Chapter Twelve

Vadin offered to take the first turn at watch. The night was quiet, with barely a breath of wind stirring the tree tops. A small stream wound near their camp, its quiet chuckling adding a pleasant background to the crackle of the fire.

Soon Valla slept, features illuminated by the flickering embers. Her thick lashes rested soft against her cheeks, her face relaxed and peaceful.

He wanted to reach out and stroke her hair, to feel the satiny dark waves under his fingertips. How enticing, to taste those beautiful lips and draw her close—skin to skin.

Too much time had passed since he’d been with a woman, but there was more to his attraction than simple lust. Valla was fine, in more ways than just appearance. She was fierce and strong, courageous and passionate. The longer he knew her, the more enthralled he became. She represented the best of what dragons could be, in contrast to the dragon lords, who represented the worst.

If only he hadn’t gotten off on such bad footing with her. She’d seen him at his most imbalanced and cruel, with no context for understanding his actions. Little wonder she kept her distance.

He dragged his gaze away from her and looked up at the night sky. A blaze of stars lit the velvet black, arrayed in myriad unfamiliar constellations. It was a completely new sky, in a brand new world.

Somehow, that fact made him feel better. Here, in this alien land, he wasn’t bound so irrevocably to the past. Maybe he could make a fresh start.

Was that foolish? Could anybody truly start over?

He certainly hoped so. He’d been gifted with power and long life, but what had he done with them? What did he have to show for all his years and spells?

The bitterness he’d held against dragons began to seem like a poison, one that robbed him of good sense. Was it possible for him to release it—after all this time? Could he truly be free?

His mind reeled at the possibility. Who would he be, without the old hatred? Who was Vadin the man? Not the weapon of the dragon lords. Not the avenger of his family. Just Vadin, the man.

He leaned back on his elbows, taking in the vast expanse of the heavens, so deep and infinite. What was his place in all this? Did he have a destiny greater than the path he’d chosen?

Though the answers to his questions might not come easily, he was ready to search them out. Hopefully, if he found Asahni, she could help.

****

The next day, Vadin and Valla came to a region where the wooded hills grew more rugged, broken up with stone outcroppings and narrow ravines. Traveling became difficult as they toiled through brush choked gorges and climbed steep rocky slopes.

“How much farther do you think we have to go?” Valla asked, as they stopped to drink from a rushing stream. Even with her dragon stamina, she felt the punishing pace of their journey.

Vadin considered. “I should think we’ll reach the empress’ castle in a few more days. It’s hard to be precise, but we’re making good time.”

“It’d be so much faster to fly. Especially over this terrain. I think my drake’s wings might be healed enough.”

“I’m not sure speed is the most important factor,” he countered. “The empress has all the advantage in this situation. Retaining the element of surprise may be essential to our success.”

“So you think we can to sneak up on her castle?”

“We need to try. It’ll be slower, but we don’t stand much chance otherwise.” He frowned, rubbing the lengthening stubble on his chin. “Until she reversed my locating spell, I underestimated her. Now I know how careful we need to be.”

Valla sighed, regretting another set of days spent slogging on foot. “I suppose you’re right, but it’s a shame. I could probably fly us there by tomorrow.”

“I know.” He gave her a hint of a smile. “But this way you get to enjoy more time in my company.”

“Oh yes, there is that.” She arched an eyebrow. “Aren’t I just the luckiest she-dragon ever?”

After drinking their fill from the stream, they continued northward. As much as possible, they kept to the high ground. It made progress easier and gave them a better view of the surrounding countryside.

Despite this strategy, they were taken unaware by a group of armed scouts. One minute Valla strode along a shady ridge top, the next she faced a line of spears and crossbows.

It was too late to draw her sword. They’d have an arrow through her heart before the blade left the sheath. But how had they crept up on her? She had damned good hearing.

“Who are you, and what are you doing here?” one of the strangers asked.

He had an uncommonly well-formed face, with features so perfect they made Vadin look rough around the edges. In fact, all the scouts were equally breathtaking. And every one of them stood taller than her, though she cleared five foot ten. Who were these people?

“We’re just passing through,” Vadin said, stepping closer to her, his expression carefully neutral. “We don’t want any trouble.”

“No one ‘passes through’ these hills.” The scout who spoke appeared to be in charge. “What is your purpose?”

“What’s yours?” Valla demanded, annoyed by the leader’s superior tone. “This is a wilderness. We have as much right to be here as you.”

“Easy,” Vadin murmured, resting a hand on her arm. “I’m sure these eldrin mean us no harm.”

Eldrin! She barely kept her jaw from dropping in surprise. But of course, it made sense. If this was the world of the ancient demon army, then this was where the eldrin disappeared to, centuries ago. Since they were immortal, it stood to reason some might still be alive.

“I can see you’re not eldrin.” The leader crossed his arms, appearing puzzled. “You look like none of the creatures of this land, unless you wear a magical disguise.” His brows lowered, and he moved forward with his spear. “What are you? Tell me now, or suffer the consequences.”

Vadin hesitated in answering, but Valla saw no problem with the truth. If these really were eldrin, then they had once been allies of her race.

“I’m a dragon.” She offered her hand. “The name’s Valla.”

“A dragon? How is that possible?”

“If you don’t believe me, I can show you. Just move back a few paces, and I’ll shift to my drake form.”

“No! Don’t do anything.” The leader raised his voice in alarm. Perhaps he knew how hard she’d be to fight as a drake.

“I assure you, we’re not a threat,” Vadin said, trying to calm the situation. “Just let us go on our way.”

The eldrin shook his head. “You’ll need to speak with the council. They’ll want to know how a dragon came to be in this world.”

“What if the empress sent them?” another of the scouts asked, face tense. “We can’t let them into our valley. The risk is too great.”

“You’ve got it backwards,” Valla explained. “We don’t work for the empress. In fact, we barely escaped one of her packs. She’s probably hunting us now.”

The leader stepped closer, searching her face as if for clues. He reached out and pressed his left palm lightly to her forehead. She resisted the urge to slap it away, since he wasn’t behaving in a threatening or aggressive manner.

For a brief moment his hand vibrated with energy, and her mind filled with a pulse of light. He withdrew his hand and moved away, apparently satisfied.

“I can sense no lie in what she tells us,” he said, addressing the other scouts.

This sent them into an animated discussion amongst themselves. Meanwhile Vadin gave her a warning look to say no more. Despite his assurance that the eldrin meant no harm, he was obviously wary.

After a few intense exchanges, the leader turned to Vadin and Valla. “If you are indeed fleeing the empress, the council may be willing to help you. But you’ll need to answer all their questions honestly.”

Some of the tension eased from her shoulders. A helpful council seemed good, didn’t it? She glanced at Vadin, seeing how he remained silent and cautious. This was all a little out of her depth. What was the proper protocol when dealing with eldrin in an alien world? She had no idea.

“Follow me,” the leader instructed, starting down the far slope.

Seeing no reason to refuse, she fell into place behind him. A quick look over her shoulder confirmed Vadin was coming along, without requiring any prodding from eldrin spears. The rest of the scouts fanned out around them, forming a guarded perimeter.

“This valley is our sanctuary,” the lead scout said. “It’s a rare privilege for outsiders to be allowed entrance.”

“Doesn’t seem like you’re giving us much choice,” Valla retorted. “And I don’t see anything but more trees and rocks.”

“Our valley is shielded by magic, so the empress’ prying eyes won’t learn its whereabouts.”

“Ah. Clever.” She thought of the protection spell Vadin cast each evening around their camp. Perhaps the eldrin used something similar.

In the next moment, the leader vanished from sight. Her heart skipped a beat, but she continued walking. She was getting somewhat familiar with the effects of sorcery.

A few more steps brought her to an invisible magical wall. It resisted letting her pass, until a nearby scout spoke.

“Asenthe.” As the word of power left the eldrin’s lips, the rigid barrier became fluid, allowing her through.

Once on the other side, she gasped in surprise. What had seemed like an uninhabited valley, was in fact a beautiful haven. Sprinkled amongst the more common red conifers were groves of golden broad-leafs, gardens, orchards, ponds, meadows, and delightful dwellings.

The buildings were made of wood, though it looked like they’d been grown rather than constructed. The shapes were graceful, mimicking organic lines of leaves and petals. A combination of pale gray and glossy honey-colored wood created intricate spiraling patterns around the eaves, entryways, and porch railings. Similar patterns decorated clothing worn by eldrin working in the gardens.

“Welcome to our home.” The lead scout’s tone expressed a well-deserved pride.

“It’s wonderful,” Valla enthused.

“Though we no longer enjoy the luxuries of our cities of old, we can offer you a hot bath, clean clothes, and a meal.”

“That sounds splendid.” She gave him a broad smile, choosing to ignore the wrinkling of his nose as he’d spoken of bathing and clean clothes. After walking dawn to dusk for many days, she and Vadin weren’t exactly fresh smelling.

“Can we avail ourselves of your hospitality, before speaking with the council?” Vadin asked, coming to stand beside her. “My companion and I have been traveling some time now, with few comforts.”

The eldrin nodded. “Of course.” Now that they had entered the valley, it seemed he’d decided to be a gracious host. “This way, please.”

He led them along a charming flower-edged path that wound through the settlement. Eldrin straightened from their tasks and stepped out of doors to watch the new arrivals pass by. Clearly it was a rare event to have strangers in the valley.

A group of young ones gathered, accompanying her and Vadin as they walked. These were the loveliest children she’d ever seen, their hair like spun gold, skin as fair as doves’ wings, and eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“This is a rare blessing,” Vadin said, speaking to their host. “I understand eldrin seldom give birth.”

“We have been fortunate,” the scout agreed. “These children are our greatest treasure.”

Valla was touched by the wonder evident in Vadin’s eyes. He looked upon the children, as if they were a miracle, allowing them to circle around, peppering him with questions. He answered some but deftly turned the children’s attention to other things.

As they progressed through the settlement, he entertained his small audience with magic tricks. First he made a glittering fish appear, swimming over the palm of his hand. When that elicited squeals of delight, he conjured a trio of turquoise butterflies. Next, a ruby-eyed snake coiled up his arm before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Vadin’s fondness for children was not something Valla would have expected. It was clear from his face that he thoroughly enjoyed interacting with them. His cares seemed to vanish, and his usual guarded expression softened.

She couldn’t help wondering about his past. Had he once been a father or a brother? It was difficult to imagine Vadin himself as a child. What would he have been like back then, before the passage of years changed him to the man he’d become?

She didn’t have long to contemplate these questions, however, for they soon came to a bathing house. Steam rose from vents in the roof, letting her know the water was indeed hot. What a treat!

Their host gestured toward the entryway. “If you wish to bathe together, there is a communal—”

“Absolutely not.” Valla wasted no time in clarifying that point.

The eldrin blinked, perhaps taken aback by her vehement response. “Very well. If you prefer privacy, there are separate baths on either side of the building. We would be happy to clean and mend your current attire. Robes hang in the alcoves by each bath. You’re welcome to use them `till your own garments are ready.”

“Thank you.” She could hardly believe their good fortune. Of course there was still the council to deal with, but she wouldn’t think about that until after her much anticipated bath.