Layla the dragon princess

chapter 9 - Krinos

The headmaster's face visibly paled as those words left John's mouth.
The tension in the room gripped me by the neck and I struggled with swallowing it down.

"What are you talking about John ?" The headmaster said trying to control the fear that was leaping into his voice.

John looked at me expectantly and I told the headmaster about my dream. With every word Mr. Wishmore's fists clenched tighter and tighter. I wanted to stop feeling sorry for the poor chair that was taking the abuse and because it looked like the headmaster would either pass out or go to war.

I finished relaying the dream and waited for his reply.

"He's making his presence known. I can't believe he's alive. I can't believe how strong he is, taking over your subconscious state of mind." Said Mr.Wishmore with a frown on his face.

I couldn't hold it in anymore so I blurted out , " Can someone tell me who HE is ? " I didn't like being out of the loop , especially since this seemed  to have something to do with me.

John couldn't meet my eyes and the headmaster gave me a sad sympathetic look.

"I'm so sorry to tell you this my dear, Krinos also known as the dark rider is the reason your parents died. This war has caused nothing but sadness and ruin. Your parents suffered under his hand , but not before destroying Krinos, or so we thought."

The air left my lungs and I could feel the stinging in my eyes as I tried not to let the tears fall.

"I need more information than that , please sir." I croaked out.

John took my hand and led me to the sofas in the middle of the room. I was grateful for his support and knew I wouldn't be able to do this without him.

"Long ago before you were even born Krinos at the age of 26 was the king of Daria. In all the 50 kingdoms he was the only one who believed that magic and dragon rider blood should only be kept in the royal families. He didn't want any "commoners" to have the privilege feeling that they did not deserve the gift and would taint the bloodlines. He formed an army of dark riders but they were not like us, they were... dark. Their souls had been painted black and they became violent inhuman monsters that killed anything that stood in their path. As Krinos's army grew in number the kingdoms suffered under his merciless attacks. The war went on for many years, with the effects that people went into hiding and we lost so many towns. Your parents Layla, they were the ones who helped the people, to give us a future."

"What do you mean ? How did they defeat him ? How did they die ? Why did they die? I need answers, please sir." I rushed out.

The headmaster took a deap breath and continued, " your parents raised an army of their own. With all the dragon riders by their side they saved the people and kept them out of harms way. Krinos grew furious, the dragon riders were not of royal blood and he wanted to destroy them all , so he attacked at the heart of the people... their beloved king and queen. A few months after you were born Krinos attacked, he ambushed the castle in the dead of night. Your parents only had enough time to get you out. They fought honorably and your father sunk a blade deep in Krinos's chest but unfortunately Krinos did the same to him."

This time I couldn't stop the tears, they fell freely.

John put his arm around me but I stood up and tried to calmly excuse myself.

" I-I just need some time to t-think about this please."

And with that I ran out, not knowing where I was going I just ran. Down the hallway I caught sight of the portrait of my parents and a new flood of depression hit me in my chest.

I ran outside and then I knew why I was running this way...

Dakota came barreling towards me looking more heartbroken  and worried than I was.

"What's going on Layla? Oh my goodness I was having a nap and then I just got hit with this tsunami of emotions. Are you oky ?" Dakota said curling around me and hugging me tight to her.

"Oh Dakota it's awful. I just found out why my parents died and now some dark freak is after me too and I just can't process all of this." I cried to her, clinging to her neck while she wrapped her wing around me.

" Come with me, I want to show you something and I know it'll make you feel better." She replied.

"John said not to go out flying alone Dakota." I said worriedly

"Don't worry I already spoke to Alto and Jhon will keep close by , but he'll give us some space."

I felt love bloom in my chest at the thought of my dragon caring for me so much.

I hopped onto her back and we were off to her secret place.

The wind in my hair gave me happiness for a little while and I tried to keep the past conversation out of my mind.

"Are you ready ?" Dakota asked.

With that she circled down and I gasped at the view beneath us.