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

Chapter Thirteen

Lilly stood in master Aeron's library and took in her surroundings. The library was the length of perhaps a soccer field, and it seemed to be at least four stories high. The shelves were made of solid oak and the floors were made of marble. There were fae lights lined up against the walls and tables set up across the floor. A fireplace sat in the middle of the room and lush rugs were placed under the tables. Aeron swiped his hand and several books made their way to the table she stood before. "These books reflect our history and how we learned to use magic. I want you to read thru these today. Tomorrow you will be training with Colvin and Logan. If you need anything, Angela and Ashley will take care of you." He pointed towards the library entrance and the two were standing at attention. Lilly ran over to them and gave them both a fierce hug. She was overjoyed that Aeron had sent them from Brighton to care for her. "Enjoy your day of rest Lilly, tomorrow begins your hard training. I'll see you in the morning". He bowed to her and disappeared in to thin air. She assumed he went back to her home to meet with Rhylan and the Kings. She already missed him and as she thought about him, she felt a gentle caress along the tattoo on her arm.

Was she imagining things? She could swear it felt like he was trying to send her a comforting message. Just to test it out, she sent a gentle caress along her tattoo and willed it to go to him. As if in answer, she felt that same comforting caress again. She wondered what else they could do to communicate with each other. Didn't he say Arella and Baelin could talk mind to mind? She wondered if any of the books Aeron gave her had information about the ancient King and Queen. She settled down in her chair and began to read.

Rhylan stood in Lilly's side chamber staring at the empty space she was just in. He already missed her warm smile and calming presence. He looked down at his tattoo and gently stroked it, hoping maybe she would feel his connection and love thru the bond. A few seconds later, he felt a gentle stoke along his own tattoo. Did she do that? He sent another one to her in answer. He looked up to see William and Marlin staring at him with a big smile on their faces. They looked from him to the tattoo and back. "What are you smiling about?" he said. Marlin said, "It seems the bonding tattoo has finally set in place. I am so relieved". "You knew about the tattoo?" said Rhylan. Marlin nodded and said, "Yes, we saw it happen when Lilly was born but could not tell you about it." Rhylan asked, "Why so many secrets?" Marlin said, "We will tell you as much as we can after master Aeron returns." "So is it true that Prince Elias asked you to consent to his making Lilly his Queen?" said Rhylan. Marlin nodded and simply stated, "Yes, Alistair tried to enter into marriage negotiations on Eli's behalf but he was told it was not possible. I told him she was promised to someone else. It seems he didn't believe me or didn't care and it sickens me what he tried to do to her." "And just who is she promised to?" Rhylan said. Marlin replied, "You and Lilly were promised to each other the day she was born".

Rhylan, Colvin, Logan, Jarron, William and King Bariston sat with King Marlin in his study waiting for master Aeron to return. Suddenly, he appeared out of thin air and everyone looked to him to begin. "Well, she's all settled in and will start her physical training tomorrow. I have her studying our histories today". "Is she OK?" Rhylan asked. "She's going to be fine, but I suspect once we start experimenting with her powers she might be overwhelmed and potentially dangerous" said Aeron. Colvin spoke up, "Will I be training with her? Or do you have another task for me?" Aeron said, "Yes Colvin, you are going to be her training partner while I supervise. You are the strongest magical warrior, besides myself and I'm too old to practice fighting with her." Colvin nodded. "I suspect I will be leaving for the mountain as soon as we are done here." "You and Logan will both be going." He looked to Rhylan, "now I suspect you want answers and I think Marlin should be the one to give them" said Aeron.