Lost Rider- Book 2

Epilogue

Considered a criminal for her 'crimes' against the King. Lorelie stood in the throne room, Atta by her side. She rolled her eyes, still waiting for the brat of a king to finish his ranting. She despised the King who currently ruled the country, he cared not if his riders were killed, and he barely took any notice if one had gone missing in battle.

It was surprising really, to think that the ugly spoiled brat that currently reigned, was a descendant of King Phillip the magnificent, the first dragon rider. The poor boy didn't even have a dragon to call his own.

"Barnock would not approve of your actions!" King Henry yelled at her, she stared at him with a bored expression.

Suddenly the ground shook, the sky trembled, and a mighty roar echoed across the entire country. Far in the south mountains, a farmer had been fishing with his elderly father. Their legs were dangling over the edge of the cave that stood high off the ground, a massive waterfall thrashed past them.

In a state of fright, the young farmer dropped his fishing rod and jumped to his feet. The extremely loud roar had come from right behind them, causing his ears to ring. His old father sat still, a smile stretched across his wrinkled face.

An almighty splash came from the waterfall, drowning out the sound of the water hitting the large river below. Emerging from the cascading waters, a great dragon stretched his cramped neck.

The tips of his wings broke out of the water, and when he noticed the human marvelling at him. He turned his attention to him, his large blue orbs burning into the boy's soul. The dragon smiled, a toothy grin. He tipped himself out of the waterfall, the spines along his back looked like a horizontal ladder as his arched body curved downward.

When the tip of his tail left the waters, he glided down, then angled his body upwards so he flew up into the sky. After so many years hidden in a secret cave, Barnock finally had a reason to awaken.

"What was that?" Lorelie asked Atta, "probably just some wild dragon having a hissy fit!" Henry interrupted before Atta could answer.

The stunning stained glass windows displayed above the throne, wavered with magic. They showed Barnock and Phillip aiding the dragons. A large shadow could be seen on the other side of the glass, and it kept moving closer.

Squealing like a child, the King ran for cover behind Atta. Barnock burst through the windows like they were a portal, nor the Windows or the wall were destroyed. He flapped his mighty wings, landing carefully in the centre of the hall.

He sat on his hind legs, wings tucked behind him. Sparkling water dripped from his joints, pooling on the marble floor. He loomed over Atta, she felt like an ant next to her great leader.

"The time has come for me to awaken" Barnock spoke, his deep voice bouncing off the high walls, "this kingdom needs the ruler it deserves, much like the ruler it once had"

He turned his head to Lorelie, "Lorelie, daughter of Penelo and Jonathen, I dub thee, Empress of all dragons" Lorelie gasped, why had he chosen her of all riders?

"Now, hold on a minute!" Henry yelled, emerging from behind Atta, "you can't just burst into the palace unannounced! You beast! Who do you think you are?!" Barnock glared at the King, his eyes filled with anger. Lorelie and Atta glanced at each other.

"I am the dragon of your ancestor, you fool!" The great dragon roared, "and I will not be called a beast by a self-centred brat like you!" Barnock snarled.

"My lord" Atta said, Barnock turned his gaze to her, "in my opinion your decision is wise. Lorelie and I found each other again after been separated for half a year. She is brave, strong, wise, and loving." Barnock smiled as Atta said this, the memories of his own rider coming back to him.

"Lorelie, half-nightgale, rider of Atta the magnificent white, sister to Anolis and Fados" Barnock faltered in his speech, he wasn't going to say anything else about her, she would get upset with him. "Do you accept the offer to become; Lorelie, Queen of dragons, and controller of all mythical creatures in your domain?" He asked.

Lorelie hesitated, she had no idea how big the responsibility was. She wanted her freedom, to ride Atta into the sunset without a care. To settle down and live for the hundreds of years that nightgales lived for. No house was needed for comfort, nor new clothing, all she wanted was to be free with Atta.

Lorelie smirked, "Alright, I'll accept on one condition" She said. Barnock blinked down at her, waiting for her to continue, "I remain no more than a mysterious legend"

"Very well" the great dragon agreed, stooping his large head down. "Empress of Dragons; you now command the King, the kingdom, and everything and everyone in it"

"Commands?" Barnock asked, Lorelie smirked, and turned to face a very white King Henry "find yourself a Queen already" she rolled her eyes.

With a mighty crash, the stained glass on the ceiling smashed, sending shards of glass shattering to the marble floor below. Maylanth burst through the roof, violet scales shimmering.

He tucked his wings in, and barrelled down to the floor. His wings got smaller, the texture of them changing, his body minimised in size, and his scales paled until they were the colour of skin.

Landing on human hands, Maylanth pushed off the ground and flipped. Now standing on his feet, his long purple coat hung to his ankles. His long black hair billowed around his face freely.

"First rule!" Lorelie shouted, "The Empress can do whatever the bloody hell she wants" she climbed onto Atta's back, "Secondly, no one is to be executed without my knowledge" She got comfortable and eyed Maylanth, "Thirdly; It is illegal to kill a dragon" And she took off, Atta flew out through the hole in the roof, the afternoon sunlight bounced off her nose ring.

Maylanth turned to Henry, "arm yourself! Let's see how well you can fight!" He shouted, drawing his sword and lunging in for the attack.

Atta and Lorelie flew together into the sunset. After that, they were rarely ever seen again, considered a legend. But a legend that rung with truth.