Not knowing what was happening outside of the cave, I was still trying to make the rocks at my feet turn back into the gargoyle they once were.
“Alissa the longer you keep the gargoyle alive, I’m not going to lie to you, there will be pain but it will pass as you get better at using this power. Now, keep trying,” said Linus as he sat with me and looked at the rock. As I looked at the rock it started to take the shape of the gargoyle once more. The gargoyle stood up and stretched out his wings again, small rocks fell away from his body. He looked from me to the ground with his eyes glowing yellow he picked up one of the smaller rocks and threw it across the cave with a roar in his voice. The small rock smashed into the wall of the cave. Then he looked at me with his yellow eyes and flew out of the cave with Talon following him they circled the mountain in the night sky.
“Well done, Alissa. You have done well but I think it’s time for you to rest now,” said Linus as he stood next to me looking at Talon and the gargoyle. “Alissa, I want you to bring him back into the cave,” Linus added.
“How do I bring him back?” I asked him, still with my eyes fixed on the gargoyle high in the sky.
“Alissa, you created him, you can tell him what to do. Just look at him and in your mind tell him to come back to the cave,” said Linus. So, I looked up into the sky at the gargoyle and did as Linus told me. “Come to me gargoyle, come back into the cave,” I said using my mind. The gargoyle turned to look at me and then just as Linus said, he did as he was told to do. He swooped down and landed in the cave. The ground shook as he landed in front of us.
“Alissa, you have done well but now it is time for our gargoyle friend to go back to what he once was, just a pile of rocks,” said Linus, as he looked from me to the gargoyle.
“But he is a living creature. Is there some way of keeping him alive?” I asked as I looked at him.
“No there is not. You brought the rock to life but it has no feeling. It is a part of you, it feels what you feel. That is how this power works,” said Linus as, he walked around the gargoyle.
“But he threw that rock across the cave without me telling him to.” There has to be more to this gargoyle and this power than even Linus knows about, I thought to myself as I looked into the gargoyles yellow eyes.
“This power is strong and hard to control. You give so much of yourself to this power, that’s why you were in so much pain when you first used it,” said Linus. “And it is why you are in pain now,” said Linus as he placed his hand on to my head. “You cannot hide your pain from me,” he added in a soft voice. It is true, I thought as I forced myself to keep looking at my gargoyle even with the pain in my head getting worse. “Alissa please you need to let go of it,” Linus said as he put his arm around me. “Look at him and think of the rocks he once was and then the pain will go away,” said Linus.
So once more I did as Linus told me. As I looked into Linus’s eyes I could see that he knew what is best for me. He is more like a father than a friend now. I looked back at my gargoyle with tears in my eyes and I started to see him as the rocks that he once was before. But for a moment, all the rocks stood as tall as the gargoyle they once were. Then they fell to the ground at our feet again. I just stood there looking at the rocks it felt like I had just lost a friend. But just as Linus said, as soon as I let go of the power that was keeping my gargoyle alive the pain in my head had started to go away a little—not all the way but a little. Yes, the pain was going away but I still felt so sad about my gargoyle. I just looked at the pile of rocks at my feet.
“Alissa, I am so proud of you,” said Talon as he flew into the cave. “You are taking to your powers so fast,” he added, as he looked at what once was the gargoyle. “Thorn should be back soon, with John and some news of Warwick’s plans,” he added as he looked from me to Linus.
“We know that he knows about you, Alissa, but we need to know what he is going to do next,” said Linus, as he looked out of the cave.
“It won’t be long until sunrise, you should try to get some rest,” said Talon as he looked at me and smiled like he knew what I was about to say.
“God dammit, I’m fine really. I’m okay. You say I will come in to my powers fast but I still need to learn how to use them. How can I do that if you all keep telling me to rest?” I yelled, as I looked at them both. “I’m sorry,” I said as they looked at me after my little outburst.
“No, you have nothing to be sorry about your mother from your other world told me that when you feel comfortable around new people and start seeing them as friends, you tend to show your strong will. You have a fiery side,” said Linus.
“Please don’t tell me I get that from him my father,” I asked as I started to shake. I felt my tears run down my face.
“No, my girl your strong will, your fiery side, comes from you, given to you by our queen; your mother,” said Linus, as he wiped my tears away. “Now come, you are going to love this,” he said as he took me by the hand and led me to the entrance of the cave to watch the sun come up from behind the mountains.
“Linus, tell me more about Raven. Which of my powers was his? If it’s not too painful for you to talk about him,” I asked, as I lay back against Talon.
“Raven’s power was the one you have just learnt he could bring the rocks to life,” said Linus as he looked over the mountains. “I remember, when we were young, the tricks he would pull on me,” said Linus with a smile now on his face. “He would make all sorts of creatures. One time he made five piles of stones turn into birds, but as big as Talon. They would fly high in the sky and then swoop down, throwing other small rocks at me,” Linus said again with a smile on his face.
“Why did he do that? I thought you said you were friends,” I asked him.
“It kept us on our toes, and like you, we were just coming into our powers. We needed to practise as you need to practise. The more you use your powers the more control you will have over them,” Linus added as he looked into my eyes. “I think Raven is looking down at this land with a new hope, knowing that you have his power. You and Raven are more alike. You and he both have the gift of taking to this power quickly. I think he would have liked you, Alissa,” said Linus now with tears in his eyes as he walked out of the cave.
“Talon, can you go and keep a look out for Thorn? He should be getting close to our mountains by now,” Linus called back into the cave.
“As you wish Linus,” said Talon as he got to his feet. “I won’t be far away from you, Alissa. I will let you know when Thorn is coming,” he said. “I don’t like being too far away from you for too long,” Talon thought so I could hear him as he flew away.
“Linus, why is Talon so protective over me?” I asked, as I stood next to him, watching Talon fly out of sight. “It’s not like I’m on my own. You are here with me,” I added.
“Talon has been waiting a long time for you to come back to your home world. We all have,” said Linus as he sat down next to the cave entrance letting the sun’s warmth cover his face. “He just wants you safe. Where he can keep an eye on you,” said Linus. “You are the one person that can bring his kind back to the way they were before the days of your father,” he added. “Think of him as a protective big brother,” Linus said, as he looked from me then back to the sky.
“There is so much you all expect of me. How do you know I can do all of this?” I asked as I sat next to him.
“Alissa, in some people I can see that they have a pure heart or a pure spirit, but you Alissa, you have both these things,” he said as he smiled at me. “What you don’t have, is the belief in yourself that you can do this, but that will come in time,” said Linus. As we just sat next to the cave the pain in my head was gone.
“How’s your head?” asked Linus.
“It’s much better,” I said, as we both looked to the sky waiting for any sign of Talon.
“See, it is as I said. The more you use your powers the less pain you will suffer and when you have complete control over them, there will be no more pain,” said Linus as he ran his hand across my forehead. “Here he comes,” said Linus as we looked across the other mountains covered in snow.
“Alissa, Thorn has reached the foot of the mountains but he is not alone,” said Talon as he flew into the cave just as fast as he left us.
“Who is with him? Is it Warwick’s men?” asked Linus, with fear in his voice.
“No John is with him and three more people are with them as well.”
“Go Talon, bring them to the cave. We need to know what has happened,” said Linus. Talon once again took to the sky and left to find Thorn and the others. Linus watched Talon fly out of sight again. As Talon flew through the mountains his eyes were fixed on the ground looking for Thorn and the others. As they came into sight Talon let out a loud roar above their heads. They all looked to the sky the children started to scream at the sight of Talon. The last dragon that they saw burned their home.
“Zoe, Max, stop. It’s okay. He is a friend,” said Thorn. “He won’t hurt you. He is not Warwick’s dragon,” Thorn added, as he looked in to their eyes. “Here let me show you both,” said Thorn as he waved up at Talon. Zoe and max were still too afraid of what they were seeing to look at the dragon. They just hid behind Doyle’s legs.
“Talon, my friend, come down and meet my little friends,” Thorn called out into the sky. Talon landed in front of them. “You know John but this is Zoe and her brother Max, and their friend Doyle,” said Thorn, as he walked up to Talon and looked back at them all. He placed his hand on to Talon’s side. “They are the only survivors of their village. Warwick sent his men to destroy their whole village,” Thorn said in a soft voice as, he looked back at Talon.
“Zoe, Max, please don’t be afraid of me. I would never hurt you,” said Talon in a soft and friendly voice as he lay down next to them. Zoe and Max slowly walked over to Talon. “I want to be your friend, just like Thorn and John,” said Talon as Zoe placed her hand against Talons head. Zoe could feel the kindness in Talon’s voice. Talon just looked at Thorn as Max stood next to Zoe and placed his hand next to his sister’s on his head.
“Okay, climb up on to my back everyone. I know Alissa and Linus are eager to meet you all,” said Talon. He took to the sky with the children holding on tightly. As Talon flew high in the sky Zoe lent forward with the wind blowing through her tangled blond hair.
“Talon, where are we going?” she asked. She was holding on to him so tightly, trying not to be forced off his back by the wind hitting her face.
“Do you see the big mountain with a cave in it? That is where we are going,” said Talon looking back at her and smiling. “Alissa is inside and is waiting to meet you. Now hold on tight. Here we gooooooo!” Talon yelled out as he folded his wings into his body and fell down through the sky. Talon couldn’t help but smile when he heard them all cry out, “Fly! Fly! Fly!” Then at the last minute he opened his wings and landed in front of the cave with a loud crash.
“That was so much fun,” said Zoe and Max as they jumped down off Talon’s back.
“Speak for yourselves,” said John still holding on tightly to Talon he was shaking from head to toe and looking a little sick. “Let’s never do that again, okay?” he added, as he fell down off Talon’s back.
As me and Linus came out of the cave we saw everyone laughing at what they just saw.
“John, I think you need some of this,” said Linus as he placed a bottle into John’s hand. Zoe and Max ran behind Doyle, a little nervous of us.
“Come forward children, this is who I what you to meet,” said Talon in a soft voice.
“It’s okay I’m not going to hurt you,” I said as I knelt to the ground and tried to look around Doyle to see them.
“You are safe here,” said Linus as he looked on. Zoe and Max came from behind Doyle slowly and they held his hands and looked at me. Then, as I saw their faces, I felt that familiar cold sweat run across my whole body. I closed my eyes again and the next thing I saw was fire smoke and homes caving in on themselves. People were trying to crawl out of their burning homes but they were trapped inside. It was the children’s village. It was what happened to them. I was seeing it all. I heard a man’s voice talking about me. Through all the screaming I heard him say, “If any of you live through this—not very likely,” he said laughing with his men. “But if you do, I want you to warn everyone who might, or is, helping the girl with the mark on her face, the same mark as our king. They will meet the same fate as this village and its villagers in it.”
The fire got higher and higher all around me and the village. I could feel the heat from the flames. I started to choke on the smoke as if I was really there. Instead of being in a cold sweat, I could feel the flames burning my skin. I screamed out loud with the pain, it felt like my skin was on fire. Then the next thing I saw was Thorn and Doyle finding Zoe and Max in their burnt-out home. As I opened my eyes again and I was back with Linus holding my hand.
“See, I told you your powers would come to you at any time,” said Linus as he helped me to my feet.
“Zoe, Max, come I will never hurt you,” I said as I held out my arms to them. They were shocked that I knew their names.
“How do you know our names?” asked Zoe as she let go of Doyle’s hand and walked over to me.
“As soon as I looked at you all I saw what has happened to you. It’s just one of my powers,” I said, as I looked up at Linus. “I am so sorry for what has happened to you,” I said, trying to hold back my tears as I looked back to Zoe Max and Doyle.
“Everyone come inside. There is much to talk about,” said Linus, as he looked at me. “This is the girl that you have been told about said Linus,” as everyone sat down. “She will bring an end to Warwick’s evil days but she will need help will you be the first to join us in this fight, all of you?” Linus added as he looked at Zoe and Max.
“Yes, whatever you need of me, you have it,” said Doyle and Zoe and Max sat next to him.
“What can we do? We are too small to help,” said Zoe.
“Everyone has a part to play in what is to come,” said Linus in a soft voice and a smile on his face as he looked at her and her brother.
“But you will need more people to fight alongside you, Alissa,” said John, as he looked around the cave at us all.
“Yes, I know. There have to be more survivors out there somewhere,” I said, as I looked out over the land.
“Talon, I need you to fly to the other villages and surrounding lands and look for more people to join the fight against Warwick,” I said, as I looked back at him. He smiled at Linus then looked at me.
“As you wish,” he said as he walked beside me and then took to the sky.
“Good luck,” I thought to him as he flew away from me.
“I will not fail you, Alissa,” I heard his voice inside my head.
“He will be fine, Alissa,” said Linus as he stood beside me and looked at Talon in the distance.
“Alissa, Linus, we need to talk but not here,” said John as he looked at Doyle Max and Zoe.
“Thorn will you look after our new friends?” asked Linus. “Alissa and I need to talk with John,” he added. Thorn just smiled and nodded his head as we walked past them. Linus led us deeper down into the cave.
“Now tell us what you have heard in the castle, John,” asked Linus.
“I will tell you all I know but first I need to ask you, Alissa, what do you see when you look at me?” he asked in a deep voice. “Wait, let me tell you what you see. You see a dwarf but your mother saw me as her closest friend. Your father sees me as his fool but that is how I became Linus’ spy,” he said, as he looked at me. “No one thinks anything of a fool,” he said with a smile on his face. “But I wish with all my heart that you will see me as your mother did, your closest friend and not just as a dwarf, Alissa, and that’s all I want,” he added in a softer voice, as he sat down with me.
“John, if you let me speak I would have said I see a new friend. A friend that is good with a sword, I’m told, and someone who can teach me all he knows,” I said as I looked at his sword on his belt. I took his hand in mine and smiled at him, then at Linus.
“Alissa, you look so much like your mother,” said John as he looked into my eyes still holding my hand. I looked at Linus who smiled back at me.
“That’s true,” he said. “But Alissa, Warwick is more worried about your powers than he is letting on. He knows with every day that passes your powers are getting stronger,” said John, looking at me harder. “He has sent more of his men to find you. They are spreading throughout the kingdom. He won’t stop until he has destroyed you and anyone who has helped you,” John added now with anger and concern in his voice, as he looked away from me, then to Linus.
“I have placed a protection spell around this cave. I think I should go and see if it is still holding strong,” said Linus, as he walked away leaving me alone with John.
“Tell me, are you afraid about all that Linus has told you in this world?” asked John looking at me as he started to light a new fire.
“I would be lying if I said no,” I said as I sat next to him. “Warwick scares me. Not only do I have to hear about what he has done but I have to see it too, in my mind,” I said as I looked into the fire. “But I am more afraid of letting all of you and the people of Akizma down. You all expect so much of me,” I added. “I don’t know if I have it in me to stop Warwick. I want to stop him. He might be my father but he has caused so much pain and bloodshed to his land, it has to stop,” I said. “The pain of the people and the creatures of this land feels like it is my pain. My heart breaks with every victim of Warwick’s. Especially for what he put my mother through, and Eve, I know in my heart that she met the same fate as so many people that stood against Warwick,” I said trying to hold back my tears.
“Alissa, if you had told me that you were not afraid I would think that there was something wrong with you,” said John as he added more wood to the fire. “You need that fear for what lies ahead of you,” he said. “But when the time comes when you come up against Warwick you need to push that fear down deep inside of you because he will show no fear as he kills you. So you must kill him first,” John added. “Serena would be so proud of you, Alissa if she was here now. Not only do you have the same look about you, your heart is as good and pure as Serena’s was.”
“Do I really look like my mother?” I asked John.
“Yes, you have the same hair, eyes and—oh yes, that smile. That smile. You look just like Serena when you smile,” said John, as he looked at me. I smiled just thinking about all the things I have of my mother. “The only things you have of Warwick is the same mark on your face and his powers but your powers will be his end, once and for all,” said John. Hearing John talking like that, I could feel a tear falling down my face again. I couldn’t help but think about all of Warwick’s cruelty and how if I didn’t kill him, no one in this world would ever know peace again. That’s when Linus and the others came in to us.
“What’s wrong, Alissa?” asked Zoe as she sat next to me.
“I’m okay,” I said as I brushed my tears away. “I’ve just got some dirt in my eyes, that’s all,” I said and smiled at her. “So, what have you lot been up to?” I asked.
“Thorn has been showing us some of his magic,” said Max as he sat on the other side of me, next to the fire.
“Really? Thorn has not shown me any of his magic. Come on Thorn, show me some of your magic?” I asked as I looked up at him.
“It is not as strong as Linus, or your powers,” he said as he looked down at me. “It’s just a bit of fun little tricks,” he added.
“Yes and that’s what we need, some fun in this cave. As Alissa said, let’s see some magic,” said John as he smiled at Max the youngest of the children.
“As you wish, everyone look at the wall of the cave,” said Thorn he started to make shadow puppets on the wall. “Keep watching,” he told me and John. “It gets better,” he said, he as looked me and John with a smile on his face. We looked at the shadow puppets they started to come to life in front of our eyes. There was a rabbit running around the cave with a dog running after it and then a bird was flying around the cave, now full of laughter that echoed all around us. For the first time since I came to Akizma, there was laughter around me.
“Come, I think it is time for you two to get some sleep,” said Linus, as he looked down at Zoe and Max, who could not hide the fact that they were starting to fall asleep. I did not realise that the rest of the day had gone by so fast with talking with John and playing with the children, I thought to myself. “Linus is right it is late and you need to sleep. Let’s find you somewhere to sleep,” I said as we got to our feet and left the others around the fire.
“Here, you will sleep better on these blankets,” said Linus as he placed them on the ground.
“Sleep well,” I said, as I covered Max with the blanket.
“Morning will soon come when you close your eyes,” Linus told Zoe as she lay down next to her brother.
“Alissa will you sit with us until we fall asleep, please?” asked Max with a tear falling down his cheek.
“Yes, of course I will,” I said as I sat next to them.
“Doyle will you stay with us until we fall asleep too?” asked Zoe as she opened her eyes again and looked at him as he walked past us. Doyle just smiled at her as he sat next to her.
“So, Doyle tell me something about yourself,” I asked him as I ran my fingers through Max’s blond hair.
“Why do you want to know about me?” he asked looking down at his feet.
“Because I want to know as much as I can about the people of this world,” I said as he looked back at me.
“Nothing about my old life matters anymore. The only thing you need to know about me now is the promise I made on the graves of these children’s parents, and that was to keep them safe and to help bring an end to these dark days of the king,” he added looking back at Zoe and Max.
“Zoe and Max are lucky to have you watching over them,” I said as we got up as they fell asleep at last.
“Alissa, it is the three us that are the lucky ones. Lucky that Thorn found us and brought us to you,” said Doyle as we left the children to sleep. “I would lay down my life for these children and now I will for you,” he added as he placed his hand on my shoulder to stop me from walking away from him.
Hearing his words a part of me felt honoured but I could feel all the pressure building up inside of me again.
“Come, let’s go back to the others,” I said as we made our way back to Linus, Thorn and John who were still sat around the fire.
Back with Talon who flying far away from the cave all he could see was smoke everywhere he looked. But each time he flew over the burnt-out villages he would fly lower so he could see if anyone was alive. Each time there was no sign of any life so he went on his way. I will not fail you Alissa there have to be survivors out here somewhere, he thought as he flew away from burning village after burning village. As he looked down at the ground once more, he saw people running from a village. At last survivors, Alissa, he thought to himself as he looked back at the mountains then back down at the people. “Dragon!” the villagers screamed out. “He’s going to kill us all!” they yelled out loud. Talon landed in front of the villagers who were still trying to run away from him. “Wait, please!” Talon cried out to them. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he said. The villagers fell to the ground in fear.
“Warwick has sent another dragon to kill us all!” yelled out a man holding on to some of the other villagers.
“I am not with Warwick,” said Talon as he looked down at the frightened people. “Please believe me,” he added in a soft voice. “You all have heard of the girl with the same mark as the king?” asked Talon.
“Yes, the one that will free us all from king Warwick. That is just a story that we tell to keep the young ones going on in life. It’s just a bed time story,” said a woman, holding her children close to her side.
“She is not just a story. She is as real as you and me and it was her who has sent me to look for more people to join her in her fight against Warwick, her own father,” said Talon. “Will you all go to the northern mountains where she waits for you? Who will join us?” Talon added, looking at everyone.
“How do we know you are telling the truth? This could be one of Warwick’s tricks,” said the village leader as he stepped forward from everyone. “Bring us this girl so we can if she bears the mark of the king,” he added as he looked up at Talon with the other villagers all agreeing with their leader.
“I can’t do that. It is too dangerous for her to be out in the open,” said Talon. “She is still learning how to use her powers,” he said now looking down at the leader.
“What if I take one of your people to see for themselves and come back to you and tell you what they have seen?” asked Talon now looking at everyone again.
“Fine,” the leader said, as he looked at his people. “Let us choose who will go,” he said. Talon watched as they all huddled into a circle and talked about who would go with this dragon to see this girl with the mark of the king. It did not take long before a young woman stepped forward from the villagers.
“My name is Krista, I am the oldest daughter of the leader of this village,” she said looking at Talon in the eyes. “At 21 years old in this village, the children of the leader have to prove themselves in a test of leadership,” she said not looking away from Talon’s eyes. “No one will go with you, they don’t trust you,” she added as she looked back at her people. “This is my 21st year of life and like I said, I am the daughter of the village leader. So, if I go with you this will be my test of leadership,” she said now looking to her father. “So, here I am ready to go with you, dragon,” she said, looking back at Talon.
“Well then climb up on my back, we don’t have much time,” said Talon looking down at the villagers. “Krista, you don’t have to do this,” said her father as he threw his arms around her.
“Yes, I do you, know I have to do this. I will come back to you, father,” she said as she pulled away from him and climbed up on to Talon’s back. She took one last look at her people, not knowing if she would ever see them again. With Krista now on his back, Talon took to the sky just as fast as he landed.
“Hold on to me, Krista,” said Talon.
“So dragon, what do I call you?” asked Krista.
“My name is Talon. Tell me Krista, what did this other dragon look like? The one that attacked your homes,” he asked her.
“It looked a bit like you, but where you are dark purple with pink along your back with blue eyes, this one was black with red running down its back and red eyes to match,” said Krista with fear in her voice. As she told Talon what this other dragon looked like a tear formed in his eyes but Krista did not see them. She was holding on tightly to him and trying not to look down.
“Alissa, I saw your mother before Warwick had her killed,” said John. “She gave this to me,” he added as he took a letter from out of his shirt. “She knew you would come back. This is the last thing she wrote for you. She told me to tell you that this will explain all you need to know and how much she wanted you in her life and how much she loved you,” he said as he pushed the letter into my hand. “I will take my leave of you, so you can read your mother’s letter alone,” said John as he got to his feet.
I started to read the letter all by myself by the fire. It said:
To my brave daughter Alissa I wish things were different for you in your life. I wish this land was how it was when I was your age, full of good magic and happiness not the way you are seeing it now. But knowing that Linus, John and Thorn will always be by your side makes me feel like there is hope returning to Akizma. Like there used to be, even if I am not around to see it with you. I know I don’t have to tell you to pay attention to what Linus has to teach you and I know you will make this world peaceful and full of good magic once more. I want you to know that I am always by your side in the fight that lies ahead of you and I love you and always will no matter what happens to me. Be strong my daughter.
As I read my mother’s last words my tears fell on to the letter.
“Alissa, are you alright?” asked Thorn as he sat beside me and looked at the letter.
“Yes I’m fine. I was just reading this from Serena—no, not Serena—from my mother. She is my mother,” I said looking at the last line of her letter. “It’s like she is right here with me,” I said, as I looked at Thorn with a tear running down my face.
“That’s because she will always be in your heart,” said Thorn. “Now come we need to get some rest,” he added as he helped me up to my feet. We went back to the others who were already fast asleep by the children. “Goodnight Alissa,” said Thorn as he lay down next to Linus. “Goodnight Thorn,” I said as I lay next to Zoe and Max. I don’t think I was asleep long before the sun rose up into the sky.
“Alissa, I have someone who needs to see you,” I heard Talon’s voice inside my head. Then the next thing I saw was Talon flying into the cave with a girl on his back. Everyone woke up as they heard and felt Talon land back inside the cave.
“Who is this?” I asked still feeling half asleep as I looked at him, then to the girl.
“I found survivors several villages to the east of here. Warwick had sent a dragon to destroy them all, but lucky for us there were survivors,” said Talon as he looked at me. “I told them about you and the powers you have and we need their help but they did not trust me after what had just happened to their homes by a dragon,” he added in a sad voice. “But I convinced them to let me take one of their people to come and see you for herself,” he said. “This is the brave villager who volunteered to come with me. This is Krista, the village leader’s daughter,” Talon added, as Krista got down from his back and walked over toward me.
“It is true, all that Talon has told me,” said Krista as she looked at me. “You have the mark of the king you are not just a story,” she added. “I am sorry for not believing you, Talon. It’s hard to trust a dragon after what happened to my village,” she said, as she turned toward him. “Please, forgive me,” she added as she looked into his eyes. “I already have,” said Talon, as he smiled at her then at me.
“Krista, what did the dragon look like?” I asked. But as she said it was black, the image of the dragon who killed my mother entered my mind. “Wait, with red running down it’s back?” I said looking at her.
“Yes, but how did you know that?” asked Krista. “Have you seen it before?” she asked.
“I have only seen this dragon in my visions,” I said as I looked at her.
“That’s one of Alissa’s powers,” said Zoe as she got to her feet and stood beside me. I just smiled down at her. But then all of a sudden, I felt cold and sad. I looked over at Talon, there were tears in his eyes. It was like Linus said, I could feel Talon’s sadness as my own. I walked over to him I could feel tears in my eyes. The closer I got to him, the sadness got stronger.
“Talon what is it? What’s wrong? Tell me,” I asked as I stood beside him and looked into his eyes.
“I cannot tell you, it will change how you look at me,” he said as his and my tears fell from our eyes.
“Talon we have only known each other for a short time but you are the closest friend I have ever had. Please, tell me what is wrong. Please, my friend,” I asked as I looked into his eyes.
“I cannot. Please, I cannot,” he said again as he turned away from me. So, I cleared my mind of everything other than Talon’s sadness. I placed my hands onto him and did the same thing as I did the last time to become one with him. “Talon please tell me what’s wrong. I’m not asking, I’m begging you. We have been through so much together now to have secrets. We can’t have secrets from each other. Now tell me, what’s wrong. Please, tell me,” I asked, as I could feel his sadness more now. “Nothing you tell me will ever change the way I look at you, my friend,” I thought to him. Then I started to hear his voice inside my head.
“Alissa, the dragon you saw in your vision and who destroyed the villages, he is my brother,” said Talon, his voice was shaking with sadness. “Your brother? Why did you not tell me he was your brother?” I asked him.
“How could I tell you that the dragon that killed your mother is my brother? It would change everything,” he said still with sadness in his voice.
“Now we need to get your army together. I can’t talk about him anymore. Please, don’t make me,” said Talon. “I promise to tell you all about my brother when the rest of Krista’s people get here. Please, I will tell you everything. Please, Alissa,” he said with a strong voice now.
“Okay but I will not forget my promise. I will now and always look at you as my friend and when you are ready to talk to me about your brother, I am here, Talon,” I said, as I concentrated to leave Talon’s body and go back into mine.
“Alissa what just happened? One minute you were talking to Talon then you went so still. You were just stood beside Talon with your hand on his side,” said Krista as she looked from me then to Talon.
“There is a power that I have that lets my spirit leave my body and go into a dragon’s body but I think you should talk to Linus about my powers. He has seen me use this power and he understands them better than I do,” I said, as I led her to him. Linus took Krista outside so he could talk to her about my powers. It did not take long before they came back to the rest of us.
“Alissa, Linus has told me everything. It’s too good to be true but like all the rest of your friends I can see an end of the dark days of King Warwick at last,” she said, as she looked at everyone in the cave. “I know with all that I have seen and heard here my people will want to join you in this fight,” she added, as she looked back to me.
“Thank you, Krista. We need all the help we can get. Talon I want you to take Krista back to her people so she can tell them what she has seen here,” said Linus. “Krista you know the way back here. Travel only at night. Bring your people here. There are more chambers to this cave for all of your people to stay here. It will be safer here,” Linus added, as he looked at me still with tears falling from my eyes.
“Talon, I cannot wait until you come back. I need to know please, tell me what happened to your brother. I need to know,” I asked as I brushed the tears away. “I know I said I could wait until you wanted to talk about him but I can feel your pain and sadness every time you look at me,” I added as I looked into his eyes.
“As you wish, but this will be easier if you use your power so we can be one,” he said looking down at me. So I did as he told me and soon as I placed my hand on to him we were one again. I was looking through his eyes again and all I could think was how fast I could now use this power.
“Alissa are you there?” asked Linus as he looked into Talon’s eyes.
“I’m with Talon,” I said. Again, my voice was Talon’s voice.
“This still feels strange,” I said to him. Talon closed his eyes.
“Alissa, I want you to see what happened to my brother, to see what Warwick did to him,” said Talon his voice now full of anger. As I listened to his voice Talon’s memories filled his mind for me to see them. I was reliving his memories, I was looking through his eyes. As I looked around, I could see that Talon was flying above our mountains but it felt like I was flying. As Talon looked ahead of him I could see a dragon that looked a lot like Talon, it was his brother flying in front of him. “Scorch!” Talon called out but once again it felt like it was me calling out to him. “Wait for me!” Talon cried out to him. He was flying faster than what felt like I was.
“What’s the matter little brother? Can’t keep up?” said Scorch as he looked back at Talon and laughed at him.
“I did not know this was a race,” said Talon as he passed his brother and laughed back at him. The land below us was full of people going about their business. The land was happy and at peace not how it is now, I thought to myself.
“Talon, you’ve beaten me in speed. How about a game of fireballs?” Scorch called out to him.
“Sure, if you are ready to lose at that too,” said Talon as he smiled at his brother.
“Don’t be so sure of yourself, little brother,” said Scorch still laughing at Talon as they landed in a large meadow.
“You go first, Talon. Let’s see what you got,” said Scorch, as he stood next to him. As he stood next to what felt like me, he stood taller than Talon. It felt like I took a breath in and held it for a minute and then I let out a big fireball into the sky.
“That was good but watch this, little brother,” said Scorch as he stood next to him. Then he rolled his head back to look into the sky. Talon just looked at his brother, waiting to see what his brother had in him. Scorch took a bigger breath in and held it longer than Talon did and then let out the biggest fireball up into the sky. I could feel the heat from the fireball.
“Never mind Talon. You will get better as you get bigger, that’s how it happened with me,” said Scorch. “My fireballs used to be small like yours, little brother,” he added as he laughed again at him.
“Race you home. I know I can beat you with speed, Scorch,” said Talon laughing back at his brother as they took to the sky again.
We were not flying for long then I saw a man calling to us down to him. As I looked at him I could see that it was Warwick calling to them. “We did not know Warwick at this time,” I heard Talon’s voice say to me in my head. Scorch landed at this strange man’s feet. Talon did not land even then. “You did not trust him, did you?” I thought to him.
We could not hear what Warwick was saying to Scorch we just watched from above. Then Warwick placed his hands onto Scorch’s skin Scorch let out a loud roar. “Nooooooooo! Stop! Get out of me!” he screamed. The next thing we saw was his skin changed in front of our eyes. Talon folded his wing’s back and fell down through the sky. “Noooo! Talon get away from him!” Scorch yelled out in pain as he looked at him and trying to fight Warwick’s power over him. As we looked at Scorch a strange smoke surrounded him blue smoke came out of Warwick’s body. Then the smoke fell away from them both Scorch was black with red running down his back and his eyes were now red and full of hate as he looked up at Talon.
“Scorch! Brother, what’s happened to you? Talk to me,” said Talon as he flew closer to him.
“You should have got away from me when I told you to little brother,” we heard Scorch yell up at Talon with anger and hate in his eyes as he took to the sky. Talon looked at his brother in shock. He had never heard his brother’s voice with anger before. Scorch looked at what felt like me, his eyes full of hate. He took a big breath in and then fireball after fireball hit Talon’s body.
“Brother, stop! Why are you doing this?” Talon cried out to Scorch. He launched himself at me and his razor-sharp claws ripped through Talon’s wings. I felt Talon’s pain as the claws cut deep into his wing. Talon tried to fly away but his wings could not hold us in the sky anymore. As I looked through Talon’s eyes I could see and feel everything that was happening to him. We started to fall out of the sky. Down, down, down we fell until we crashed into a cliff but the cliff’s edge could not hold us and crumbled from under us, so we fell into the sea below. Beneath the surface I saw Scorch fly over. He must have thought the fall had killed Talon. He just flew away, letting out a loud roar as he flew away. Talon and what felt like my body was washed up onto a beach. Talon looked at his wing as blood fell down over his body and onto the sand. Talon lay on the blood-stained beach for what felt like days and days until Linus found him and healed him with his potions.
“I have never been far from his side since that day,” said Talon. “But Linus has kept me hidden from Warwick and my brother,” I heard Talon’s voice again, but with sadness in it again. “Your father has turned Scorch’s heart and spirit as dark as his,” said Talon as he closed his eyes. When I opened my eyes, I was back in my body once more.
“I am so sorry my friend,” I said, as I wiped the tears away from Talon’s face. “I will give your brother back to you, Talon. I promise,” I said, as I rested my head against his. “I will put this all right,” I added as I felt my tear fall down my face.
“Now come you two, we need to get Krista’s people here. Krista are you ready to go?” asked Linus as he placed his hand on to my shoulder and his other hand on to Talon’s head.
“Yes, I will not let you down Alissa,” said Krista as she looked at me and Talon.
“Then there is no time to lose,” said Talon as he got to his feet and walked over to Krista.
“Good luck to you both,” said John, who was now stood beside me to watch them both fly out of sight.
“Linus, I know that I just promised Talon that I would give him his brother back but do you think that I can do all of these things?” I asked him as we walked back into the cave.
“Alissa, I think now that you are coming into your powers, there’s a good chance that you can give Scorch his life back and give Talon his brother back,” Linus said with a smile on his face. “But not only will you be able to do that with your good heart, you will bring peace to everyone,” he added.
“Then why are we hiding away up here, when Warwick is out there hurting the people of this land, if I will do all of these things you talk of?” I asked. I could feel and hear the anger in my voice with every word as I looked at Linus.
“Alissa, just because I said you can do all of these things you need to be more powerful than Warwick himself. You are not ready to face your father yet, none of us are,” said Linus as he looked in to my eyes.
“I’m sorry I don’t mean to lose my temper with you Linus. It’s just I hate being in here, when out there somewhere Warwick is hurting, no, killing people like Zoe and Max’s parents,” I said as I looked away from him.
“Alissa, it’s okay I know how you feel but come drink this, it will make you feel better,” said Linus as he pushed another one of his potions in to my hand.
“Alissa, I don’t mean to interrupt you but I need to tell you something,” said John as he walked toward me.
“That’s alright. What is it John?” I asked him.
“With Warwick becoming more threatened by the thought of you and your powers, I think someone should keep watch down at the mountain pass. I have a bad feeling that Warwick’s men might be getting closer,” said John as he knelt down beside me.
“When you say someone should keep watch, you mean you want to go and keep watch, don’t you?” said Linus, as he smiled from me to John. “Fine, just be careful my friend,” said Linus as he held out his hand and pulled him to his feet.
“You know me,” said John smiling at me then back to Linus. “Alissa, I know you will be as powerful as Linus says you will be but you still need to know how to fight with a sword,” said John. “I don’t mean to brag but I am the best swordsman here,” he said still smiling at me.
“Don’t let his height fool you Alissa. He is right,” said Linus.
“If you wish, I will teach you all I know when I get back,” John added. I smiled back at him but then that cold sweat came to me again. I closed my eyes and then I was Warwick again. I was sitting on his throne of black stone with a dragon’s head carved into its arms.
“My lord, I bring you a gift,” said Rydan as he grabbed a man covered in dirt and blood trying to fight his way out of Rydan’s hold on him.
“What is this?” said Warwick, looking down at them.
“He is a sorcerer my king,” said Rydan as he looked up at Warwick. “I found him running toward the northern mountains. He would not say why it is so important for him to get there, my lord,” he added. “My thoughts are that he has heard that the girl with your mark is in those mountains. Isn’t that right, my friend?” said Rydan as he pushed the man to the floor.
“Is that what you think, Rydan?” yelled out Warwick, as he got up. “Well, sorcerer, tell me is there any truth in what my Captain is telling me?” Warwick said, as he pulled the man’s head up by his hair to look into his eyes. “Tell me!” he yelled at the dirt-covered man.
“I will never tell you anything,” said the sorcerer and then he spat at what felt like me.
“If you are not going to talk, then I have no use of you,” said Warwick as he placed his sword onto the man’s chest. “One last chance, tell me what you know about the girl,” said Warwick in an evil voice, as he pushed the sword a little harder into the man’s chest.
“Never,” said the sorcerer in a strong and defiant voice as he looked down at his blood running down his chest and then back into Warwick’s eyes.
“So be it,” my friend Warwick said as he slowly pushed the sword into the sorcerer’s chest. Inch by inch the sword pushed into the sorcerer’s flesh. “Tell me what you know!” Warwick yelled out again.
“Nooooo,” the sorcerer cried out with blood pouring out of his chest but his eyes were fixed on Warwick. The screams filled the castle as Warwick slowly pulled the sword back out from the sorcerer’s chest.
“She will stop you,” whimpered the sorcerer as he fell at Warwick’s feet.
“I wonder what my new power will be,” said Warwick as he stepped over the sorcerer’s body and the pool of blood that flowed from his chest, with an evil look on his face. He walked over to the window, in his hand, the sorcerer’s blood covered the blade. Then as he looked at a tree it started to grow taller in front of what felt like my eyes. “So that’s my new power. I have the power to control the trees,” he said as he turned to look into the mirror. “Not much of a power,” he added with an evil look on his face, still looking at himself in the mirror. But then as he looked at his reflection harder I saw his face turn into my face in the mirror looking back at him. “I see you!” he yelled out in an evil voice. “I will find you my daughter,” he added as he looked at me with his cold evil eyes.
I looked away from the mirror then I was back in the cave. “Nooooo,” I cried out as stood up and I looked at Linus and John by my side both holding my hands. “Alissa it’s okay. You’re back with us now. What is it? What have you seen?” asked Linus as John helped me to sit back down and brought me some water.
“He saw me. He was looking into a mirror and his reflection turned into mine. He saw me Linus,” I said. “How can he have seen me? It’s never me in the mirror,” I said looking at Linus. “I can’t stop shaking. What’s wrong with me?”
“John add this to her water,” said Linus as he handed some blue powder to John.
“What is it?” asked John.
“It’s something to stop her from shaking, that’s all,” Linus told him as he poured the powder into the water. He watched the powder as it made the water glow blue and then faded away.
“Now did you see anything more than what you have told us?” asked Linus as I drank the water with John still holding my hand.
“Yes, he’s killed another sorcerer with the power over trees. I’m sorry Linus,” I said as I looked at his sad face. He just looked away from me and looked at the mountains.
“He is getting too strong, Alissa. We need to get the one power I told you about, the one that Warwick would never try to gain, the one that could kill him,” said Linus in a strong and angry voice as he looked back at me.
“John, you must stay here and wait for Talon to come back to the cave with Krista’s people,” said Linus, now looking at him.
“If you and Alissa are going somewhere you will need me,” said John looking from me to Linus.
“John as you keep saying, you are the best swordsman here. I need you here to teach Krista’s people how to fight. The battle is getting close now,” said Linus. “Tell Talon what has happened and that I have taken Alissa to the volcano where Warwick fears to go,” Linus added.
“You can trust me. Just be careful Linus. I will see you soon Alissa,” said John as he hugged me and helped me to my feet. “Alissa, I don’t know what you are going to go through up there at the volcano but all I can tell you is always trust your feelings,” John added.
“I will, John,” I said as he let go of my hand.
“Thorn, look after Zoe and Max with Doyle for me,” I asked him.
“You know I will, Alissa,” he said as he took my hand in his good luck to both of you he added.
“I need to say goodbye to Zoe, Max and Doyle,” I said looking at Linus.
“Make it quick. We need to leave now,” said Linus looking at me as he gathered some food and his potions together for the journey ahead of us. I walked deeper into the cave where Doyle took the kids to play. I could hear laughter fill the cave all around me.
“Zoe, Max, Doyle I need to talk to you, come sit with me,” I asked, as they were running from behind some rocks. “I have to go away with Linus for a while but Thorn, John and Doyle will look after you and I know you will look out for each other too, won’t you?” I said looking at Zoe and Max.
“I don’t want you to go, Alissa please don’t leave us,” said Zoe with tears falling from her eyes and holding her brother’s hand.
“Both of you come here. It’s going to be okay. I will be back sooner than you have a chance to miss me,” I said with them holding onto me.
“Good luck, Alissa,” said Doyle as he picked Max up and took Zoe by her hand. “We will see you soon,” he added with a smile on his face.
So, I left the cave with Linus by my side. I looked back to see the others still watching us. I will see them again, I thought to myself as I turned away from them.
“Alissa, we must go far into the mountains,” said Linus looking at a volcano in the distance.
“Linus, can I ask you a question?” I asked him when I looked to the volcano.
“Yes, but we need to keep moving,” he said. “Oh and put this on. We need you to blend in,” he added.
“You keep telling me about this power that I can have but Warwick cannot. What is going to happen to me? And Warwick’s men are getting closer to the mountains, they will come across our cave, they will take our friends away and do God knows what to them,” I said as I put on his long hooded cloak.
“That is more than one question, Alissa,” said Linus as he looked around at me and smiled. “First of all, the power we are going to find is inside a volcano.”
“In a volcano?” I said as I looked at him.
“Yes, a volcano. I’m not going to lie to you, Alissa. It is said that the one person that can own this power must have the purest heart and spirit,” he said as he helped me down from some high rocks. “Evil can never have this power,” he added. “To gain this power the person must give themself to the volcano in some sort of test, but if the person is not pure of heart and spirit, the volcano will kill you,” said Linus, still holding my hand. “I know you are the person that will pass this test,” he added, as we walked through the rocky pass. “Once you pass the test, no one knows what will happen to you. I’m sorry, Alissa,” he said looking away from me.
“You really believe in me that much? That I really am the one who can gain this power?” I asked him. I could feel my whole body shaking as I was talking to him.
“I do. You know I do, Alissa,” he said as he put his arm around me to stop me from shaking.
“Linus, just as you have not lied to me, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m scared but if you believe in me that much, I will try not to let you down, Linus,” I said as he held me.
“Alissa, you will gain this power, I know you will. Now let’s keep moving we have a long way to go,” he added with a smile on his face. “Now for your second question, our friends are safer than what we are out here,” said Linus. “The cave has my protection spell on it. Warwick’s men can go inside the cave but as long as everyone is quiet, it will just look like a normal cave. Our friends will feel like ghosts,” Linus added.
Hearing that our friends were safe made me feel better but what still scared me was the test that lay ahead of me. It felt like we had been walking for hours and still the volcano looked just as far away as ever.
“Alissa, we will rest here for the next few hours,” said Linus as I watched the sunset behind him. “But we cannot stay all night we must keep going,” he added as he sat down next to me.
Krista’s people were heading toward the mountains after hearing all that Talon had told them was true from Krista. Talon was high in the night sky keeping watch for Warwick’s men. “Keep going. We must get to the mountains. Alissa needs all of you,” Talon called down to them. It was strange every time he looked down at them there were more people walking with Krista’s people with their torches flickering in the dark they were not attacking them but just walking beside them. Talon landed in front of Krista’s people the ground shook with his landing.
“Krista, who are these people with you?” he asked her. A man covered in cuts and dirt walked up to Talon.
“My name is Matthew and these are my people, what’s left of them after the soldiers attacked our village three days ago. Since then, we have hidden in the forest. That’s when we heard the story of the girl who would fight the king and bring these evil days to an end,” said Matthew, looking up at Talon. “We might not look like much but we still have some fight left in our hearts. We want to help this, Alissa,” he added. “We all feel the need to be a part of Warwick’s downfall,” he said looking back at all the people and then back to Talon.
“I have seen Alissa. She bears the mark of the king. I believe she will do all that we have heard, but she has told me we all have a part to play in the battle that lies ahead of this land. She needs us all,” said Krista as she looked from Matthew then to Talon.
“Thank you, Matthew, Krista, thank you all. I know that Alissa will thank you herself for standing by her. Now we must get to the mountains. It’s not safe out here in the open like this, follow me,” said Talon as he took to the night sky again.
“Krista, how much further do we have to go?” asked Matthew, as they reached the mountain pass.
“Do you all see the mountain with the cave in it? Keep going toward it, that is where we are staying,” Talon called down to everyone as they all looked to the biggest mountain with smaller mountains beside it.
“Come, it’s not that much further,” said Krista, as she led the villagers through the jagged rocky path up to our cave. John was standing on guard outside of the cave.
“Talon, I see you have done well in your quest, my friend. Alissa will be pleased when she gets back,” he called out up at him.
“What do you mean when she gets back? Where has she gone?” asked Talon, as he landed beside John.
“Linus has taken her into the mountains in search of the power she can truly say is hers and hers alone,” said John as he looked in to Talon’s eyes.
“Warwick must be getting too powerful if Linus thinks she needs this extra power this soon,” said Talon as Krista walked past him and went into the cave.
“Yes, Alissa had a vision one of what Warwick is doing right now. He has killed another sorcerer and gained the power over the trees and so has Alissa,” explained John. “Talon, in her vision Warwick saw her when he looked into the mirror like he did in all of her visions, but this time his reflection turned in to Alissa’s. That’s when she woke up. I have never seen her look so scared,” John added. Talon just looked in to the mountains. “Alissa has left me behind to train Krista’s people how to fight,” said John.
“It is not just Krista’s people you need to teach. We seem to have gained more people who believe in Alissa and the battle that lies ahead of this land,” said Talon, still looking up into the mountains. “I’m going to see if Linus and Alissa need me,” said Talon without looking back at John and took to the sky as fast as he could.
Linus and I kept walking up through the mountain pass, the air all around us was getting hotter.
“We are getting closer,” said Linus, as the sun was starting to rise up in front of us.
“Linus do you think that Talon, Krista and her people are back at the cave safe yet?” But as I finished my sentence we heard a loud roar fill the sky. We looked up to the sky.
“Talon!” I cried out to him as he flew over us. Then he landed in front of me. I ran up to him and threw my arms over his head. “I missed you. So much has happened. Did Krista’s people believe her? Will they help us?” I asked him.
“Yes, they are with John as we speak,” said Talon as he looked at Linus. “John has told me what has happened. Get onto my back, I can see where you need to go from the sky,” he added.
Meanwhile, back at the cave Warwick’s men were heading toward our friends. John was still on look out as all the villagers were settling into their new surroundings.
“Everyone please listen to me. There is a spell on this cave. It will protect us from Warwick’s men. We think they are coming here,” said Thorn, as he looked at all the people around him.
“Thorn, they are coming this way,” John called into the cave all out of breath as he looked at Thorn.
“We all must be quiet as we can. Warwick’s men will come inside there is nothing we can do to stop that now, but trust me the spell that Linus has placed on this cave will keep us safe,” said Thorn as he looked at villager’s faces, full of fear, looking at him. “Now stay close to the cave wall. Trust me, everything will be okay,” Thorn added. Everyone did as Thorn said. As Warwick’s men walked into the cave, Doyle held Zoe and Max close to him as he looked down at them, he saw that they looked like ghosts and that everyone blended in with the cave wall. He knew the spell was working when one of the soldiers stood in front of him. The soldier was covered in dirt and blood. It felt like he was looking right into Doyle’s eyes. Zoe started to shake has she looked at the soldier, with blood still on his sword. Doyle was sure that this bloodthirsty man could see him the longer he stood looking at the cave wall. But then he turned away and walked around the cave with the other soldiers.
“Move out, there are more caves in these mountains. Warwick is sure that traitor Linus is hiding the girl that thinks she can bring an end to our great king,” shouted Rydan as he left the cave with his men behind him—all but one man. He looked right at Thorn. He looks taller and stronger than the rest of Warwick’s men, thought Thorn as he looked at him.
“Please, I can see you all. I’m not going to hurt you,” he said, as he placed his hand onto his blood-covered head like he was in pain. “Somehow the king can control my people just like that dragon of his. His hold over me is weak, that’s how I am able to see and talk to you. But I can feel it getting stronger,” he added. “Please, I never wanted this. I don’t want to hurt you or this Alissa. Please, she has the power to give me my freewill back,” he said with pain in his eyes. “Please, help me,” he added. Thorn could see in this strong looking man’s eyes that he was telling the truth.
“Aidan Wolf, I said move out of here!” yelled Rydan at him.
“Aidan, keep fighting him. Alissa will help you,” whispered Thorn, as Aidan turned away again. He looked in pain as he followed Rydan out of the cave.
“Thorn, how do you know we can trust that man?” said John, as he watched the soldiers marching off into the distance.
“It was in his eyes as he told me what was happening to him. Linus once told me that there were people that Warwick could take over,” said Thorn as he looked at John.
“All clear. You can all move,” said John as he walked away from the cave’s entrance. Soon, as everyone stepped away from the cave walls, they all looked at each other and saw that they were all back to normal once again.
“That is some spell,” said Doyle as he looked down at the children and smiled at them.
“Who here knows how to fight?” asked John as he looked around at everyone. Out of 50 people only 10 of them raised their hands.
“I see I have a lot of work to do,” said John as he looked at Thorn.
“Do any of you know how to make weapons?” asked John looking at them again. Six people raised their hands and stepped forward.
“I make weapons and I know how to fight with them,” a young woman said as she pushed her way through the men who laughed at her as she stood in front of John.
“Quiet,” John told the men, as he looked at her and her long brown hair and her hands which were cut and all blistered. “Did you make this sword?” asked John as he took it from her.
“Yes,” she said as John held it toward her. Then he swung it toward one of the men who had laughed at her.
“This is a fine sword. What is your name?” John asked her as he took the sword from the man’s throat.
“My name is Della Swift but my people just call me Swift,” she said as John handed her sword back to her.
“Trust me, this woman knows how to make weapons but you must show me you can fight with them,” said John as he let go of her sword and smiled at her. “I need everyone who can fight to teach, alongside me, the people who cannot fight,” he added. “When Alissa, Linus and Talon get back, I don’t want you just to be villagers, I want you to be an army, ready to fight at Alissa’s side for the freedom from Warwick’s reign over this land,” said John as he looked around at everyone.
“Look at that volcano,” I said as we flew toward the biggest volcano in front of us. The smoke filled the sky above it. “I’m guessing that’s the volcano you were talking about,” I said, looking from Linus and the volcano.
“Yes, Alissa are you ready to do whatever you are asked of?” asked Linus, as he placed his hand on my shoulder.
“I’m ready Linus, but my heart, it’s beating so hard,” I said as I looked back at him.
“It’s alright to be scared, Alissa, but just know we all believe in you,” Linus said, just as I was about to say how scared I was. It’s like he knew what I was going to say. Talon landed at the base of the volcano.
“I cannot land on the volcano. The ground it’s too unsteady,” said Talon as Linus and I got off of his back.
“I don’t know how long this is going to take, Talon,” said Linus, as he looked at the top of the volcano.
“Linus, I will stay here as long as it takes,” Talon said, as we turned to make our way up the volcano. “Alissa,” Talon called out. I turned back to see he was right behind me. “Good luck, Alissa. Come back to me safe,” he said with tears in his eyes.
“I will see you soon, my friend,” I said as I wrapped my arms over his head, I felt him push his head close to me. We let go of each other and once again I started to climb the volcano leaving my closest friend behind us.
“It’s getting hard to breathe, Linus. The air, it’s too hot,” I said as I looked up at him. “Come on, we need to keep climbing. The hotter the air gets the closer we are to your test. Here, give me your hand,” he said, as he pulled me up by his side.
“We have been climbing for ages and still there is no sign of the top of this bloody volcano,” I said as we kept clawing our way up through the ash and rocks. I could feel my mood changing from being scared to angry, as I felt my skin being ripped open by the hot jagged rocks. “I’m sorry Linus. I need to stop,” I said, as I sat looking down at my bleeding hands.
“Here, let me see your hands,” he said as he sat next to me. “Here, drink this. It should help with the pain,” said Linus. As I looked at my hands the bleeding stopped.
“Thank you, they feel a little better,” I said.
“I think we should get to the top of this volcano,” he said as we got to our feet.
Then, at last, we made it to the top. Even though it was night all around us, the air was so hot. I thought to myself as I looked over the land.
“Alissa come I don’t think anything is going to happen tonight. You should sleep I will keep watch. Here, let me tend to your cuts.”
“No, I just want to sleep. They are not bleeding any more that potion must still be working. They will be fine,” I said as I fell to the ground.
“As you wish,” said Linus, as I closed my eyes.
“Linus is right you have done well to get this far, sleep now,” a deep strange voice said as I fell asleep. I tried to open my eyes but I couldn’t, something was making me sleep. When I opened my eyes it was morning.
“Linus, last night did you hear a strange voice telling me to sleep?” I asked him.
“I did not hear anything, I’m sorry Alissa,” he said as he looked at the smoke coming out of the volcano.
“Alissa come to me, do not fear me. Come, come, come to me,” the strange voice said.
“Linus, there, can you hear that?”
“Hear what?” asked Linus, as he looked at me.
“Alissa, only you can hear me,” said the strange voice. The voice told me to come to it again as I stood up and walked to the edge of the volcano. It was like I was in a trance, I could no longer hear anything but the strange voice. I looked at Linus. He was trying to say something to me but I could not hear him. His lips were moving but no sound was coming out. I turned and looked down at the lava below me and again the voice filled my head.
“Come, come to me. Do not be afraid. You are in my trance at the moment but I will release you. Just know you must come to me, inside the volcano, for me to give you the power you need to bring peace to this land. You must take the leap of faith,” the voice said. “You are the one this land has been waiting for,” the voice added, as I felt the trance let go of me.
“Alissa, get away from the edge, please. It’s not safe,” said Linus. I turned toward Linus.
“I know what I need to do, Linus,” I said, as I stretched out my arms and closed my eyes.
“Alissa, what are you doing?” I heard Linus call out to me.
“This is my leap of faith,” I called out, as I just let myself fall back into the volcano.
“Nooooooooo!” I heard Linus cry out as I fell. Down, down, down I fell until I splashed into the lava.
What? What’s happening? I’m not burning, I thought to myself. I opened my eyes. I was in shock. I’m underneath the surface of lava. I’m dead. I must be dead. No one can live through this, I thought to myself again, as I looked at the lava rushing around me.
“Alissa, Alissa,” the deep strange voice called out to me again. I turned to see who was calling out my name. In the distance, I could see something swimming toward me.
“I am the spirit of the volcano,” the deep voice said. “I know why you have come here. You need the power that only the pure of heart and spirit can own,” the voice added. Then the spirit of the volcano was right in front of me.
“You’re a–a dragon,” I said as I looked at his body made of lava. He is beautiful, I thought to myself as I kept my eyes locked on him.
“Now I know I’m dead,” I said to myself in a soft voice, so he can’t hear me.
“You are not dead, you have survived all of this. You are the chosen one, the one I have been waiting for, just like the people of this land have been,” the lava dragon said, as he swam around me. “Your father could never have survived what you have this day,” said the lava dragon.
“He knows about you?” I asked.
“Yes, but he fears this legend and he never thought anyone would do what you have done this day,” the dragon added.
“How do you know what is happening outside of this volcano?” I asked him, as he looked at me.
“I am the spirit of this volcano and I am a part of this land. I see and feel the pain of the people and the land, and it’s all at the hands of Warwick,” he said. “Your mother told me all about you and your powers,” he added.
“My mother was killed by Warwick. How could she have told you about me?” I asked him, not taking my eyes off him.
“Serena’s spirit came to me before she could be at peace. She knew about me, that’s how her spirit could come to me,” he said, as he stopped in front of me and looked me in the eyes. “She told me that one day you would need my help. When she told me all I needed to know, her spirit moved on. She is now at peace but she is still watching over you, Alissa,” he said. “Close your eyes,” the dragon said now in a soft voice. “My power is the fire of the volcano and it will strengthen the powers you have already,” he said. His voice is so soft and kind. I trust him, everything about him. I closed my eyes. The dragon placed my hands on to his lava skin. I started to feel hotter than ever. Even with my eyes closed, I could see the light coming into me. It was the dragon, we were becoming one. As I opened my eyes, I felt such pain.
“Do you feel my power running through your blood, Alissa?” the dragon asked.
“It hurts,” I said out loud to him.
“The pain you are feeling is the pain of the land. It is up to you to heal the land of Akizma,” said the dragon. “Now you have my powers, use them wisely,” he added.
“Spirit, how can I ever thank you?” I asked him.
“Just bring peace back to this land and end the pain of the people,” he said.
“Spirit, what is your name? I can’t keep calling you spirit,” I said.
“Alissa, look at me,” he said as he left me.
“You can call me Rage, just like the rage of the volcano,” he said. He looked into my eyes as he swam in front of me again.
“How do I get back to the top of the volcano?” I asked Rage.
“Alissa, you are a part of me and this volcano. You can control the lava and fire. Just think about getting to the top and the lava will take you up there,” said Rage. “Now go, my power has made your powers more powerful, but that does not mean that you don’t need to practise them. Goodbye Alissa and good luck. I will be by your side like your mother, always,” said Rage, as he swam around me.
So, I did as Rage told me to. I just thought about being at the top of the volcano back with Linus. Then the lava was rushing around me. I was now on the surface of the lava and was being pushed up through the volcano, heading up toward the top. I moved faster and faster until, at last, I saw Linus looking down into the volcano where he last saw me. Linus quickly moved out of the way as I reached the top. I stopped the lava from going over the edge, stopping the volcano from erupting.
“Alissa, what has happened to you?” he asked as he looked at me strangely. “Your hair. You look different,” he added. I did not realise that having Rage’s power had changed me. I looked at my hair. It had gone from light brown to red, as red as the lava that surrounded me. My birthmark was still there just a bit lighter than before.
“What the…” I said, as I looked from my hair to Linus. But then I heard Rage’s voice.
“Remember, you are a part of me and the volcano and you are now more powerful than Warwick. He does not know this, please be careful, Alissa,” he added.
“Alissa, can you tell me what you went through, on the way back to our friends?” said Linus, as he took me by the hand and helped me out of the lava. As we walked down from the volcano, Talon landed in front of us.
“Alissa, tell me what was the spirit of the volcano like?” he asked, as he looked at me.
“Talon, you knew what was going to happen to me up there in the volcano, didn’t you?” I asked him. Talon looked at Linus with a smile on his face and then looked back at me.
“Yes, just as Linus knew that you would come back to Akizma, I knew you were destined to be the one to see the spirit of the volcano and live to tell the story of what he looked like,” said Talon as he lay down so we could climb up onto his back.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Talon?” I asked him.
“I couldn’t, this was for you to discover for yourself, Alissa,” he said as he smiled back at me. “You are now stronger and more gifted than Warwick is. All of your powers have been increased. The only thing that scares me is the war that is getting closer by the day,” he added, as we took to the sky once more.
“It scares me too, but like you said, I feel different I look different and I feel stronger too,” I said as I looked back at the volcano one last time.
“Swift, how are the people doing?” asked John as he stood behind her.
“Their skills, as you know, are coming along. I think it’s because they feel that the days of fear and suffering at the hands of Warwick are coming to an end. This is how they are quickly learning to fight,” said Swift, as they looked at the people and listened as the swords came together with hit after hit.
“How are we for weapons?” asked John.
“Everyone who can make the weapons we need has almost finished. Alissa’s army will all have their swords, shields, bows and arrows very soon,” said Swift as she walked back to the people who were working so hard on making the weapons.
“John, I want Alissa,” said Zoe with tears on her cheek.
“Zoe, listen to me. You know Alissa had to go away to get the last power she needs to fight for all of us,” said John as he held her in his arms.
“But Linus and Alissa have been gone so long. People are saying they have been captured by Warwick,” Zoe added with tears still running down her face.
“Zoe the people that are saying that she has been captured are new here they have not met her. If they had, they would know she has the power to look after herself,” said John. “And she is not alone, not only is Linus with her, she has Talon too and you know how he is with Alissa, don’t you?” he added with a smile on his face. “Now let’s go and find Doyle and Max and we will look out for Alissa and the others coming back, together,” said John, as he wiped the tears from her face with his sleeve. He took her by the hand and went to find Doyle and Max. “See I told you she would be back soon, look there,” said John pointing up at the sky. “Who’s that, Zoe, in the distance?” he added, as he looked at both Zoe and Max.
“Alissa! Talon! Linus!” Max yelled out, as he was jumping up and down by Doyle’s side.
“I told you they would be back safe and sound,” said John to the three of them, as they looked to the sky.
“It’s really them!” Zoe and Max yelled out again.
“Alissa look down there,” said Linus as we got closer to our cave. I looked down at the cave to see Zoe and Max waving up at us. Talon landed at the entrance of the cave. The ground shook as Talon landed.
“Alissa, we missed you,” Zoe and Max cried out. The dust flew up around Talon, as I climbed down off of his back. They ran toward me as the dust settled. They looked up at me differently than before.
“Alissa, what has happened to you? Your hair,” said Zoe as I knelt down to them.
“It’s okay, it’s still me,” I said as Zoe started to step away from me. “The new power has changed me, it changed the colour of my hair and that’s not all, it has made my other powers stronger. I will tell you all more later. For now, I need to see how you all are doing,” I said as I looked to Doyle and John. “One more thing, why am I still waiting for my hug from you two?” I asked them with my arms open. They both gave me one more look then jumped into my arms. “I have missed you all too,” I said as we got to our feet.
“Come, let’s get inside and you can tell us how things are going here,” said Linus as he led us back into the cave once more.
“I see Krista’s people got here safely,” I said as we walked past them. They all stopped doing what they were doing and just looked at me as I passed them.
“Linus, Alissa, Warwick’s men have been here, inside this cave, looking for you,” said John, as he looked from Linus then back to me.
“My spell worked, I see,” Linus said with a cool smile on his face, as he looked to Thorn.
“Yes, but there was one man who could see through your spell. A man called Aidan Wolf. He has told me that he has been taken over like Scorch. The spell is weak, that’s how he could talk to me,” said Thorn. “He has asked for Alissa’s help. He can feel Warwick’s hold over him getting stronger,” Thorn added.
“This could be a trap,” said John as he looked at Thorn.
“No, I don’t think so. There was something in his eyes when he spoke to me. I could see the fight in his eyes, to keep Warwick’s power from taking him over again,” said Thorn. “Linus, there was such pain in Aidan’s voice,” added Thorn as he looked to me.
“Linus, do you really think that I have the power to help this Aidan? We can’t let Warwick keep on hurting people like this,” I said, as I looked at Thorn.
“Alissa, listen to me. No matter what Warwick has done, you will always have the power inside you to undo it,” said Linus, as he looked at me then to Thorn.
“Alissa, I don’t know how far away Warwick’s men have gone from here,” said Thorn. “Somehow they knew you were going deeper into the mountains,” Thorn added, looking from me back to Linus.
“Linus, I’m sick of hiding in this cave. I want the suffering of Akizma and its people to be over. The ways of Warwick have to come to an end once and for all,” I said. I could feel the anger running through my whole body like never before.
“Thorn, come with me. The first thing I want to do is free this Aidan Wolf from Warwick’s power once and for all,” I said, as I looked to Talon.
Talon took to the night sky with me and Thorn on his back. As we flew high above the mountains, Thorn told me what Aidan Wolf looked like as I looked down at the pass.
“Alissa look down there, Warwick’s men and there he is, that’s Aidan,” said Thorn, as he pointed to him.
“Talon fly lower so I can jump off your back,” I said, as I placed my hands on Talon’s head. Talon did as I said. Thorn and I jumped down off of Talon’s back and ran behind part of the mountain.
“Alissa, we need to get Aidan away from the others,” said Thorn.
“Talon, we need a distraction,” I thought to him as he flew over us.
“I know what to do,” Talon said as his voice filled my head. I looked up to see him smile down at us. Talon then flew over Warwick’s men and let out a giant fireball at them. The men all fell to the ground from the blast of fire. “To your feet! Get me that dragon!” yelled Rydan. Slowly they all got to their feet and ran after Talon. Aidan was left behind, holding his head.
“Alissa, go to him,” said Thorn as we watched Warwick’s men run after Talon.
“Aidan, I’m Alissa. Thorn has told me what has happened to you. I want to help you,” I said, as he got to his feet. As he turned around to face me, I could see that he was taller and looked stronger than the rest of Warwick’s men. It was like looking at one of the action film stars I used watch on TV. His blonde hair had blood running through it, mixed with dust and dirt.
“The king’s daughter. Warwick’s daughter, you must die. I must kill you for my great king,” Aidan said, with one hand on his head and the other picking up his sword.
“Aidan don’t do this,” I called out, as I ducked under his sword.
“Alissa, here!” Thorn yelled as he threw a sword to me. Aidan’s sword and my sword crashed together again and again.
“Aidan, please stop!” I screamed as he pushed me into the mountain with one hand around my throat. I dropped my sword to the ground.
“I can’t breathe, Aidan please,” I cried out as I tried to kick at him. “Please, don’t do this,” I said as I placed my hand against his heart. As soon as I touched his skin, I saw what Warwick had done to him. He killed all of Aidan’s people. He attacked his village, lined up the survivors and placed his hands onto them. A strange blue smoke came from his hands and surrounded them, just like Scorch. Then when the smoke had died down, one by one Aidan’s people died with one last deafening cry as blood fell from their eyes. But when Warwick came to Aidan and placed his hand on him and the smoke died away, Aidan was the only one to survive it.
“Well, you seem to be the only one strong enough to handle the great gift that I have given you this day,” said Warwick with an evil smile on his face, as he looked at the bodies at his feet. Then he looked back at Aidan, as he fell to the ground holding his head. From that day, Aidan had been fighting Warwick’s hold over him. As I took my hand away from his scarred body, the blue smoke left Aidan’s body. Aidan and I both fell to the ground beside each other.
“Alissa, I am so sorry,” he said, as I tried to catch my breath.
“My sword, my life, but most of all my friendship is yours now and forever,” said Aidan. He held out his hand to me as he sat up next to me and tried to catch his breath from the fight.
“Aidan, I could not ask for anything more than your friendship. I’m glad to could break Warwick’s hold over you,” I said, as I held his hand in mine.
“I think we all should get out of here, don’t you think?” said Thorn, as he looked at me and Aidan and smiled at us both. Aidan got to his feet and with one hand pulled me up to mine.
“Talon, can you carry the three of us back home?” I asked, looking at our new friend then up to the sky at him.
“You know I can,” said Talon, as he landed beside us and smiled at me.
“Alissa, what you did was foolish, you could have been hurt but I’m glad for the outcome,” said Talon, as we took to the night sky.
“I am forever in your debt,” said Aidan as he held onto me.
“I see that your mission was a success,” said John as we landed at the cave entrance.
“It’s nice to see you again, Aidan,” John added.
“Alissa, Aidan, come sit with me by the fire,” said Linus as he looked up at us.
“Linus, Warwick has killed all of Aidan’s people,” I told him as we sat next to fire.
“I know. Aidan has magic, don’t you?” asked Linus. Aidan just nodded as he looked from me then back to the flames. “His people are born with magic like you, but like you, they have to come into their powers,” said Linus. “But until they come into their powers, they are taught to fight from a young age to protect themselves from danger,” said Linus. “But now Warwick has become too strong,” Linus added, as he looked at Aidan.
“One part of my powers is my strength and I can move things with my mind,” said Aidan, as he looked at the fire. “My people’s magic has been kept secret even from Warwick. If he knew that I have powers, well, you know what would have happened to me,” he said, as he looked from the fire straight into my eyes.
“Alissa now that your powers have been increased, that means you can bring more gargoyles to life to help us,” said Linus.
“That’s where Zoe Max and Doyle can help you. Look, they have been gathering more rocks for you. Look over there,” said Thorn as he pointed to one of the tunnels, then looked at Zoe and Max and smiled at them as they stood beside him.
“Alissa, you can turn rocks into living things? Into gargoyles? I have got to see this,” said Aidan as he looked from me to Zoe and Max.
“You will,” I said. “Come we will show you, won’t we Max?” I added as I stood over Aidan and took his hand and led him into the tunnels. As we walked through the cave all I could see lining the walls of the tunnel were tall piles of rocks.
“Wow you have been busy, haven’t you?” I said looking at Max and Zoe then at Doyle then back to Aidan. As I looked back at the rocks without concentrating they started to take shape but there was pain like the last time.
“Linus, come, it’s Alissa,” Aidan called out loud and he stopped me from falling over.
“My head, help me!” I cried out. But as I looked up at the rocks to see them change, the pain stopped and the rocks turned into gargoyles.
“Alissa, you are doing it. Look how many gargoyles you have brought to life,” said Linus who was now standing beside me. “I count 20 gargoyles, maybe more,” he added. “This is amazing. How is your head?” he asked, as he placed his hands on my head with Aidan still holding me.
“Linus, there was some pain at first like normal but now there is no more pain. I feel good,” I said as I looked at my gargoyles. All of them looked taller and stronger than the first gargoyle I made.
“Alissa, if there is no pain then you are one more step closer to the battle that lies ahead of us,” said Linus. “But for now we all need to rest,” Linus added. But his voice was fading away.
“Linus, I’m cold,” I said as that strange but sort of familiar cold sweat came to me once again.
“Linus, what’s happening? She’s like ice,” asked Aidan as he felt my skin.
“Alissa, come back,” I heard Aidan’s voice.
“Aidan lie her down. This is what she goes through when she has a vision. She’s going to be fine,” said Linus, as Aidan lay me down. “It’s okay for you to get some rest, Aidan. You will need it,” said Linus. “I will look after her,” he added as he held my hand in his.
“No, I will stay with her until she comes out of this,” said Aidan. So, I closed my eyes knowing that a vision was coming to me. This time I do not feel afraid, I thought to myself, as I opened my eyes. I was seeing through Warwick’s eyes again. I was back at the castle with Rydan in front of me, well, Warwick. I will never get use to this, I thought to myself, as I looked at Rydan through Warwick’s eyes.
“Why do I put up with all of your failures? Why? Why have you not been able to find my daughter?” Warwick yelled at him.
“Forgive me, my king,” begged Rydan, as he fell to his knees at Warwick’s feet. “It’s that Linus, he must have used his magic. Some sort of powerful spell to keep them safely hidden from us. There was a strange feeling about those mountains, my great king,” Rydan said looking up at Warwick. Through Warwick’s eyes, I felt glad to see that we were making him so uneasy. Warwick looked away from Rydan. I could feel the anger running through his body as he walked away from Rydan and went to the mirror and again, it was me there looking back at him. But this time I was not going to be scared of him, I thought to myself. Then, for the second time, I was no longer looking through his eyes. I was the reflection in the mirror but I still looked like my old self with my light brown hair looking at him.
“Your time is coming to an end, father. Look at me, you do not scare me anymore!” I yelled at him. He looked at me but not the way he looked at me before, he was shocked by my words.
“I am ready for this battle, are you?” he yelled and smashed the mirror with his bare hand. As the mirror broke, I opened my eyes again and I was back in the cave with Aidan helping me to my feet.
“Alissa, are you alright?” he asked, now holding me up.
“I’m fine, just a bit dizzy,” I said as I turned to look at him. I told Linus everything that happened in my vision.
“Everyone gather around Alissa. She needs to talk to you all,” Linus called out.
“For too long, Warwick has ruled over Akizma through fear, bloodshed and his power-hungry ways. He has killed anyone who has thoughts of their own, who has powers of their own,” I said, looking at all my people. “We have all lost people that we loved,” I added, looking at Zoe, Max and Aidan. “I loved my mother, Queen Serena, even though I didn’t have much time with her. But thanks to all who knew her. They have told me so much about her and what she gave up for me,” I said looking at Linus. “I feel like she is with us right now, keeping us moving forward to reach our goal and she will be fighting alongside us,” I added, looking at everyone as they chanted for the dead and for Akizma.
“Now we all must rest. The battle for Akizma is close at hand,” said Linus as he looked from me to all around our cave and the people.