout the mountain to supply the daylight, it\u2019s quite a feat. I believe the Dwarves helped with it, you\u2019ll 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. \u201cHere we are.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan I help you sir?\u201d asked the Elf his voice strong and deep,<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re here to see Captain Cosar, he is expecting us.\u201d Said Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd who may I say is calling?\u201d replied the Elf, his eyes never leaving the paperwork in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoran Dawnfall,\u201d Said Doran as the Elf\u2019s eyes snapped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight this way sir,\u201d 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\u2019t make out what they were saying, after a few minutes the Elf returned. \u201cYou may enter sir,\u201d said the Elf as he walked away, Doran headed inside and Tam followed looking around the Captain\u2019s 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\u2019s desk where papers were scattered across it.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh Doran, how are you?\u201d asked the Captain,<\/p>\n
\u201cGood thank you, feeling great after a good sleep,\u201d Said Doran smiling,<\/p>\n
\u201cGlad to hear it, now it was papers for this young fellow,\u201d said the Captain<\/p>\n
\u201cYes please\u201d 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo on lad ask, I know it\u2019s eating at you.\u201d Said Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know so much about me?\u201d Asked Tam,<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a traveller lad, I\u2019ve 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.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou!\u201d said Tam and Doran smiled,<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on lad the day\u2019s a wasting.\u201d Said Doran slinging his arm around Tam\u2019s shoulders, \u201cHere a gold dragon, go and explore, I\u2019ll see you for dinner at the sixth bell,\u201d 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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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\u2019t make out, the sound of tearing clothes brought Tam attention back as one of the men tore the woman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t get involved in this boy.\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019d 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\u2019s weight throwing him cleanly over his shoulder and to Tam\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t!\u201d 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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever meet anyone who has got into trouble as fast as you.\u201d Said Captain Cosar, \u201cfollow me,\u201d 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\u2019t because he didn\u2019t 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. \u201cNow tell me what happened?\u201d said Captain Cosar his voice hard. Tam\u2019s 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. \u201cJared?\u201d said Captain Cosar clearly angered by being interrupted.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain Cosar, Princess Jessica is here to see you.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour highness?\u201d Said Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this the one?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I ask what this is about your highness?\u201d asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain you have known me from a small child and know that I am not a true princess, so please stand.\u201d Said Princess Jessica and Tam assumed that the Captain had also gone down to one knee, \u201cThis gentleman may stand as well.\u201d Continued Princess Jessica and as Tam was about to stand the Captain cut in.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour highness, this lad is charged with attacking three nobles and a city guardsman. I\u2019ll have him removed before we continue.\u201d Said Captain Cosar as Tam reached his feet,<\/p>\n
\u201cI know why he is here Captain; he is the reason for me being here.\u201d Said the Princess Jessica stepping aside and Tam saw the woman that he had rescued,<\/p>\n
\u201cMy Lady?\u201d Said Captain Cosar and Tam realised that this was a noble Lady, Tam\u2019s stomach sank and he wonder how this was going to end.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain, this gentleman is to be released,\u201d 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\u2019s story.<\/p>\n
\u201cTam what do you have to say?\u201d Asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cSir, 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\u2019t think about anything other than helping the Lady.\u201d 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\u2019t get pass how beautiful she was, her glowing skin and golden hazel eyes that pierced into his soul every time she looked at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the guard?\u201d Asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be honest sir, I didn\u2019t 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.\u201d Replied Tam,<\/p>\n
\u201cSo 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?\u201d asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost sir, the Lady took out one of the men when I distracted them.\u201d Said Tam without any hint of irony in his voice,<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso what do you know about the lady\u2019s attackers?\u201d Asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cNot much sir, they wore the same clothes and tabards, that had a dragon on them, but I do not know what it meant.\u201d Said Tam,<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t understand, \u201csaid Princess Jessica,<\/p>\n
\u201cTam here arrived late last night with Doran Dawnfall, only this morning did we sort out some papers for him.\u201d Said Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cDoran is here?\u201d cried Princess Jessica jumping up in her seat, not hear anything that the Captain had said,<\/p>\n
\u201cJared!\u201d Called Captain Cosar anticipating the Princess\u2019s next question,<\/p>\n
\u201cYes sir,\u201d Replied Jared as he stepped into the office silently,<\/p>\n
\u201cWould 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.\u201d Said Captain Cosar, Tam wondered what was going on. The Princess turned to stare at Tam wondering who Tam was.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know Doran?\u201d asked Princess Jessica, her gaze was making Tam sweat,<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a friend of my mother when I was growing up,\u201d said Tam,<\/p>\n
\u201cWas?\u201d continued Princess Jessica and Tam could see a burning intelligence hidden in the Princess.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe died about a year ago.\u201d Said Tam, trying to keep as much of his story hidden as possible,<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, what happened?\u201d asked the Princess, and Tam mind worked overtime trying to think of a good explanation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a wasting disease, we all knew what was going to happen, and once it did I left my home, my older sister didn\u2019t 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.\u201d Said Tam thinking that it sounds as close to the truth as he could get without getting him into more trouble.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that where you learnt to fight?\u201d Asked Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cKind 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\u2019t 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.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoran!\u201d Cried Princess Jessica, as Doran\u2019s arm enveloped her,<\/p>\n
\u201cHey trouble,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you come and see me?\u201d Asked Princess Jessica, a pout crossing her face as she stepped back, Doran laughed loudly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t even been here a day your highness and had some urgent business to take care of, I\u2019d planned to come and see you tomorrow, but that\u2019s all mute now.\u201d Said Doran his eyes looking to the Lady and then falling on Tam, \u201cWhat happened?\u201dasked Doran his voice taking on a hard edge,<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seem Tam here is a saviour, but in doing this he assaulted three noble boys who are Dragon whelps and one city guardsman,\u201d Said Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cAhh,\u201d Replied Doran, as another knock cam and someone else stepped into Captain Cosar office, Tam saw the Lady shrink down in her chair.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh Captain Banner, I\u2019m so glad you came.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain Cosar?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain 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.\u201d Sad Captain Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are the three?\u201d asked Captain Banner, still his voice held no emotion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhelp Si, Whelp Libu, and whelp Laco,.\u201d Said Captain Cosar, smiling as if he was taking great pleasure in this, Tam saw for the fist time emotion cross Captain Banner\u2019s face,<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know that you cannot hold the without a royal decree.\u201d Said Captain Banner, his voice back in control,<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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.\u201d Said Captain Cosar standing up, and the two Captains starred at each other as Jared entered.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaptain Banner I\u2019ll take you to your whelps.\u201d Said Jared, turning without waiting for the Captain to follow, the room stayed silent until Captain Banner had left.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat just happened?\u201d 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,<\/p>\n
\u201cHa, 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\u2019t have a scratch on you, you could of walked up to him and slapped him in the face and cause him less insult.\u201d Said Captain Cosar as Tam\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s to happen to Tam?\u201d Asked Doran,<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the attack on the whelps nothing, I cannot charge them and because of that there is no assault, also I don\u2019t think the Dragon Whelps want it know how easily they were beaten, but for the assault on the guard I have to take action.\u201d Said Capitan Cosar,<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd your punishment?\u201d Asked Doran, Tam was holding his breath, and noticed that the lady and Princess Jessica were as well,<\/p>\n
\u201cIf 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,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019t understand what was going on only that he had to escape the darkness that was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":73,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-213","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=213"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":220,"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213\/revisions\/220"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamcolebooks.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}