The Dragons Queen Saga

Part 33: The Truth of Talwen

Dresden and Talwen traveled quickly with few distractions. They paused for a small meal of foraged greens and berries next to a flourishing creek before Dresden transformed and carried Talwen the rest of the way to the Dead Forest, just Northwest of the nearest border wall that led to the Western province. Talwen got antsy as they emerged from the tree cover to open fields and farmland. The two of them must have been a strange sight because some of the farmhands ran in the opposite direction when they saw the two coming out of the forest. Talwen took in her surroundings with wide-eyed wonder.
"How long did you remain in Tibuk before coming on this journey with me?" Dresden asked as he studied her.

Talwen answered but kept glancing around as she talked. "I haven't left in thirty-six years. I was supposed to come here and do something important, but I didn't. I never made it beyond the mountain passes. There were some caves back in the recesses of the mountains that housed barbarians, goblins, and some dark entities that no one should run into. I barely made it out with my life and haven't left Tibuk since. I really need to deliver this, even though it's been so long. I know how important it is." She patted her bag with a sense of duty in her words.
Dresden narrowed his eyes. "How do you even know that the person you are supposed to deliver it to will even be here after all those years?"

"Oh, they will." She smiled at him and her eyes twinkled when she spoke. "It's a gift for the royal family. But don't worry, you don't have to come with me to the castle. I just need to get there. With Sveldin and the Islanders at war, my timing might be right after all."

Dresden fumed inside. He wanted to see the Queen himself, not bring Talwen to the Queen. Oh, how she had complicated things for him!

They could see the smoke ahead and heard cannons hitting the coastal wall. They quickened their pace to the border gate. From here they could see across the ocean where a fleet of ships were relentlessly pummeling the coastal wall with heavy fire. Talwen stayed close to Dresden as they made their way into the Western province that took them to the castle courtyard. Guards were not stationed anywhere to stop them, so they strode into the castle without invitation and found the Queen conferring with her army commander and the lieutenant.

"I don't care how much of the wall comes down." The Queen was saying, "Just protect the port and the surrounding provinces from the fire."
"Hey! Who are you and how did you get in here?" One of the Royal guards noticed Dresden and Talwen as they approached and drew his sword to stop them.
"Wait! I know this man. Sir Pierce, what are you doing here and why have you come at this time?" The Queen told her soldier to stand down, as they approached the officers. Talwen bowed graciously to the Queen before Dresden could get a word out.
"Who have you brought with you?" The Queen added, eyeing Talwen as she tucked her arms behind her back.
"Your Highness, this is Talwen. I have brought her a great distance to meet with you. She bears a gift for the royal family. I am only a courier at the moment, but I see we have come at a time when you can use some extra hands and experience. I offer my services to you, only for this battle. I am not fit to be a proper fixture in a castle so I will make my leave once everyone is safe." Dresden bowed to her as well, removed his pack, and drew his sword. The soldiers in the room stood at attention and drew their weapons in case Dresden meant to harm the Queen, but instead, he rested the tip of the long blade on the stone floor and knelt down to offer his service to her.

"Rise, Dresden Pierce. I accept your offer and you are needed during this war. Thank you for your service to me and the people of Sveldin Donan." She let him get to his feet before addressing Talwen.

"Remove your hood maiden and let me see you. What is your business with me?" Talwen reluctantly lowered her hood revealing her Elvish ears. All the soldiers in the room immediately took up arms once more and pulled the Queen behind them. Talwen looked stricken, she put her hands up to cover her pointed ears and pleaded with the Queen.
"I mean you no harm! I have been sent to offer you a gift that I was supposed to deliver thirty-six years ago. I was unable to make the dangerous journey at that time, but Dresden has ensured my safety on this mission and I have finally made it to you at last. Please, allow me to show you what I have brought. It is from a very powerful ally."