THE GIFT
The Autumn leaves where turning their usual array of reds, golds and purples and every time the wind would blow gently it would scatter their deep rich colours to the ground and all around. Brython looked out of the window of the great hall on to the courtyard surrounded by a wall and four towers in each corner. The sun was at it’s highest point and Denethore the Lord-on-highs son was proving to be quite the spoilt brat. He should have turned up to weapons practice has the sun rose not whenever he felt like. So Brython stood and waiting for something or someone. A stray gust of wind caused a leave from the purple oak tree to blow up and in front of Brython, whom quickly snatched it from the air and has he did he became aware of a red-headed girl carrying pies into the guards house for the guards. He felt a strange tingling sensation, that was fate telling him to go find out who she was and being clever wizard he was he quickly dashed down the spiral staircase to go check her out, partway down he was realising he was getting a little too old for this. By the time he had reached the bottom it was too late as it was now that Denethore had turned up and had taken notice to the young woman and followed her till she was out of the sight of the guards, then for some reason ended up on the floor crying like a baby as he had received a blow to the groin.
The guards rushed out and surrounded the young woman, and Kane one of the guards took hold of his daughter’s arm and dragged her behind him to protect her. Lord Ammon turned up and called them over to the entrance of the hall. Brython popped from behind him, “My Lord-on-High, I was..” He silenced Brython With motion of his hand.
“I won’t harm your daughter Kane.” He told his guard and beckoned her forward. “I’ve heard about you Zanna, you are supposed to have a fiery temper to match you hair.”
“My Lord, I didn’t realise it was your son and...”
“This cheap whore violently attacked me father.” Denethore complained still in discomfort,
“Really?” Lord Ammon, “Please tell me how this young woman came too knock you too the floor when you should have been at your lessons with Brython?” Denethore went quiet. “You.” he instructed one of the guards, “Take young lady too cool off in the cells and make sure the guards know they will loose there manhood if they go near here.” They took Zanna away. He then instructed his son the others too leave and Kane and Brython to wait. “My son is in need of a sparring partner for his lessons, if the pair of you don’t have any objections.” Before Brython or Kane had a chance too reply, “Good, then your daughter will be moved into a more comfortable once she’s calmed down.”
“My lord, though it is not completely unheard of for women to fight, I would rather have her consent before starting.”
“She is all ready beating up the boys isn’t she Kane?”
“I didn’t realise my daughters exploits would be of that much interest too My Lord-on-high.” Kane replied trying his best to disguise his discomfort about this,
“Those three boys will think before picking on a cat again.” Lord Ammon replied with a smile.
“I will try and keep her too busy she can’t get into any more trouble.” Brython added, “He’d herd enough at this point to be more than a little interested in the young girl.
“You two can sort out the rest.” Lord Ammon said before parting company and disappearing back into the hall.
“We can go collect some things for her and you can fill me in about everything your daughter gets up too.” Brython said with a friendly smile trying to put Kane at ease as he let Kane show him the way.
“She doesn’t have a lot.” Kane said when he opened the door to their one room house,
“That’s not why I actually cam back here.” Brython tactfully said and closed the door behind him, “What is it about your daughter you are hiding?”
“I thought people who had magic could tell if another similar person was around.”
“Only if we are looking and they are not hiding.” Brython admitted.
“My wife wants her stay hidden.” Kane replied, “she is scared if people find out they won’t be happy about it.”
“I’ll keep her hidden and I’ll keep her safe, I swear too you.”
“Why so interested in her?”
“Something about her seemed familiar.” Brython thought out loud.
“I’m trusting you.” Kane warned, “Not that I have much choice.”
“Your wife is returning.”
“Then I suggest you leave by the back window while I deal with my wife.” Brython didn’t need to be told twice, he’s dealt with his wife when she was in a bad mood on more than one occasion. Kane stuck his head out after him, and pointed at a rather plain looking black horse in the lean too. “Take the horse, she’ll need it.”
In the bleakness of the cell Zanna had sat all night. It was clearly all that spoilt Lords brat Denethore fault, if he hadn’t of made a move on her as she wouldn’t have had too knee him in the groin in the first place, then she wouldn’t be stuck here now. A rat scampered into the cell and she snarled at it to scare it off as she didn’t want anyone to see her tear stained face. The rat skittered out of the cell through a small hole in the bottom of the door not wanting to get in the way of the other occupant in case it was turned into a meal. Zanna was then annoyed at the rat leaving with such ease, perhaps if her mother wasn’t so strict on keeping her away from anything magic she would have known how to turn herself into a rat and sneak out like him. All she could do for now was sit on the damp straw that stunk urine and wait too see what came from opening her mouth and fending off that sleaze.
Zanna had drifted off when, she heard the clunk of the cast iron lock open, she quickly jumped too her feet fearing what would happen next he scanned the empty cell for anything should could hit whoever it was that opened the door. It was Weapons Master Brython he was supposed to be a great wizard as well, whom had been on many adventures. “What do you want?” Zanna sharply questioned him, she didn’t care who he was, he wasn’t getting too close, she fingered around the wall looking for a loose brick.
“I need your help and you need some help and I was thinking that we could come to some arrangement.” Zanna eyed him suspiciously as she stood with her back to the wall, clutching a stone behind her back that had come lose from the wall. “Drop the stone Zanna.” He said in such a way that Zanna drop the stone with a clunk behind her on the ground. “You have a choice help me or stop here.”
“Do what?”
“You will see.”
“That means I won’t like it.”
“It’s better than being locked in here.” Brython replied honestly, “I’m not going to cause you any harm.” He added, Zanna thought over this and tentatively approached Brython. “You are the only person that would dare too hit Denethore, he last sparing partner just stood there while Denethore hit him.”
“Surely you can not be suggesting that I am his next sparring partner.”
“Not me, His-Lord-on-High did.” Brython replied, “There is a hot meal and a bath involved.”
“You do know I’m too stubborn for my own good.”
“So do we have a deal?” He held out his hand to shake.
Zanna reached out too shake his and and just as they touched sparks of electricity shocked her fingertips “Oww.” she pulled back all the colours of magic danced in the air.
“Well that hasn’t happened in sometime.” Brython said quietly, “It would appear I have arrived here just in time.” Brython then took her by the hand which after that Zanna was a bit unsure.
Zanna was fed and dressed like a boy and then brought too Brython, by a maid that could do nothing but tut abut her behaviour towards Denethore, along with reminding her of her place. She was a woman with no means, therefore she was too do as she was told whether she liked it or not. Brython gave her a once over and smiled, “You smell a lot better.” he made a friendly remark and Zanna smiled. Denethore clearly didn’t look too pleased, perhaps the thought of being beaten by a girl didn’t excite him. Zanna was doing her best not too show her stomach was squirming inside with not knowing what too expect next. “This is how it is going to work.” Brython started, “There will be no fancy titles while I am instructing you, apart from mine which is Master Brython. You will both turn up too the armoury every morning as soon as the sun will rise. You will both, practice and eat your meals together until I decide that you have had enough for the day. Most importantly there will be no fighting unless you are being instructed to do so.” He finished instructing them both, “And too keep you out of trouble Zanna I will show you how to read and write.”
In the weeks that followed Zanna’s days where filled with learning things, she hadn’t thought she would ever learn, from using swords and bows, to reading the words on a page. Brython had even showed her magic when they where both alone. There was a reason for her mother keeping her gift a secret and neither wanted to find out why here. Zanna was overjoyed at her horse turning up, most witches had cats, squirrels or perhaps a fox for a familiar, she had Smudge the horse to talk too and take care of her.
This would be Zanna’s second winter in the hall and the first snows of winter had begun to fall and Zanna and Denethore where outside practising archery, shooting at the targets that had been placed across the training yard. Denethore had turned it into a competition and was refusing to go until he won, which wasn’t so bad for him being covered in three layers of fur, but Zanna was shivering and was in need of a warm fire and drink. Her naked hands where numb and she was shivering at this point, rather than prolonging the agony she had decided to throw the match. “You are throwing the match.” Denethore pointed.
“I am cold and I need to warm up.” Zanna replied, shivering.
“Perhaps you should have gotten yourself some more furs.”
“Unless your allowing me to hunt in your big forest for some furry beasts to cover myself with then that isn’t likely to happen any time soon.”
“We will go inside then.” Denethore said with a smile, “We don’t want our sparring partner to be frozen too death.” Zanna could see he had grown up, in the pat couple of years, even becoming a friend of sorts he even sheltered her from the cold by sharing his cloak.
“I’ve been looking for you two.” Brython said from behind, making Denethore jump and turned around.
“I believe Zanna needs to get out of the cold, Master Brython.” Denethore pointed out and all three of them entered the kitchens.
In an instant of standing next too the warm fires, Zanna began feeling the painful tingling sanitisation of heat returning to her fingers and toes. Brython took her hands in his and blew a warm orangey-red glow surrounded them for a moment soothing the sensation and warming them and Zanna. “Thank you.” Zanna said,
“You are more than welcome, Zanna.” He smiled lovingly towards her. “Now we are all warmed up, I can tell you both something.”
“Are we in trouble again?” Zanna asked,
“Whatever you have been up to you haven’t been caught this time.” He replied quickly, “This is to do with Denethore’s coming of age celebrations. His father would like to take him on the tour to meet the people.”
“You can tell me all about it when you get back My-lord.” Zanna was pleased for her friend, that he was getting the opportunity to do this.
“You are not coming?” Denethore asked,
“Zanna is going to be stopping with her family for the few weeks you are gone.” Brython added, “It will be a chance to spend some time with your.......” Denethore marched off in a huff.
“Let him go.” Zanna said, “He’s just frightened of being alone.”
“You have a gift, too see the real person underneath all the fancy clothes and masks, what is he really like.”
“He’s a lonely young man, who struggles with who he is and who he might become.” Zanna replied quietly. “He thinks everyone is looking at him expecting him to turn into a monster at any moment.”
“Perhaps he has been listening to too many tales from his old nanny when he was growing up.”
“Perhaps you have as well.” Zanna replied,
“Don’t go rummaging around in my thoughts, you will find things that you are better off not knowing.” Brython warned and Zanna took him at his word. Now go change out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold.” Brython ushered her off in the direction of the rooms she had been staying in.
The following days Zanna hardly saw Denethore he was busy packing and sulking, it was clear he didn’t want to go, but Zanna was trying her best to encourage him too see that it could be a good thing, but he wasn’t for listening. Brython approached Zanna who was looking a bit fed up after practice the day before Denethore was due to leave. “I thought you would have disappeared to where ever it is you go disappearing too when your not here.”
“I go home, you should too.”
“Last time I wasn’t welcomed.”
“Your father was happy too see you.”
“My mother was not.” Zanna told him bluntly, “Considering he isn’t even my real father he understands me more then my mother.”
“Just go and spend some time with your father and sister.” Brython fussed her hair. Zanna wanted to ask to go with him and meet his other pupils but she didn’t want too seem that eager out loud.
Denethore was sulking in the carriage next to his father, “We shall go visit the valley of the wind and the Draconi, before making our way the the elves and....” He stopped and looked at his sons despondent glazed over look on his face. “There will be plenty more girls where we are going.”
“They won’t be a friend.” Denethore replied quietly through gritted teeth. Lord-on-High Ammon ignored or didn’t hear his son. “Papa, did you have a friend?”
“Yes, I had friend and one of them was your Uncle we used to fight like cats and dogs and then we where lost when we where parted from each other.” Lord Ammon smiled, “You know when he died I took to my room for six whole weeks, because I thought I didn’t have any friends, but it turned out I did.” Denethore was now feeling this was going to be worse than what he had first imagined.
The cold and wet didn’t help the feeling of being isolated with his father, but he soon realised that his Papa could be fun as well. They reached the mouth of the valley where a castle stood, “My cousin Solena will be expecting us.” Ammon said, Denethore looked up at the castle remembering a couple of summers passed when he had paid a visit their. Solena was a bit of a strange one he thought, but none the less she was kind enough. Then there was Kaya he didn’t much notice her then, she seemed to enjoy riding and sewing and their wasn’t much in common between the two of them and now his father was trying to make a match with her. The carriage stopped and Denethore, would have had it carry on going but it stopped and he had too get out. Lady Solena and a young woman was stood next too her to great the travellers. Lord Ammon left the carriage, and embraced his cousin Solena, this must be your beautiful daughter Lady Kaya.” The Lord-on-High gave his son and look of encouragement and he reluctantly step forward. “You remember Denethore, cousin.”
“Good afternoon Lady Kaya.” Denethore reluctantly and took her hand too great her, she smiled and handed him a flower. “Thank you.” He said politely.
“Would you like too take a look around?” Kaya offered, “While your things are being taken too your room My Lord.” Kaya had large chocolaty brown eyes and hair too match, he milky white skin showing how little she spent outside the castle.
“That would be lovely.” Denethore said while under the watchful eyes of his father and the pair disappeared into the castle, to look around the great stone rooms filled with tapestries and coats of arms that had been won by family members in various spats with other lords, and her fathers captured crown from the barbarians king. His father had similar things on display but Denethore didn’t think he was ever going to fight great battles or be any good at that. “Did you father ever speak of that battle with the Barbarian king?” He asked Kaya,
“I was too very young when he died My Lord.” Kaya replied,
“I’m sure my father will tell me the story again.” Denethore saw that she was a nervous, “You don’t have to be frightened of me.” Denethore reassured her with a friendly smile.
“Forgive me My Lord, my mother wishes that I.....” she paused and went red,
“I think my father and your mother have been conspiring match make us.” he replied, “Perhaps we should be friends.” Denethore added and then saw the food being bought in for a meal, “A hungry friend.”
“My cook prepared it for you and your father.” Just then Denethore’s father turned up with his cousin, “I suppose we should eat if you and your father are ready.”
"“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Lord Ammon said sounding over ready for meal.
The weather turned bad and Ammon and Denethore had to stop another day, early in the morning Denethore was awoken by a knocking on his chamber door. He slipped on a robe and opened the door to find Kaya stood there, “I thought we’d take breakfast together.” She replied, as she entered her room followed by her governess and a group of servants with trays of food on them. The breakfast was laid next to the windows, and Denethore feeling rather uncomfortable went along with it and sat down to eat. “I wanted too ask you something before you left?” Kaya got straight to the point,
“Really?”
“It’s about your sparing companion.” Kaya started and Denethore didn’t much like Zanna being mentioned, “She is just a friend isn’t she?”
“What else would she be?” Denethore said, “She’s kill me if I went near her like that?” Kaya giggled when he said that. “In fact she,s all ready had a go at that.”
“My mother had it in her head she was your mistress.” Kaya replied quickly, “Not that it matters, My Lord.”
“She’s a friend, if your mother is that interested and my sparring partner.”
“Do you like your egg?”
“It’s just how I like it.” Denethore replied, “Do you like yours.” Kaya nodded as she ate the quails egg. “You should come down to the Great Hall and visit sometime.”
“The Draconi have eggs.” She said, “They are beautiful with swirls and colours, I have seen pieces of their shells.” Denethore grew curious about where he was going for the first time, “One of their eggs might be the perfect gift for a friend.”
A few weeks had passed Brython had returned and collected Zanna from her home the night His Lord-on-High was due to return. Zanna was disturbed in the middle of the night by the cook quickly waking other staff members. Zanna poked her head out of the door. “Their Lordships have returned early that is all little miss, now you get back to sleep.”
“You heard the cook get back to bed .” Brython told her. “I’ll wake you up in the morning.”
“I’m sure Lord Denethore won’t be needing his punch bag tomorrow.” Zanna said grumpily.
“Mind your manners and get straight back to bed.” Cook told her and she did as she was told. “What are you going to do with her?” Cook asked Brython.
“I haven’t given it much thought.”
“You are not as sly as you think you are Brython.” She warned him, “That young lady will be at a loss of what to do with herself when you finished training Denethore, don’t think anyone else would be touching her around here, the vast majority think she has been shacked up with his young Lord.”
“I would be telling you another lie if I told you I hadn’t heard those rumours myself, but they will pass when something new happens to gossip about Martha.”
Zanna tried to get some sleep but the noise and commotion of all the servants waking each other up and scurrying back into their work that they had been taking at a slower pace while the great hall had been empty of any Lord. Zanna lit a candle and opened a book Brython had given her on creatures of magic. “You might be needing this.” He said, as he handed it too her. Learning to read had been a treat for Zanna, she loved the travel journals of people who had gone too far off places. The book she was reading was one of those, written by Bran the traveller, who was recounting his many encounters with creatures of magic. There was a knock at the door, “Psst Zanna it’s me.” Came the hushed voice from behind,
she slipped on a gown and opened the door too Denethore stood holding something behind his back, “What are you doing here?” Zanna said quietly not too happy , to see him in the middle of the night outside her room.
“Can I come in?” He whispered.
“No.” she told him bluntly, “People are all ready making the assumption I’m letting you..... well you know.”
“I wouldn’t dare come near you like that, you’d kill me.” Denethore replied, “I just got something to tell you.”
“It couldn’t wait till morning.”
“Have you forgotten your manners?”
“My Lord.” She added, as he showed himself into her chambers,
“I wont harm you, I promise.” Denethore tried to reassure her, she left the door slightly open and they both sat on her bed, with something the size of a large wine vase but rounder under a cloak of Denethore. “It’s a present for a good friend.” Zanna looked at the object wondering what would b expected of her if she took it, “It’s a gift, it doesn’t bite.” She lifted up the cloak to reveal a large egg. The egg glistened in the candle light with all kinds of colours reflecting back from the white shell. “Do you think it’s beautiful?”
“I can’t except this My Lord.”
“It’s yours.” He said and quickly got up, “For being a friend.” he added and kissed her on the forhead, “Good night Zanna.” He then disappeared, leaving Zanna with this unusual present.
Zanna just stared at the egg, unsure what to do with such a thing or if she should even touch it. She stretched out with her fingertips and touched it, she could feel the imperfections on the what otherwise appeared smooth surface. She wasn’t even certain that the egg was a real egg, until she felt the slight vibration of something inside. Zanna then felt sorry for the unknown creature inside as she felt without a mother to keep it warm it would surely die. She placed a cheek on the egg’s surface and she could feel the warmth coming from the egg itself. Then she pressed her ear to listen to the faint sounds of life inside the egg “You are still alive.” She whispered to it, even though she had a feeling that it wouldn’t be for long. A gentle green glow surrounded her hands and instinctively she rubbed the egg with them making the whole egg gently glow. Then she remembered where she was and quickly covered it with her blanket should anyone walk in and find her with a glowing green egg. The glow faded and the egg had changed to a bluey green colour. “I’ll keep you warm and talk to Brython in the morning, he’ll know what to do.” She whispered to the baby inside.
The morning came around and Zanna was awoken to something chewing on her hair and making baby snarling sounds. What was left of the egg was scattered across her bed she freed her hair from the creature and looked at it. It was reptilian with a bluey green down similar to the colour of the egg shell. It’s nose was thinner than what it was in depictions of dragons, but he had the wings of a dragon and two bumps where horns would grow. He made a noise something in-between a bark and a chirp. She quickly pulled on some clothes and scooped him up and hid him under her cloak. She then ran downstairs into the kitchen, “Martha have you seen Brython.”
“He’s not awake yet....”
Before she had a chance to say anything else Zanna ran out of the kitchen only to bump into Brython on his way to breakfast. “What is the matter Zanna?” Brython asked as he sat down to eat.
“It’s this.” She held the creature at arm’s length and closed her eyes not sure what Brython was going to say next.
“Where did you get the Draconi.”
“It was an egg.” she said opening her eyes,
“That is how they usually start.” Brython replied, “But who gave you the egg?”
“Lord Denethore.” She said quietly,
“How did you get the egg to hatch?”
“It grew to big for it’s egg.” Zanna guessed,
“Draconi’s are not supposed to hatch for anyone other than their rider.” Brython said, “So you must have done something.” Zanna told him the whole story from start to finish. “Now we have a problem, he is clearly imprinted on you and he needs to go home, I will speak with His Lord-on-High and you will feed him some meat off cuts.” Martha had all ready bought a bowl with some in. “That book will have the rest of the things you need too know.”
Zanna was sat next to the kitchen fire, reading the book Brython had bought for her, she had decided to skip too the part about Draconi. Denethore peered around the open door and watched Zanna toying with the little Draconi on the stone floor. “My Lord.” Zanna said when she noticed him and stood up, Denethore walked in not sure what too expect now.
“Are you going to beat the crap out of me?” Denethore asked.
“My Lord, if you wanted rid of me all you had to do is ask.” Zanna started, “Instead you have branded me the woman who gets lords to steal for her.” Zanna was near tears, “Never mind what they would suggest I offered you for the egg.”
“We could take him back together.”
“In this weather, I’d freeze to death.” She remarked,
“Zanna.” She heard Brythons gruff voice has he entered the kitchen he took hold of her by the shoulders, “Perhaps you should come back when she has calmed down.” Brython suggested to Denethore, who reluctantly left the kitchen. “You did well not to punch him that time.”
“It makes no difference, I’ll still be the one in trouble for all this.”
“The snow will start too clear in a couple of weeks then we can go take him back, if that is what you want?” Brython changed the subject so she wasn’t dwelling on what might be,
“Braemon has a home to go too.”
“Braemon.” Brython looked surprised at the name, “The dragon that couldn’t find his horde.” Zanna nodded, “He is a Draconi not a dragon.”
“I will have to call him something till he gets his proper name.”
“Braemon it is.” Brython said with a smile.
Once the snow had melted, Zanna’s father paid her a visit with her little sister, being only young young she thought of Braemon as some kind of toy and barley paid any attention too her. Zanna’s father on the other hand was scared for her and staid as long as he could. Despite reassurances from Brython he would make sure she would be returned home safely, Zanna could see the look of concern in his eyes. She barley slept that night nervous and excited to be leaving the city she had come too as a child and now called home. Brython knocked on her door while it was still dark, Zanna pulled on her clothes quickly and quietly and picked up Braemon and put him in a little brown bag that he popped his head out of. “Your horse is ready for you.” Brython told her. “I got him ready earlier.” Brython told her as they left the kitchen to the stables.
They both crossed the court yard and reached the stables to find Kane holding the horses waiting for her. “I have something for you.” He whispered into Zanna ear has he fastened his hunting knife around her waist. “Just take care of yourself.” He warned her as he helped her on to the horse,
As she sat on the horse and was ready to leave, a host of guards turned up. “Where are you going?” One of them asked.
“Running an errand for me.” a familiar voice from the darkness spoke and Denethore came into view. The guards quietly showed their respect and he walked up to them both, “Make sure the little Draconi gets home.” He said in his gruff in charge voice, then lent in close and “I’m sorry.” He whispered to Zanna but she didn’t have time to reply “You should go now.” He returned to his important voice. “Open the gates and let them go.” He told the guards and made them hurry.
Once they had left the city limits and gone some way the pair of them slowed their horses to a walk, “Next time you arrange to sneak out you could try warning me.”
“And me.” Smudge added, “I’m not used to long treks so we best not going to far, especially with that thing on my back, it smells like something that would eat me.”
“Stop your whining we haven’t even gone that far yet.” Zanna told the horse off.
“When do we stop too eat on this trip.” Smudge carried on,
“When I say so.” Brython told him, “And if anyone asks Zanna, your a boy. So keep that hair of yours covered.” Brython was scared of people following them and letting people know where they were heading.
The cold rain began to lash at Zanna face, stinging her face and making it difficult for her to see where she was going. Brython led Zanna to a near by forest where they took shelter. Zanna’s teeth where chattering as Brython was trying to start a fire with wet wood to warm up. Zanna watched a moment and then used her magic. “Are you that cold?” Brython asked, Zanna nodded as her teeth where chattering. “We’ll get you warmed up love.” He said as he pulled out a fleece cover and threw it over her shoulders as she tried to get warm by the fire. Braemon popped his head from out her shirt and made an annoyed chirp. The shelter from the evergreen trees kept most of the rain off and sheltered them both from the cold winds. He handed Zanna some bread and cheese as the Draconi settled down by the fire after munching on some cold chicken. “We will wait until the rain dies down.” Brython told her.
“Did you tell Denethore that we where planning on leaving?” Zanna asked, as she had wondering about that since she had left.
“I told him nothing.” Brython said “His father was going to bring charges of theft through seduction, and you where going to face them in the morning.”
“Now I’m everyone thinks I’m a criminal on the run.” She mumbled,
“Don’t worry, it will be sorted out.” Brython said honestly and hopefully, “This is why we are taking little Braemon back.”
Once the rain has stopped they set out again hoping to get as much a distance between them and the city, as they possibly could. Zanna’s leg ached through all the riding, and she was continually cold. They stopped for the night again and Zanna was lit the fire without magic, he remembered her Papa showing her how to do it when she was a child. This memory bought an overwhelming feeling in the pit of her stomach and a yearning for her family that she might not see again. She quickly swallowed any tears that where surfacing and waited for Brython to come back with a promised rabbit. Braemon popped his head out from under her tunic and took a peak around, then made a couple of squawking noises, before scrabbling around. Zanna reached in and pulled him out. The little Draconi stretched his wings and legs, before finding a stone to bat around like a cat with a toy. He tried stalking up and the unaware stone, then pounce on it snarling and growling, which made Zanna giggle. “Have you killed that nasty stone?” She cooed over the sweat thing, just then Smudge snorted a warning and Zanna scooped up the little Draconi against it’s will. He made a screeching sound as she tightly gripped him under her arm and in that moment a man dashed out of the bushes. Startled she clutched the Draconi tightly too her chest, and in that moment she had a vision, of this man protecting her, from the other men that had Brython. “Who are you?” She asked in her best, I’m not scared of you voice, as she checked out the stranger with thick black hair and brown eyes. There was something special about him Zanna could tell. She then saw a vision of a ring she had only heard stories of.
“A friend of Brython’s.” the man said in a friendly way. “You must be Zanna and that little fellow must be the egg.”
In that moment she had a vision, of this man protecting her, from the other men that had captured Brython. “Good because he might need your help in a moment.” She said and picked up Brythons sword from the fire and ran over to him. ”
“You know you can not use his sword.” The stranger,
“Yes, but if he gets it stolen the complaining will be worse than listening to his snoring.” Zanna replied.
The sounds of fighting could be heard not too far away, the man drew his sword. “Stay close and keep a tight hold of that egg.” He told her firmly, the sounds of the fighting stopped and there was talking.
“There’s three of them.” The horse said,
“There’s more of us.” the man replied to the horse.
The wood went quiet again, it seemed like fore ever before the men escorting Brython walked out of the undergrowth. “I see you have found my friend.” Brython said as he saw Zanna stood next to the man.
“He’s rather useful.” She replied.
“Silence.” said one of the three Bandits whom had managed to tie Brython up and walk him back to camp. “Or I’ll run him through.”
“We are now going to make our demands.” Announced the bandit that was clearly new too all this. Zanna had dealt with plenty of thieves in the city. One of the three gave him a punch. The man that looked to be a leader was stood with a knife at Brythons throat.
“Your friend is right, we should hear your demands.” Brythons friend tried to stall them. “That is the whole idea of bringing him back here, otherwise you might have just slit his throat and robbed him in the woods and then set too on the child.”
“I want that child and that beast she’s carrying.” the leader demanded,
“Why?”
“I’m not into explaining my reasons too you.” He snapped at the man,
Hands then grabbed Zanna from behind and picked her up. The knife her father had given was put to good use as she plunged it straight through his wrist causing blood to splatter all over her and him to drop her. Zanna had caused enough confusion, for Brython to punch the leader to the floor and Zanna then tossed him his sword. Brythons friend had pierced the belly of the other who fell straight to the floor. Leaving the less experienced thief too run off into the forest. It was then that Zanna heard the clash of steel in the forest and shortly afterwards, several young faces familiar to Brython walked out into the open. “Is that a Draconi?” One of them asked and walked up to Zanna, making her back off.
“We will do formal introductions later.” Brython said, “There will be more of his sort around here soon and we don’t need to be hanging about for them.” He handed Zanna Smudges rains. “They are all my pupils and they won’t harm you.” He said gently as she got up onto the horse. “If you loose sight of me follow them.” she nodded her head, still a little shocked over what had happened. “We are going to the Five Fingers and we can have a warm meal, drink and think about what to do next.” Brython announced.
The Five Fingers had been quiet until they all turned up, “How is my beautiful wife this evening?” Brython said with a smile and leaned across the bar for a kiss.
“You could give me notice when your bringing and extra mouth to feed.”
“Lilly.”
“You can have your kiss later, someone has to make sure all these children you bring back are clean and fed.” Lilly reminded him, “And you stop getting my husband into trouble.” Lilly told him before disappearing back to the kitchen.
“Zanna.” Brython beckoned her forward, “Is Braemon and yourself in one piece?” Zanna nodded, as if he was listening the little Draconi clambered up and out and on to the bar. “Pop yourself on the stool and meet my friend Tolreen.” Brython smiled at her.
Brython could see she was trying to work him out, and then a vision came too her.“You have something about you that’s special. ” She pointed to his finger and he took off the ring so she could see it, she then had a vision of a room filled with painting so bright you couldn’t make them out only as she moved down it they moved, she then heard voices and two dark shadows stood at the end of the corridor where an archway to place something was. They talked about taking something and the smell of fire and ash as the corridor filled with smoke and flames till she was back where she stood. “Also Mr Overseer, you used to get in trouble a lot hanging out with Brython that cause arguments with your Papa, and .....”
“That’s enough of family history.”
“The family and close friend connections are easy.” Zanna said with a smile, She giggled. “The ring Allowed me to see that I could trust you, the rest he does a very good job of keeping hidden.” Zanna gave Brython a sidewards glance, “Brython may need some work.” She joked and Tolreen laughed,
“You where right I do like her.” Tolreen said, “Go around the back and get some dry clothes.” Tolreen told her.
“And some warmer ones, if she’s wondering around with you two taking that poor creature back home.” Lilly interrupted as she placed a tankard of beer in front of Brython and Tolreen. “Or are you stopping the night.” Just then as Lilly spoke the sound of large hailstones being flung from the sky and bouncing off the roof, “Stopping the night it is.” She took Zanna through to the back and filled a basin with warm water for her to wash and gave her some warm travelling clothes with a cloak she hung on the back of the door to her room. The supper was a warm comforting stew and she even managed to sneak some beer that Lilly wasn’t too keen on giving her because she was too young, but Zanna was found of the bitter taste after sneaking into the lions den on the odd occasion. She sat in-between a couple of the young men that where the same age as her. “I’m Marlon.” His long blond thick hair, “This is Tristan.” He pointed to the dark haired man next too him, “Stephan, Bran and Art.” Marlon was curious about Braemon and tried to pick him and he snarled and snapped at him. “So your Draconi, he’s ever friendly?”
“When he wants to be, and he’s not mine.” Zanna replied,
“So you think those thieves will follow you.....” Marlon started, “they where pretty desperate for the Draconi.”
“I think they got the hint.” Tristan replied,
“I wouldn’t be too sure.” Zanna said in jest, “The thieves in the city will follow you till you or them are dead.”
“Really.” Marlon asked,
“Marlon, the majority where dead or injured. If they haven’t got the hint not too follow they will do next time they turn up.“Bran confidently and semi drunk. “Besides in this weather they will more than likely given up.”
“Do you know the going rate for a Draconi on the black market.” Tolreen said from the other side of the room, “A lot more than what you will see in a life time, which is why you’re getting up early in the morning to go with Brython.”
“In this weather?” Tristan.
“Stephan, Art, Marlon, Tristan and Bran all volunteered, to escort Zanna and the Draconi back to the valley of the wind.“Brython said as he stood up from behind the bar, with a bottle that had been there for some time. “Don’t sulk, you started an adventure you have too finish the adventure.”
“I called that rescuing your sorry arse then being made to trek for days in the cold and wet, because you know everyone is going to be gossiping about it for days.” Marlon replied.
“He was nearly rescuing his own sorry arse, before we turned up.” Tolreen added,
“Once they had heard his snoring they would have released you Bython.” Stephan added, Zanna nearly choked on her beer when she heard that.
“Zanna is making breakfast in the morning.” Brython added,
“You don’t want my cooking.” Zanna said quickly, “It’s like a punishment in itself.”
“It was fine earlier on.” Brython reminded her
“It’s not now.” Zanna replied with a smile. “Because if I start washing, cleaning and cooking I’ll never be doing anything else.”
“She has a point.” Tolreen jumped in, “Take care of the horses and the Draconi instead.“Tolreen grabbed Brython by the shoulder, we will start and finish your expensive bottle of whisky friend.”
“One of you has to share and let Zanna have her own room for one night.” Brython told them.
“This way.” Stephan said, and Zanna and the others got up too leave, “Zanna yours is this room. “Marlon and Tristan are next door, Bran then me in the attic space.”
“Tristan and I should have that room it’s the biggest.” Marlon pointed.
“If your going to argue I’ll take the biggest.” Zanna interrupted, “Poor little Braemon hasn’t stretched hid legs properly since we left the city.”
“Marlon and Tristan can have it then.” Stephan said sulkily and took the one at the end of the hallway.
“How do you get what you want like that?” Tristan asked,
“It’s a skill only a woman has.“Zanna said before closing the door.
She was awoken by Braemon fussing for something to eat, she quietly sunk downstairs and into the kitchen for something to eat. She hadn’t noticed Tolreen snoozing at the back of the bar area. Lilly had left a leg of lamb with some meat trimmings still on it out and Braemon seemed to enjoy gnarling and snarling at the bone. The noise woke Tolreen up and he went into the kitchen too investigate the noise from the ravenous beast that had made the front of the fire now turned to ember his spot too devour his breakfast. “Good morning little red head.” He said in a still half drunk cheery manor.
“I see you finished reminiscing over a bottle.”
“Indeed we did.” He said, “A cup of tea wouldn’t go a miss.”
“The kettle is all ready on.” Zanna pointed too it on the black soot stained kettle hanging over the fire place, “For you I will make an exception of putting on the kettle.” The kettle whistled and fortunately Zanna had enough foresight to put enough water in for two drinks. “There is something you wanted too ask me.” She said, frightened he would ask her this,
“What did you really see, when Brython asked you too read me?”
“There is a corridor, with bright moving paintings on the wall at the end there was something special that someone takes before burning the place to the ground.” Zanna replied, “Though I’m not certain if it means anything.”
“More than what you realise, I’m just going to send a message to a friend.” He finished the cup tea and left the room in a hurry. Zanna finished her warm drink and on hearing the others get up she disappeared into the stables to ready all the horses.
After travelling for several days in the cold and wet, the group seemed to be getting weary and fed up with never being dry, the jubilant mood the group had started with, had disappeared. The clothes that Brython had given Zanna had kept her warmer but now sodden and frozen to the skin again, she was shivering with the rest. “Is Braemon well.” Brython asked.
“The Draconi is cold and wet like the rest of us.” Zanna replied and it’s head popped out from her shirt and squawked in agreement, before ducking down underneath again.
“We are at the mouth of the valley now.” Brython said, as the looked down at the castle that lay on the path in the direction they needed to go. “We’ll get out of the wind and rain until it’s dark and then we’ll sneak past the castle.”
“It is my aunt and cousins castle, perhaps if I explain they will let us through.” Tristan said.
“They are also cousins too His Lord-on-High and son, they will have more than likely received a message by now that we are coming this way.” Brython dashed the hopes of a warm room while Tristan talked too his relatives, “There is a small inn we can dry out there, but Zanna will have to keep her hair covered.” Brython warned. There will be strangers in the bar so don’t drink too much your going to start clucking like a group of hens.”
The bedraggled band of travellers turned up at the Kings lament and Zanna was desperate to warm herself and the precious Draconi she had trying to keep warm next too her. The plan was to get a room too stop in for a few hours while we all dried off, but the inn was full they had to stop down stairs by the fire with a drink and being careful to avoid the rowdy customers. Zanna huddled near the warm fire trying to keep Braemon out of sight but the Draconi was doing his best to be of nuisance and not comply with what was required of him. The barmaid walked over with their drinks, “He’s not the first baby Draconi we’ve seen in these parts sweetheart, you can let him onto the table.” As she said that Braemon jumped from Zanna’s hands and on to the table. “I’ll bring him out some meat pieces from out the kitchen for the little mite.” And off she toddled to the kitchens.
“I’m certain he’s got bigger.” Zanna said keeping a watchful eye on Braemon by the fire.
“They get big and fast.” Tolreen said as he sat next too her, “As big as a house.”
“So I hear.” Zanna replied quietly,
“You love him enough to bring him all the way here.” Tolreen said, “But have you ever thought he might be meant for you.” Before Zanna spoke the door to the inn opened and something about the men entering made Zanna picked up Braemon and put him on her lap. Tolreen noticed her reaction, “Drink up little witch we need to be getting on our way.” Tolreen got up and spoke to Brython.
Tristan sat next too her, “Don’t worry, he’s only a pygmy-dragon not a real one.” Tristan said with a smile, “Real dragons get to be the size of a castle and breath fire.”
“I’ve heard of real dragons, but I’ve never seen one and don’t think you ever have.” She told him and downed the rest of her pint.
“No I haven’t.” Tristan admitted, “Don’t think anyone has nowadays.”
“That’s because no one is that stupid they would go looking for one.” Zanna said as she got up. “Hurry up Tristan we are leaving.” Zanna said and pointed over to Brython who had beckoned the group closer to him.
Everyone gathered in a group and where waiting for instructions, the bar maid walked over, with some left over meat pieces, “Take care of that little one, they are more precious than people realise.” The barmaid whispered too her, “There will be an escort waiting for you by the queens pass, Brython knows where that is Zanna.” She handed over the meat pieces, “You be careful out in the cold and keep you and your little friend all wrapped up.”
“Thank you.” Zanna replied quietly and regarded the information suspiciously, until she glanced a larger version of Braemon’s tale twitching in the kitchen. While everyone was getting their horses ready Zanna disappeared for a moment.
Brython explained the road and where to meet up if they got lost and Zanna waited until they had readied the horses and where about to set off and Zanna approached Brython, “Change of plan.” She told Bryhton, then whispered what the barmaid had said in his ear,
“Are you sure that’s right.”
“She has inside information.” Was all Zanna had time too say.
The door of the inn burst open and out came the six men that had entered earlier, “Stay close.” Tolreen whispered to Zanna and held her by the shoulders gently. Stephan tossed her his spare sword as more appeared from out of the darkness there was at least twenty. Little Braemon sensing danger scrambled up on Zanna’s shoulder and made reptilian barking noise. “Some people are just eager to die.” Tolreen said confidently. Three of them summoned fire balls and stood threatening the small group of friends. Marlon responded and so did Brython, Zanna staid quiet. “What exactly do you want?” Tolreen asked, not too deterred by their show of force and all ready knowing the answer.
“We want the girl and that creature, Overseer.” The man in charge demanded,Braemon hissed and spread out his wings as if in reply. “There’s a price on her head and we are getting the gold for it, so you can hand her over and we will get on our way, without all the nasty business, of us having to open you up.” He motioned with his thumb across his throat. There was a flash of large eye shine behind the gang of thugs,
“I don’t think she wants to go with you neither does the Draconi.” Brython replied while the group encircling squeezed them tighter together. Till Zanna’s back was near enough against Brythons.. “You can join in when you feel like Zanna.”
“I wasn’t waiting for you permission to save my own neck.” Zanna retorted. The man in charge nodded at one of the wizards. He flung the fire ball at Tolreen and Zanna caught it and tossed it back at the unsuspecting wizard face and it exploded bathing him in flames. In the moment of that distraction one of the bandits disappeared into the darkness, with a scream and a crunch to silence him followed by a disembodied arm reappearing from the darkness and a deep throated growl and a large silhouette. Braemon tried to copy the growl and make himself look big on Zanna’s shoulder. “I was waiting for that.” She replied with a knowing smile. The wizards turned around to face their new foe, and Brython’s and Marlon’s attacks found their mark and the both where flung out of the way while the heat of the flames burned their skin. The bandits with swords flung themselves forward to fight, hoping that whatever it was in the darkness left them alone. Never before being in a a real life or death fight, she found she hadn’t the luxury to think things through. The clash of swords and sparks of magic and energy, mixed with teeth and claw. As soon as it began it was over and then silence. Zanna was breathless and Brython patted her on the back, the little Draconi popped it’s head from out her shirt again and the big Draconi emerged from the darkness. “Is the baby well?” She asked, Zanna nodded and Braemon jumped down and ran over to check his new friend out and they both began to purr. Zanna smiled happy too see Braemon with one of his own kind. In that moment she dropped to the ground as her whole body felt as though it was on fire, her hands glowed with all the colours of magic and just before passing out she recalled a distressed Draconi and Brython picking her up.
It was nearly two days later when Zanna awoke, feeling dizzy, hungover and thirsty, she found herself in a warm bed and a spacious house. Brython was dozing on the chair next too her, he herd her trying to sit up. “Would you like some water?” Brython asked she nodded and he helped her with the wooden cup. “You might still be a bit wobbly for a while.” Brython told her.
“What happened?” Zanna croaked.
“When you are growing so does your magic and it alters like you do.” Brython said, “I have never seen it happen like that.” Brython added, “Normally it’s as bad getting your sensation back in you leg after you have sat down too long in the same spot.”
“That felt worse than that.” Zanna said.
“We are in the valley of the wind now.” Brython said, “You are in the house of the young man whose egg went missing.” Brython fussed her hair when it was clear she wasn’t sure how she felt about that. “Braemon has been getting on well with his own kind and he’s been doing well.” There was a knock on the door and Brython answered the door,
“Can I come in, yet?” A voice asked from the other side of the door. Brython looked back and Zanna nodded. A young man similar age to Zanna was shown in, he had Braemon around his neck.
“Zanna this is Demetrious. Demetrious this is Zanna.” Brython introduced them both and they both said hello. “I’ll leave you two to have a chat.”
“I am glad he arrived to you safely.” Zanna said as the little Draconi jumped down next to her,
“You took good care of him.” He said with a smile. “I heard you kicked Lord Denethore in his private parts.”
“That was a while ago.” Zanna said,
“Did he learn anything from it.”
“Other than not to go near me, he didn’t.” Zanna joked, “Has Braemon settled in well?”
“He ....” Demetrious struggled to get the words out, “I don’t think he belongs to me any more, he supposed to belong to the person he hatches for.”
“I hatched him be accident, when I healed him with magic.” Zanna then smiled, “And he hasn’t even noticed I am here.” The little Draconi was fixated with Demetrious “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask Denethore to take the egg, he got the idea to get me a gift for some reason.”
“I believe you.” Demetrious reassured her, “I believed Brython believed you and now I have met you I believe you.” Demtirous’s mother called him from downstairs. “I have got to go.” He said before he dashed out of the room. Zanna laid herself back down she was hungry and exhausted and drifted back off.
A few days later Zanna had decided it was time to leave the house and get back on her feet and found the outside world covered with a thick blanket of snow. She found Marlon and Tristan, Stephan, Bran and Art by an old barn with Demetrious and Braemon, “Does my mother know you are out of bed.” Demetrious asked.
“If I stop in the bed any longer I might never get out.” Zanna replied, “You have a lovely family and home, but I’m not one too stay in bed long.”
“You get bored too easily, I would rather be made to stop in bed than be hiding from Brython’s idea of training in the snow.”
“Would that be running around in circles till your toes drop off?” Zanna said remembering him doing last year around the great hall with Denethore.
“He’s not that cruel is he?” Demit asked,
“No.” Tristan replied, “Marlon show Zanna how to make a fireball.”
“I know how to do that.” Zanna knew and she had tried doing magic like that a couple of times but having to keep secrets meant not really trying anything. “Just not right now.”
“You haven’t done it before have you.” Demetrious said,
“Twice may be but not really and the light energy ones.”
“Lets see.” Marlon asked,
“Lets not.” Brython interrupted. “Start by levitating that large rock over there that’s blocking that path.”
“I can’t do that I can barley manage a small stone.” Zanna told him,
Brython wasn’t taking that as an answer. So she took off her gloves so she could feel the energy stretch from her finger tips and grasp the stone and hold it in the air. “Now gently put it down to make room for people to go around again.” He told her gently.
“That was fun little witchling can you make me fly without using my wings again.” The voice of Skyler Demitrious’s mothers Draconi from behind made Zanna spin around and quickly apologised.
“Just practice with other things while you work out what you can do.” Brython told her.
“How is it that I couldn’t do that before?” Zanna asked,
“Walk with me.” Brython said and led her away from the boys and stopped and looked at her, “Someone did that too you.”
“Mother.” Zanna said angrily,
“Don’t be angry with her.” Brython told her, “You can move the rock, you can destroy the rock.”
“She had no reason to be afraid of me.”
“She was alone with you before you met your father, you don’t know why she left her gypsy family.”
“No she never talks about them.”
“In my experience if a woman keeps a secret like that it is too protect those around them.” Brython explained, “Just lay off the destroying thing for a while.”
“Thank you.” Zanna said and hugged him, “I wouldn’t have gotten here without you and everyone else.”
"“You are more than welcome Zanna.” He said with a gentle smile, “Just be careful you’ve not been long out of bed, don’t want you ending up there again so soon.”
It began to snow again really heavily and Brython didn’t much like inconveniencing people and the inconvenience for him. Zanna followed him into the Draconi riders great hall, The elders wanted to talk to her, they had flown from a a great hall they convened in near to the centre of the valley of the wind. The hall was round with a large fire in a pit in the middle the smoke rose through a tiny gap in the roof. There was a Lord Philip and his Lady wife Eleanor sat a the far end on large chairs. “Zanna, come forward.” the man said in a serious voice.
Zanna reluctantly left Brython stood by the doorway. There where two Draconi laid by the fire clearly enjoying the warmth, the raised their heads and watched her approach. “My Lord.” she said politely and gave a slight bow of the head to show respect.
“You have been stopping with my wife’s sister.” He said as he rose from his seat and approached Zanna.
“They have been very kind and it has been a pleasure to meet and stay with your wife’s kin.” She said honestly,
“Did you at the time realise that my nephews life was magically entwined with that of the Draconi.”
“I do now Demetrious and his family have now explained My Lord.” Zanna guessed why he had summoned her to the hall. “My Lord I neither asked for the egg or made any suggestion at the want for a Draconi egg. Where Lord Denethore had gotten such a notion from he never told me.” Zanna explained, before he asked.
“His Lord-on-High knows you are here and wishes us to put you on trial....”
“We don’t think that it is necessary.” His wife interrupted, “You did nothing wrong.” Zanna felt more comfortable when she spoke, “Come we’ll let the men drink ale while you tell me what happened.” She took hold of Zanna by the arm and led her to her chambers and sat her down on a chair, “Tell me the story of how you came across little Braemon then and how you brought him back here.” Zanna gave an honest account of what had happened, and she smiled and listened “So why is it that Lord Ammon wants you trouble for this?”
“It is easier to blame a woman and a common woman.” Zanna guessed allowed,
“You are probably right.” She said gently. “Well.....” she stopped mid sentence when the Draconi raised the alarm first outside and then in. She quickly left and ran back to the main hall Zanna followed.
Brython beckoned her closer to him and motioned for her to be silent as he stood out of sight flat against the wall by the large door which led into he hall. Zanna was about to ask him what it was and he gently placed her hand over her mouth, it was then Zanna could her the caws of what at first sounded like crows until they got closer and one landed with a large thump. The lady’s Draconi slunk close to the floor as she quietly mounted her back, “They are Scarooth, giant flesh eating crows from the mountains.” Brython whispered, “They don’t like fire and I need your help for a distraction.” Zanna nodded understanding what he wanted. “One, two, three.” they both jumped out and the magical flames and rush of air flowed from both their hands startling any of the giant birds close too, they then quickly dodged out of the way as the Draconi rushed out with her rider on her back, to join the fight.
“Stay close to me.” Brython told her, “We need to find the others.” Just as he spoke one of the giant birds landed directly behind him just as Brython was going to be giant bird food, she threw a fire ball directly in it’s mouth, at which point it swallowed and then exploded. “Do I need too know what happened then?” He asked, motioned no with her head as it would be hard to say anything a both the din as both Draconi and Scarooth where hissing and snarling and growling. Brython took out his sword and it burst into red magical flames.
Zanna drew her sword and Stephan, Art and Bran appeared out of the darkness, “We figured we should come and protect you.” Stephan said, “Seen as you are a girl and all.” Zanna didn’t seem convinced.
A spark of blue energy landed squarely in the chest of the bird directly above them and Tristan and Marlon appeared out of the darkness and ran up to Brython and the others. “Where’s the Overseer?” Marlon asked,
“We’ll come across him, when we come across him.” Brython shouted over the noise, Zanna sensed a hint of concern for his friend as he began to lead his pupils to a saver location. A Scarooth landed in front of them the glow from the flames in Brythons sword reflected in it’s eyes, the group turned to find another way to find their path, Tolreen then appeared being chased down their escape route by a Scarooth Zanna managed to quickly summon a ball of magical flames and land it squarely in the face make it squeal and back off. “I’m glad your on our side Zanna, the way you made that poor bird burst, I almost felt sorry for it.” He joked as a several more of the giant black birds with teeth filled beaks turned up at the sound of their companion in distress, “Now just repeat it several more times that would be handy.”
“How did you make it do that?” Marlon asked,
“It swallowed fire.” Zanna said and one opened it’s beak to show off it’s razor sharp teeth and Zanna repeated the mistake and again the bird exploded and it’s burnt entrails splattered on the crisp white snow. “Like that.”
“That has put me off breakfast.” Tolreen said. The Scarooth backed off shocked at what they just saw, and then eyed Zanna it cawed for help and it’s friends. “Brython any ideas friend?”
Brython summoned a magical circle of red flames that kept them from getting closer, “Marlon can you do what Zanna just did?”
“Really?” Marlon asked,
“Them or you lad take your pick and hurry up about it.” Brython said Marlon saw one open it’s beak and the magical red flames hit the back of it’s throat and that bird met the same fate. Zanna was beginning to notice the smell of burning feathers and flesh and it made her stomach churn.
“Could you not come up with a better idea than this.” Tolreen replied.
“This was your idea.” Brython retorted in a friendly manner.
“Fine I’ve come up with a new idea.” Tolreen said, “We all stand behind Zanna and she does everything Brython told her not too do earlier in the direction of the birds.”
Zanna looked back when he said that, not sure what to make of this plan as everyone huddled behind Zanna and Brython. At that point Zanna then realised fear of been eaten was a great motivator, realising the sword was pointless tossed it too the ground and summoned magical red flames in both hands, the birds saw what was about to happen, Brython called out for everyone to get out of the way. The Scarooth eyes watched as a rush of roaring flames engulfed some and others got away with singed tail feathers. A couple of the birds seized their chance to attack from behind and swooped down on to Bran and Art, with and in flash of claws and teeth filled beaks snapped and pulled their heads off in anger, before Marlon dispatched of one with a fireball down it’s throat while the other barley got away. The Draconi appeared out of the shadows snarling hissing and making there warning calls as they ripped into their enemies, sending the last of the skyward to join their all ready retreating friends. Brython gently took hold of Zanna’s wrist, “You can stop now.” he spoke gently, “They are all gone.” At first Zanna didn’t hear or feel him until he tightened his grip, Zanna glanced at him with one final gust the flames roared upward and disappeared. Brython caught Zanna and gently scooped her up in his arms. Silence fell and the signs of glowing embers along with burning bird flesh and Draconi comforting one another with their wounds. Tolreen put away his sword and took Zanna from Brython as the others took what remained of their companions and buried them.
In the light of the morning the young Draconi riders started emerging from their hiding place under the hall. Demetrious approached Zanna who was bandaging Tristan’s arm as he had somehow mange to catch it in the night. “You aught to be more careful.” She told him and smiled.
Demetrious approached, he had a thousand things he wanted to say, “Hello.” Zanna said,
“I’m sorry about your friends.” He said quietly, “I have to wait till he is full grown before...”
“Don’t worry about that.” Tristan said, not wanting to talk about his friends. He then got up too leave,
“He’ll be fine, he was rather close too them and he misses them more than he’s going to admit too.” Zanna said and tickled Braemon under his chin.
“I hear you are going to leave today.” Demetrious added, “You could stay.”
“Now why would you ask such thing?” Zanna replied,
“Because if you hang around Brython you’ll end up like Bran and Art.” He whispered,
“It takes a lot more and a flock of oversized crows to kill me.” Zanna said with a smile, and saw Demitrious’s face, “I know what I’m letting myself in for, don’t worry about me. Just take of your little friend and keep yourself safe and I’ll be expecting a ride when he is full grown.” Zanna added.
“You wouldn’t like it.” Demetrious said, Brython then could be heard calling her name, “Goodbye Zanna.” They hugged.
Smudge approached her all ready and waiting for her to get going, “Hurry up, I want to get back to a warm stable.” He nosed her back to get her moving and she mounted the horse, and Demetrious watched as she rode off to catch up with Brython and the others.
The Draconi riders followed them to the edge of the valley and when they where parting ways the Lady Elleanor gave her a ring on a chain telling her if any other Draconi rider was to see her from another tribe they would know she was a friend. The rest of the way back to the five fingers was quieter without Bran and Art. Tolreen had made a quick retreat home before he got into any more trouble with his wife than he all ready was. “I suppose you have to stop with us.” Brython said now they where both alone, “If that’s what you want?” Zanna shrugged, “I don’t think I would have been too sure if that had been my first outing.”
“It’s not just that. I...I scared myself.” Zanna admitted,
“You are naturally gifted and you have a lot more magic than I ever had at your age. I can teach you how to use your gift, but what you use it for is entirely up to you.”
The Spring thaw had truly set in and Zanna was sat outside on the new grass trying to read, when she heard whispering and giggling from behind the bushes. Some of the youngsters that Brython had picked up on his travels and brought home to train with the others. Brython had called a halt to training that morning when he had received a message and had disappeared back into his home.
“What do you think was in the letter?” Tristan asked,
“Something important.” Zanna replied,
“You see things.” Tristan replied,
“But I don’t control what I see, otherwise I would know everything and change everything till I knew nothing.” She smiled when she saw the confused look on Tristan’s face. Marlon popped up from somewhere, “Have you seen the new arrival? He must some kind of Lords son.”
“What makes you think that?” Tristan asked,
“He’s all fancy.” Zanna pointed out as he and four others they had not seen before appeared, “And he comes with brothers.
“The Mayweathers of the great lakes.” Tristan said quietly through gritted teeth.
“Seen as you are well acquainted you could introduce us.” Marlon replied,
“Keep me out of it, I’ve had enough of Lords.” Tristan gave her a mock angry glare, “You don’t count.” She added. The pair disappeared off to check out the new arrivals, Zanna picked herself up from her grass seat to put the book she was clutching back in to her hut as it looked like rain would soon be on it’s way.
Tristan and Marlon approached the four of them, “Better hang back, they can be ......”
“Tristan Rivers.” One of them said, “Hanging around with the dregs I see.”
“I see the only people that can tolerate your company are your little brothers, Stephan”
“Do you remember when we beat you up till you had to walk around with a puffy face for weeks afterwards.” Tristan ignored the comment, briefly reliving the moment he was pinned down by Ryan and Jon held him down while Goran and Aaron beat him up, after he had intervened after they had threatened to rape his cousin.
“I hear Brython has run off with Denethore’s whore.” Goran joked, “Pretty little Red-Head I hear.”
“Leave her alone.” Tristan warned,
Brython approached the group on seeing them speaking, “So you know each other then?” Brython asked,
“We’re old friends.” Ryan smiled and patted Tristan on the back, before all four of them walked off.
“It would appear they are moulded from the same slab of clay their father was.” Brython said, “I have to go out for a few days, keep an eye on Zanna, Tristan.”
“Zanna needs no ones protection.”
“If they catch her off guard she will do.” Brython told him, “And if they don’t just let her teach them some manners.”
“But I don’t think I’m much protection against those four.” Brython patted him on the back and then left.
“Does he know something I don’t?” Tristan asked Marlon,
“It’s Brython so who knows.” Marlon shrugged, “but he’s been acting strange since he got that letter.”
The supper bell was rung and everyone turned up at the hall with their bowl and spoon waiting to be fed, “Zanna.” Brython called her out of the crowd in a serious manner, she left the crowd and walked straight to him without asking. He took her bowl off her and handed it too Lilly who filled it and handed it back without asking a question, “Sit with me, I’ve got something to tell you.” Zanna sat with him, “Have you settled in?”
“Yes, everyone has been kind and...” She paused and looked at him, with caring green eyes that sparkled with love an respect, “What has happened crazy old man.”
“Denethore came of age and has tradition dictates he got to make a declaration and here it is.” He reached inside his tunic and pulled out a scroll, she recognised the insignia of the wolf carrying a rose.
Zanna took it off him reluctantly, and broke the seal with her knife, that her father had given her, she pondered over it for a moment. “The Lord-on-high as issued me a pardon, why do I not trust it.”
“It’s not going to hatch.” Brython pointed out, “But you are quite right to be suspicious, he invited us both to the Great hall to receive the official pardon.” Brython continued, “I’m going.”
“I’m certain there are other dungeons, that are far more easier to break out of and are just as appealing.”
“One night was enough for you then?” Brython joked and they both laughed,
“If I have to go and rescue your sorry arse from that dungeon, I’ll make sure everyone knows.” She warned him.
“I will stay out of the dungeon.” Brython promised, and beckoned her in closer, “Just know if anyone hurts you, you can let me know.” Zanna knew who he was talking about and she smiled and nodded as she saw them enter the hall. “Is there anything that you need from the city?” He asked,
“If you see my family let them know I miss them and that I’m still alive to miss them.” Zanna replied.
“I can manage that.” Brython said, “I promised your father I would take care of you like you where my own daughter.”
“And annoyingly you do that very well at times.” Zanna told him,
“He does lass.” Lilly said as she sat down, “He misses his Eowyn .”
“That’s all I herd every time he came back from the Prancing pony.” Zanna told his wife with a smile, “It would have been sweet if it wasn’t in the early hours of the morning.” Brython gave her a warning look, Zanna didn’t want to embarrass him so she kept quiet about the rest.
“And what have I told you about the Prancing Pony.” Lilly told him off, “that ale in their would knock out a Dragon.” Zanna giggled when she said that, “When you go out too the city don’t forget to drop in on our Eowyn and take a few things round that she’ll be needing.”
“I all ways drop in.” Brython told his wife, “I’ll leave you two too gossip about me, I have to go see too something.” He got up and left.
“Why do men have to do things in the most difficult way possible?”
“I have a friend back in the city, when he was younger he would find every way but the quickest way to get somewhere, he still got there. It just took him longer.” Zanna replied,
“You are wiser than your years Zanna.”
Zanna stood up and picked up both bowls, “You go find where ever it is he’s hiding and I’ll take these back.”
“You wouldn’t be able to talk some sense into my husband, if you come across him before me?”
“I don’t think that magic exists.” Zanna said, “But if I see him I’ll send him back too you.”
“Thank you.” Lilly said, “Now lets get cleaning these pots up, you missed your turn yesterday.”
“I was busy.” Zanna protested.
The following morning before the bell to wake everyone Zanna was knocked up she quickly pulled on some clothes and answered to find Brython stood there, “Can you help me with something?”
“Me?” Zanna asked a little surprised he would trust her with anything personal,
“Can you hand this crystal too my daughter?” the crystal was on a chain and he had given them to his pupils without magic and it was to draw attention to get help.
“It isn’t my place to take that too her.” Zanna told “Perhaps you should take it yourself, if you are worried.” Zanna walked with him to his horse, “Just take it too her and if she needs help, I’ll help her. But I won’t get involved with you and your daughters argument.”
“You know he’s an absolute prick.”
“You told me that and much more.” Zanna reminded him, “Do you think something is going to happen.”
“I just have an uneasy feeling Zanna, and your one of the few people that I can trust.” Brython mounted his horse, he noticed Zanna was lost deep in her own feelings, “Zanna.” He said loudly bringing back to the here and now,
“Are you sure you want to go?” Zanna asked, “I can life without the pardon.” she said as she stepped back from the horse.
“There is something else I need to do as well.” He said,
“I’ll keep an eye on that little house you make us patrol passed every day.”
“You keep an eye on your self.” Brython warned her before riding off.
Brython approached the cottage, reminding himself over and over again, that he had faced demons, murders rapists and a whole lot worse. He took a step up to the door and knocked on it. He was certain he heard someone, “Eowyn, it’s me.” He said just in case he had heard her, “Look I’m sorry we argued, I just want to give you a present.” He slipped the crystal on a chain under the door, “Your mother and I are here if you need anything, anything at all.” He hoped he knew she was loved and that someone cared.
