The Mark of Arella(Book One of the Dragonfly Chronicles)

Chapter Six

Rhylan portaled into the northern mountains with Tam and Finn. They could not portal directly to the cave entrance because of all the magical barriers, so they had to make the 1 mile trek up to the top of the mountain. It was a steep climb and the winds were blisteringly strong at this elevation. They reached the top and made it to the cave entrance. Everything looked normal. The barriers seemed to be intact and Rhylan wasn't convinced the information his father received was correct. He cast the spell to let the barrier down and the three crossed over. He immediately put the magic spell back into place. After they crossed the threshold, Rhylan could feel something was wrong. He looked at Tam and Finn and said, "Be ready, something is amiss". He could feel the tension in the air and they slowly walked down the cave path. The cave was dark and he pulled out an orb light to illuminate the path. As they reached the first cavern he could see books strewn all over the floor and shelves overturned. He couldn't believe the destruction he was looking at. Long protected relics were broken on the floor and tapestries were ripped apart. They kept walking down the path looking at all the destruction. Rhylan whispered to Tam and Finn, "Be cautious, I don't think the intruder has left. I feel his presence here. We need to clear each room until we find him".

They made it to the third cavern when all of a sudden a huge crashing sound came from the side and two men lunged at them. They must have been mage's because fire bolts started flying by his head and he had to dive to the floor to avoid them. "Watch out!" He yelled to Tam and Finn. Rhylan threw out his hand and a powerful gust of wind came from his arms and blew out the fireballs. "Get behind me, he yelled to Tam and Finn. Rhylan put up a force field around him and his two friends as he circled the two mage's. They smiled at him with wicked delight. "Why are you desecrating this sacred place?" he said to the two magicians. One of them replied, "We have much to gain from destroying your caves young Prince, our Queen has demanded it. She wants all record of the past wiped clean when she takes over Fannon. We will start a new world where these relics and books have no meaning. Our Queen has many plans for you and your weak kingdoms." The mage's fell silent and Rhylan checked his force field to make sure it was strong. He could feel the magic building in the mage's. Just then another fire bolt came from the one on the left, as a bolt of lightning came from the other. Rhylan sent another blast of air at the two mage's, followed by his own blast of fire bolts. One of them was hit hard and fell to the ground burning and screaming as the other ran toward the cave entrance. "Put out the fire and bind his eyes and mouth", he screamed at Tam and Finn as he ran down the hallway towards the other mage. He came around the corner and was hit by a bolt of lightning. He fell and rolled onto the floor. A hot burning pain seared up his right shoulder and it took his breathe away. He concentrated thru the pain and put his force field back up while he sent another blast of air at the man. The man just laughed a wicked sound, ran down the hall and disappeared around the corner. Rhylan ran down the hallway and to the cave entrance just as he saw the mage portal away. He held onto the cave wall gasping for breath. His shoulder was burning so hot he could barely breathe. He steadied himself, took a deep breath and stumbled back towards the third cavern where Tam and Finn held the other mage.

Rhylan was sitting on the chair in his room while Thea attended to his burns. "That lightning bolt really did some damage, but your healing powers should take care of it in a few hours". She said. "Would you like some tea for the pain?" She handed him a cup of herbal tea. Rhylan gladly took it from her and drank the cup. Bariston walked in the door and started pacing the room. "I've sent the masters to the cave to identify what was broken and if anything was stolen. We've been interrogating the injured mage but he won't give us any information as to why they were there". "They talked about their Queen taking over Fannon. She wanted them to destroy our past so she could build a new one" Rhylan said. "Do you think this has to do with the prophecy you were speaking of father?" "I'm not sure, but I have the masters looking for it in the cave as we speak" the King said. "When do you leave for Brighton?" he said to Rhylan. "I was hoping to leave in a few days if my wounds are healed." "Good, I have a message I want you to bring to Marlin. When you are ready to leave, come see me and I will give it to you." "Now get some rest son". Bariston put his hand on Rhylan's good shoulder and walked out the door. Rhylan didn't need any more coaxing. He was already tired from the tea and decided to go to sleep. He had fitful dreams that night. They were the usual ones about the baby girl and the golden woman, but mixed in with these were nightmares about a dark haired queen standing on top of a heap of dead faeries. She was standing on this mound with her arms stretched out into the in the air as though she was summoning evil.