The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen Page 14

  The next morning Aston wasn’t quite so generous and joined us in the pit for his fair share of my body. I think my days of having any sort of lie in were well and truly over.

  Zarina joined us for breakfast and Patros remarked out loud, “Stop it.”

  I turned and said “Stop what?”

  “I Wasn’t talking to you but to all of them.” Pointing to both werewolves in turn who chuckled a little in response.

  “Well, I for one think he looks different already.” Stated Zarina. I turned and scrutinised Patros, taking him in from head to toe and nodded.

  “I have to agree. His skin and eyes are brighter, almost luminous like mine became.”

  “I do feel different. Just can’t put my finger on how different though. Stronger. A little faster and my muscles seem larger and more toned.” Remarked Patros.

  Aston sent this time, observing. “I for one can hear you better in the mind link too. Clearer and louder than before,and with far less effort .”

  As the day went on, and we looked at ways to overcome the wizard, and possibly the automatons we may face. My eyes would drift from time to time toward Patros. I noticed that the others were doing the same His changes becoming more pronounced as time passed.

  Chapter 13.

  By the time we had all assembled in the hall for the evening meal others were beginning to notice a change. It was as if any change in one of us affected all of us in turn. My hearing was sharper and as a consequence I heard the comments being whispered around the room easily. The other dragon riders were aware of the changes but couldn’t fathom how they had come about. Soon we would have to share this latest development with them. Zarina and Matteo seemed to have forged a bond over the last couple of days, maybe they would become mated and alter each other.

  I turned to face Aston and Patros and sent Why have the factions never mated and shared venom before? Surely this is not the first time members of different factions have fell for each other?

  Patros shrugged and Aston shook his head a little Maybe they have Alex but I have never heard of this happening before. What about you Patros?

  Not heard of this happening to any of the dragon riders. We tend to keep pretty much to ourselves. With a hefty dose of mistrust built into the differing factions it has never been an issue. When are the other members of the pack due back?

  Tomorrow I believe I responded, looking over at Aston

  Yes. They will get here in the early evening. I suggest tomorrow we put in some practice in the training rooms here. I think Alex should join us to train a little although she won’t be coming with us on the rescue mission

  The last part wasn’t addressed to me but to Patros and I harrumphed noisily and glared at him.

  I agree Aston. Our mate has no need to put herself in danger on this mission. We will handle the rescue ourselves

  I then turned to glare at Patros, standing up as I did so “I WILL be going on this mission, you can’t stop me. Amrinth is my dragon.”

  I stormed out of the room with both my mates following hastily trying to keep up with me.

  I seem to be losing my temper all the time of late. Not sure what is happening with me at all. Patience has always been one of my traits. I reflected Although this may be useful to have if I am going to have to fight people instead of heal them.

  “Alex. Stop storming off and listen to what we have to say please. What if something were to happen to you and the babies? We would never forgive ourselves. This could all be a trap, to draw you in to the magicians clutches.”

  I stopped, turned to them and realised that maybe they had a point. I thought back to what Amrinth had told me. That the magician was hell bent on stopping the prophecy from being fulfilled…but, in which way? Would his plan involve capture, or death. Did he want to kill me before I gave birth to my babies?

  Let’s talk in private, back in our lair. I sent. Beginning to calm down as we headed back.

  Talos raised his head as we entered. Are you okay Alex? I could hear your reaction, and the aftershocks too. Listen to your mates now. As much as I want Amrinth free, I don’t want it at the cost of you being taken prisoner, or worse in her place. Neither would Amrinth.

  Walking up to Talos I placed my arms around him, stood on tiptoes and put my head to his forehead. Then stroked his velvety snout gently.

  I realise that now. I keep getting so hot headed nowadays. This isn’t like me at all, but with all the changes and hormones from the pregnancy flying around my bloodstream. I can’t seem to help myself. Although I shouldn’t really be surprised. As I’m a nurse after all.

  The fire was rebuilt from the embers in the grate and we sat down to discuss matters.

  “Let me have my say first.” I pleaded. “I agree that not entering the caverns is the wise thing to do but at the very least I should be nearby. That way I could possibly get close enough to enter this magicians mind and find out what his plan is. I don’t like the idea of my people getting hurt or even killed because of me and my dragon.”

  Patros and Aston looked at one another then back at me.

  “Agreed.” They said in unison.

  “You can ride with me on Talos. Once the fighting commences you need to stay out of harms way. Then, if something happens Talos can bring you back home to safety. The werewolves will all be flying tandem with the dragon riders and scout out the entrance before we begin our attack and rescue.”

  I nodded agreement and yawned loudly. The pair pulled me over to the sleeping pit and began to remove my clothes. Gently at first, then with some degree of urgency. Making short shrift of their own clothing in the process. Neither one seemed embarrassed by their nakedness and jutting cocks. Their eyes on the prize saw to that as we started to play and make love into the night. Our cries of passion echoing through the lair.

  I must have been sound asleep as I was awoken by kisses and furtive hands.

  Good morning Alex. Both chanted in my head between kisses. In turn I kissed them back. Parting my lips allowing them to penetrate my mouth as they did other parts of my anatomy.

  When our lovemaking was over I was told to rest as both dressed and began to prepare an appetising breakfast.

  Pulling a fur around my shoulders I couldn’t miss them drinking in the sight of me in my nakedness. My breasts once pert were now heavy globes. My nipples extended and sensitive to the slightest touch. After we had breakfasted, breakfast pots were cleared away. Then we made our way to the training grounds. These were in a large cavern set aside for just this purpose. Similar to the training room at the pack-house except on a much larger scale.

  The walls were laden with all sorts of weapons and devices. Some appeared similar to the paraphernalia I’d seen when watching Pirates of the Caribbean, or old swash buckling films on the television. There was an overwhelming collection of swords, cutlasses, daggers, crossbows and strange looking guns. Also, below this expansive display were a number of leather bound chests full of armour.

  Aston gave appreciative grunts as he wandered up and down, taking in the sight of such vast array of weapons. Patros meanwhile was rooting through one of the bigger chests and beckoned us both over.

  “Alex. Even though you won’t be in the midst of the battle I think it would be a good idea for you to wear some protective clothing. To be on the safe side. Come. Aston can help with this task” He handed a jacket over to Aston saying. “This isn’t heavy duty but we have some light chain mail here somewhere, that can be placed over the leather. The leather is treated specially by the tanners, to toughen it. But, is supple enough not to hinder movement too much. Our leather armour is much thicker and heavier but we train with it on a regular basis, so are used to fighting wearing it .There is another reason for using leather armour. Because it is well oiled it doesn’t make a great deal of noise either, or leave you overheated.”

  I now had on a jacket, and something akin to leather chaps similar to those worn by cowboys in Westerns.

  “Be careful, as the gaps in
the jacket will leave you susceptible to attack, by daggers in particular. Something for you to remember.”

  Patros then presented me with a slim dagger in a sheaf demonstrating how to hide it safely in my boot. I looked up and smiled and him as he leaned in for a kiss. Then so as not to be left out, Aston did the same.

  “I will remember. Don’t worry. I have no intention of being in the middle of the fray.” I reassured them.

  I was quickly given a tutorial on how use my new weapon. As they demonstrated a few simple moves to me. Meanwhile Patros had discovered a leather helmet and goggles, this made me giggle. It looked for all the world like the ones that fighter pilots had worn in the World Wars on Earth. Placing a small shield in my hands to complete my new ensemble. Followed by a further demonstration regarding it’s use as both defence, or in an emergency a weapon.

  I was put through my paces, learning how to parry blows effectively. I wasn’t as elegant as the others training in the room but I managed the moves well enough.

  Later I watched them spar and was enthralled by their speed and agility. Despite Aston’s werewolf heritage, the pair were equally matched.

  Others came and went throughout the evening, all determined to be as prepared as they could possible be for the upcoming rescue. All knew that they may have to fight for their lives in the melee. Some were practising throwing daggers or using a variety of crossbows. These were aimed at life sized mannequins hung against one of the walls. The hall was almost too loud. With the sounds of fighting echoing around the room. The clash of swords, hiss and whistle of arrows and crossbow bolts. The prospect the battle looming.

  Aston and Patros were perspiring heavily, panting after their strenuous workout. Therefore we returned to our quarters to freshen up. Once showered and dressed we headed to the main hall There would be no time to play this evening. Patros mentioned that the dragon riders that had been sent to scout ahead had returned with their reconnaissance reports. So maps of the area would need to be procured in readiness. When all had gathered, a plan of action would be discussed and a final plan decided the following evening when all the werewolves were assembled.

  Food was set out ready with flagons of drinks, but no ale or wine would be drunk this evening. All would need their wits about them if our plan was to succeed.

  Patros led Aston and myself towards the back wall of the room to some huge wooden drawers. These drawers contained the accumulation of maps and charts that had been amassed over the years. Patros opened up a few drawers and finally pulled out the three we would need. He lay them out on top of the drawers using stone weights to hold them down. So that they would be visible to as many as possible.

  The first one showed the area where we were now. Detailing all the caverns and lairs extending back to the area occupied by the werewolves. The second map was of the city of Bream, the magicians city and the lands beyond. This map also showed the cavern that Amrinth was being held prisoner. The last map was of both areas although on a smaller scale but without the detail of the first two.

  Bream was depicted as a fortified city covering a large area surrounded by huge stone city walls, not unlike Chester near where I lived on Earth. The City looked far bigger than I had anticipated it would. We already knew that the city was heavily guarded. But our interest was farther North, beyond the city gates near a small lake called Dragonfly Lake.

  The hardest part of the sortie would be gaining entrance to the actual cavern, as the opposing army had the advantage of higher ground. We would be facing odds of three-to-two, hoping that the superior strength, speed and agility of both the werewolves, and the dragon-riders would help to even the odds. Plus an ability to fight on dragon-back would work to tip the scales in our favour. We would prevail. We had to.

  The biggest flaw in our plan would be our lack of information regarding the automatons that the magician utilises. We had no clue how many or what capabilities they had. As I had no knowledge of these I asked around for any information that would help me understand what these things were. I found out that they are clockwork characters created by wizards and magicians, used as servants and for protection. For the most part these things sounded scary and crazy. Imbued with the souls of the dead and susceptible to the will of their makers. This is why if there is a battle or skirmish the dead and injured are retrieved, brought back and cremated.

  Being trapped like this would be anyone’s nightmare scenario. Some further suggested that sometimes the souls of a few were good and nurturing, but this was a rarity.

  Sent to rest for a few hours whilst my mates and the others debated strategy I slowly returned to our lair. A final plan would be forthcoming with the return Vanda, Leon and the others that evening. I was superfluous for this part. What did I know of fighting and strategies of warfare? Nothing unfortunately. This was something I still needed to learn in order to lead. Meanwhile I had a plan of my own.

  Once settled in my quarters I sat on the fur rugs in the sleeping pit. Talos keeping me company.

  You are going to try and contact Amrinth again. Aren’t you, little one? See if she can give you any more details of how she is imprisoned and guard numbers. A magicians name holds power. So I am not sure she will be able to supply that. But it would greatly help if we knew just who this magician was.

  I looked over at Talos feeling his concern for Amrinth, myself and those that would be attempting the rescue tomorrow. I nodded. Closed my eyes and sent my mind Northward. Each time now I found with my growing abilities this was easier and I quickly found Amrinth.

  Alex be careful. He senses your presence. He caught me the very first day you arrived on Syros. He told me he knew the instant you arrived here. His powers are vast. I can’t tell you his name as that would make him aware of our conversation. He plans to capture you Alex, be in no doubt of that. His automatons are few but powerful, as they are enhanced with magic. The one thing they don’t possess is speed, in this your fighters will have the advantage. The ones he sends to the surface will be the easiest to dispatch as my brother dragons can reign fire down on them. They have metal bodies susceptible to this. Those in the cavern will be harder to deal with. Part of the army from the city are here. They are well trained, loyal too but with no supernatural abilities. As much as I want to be united with you please do not put yourself in danger. Syros needs you in order for the prophecy to succeed. We dragons are a hard bunch to kill. Be in no doubt about that. I have to go now. He approaches. I think he senses you.

  With that I was thrown from her mind. Amrinth was taking no chances that the magician would know a rescue attempt would soon be underway. Weary from the effort needed to contact Amrinth over such a distance I fell into a deep slumber.

  It was dusk when I awoke. All of my mates now assembled close by at the small table in front of the fire. Talking quietly so as not to disturb me. I sat up, prompting Vanda and Leon to walk over and climb in with me. They greeted me properly with hugs and kisses.

  If we hadn’t had such a pressing engagement to organise this wouldn’t have been all they did. Their breeches not disguising their ardour! Time for a proper reunion later. We had a fight to plan, or at the very least a rescue mission.

  I dressed speedily then we made our way to the main hall where everybody that could be, was assembled. Food set out buffet style so that people could eat and discuss the matter at hand. All would need their strength in order to achieve our goal.

  All stood as I entered and I shooed them back to what they were doing. Now was not the time to stand on ceremony, and I told them as much.

  We had began counting heads in anticipation of our departure the following evening.

  There were twenty werewolves, not included myself and my mates. Alongside of twenty- three dragon riders. Total number for the mission stood at forty-eight, seventy at my reckoning when you included the dragons in that number.

  Tomorrow all would take time to train together

  Maps were once again laid out,everyone gathered around discussing
tactics. Deciding where the best place for the dragons to land. That would be far enough away that the werewolves would not be spotted. The plan was for them to approach on foot stealthily using whatever cover was available. Once the werewolves were in place dragons would attack the automatons with fire while dragon riders would take out as many as they could with crossbows. Clearing the way ready for the werewolves to engage in the next prong of the attack.

  It was at this point I caught the werewolves attention. Reminding them all that if they turned too soon their blazing eyes would be visible. Giving them away before they could carry out their part of the rescue.

  Once all the fine details had been decided dinner was retrieved and laid out on the tables so that everyone may enjoy the remains of their meal. A cacophony of noise descending on the room. After a while the noise died down as everyone slowly drifted away. Zarina once again accompanied by Matteo. Although as there were so few female werewolves Zarina had been excluded from the sorti.We hugged and then they left the hall hand in hand.

  Patros turned to me and said, “I want us to go and visit Sara and our family. You could see Allysa too check that all this hasn’t taken a toll on you. The stress alone can’t be good for the babies.”

  I stroked his cheek gently. “Of course we can. I can’t wait to see them all. I feel fine but if it would please you I will see if Allysa can check me and the babies over while we are there.”

  With that we left the others to finish what was left of the food as we made our way back to the lair.

  Talos already knew of our plans and soon Patros had him saddled and we were on our way. I held on tightly, snuggled close as I could with my pregnant stomach. A soft translucent blue glow visible surrounding us with an aura. Landing in the same spot we usually did we headed first of all to Sara’s. Patros must have told her we would be visiting as the speed with which she answered was unbelievable. Throwing her arms around both of us quickly followed by Andre, Pat and Emilee. I heard Will chuckle and say, “ Let up a little you lot. You will squeeze the life out of them.”