Chapter Two
Aegyr spat out blood. Laughter could be heard around them. Once again he stood in the courtyard. This day it was raining. It was the beginning of their first rainy season which took place in the beginning of Spring. They would have a few days of rest from the rain and then it would pick back up. The ground was muddy as the soldiers trained. So Aegyr took solace in the fact he wasn't the only one getting the shit kicked out of him.
His tormentor..trainer..was none other than Hyadin. He was a male of nineteen and as mean as they came. Since he was no longer a new trainee he had joined the ranks of the "seasoned" soldiers who enjoyed taunting and inflicting physical pain whenever possible. Currently there was a sneer upon his face and his orange and sapphire blue rimmed hues glinted with a malicious amusement.
"What is the matter little Prince? Can't keep up?" Hyadin taunted as Aegyr took a punch to the gut. Aegyr doubled over, gasping for air. Hyadin laughed and turned around to face his audience.
"No wonder he wasn't allowed to train with Prince Kohl anymore. He is weak. He simpers like a girl and curls up like a babe." He spoke out over the laughter and rain.
Aegyr straightened, his gaze focusing on Hyadin’s back. The look in his eyes must have been intense because the soldiers stopped laughing. Hyadin turned around, canting his head to the side as Aegyr lifted his chin in defiance.
"Want some more little Prince?" He called out with a smirk.
"You can call me, "My Lord or Your Highness." Aegyr spat with anger. Hyadin paused a long moment before bursting out into booming laughter.
"No."
Hyadin advanced. He drew his fist back and punched him in the face. Hard. "I shall call you Little Prince. Or perhaps, little bitch?" He drew his hand back again to bring it down but Aegyr caught it, pushing back with all his strength. It wasn't much though. Hyadin brought up his knee into Aegyrs gut. This time the boy dropped to the ground, coughing and wheezing.
"Like I said. Little. Bitch." The rain poured down harder as Hyadin turned away. He tensed though as he felt a presence nearing. Glancing to his left he paled and bowed his head slightly towards the male walking up towards them.
Mikhai was his name, he was the King's most loyal friend and advisor. The male stood at a towering six foot eight, taller than most of their race. His skin was black as night and he had pale eerie golden eyes. He peered towards Aegyr as the young Prince finally stood up, wiping dirt from his cheek. Aegyr looked up at Mikhai without an expression on his face.
"Hyadin aren't you supposed to be training Prince Aegyr?" Mikhai spoke. His voice whispered within their minds even as he spoke aloud. Hyadin nodded and lowered his gaze. He seemed to shrink away from Mikhai.
"Yes my Lord."
"Yet you taunt him? And attempt to break the boy?" Mikhai mused as he began to slowly circle Aegyr. His gaze traveled the boy's body with a contemplative expression.
"I am just trying to toughen him up." Hyadin defended himself. Mikhai scoffed and shot Hyadin, a sharp look. Hyadin backed away this time but turned an angered gaze towards Aegyr.
"Aegyr is physically not compatible to have you as a trainer. His body is lean and toned. His movements graceful. I have seen him fight..his father values strength but long range combat is just as effective. I am placing him with Mei the Arch Master. He is better suited to be with her. Your services are no longer needed nor welcome Hyadin."
Aegyr felt relief spread through him as Mikhai asked him to follow. But when he looked back at Hyadin, he could see the expression in his gaze.
'You'll regret this Little Bitch.' That look said.
Placing Aegyr with Mei the Arch Master proved effective. Not only did he excel at archery, especially long range archery but they had one of their master mages come to him daily to work on his elemental combative skills. He learned to use the elements of fire, water, wind and earth. He was especially good at healing magic as well as light magic which he referred to as blasts of energy. He produced the blasts within himself and shot them out. If he did not control the amount of energy he produced though it would harm someone severely so he was also learning to manage his control as well.
It was months before he had to deal with the soldiers again. This time his father wanted to see what he had learned. His mother was there as well and Aegyr was assigned to spar with Hyadin. The male was also learning magic as well, specifically his favorite, fire. It was said to be an interesting match and so more soldiers had come to see them fight, even a few servants peeked out of the windows nearby to see the show.
Hyadin wore his permanent smirk as he circled the boy with a taunting stride. Like a cat who’d caught a mouse. Though Aegyr was only twelve, he stood five foot eleven. Kohl was already six feet tall. Hyadin was still taller though, his arms longer and his sword was bigger than Aegyr’s. He had the advantage. Aegyr would have to rely on speed and magic. Aegyr let out a soft breath as Hyadin chuckled deeply and twirled his sword with a graceful movement.
“Ready to play little Prince?” He asked him softly, he faked a lunge, making Aegyr step back and raise his sword, gripping it tightly. Hyadin laughed and began circling him once more. Aegyr’s golden hues narrowed. He wasn’t letting him play this game again. So when Aegyr was the first to move, lunging and swinging his sword for Hyadin’s chest the other male jumped back, barely blocking the move. His eyes heated with rage and he knocked Aegyr’s weapon to the side as before lifting his blade to thrust it towards Aegyr. The Prince raised his sword and he felt warmth flow through his arms, spreading out and rushing towards his weapon, he yelled out as a blast of light burst forward towards Hyadin, sending the older male flying backwards and landing in the mud on his back.
Silence filled the courtyard as shit got real.
Hyadin pushed to his feet and threw his weapon down. Aegyr watched with confusion until the other male raised one palm, an orange glowing light spread out and a blast of fire shot towards him, His eyes widened and he dived behind a rock to avoid the attack. He felt heat sear his cheek as the fire flew past him. His gaze lifted and he saw Kohl sitting to the left of his mother. His expression was hard to read but he knew his brother was rooting for him His father, Aeyr, sat with the same calculating expression he had worn during his last sparring match. But his mother, pride filled her gaze. That gave him the boost he needed. Hyadin wanted to play long range? Bring it on.
Aegyr rolled away from the rock and held his palms up, quickly creating a barrier of energy as Hyadin shot another blast at him. The fire hit the barrier and dissipated. And when he shot out another blast of fire it was met with Aegyr’s ice. The Elements clashed and the fire melted the ice making it rain down upon the ground. And this time, before Hyadin could move, Aegyr retrieved his bow, aimed and fired. The arrow head went straight into the males shoulder and Hyadin grunted in pain, falling to one knee.
“What the hell!? You shot me!” Hyadin groused with a shocked expression. Aegyr retrieved another arrow and aimed, walking closer.
“Yes I did. This little Prince bites back. Have you had enough? You can’t keep shooting fire at me because eventually it will wear you out.” Aegyr snapped.
Hyadin glared up at him and spit at his feet. He moved to stand, palm out and ready to fire again but this time the arrow went through his hand. The male cried out and held the limb, his gaze shooting daggers at the young Prince.
“Do. You. Concede?” Aegyr enunciated.
It was quiet around them, save for the rain. Hyadin looked at him, then to the crowd around them before finally meeting the King’s gaze. He sighed and nodded.
“I concede..” He uttered.
“Aegyr!”
As Aegyr stripped off his armor he heard his brother's voice come from behind him. He stiffened slightly and turned to face Kohl as he reached him. Kohl grinned a little and reached out to lay his hand on Aegyr’s shoulder. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to his. It was a way of familial affection for their race.
“Did you SEE the look on Hyadin’s face when you shot through his hand? He won’t be using that for certain things for at least a few weeks until the hole heals up.” Kohl chuckled with amusement as he moved away. He shook his head with a grin. “Though I am envious I wish it had been my arrow to do that.”
Aegyr frowned and held his brother’s gaze. Did Kohl even realize how HARD he had to work to be able to build up his skills? To be able to control his empathic abilities? When those arrows pierced Hyadin he felt it as if it were his own pain. Did ANYONE, save his mother, understand him?
“Why would you envy me? You are our fathers pick. Stronger. Faster. Better at everything. I am dirt compared to you in his eyes.” Aegyr said bitterly. Kohl’s grin faded and he looked..ashamed..almost.
“Aegyr father loves you..he knows you can be better.” Kohl said.
“I should not have to BE BETTER, he should love me for me damn it.” Aegyr snapped, feeling his anger rising. He cursed softly and tossed his armor onto one of the shelves. He turned away from Kohl to remove his sparring shoes and grab a nearby towel.
“Aegyr...You are a Prince of Daegonia..We..the both of us are the FIRST of the royal Dragon Elves. We are not like the others. We are better than them and we must ACT accordingly. We must train harder, be stronger, faster and ahead of them because we have EARNED that right. We are Daegon’s. And you are JUST as strong as the rest of us. You just have to work at it.”
Aegyr scoffed and whirled to face his brother, anger in his gaze.
“Do not speak to me right now. Because you sound EXACTLY like father.” He seethed before turning away.
“I am going to bathe. I won’t be at supper so don’t bother sending someone for me. I will see you tomorrow Bruthaire." Aegyr muttered as he walked away.
Lys looked upon the smooth tanned skin of her husband's stomach, muscles carved into more and she traced a pink colored nail over those curves. She smiled and bit her lip when he arched a dark brow at her. She remembered the first time she'd seen him in this form. It was like..he KNEW just what she wanted. Just what she needed, and that was what he had shifted into. To be with HER. Golden amber hues held hers and he flashed the slightest smile, a hint of fang glinting in the moonlight. He rarely smiled. It was a breathtaking sight to behold.
"Three times was not enough?" He teased as he took in the sight of her. He reached out, tucking a strand of pale hair behind one pointed ear. She chuckled and dipped her head slightly.
"Oh it was enough. Though I would not pass up the opportunity to have you again..no I..enjoy looking at you. I wanted to speak with you..about Aegyr." She murmured. His smile faded. She sighed and bit her lip.
"He bested Hyadin today. Would you..reconsider allowing him to train with Kohl and Rourke once more? You sent Mikhai to help him. Mei has been wonderful. He has learned a lot. He has learned where he should improve and learned where he will excel at. Is that not enough? He should be with Kohl. Not those soldiers that taunt him. Aegyr is strong but he is different. He needs a different approach when it comes to the battlefield." She murmured as she traced up and down his chest absently. She felt her husband draw in a deep breath.
"Lys..Aegyr will continue to train with the soldiers. This is what he NEEDS." Aeyr spoke firmly as he took and kissed her palm gently.
"Aeyr.."
"If I give in now it will all be worth nothing. I know..you want to protect him but that is not what he needs. You saw him. He grew in that fight. His talent. His abilities. Being with the soldiers is EXACTLY where he will stay until his Ascension." He spoke firmly. His gaze softened though as he looked at her. He reached out, pulling her to lay atop him. Lys wanted to argue but his scent lulled her and she buried her head into the crook of his neck. She felt him harden and she pulled back slightly to look down into his eyes. They'd darkened with desire.
"Nope." She said. She laid her head on his chest.
"No?" He asked aghast.
"No. I don't get my way tonight so neither do you. Sweet dreams my love." She closed her eyes. She felt his huff of irritation and it made her smile as she drifted off to sleep.
"Focus." Mei spoke firmly but with a calm voice. Her slanted blue eyes watched him with a calculating gleam as Aegyr held his palm out, aiming towards one of the three targets he faced. He aimed for the middle one but every time he used his powers he hit the other two as well. Today's lesson? Hit your target.
He wanted to yell out, "I AM focusing." Hell he'd been focusing all morning since before the sun had risen. It was now nearing the midday hour. He was tired.
"Yeah? Then hit your target." Mei said to him in a bored tone.
Light blasted from his palm, hitting his target square in the chest and once again hitting the other two. He groaned and slumped over in a rather dramatic fashion as Mei instructed the servants to replace the targets with a flick of her wrist. She walked over to the boy and canted her head down at him. She had eyes that were bright gold, like all the pure blood dragons. Her skin was olive toned and her hair was black that fell to her shoulders.
"You will do this all day until you get it right. Or you can learn it by the time you are to eat. Do you want to eat?" She questioned with an arched brow. Aegyr nodded eagerly as he looked at her.
"Me too. I can't eat until you get this right. So..Aegyr. Hit YOUR target. The other ones are just there..think of it like..mmm Hyadin. Yeah?"
Aegyr looked towards her, stiffening in anger at the males name leaving her lips.
"Kohl is on the left. I am on the right. Hyadin is in the middle. You don't want to hit us do you?" Mei questioned.
Aegyr smirked.
"Well I kind of want to hit you." He quipped, still pissed. Her hand came out and smacked him upside the head.
"Ouch hey what the f___".
"Focus on your target." She enunciated. "Focus on Hyadin. We aren't there. Hyadin has just said he is going to take your mother to his bed. What are you going to do about that? He said he is going to keep her up all night and show her JUST how a KING should make her feel. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THAT?" Mei demanded, moving out of the way as Aegyr held up his palm once again, golden hues narrowing with rage.
"Hyadin tells all his friends and they laugh and talk about your mother. How much of a whore she is. Are you going to take that?" She taunted. Aegyr yelled out and once again the energy blasted from his palm. The target flew backwards and he lowered his hand and plopped down onto the grass. He'd failed. Again.
"See I can't DO it. I can't control it, I am useless." Aegyr muttered looking away.
He heard her footfalls as she walked towards the targets and laughed. LAUGHED. Why was she laughing?
"Yep. You're useless. You didn't hit all the targets. Just the one in the middle." Mei exclaimed.
That confirmed it. He couldn't do anything right. He was worthless...wait. What?
Aegyr's head snapped up and he saw the target in the middle up against the stone wall. The other two were still standing.
"What?" He stood up and walked over towards the still standing targets as if in awe.
"I..I did it." He said, blinking in shock. "I actually hit it. Just the one target."
"Yeah.." Mei murmured. "Guess I should use Hyadin every time I need you to do something. Well. We're done for today. I'm starving. Good job my Prince." Mei said as she walked off and into the palace. But Aegyr just stood there, staring at what he'd accomplished. It was something small but..HE had done this. Aegyr smiled. One of those smiles that was said to brighten the darkest of nights. He did this...
"Hey Aegyr?"
He turned around to look at Mei. She smiled at him. And Mei, did not smile.
"You going to eat or what?" She asked as she folded her arms across her chest.
He chuckled and nodded, jogging to catch up with her.
"I did good." He said happily.
"Yeah. And it only took you six and a half hours." Mei said dryly as she ran a hand through her shoulder length black hair.
Aegyr just grinned. He didn't care about her sarcasm. He did it. And accomplishing something was the best feeling in the world...
