Ashalan looked at Naiahala, grateful for her kindness.

“I will need some clothes, supplies and a map to get me to the outer kingdom of Sarau and then onto Haaden.” Ashalan asked, thinking about how she could hold onto a map without losing it when she transformed. “Can you please help me draw the map on my skin?”

Naiahala looked at her quizzically, but then smiled and nodded.

“Of course Princess, anything you need.” Naiahala replied.

“And a bag with a long strap to put it all in, and please, you must not tell anyone, help me leave undercover. I can’t put your brother and others in danger.” Ashalan added.

Thinking about how she would make everything work, she contemplated making the strap on the bag long so that when she changed it would hopefully still remain around her neck as the amulet had. Once the map was drawn on her skin at least she would have both bases covered with a physical map and a skin map in case she lost it.

“As you wish.” Naiahala then bowed before her and left the room.

“Thank you!” Ashalan called after her. Alone once more, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her neck still ached from where Nighton had dragged her by the amulet but at least she was not in any more imminent danger.

Walking over to where Nighton had left the food and water, she suddenly felt exhausted. There was no real time to sleep when she was a human by night and a dragon by day. Ashalan hungrily ate and drank the refreshments which seemed to help boost her energy levels.

There was a knock at the door and Naiahla tentatively poked her head through as she opened the door. “Come in” Ashalan beckoned. Naiahla quickly entered and shut the door behind her.

“I have found some clothes for you and put them in my room, I’m just on my way to get the other things sorted, but let me take you to my room first and you can get changed while I do that.” Naiahala said. “I’ve also put some warm water and clothes in there so you can freshen up.”

Ashalan smiled in gratitude and followed Naiahala along a narrow corridor to a large wooden door with an ornate wrought iron handle. Pushing it open, Naiahala led her to her bed where there were already clothes laid out. A tunic, some tights and boots, a sheepskin vest for warmth. Looking around Naiahala’s room, Ashalan noted that it was simple in style, with just a bed and a little table next to it. On the bedside table were a couple of well loved books with a candle holder and candle next to them along with a bowl of water with clothes hanging over the side. Next to that was a little armchair where Ashalan imagined that Naiahala would sit and read by candlelight.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“I’ll be back with the rest of the things you asked for soon.” Naiahala said and left the room to give her privacy.

Ashalan slowly removed the sacking and washed the dirt from her body using the soft clothes and water that Naiahala had left and then donned the finer clothes, they fitted her body perfectly. She hugged herself once she was fully dressed, enjoying the smell and the comfort of new clothes against her skin.

The door creaked open and Naiahala entered the room carrying a large bag.

“I got this from the galley, it's one of the bags that they carry the vegetables down to us from the farms on the mountains.” Naiahala said, as she pulled out the contents and laid them on the bed for Ashalan to check.

“Here is some food – dried meats and also some bread plus nuts and grains. I managed to sneak in some fruit too without the cook seeing me.” Naiahala smiled. She laid out the map on the bed in front of Ashalan. “Here is the map to Sarau and Haaden. You will need to go through the Hocharian forest and the Kambata desert lands before you can get to the large mountain range which acts as a border between Norule and Sarau. Once in Sarau you will need to pass through your other Uncle Jamas’ Kingdom, Bastilis, then on to Haaden.”

“To get there, take this path through the mountains.” She continued, as she pointed to a small line on the way representing a pathway. “It will take a few days to climb. I have also packed up some of our winter wear as the mountains have snow on them at this time of year. We have nothing that would write on you permanently so I have brought our tattooist with me to mark you. He is discreet and loyal. Come Otias, enter.” Naiahala called out softy. Ashalan picked up a hint of something in Naiahla's voice as she spoke. Otias entered and she saw the look exchanged between them, she could tell there was something between the two that was more than friendship.

“Otias will be quick.” Naiahala motioned for him to hurry across the room to them. A tall young man made his way over to where they were standing. He was covered in a tunic made with the same material as Naiahala’s. He had shaggy dark hair and a tattoo of a sea dragon on his arm. His skin was a darker blue to Naiahala and her brother, his eyes were green and shone with kindness.

“Otias this is Princess Ashalan, Princess Ashalan this is Otias.”

“Thank you for doing this Otias, I am extremely grateful.” Ashalan said, preparing herself.

“You’re welcome, highness, I am pleased that I can be of service.” Otias smiled as he laid his equipment down on Naiahala’s bed. He motioned to the armchair, and Ashalan nodded and sat down in the seat. She held her arm out on the armrest, turning it so the inner part was facing up. Otias picked up a tiny chisel and a small bottle of blue ink, dipping the chisel into it he began his work. Ashalan winced as the chisel pierced her skin and began to mark out the different routes and borders between the five kingdoms and Norule. Naiahala held the map for him to see while he copied it, his brow furrowing while he concentrated.

Biting her lip through the pain, Ashalan hoped that Otias would be able to finish it before the sun came up. As he worked, she began to feel relaxed in his and Naiahala’s company.

But fear started to rise in her stomach, she had a feeling that this was the calm before the inevitable storm that was to follow.