The Dragon Knight Prophecy

1-25 To bind a Lilly

 Another morning came, and Gersius found himself starting at an empty bed. Lilly was still two rooms away, and the sense of loss clawed at his heart. Still, she had spoken the day before and shown a genuine interest in what he had to say. Unfortunately, he almost said something he would regret, and Lilly demanded to know what it was. Unable to answer her question, he ran away and tried to hide from his feelings. Now his mind was tormented by the things his friends were saying and a conflict of the heart. He realized that he had come to cherish Lilly's company, but that feeling somehow changed. He couldn't let go of the fact that the loss of Lilly's hoard and wings was his fault.

With a sigh, he dressed and left his room, hoping to find something to eat before anyone else was up. To his surprise, Lilly stood beside the table, poking at the various fruits as she tried to choose one. He thought about going back to his room, but Lilly looked over and briefly smiled before he could move.

"You don't have to hide from me," she said and looked back to the table. "I won't ask you what you meant to say."

Gersius felt silly that he was so unable to speak his mind for fear of upsetting her. However, he was grateful that she was still willing to talk and made his way to the table as she tasted a red grape.

"The red ones are usually the sweetest," he said to try an open the conversation.

"I can tell that for myself," Lilly replied and picked up another one.

"I was just trying to be polite," he said and picked up a pear. "I suppose It was silly of me to run away."

"I agree," Lilly said before eating the fruit. "But I won't ask you about it again."

"So what do you want to talk about?" he asked as she began to pour a glass of water.

"We should talk about you," she replied and set the pitcher down. "I need to know what your plan is. Do you still mean to go to Calathen?"

Gersius felt a sense of dread as she asked about his plans. Though Thayle said not to do any serious thinking, he had spent the last two nights doing just that. There was no reason to go to Calathen, and he was convinced that his future was far to the east.

"No," he answered honestly. "I am not going to Calathen."

"You're not?" Lilly balked. "But I promised to go with you. If you don't plan to go to Calathen, what are you planning to do?"

"I do not know," he said in frustration.

Lilly looked hurt as she practically slammed her glass on the table. She pointed a finger at his chest and growled out her rage as he stepped back.

"You mean to tell me I suffered all that for nothing? I lost my hoard and wings and was beaten like an animal, all for your stupid prophecy. Now you're telling me you plan to walk away?"

"I am trying to spare you any more harm," Gersius argued. "Do you think a day goes by where I do not realize what my quest did to you? Do you have any idea how guilty I feel for the pain I have caused? I would do anything to protect you and spare you any more."

"You're too late. I don't have anything more to lose," Lilly mocked and turned away.

"Lilly," Gersuis pressed and boldly took a step closer. "You may say I am forgiven, but I will never be free of the guilt. I look back on it now and realize I was trying to be something I was not meant to be. I caused all of this suffering, and I am terrified of how much more might be caused if I continue."

"But you have to continue," Lilly said with a pained voice.

"Why?" he asked in confusion.

Lilly whirled around with rage in her eyes and hands curled into fists.