Alright, you've already seen Chapter 1, but I put it in here anyway. I have an edited version somewhere, but I haven't typed it up yet. So here you go, the pretty much unedited prologue through Chapter 2!
Prologue
An explosion rocked the area. People burst out of their homes. Some immediately changed into dragonform and flew into the cloudy sky to join the fight, while others ran to their neighbors' homes, waking anyone who might be in danger. A captain in the King's Army was giving his squad last-minute instructions in the castle's courtyard:
"You've been taught about those bronze, silver, and gold dragons known as Sindrykans. Now is your chance to fight them. Go for the wings, like with any other dragon. And remember, we're Drykorians, and we belong to the White Realm! Stay true to your country and your colors." At his signal, they all changed form to aid the others in the battle.
Through the flurry of white wings and flames driving off the Sindrykans, three distinct figures could be seen. A huge gold dragon, surrounded by a quickly dwindling mass of smaller golds, was being attacked by two white dragons. It was a fierce battle, with wings being shredded and faces being scorched.
Suddenly, the great gold dove for a particular house. Screaming and hissing, the two whites quickly followed in pursuit. The gold turned quickly, barely missing the talons of the angry whites. With his guard dragons nowhere to be seen, the gold was much more vulnerable. The whites now had nothing to distract them. They pushed the gold back further and further, until they were several greatlengths past the city's edge. Still, they fought relentlessly.
With his wings now feebly attempting to support himself, the gold turned as swiftly as he could to ram into one of the whites. Using his momentum and great bulk, the gold drove the white into the ground. He promptly slashed the dragon's wings and ripped at his softer stomach with his great claws. The dragon grew weaker and weaker, unable to fend off his attacker.
The other white dragon screamed, tearing and scorching the gold's wings. The gold turned on her as he left the other white motionless on the ground. She paid no more attention to her attacker, however, when she saw the damage done to her partner. She landed beside her dying mate, trying to heal him with great haste. She foolishly turned her back on the gold, who crept up behind her and grabbed her throat in his terrible jaws. She writhed, trying to free herself. Her tail whipped around fiercely, striking him in his great gold eye, but it was not enough. Soon she, too, grew weak and stopped struggling. The gold released her and watched as she crawled whimpering beside her mate.
Another gold dragon rushed to his side. "Your Majesty," came the urgent thought message, "we must leave. The entire Realm seems to have come to aid those here. We are no match for them."
The gold king blew a light flame at the two whites in front of him. "Very well," he grumbled in thought. "Let us go." At the king's gesture, the messenger quickly healed the great dragon's wings, and they both flew off into the distance.
The female white gently nudged her mate, and she weakly stood up, helping him to do the same. They both limped to a nearby stand of trees, supporting each other, to either heal or die in peace.
Chapter 1
Crystalia leaned breathlessly against the cool stone wall lining the inner court of the castle. Just a little closer, she thought. She could smell the newly shined armor the soldiers wore for special ceremonies, and she wondered briefly what occasion would bring such formality. Her thought was left unfinished, however, when the guards’ patrol route took them close enough for her to catch their hushed words.
“..And they say that’s why he was so much more insistent upon having the Parade. Every age he pushes it further, and one of these days something’s bound to go wrong.”
Another guard spoke up. “The wars are coming too close to the Realm to be sure about our safety. There’s always a chance that one of these days a mercenary will sneak in. They would only need a moment...” She heard him sigh deeply. “They could slip by masses of commoners with no problem. We can’t cover every part of the Realm, no matter how strategically the King deploys us..”
The first soldier interrupted. “We have to take things one day at a time. Concentrate on the Royal Parade for today. We'll worry about the rest tomorrow.”
So that’s it! Crystalia thought. The Royal Parade is today! She desperately longed to see it once again. Memories from three ages ago streamed into her mind. She could taste the rare sweet treats, hear the crowd cheering for the entertainers, and feel the sense of awe in the air as the King and Queen paraded a mere half-dragonlength away.
“Hey! What are you doing here?” enraged shouts were directed toward her. Realizing she had lingered too long, the girl leapt up, springing toward the darkened alley which led to her home. Hearing heavy footsteps still following her, she quickly changed her direction, instead sprinting into a wide street full of people waiting for the Parade to start. She wove her way through the crowd, ignoring the surprised protests as she mercilessly pushed her way through the masses. The rushing of noise threatened to overwhelm her senses, but Crystalia just focused on losing the guards long enough to sneak back to her house. She risked a glance over her shoulder. The guards were standing back at the edge of the crowd, engaged in a heated discussion with one another. Finally, one of the guards stalked off back toward the inner court. Hesitating momentarily, the second guard followed, but not without a final glance over the crowd. Then he, too, was on his way back to the castle.
Crystalia sighed in relief and made her way back home, cautious that no one was following her. She took her time, not wanting to even consider what the reaction would be from her family when she walked in the door.
“Where is she?!” Vyselle growled yet again. Malkin and Tenik simultaneously rolled their eyes in response. “I’m going to kill her!”
“Now, Vyselle,” Malkin spoke up, “she may have had a good reason to go out. However,” he added hastily, seeing her venomous stare, “she will be punished for putting our family in danger. Rest assured of that, dear sister.”
“I swear, Malkin, sometimes I feel like I’m the oldest here! Here Crystalia is off on her own, most likely getting in trouble, and you’re just sitting here, not even trying to do anything about it! She will be the downfall of this family if she isn’t controlled, and you’re supposed to be the head of the family! I don’t see how we’re going to make it to your sixteenth Season without getting caught. You know what will happen if the soldiers find us! We will be separated, beaten for our ignorance of the law, and who knows what! If you even think I will let that happen to this family – ”
Her hysteric threats were cut short by the slow opening of the door. A small figure peeked around. Before Vyselle could reach their little sister, Malkin jumped in front of Crystalia and shielded her.
“Malkin, you said she would be punished. Since you obviously aren’t responsible enough to be the head of this family..”
“Vyselle, that’s enough!” Malkin snapped, advancing on his slightly younger sister. “I’ve been providing for this family since our parents disappeared in the war! I protected all of you when the soldiers came, looking for orphans! I risked my life to keep this house so we would have shelter and memories of our parents,” he finished, his voice dangerously soft. Vyselle stood motionless, still shocked by his mention of their parents. She knew he had taken it the hardest, since he was the oldest. He rarely mentioned them now, preferring to move on and leave memories behind.
Malkin then turned around to face the youngest member of the family. “Crysi, where were you?” he inquired, his voice kinder and softer.
Crystalia looked up, her face paled from the altercation. “I – I went for a walk, that’s all..” She didn’t think it wise to mention her encounter with the guards just yet.
Tenik snorted with disbelief. Both Crystalia and Malkin shot dangerous glances at him, then resumed their conversation.
“I want you to tell me next time when you’re going somewhere, is that clear?”
“Yes Malkin..”
He teasingly tousled his little sister’s hair, then pulled her in for a hug. “I just don’t want anything happening to you, Crys,” he murmured, smiling fondly down at the young one. She looked up and smiled back, and they all joined Tenik at the table to eat.
Tenik took this opportunity to bring up the topic he was about to start before Vyselle had noticed Crysi’s disappearance. “The King and Queen still haven’t adopted children yet,” he mentioned. It was a well-known fact that they had decided to adopt, rather than have their own children. They wanted to help the community. Malkin looked up.
“Still? I wonder what’s taking them so long. They must be pretty picky about which qualities they want in a child.”
“They probably want someone who’s born with a crown on his head and has manners from the start,” Vyselle said bitterly. They all laughed.
Crystalia chose this time to mention her findings. “The Royal Parade is today.. I was thinking maybe we could go watch it for once,” she said meekly, knowing the chances were slim that her plan would be accepted.
“Is it really? It has been a long time since we’ve seen it,” Malkin said thoughtfully. Crysi cut in before Vyselle had a chance to shoot it down.
“Yes, it has been! Please can we go, Malkin? The crowd will be huge; no one will know we’re alone! Besides, you’re only one Season off from being allowed to take care of us; you already look like you’re old enough! We won’t get caught, I promise!” the child pleaded.
Malkin couldn’t help but smile at her innocent eagerness. He opened his mouth to say it wasn’t possible, but then he closed it again. Astounded, he realized she had a point. The chances of them getting caught were extremely low. He looked at Vyselle and gave her a questioning look.
“Are you insane?” she shrieked. “It’s far too dangerous! You’re willing to take a child’s word for it that we won’t be caught? And what if we do get caught, what then? You know we’ll be reprimanded by the soldiers, beaten, and then separated into different families or, at the very worst, dungeons! No,” she exclaimed, slamming her fist down on the table to punctuate her decision, “I will not have you recklessly destroy this family!”
Crystalia suddenly got up, tears forming in her eyes, and ran toward the door. “I’m tired of hiding! We’re Drykorians, we shouldn’t have to live in fear! I’m going to see the parade!” With that, she was out the door, facing the unknown.
Malkin glared at Vyselle, making it known that he blamed her for this. Then he, too, was up and out the door. The sight of the crowd overwhelmed him at first. He fought the panic rising up in his chest, struggled against the urge to run back inside and remain invisible to the world. Nevertheless, he had to find his little sister. He heard his other siblings join him, and together they started searching for Crysi. Malkin spotted her running through the middle of the crowd and, making sure his siblings could keep up, he followed her.
“Crystalia! Crysi, slow down, girl!” he shouted, cautioning that his voice didn’t rise too loud. When he finally caught up to her, he forcefully grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. He kneeled down and made her look him in the eyes. “Don’t you ever pull anything like that again, do you hear me?” he hissed. Noting the frightened look on her face, he hugged and kissed her, trying to reassure her it was all right.
To Malkin’s right, a great commotion arose, and he stood up to see what could possibly bring on such a noise. He heard shouts of “There they are!” and “Look, the King and Queen!”, and he gathered all three siblings to him. “We can stay to watch them, and then we’re going straight back home, understand?” he said to the trio in his arms. Vyselle gave a disapproving look, but didn’t try to protest. Malkin surveyed their position, and noted that they were a few rows from the front. We should be safe, he thought to himself, warily eyeing the fierce-looking guards all the same.
Crystalia joined the shouting as the Royal Family approached. They were drawing nearer every second. She could even see the glittering gems in Queen Agrytta’s earrings, the intricate weavings on her crown! Both she and King Heronius were smiling, waving to random members in the crowd. Eventually they drew level with Crystalia and her family. The King turned his head in her direction, and she waved enthusiastically. He stopped, holding back the Queen as well. A hush fell over the crowd, such a contrast to the chaos happening seconds ago. Malkin suddenly pulled Crysi behind him and stood tall, trying to look the appropriate age.
King Heronius whispered to the Queen, seeking her council, and both started walked toward the four of them. Malkin’s heart thudded in his chest. He could feel the familiar knot of fear forming in his stomach, and it took everything he had to look the King in his eyes, indifferently, yet respectfully, and to stay put. How he wanted to run, to escape that curious gaze! Surely, they had been found out... He waited, every moment growing slower as the King proceeded toward them.
Heronius walked briskly toward the four children, seeing nothing but their faces. Could these innocent young draclings really be the source of this amazing power? He stopped just short of them, and waited patiently as they bowed, eyes down. Feeling Agrytta at his side, he whispered fiercely into her ear, “We must interview them! I will not let this chance pass us by!” She nodded, then relayed the order to a nearby group of guards, who also nodded. Seizing the children, they dragged the young family roughly toward the castle, following the parade route they had just walked.
“Careful!” the King cried out behind them. The guards made no acknowledgement of his plea, but they did slow down and tried not to jerk the struggling young ones more than necessary. King Heronius sighed, then turned around and led his wife back to the parade route. The celebration continued.
Chapter 2
Malkin looked at the stone hall they were about to enter with growing apprehension. Although the walls were covered with warm, lively decorations, they did nothing to reassure the four children. Two guards were escorting them to their fate, whatever it may be, and two were following behind, preventing their much preferred escape.
“This way,” one of the leading guards said shortly as he turned a corner. Crysi found her oldest brother’s hand and grasped it tightly after hearing the rough voices of the guards behind them urging them on.
As they turned the corner, a magnificent and terrifying sight awaited them. The cramped hallway opened into a vast room containing armor for both men and dragons. The family stopped immediately as they all saw guards in dragonform being fit for armor. The immense dragons grumbled, swishing their powerful tails impatiently. They were larger than most ordinary White Dragons, built up even greater by their armor. Their sharp talons clicked against the stone floor and scratched designs into the already worn tiles.
“Hurry it up,” one of the guards growled, prodding Malkin in the back with his spear. The other guard then shoved the others forward until they caught up with the leading guards. They continued down the side of the room, keeping out of the way of the dragon guards and the attendants, rushing to fit them.
Several hallways later they entered a small, dark room, containing more serious decorations, a stone fireplace (there was no fire in it now, although a pile of ashes showed it had recently burned), and a medium-sized wooden dining table, surrounded by eight chairs of the same wood.
Many scrolls, books, and pieces of old parchment were scattered across the table. Being naturally curious, Crystalia started toward the mass of papers, only to be blocked by a guard’s spear.
“Little fool! These are the king’s personal documents; you can’t just read them at your pleasure!” He glanced back at the table to make sure nothing had been displaced, then seemed to find something interesting on one of the scrolls. He chuckled. “I doubt you could read it anyway,” he said, turning back to Crystalia. “It’s written in Old Drykorian. You know, the ancient language. Hardly anyone knows it now; it practically died out with the Great Dragons!”
Before he could continue, a messenger appeared in the doorway, out of breath. “Sirs, and ladies,” he added, noticing Vyselle and Crysi, “the Royal Parade is almost over.” At this announcement, the two leading guards glanced at each other and started to leave. One turned around, apparently the commander of the group, and ordered the other two guards to watch the family carefully. Then they were gone. The messenger continued, speaking now directly to the four children. “The king will be with you shortly.”
As he bowed and prepared to take his leave, Malkin spoke up. “Wait, please. Do you, by any chance, know what this is about?” he asked hesitantly.
“I’m afraid I know nothing but the message I was sent to deliver,” came the reply. Then the family was left alone with the two guards each regarding the quickly passing moments with apprehension.
After a time of silent reassurance, many footsteps could be heard echoing down the hall. Crysi cried out in alarm, clinging to Malkin in fear. Even Vyselle looked uncertain, and Tenik stood in front of all of them, cautiously protecting them. The two guards smirked.
The first person through the doorway was the commanding guard who had scolded Crystalia for looking at the scrolls. He did not look at the family now. Next came four more guards, each as disciplined as the first. They came through in pairs, the door being just wide enough for two people. The guards lined up on each side of the door and immediately stood at attention. The messenger was next, and he stood in the doorway for a second, announcing, “My lords and my ladies, the noble King Heronius and his wife, Queen Agrytta, rulers of the White Realm!” He then hurried off to the side, and the room grew still as everyone held their breath. After what seemed like ages (but could have only been a few moments) the Royal Couple stepped through the doorway.
After a reminding glance from Malkin, the four children bowed to the king and queen, respectfully keeping their eyes down and their hands behind their backs, palms up. The Royal Couple waited patiently as the children stood straight again.
Crystalia stared in wonder at the queen, whose white flowing gown sparkled magnificently in the torchlight. The queen smiled down at her, replacing her fears with reassurance.
“Welcome, welcome. I am sure you are all wondering our reason for summoning you here,” King Heronius said. His voice commanded the attention of everyone in the room, and yet there was a kind quality to it, as if he were speaking to his own children. He turned to the guards, motioning to them that it was all right to leave.
“But Sire,” the leading guard interjected, risking a questioning look at the king. He received an impatient wave of the hand in response, and briskly left the room, the other guards following. Once the children were left alone with the Royal Couple, King Heronius proceeded.
“Before I ask any questions,” he began, “I want you to know that the queen and I will know if you are lying, and the consequences will be severe. Therefore, I urge you to speak the truth at all times.”
The family glanced at each other grimly, fully realizing the danger they now faced. Malkin nodded to the king. “We shall do as you say, Your Majesty.”
King Heronius chuckled. “Good, good. I would not have expected any less from you. Now then, on to the questions.”
At that moment, a disheveled man in a finely designed white robe rushed in, breathless.
“Forgive me, Your Highness!” he said, hastily straightening his gown.
“Ah, Lorinus, you are just in time for your skills to be of use,” the king said, gesturing at the parchment and self-inking writing stick in the scribe’s hands. “If you would please take down both the questions and the answers,” he said, turning back to the family. The scribe nodded.
“Now, for the first question. What are your names?”
Malkin answered, taking the role as speaker for the siblings. “I am Malkin, this is my brother Tenik, and my two sisters, Vyselle and Crystalia.”
The king turned to the scribe, making sure this was written down. “And,” he continued, “Who are your parents?”
Malkin flinched at this inevitable question. “Our..” He took a deep breath. “Our parents are.. were.. Jydara and Denikan.”
“Were?” the king questioned gently, already guessing the truth.
Malkin nodded grimly, staring at the ground, though not really seeing it. “They disappeared three ages ago,” he said at last, awakening from his dreadful memories and looking up at King Heronius once more. “When the battles came close to our doors, our parents rushed out to join the fight. They had wanted to protect us from the Sindrykans, but..” He cleared his throat, choking slightly. “A gold dragon came after them. He wounded them horribly, and they flew off out of sight. A search party looked for them, but all they found were trails of blood. I have been taking care of my family ever since.”
“And.. how old are you?” came the query.
“Fifteen seasons, Your Majesty,” Malkin responded. Vyselle closed her eyes, grimacing slightly. The king carefully considered this information, stroking his fine white beard.
“I am sure you are aware of the laws forbidding anyone under sixteen seasons to live alone, let alone take care of younger siblings. I am also sure you know of the consequences, am I correct?” the king said at last, his eyes still glazed with thoughtfulness.
“Yes, Your Highness,” came the meek reply.
“Very well then.. I shall have to consult with my wife. Agrytta, may I please speak with you outside for a moment?” King Heronius requested. The elegant queen nodded, smiling gently at the children while excusing herself.
Once they had entered the hallway, out of hearing range, the children clung to each other, knowing these may be the last moments they would ever have with each other.
After many comforting words, hugs, and tears, the family heard the Royal Couple coming back down the hall. They tried to straighten themselves up as much as they could, and bowed once again when the king and queen entered the room.
“No need for that,” the king chuckled. “But why these tears?” he asked, seeing the red eyes of the four children and the paths the tears had left on their cheeks.
“Please, sir,” Malkin spoke up, his voice trembling slightly. “Have mercy on us. We do not want to be split up, which is why we had been in hiding for so long. Please, have mercy,” he repeated, his voice cracking.
The king chuckled again, confusing the children. “Now, now, don’t worry about that! I have decided to pardon you.” The children looked at each other confused even more, and looks of delight hesitantly crossed their faces. “There’s more,” the king continued, and the children paid full attention. “Your parents are dead, are they not?”
“We believe so, sir,” Malkin replied anxiously.
“Hmm. Well, I have a proposition to make to you. You see, during the parade, I felt a great level of power coming from the four of you, greater than normal for any citizen of the Realm. I still feel it now. My original intent was to employ you as workers for the castle. However.. You are aware, I’m sure, that Queen Agrytta and I have been considering adoption. The four of you have been very brave and respectful during this process, and we believe you have the courage and discipline to be a part of the Royal Family. Now, I will leave the choice up to you. If you agree to it, we will explain the rules and procedures of life in the castle and becoming official members of the Family. If you decline this offer, you may continue to live by yourselves, and I will pardon you this time. However, if you are caught by my guards again, I will have to punish you accordingly. Do you understand the choices you have?”
Malkin looked at the other children, who all nodded uncertainly. “Yes, Your Highness,” he replied.
“Good. The queen and I will give you time to think it over and make your decision. When you are ready, send one of the guards to inform us you have reached your decision. Think it over carefully. It is a decision that will affect the rest of your life.”
With these words, the king and queen left the room, and the guards reentered. “Well?” Malkin asked the others, bewilderment on his face.
“It’s a big decision, as the king said,” Tenik said slowly. “Yes, we would be free of poverty and the risk of being separated, but.. It would be a huge responsibility, being in the Royal Family. Besides, what if our parents are still out there somewhere?”
“Tenik,” Malkin said softly, “you know it would be amazing if they were still alive. But we have to assume they’re dead. I know you didn’t see the wounds that gold inflicted, I wouldn’t let you, but they were horrible. No one could have survived those wounds, and neither one of them would have had enough strength to heal the other..”
Vyselle spoke up. “Malkin’s right. We can’t keep telling ourselves they’re alive and out there somewhere. Wouldn’t they have searched for us?” After a sigh, she continued. “I think we should accept the king’s offer. We’ll be much better off! We won’t have to steal food or flyers; we’ll be taken care of every day! Money will never be a problem again. It’s the only logical decision.”
“There’s more to life than money!” Tenik argued. “And I really doubt we’ll be taken care of every day. Royalty has to work too! Yes, it sounds good, but who knows what we’ll have to do?”
“Anything’s better than what we have now! Do you know how many times we’ve almost been caught? We were extremely lucky this time, and I think we should take advantage of this offer!”
“Both of you, settle down!” Malkin said loudly. “Crystalia, what do you think of this decision?”
“I don’t know.. I think it would be fun! And if our parents are alive out there somewhere, they can come live with us!” Crysi said eagerly.
Malkin smiled sadly at his youngest sister. “Alright. Well, both Vyselle and Crysi approve of the king’s offer,” he said, looking up. “Tenik is skeptical. I think we should give it a try. We have little to lose.”
Reaching this decision, Malkin walked over to the lead guard. “Sir, could you please tell the king and queen we have reached our decision?” The guard nodded, and Malkin thanked him as he left the room.
The children only had to wait a moment before the Royal Couple once again stepped through the door.
“Well?” King Heronius questioned, smiling.
“Your Majesty,” Malkin began nervously, “we have thought over the offer you presented to us. And we accept.”
The king laughed. “Good, good! I will make the papers then, and we can sign them later. For now, why don’t you children take a tour of the castle? Lorinus can show you around,” he said, gesturing to the scribe who had once again appeared at his side.
“Are you hungry?” Queen Agrytta asked, speaking up for the first time, with a soft, velvety voice.
“No, thank you,” came the replies. The king and queen smiled at each other, then at the children, and excused themselves.
“Well.. I guess you’re in. Follow me, I’ll show you around,” Lorinus said. He straightened his robes once again and left the room.
Malkin smiled at the others. “We’re safe now,” he promised them. “Come! Let’s follow the scribe before he loses us!”
With that, the children rushed out the door, wondering what new adventures awaited them in this extraordinary castle.
A few things in here may be repeats of what someone else has edited. Oh well.
(I had had more to say in this part of the post, but I can’t remember it! XP)
Glad you liked it!!
