Dragonsoul

Chapter 47

As gentle winds whispered among the lush trees, slowly swaying their branches in a calming dance, a semblance of peace finally reigned among the gathered.

"Alright, what have you learned so far?" Leonie asked Buckthorn.

Though a wave of annoyance rippled through Buckthorn's face at the fact that Leonie, a little girl, dared address him as his equal, he allowed the feeling to roll over him and pass. He was finally able to accept the necessity of working together. After all, they had to cooperate for the greater good.

"As you all well know, getting information is not an easy task, and we were unable to confirm some of the rumors." Buckthorn said.

"That's fine Buck. Tell us everything. That way, we can sift through what's true and what's not." Toras said, sensing Buckthorn's hesitation.

"Very well, but something that I believe to be true; you might consider impossible." Buckthorn said.

"That's alright. I've learned that anything is possible." Leonie said encouragingly.

However, Rimar did not share her patience, and his tail started thumping back and forth in agitation. Noting the dragon's annoyance, Buckthorn was less hesitant to say what they had learned since it was much better than angering an enormous dragon.

"Let me start from the most plausible part. We heard that there was a shift in the energy around the village itself. Something seems to be influencing people there to become more agitated." Buckthorn said.

"What do you mean by that?" Amitola asked.

"The villagers have been angrier for no apparent reason. It's as if something is corrupting their hearts," Buckthorn said.

"Maybe they are just worried about surviving another winter?" Amitola asked.

"We are all concerned about that, but this is different. Do you know Theodora from the bakery?" Buckthorn asked.

"Yes, she is one of the kindest people in the whole village. She always has a smile and a nice word for everyone." Amitola said, smiling warmly at the memory of the kind girl.

"Not anymore. Yesterday, Theodora got into a fight with her sister. The villagers barely separated them before they could seriously hurt each other." Buckthorn said.

Amitola's eyes widened in shock at the picture Buckthorn's words painted. The blond blue-eyed angel she had met a few times did not appear to be able to even shout, let alone strike someone. Especially not her sister, whom she obviously loved dearly.

Ever since the girls' mother died, Theodora and Marissa were inseparable. Theodora became like a mother to her younger sister, and the fact that she would attack the person she adored so much, spoke volumes about the seriousness of the situation.

"That explains why I had to heal so many bites and scratches on both sisters. I did find it odd at the time, but over centuries, I've learned not to ask too many questions." Toras said.

"One should always care about the well-being of others Toras. You should have asked, not doing so was wrong." Amitola said, reprimanding Toras for his negligence.

"Yes, I suppose you are right. I just didn't wish to intrude." Toras said.

Having an open heart and helping others was what broke Toras heart in the first place. That was what made him shy away from emotions and commitment. Yet, looking at Amitola's love-filled eyes, he was determined to do better, to be better.

After all, that was the only way for him to win over her heart as she already had his. How could he not love someone who had love to spare for all the living creatures?

"As I was saying, the village is changing, and it's happening faster than ever." Buckthorn said.

"Well, that explains my nightmares, premonitions, whatever you choose to call them. They have been increasing in frequency and intensity since the beginning of this year." Leonie said.

"Honey, why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you." Amitola said as moisture gathered in her eyes.

"I didn't want to worry you. Besides, you were already doing too much to protect me. I didn't want to add yet another thing to that never-ending list of items that you took upon yourself to do." Leonie said lovingly.

"All right, this is not the time for family tensions. Let's get back on track." Buckthorn said, crossly.

Though his interruption was rude, everyone understood the truthfulness of his words, no matter how harshly he worded them.

"From what we've gathered and from what you've seen in your premonitions, am I right to assume that whatever is coming will be here this winter?" he asked.

"Yes, I am certain of that. What I don't understand is why we are not affected. I mean, if the whole village is under the influence of dark forces, why aren't we?" Leonie asked.

"Aren't we? I haven't been feeling completely like myself lately. Fear and worry have plagued my thoughts like never before. Couldn't that be the consequence of whatever is coming?" Amitola asked.

"I think you are right. Even this anger I have towards the Hunters seems to have multiplied recently. It's as if the force is stoking the flame of my anger, making it much higher than ever before. Still, I don't feel overcome by it, I don't go around punching Hunters, even though I want to." Buckthorn said, looking at Arawn.

"You could try. I can't guarantee you would succeed or survive such an attempt." Arawn said, furiously.

"Easy Arawn, remember that self-control and clear head are what make a good Hunter great," Toras said soothingly.

"Toras, you don't seem to be influenced at all. Why is that?" Amitola asked.

"I believe it's the magic that constantly runs through me. It doesn't allow evil or lower instincts to take root. That's probably the main reason why you are not behaving the same way as the villagers." Toras said.

"What does that mean?" Arawn asked, clearly agitated.

"Whether you remember it or not, all of you have magical lineage in your blood, one way or the other. That's why both of you, Hunters and Gatherers, stayed so close to nature in your vastly different ways. Deep down in the core of your beings, you remember the time when there was more to life then you are aware of now." Toras said.

"Are you sure about that?" Buckthorn asked.

"Trust me, I am sure. You all have at least some small part of the magic in your hearts, and that's what makes you different from the villagers. However, though Leonie and Rimar have a greater amount of magic, Leonie also has the power of premonition. That makes her more vulnerable to the dark presence." Toras said.

"What about Rimar? I do remember him getting angry at you." Leonie said.

Surprised that she was aware of the mild animosity Rimar had towards Toras, Toras was cautious with his answer. Though it was time for revelations, there was one truth that he knew no one was ready to hear yet.

"Well, Rimar is still essentially very young. When he is channeling the ancient wisdom of dragons before him, it is not easy for darkness to reach him. However, when he is channeling some lower, human emotions, he is more easily swayed." Toras said, giving Rimar a pointed look.

Rimar determinedly ignored what Toras was saying since it was not news to him, and he did not wish to reveal more than he should.

Before Leonie could further question the Mage whom she assumed was keeping something from her, Buckthorn interrupted.

"Don't you want to hear about the trolls? I haven't told you about the trolls, have I?" Buckthorn said, instantly regaining everyone's attention.