The Dragon's Speech

Chapter 10: The Revelation of an Uninvited Guest

Eilea:

At the conclusion of my father's speech, a single cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, his shoulders hunched forward, he slowly approached the head table. Somehow, I didn't notice him before, which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. When he spoke, my body reflexively stiffened at the sound of his voice. The hall became still at his approach, as if he radiated a darkness that stole all life from the room.

"My Lords and Ladies, please let me welcome you to the region besides the Western Wood. I have been sent to deliver a message, to you all."

He paused, his head still low, sweeping a pale and slender arm across the room.

"At this most festive occasion, I would like to particularly welcome the fallen King Tarac and his children, the last of the Northern Dragons." His cold glare met mine as he continued.

My eyes went wide. He addressed my father as King, he knows who we are! I thought frantically.

At this my father stood angrily, "Tell me who you are this instant intruder! Choose your words carefully, they may be your last." He spat, anger dripping from his words.

A sickening smile overtook his features, "I will send Eimera your regards, Valah Tar Beris!" he screamed, drawing a small blade from his belt.

Before we could react, he reached up and forced the blade deep into the flesh of his own neck, swiftly wrenching it across and out the opposing side. His body slumped to the floor, a pool of thick black blood forming around his slashed throat.

Time seemed to stop. I could feel strong hands pulling me up from my seat but I couldn't pull my gaze from the face of the crumpled man before me. A sick smile still plastered across his features, his eyes still wide, now lifeless, staring into mine.

"Eilea, we need to go!" I heard Aeon's gruff voice command me.

Numbly, I saw Gussalt and Winifred each pulling Leif and Terrowin towards the front of the hall. My father was barking orders to our men stationed around the exits, each assigned to a noble family to protect them should his man have others in his company.

Pulling me to my feet, my eyes still held the mans. I could feel my breathing quicken, as my lungs struggled to gasp for air in the confines of my dress. Calloused fingers grasped my cheeks roughly, forcing my face away from the site before me.

"Eilea, we need to go. We need to get you to safety." Aeon pleaded; his eyes boring into mine.

I could not form words, so simply nodded, taking a few steps on my own. We followed Gussalt out and the others out of the hall. The cold night air hitting my body like a wall through the thin fabric of the dress. Shivering, I gripped my hands around me as I continued to struggle for air. Aeon draped my cloak over me, he must have grabbed it as we fled the hall.

Gussalt was standing speaking to Leif in heated tones, they were discussing where we could go where we would be safe. Terrowin approached me, fear evident in his eyes. Seeing this my heart skipped a beat, he was my family and I could not let him suffer for me.

"Gussalt, Leif" I commanded with as much authority as I could muster. Drawing their attention to me, I continued.

"We need to separate. Take Terrowin to Lord Rulf's home. You will both he safe there for the night." I directed Gussalt.

"Leif, I need you to return to camp and alert the rest of our men-"

Leif interjected, "But where will you go?"

"I will accompany Aeon to his home in the Western Wood. It is near impossible to find and will be safe until we can meet at first light." I looked towards Aeon for confirmation. He nodded stiffly, agreeing with my plan.