The Second Dragon

Subzero Part 6

    I closed my eyes and held my hand up to the sky. Collecting the energy and I knew already that my body was glowing without even looking. Time seemed to slow as I brought my hand down to the ground with a powerful push and the ground shook slowly.  The water slowed and I raised my hand, palm up, and focused on the movement.  How the water drifted over my skin, cool and refreshing from the heat of the palace.  It held not one form but could take the form of anything.  Willingly moving at it's masters command.  My body jolted with electricity and I focused the energy into flames.  The water evaporated in clouds of ice particles and the heavens opened.  It began to rain.  Gentle drops drifted down onto the world as I forced the water up and to the sky.  The last crystals of water drifted upward, as soft drops returned.  My body was trembling from the warm, misty rain and the lack of energy.  It would be raining for a while.  I pulled my hood up to cover my face and walked inside.  Ignoring the look the servants were giving me and the way people seemed to turn away every time I looked up.  Kharis gave me a small smile and glared at one of the servants that were gossiping.

"Thank you.  You didn't have to save us, but you did."  I met her warm amber eyes and gave her a small but wry smile.

"Yes I did.  If the Crimson Line were to pass, then who else would rule?  My sister's fiance is still needed.   I however have no say in the arrangement and will be excusing myself.  Thank you for you time Princess Kharis."  I bowed to her and walked back the way I came to the stables.  I shouldn't have acted that way to Kharis.  But keeping her at arms length and staying separated would be an easier way to stay friends, but not incorporate myself with the Crimson Line.  Alesia neighed at me as I sat down on the hay and brushed her coat and began un-tangling her mane with my fingers and a comb.

"It's hard Alesia.  I'm struggling with trying to keep a distance from the Crimson Line."  She gave me a 'I told you so' look and I patted her side before receiving another message from Uncle.  I opened it and began to read. 

Dearest Saphira,

It's been quite some time since I have written and I believe you are needed else where than your sisters side.  If need be I will send a soldier to look after her.  I command you to join the front lines again but aid the Crimson Line this time.  In our battle against the darkness.  The Crimson Line is willing to allow you to fight on their side.  It is time to fight again.  This is not a request, it is a command.

With power,

Your Uncle and Commander. 

I growled under my breath and resumed my pacing before a soldier came running and he slid to the ground at my feet and bowed.

"Crown Princess Saphira!  We have been informed of you aiding us.  Our thanks.  Word has just reached us that the first battle is two days ride.  We ride at dawn."  I looked at the setting sun and nodded.

"Dismissed.  I will get ready."  The young soldier rose to his feet and I changed into my battle armor before attaching both weapons around my waist and getting Alesia covered in her armor.  We both spent the night talking to one another and getting deep but quick naps til morning came and Clove came riding out in red battle armor with Kyro right next to her and I saddled up Alesia and we walked to the front gates.  Soldiers would be meeting us at the battle point and ready to fight.  All three of us rode out and I couldn't help but feel comfortable with the way the armor fit my body, the clash of metal that rang in my ears every time Alesia shifted her gate, and the feel of steel at my waist.  We rode hard for days and I began falling into the feeling of my position.  Commander.  We arrived at the camp and a few warriors moved away from out horses and bowed.  I got off Alesia and patted her side as she shivered in fear.  My hands wrapped around her nose and I pressed her forehead to my chest and covered her eyes, whispering in her ear.

"Calm yourself.  Everything is planned and going well.  We are alright.  Nothing will come to harm you until we fight.  Shh.  Shh.  Calm down."  She stopped trembling and I patted her side before letting her head rise off of my chest once more.   Kyro was helping Clove down from her horse and I smiled at how cute they were together.  Well, at least how they looked cute together, if not for the noise they were making.  Kyro was trying to pull Clove off, she protested, so on and so on.  I watched amused til Clove met my eyes.

"Saphira!"  She growled out my name as I laughed at her and then moved to her horses side and nodded at Kyro who stepped back with clear anger on his face.  Clove was half in and half out of her saddle and I pulled myself up onto the horse before lifting her frame up and off and climbed off in one fluid motion.

"We're wasting valuable time.  Move."  I said calmly with steel in my voice and Kyro turned with a huff and marched into the war tent.  We surrounded the table and began discussing battle strategy.  I threw in advice but not one general listened except Kyro.  Who suggested it again and was praised for the 'brilliant idea he had come up with' by himself.  I bit my lip thinking and Clove watched confused til my ears picked up on the drumming of horse hooves on the earth.  My head snapped up and I turned towards the entrance and met Clove's eyes.  She grew serious and nodded at me before I touched Kyro's shoulder.  His eyes zeroed in on the hand that laid on on his arm and then met my eyes.

"They're here."  I said and he nodded before removing my hand and focusing on the sound again before the generals began yelling.

"Your highness!  you can't possibly believe this... this thing.  The warning bell has not been rung!  We are still safe!"  I focused and heard the hooves stop and they neighed and bucked before settling.  A hundred yards away, waiting.  They were going to wait for near the tree line.  I pressed a hand to my temple and focused on the sounds.  Over three hundred and more possibly in the trees.  The sound of a throat being slit outside had me drawing a dagger and throwing it into the tent fabric.  The body fell through the thin fabric and I walked over to it and pulled my dagger out and turned back to the generals.

"Your guard has been killed.  Is that not enough proof that we are under attack!?"  My voice rose in anger and I snarled out the last part.  All of them seemed taken aback at my tone.  I slammed my hands down on the war table and they all jumped in fear and shock.

"We are at war!  You do not decide that you don't want to fight!  You signed up for this and you will fight with your last breath!  Am I clear?!  You are under attack.  Ready your forces."