Halfblood

Chapter 14

My-- how did you know?" Pythonia looks sad and confused. "Actually that isn't important right now. Who is this Malthazar and what does he want with Rosalyn?"

"Actually," I couldn't help but cut in. Turning to the elf, I question him. "Before you tell us that, who exactly are you, and why should we trust a word you say?"

"I wouldn't ask that if I were you." I turn and shudder as another elf, a younger looking elf who stood across the room, drew his sword. "Is that any way to address a king?" I hear the hiss of metal against leather as every other elf in the room, king excluded, follows suit. "Seize them!"

As a circle of swords closed in around us, I felt Pythonia squeeze my hand. Then suddenly...

"Where did they go?"

"I'm sure they were right there."

"They just vanished into thin air? But that magic is--"

"Forbidden." The king finally spoke again. "But not uncalled for. Mardil scared our guests."

I turned to the elf who had originally spoken, who had issued the order to seize us. He was growing redder in the face every second now, and his sword fell to the ground with a clang.

"But your majesty, they disrespected you." He fell to one knee as he spoke, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "I thought we should deal with them as we did the others."

A hand reached out and clasped his shoulder, and my eyes roamed up the arm, tracing it back to the king. "Normally, you would be right. But these two travelers are special.

The human has an air of abnormality about her, not to mention the fact that she is serving as a host to a new world dragon.

Now the human's companion is also a special case. She is wanted in these lands not only for the crimes of her people, but for pilfering moonberries, a vital plant to us in so many ways. But she dared come here as well."  He gave Mardil a pat on the shoulder. "Now I believe I know why she came, and it is for that reason that I am prepared to offer them both a full pardon."

A gasp flows around the room as I let out the breath I didn't even know I was holding.

"They're back." The crowd steps back and  weapons are lowered as the king approaches us.

"How did you do that?"

I decide to do what I think would be the correct thing to do in this situation and drop into a curtsy before speaking. "I honestly do not know, your majesty." I rise to my feet once again. "Although I highly suspect that this phenomenon has something to do with the dragon I am, as you put it, hosting."

He nods. "That is as likely as any other possibility." He then turns to Pythonia. "And what, may I ask, is your reason for being here."

I watch the shapeshifter gulp in fear as she lowers herself in a curtsy. "If it may please you, your majesty, I am searching for my daughter." I can't help but notice how much she shakes as she stands up.

The king seems to notice as well, as I see him motion for chairs to be brought for himself and us. When they arrive, we settle ourselves upon them. Then, and only then, does he speak again.

"And rightfully you should. She is your family and it would be concerning if you were not concerned about her well being."

I can hear her sigh with relief. But the king is not done. "However," he continues. "You should have requested permission before entering my lands. Should you have done so, you would have received an escort and assistance in finding your daughter." He pauses to once again take a drink, and I notice something. The staff that was on the wall earlier is now in his hand.

And it is glowing. As a matter of fact, I notice something else. The louder the wind gets outside, the brighter it glows. Each time however, it gets brighter than the last. Before I could really wonder about this however, I am forced to close my eyes due to a blindingly bright light. When I do so, I hear the noise outside suddenly increase to a crescendo before it suddenly goes quiet. Then I open my eyes again and see...

Sunlight. The natural light of the sun is streaming in a window straight into my face. I have to squint in order to make out the faces of my companions.

Yes, companions. Not only is Pythonia standing across from me, but so is Spectrum, and everyone around is staring at my hands.
Looking down, I see...

Wasn't that in the king's hands last I saw it? Why is it now in mine?

I look to the king for answers, but he appears as astonished as everyone else at this idea. When he finally speaks again, it is not to answer my questions.

"We leave tomorrow. Pack your bags."