The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 31 - Trouble on the Horizon

Standing on the roof of her tower, Elissa gazes over all the coloured tents lining the river bank. People from around Elysium continue to arrive each day. When she suggested a tournament, she thought it might be fun and bring people together, but never expected it to be so popular.

They are to host the champions and the royals in the palace, but it just isn't big enough to house everyone.

She looks up and jolts at the sight of a red dot on the horizon. She bites her lip; could it be Kai? Of all the people coming for the tournament, he is the one she is the most nervous about. While she wants to see him, she worries that his arrival will rock the boat.

Her relationship with Aren is blossoming and their love, while not as free and easy as those early days in Arcadia, has endured, undiminished by their trials. Lately he has been a bit tense, but she puts it down to the dark shadows under his eyes, which imply that he's not sleeping well.

Her eyes flicker back to the sky; the shape is bigger now. She sighs and makes her way down through the palace. On the grand stairway she gets waylaid by Altair.

"Elissa, the elven contingent is on its way. Her Majesty, your grandmother should arrive tomorrow."

Normally Altair holds himself very properly, but right now he is slightly slouched, and his eyes have difficulty in meeting hers.

Putting her hands on her hips, she demands, "OK, give me the bad news."

"The elven contender is..." Altair fidgets and then fires out the remaining words in a blur. "Lordnero."

"WHAT?" She holds a hand to stop him replying. "I heard. I just can't believe my ears."

"He is the most adept of elven fighters," Altair explains in tones of an apology.

"And I have to welcome him!" She grits her teeth. "I need to speak to Garrett about security. If Nero so much as looks at Aren in the wrong way, he will regret it." Blue electricity flies from her fingertips and sparks against the stair rail.

Altair gulps.

"I need some fresh air."

Running down the remaining stairs, she storms outside, takes a deep calming breath and glances skywards. High above, a red and a purple dragon weave in a complicated pattern. In her agitation, she had forgotten about the latest arrival.

As the red dragon makes its descent, she walks over to the jetty to meet it. But as it gets lower, she frowns, for it is far too small for Antares. Who then?

Two things happen at the same time. Dawn comes to stand beside her and the dragon rider grins down at them. Oh of course, Dusk. Dawn mentioned her brother was going to visit.

Dusk jumps down and sweeps Dawn off her feet; an impressive feat given that she is over six foot tall. "Hello sis."

With Dusk's masculine stature and chiselled features that could give Zane a run for his money, Elissa can't help thinking that Avalon will be littered with even more broken hearts.

"Well, I am honoured. Met by the queen herself." His eyes sparkle with mischief. "Or were you expecting someone else?"

She manages not to flinch and pointing to the magical stone archway, calmly responds, "No one is able to enter unless I give permission."

"So, are you going to invite me in? I do like to come in the back entrance."

She hastily snaps closed her gaping mouth, then fires back. "I'm not sure. You sound like trouble."

There is the sound of grinding stone and a thick branch swings down, barring the way.

Dusk gives an appreciative whistle. "How about if I promise to be on my best behaviour?"