The Chronicles of Aaval: Vol. 1 The Awakening

Chapter 20

AMBER
Parting ways with the group without the certainty of seeing them again is the scariest part of this journey.

After I crossed the portal, I found myself by a water stream. I could see the hills, a day away walking from where I was.

I took a drink of water and started my way up and down the valley.
On my way, I found a couple of different fruit trees. I gather enough fruit for my journey and continue my way to the hills.
At night time, I took shelter on a nearby cave. Unbelievably, I slept all night until the first light of day woke me up.
I made it to the hills by midday.

I grew up reading stories about the ancient dragon riders and of the dragon shifters that used to live on Pyros hundreds of years ago. Before the first wars. When dragons roam our land.

Now, I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing.
Dragons in the sky, dragons in the valley, dragons shifting back to humans.
My power was hammering under my skin. The closer I get to the valley, the more powerful I could feel.
And then it happened.
I reached the valley. The dragons in the sky came down, landing in front of me. The rest started to gather around.
I could see houses and a huge castle no far from the valley.
I could hear them mumbling about prophecies and whatever.
A huge shadow stood behind me. I turned around to find the dragon from my dream, standing merely a foot from me.
- my queen, welcome home.- he said and bathed me with his flame. I could feel the warmth, but no pain. I felt clean and strong.
When the fire ceased, I was standing, wearing a skin of dragon scales, that when I dragged my hands over, I realized they were part of my own skin now. The last thing I noticed was the crown that glowed on top of my head. Made of fire, yet cool to the touch.
I wonder if...
I took a deep breath, letting my power flow in my veins, and I shifted.
I took to the sky, followed by the now not so big dragon from my dream.
- follow me to your castle, your grace. We have been waiting for you for twenty-five years, as of tomorrow. -
My birthday is tomorrow.
Oh!

We reached the castle, and both shifted back.
He was tall, blonde, and his eyes were like two burning embers.
He took my hand and kissed my knuckles.
- My queen, my name is Axos. Im the commander of your armada. I am at your command.
- Commander Axos, I am the crowned princess Amber of Pyros, and I need a lot of explanations, if you were so kind.-
- Let me guide you to the library, my queen. There, you will find all the answers you need.- he bowed his head and walked away. I followed him.