Book of Ellagar

Chapter 6: Hidden

Verak was already dressed, his eyes still etched by the dark magic of the night before. "She left with the dragons," he said, his voice calm but tinged with worry. "They said she needed rest and healing only they could provide." He paused, then added, "And she told us to stay with you." Ellagar felt a wave of relief wash over her, tinged with concern for her friend.

Verak looked down, "Sister Ellagar, you call Thelara sister. Does that mean she is our sister?"

Ellagar smiled, "No my youngling. Nor is she my sister except as a druid of the same circle. She is my guide, and walks this journey with me. Although after yesterday, I see her skills have advanced further than mine!"

Ellagar glanced Ardvek, who was still trembling from the nightmare that had awakened him. "We will stay here," she assured him, her voice gentle and firm. "This island is a home for us, and the Mother Tree will keep us safe." She knew it was true; the very air around them felt thick with the promise of protection.

But the question of Thelara's departure and the tampered scroll weighed heavily on her. Why had Grandmother changed the prophecy and what had been changed? What did it mean for them? Ellagar knew she needed to understand the full extent of Grandmother's plan. With a sigh, she tucked the scroll into her pack and turned to the children. "We must stay near the tree, in this sacred place we are safe."

Verak looked at her with understanding in his eyes, "But we can't just sleep on the ground, Sister Ellagar," he said. "We need shelter that is more than just a tent." Ardvek nodded vigorously, his earlier fear forgotten in the excitement of a new project.

Ellagar raised an eyebrow at Verak's tone, "Oh, we do, do we?" she said playfully. "And will you be the one to build it?" Despite her weariness, she couldn't help but smile at the youngling's eagerness. Verak nodded, a spark of determination in his eyes. "Of course! I've watched you and Thelara make a lean-to before. I think I can handle it."

Ellagar ruffled his hair, her smile growing wider. "Alright, then. Let's see what you can do." She stepped back, giving him space. Verak's chest puffed out as he took in the task ahead. He glanced around, his eyes scanning the area for the best materials. Ardvek watched him, his curiosity sparked. It wasn't long before the boys were busy collecting branches and leaves, chattering away like a pair of marsh squirrels.

The first attempt was a wobbly structure, barely standing upright. It was clear that Verak had underestimated the strength needed to support a shelter. It took only a gentle push from Ardvek to send it toppling over. They both laughed, the sound echoing through the swamp. It was a rare moment of joy in the face of the trials they had faced.

Ellagar watched them, a small smile playing on her lips. It was moments like this that made her heart swell. Despite their unusual circumstances, they had found a way to be children again, to experience joy and camaraderie.

As the laughter continued, Ellagar felt her own aching emptiness, a stark contrast to the warmth she had felt just moments ago. She missed Thelara—her sister-druid, her confidant, her shield. The swamp was quieter without her fiery spirit, the air less charged with her energy. Thelara's sacrifice had been a stark reminder of the dangers they faced, and Ellagar couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that came with her absence.

With a sigh, she turned her attention back to the boys. They had gathered more substantial branches and were weaving them together with surprising skill. Ardvek mostly watching with wide eyes, occasionally offering a suggestion that Verak would consider before implementing. The second attempt at the lean-to was much sturdier, its foundation made of interlocking branches that would easily withstand a mild storm. Ellagar couldn't help but feel pride at their determination and ingenuity.

"Well, I see I have a lovely sleeping space now," she said with a smirk, "and where will you boys sleep?" Verak grinned, his bright teeth glinting in the early morning light. "Don't worry, Sister Ellagar," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "We've got it all figured out."

As they worked, Ellagar's eyes strayed to the scroll in her pack. The conversation with the Mother Tree's spirit had left her with more questions than answers. The prophecy was a puzzle, one that she felt she was just beginning to understand. For now even the swamp had gone quiet, as if it knew she needed time to think and plan. Her stomach gurgled.

"Verak, Ardvek," she called, "Keep working on the shelter. I'm going to forage for some berries and roots for our meal. Remember, do not wander off. Stay close to the tree, and if anything seems wrong, call for me." She knew they would be safe here, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that followed her as she moved out of sight. Yesterday had been a near disaster.

As she ventured deeper into the swamp, she felt the eyes of the unseen creatures that had become her companions—the pixies. They flitted around her, their laughter a series of high-pitched giggles that seemed to follow her every move. They were curious little beings, their wings sparkling with dew, their eyes like shimmering pools of mischief. Ellagar rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at their antics. They had been following her since they had set up camp, drawn by her dragon nature and the magic that clung to her.

One of the pixies, bolder than the rest, darted in close and tickled her ear. She swatted at it playfully, "Ah, leave me be, you little pest," she scolded, though there was no heat in her voice. The pixie zipped away, only to return a moment later, dropping a handful of berries at her feet. They were a riot of colors, each one more vibrant than the last. She knew they were safe to eat, a gift from the swamp's protectors. Ellagar bowed to the mischievous sprite, "Thank you, my dear." Ellagar searched her robes and found a bright piece of glass. "Your reward for such lovely berries!" The pixie's eyes lit up, and she took the trinket greedily, flying off to show her friends.

Their laughter and excitement grew louder, and she couldn't help but chuckle at their delight. But the joy was short-lived. The pixies continued their play, but to Ellagar it was like all sound had stopped. Ellagar froze, her senses heightened. She knew that voice—it was Grandmother's, echoing through her mind. "Ellagar," the ancient presence spoke, "you've been hiding from me, my child. Have you forgotten your duties already?" The tone was one of mild annoyance, but Ellagar felt a sting of irritation.

Ellagar replied in sending, "Greeting Grandmother - I have not been the one hiding. It has been a year since you communicated with me!"

The swamp grew hazy around her around her, as she processed Grandmother's opening words. Ellagar paused, sifting through the weight of the unspoken accusation. "I have been busy," she said, her voice tight, "raising your precious younglings as you asked. And now, we have survived an attack from the Dragon Cult!"

"Ah, yes," Grandmother's voice was like a sigh through the trees, "the cult. They are a nuisance, but not the real threat." Ellagar felt a cold shiver run down her spine. If the Dragon Cult wasn't the real threat, what was?

Annoyed, Ellagar sent back, "A nuisance that killed Thelara!"

The swamp grew still, the whispers fading as if the very plants were listening to their conversation. "Thelara? Oh, yes." Grandmother's tone was nonchalant, as if discussing the weather. "Her sacrifice was... unfortunate, but it serves a purpose." The words hit Ellagar like a slap in the face. How could she be so callous about Thelara's death?

"What purpose?" Ellagar's sending was tight with anger. She really should not speak to Grandmother in such a tone. But really?

"Patience, my child," Grandmother's voice was a sharp yet gentle reprimand. "All destiny flows as it will. Her sacrifice has set in motion a chain of events that will lead you to your destiny. And one day, if her soul is worthy, she will be reborn stronger, wiser, ready to take her place."

Ellagar took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. She had not anticipated this revelation. Thelara had been sacrificed? To what end? She had seen her friend die, only to be brought back by the power of the Mother Tree. Grandmother seemed unaware of that detail. "I am aware of prophecy's fickleness," she said carefully. "But what of the scrolls? They appear to have been altered."

"Ah," Grandmother's tone grew distant, "the scrolls are but a tool, a way to guide you without revealing the entirety of the path. Sometimes, I must adjust the course, lest you become too complacent. Remember, Ellagar, the endgame is not yours to see."

Ellagar's eyes narrowed at the implication. "And what of the prophecy? What of the whispers that spoke of a great dragon born of two worlds? Is that not the true path?"

Grandmother's sigh was a rustle through the leaves. "The prophecy speaks of potential, Ellagar. Not destiny. The dragon born of two worlds is a symbol, a possibility. Do not let your motherly emotions cloud your judgment." Ellagar felt the slap of the words, the unspoken command to keep her distance, to remember her place.

But she was tired of playing by these rules. "The children are not just pawns in your game," she shot back, the anger in her voice unmistakable. "They are living beings with hearts and souls, and I will not let them be used as your playthings!"

"Silence!" Grandmother's voice thundered through her mind, and Ellagar felt the ground tremble beneath her. "You dare to question me, a mere dragonborn?" The swamp's whispers grew louder, swirling around her like an angry hive. "Child, my power is vast, but my patience is not. Keep your place."

Ellagar took a moment to compose herself, feeling the swamp's energy pulse around her. "Forgive me, Grandmother," she murmured quickly, "I am but a servant of your will, and I wish to understand the path you have laid before me." She said the words as a peace offering, and they felt hollow in her mouth. The silence stretched on, and Ellagar could feel the ancient one's displeasure through the link.

Finally, Grandmother spoke again, her tone softer, almost amused. "Ah, Ellagar, ever the questioning one. Remember your place, child. You are the clutch-mother, chosen by me. Your role is to nurture and protect. Verak holds the key to what is to come. Keep him safe, keep him hidden, and he will grow into his destiny. As for Ardvek, he is a failed experiment. Still Verak seems attached to his weak clutch-brother. For Verak's sake keep Ardvek safe. "

Ellagar felt a flash of anger, but she held her tongue. Failed experiment or not, Ardvek was under her protection. She turned back to go check on the children, her thoughts racing. The Mother Tree's buzz grew stronger in her mind, a gentle hum that seemed to pulse in time with her heart. As she approached, the swamp grew more vivid, the colors of the plants more saturated, and she could hear the whispers of the leaves. Grandmother droned on in her mind as she walked.

The voice of Grandmother grew faint, and Ellagar realized that the tree's presence was a barrier to the psychic link. It was as if Grandmother had no dominion here. The revelation filled her with both relief and trepidation. Could the Mother Tree truly shield them from Grandmother's all-prying gaze?

"Child Ellagar," asked Grandmother, "Our connection is fading. What is happening?"

Ellagar stepped away from the Mother Tree and the connection strengthened. Yes, the Tree dampened sending magic. She smiled to herself. This gave her some options for privacy. She sent, "Apologies Grandmother, there seem to be strange magics left from the Dragon Cult summoning spells. Perhaps this is why I seemed hidden?" Grandmother seemed satisfied and finally ended the conversation. Ellagar felt drained as she headed to the boys.

Stepping back to the clearing under the Mother Tree, Ellagar saw the boys had made significant progress. The two sleeping shelters was taking shape, sturdy frames covered with broad leaves that would keep out the rain and provide a modest shelter from the swamp's ever-present insects and humidity. They had even constructed a small fire pit, surrounded by rocks. Verak looked up at her with a proud smile, while Ardvek was busy laying down a soft layer of moss for their beds.

Good work, young ones," she said, her voice carrying a hint of the warmth she felt. "Now, let's prepare some lunch. I've found some berries and roots that will keep us going until dinner." The two of them stopped their work and gathered around her eagerly. They watched as she pulled out a small knife and began to clean the berries, her movements precise and efficient. The swamp had provided well, and the aroma of the roasting tubers filled the air, mixing with the sweet scent of the berries.

But as she turned to check on their progress, her heart skipped a beat. The area where they had been working was empty. No sign of Verak or Ardvek anywhere. Panic surged through her. "Boys?" she called out, her voice echoing through the swamp. But the only answer was the croak of a distant frog and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. She dropped the berries and scanned the area frantically. The swamp had swallowed them whole.