Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 13 Abraxas

It was a little after dawn before I realized that the sun had come up. I hurried to get things packed. I didn't have a lot of valuables. I had to pick something light and wearable. With a sigh I grabbed a light blue shirt and brown pants. I rolled the pants up to my knees and laced up my leather boots. I tied my hair back into a braid. I strapped, Retribution around my waist. I stared at my face in the mirror. I could still feel Arthur's lips touching mine. I smiled.

Alagos sat waiting for me at the fountain. His face a mask of determination. I saw a hint of annoyance as he gazed at my light clothes.

“Nothing warm? You are going to freeze.” Alagos said. Around his neck was a maroon scarf. A long coat hung down to his legs. He still bore the black leather armor but his eyes were bright.

“Do we have time? Can I go ba-”

“No. There is no more time. Here take my coat.” I felt foolish. It was the middle of winter and I forgot to bring warm items. I was still used to the warm nights in the forest. The coat sat long against my body. Alagos still looked concerned. He walked behind me and lifted up the coat and the shirt in the back. “When were you going to tell me that you are hurt?”

“I wasn't planning too. It doesn't even hurt anymore.”

“That's what Arthur said and strained too far. He almost died, Rose. Thank goodness you were there for him. We'll stop by an inn on the way. They should have some clothes for you to wear.”

“At the edge of the city they have a shop. We can stop there.”

“Fine. Let's get going.”

The cold winter wind bit my face. I wish we were back in in the forest. I looked behind for any sign of Arthur. Not even a glimpse. I sighed with frustration.

“He's not coming. I told him not to come. It would be too dangerous for him. Having another human amongst the elves wouldn't be good. Anyway, two people is the max.”

“For what?”

“You'll see. Here's the inn. I'll get some supplies you can get some warmer clothes.”

The inn was dark and the smell of leather was overpowering. I soon had found a long coat and a warmer shirt. Alagos was still shopping for food when I stepped outside. Arthur was waiting for me.

“Rose.” He ran up to me and hugged me. “Rose. Don't leave me now.” I felt the warm tears running down his face. “I can't let you leave. I've let you leave once and that was the gravest mistake I've ever done.”

“Arthur, Its fine. Alagos told me that you can't go and I accept. I know it will be dangerous and I can save myself. There is no need to worry.” I kissed him. “I'll come back.” Alagos walked out of the shop with a pack bulging with equipment. He stopped once he saw us in an embrace.

“Young love. I remember those days. Come, Rose. We must be off. Nice seeing you, Arthur. We'll be back in no time.” With some slight hesitation I walked away from Arthur with his eyes brimmed with tears. “He's a big boy, Rose. He needs to learn to trust in you. It will be good for the both of you.”

“How old are you anyway?”

“A few hundred years old. I would say I'm about 600. I've lost count.” He laughed. “Do we need to find a place for you to change?” I nodded. “We'll be nearing a spot soon.” His emerald eyes looked at mine with concern. “If you feel your back feeling strange let me know. I'll carry you then.”

We had walked out of the city and were now in a forest full of dead trees. Alagos turned sharply and walked the the right. North. Even farther North than Diathalon, I suspected. Another hour had passed before we got to a hidden area.

“I'll be right back, Rose. You stay here until I get back. It won't be long.” Alagos said as he trudged through the thick snow. It felt awkward just standing there. I didn't want to change. With some slight hesitation I slipped behind a bush and began to change. I felt the cold bit my skin.

Soon after I had changed I decided to train with Retribution. I swung at imaginary foes as I tossed up the snow. I felt the warmth of the sun shining down on my face as I wiped sweat from my brow. My back ached a little from the exertion. I didn't think it was a big deal. Suddenly I heard a large whoosh from high above. I blinked as I stared into the sky. A large teal dragon flew high above. Alagos sat perched on its head. The dragon blew fire and finally settled on the ground below. I was amazed that the elves had control over the dragon clan in the south.

“This is Abraxas. The oldest dragon in the Scale blood line.” I had heard of the Scale line only once. I had overheard Henry saying that the Scale line was the last line of Dragons in all of Authuway. Abraxas must be the father of all of the Scale family. Abraxas brought his eye towards my face. It was a bright golden yellow.

Now that he was close enough I could tell how big he was. He as about as tall as a house in Diathalon standards about three stories tall. He had long legs with sharp claws extracting. His tail had spikes growing on the edge of it. With one sweeping motion he could tear through an entire army. At the top of his head grew two sharp horns. He didn't look old. By the base of his neck sat a long saddle. Spikes grew out of his neck and snaked their way down Abraxas's body. His wings were folded against his body but I knew they had to be huge to carry such a big dragon.

“Its a pleasure to meet you, Queen Rose. The Scale line has heard much about you. We have heard of your struggles. The Scale line is wise when giving advice. If you, at all, need anything we would be glad to serve you.” Abraxas said. His voice was deep but also comforting. Alagos offered his hand as he sat perched on the saddle. With a heave he lifted me up to the saddle. Abraxas waited patiently before we set off. With a soar we lifted up. There was no better feeling then flying. I sat behind Alagos and I held on tight to his strong form. We got higher and higher. I felt my ears pop until I opened my eyes. We were higher than the clouds themselves. The air was sharp and brisk.

“Lean over and touch a cloud.” Alagos said. He held my arm as I leaned over. I've never felt anything more strange. The cloud rushed past my fingers. Then I looked up. The sun was shining brighter than I had ever seen. At that moment I wanted Arthur there with me. Now I understood why he couldn't come. Abraxas's max was two people. Three would slow us down and make the teal dragon work harder. I still missed him.

As I leaned over and stared at the shining sun I felt free. Free of anything. I didn't notice that I was falling until Alagos yelled my name. My eyes snapped and I felt the wind flying through all openings in my clothes. Then I felt like I was flying. I saw the ground getting closer and closer. I thought that maybe the snow would cushion my fall. My eyes closed as I flew through the silent air. A thump and then pain. My back hurt. I heard the flapping of wings. That was all I remembered.