Raiders of the Dark Coast: Rise of the Thrall Lord, #3

The Shin Tauri blade is perhaps one of the most powerful weapons ever crafted. Forged from cold iron by the master blacksmith, Tauriyama, numerous great runes of power had been painstakingly etched along its length. The legendary hero, Tibarn, wielded the weapon in the most decisive battle of the Thrall Wars. With it he drove the mightiest of all demons, along with its armies, back into the Abyss from whence it came. For ages it was thought the blade resided in the shrine at Tibarn’s ancestral home. Only recently the truth surfaced, that the blade had gone missing along with its master over a century ago…

- Lady Lara Stealle, High Wizard of Penwick

1

Across the Sea

I don’t mind the longer trip. I’m in no hurry to see her royal highness.

The mid-morning sun shone brightly in the sky ahead as the Cloud Hammer sailed across the open seas. Golden fingers of sunlight glistened across the blue waters far below as if beckoning the ship toward the eastern horizon.

One of the newest additions to the Penwick Royal Navy, the Cloud Hammer appeared similar to a seafaring vessel, yet no masts or sails stood upon its wide wooden decks. Instead, a pulsing ring of bright blue energy encircled the three fins that jutted from the stern of the vessel. The magic of a great air elemental powered the ring, but that alone could not keep the large ship aloft. The hull itself made that possible. Constructed from a sacred grove of Arcarion trees, the special wood was laced with mana and made the ship lighter than air.

Captain Pallas Stealle leaned against the rail at the prow of the Cloud Hammer, staring out absently at the seas ahead. He knew he should be focused on the mission before them. A lot more rode on it than just an alliance between Penwick and Lanfor. The fate of their entire world might in fact lay in the balance. However, try as he might, his mind kept wandering back to the same image—a dazzling smile and deep green eyes framed by silken tresses of coppery-colored hair.

Alys Dunamal had been traipsing around Pallas ever since she was a gangly young girl. Though shallow and flighty in her youth, Alys had grown in many ways since then. Now a vivacious and driven young woman, she proved to be capable in battle as well. In fact, she had even saved Pallas when his own carelessness nearly got him killed.

Just before Pallas left on this journey, the two of them kissed for the very first time. Enamored with the fiery young lady, he promised to resume their relationship upon his return. Due to the critical nature of their mission, he had thought to push all else aside for the time being. However, that was proving to be far more difficult than he imagined.

A copper piece for your thoughts, a familiar voice sounded behind him.

Pallas nearly jumped out of his skin. A glance over his shoulder confirmed that the voice belonged to his sister Thea. She met his gaze evenly, her pale blue eyes dancing with amusement.

Thea Stealle exuded an almost angelic presence between the pristine white robes she wore and her porcelain skin with just a hint of freckles. Regardless, at just three years her senior, Pallas had spent a good portion of his life at the receiving end of her sharp tongue and quick wit.

The corner of Pallas’ mouth lifted ever so slightly. Is it me, or were you practicing some sort of stealth technique?

As a spiritblade, Pallas could typically sense the aura of someone as they drew near. Yet his sister had also studied those arts, one of them being the masking of one’s own aura.

Thea drew up next to him at the rail and pushed back a lock of long brown hair that swept down well past her shoulders. It wasn’t anything I did. You appeared lost in thought. The amusement in her eyes traveled to her lips. Perhaps it had something to do with a certain mutual redheaded friend?

Pallas’ cheeks grew hot as the blood rushed to them. Alys and Thea had been close friends since their early teens. They had been nearly inseparable before the fatal incident at Thorn Isle. Afterwards, Alys had been sent away, not to return into their lives until just recently.

Apparently satisfied with the response she elicited, Thea chose not to press the subject any further. Mutual friends aside, I must admit I’m surprised that you left Penwick at all—especially with everything going on back there.

Pallas grimaced. Ever since the death and destruction of the pirate raids, he had sworn to protect their city. He had pushed himself to his limits and beyond learning the art of the spiritblade and climbing the ranks of the Penwick navy. Yet, none of that had quite prepared him for the invasion of their city by a pack of vampires. If it hadn’t been for Lloyd and his newfound friends, Penwick might have been overrun before they could stop the fiends. Much as Pallas hated to admit it, his kid brother had been better prepared to handle the situation than he himself.

Pallas cocked his head to one side and shrugged. I wasn’t exactly given much choice. Alburg suggested I act as courier to Lanfor and Caverinus agreed. It’s kind of hard to say no to both the Master of Coin and the Baron of Penwick.

Thea wore a wicked grin as she elbowed him in the side. You wouldn’t want to upset your future father-in-law, either.

Hmph, Pallas snorted. Alburg being Alys’ father had nothing to do with my decision. It was my duty, nothing more. A sly look crossed his face as he reached around her shoulders and gave her a rough squeeze. You on the other hand, sis, chose to come of your own free will.

Thea peered out over the seas ahead, a closemouthed laugh emanating from inside her throat. "Not exactly. A good part of me thought it my duty to stay in Penwick, but the High Priestess convinced me that I was being shortsighted. She turned her head to meet his gaze, her expression darkening. This business with the demons and those towers—if someone doesn’t do something about it soon, our entire world could go up in flames."

That’s why we need those rune scrolls, another voice said from not too far behind them.

This time Pallas had sensed someone approaching—two someones in fact. He and Thea turned about to find Donnie and Elladan walking across the foredeck towards them.

The two elves were like night and day. Donatello, or Donnie as his friends called him, was a wiry fellow with sandy blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and boyish good looks. Yet the baby-faced elf was far from innocent. He looked the part of a pirate with his puffy white shirt, brown vest, pants, and long boots. He also seemed to know far more about the Dark Coast than any outsider should.

In stark contrast to Donnie, Elladan was of a medium build with tightly-combed jet black hair and dark soulful eyes. Dressed almost exclusively in white, the elven bard was a talented performer. His smooth mannerisms and velvet voice were perfect for the stage, but he was far too handsome for Pallas’ taste—a fact exacerbated by his sister’s apparent interest in the elf.

With demon slaying weapons we’d stand half a chance, Donnie continued his point.

Donnie’s right, Elladan added with a dramatic wave of his hands. The Shin Tauri blade was a powerful rune sword. In the hands of the legendary warrior Tibarn, it proved a match for even the Lord of All Demons.

Pallas folded his arms across his chest and fixed the elf with a cynical stare. While I agree that rune weapons are of the utmost importance, I don’t think anyone short of my father could live up to the legend of Tibarn.

Elladan pursed his lips together and bobbed his head from side to side. I wouldn’t be too sure about that. I’ve seen Cyclone bury that overgrown hatchet of his in the hide of more than one dragon.

And I wouldn’t go selling your brother short either, Donnie said with a toothy grin. He’s felled everything from giant snakes to golems and dragons ever since I met him.

Gentlemen, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Thea chided the three of them. She stepped into their midst and swept her gaze around them all. First we need to find those scrolls. After that we can talk about making weapons and who will wield them.

Pallas unfolded his arms, a thin laugh escaping his lips. You’re right as usual, sis.

A sudden deep rumbling sound disrupted their conversation. Pallas arched an eyebrow at Thea, then led the way as the four of them crossed to the opposite rail. Down below on the main deck, the dragon Calipherous appeared to be having a discussion with two of the three Greymantle sisters.

Sprawled across the deck of the Cloud Hammer like some impossibly large cat, warm coppery scales covered most of the dragon’s body. Small spots of teal blue accented those scales here and there, while its great bat-like wings lay folded down close to its torso. The dragon’s large horned head rose up on its serpentine neck as it conversed with Ves and Ruka.

It would have been much faster if we flew to Lanfor on our own, Cal rumbled in his deep voice.

Ruka leaned back on one foot and smirked up at the stodgy dragon. "I don’t mind the longer trip. I’m in no hurry to see her royal highness." The sandy haired, emerald-eyed teen was the middle child of the Greymantles sisters. True to form, Ruka had the same temperament as Thea, right down to her acerbic tongue and stubborn nature.

Seemingly disquieted, Ves wrapped her arms around herself. So how long will it take this ship to get to Lanfor? The eldest of the three sisters, the golden-haired, green-blue eyed young lady seemed far more sensible and even-tempered than Ruka. In fact, in that respect she reminded Pallas much of himself.

The Captain told me it will take about two days to cross the Merchant’s Channel, Pallas called down to them.

The Queen herself had requested the Greymantles presence in Lanfor. The others had chosen to accompany them in hopes of pinpointing the location of the rune scrolls. According to Ruka, the Queen of Lanfor had a vast spy network up and down the coast. If anyone could point them in the right direction it would be her.

Cal, Ves, and Ruka turned their gaze towards Pallas and the others as they descended the stairs to the main deck. Ves pursed her lips together as she cast an eye up at Cal. That’s not really that much longer to wait.

I suppose you’re right, Cal rumbled with only a mild hint of irritation.

Ves moved closer to the dragon and rubbed her hand across the smaller scales along the bottom side of his neck. Cal purred like a kitten in response. Thea strode up next to Ves and joined her in soothing the stuffy copper dragon.

So what’s Lanfor like? Thea asked as she rubbed the dragon’s scales.

Cal made a deep rumbling noise as he cleared his enormous throat. Haroom, hum—well, the isle of Lanfor itself is about a quarter of the size of Thac, but it has been one nation since Flandril Farbican the First reunited the splintered kingdom in AF-726…

Ruka stretched her arms wide and interrupted the dragon with a loud yawn. Cal, she didn’t ask for a history lesson.

Cal swiveled his head toward her and tilted it to one side. But how does one truly know a place without knowing its history?

Ruka’s face contorted into a rueful grimace. Well if you’re going to bore everyone to death, count me out. With that the teen spun on her heel and marched off toward the other end of the ship.

Cal sighed as he watched her go. Alas, some folks have no appreciation for knowledge.

Ves gently patted the dragon’s neck, her voice filled with sympathy. It’s alright Cal. We understand. She took a breath, her tone growing tentative. Still, in fairness, they probably don’t need to know everything that happened in Lanfor since Farbican the First.

Cal peered down at her with a hurt look. Not you too?

Pallas had no idea that dragons could be so expressive. He genuinely felt sorry for Cal. After all, he was only trying to help. The young man cleared his throat and attempted to mollify the dragon’s feelings. Ahem, I do know a little bit about Lanfor history. For instance, their war with Parthos predated the one in Thac. That altercation ended with the death of both King Flandril and the Parthian’s ‘God-Emperor’.

Cal shifted his gaze to Pallas, the dragon’s eyes widening. That is correct, young man. He sounded both surprised and pleased. Afterwards, since no heir could pass the trials of the Amber Mount, Queen Amerelis ascended to the throne.

I’m not well versed in Lanfor lore. Elladan admitted. What exactly is this Amber Mount?

Pallas was surprised by the bard’s admission. In the short time he had known him, Elladan had interjected his thoughts on just about everything. Pallas found it refreshing to find something the bard did not profess to know about.

Ah, Cal rumbled with apparent relish, that’s the mountain temple that holds the tombs of all the Farbican ancestors. Any heir that seeks the throne must enter the temple complex and pass the ancestral trial. Yet, none has to this day and thus Queen Amerelis still holds the throne.

Pallas let out a low whistle. That’s over three hundred years. Is the Queen immortal?

Hmm, Cal murmured. Not that I am aware of. She does, however, have access to powerful magic. I assume she has used that to prolong her life while waiting for a worthy heir.

Fair enough. Pallas shrugged.

Thea, not to be outdone by her brother, expounded on what she knew of Lanfor history. If memory serves me right, not everyone is happy with the Queen. In fact, there have been at least a couple of rebellions since the beginning of her reign.

Yes, um, that is true, Cal responded in a measured tone. The dragon’s eyes strayed to Ves who had visibly paled at Thea’s comments.

Thea followed the dragon’s gaze and immediately bit her tongue. Did I say something wrong?

Ves gave her a wan smile and slowly shook her head. No, it’s nothing you did. It’s just—a friend of mine died in the last rebellion.

The deck grew quiet at her dire pronouncement. An awful feeling of déjà vu swept over Pallas. His vision clouded as vivid images flashed through his mind from six years ago.

Four youths lay still on the rocky ground beneath his feet. A slim figure with long brown hair and vacant blue eyes stared up at him. Next to her lay a gangly armed youth with copper tresses and a freckled face bereft of its dazzling smile.

Pallas’ heart hammered in his chest. It was all he could do to keep himself from shaking.

While Pallas wrestled with his inner demons, Thea appeared mortified. I’m so sorry, she said in a soft voice. She went over to Ves and wrapped her arms around the sullen young woman. When she pulled back, Pallas could see tears in both women’s eyes.

Were you very close? Thea asked in a hushed voice.

Shandi sacrificed herself to save my life, Ves responded with a deep sigh.

Pallas understood that all too well. He would easily have sacrificed his own life to save his sister and her friends from their untimely deaths. Though they had been resurrected, not every soul came back. Even when they did, they were never the same as evidenced by his sister’s sudden decision to join the clergy.

Thea pulled Ves into a close embrace. She held onto her as silent tears dripped down the young woman’s face.

Haroom, Cal cleared his throat once more. When the dragon spoke, his tone was surprisingly low. That is how we came to know the Farbicans. After Shandillis’ sacrifice, Ves’ parents flew to Lanfor and helped the Queen crush the rebellion.

Thea grasped Ves by the shoulders and looked her directly in the eye. You cannot blame yourself for what happened. You were young and what this Shandillis did was truly selfless.

Yeah, it’s hard to believe she was related to Anya, Donnie interjected glibly.

Donnie! Elladan smacked his fellow elf in the arm.

Though obviously trying to lighten the mood, Donnie’s comment was ill timed at best. For once Pallas agreed with Elladan.

The slight elf drew back and winced. What? It’s true.

Ves pulled away from Thea and gave Donnie the thinnest of smiles. It’s quite alright. Donatello is not wrong. Though she is of the royal line, Princess Anya’s behavior has been quite inexcusable.

Her statement left Pallas feeling bewildered. He had heard rumors of the Princess Anya of Lanfor cruising about Thac in her royal airship, but little else. Pardon me for asking, but how so?

You mean besides nearly burying us beneath the Golem Master’s monolith? Elladan answered for Ves, sounding quite agitated.

Pallas’ jaw dropped open. The princess did that?

Even worse, Elladan went on, his agitation growing as he spoke. She kidnapped Ves and tried to turn her into one of her dragon zombies.

Pallas stared at him in stark disbelief. He and his siblings had been raised to believe in noblesse oblige, that their responsibilities to the people far outweighed the privileges of rank. While not naïve to the fact that many nobles abused their power, it went against every fiber of his being.

A slight grin spread across Donnie’s face as he elbowed his friend in the side. Come on, Elladan. We know that’s not the real reason you’re still mad at Anya.

The bard turned and glared at his fellow elf causing Donnie to break out into fits of laughter.

Pallas eyed the two curiously. There was obviously some sort of inside joke going on between them. Mirroring his thoughts, Thea placed her hands on her hips and swept her gaze from one to the other. Are we missing something?

Still chuckling, Donnie explained his reaction to her. When we first met Anya, she turned Elladan into a little fluffy bunny. She walked around with him in her arms for almost an hour before turning him back.

Elladan continued to glare at his friend until Thea placed a hand on his arm. I bet you were a handsome rabbit.

Elladan’s angry demeanor swiftly melted off his face. Pallas, on the other hand, felt the sudden urge to vomit. Stifling the feeling, he swiftly changed the subject. Ahem, so Ves, if you don’t mind my asking, what were you doing in Lanfor at the time?

Her previous pallor all but gone, Ves returned his gaze with an earnest stare. I was studying ecclesiastics at the temple in the Greystone Halls.

Once again, Cal expanded on Ves’ answer. Palt is a vast center of culture, knowledge, and magic. Nothing exemplifies that more than the Greystone Halls. Not only do they house the largest library this side of the world, but the temple complex provides ecclesiastical studies of all the gods, and its deep vaults house magic artifacts of unimaginable power.

Pallas had to admit that did sound quite impressive. The others seemed to think so as well.

Donnie glanced at Elladan and whistled. Glo is going to really regret not coming with us.

Elladan chuckled. You’re probably right.

Donnie’s eyes widened as if struck with a sudden idea. He wagged a finger at his friend. You know, maybe you should consider dropping off the contents of your portal bag there.

Elladan pressed his lips together and nodded. There are a few things in there that would be better off not seeing the light of day ever again.

Thea frowned at him. Just what do you have in there?

Elladan and Donnie exchange a guilty glance. Just a few evil artifacts we collected along the way, Elladan admitted in a soft voice.

Thea’s hands went back to her hips, her tone accusatory. Why would you hold onto something like that?

Pallas had been the brunt of his sister’s temper more times than he could count. If it were anyone else but the bard, he would feel sorry for them.

Well, Elladan stammered, there never seemed like a good time—or good place—to get rid of any of it.

Bad choice of words there, friend, Pallas thought to himself. Knowing what was coming next, he now did feel sorry for the elf.

Thea took in a sharp breath, her face darkening. Yet she didn’t immediately lash out at the bard. When she did speak, however, there was a dangerous edge to her voice. "You do know I’m a Priestess of Arenor—you know, the God of Light?"

Elladan’s face had gone completely ashen. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

The sudden turn of events should have filled Pallas with glee. Though, much as he disliked Elladan, even he did not deserve the full extent of his sister’s wrath.

Pallas nearly stepped in at that point, but Ves beat him to it. She laced her arm through Thea’s and gave her a gentle tug. Well then, you’re just going to love the Greystone Halls. People come from all over the world to study and worship there. Thea’s anger swiftly faded as Ves described the temple within the Halls. Engrossed in their conversation, the young lady led the priestess away across the deck.

Whew. Elladan sighed once the two were out of earshot.

Donnie nudged him in the arm. Dodged a bullet there my friend.

Elladan glowered back at the slight elf. Yeah, no thanks to you.

Donnie shrugged and grinned. What are friends for?

You’re incorrigible, Elladan groaned at first then finally laughed.

Donnie shrugged and flashed his friend a bright smile. I do my best.

Pallas could see he was going to have his hands full on this trip with these two. He gazed at the dragon with a plaintive stare. Cal locked eyes with him for a few moments, then tilted his head to one side and let out a deep rumbling laugh.

2

Heir to the Blade

Aldurin charged me with finding the Shin Tauri blade. It will be sorely needed in the days to come.

Morning had broken two days later when a large land mass appeared on the eastern horizon. At the same time, storm clouds emerged to the south. Frequent bolts of lightning flashed amidst those dark clouds, revealing the storm to be massive. Elladan Narmolanya had traveled far and wide across eastern Thac, visiting most of its cities and ports. Nevertheless, in all his one hundred and fifteen years, he had never seen anything like it.

Donnie leaned nonchalantly on the rail beside him. Nearly as old as Elladan himself, the slim elf had alluded to having spent time along this coast. Elladan decided to put his friend’s knowledge to the test. Nudging the elf in the shoulder, Elladan pointed out the strange phenomena. What in Arinthar is that thing?

Donnie winked and gave him a sparkling grin. That, my friend, is what ‘coasters’ refer to as the Vortex.

As a bard, Elladan was well versed in not just music, but many diverse subjects. Geography and history in particular were two of his favorite areas of study. Yet despite all that, he had never heard or read of this ‘Vortex’.

Elladan stared with keen interest at the tall clouds massed along the southern horizon. Is it some kind of local phenomena?

Never one to miss the chance to tell a good story, Donnie stood and launched into a colorful tale. There’s nothing else quite like it in the rest of the world. Legend has it two identical storms formed after the fall of the Baleful Moon. Donnie made two fists and held them apart. Their great winds drew the storms side by side—he brought his hands within an inch of each other— and they have been locked in a perpetual dance ever since. The slim elf finished his narrative by spinning each of his fists around the other.

That’s some story, Elladan acknowledged, admiring it almost as much as his friend’s presentation. Any truth to it?

Donnie shrugged and went back to leaning against the rail. Who knows—but the storms are real, I can tell you that.

So that’s the infamous vortex, a male voice sounded behind them.

Elladan glanced over his shoulder to see both Pallas and Thea approaching. The bard immediately spun about and executed a formal bow.

Good morning, Thea. Her name rolled off his tongue with a sensation that warmed his insides.

Elladan had been smitten with the young lady ever since they first met. It was not some kind of schoolboy crush though. Elladan had known far too many women to be that naïve. No, aside from her obvious beauty, Thea had a razor sharp wit, and a strong personality to match. She was also extremely knowledgeable. Elladan found all those qualities in one person quite hard to resist.

Good morning, Elladan, Thea responded, her serious expression tempered by the glint of mirth in her eyes.

Elladan, Pallas echoed his name flatly along with a curt nod.

The eldest of the Stealle siblings, Pallas walked about with a distinct chip on his shoulder. Try as he might, Elladan just couldn’t seem to break the ice with him. Alys Dunamal appeared to be the only one to have broken through his defenses. Somehow, the fiery redhead had managed to melt Pallas’ stone cold heart.

Once their morning greetings were done, Thea peered past them toward the storms on the horizon. Just how far away is that?

Donnie placed a hand on his chin as he mulled over her question. I’d have to say about two hundred to two hundred and fifty miles.

Elladan let out a low whistle. If we can see them at this distance, they must be huge!

Pallas strode past them and planted his hands on the rail, his eyes fixed on the giant storms. I hear it’s a thousand mile trip just to circumvent the whole thing.

Elladan followed his gaze with a begrudging smile. That’s one heck of a detour. It must wreak havoc on shipping.

Donnie strode up beside Pallas and pointed a finger toward the center of the Vortex. There’s a tight channel between the two storms. Experienced navigators have been known to ‘thread the needle’ of the Vortex, so to speak.

You mean crazy navigators, Elladan snorted, certain no one in their right mind would make such a journey.

Pallas, on the other hand, disagreed with his assessment. I could see it—with a fast ship and a good navigator.

Thea strode up beside her brother and punched him lightly in the arm. Just don’t go getting any ideas.

Pallas fixed her with an incredulous stare. Me? You know me better than that. Plus, what would be the point? After all, we have an airship.

A few hours later, the land mass before them had spread across the eastern horizon. A long peninsula jutted out from it with a lighthouse standing at the cliffs on its very edge. The four of them gathered at the starboard rail to gaze at the tall structure as they flew past. Judging from the size of the lighthouse, the lantern inside must have been as large as a person.

That’s Phobas Light, Cal informed them as they drew within a few hundred yards of the towering structure.

After the original God of Light, Thea murmured, her tone one of awe.

Elladan had to admit, it was a rather impressive sight. The four of them continued to admire Phobas Light as the Cloud Hammer crossed from the open seas to the wide bay beyond. Even so, despite the remarkable nature of the structure, it did not adequately prepare them for their first glimpse of the city of Palt.

With the lighthouse receding behind them, the foursome moved up to the foredeck. The silhouette of a jagged skyline towered over the shore at the other end of the bay. At first, Elladan mistook it for a range of mountains, but as they drew closer, he realized those lines were far too smooth to be natural. Dozens of tall shapes marked that skyline, some squared, some rounded, and others rising to a single point.

His jaw dropped as the realization struck him. That’s a city!

In Elladan’s travels, he had visited his share of large cities. He’d even been to Lymerdia, the capital of Thac. Yet the cityscape that lay before them dwarfed all those in comparison.

Shading her eyes, Thea let out a stifled gasp. It must be at least twice the size of Penwick!

Pallas nudged his sister in the arm. If you think that’s huge, check out the seaport.

Dozens of docks jutted out from the base of the city where the shore met the bay. Ships of all sizes and shapes sat moored at those piers. Many others approached from the bay waters below, but appeared to be stopped at a line of vessels displaying the gold and purple of Lanfor.

I wonder what all that’s about? Elladan said, pointing at the queue of waiting ships.

Pallas raised an eyebrow as he followed Elladan’s gaze. It appears to be some sort of blockade.

Donnie leaned over the rail and squinted at the blockade below. They look to be boarding and searching each ship.

I wonder what they do about airships? Elladan mused aloud.

I think your answer is headed this way, Thea said, motioning toward the city.

A group of dots had appeared in the sky between them and Palt. As Elladan watched, the dots grew in size. Whatever they were, the entire group was headed this way.

Donnie strode over to the back rail and called down to the main deck, We’ve got company!

In response to his cry, Cal’s large head rose up over the rail. Where? the dragon rumbled.

Donnie pointed in the direction of the city. Cal lifted his head even further, his great eyes narrowing as he peered past the slight elf. Hmm, they appear to be riders.

What are they riding? Ves asked as she and Ruka ascended the stairs to the foredeck.

Cal narrowed his eyes even more. I believe they are those long boards the Queen had magically outfitted for flight.

Oh, that sounds like fun, a young voice gushed. A little girl with long golden-blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and big dimples accompanied Ves and Ruka. Maya was the youngest of the Greymantle sisters, her appearance that of an eight year old human child. She twirled out in front of her sisters, her little pinafore swishing about as she spun in circles.

Not as much fun as flying on your own power, a gruff voice said from behind the three sisters. A muscular young man with short brown hair and intense blue eyes appeared at the top stairs. Once a fierce dragon hunter, Cyclone had turned into something more—a powerful ally and slayer of any creature that worshipped the dark.

I hear that, Ruka acknowledged, the corner of her mouth lifting upward.

The group gathered at the bow of the foredeck as the longboard riders approached. Elladan counted thirty in all, each balancing in a low crouch across an orange textured wooden board. Affixed to the center of each board sat a brilliantly glowing blue orb. An aura of energy emanated from it, encircling the board in a manner similar to the great ring that propelled the Cloud Hammer through the air.

The riders fanned out as they reached the ship, circling about like bees around a nest. Elladan noted the purple helmets and uniforms with golden shoulder pads, buttons, and stripes—once again the colors of Lanfor.

A flier wearing captain’s stripes drew up to the railing and hovered there. Interestingly, the rider appeared no more than three feet tall with a black shortsword strapped to his back. Beneath his helmet Elladan spied a youthful face that reminded him of Aksel.

State your name and business, the captain said with an obvious edge to his voice.

Ves stepped forward and spoke for the group. I am Vestiralanna Greymantle and these are my friends and family. We wish an audience with the Queen.

The captain peered around the group, his eyes momentarily resting on Cal. His gaze then returned to Ves, his small shoulders visibly relaxing. Greymantle? Alright. We have standing orders to bring you to the Queen.

Ves responded with a polite smile. Very good.

The captain hesitated a moment as he swept his eyes around the ship. Unfortunately, foreign airships aren’t allowed over the city at this time, but we can fly you to the palace.

Ruka folded her arms across her chest and snorted. That’s an interesting way to treat your guests.

The captain met her gaze and shrugged. Sorry. It’s the Queen’s orders.

Elladan had to agree with Ruka. Something wasn’t quite right here in Lanfor. In spite of that, he didn’t think it wise to start an argument with thirty armed airborne troops.

Thankfully Ves had more tact than her sister. There will be no need, Captain. We can fly ourselves without this airship. You may escort us, however, if you wish.

The captain shrugged again. Suit yourself.

Pallas went to instruct the crew to park the ship back at the lighthouse while Ves, Ruka, and Maya shifted into their dragon forms. The rest of the group then climbed atop the dragons, all except for Cyclone who sprouted wings of his own. The hunter had only recently discovered this strange new ability. At first it only happened when he was enraged, but since then he seemed to have mastered the talent.

They all then took off in the direction of Palt flanked on either side by half the longboard riders. The other half escorted the Cloud Hammer back toward Phobas Light. Seated on Ves’ back behind Donnie, Elladan got a better view of the harbor as it passed beneath them. Nearly half of the ships moored at the docks appeared to be warships. It looked as if Lanfor was readying for war. Though it explained their cold reception to foreigners, it still didn’t answer the question of whom they expected to war against.

Once the fliers reached the city proper, Elladan got a better look at Palt. Tall buildings stretched out as far as the eye could see, some rectangular, others domed, and still others with lofty spires. Their style denoted classical architecture with smooth flowing lines and a polished elegance. Interspersed between the buildings grew lush parks and gardens full of flowers, adding a touch of nature and color to the vast metropolis.

As they swung southward, Elladan’s gaze came to rest on a tall mountain. As they drew nearer, his eyes settled on the great palace that stood on its flat summit. Long battlements and wide towers comprised its thick outer wall. Multiple structures rose inside, each as large, or larger than, the keep in Penwick. Yet one structure in particular stood out from the rest.

Donnie seemed to recognize it as well. He peered at Elladan over his shoulder. Is that what I think it is?

Elladan pressed his lips together and nodded. I believe so.

A tall tower rose behind the building in the very center of the palace grounds. It appeared to be identical to the one they had wrested from the Empress in the City of Tears.

That is the Amber Tower of the Queen, Ves confirmed for them.

Elladan looked intently at the tower. It was one of the six the demons sought. Despite the midday sun, he noticed a golden glow at the very top. In contrast, the tower in the marshes had shone with a dark purple.

The dragons and their entourage flew over the tall battlements and landed in a wide area in the center of the palace grounds. The riders disembarked, all save the captain who landed with them. Numerous stone dragon statues encircled the area. As the sisters shifted back to human form, Elladan examined the inscription at the base of the largest statue. It said Welcome in Draconic, the native language of dragons.

The captain removed his helmet to reveal a head of copper-red hair, the pointed tips of his gnomish ears peeking out from beneath those locks. He spoke a single word to his board and it rose by itself to hover behind him. He then motioned for the rest of them to follow. This way.

Everyone fell in behind the captain except for Cal who chose to remain outside. Per his previous command, the rider’s board floated along a few feet behind him. Once again, Elladan’s eyes strayed to the black shortsword on the gnome’s back. That’s a very beautiful sword you have there.

The captain glanced over his shoulder at the sword, then peered at Elladan. "Ragnarök says thank you."

The statement caught Elladan by surprise. Your sword’s sentient?

The captain shrugged once more. When it wants to be.

Not far behind them, Ruka snickered. Sounds just like Inazuma.

Ruka also possessed a sentient sword, one that could shoot bolts of lightning at will. Though Elladan had never actually seen the spirit of the sword, they had all heard its voice at one time or another.

The captain led them across the well-manicured lawn up to the main palace. Though not much taller than the keep in Penwick, this building appeared to be twice its size. Made of a similar alabaster stone, it stood four stories in most places, though some sections rose a few stories higher. For all that, no area of the palace stood taller than the Amber Tower.

As they reached the top of the stairs, the large double doors opened before them. Strangely, no one stood behind either door. It was as if they opened of their own volition.

Donnie leaned over and whispered in Elladan’s ear. That’s not creepy at all.

Elladan fixed his friend with a sour look. You just had to say that.

This way, the captain said, ushering them inside.

Elladan exchanged one last irritated glance with Donnie, then followed the captain into the palace.

Seishin sat quietly in the hall outside the Queen’s audience chamber. The room itself was lavish to a fault. A plush gold and purple carpet lay across the center of the floor. Tall lancet-shaped windows lined one wall opposite a rather large hearth. Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, the brilliant rays of the midday sun reflecting off their crystalline prisms.

Floor length tapestries