**********************************************

CHAPTER 1: Surrender

**********************************************

Cantrell looked at the envoy from the back of his black dragon Esmarilla. The elf looked terrified. Cantrell honestly didn’t blame him. The nondescript elf had approached the wall at sunrise with a white flag tightly clutched in his hand. He had been waving it vigorously. Eventually, someone on the wall noticed and sent a message to his higher-ups. It had taken a while for the news to reach Mandel. Now Mandel had sent Cantrell out to see what he wanted.

“I guess we should land” Esmarilla sent.

“I didn’t see anybody with him.” Agreed Cantrell.“Set us down over there.”He pointed to a large open area a pretty good distance from where the elf with the white flag was standing.

“If he tries anything funny, we’ll see it coming….Probably.”

The huge black dragon dipped her wing and swung around to the indicated area.She flared her wings as they dropped surprisingly swiftly to the spot indicated. She landed in a bit of a run, bleeding off some of her flight speed with her legs. The fact that she was running directly at the elf on the ground probably didn’t help his confidence. He dropped the flag and started to run away from the dragon and toward the wall.

“Whoa there buddy!” Yelled Cantrell. “We’re just here to talk to you!”

Somehow the elf found the courage to stop and turn around. His eyes were very big.

“Y-Yes. T-Thank you, Sir Knight.” He stammered.

“What do you want?” Cantrell snapped. He didn’t like being called a knight. His entire involvement in this business was distasteful to him. He would much rather be living a simpler life far away from the Capitol. The fact that his wife was the Emperor’s sister was more annoying than helpful. He loved Mavis dearly, but the truth was that he had been more or less dragged into politics. He had no idea that she was royalty when he fell in love with her.

The elf looked down. He mumbled something.

“Speak man!” It's your white flag! Tell me why you are here!”

“There is nobody left!” He said at last. “Nobody to threaten us. To force us to fight. They are all gone.”

Cantrell suspected he knew what the elf was talking about but he needed confirmation.

“Tell me clearly what you want.” He said, “I am listening.”

“I wish to surrender.” The elf said at last.

“Ok”, said Cantrell, “Just exactly who are you speaking for?”

“Everyone!” The elf practically shouted. “Long live Mandel, Emperor of the Elves!”

“Unfortunately, I have heard such platitudes before,” said Cantrell trying to hold back a snicker.

“B-but,” the flag holder stammered, “Argent’s daughters are all gone now!”

“That remains to be seen and documented, however, I will accept your surrender,” said Cantrell. “Tell the rest of your people to bring your weapons to the wall and leave them here. All of you must present yourselves before the dragons to be judged. You have until noon tomorrow. There will be no exceptions!”

With a silent thought to Esmarilla, the dragon leapt into the air. The downward sweep of her wings barely passed over the head of the envoy who crouched in fear as she flew over him.

“Well, that was easy!” Said the black dragon.

“There is far too much blood on our hands for you to say that!” Said Cantrell bitterly. “At least after this, maybe I can convince Mavis to finally go home.”

“You remember that this city has been her home for most of her life.” The dragon reminded him.

“That’s actually what I’m most afraid of!” He replied, bitterly.

“Do you think Mandel is lazy” Esmarilla suddenly asked. “Or is it that he doesn’t easily make hard decisions.”

“It’s crossed my mind,” Cantrell admitted. “I’m working under the assumption that it’s an aspect of his character to be nonconfrontational. I think both Lothinar and Mandel may suffer from the same genetic flaw. They are too nice.”

“That doesn’t sound like the kind of trait an Emperor should have.” Observed the dragon.

“No, it does not!” Stated Cantrell. “It means, at least in Mandel’s case, that someone like me has to do their dirty work.”

“Someone else has obviously been doing some dirty work too.” Grunted Esmarilla landing on top of the wall. “Last time we checked there were still several of Argent’s daughters still alive.”

“I had a suspicion that the rest had snuck off to find some more dragon eggs,” Cantrell said, scratching his chin. “It has been far too quiet here. Hopefully, they were stopped without too much fuss.”

“It’s too bad Zinariya teleported Mo-Rung back here. Having a way to communicate with the others in Delora Natine was pretty helpful.” The black dragon griped.

“I thought you liked having him back!’ Cantrell chuckled. “You two seem to be making up for the long separation!”

“You’re one to talk!” Said Esmarilla as Cantrell climbed down from her neck. “Until twenty minutes ago, you and Mavis were inseparable.”

“We do separate once in a while, “ said Cantrell blushing slightly. “I worked up a lot of stress having to deal with Ardwella constantly coming on to me.”

“I wonder how her return home went?” Wondered Esmarilla. “Albarad is pretty forgiving but the way she was acting….”

“Look, I talked it over with Mavis. Nobody needs to know anything about how she behaved. She would just blame it on Zinariya anyway.”

“That doesn’t really seem fair to the young golden” replied Esmarilla. “She’s hardly to blame.”

“Perhaps we should take a flight out there tomorrow and see what’s been going on.” Suggested Cantrell.

“Good Idea.” Agreed Esmarilla. “We can also find out if Vanador headed back there.”

“I’m sorry about what happened to Vanquish,” said Cantrell sadly. “But I’m still saying that Vanador overreacted.”

“Can you blame him?” The black dragon winced. “Can you even imagine what it would be like to have the love of your life speaking with you from a human’s body?”

Cantrell held back a laugh. “I’ll admit, It probably wouldn’t be quite as shocking for me as it was for him. But from what you’ve said, Vanquish seemed to have a plan to become a dragon again.”

“Someday I’ll have to tell you about my mother.” Said Esmarilla ominously. “But not now, Mavis and Mandel are coming.”

Cantrell looked down the walkway on the top of the wall and saw his bride and her brother quickly striding towards them.

“So what did they want?” Asked Mandel eagerly.

“To surrender. I’ve accepted on your behalf.” Said Cantrell nonchalantly.

“Finally! It’s about time.” Said Mandel excitedly. “I knew my plan would work.”

“What plan was that exactly, your majesty?” Asked Cantrell, barely hiding his sarcasm.

“They just need to finally realize that they would never take the city,” Mandel replied. “I knew that they would come to their senses.”

Cantrell rolled his eyes, but luckily Mandel was watching the elf with the white flag as he discussed something with several other elves who had joined him in the vast courtyard below the wall. They were pointing up at the dragon. Mavis however had seen it. She winked at her husband. Walking up close so that no one else could hear, she whispered to him.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“That means that, at last, we can finally get out of here,” she said almost silently.

Cantrell looks at her with appreciation in his eyes.

“I thought you might want to stay.” He whispered back.

“No, I have other plans.” She said with a slightly louder voice. “ You promised to show me the world. Now we and our dragons are going exploring!”

Mandel must have heard them because he suddenly turned to her.

“You two aren’t leaving already are you?” He asked with concern.

“As soon as possible, Yes, brother.” She said nodding. “Cantrell and I haven’t even had a honeymoon yet!”

“But what if something happens? I may need you!” The emperor stuttered.

“You’re going to be just fine Mandel” Mavis insisted. “You were born to do this.”

Cantrell had his doubts about that, but he kept them to himself. He was finally free!

——————————————————

Lothinar looked at the elf with the golden eyes. The fact that she had just appeared in front of him meant that she could teleport. Then the first words out of her mouth had been ones criticizing his appearance. He scowled at her.

“What do you want?” He asked brusquely. “I’m kind of busy.”

She laughed. “So not the best way to start a conversation. I'm sorry.” She said.“My Elvish manners are a little rusty.”

“You're the golden!” he said suddenly.

She laughed again. “Do you have time for me now?” She asked. “I’ve waited a long time to meet you.”

This must be what Vanquish had been talking with Zinariya about earlier.A Golden Dragon shapeshifter! He realized. A dragon such as her had to be immensely powerful.

Candasar and Firestorm touched down behind him. He could feel them eagerly soaking in his power. If need be, they were ready for a fight. He put his hand behind his back and waved them down. They had already realized this was no normal elf, yet they were willing to fight her. They would do it for him. They would probably lose badly.

“Look,” he said. “A lot of good people died tonight trying to defend this town from elvish monsters. Probably most of the innocent townspeople did too. I’ll be glad to meet with you but not tonight. We are still trying to find a few more of the old emperor’s troops.”

Siophra suddenly appeared. She walked out of the smoke and stood looking at the elf with the golden eyes.

“Marg?” She asked suddenly. She had a very strange look on her face.

Lothinar looked at his aunt with surprise.

“Do you know her Siophra?” He asked.

“If she is who I think she is, I haven’t seen her since I was a little girl.” Siophra answered with puzzlement in her voice. “Lothinar, I think this elf is actually a dragon. She is also Vanador and Esmarilla’s mother.”

There was a pop and the golden-eyed elf was gone. A few seconds later another pop ensued. Marg reappeared, still wearing an elf shape, but in each of her outstretched arms was an elvish soldier. She held them by the scruff of their necks. The soldier’s legs were completely off the ground. They kicked helplessly. For some reason, Marg looked quite a bit taller. Instead of elvish hands, her wrists ended in scales and dragon claws. Her face was still mostly elvish and so was her voice. It was however deeper.

“Here are two.”She said brusquely, dropping them at Lothar’s feet. He reacted quickly and froze them both with the blue sword.

There was another pop and Marg disappeared again.

“Well that’s handy,” said Siophra, grinning.

Firestorm jumped into the air.

“I want to see this from up high,” she told Lothinar through their bond.

“How is she finding them?” Candasar asked. “Tundor is having a hard time spotting them in the dark. He said that they are pretty good at hiding.”

Marg appeared with another elf. This one was in worse shape. He had several very large bites on him. Lothinar didn’t bother freezing him. He was already dead when she dropped him. She reached up and wiped some blood from her mouth with the back of her sleeve.

“Elves taste terrible! You do realize that don’t you?” Marg complained.

“So I’ve been told.” He laughed, then immediately stopped, growing serious.

“I appreciate what you are trying to do Marg.” He said

“I need to speak with you. This is the fastest way to do that. Just a few more now” she said, disappearing again.

Over the next several minutes Marg came and went, always dropping at least one elf, but sometimes two at Lothinar’s feet. He froze the ones that were not too far gone. Finally, she returned empty-handed.

“Now, where were we?” She asked.

“I think you were suggesting that I shave my head.” He said, with a big smile. His very white teeth glimmered in the moonlight. “You're not the first dragon to suggest that. By the way. I’ve got someone else that I would like you to meet.”

———————————-

Zinariya was frustrated.She had explained how she did the shape-shifting to the other dragons around the well, but only Constance had finally managed to do it too. That meant that it had been necessary for her to bring up all of the water from the well by herself! One of hertender elvishhands had a blister!Now, at least Constance was able to help her turn the crank on the well bucket. They were taking turns. Salt in particular seemed frustrated by not being able to shift.

“I don’t understand! If it’s only the females that can do it, then I should be able to do it too!” She complained.

“I never said that,” Zinariya replied, reaching back to rub her aching shoulder. “Haven’t you already had enough to drink?”

“Flying made me thirsty. You should try it sometime. Being able to teleport has made you lazy!”

Cinnabar snickered, before offering his thoughts. “It’s not going to just be a female thing. I feel like I can almost do it too.”

“It’s probably too much to expect to be able to shapeshift the first time we try” said Vigilant. “After all, sister is special. She’s a Golden.”

“I got most of my Golden powers from Lothinar,” Zinariya replied. “All of our eggs were inside Mother when his energy was flowing into her. How the magic was distributed was probably random.”

Constance got a thoughtful look on her face. “Do you think Mom’s bond Lothinar is stronger than you? What is the elf version of Golden powers?”

Zinariya shrugged. “I think Lothinar is probably in a category all his own. I wonder if he realizes that?”

“Do you think he could teleport too?” Constance asked. “If he Is responsible for giving you your power?”

“That’s an interesting question. When he gets back I’ll….”

Suddenly Vigilant yelped. It was a high-pitched squeak.

“That’s it,” said Constance. “Try it again. It does kind of hurt”

Vigilant screwed up his face into a frown. There was a whoosh like the sound of collapsing air. Suddenly a young male elf was standing where his dragon body had been.

“So obviously, not just the females can do it!” Exclaimed Cinnabar, apparently feeling justified. “Now why can’t I figure this out?”

“Wow!” Vigilant said “This is so weird! And why do I have clothes on? Where did they come from?”

“I know right?” Said Constance.“It just seemed like the right thing to do. I was just trying to copy Zinariya. This is what I ended up with.”

Zinariya suddenly realized that her sister was wearing exactly the same clothes as she was. They were even gold-colored.

“I don’t think that’s your best color.” She commented.

“You don’t have an exclusive right to wear gold you know!” Said Constance. “I didn’t choose this deliberately.”

Zinariya sighed. “We’ll have to experiment a bit. I’ll have to start paying attention to what some of the female elves are wearing. I think this wearing clothes and staying in fashion may turn out to be a lot more work than I expected.”

I’m going to go knock on the door and see what Ronniflass has to say about it.” Said Constance.

“Wait!” Said Vigilant, running after her. “You can’t have all the fun yourself! I’m coming too.”

“Boys' clothes are usually different than girl’s clothes.” Said Cinnabar.“We will probably have to consult with Cenderick or Lothinar about what to wear.”

“Ok, let's go talk to Ronniflass.” Said Zinariya. “She’s bound to be a little surprised. After all, she’s never met either of you two in elf form before, and I don’t look like Ardwella anymore. She probably won’t recognize us.”

“She’ll know you for sure Zinariya.” Said Cinnabar.“Not too many people have golden eyes like yours.”

Vigilant looked at Constance. “Our elvish eyes are blue. I guess that should probably be expected.”

“What are we supposed to do?” Asked Salt. “Just sitting here in the yard is bo-or-ing!”

“Keep practicing,” said Cinnabar.“I’m not going to give up yet.

The three elven young people walked up the steps to the house. “This!” Said Zinariya, “Is a doorknob! But it might be a good idea to knock.”

————————————————————

Albarad had immediately decided to not wait around for Lothinar and his team to subdue the remaining soldiers. He wanted to get Heirwynn and Snow away from any future danger as quickly as possible. He was a bit of an emotional wreck as well. He might have physically survived the multiple stabbings and fighting he had done, but his mental state was not good at all. It didn’t help that Heirwynn kept looking at him strangely. She had very quickly figured out or been told about what Albarad and Night-Sky had done, fighting their way to where she was being held captive. His destroyed clothing didn’t lie. Every stabbing and slice he had received was mirrored in the tattered rags he wore. He didn’t quite know what to do about the gratitude and hero worship reflected in her eyes. It had seemed obvious to him that those he considered family were worth fighting for. He prepared to lead them home.

He did stop before leaving and offered his sincere thanks to Cenderick and Pepper. They were going to leave in the morning and make their way back up to rendezvous with Ronniflass at her cabin.

“You should probably spend the night here in Delora somewhere.” Cenderick had insisted. “We have plenty of room for you all at the dairy. At least for tonight!”

Albarad looked at how tired everyone was. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, he could feel it himself. He was exhausted. He was also starving. All that healing had used more than magic.

Just then a Huge white dragon dropped out of the sky near them.It was Tundor.Off his back dropped Muina and Ardwella, Albarad’s two wives. Ardwella lowered herself somewhat slower as she was carrying his daughter, Charity. Albarad was surprised to see her back. She had rather abruptly left to fulfill some sort of mission for Mandel in the capitol. Albarad nodded his thanks to the huge white dragon who didn’t wait around but quickly jumped away and opened his wings to fly. Dust and a fair bit of ash from the still-smoldering temple filled the air.

Muina made a fuss, of course, running over and lifting up his torn and punctured clothes and looking at the skin underneath. She quickly verified he no longer had any open wounds. After her quick examination, she stepped back and looked him in the eye.

“Many of those scars go all the way through!” She said angrily. “They actually look fatal.”

Albarad shared a meaningful moment of eye contact with Night-Sky before replying.

“I seem to be a bit harder to kill than they anticipated.” He said at last.“They took Heirwynn. I needed to get her back.”

Ardwella walked over to them and handed Charity to Muina. She pulled up his tattered shift and looked for herself.

“These scars will fade in time.” She said. “Snow and Night will probably need to give you several treatments, but they will eventually disappear.”

“I guess you should know.” Said Albarad. “I’m sure you’ve been wounded before. In your line of work, I mean.”

She raised an eyebrow at him and started to say something, then bit it back.

“I’m done with that now.” She said, looking into his eyes. “Completely. I’d like to finally come home.”

“Lothinar has your sword, you know.” He said smirking a bit.

She started to react, then glared at him. “Are you testing me?” She asked.

“Maybe a little.” He replied. “If you are done, he probably would have more use for it than you would, just hanging it on the wall.”

“I will give it to him.” She said, looking at Albarad. “If he needs it. I do, however, expect him to explain what he did with Crimson. That sword belonged to my grandfather. He had better not have damaged it.”

“Didn’t your first sword explode or something?” Asked Albarad.

Muina and Ardwella shared a strange but meaningful look.

“Yes, it leveled half a city block when it exploded.” Said Muina. “It happened when Siophra came to rescue me from the capitol.”

“Yes, Siophra exploded my first sword,” Ardwella said testily. “This one was my father’s.”

“Swords don’t seem to last very long in your family.” Chuckled Cenderick.He had been standing back watching Albarad interact with his wives with great interest as they inspected him. “

Ardwella turned to him. “Hello, Cenderick. I understand that you have staked a claim to Lothinar’s….. friend, Ronniflass.” She suddenly said.

Cenderick looked like he had sucked on a lemon.

“It’s more complicated than that.” He said after thinking about it for a few seconds. “I think everyone will be happier for it.”

Ardwella sighed. “You're probably right.” She admitted. “Lothinar’s probably going to be stretched pretty thin as it is. But has Ronni told you about her other concern?”

Cenderick looked a bit upset. “She mentioned something earlier.” He said slowly and deliberately. He didn’t like not knowing something about his girlfriend that Ardwella obviously seemed to.

“Cenderick and I are tired, Ardwella!” Interrupted Albarad, suddenly. “Everyone is tired. The explanations regarding the intricacies of Lothinar’s love life can wait.”

Ardwella stepped back and nodded.“You're right, of course. We should head home.”She reached out and took her daughter from Muina. “Snow and Night-sky, can you fly unencumbered?”

The two small dragons looked at each other. Night nodded.

“I don’t know if you elves can feel that, but Lothinar is pouring out power. My energy levels have been steadily rising, just standing here.” Said the small back dragon.

Ardwella looked around and finally seemed to notice her son, Lothinar was standing on a hilltop off in the distance. He was talking with a female elf. The elf had a golden glow. So did Lothinar. Adwella blinked in surprise.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me that Marg was here!?”

Muina gave a little squeak. She looked like she wanted to hide. She quickly took Charity back from Ardwella, who let her.

“Who’s Marg?” Asked Albarad.

“She’s the Queen of the Dragons!” Exclaimed Ardwella.

“I thought she died with the rest of the ancient ones.” Said Muina.

“Apparently not!” Replied Ardwella. “Stay here everyone. I must speak with her.”

“Better you than me!” Said Muina. “She’s scary.”

“She is,” said Ardwella. “I just wish Esmarilla was here.”

Albarad sighed. “You're not going over there alone.” He said. “Night and I are coming with you.”

“You and Night?” Ardwella asked suspiciously.

“You didn’t even tell her we were bonded yet!” Said the black dragon with a grin. “That should have been the first thing out of your mouth!”

Ardwella looked stunned.

“You bonded?” She stammered. “With Night-Sky?”

“It’s the only reason I’m still alive. Come on!” He said. “We don’t have all night. I’ll explain it to you on the way over there.”

Together the three of them walked off toward Lothinar and Marg.

“Are they going to be alright?” Asked Heirwynn nervously.

“Probably.” Replied Muina. “Marg is going to probably want to know what Ardwella did to give Lothinar the powers he now holds. What she did to him was done with Esmarilla’s help. That’s probably why Ardwella wanted her here for that.”

“She gave Lothinar special powers?” Asked Heirwynn innocently.

“Yes. She tried to make him into a dragon god.” Muina said, rubbing her eyes. “She failed of course.”

“Thank goodness,” Cenderick exclaimed. “That’s a lot of pressure for poor Lothinar.”

“But Vanquish came along, found him, and finished the job.”Said Muina.“The poor boy is doomed!”

But he’s going to be very popular with the ladies.” Said Heirwynn grinning.

“Not you too!” Moaned Cenderick.

“I thought you were interested in Mandel?” Asked Muina indignantly, but then she smiled.

“They are both Albarad’s sons right?” Confirmed Heirwynn.

Muina nodded. “Yes, they are.”

“Then how could a girl go wrong with either of them?” She asked.

“You might be surprised.” Muttered Cenderick.

——————————————