I Am: Silver

Chapter 4

People say the future is only possible if we have legends to create the past. Long ago, in a land like none that exists on Earth, one such legend existed. It was the legend of the Dragon Riders, the protectors of the land called Amphilias. Seven immortal brothers born with the gift handed down from generations before them, all with one special power; to call upon a dragon. From a single tattoo in the palm of their hand, a dragon would appear when called on by their rider. All seven brothers worked in unity, side by side they protected Amphilias from any and every invasion, but killed as little as possible, as was their law. But the youngest brother grew jealous of his six other brothers, and yearned for the great power that he alone could yield. As soon as he made that crucial decision that altered the fate of the entire of Amphilias, a great crack split through the land, ending off, as some came to say, the face of the earth. By persuading his older brother, Alron, to go against the five oldest brothers, in secret, one by one, the two brothers murdered each rider in their sleep, until they were the only two who remained. But the younger brother could not trust the elder sibling, and so Alron was the last brother to be murdered. Now you may be wondering why the youngest did not have to kill the dragons as well. Being a rider comes with great power, but also great responsibility. Should a rider be wounded, the dragon will feel the rider's pain. Should a rider be killed, however, is an entirely different story. Should a rider be killed, their dragon will follow. Afterwards, the younger brother took over the throne, and claimed the title of King. Paranoid and ever wanting more, he then murdered each and every descendant of each of his six brothers. But Alron's only son, Athin, was never found. Some say he still lives amongst the humans, as a normal peasant. Others say that the boy escaped, and lives amongst the faery folk of Ranwick Forest.

**

Everything clicked as Nadu finished the legend, myth, whatever. With a flick of his hand, the Gargyons released both of us, albeit unwillingly. I felt Locus' glare on me, but I couldn't help it. I fell to my knees, aware that Nadu was watching me in interest, while Tomas - Athin - was watching for my reaction.

I didn't know what to do.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to slap him. I wanted to have him tell me it's not true. I wanted to kill every single one here. I wanted to run away and cry. I knew that Pegasus could feel my pain, and my indecision. It felt like I was an alien in my own body. Like I was weighed down by led, my body molded in concrete.

All I could do was look at...Tomas? Athin? He was teary-eyed and his face was pained, betraying his hidden lie as he swallowed. It was all true. He had betrayed me. And just when I started to trust him. I couldn't take it anymore.

Pegasus. I'm counting to three. I told him, and he understood.

What about Tomas? He asked. I ignored his question. Tomas could die for all I cared. Pegasus stayed quiet as I counted.

1.

2.

3.

I leapt up, taking them all by surprise, and grabbed my bow and arrows, sending one flying into Nadu's chest. I saw him vanish into black dust before I turned and leapt over Locus, making it over, but I felt his dagger slash through the back of my lower right leg and bit my lip to hold in a scream.

The adrenaline hid the pain though, and I left Tomas to fight Ethsi as I hurried to where Pegasus was coming to land. He landed at a run, and I jumped onto his moving body, holding tight as we took flight again. I couldn't look back, because I knew Sapphire would be watching me, wondering why I deserted them. I heard the crashing of trees as the dragon landed, rescuing Tomas yet again.

Wait, his name was Athin.

I shook my head. He could be anyone. Forget him, my conscience told me. I agreed heartily. That boy was dead to me.