The Blood's Flame (The Dragons of Flareia Book 1)

Chapter 15 - Flae

Ivenstra, the Avalonian Island of Avalo

26th Year of the Ocean

The Last Day of the Second Moon

Flae had never seen so much water in her entire life. Though she had been sailing on it for the past few days, she thought she would never get used to the sight. The Avalonian Sea was as beautiful and mesmerising as everyone said – she almost couldn't believe she would be staying in Avalona. The streets of Ivenstra were a long stretch from the streets of Ardien and even Ferno. The buildings seemed more like huts – built mostly of bamboo with grass roofs, though some were of stronger wood with tiles. The streets weren't stone, but sand, and often had an array of seashells bordering the walkways. The weather was hot, but it wasn't the stifling heat that came with living at the base of a volcano, or often sharing a room with the Fire Dragon.

It's so beautiful. She told Ignotus.

She felt her dragon scoff. Lymphario is overcompensating.

Overcompensating for what? She asked, tucking a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear only for the harsh coastal wind to grab it again.

You'll know as soon as you see him. Ignotus said simply. Try not to stare. Or mention it. Ever.

Flae knew Ignotus well enough to know that was all he would tell her of Lymphario the Sea Dragon – though she couldn't help but think Ignotus was laughing at him.

Up ahead, Lady Ameira cleared her throat, trying to catch Flae's attention. Flae glanced up at the Priestess.

"We're nearing the Palace of Sand." She announced. "Please remain attentive – and do try not to offend the Sea Dragon."

Flae bowed her head, though she was fairly sure she now outranked the Priestess. "Of course." She said, though her thoughts whirred. What could there possibly be about the Sea Dragon that both Ignotus and Lady Ameira were so concerned about? But she didn't get much chance to wonder about it, as they rounded the corner and came face-to-face with the Palace of Sand, and she had to stop herself from gasping aloud.

Despite its name, Flae had never expected the Avalonian Palace of Sand to be made of, well, sand. But there it was, standing between the main street of Ivenstra and the Palace Beach, as if it had grown right out of the sand on the shore. The shape of the palace was strange yet fluid, and though it was sand, it reminded Flae more of water. The balcony railings she could see were formed by curves and waves, and the turrets seemed to twist the higher they rose into the bright blue sky. The roofs were curved almost like onions.

Noticing Flae's awe, Lady Ameira said, "When Avalona was first founded, Lymphario used his magic to make the palace for the Ivenyas. It is said he made it in mere seconds. Apparently he can add and take rooms as he pleases. The Palace is as fluid as the seas surrounding Avalona."

"Is it really only made of sand?" Flae asked as they began to ascend the steps leading towards the palace.

"On the exterior, yes. The interior, however, has been befitted as any usual palace would be." Lady Ameira explained.

"It's incredible."

The Priestess simply nodded and led Flae to the palace without another word.

At the top of the steps, Flae spotted a girl who looked to be almost twenty years, with her dark hair pulled back into two braids which seemed to be adorned with seashells – in the same fashion as every other Avalonian girl or woman Flae had passed. The girl's eyes were the brightest aquamarine Flae had ever seen. At the girl's feet sat an odd animal with smooth, grey skin, whiskers and a snout almost like a dog. Sitting on the girl's shoulder was a small, blue reptilian creature, whose scales were the exact same colour as—