The First Dragon Riders

Chapter 16

It took the three five days to reach the edges of Ellesmèra. They would have made it there sooner but during the third day of their trip they had gotten grounded in a sandstorm and attacked by Urgals again. At the moment however they had taken a break before Emeril started her journey to meet Dellanir; Toron would be staying outside of the forest to respect the orders the queen had made until she granted him a safe passage. Sakura was also respecting those rules, though she didn't like the fact that she had to fly farther off to hunt when so many animals lived in the forest nearby.

            "So is there anything specific you want me to say?" Emeril asked as she swallowed a piece of bread. "Or just go with what I think she'll want to hear?"

            "Tell Dellanir that I wish to have an audience with her." Toron replied. "If she asks why then just simply say it is about the rule for not allowing Dragon Rider allies in Du Weldenvarden. Give her your word in the ancient language if you must."

            "I will return as soon as possible." Emeril promised before running off into the giant forest.

            It felt nice being able to run under the trees again, she had almost forgotten what being surrounded by giant, green, leafy trees was like. Their shade kept her cool as she continued to run, only stopping occasionally to rest, until she entered Ellesmèra. Elves glanced in her direction as she entered, most noticing the sword she wore at her belt, before going back to their activities. Emeril continued walking towards the palace until a guard stopped her outside.

            "Who are you and what is your business?" The guard questioned.

            "Emeril, I seek Queen Dellanir's audience about an important matter." She replied in a confident matter.

            "The queen is busy with something much more important than what you have to speak with her about."

            "Oh really?" Emeril glared at the young elf and placed a hand on her sword's hilt. "You don't even know what my business with the queen is."

            The guard sized her up for a moment before having a mental debate with himself. Eventually he moved out of the way. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

            Emeril walked down the empty halls, the farther in she went the more nervous she became, the last time she had been in the palace there had been guards, advisors, and many other elves walking around to do one job or anther. But now there wasn't anyone. As she got closer to the throne room however hushed voices reached her ears; when she walked inside the gathered elves glanced up at her.

            "What is your business here?" Dellanir questioned a bit harshly. "I thought I banished you Dragon Riders from here."

            "I am no longer a rider... my dragon died, now I am just a magician." Emeril replied as she walked closer. "Though the Rider's leader Anu wishes to speak to you about an important matter and is waiting outside Du Weldenvarden."

            "I have other business to deal with at the moment, strangers have been spotted along the coast." Dellanir waved her off dismissively.

            "Perhaps we can help?" Emeril offered questioningly. "We can fly out and see who these strangers are."

            Dellanir looked at her with new interest. "And what would I have to do for you in return?"

            "I think you'll have to talk to Anu for that."

            "Very well, take me to him." Dellanir stood up and motioned to a guard. "Prepare two horses for travel."

            "Right away Queen Dellanir." They replied before rushing off.

            Emeril watched silently as Dellanir dismissed the other gathered elves and followed as the queen led her out of the palace. It was almost hard to believe Jacques and Toron were related to this elf. Two pure white horses were waiting outside and they got on quickly before riding off, traveling through Du Weldenvarden on horseback was by far quicker than running and they made it out of the emerald forest a little after noon. Emeril reached out her mind and found Anu's, quickly filling him in on the conversation to save time.

            "Dellanir, I hope it wasn't too much trouble to ask for your presence." Anu greeted her politely as they got off their horses and walked over to them.

            "It won't be if you can help." Dellanir replied. "You see my guards and some other elves have seen ships on the coast. We watch them get closer each day but cannot venture out to see who is on them. Emeril says the Dragon Riders can help with that."

            "Of course. I can have Sakura fly out now and check it out if you like; and we can still continue our talk."

            Dellanir nodded in approval and Sakura took off into the air towards the ocean. I will return with news soon young one.

            Dellanir sat down on a nearby rock and motioned for the two to join her. "Now what is it you wish in return?"

            "Only that you allow Dragon Riders back to Du Weldenvarden." Anu stated simply. "We were created by your father and the dragons to protect Alagaësia, we cannot do our job properly if you do not even communicate with us."

            Dellanir sat in silence for a few minutes. "Very well, you have my word we will grant riders access to Du Weldenvarden. Eka Dröttning Dellanir, taka gata eom Du Weldenvarden eom Shur'tugalar."

            Emeril sighed with relief as she agreed to their terms, she had expected it to be harder, and started to watch the sky for Sakura's return while Anu spoke quietly to Dellanir. It was night by the time Anu's partner in heart, mind, and soul returned. They all looked up as the green female dragon landed nearby and extended her mind to all of them.

            I stayed high above; to them I looked like a bird. Sakura assured her rider first. These strangers are close to shore, I would say about another season or two before they get to shore.

            "Yes, that is good." Anu agreed. "But what are they?"

            I do believe they are humans... according to their memories and thoughts. The puny creatures don't even know how to defend their minds from attack.

            Dellanir bowed slightly. "Thank you for telling us Sakura, this is very important information for us to process. It seems we must keep an eye on their progress."

            "Together." Anu agreed. "I can send riders out daily and I'll come here to report to you about what they have seen."

            "Of course." Dellanir replied cheerfully. "Come, you may spend the night in Ellesmèra before your trip to Vroengarg tomorrow."

            Emeril happily followed the queen back into Du Weldenvarden along with Sakura and Anu. After all the things they had gone to it was great to finally be at peace with one another, even if it was over strangers that could possibly a threat to them.