part0086

A braham climbed to his feet and saw Tark and Cudgel waving him over. He ran to them. They were huddled over what was left of Prince Lewis. His body was missing between his head and legs, a sad demise for Prince Lewis. The master swordsman had shown promise, but his heart deceived him.

Tark picked up the battered scabbard of Black Bane. The sword and casing were still intact. “You’ll need this, Captain.”

Abraham buckled on the sword belt. “Thanks.” He checked the skies and saw no sign of the Fenix, but the dragon riders were turning for another pass. “Listen to Horace and get his army out of the tank guns’ range. Get the archers shooting at those dragons.” He hurried back to the queen.

Queen Clarann wiped the tears from her face. “I can’t help but think it is all my fault. He didn’t deserve this.”

“No, he didn’t. He was firm, but he was fair. I’d do anything to bring him back if I could.” He glanced at Melris. “Can’t you do something?”

“I’ve done all I can to preserve his body from decay. There is little more that I can do. The dagger’s tooth is fatal.” Melris surveyed the scrambling army. More tanks and troops were advancing from the Spine. “It seems the Sect had no plans to work with the likes of Lewis and Leodor very long. They come for the Crown of Stones now.”

The crown was still grafted to King Hector’s head.

“Well, make sure that they don’t get it. You are on our side, aren’t you?” he asked Melris.

“Yes, I was sent to aid the king—or the queen—by the Elders.”

“Don’t they want to play a part in all of this? It’s their world being invaded, you know. They could lend a hand.”

“They did lend a hand: me,” Melris replied. “The Elders spoke with King Hector and decided to not get directly involved. That would only bring war between the Elders. They would rather see how matters unfold.”

“So much for tradition.” Abraham didn’t know what else to do. He put his fingers inside his mouth and whistled. “Come on, Simon!” Another bombardment of grenades exploded all around. “I need you! Those fish-eyed fiends are going to blow this army to pieces.”

A dark blot with wings appeared in the sky. It was Simon. He dove to the ground and landed, startling the King’s Army.

“It’s about time.” Abraham hustled over to the huge Fenix, which was the size of at least three zillon dragons. He grabbed a handful of hair and climbed up. He sat in an odd nook in the Fenix’s back that was perfect for his legs. He spoke down into Simon’s earhole. “See those tiny dragons? Go get ’em!”

With the pounding beating of his wings, Simon launched himself into the air. Abraham watched the field of battle dwindle away below him. A bright twinkle beside the queen caught his eye. His heart skipped. A portal opened between Clarann and Melris. Fleece stepped halfway out of the portal, snatched the king and queen in his long ghostly arms, and pulled them into the portal. The portal closed. The king and queen were gone, leaving Melris with his jaw hanging.