Beasts of Flames

Chapter Ten

From the corner of my eye, I saw Queen Isolde approach us, Varyn nowhere to be found. She was accompanied by two sentries on either side of her, carrying spears and shields like they were marching off to battle.

    "It's time," she said, hand ushering us to board her ship. Evonne and Gavin led the way, and I followed closely behind them. As we crossed onto the deck, I looked over the edge of the railing at the hundred foot drop beneath us. At either side of the ship, soldiers stood, the crests on their armor shining like a blue beacon. Isolde must have noticed my staring as she came from behind me and said,

    "Beautiful, isn't it. Their armor acts as an accumulator, storing their inner magic for me to siphon off. It is a small sacrifice all of these men have made it to help me protect my realm."

    "Do you not have enough power as queen?" I asked, searching for a reason these men would willingly let someone feed off their power.

    "I was born with little power beyond menial tasks and healing. When my family died in the last war, I was the only royal heir remaining. I knew I could not protect my people on my own with the power I had, so I enlisted the help of another to create the siphon armor. I knew I could not force my men to wear it, so I offered it up for volunteers. My entire army ended up enlisting, vowing they would do anything to help me prevent another war. With their magic, I am able to keep my people safe and enforce a peace that has been long lasting."

    "Until now, you mean," I interrupted.

    "What are you talking about, Lyda?"

    "I overheard you discussing with your officers about the murders along your boarder. It is my opinion that murders are not entirely a sign of peaceful times."

    "That was not meant for your ears to hear-"

    "But I did hear. I heard everything."

    "Then, you will know that I am doing my best to keep my realm from being torn apart by war," Isolde sternly replied.

    "I do, and I want to help if I can."

    My words surprised the queen, and she faced me with a commanding grace. Her head was held high and she squared off her shoulders, the role of queen an intrinsic part of her being.

    "I can't accept your help, Lyda. This is not your battle to fight, but it is mine to resolve," was all Isolde said before leaving my side. She walked away, speaking to various soldiers as she went, and stopped on the upper deck beside Varyn. I watched them, noting their hands lightly laying beside one another, centimeters from touching but never making contact. Varyn looked longingly at his queen while she looked over her soldiers manning their positions. Such devotion in his eyes. It reminded me of how Maximus had once looked at me, not so long ago.

    I shrugged off the thought, knowing thinking back would only bring me more pain. Instead, I turned my attention to the landscape around me, waiting for the ship to finally set sail. With a wave of Queen Isolde's hand, a strong breezed appeared, filling the silver sails. The ship lurched forward, sending us gliding along the coast.

*

    After a few hours sailing along the coast, the cliffs opened to a waterfall pouring out of a winding river. The ship touched down in the river, breaking the glassy water plane. As we sailed further inward, the landscape became more wooded. Pine trees sprouted up, covered in powdery white snow like icing on a cake, and beyond the trees, mountains rose into the sky like giants frozen in ice. The cold wind from the cliffs turned warmer, and I felt kisses of salty water tap against my scaled face.

    "Enjoying the view?" Gavin said, resting his arm on my shoulder. The breeze ruffled his curled hair, and he dorkily smiled at me. I threw open my wings, shading him from the sun above.