The Dragon Queen

Chapter 6

Queen Jemma Blythe of Hosephia

Sarkin/Creedian Border

To say that it is an eerie feeling traveling to the summons knowing full well that the Rebellion could attack them at any moment, is an understatement. Jemma glances behind her to see a trio of select guards followed them. She supposes they were chosen for a reason, and just now noticing that she recognizes them. They are not guards at all, well, not entirely. Alfred and Ederick both sit atop horses, flanking either side of Karic. All three are dressed in the guard's attire, and she has no doubt that all three could put up a fight if needed. Jaymie's parents had stayed behind with the rest of the relatives. Jemma's own heart longs for what was left behind with them. Penelope would have hated the journey, for Jaymie insisted that everyone able is to ride on horseback, because if there should be an attack, everyone could have an escape. The only one not on a horse is Ezra, who travels by an open wagon, with an ever-watchful eye on the surroundings. In front of the guards rides Matylda. She never tried to talk to Jemma, which she is glad. Jemma was furious when Matylda stated her intentions on coming along, stating that wherever her daughters go, she goes to. It was Felix and Marina who stated they would feel better if she went. Matylda spent years on the run from the Rebellion and knew how to see signs others would miss. Her only companion is Rosaline, who makes polite conversation when she is not at Jaymie's side. Jemma knows why Jaymie calls Rosaline to her every time they pass through a village or by any travelers. Not only is she protecting the girl, but also it is to show that she stands at the side of a queen. No one in Sarkin would dare go against Jaymie.

Ahead of her, King Bernard and Queen Gerda travel side by side, chatting occasionally, but always within distance of Ezra who they worry over. It makes since, seeing as they are brothers. Ezra had told his brother that there was an accident with a knife, but that all is well. However, Jemma can see that Bernard knows more than they think. Their sister Odella sits at the head of Ezra's wagon, stirring it along with a gentle horse. She insisted she come along, if only to be Ezra's caretaker. It is strange to Jemma to see such devotion in siblings, for she never had such a love, but now she has Jaymie and is getting used to it. Ahead of them is Jaymie's guard Dex with two young riders. Jemma had insisted they stay behind, but neither would listen, claiming Dex promised his sister they would be at his side. Despite having two young people near him, he remains ever the soldier she has seen, and far deserving of the title of General.

The trees rustle above them and Jemma knows they are not alone in these woods. Protecting as always, the creatures that bond to the Sarkin bloodline slither in the shadows. The only one noticeable however is Hailvory, soaring above at a distance and watching the ground like a hawk for a rodent. There is another creature that resides ever present around Jaymie. She cannot explain it as she looks to her sister at the head of the travel party. Despite being younger, she looks more regal and more like a warrior queen than Jemma could ever hope to be. She rides atop a black horse, sporting Sarkin purple, but it is not her attire that makes her look regal. She looks more like one of her guards than a royal. Her thick leather armor is black and lighter than metal, and her red hair is pulled into a thick brain that hangs over her shoulder. With one had on the horses' reigns and the other clutching a long staff, anyone who sees her knows she is not to be messed with. The only thing giving away her title is the ornate, purple gem and iron crown woven into her braid. It is the only thing on her that glitters in sunlight, almost daring someone to try and take it.

Jemma watches her sister for a moment, but then feels a mental nudge in her mind, as if something is calling to her. It is almost dreamlike and haunting, but inaudible. For a moment, all she can see are two black beady and tiny eyes staring at her from a place inside Jaymie's crown, intertwined into her hair. Pyro, she already knows. The little dragon does well at blending in with the color of her sister's hair. And yet, in all the time she has known Jaymie, she has never fell the tug like this until the other day. It worries her, almost like a warning, but not quite.