King of The Elves (Dragon Riders Chronicles)

An Old Friend

"I need to speak with the queen." Addison said to the guard standing outside the throne room.

"She's busy. Come back another time." He said. The door opened and a small girl with blonde hair and blue eyes stepped out.

"Daryl, I need to speak with the queen." Addison said. The girl, Daryl, turned to face Addison.

"I'm sure the queen would love to help you, but she is unfortunately busy at the moment." Daryl said in a small voice. Addison emptied a small packet of powder into her hand and threw it into the guards face, causing him to collapse. Daryl stared at the body for a moment.

"What do you need?" She asked calmly.

"The bag Jurriaan had when they were captured."

"The bags in the throne room. I won't be able to get it."

"Well is there some way I could get it? Or be able to access it for a moment?" Daryl looks around, checking to see if there's anyone nearby.

"There is one way. You won't be able to take the bag, but you can get what you need."

"That'll be fine. I only need one thing." Daryl led her down the corridor and into an empty room. She walked over to a giant painting hanging on the wall and began tapping on it.

"What are you doing?" Addison asked impatiently. There was soft click and the painting suddenly swung away from the wall.

"The servants use this to get around the castle without disturbing anyone. There's a small door just down there that opens into the throne room. You should be able to get what you need." Daryl looked behind her again.

"I have to go. The queen is organising sleeping quarters for the two of you, so I'll see you there later, okay?"

"That's fine. Thank you for this, by the way. I owe you."

"You owe me nothing." Daryl said quietly before leaving the room. Addison snuck back into the hall and walked to the nearest window, which was only a few paces down the hall. Rosella flew through the window immediately.

"I'm glad you were watching. Let's go, we have work to do."

Lysander led Jurriaan into a small soundproof room. The only furniture in the room was a large chair in the centre of the room with various straps attached to it.

"Don't worry, we may be in a torture room, but torturing you is far from what I have planned." Jurriaan stayed standing where he was and looked at Lysander warily.

"Then what do you have planned?" He asked.

"Just talking. I want to know more about your groups relationships with Addison."

"There's not much to tell. I'm her knight, and I swore to her father I would protect her. Nyx and Addison are old friends, as are her and Zephyrus." Jurriaan didn't know how to explain the bonding, so decided not to explain it at all. Lysander nodded.

"And what were you four doing before she disappeared?"

"Addison went into a temple so she could be a real magician and belong to one of the circles."

"And why were all of you together?"

"We were going to find Marciano, her brother." Lysander smiled.

"I appreciate your honesty Jurriaan. I can see why Addison likes you."

"What? You know where she is?"

"Of course I do. You didn't think you were actually in trouble did you?" Jurriaan shrugged.

"Well, you needn't worry about your execution any longer, my friend. Addison and I will take care of everything."

"What about Zephyrus and Nyx?"

"They will be fine. We will come and get you tomorrow, but you mustn't say anything that the guards might hear."

"Not even to the others?"

"They will know." Lysander opened the door and Jurriaan walked out with his head hung low. He could feel the eyes of the other prisoners on him, burning holes in his skin.

"Hey, you there. Yes you, Paladin. I want to speak with the girl." Jurriaan looked up to see the same prisoner that had talked of Addison rescuing them shouting across the room. Lysander walked over to the cell and grabbed the mans filthy shirt through the bars.

"And why should you talk to her?" He growled.

"Tell her an old friend will be waiting for her, if she has the time."