4: Darken War

6: Alexandria

the next morning after talking to James I got up and looked over to Helga, she was still snoring away on her cot. She was not the kindest lady I ever met, but at least she was someone to keep me company these last few days I guess. 

I walked over to my unpacked bags and dug for a bit, now pulling out a lovely and simple purple silk gown that hugged the shape of my body, exposing most of my back. the neckline was a deep v. i wasn't too worried about wearing my armor here, when i arrived it was just for show. I slipped on my gown, and walked over to the desk, sitting down. 

I opened the little box that i placed on the desk and looked at the jewelry i had brought with me. I took the little silver comb that Carlisle had packed and worked on carefully combing out my hair. when I was done i placed my chain crown upon my head, using my dagger as a mirror to make sure it was centered. 

today i would not worry about jewelry, the golden leaves etched into my skin were enough this time around. it wasn't perfect, but it was good enough. 

it had been four days since i arrived and so far i had only explored the castle. today i was to join the grand dwarven court for whatever reasons. i was not sure why i was summoned, but i did know that Theo asked me to be presentable. 

"Helga." i nudged her, she always needed a nudge to be awakened. she opened her eyes and looked at me. "its time to wake up, i am expected in court soon."

"good thing master Theo is fetching you this morning then." she rolled back over and fell back to sleep.

"that would have been nice to know sooner." i rolled my eyes. i picked up my bow and quiver, placing them on my back, it should be the only weapon i need, it is part of who i am as the Great Dragon, i do not go anywhere without it.

there was a knock on the door. i opened it to see Theo standing there. "good, your up. leave the weapon."

"sorry, i cannot." i answered. "this bow is my most prized possession. i can however turn it into a sword if that is more favorable to you. i figured the bow would be harder to suddenly attack with." it was a bit of a lie, i could use my magic to summon it no matter were it may be.

"the bow will be fine then." He placed one hand behind his back and motioned for me to walk ahead. 

"so why am i needed today?" i asked, looking back at the man.

"because it is clear that war is truly to happen." he answered calmly. "and we are to decide if we truly should allow you to stay here or if we should deal with you another way."

"okay." i shrugged. "i turned to walk backwards. "you do know that no much can actually harm me right?"

"we will see about that." he smiled wickedly as i turned back around. that had me a bit worried, what was he planning? 

we arrived to the two large stone doors. an older dwarf pushed it open and announced. "the Great Dragon, Alexandria Darken." 

before us was a large crowd of dwarves, mostly guards; the king upon his throne. this had been the first time i had seen him since the first day being here. he looked even more pale and sickly. 

i walked to just before his throne, gave a short nod of respect. "What can i do for you this fine morning King Thrain?"

i could feel that Theo was using the gem on the king right now.

"it has been decided that you are too much of a threat to allow to live." The king spoke slowly. "And therefor you shall be put to death at once."

several guards begun to walk towards me. 

"You do know that that will prove to be a mistake right?" i spoke clearly, ignoring the guards around. "i came here in good faith, to stay out of the upcoming war to make it more fair."

"that may be." Thrain stood. "but those kingdoms listen to your rule, they would just stop if you ordered it, but you will not."

"i came here at first in peace because you wrote to me." i glanced back at Theo, then back at the king. "you are the one who called for war to happen, not i. i can only be so patient with you."

i focused on trying to block out Theos control of the king. it seemed to be working, the kings face started to soften and he looked confused. 

the next thing i know, a pain ripped through my body, causing me to lose the connection. i stood firm, looking back at Theo, he was holding the gem out in front of himself. i knew what he was doing, absorbing my powers to weaken me, i did not know that the gem could do that.

"you really believe that taking my powers from me will stop me?" i smiled at the man before me, grabbing the bow off of my back and turning it into twin swords. "I will give you three seconds before i cut you down."

"Oh but your Great Dragonness." he smiled at me, his smile almost reminded me of my fathers wicked smile. "You are already too weak to fight us off. i have been draining your magic since the moment you stepped into our kingdom."

i had not noticed that. i took a breath, he was right, my powers were almost depleted. "my powers are never ending, they will regenerate, and when they do i will rip you limb from limb."

"you wont be able to if you are dead." he forced more power out of me at once. i fell to my knees, having no power made me lightheaded. he knelt down to me. "dont worry though, i dont plan to kill you, i plan to return you to your friends alive." he whispered in my ear. "too bad i need to get revenge for our father."

"what?" my eyes went wide. "what did you just say? our father?" i felt my head hit the cold stone floor before all went black.