Dragonborne

Chapter 9

"That's not possible," Levi said when Alyse shared her thought about Lord Erys, the mayor of the town we just left, is a vampire. "He walks in the sun."

"Humans aren't even supposed to be capable of turning to dragons," Alyse said, defensively. "But lo and behold, your whole family can. And besides, I've heard that vampires have found a way around their burning in the sun problem."

"A protective charm or something?" Levi said, mockingly.

"I think more like how dragons can be killed with magic." Alyse retorted. Levi tensed up and I felt that I should say something.

"Let's all take it down a notch, okay." I said. "We still have a long way to Dragonscale, so it'd really help us all if we maintain a friendly atmosphere." After that, no one started a conversation.

We camped for the night on the outskirts of a forest by the road. If geography is somewhat accurate, I reckon that we're about halfway from Dragonscale. We made a campfire and Levi was roasting rabbits over it a while ago. Now, what remains from our campfire, is a black streak of ash. I can hear both Levi and Alyse soundly asleep. While I was still awake, reflecting on what my life has become.

A few days ago, all I knew was that my family will be delivering valuable goods to Prince Aeon at Dragonfang, I was excited because I'd finally get to see the world outside the capital city.

But then, just two days ago, my parents were murdered and now, I'm out traveling with a Prince and a witch, hell bent on taking revenge. My father once told me that when someone takes unrighteously, the merchant should bill the goods with no mercy. But as a young lady, I don't really know much about revenge. But I do know that I shall not rest until I achieved it.

-oOo-

It was still dawn when I woke up.  I looked at my other companions and found that their still sound asleep. I gathered the mat that I slept on and rolled it. I saddled my horse and placed it my belongings on it. By the time I was done, Levi was already waking up.

"Good morning, princess." He said as he approached me. "Planning on deserting your company."

"Not really." I said. "But if both of you don't get ready in a while, I'll be going ahead and I'll just meet you at Dragonscale."

"So, you're implying on going on ahead?" Levi chuckled. "Do you know exactly where the assassin of your parents is?"

"If you'd be so kind as to tell me...." I said.

"Nay," Levi said. "That's the only-"

"What are you hoping to gain from helping me?"

Levi looked at me. The look in his eyes was quite akin to a kicked puppy, I didn't understand why he was sporting that look. Levi then sauntered off to his horse. My eyes followed him with my mind confused.

"You know," Alyse, who was suddenly beside me, I might've not noticed her because my mind was as befuddled as an agitated water on a basin. "Maybe you shouldn't ask those types of questions with Levi."

"Why not?" I asked.

"There was a prophecy," Alyse said. "A prophecy about the last-born Dragon devouring the whole Dragon family." I looked at Alyse in the same way I would look at a crazy person. "It's true. It was the last prophecy told by the Grey Seer."

"The Grey Seer did predict accurately alot of disasters happening to the kingdom," I said. "But remember that he remained silent when he was asked to cast the fortune of the Dragon family and the outcome of this war between Dragons and Faeries. He has his limits."

"Maybe," Alyse said, sounding unconvinced. "But still, just lay off on that type of question."

"Fine." I said just as Levi came over with his horse. "You all ready?" They both nod and we rode off.

By the time that the sun kissed the horizon, the gates of Dragonscale were visible.

"Who's going to meet-"

"My sister will meet and attend to us." Was Levi's curt answer. I wonder if he's mad.

Just outside the gates, Princess Celestia was awaiting us with her guards. I was expecting that meeting the first princess would be very intimidating but I guess her guards were even more so.

Standing guard at the Princess' left was a man of gigantic height and bulk. On his back was a great axe, the blade of the axe could easily span twice my shoulders. A lady wearing a robe was also there guarding the Princess' right side. Her hair was very red, in contrast with Prince Aeon's scales when he turns into a Dragon.

We stopped a few meters from them.

Levi dismounted. "Princess Celestia," he said. "We would like to request passage into your city as travelers."

"Spare me the formalities, young brother." The Princess said with a smile. "Word of your yet again impetuous actions have reached me. But still, I will grant you and the witch passage into my city. A room in the tavern has been prepared already. And as for Lady Corvette, I would like to speak with her in private in my castle. She and I have a lot to discuss about the murderer of her parents."