Beyond Dragons Crown

Beyond Dragons Crown Part 7

The boys were making better time than they had anticipated, however, the sky was getting darker and there were large drops of rain beginning to fall. Mat told Henry that they should keep going and get as far as they can before it really starts to rain. Henry agreed and they rowed harder and faster. Gronin woke up when he felt the first drops. He looked back at the boys and then screeched and pointed. He was very scared of something. Matt turned, and saw nothing, but drops hitting the water behind them. Gronin had just woken up and maybe he had a bad dream. They rowed on harder and faster headed for Myr. An hour and a half went by which seemed like a lifetime and it was getting darker both because of nightfall, but also the dark rain clouds, however now there was a tremendous amount of Lightning lighting up the sky and river in front of them.

Shiva and Ajax were getting closer and would soon be dropping down into the big castle. The girls were still dry, however, the big mantles would have to be folded once they start to drop into the castle and they were sure to get wet some, unavoidable.

Matt could see in the distance lights to the right side, maybe this was Myr. The lights looked to be maybe another ½ hour in distance and would be very welcome as it was getting very wet and cold as they rowed faster to try and close the distance.

Shiva indicated to Ajax to drop through the clouds and into Myr and she would follow. They needed to move quickly to try and keep the girls as dry as possible. Ajax folded his big wings, left his mantle open as a break and shield against the rain and just before swooping into the courtyard folded his mantle and opened his huge wings and landed very close to the huge doors of the castle. The butler from the castle came running out with huge umbrellas and escorted them inside. Shiva was not far behind and followed Ajax's example of landing, she had never done anything like this before as Ajax was the warrior and many times risked his life doing maneuvers like this, it worked, Shiva landed and they were escorted inside to dry off.

Matt, Henry, and Gronin rowed up slowly to a huge pair of gates at the base of the town. They rowed up and saw a huge knocker and proceeded to knock. Several knocks and the gate slowly opened to the town's center, they rowed in and just in time as the monster that had been following them tried to enter as well only to meet a barrage of spears and flaming cloth wrapped bags of some molten material..... This drove off the giant beast and the huge gates were closed again. They rowed slowly into the town's center towards a huge castle in the town's center. When they reached the castle they landed the boat and got out. After getting out they found themselves surrounded by military warriors with swords drawn and ready for action. Gronin quickly hid behind the boys looking between their legs. Matt was reading the mind of the officer in charge and they appeared to be confused because of how we were dressed and the little creature with us. Matt tried to send a message to the officer telling him they mean no harm and would like to meet with the person in charge. The officer walked up to Matt and looked at him and said out loud, very good, but, we speak English so you may talk. Matt again repeated his request. The officer told Matt that they should get back into the boat and wait, he would return shortly. When the officer returned from the castle he ordered the guards to take each by the arm and follow into the castle. They were escorted into a room that was quickly locked behind them. Matt told Henry: "Well my friend, we are at our destination and now we must start asking questions." They sat and waited for maybe an hour when the door opened again, this time it was a butler with a tray of food, wine, and water enough for 5-people. He quickly left the room and locked it again.

Niro entered the parlor and welcomed his guests offering huge amounts of drink and light after dinner foods and fruits. Then he apologized stating he must leave for a few minutes as he had some unannounced guests that he must tend to and swiftly left the room.

Niro walked across the hall and opened the door to the guest waiting room. He stood in the door for several minutes looking at the trio and then he mentioned to the butler to take the strange pet out to the barn and lock on a long chain with food and water. He then addressed the boys and said he was NIRO, Master of The Kings of Westerous Castle in Myr. Who might you be and pointed to Matt? Matt responded with: "Mathew Hemmingway, from the town of Dragons Crown." And Henry pitched in: "And I am Henry McCredie O'Doul and also of the town of Dragons Crown." Niro, responded quickly with, you look strange and speak in a language I am not familiar with and you have the strangest choice in pets.

I must leave you now, I shall return, I have other guests and more pressing things to discuss. I will make sure that you are comfortable as you do not appear to pose a threat. I shall return later.

Niro returned to his important guests and sat down then addressed them. He casually mentioned his three new guests and how strangely they were dressed and used the English language. He then said they had very strange names, Mathew and Henry. Laurine looked at Niro quickly, she said nothing, and she knew who they were. WHY? Niro stated that the evening was getting very long and he felt it safer that they all stayed here for the evening due to the heavy rain and unsafe flying conditions. They could all leave in the morning if the weather was good. They all agreed and were escorted to their rooms. When Laurine and Lucille entered their room, Laurine quickly turned and said to Lucile: "I know these two people. I must try and see them this evening." Laurine left their room and headed for the Guest Chamber. On her way she came upon Niro making his Good Night Rounds, who inquired where she was going and if all was in order. Laurine said all was OK and she needed to see the two guests. Niro looked at her intently, said nothing and then replied that she could ask the butler as he had the key to the room. Niro brushed past Laurine and went to his room. Laurine found her way down to the Guest Chambers where she found the Butler sitting. She requested that he open the door and indicated that she had spoken to Niro who gave her approval. She entered the room and stood at the door looking at the two boys. The looked at Laurine with complete surprise and astonishment, Henry finally asked: "Laurine, what is that you are wearing?" Laurine responded it's a long story we can cover later as many things have happened very quickly. Matt said: "You are telling me, many things do not add up and we have seen some very strange things and we were hostages of some Sir Fabian something or other. We made our escape when we saw him fly away on a Black Dragon." Laurine said to the boys that she was happy they were OK and that she would talk with Niro to allow them to join us tomorrow for breakfast and our meeting. She then bid them Good Night and left the room. Upon arrival at her room, she was met by Niro who asked if her meeting went well. She acknowledged and then requested that they are allowed to breakfast with them and to join our meetings. Niro said he would consider her request and bid her Good Night. Laurine entered her room, Lucile was fast asleep so Laurine made ready for bed and blew out the candles. She watched the flames of the fireplace until she fell asleep.

Henry looked at Matt and commented: "This is a new side of Laurine, never seen before. I guess we will learn more tomorrow, let's get some rest tomorrow comes fast enough." He blew out the candles and found his way to the couch where he crashed hard. Henry was already fast asleep.

Niro made the rounds one last time looking in on all before retiring himself.