The Dragon Ring

Chapter 14: The King's Court

We got to a castle. It was huge.

"So, this is the Dragon King's Castle. There are other kings in other kingdoms. This is the land of Sky, in the world of Hearthsedge." Jack said as we landed at the front steps. I had trouble landing, but did okay. Two guards greeted us.

"Who are you and what is your business?" One of them asked.

"I am Jack, this is Lindy," He paused, "and Mycket." The guard shifted when he heard Mycket's name. The other guard held his wrist to his mouth and spoke into a watch or something like one.

"One second please." The second guard said.

We waited for a couple minutes. Six more guards came out of the palace. Two grabbed Mycket's arms, and Mycket looked at Jack, he was scared. He was lifted into the air while me and Jack were grabbed by the arms, we didn't get lifted though. It was as though we just became prisoners. I looked at Jack, confused. He just looked at me and mouthed this always happens. I had a feeling he was lying though.

We were escorted inside. We walked until we got to the throne room. Or something like one at least. There was a huge throne, where a giant dragon was sitting. There were other seats, taken by other dragons. Probably the jury or something like it. We were escorted to the middle of the room and onto our knees.

"Jack, I heard you have good news." The king said.

"Yes, your majesty. I have found Mycket and brought him and the person who found him here."

"Person? In Hearthsedge? Jack, you know that isn't allowed, where is he or she?"

"She isn't all the way human, sir, she is right here," He pointed to me, "Her name is Lindy."

"She does look part dragon, what is she?"

"She is a shapeshifter sir, she can be anything she wants to be, as long as it's living. She didn't know until now." I looked at him with my mouth open wide. I wasn't a dragon? I was a- shapeshifter?

"And I see you brought the traitor, Mycket." He said Mycket's name with so much disgust, Jack flinched when he said traitor. Mycket gave Jack a betrayed look. Mycket- a traitor- how? I was very confused.

"Yes," Jack stuttered out. He looked ashamed of himself.

"Guards, bring the cutter and the axe. And get Jack a jewel or something, he deserves it."

"Your Majesty? Could I speak with you after the punishment is given, alone please." Jack said. Mycket was there, mouth open wide, the look of betrayal still on his face. Jack and I were dragged back. Then the cutter came out.

.....

The cutter was here. I was going to die wasn't I? I didn't expect this. I thought I would be welcomed with open arms. I was being punished for running away with Chroma. She was now my enemy, officialy. Jack betrayed my trust. I didn't know he was going to do this, didn't even see it coming.

"Lay down on your belly and spread your wings." The king's voice rang. I did. My wings spread out. "Carry on cutter."

There was a new voice. "This will hurt." That was comforting. I looked at Lindy, terrified, and caught her eye. I mouthed Tell Nari I'll miss her. I'll miss you too. I didn't look at Jack, I was too hurt. At least it will all be over soon. I closed my eyes. "Here we go." The voice said. I heard the swing of the axe and heard it hit the floor. I heard a scream and felt an agonizing pain. Then everything went black.

.....

"NO!" I screamed. They hurt Mycket. He yelped a little, then laid still. I think he passed out from the pain. They cut off one of his wings. I started crying. I struggled against the guards arms.

But then I remembered, Jack told me I could shapeshift into anything. So I shrunk a little, and slipped out of the guards hands. I ran towards Mycket and picked him up. I turned into a giant dragon and went to the window. I imagined my wings sharp and pointy. I hit the window, and it broke. And then I flew away.