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Chapter 11
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Heirwynn had been impressed with the barn. It still had good straw and hay, so someone had been looking in on it occasionally, even though it had been empty for many months. She raked the hay into the individual stalls and led the horses into them. They seemed to know the place and settled in immediately. There was even reasonably clean water stored in a large stone cistern. She filled the stall buckets and made sure the horses had water. By then, she was growing pretty tired. Where was Albarad? She didn’t mind helping but something must have seriously distracted him for Albarad to leave all the relocation work to her. She took a quick peek outside the barn to see Esmarilla pacing back and forth in the yard. She looked upset or, at the very least, nervous. She hadn’t really introduced herself to the huge black dragon before but walked over anyway. Getting up close to one of these ancient dragons was intimidating compared to smaller ones like Night-Sky and Snow. The little dragons were still very young and still fit inside the house. Spotting Heirwynn before she even spoke, Esmarilla completely surprised her by speaking first.
“Heirwynn, my dear, could you do me a favor?”
She blinked.
“Do you know me?” Heirwynn asked with a bit of surprise. “I don’t recall introducing myself.”
”Oh, sorry. I know you quite well, although we have never spoken in person. I’m Cantrell’s bond, after all.” Said the dragon.
”My benefactor? That Cantrell? The one that provided for me after my brother’s death?”
”Yes, dear, of course. Cantrell is still in the Capital right now, as I’m sure you know, but he’s never forgotten about you or what your brother did on that terrible day. Because of the bond, I know as much about you as he does.”
Heirwynn was still processing that but decided to move on to the favor she had requested.
“So what can I do for you?” She asked.
”Well, it’s pretty simple actually. I’m too big to fit through the front door, and I desperately want to know what’s happening in there!” I’ve even tried to contact Lothinar telepathically! We usually have a reliable link, even over distance, but he seems unwilling or unable to answer me. I brought his mother, Ardwella, over here. She ran in a few minutes ago and hasn’t come out, so I’m in the dark here. I’m not used to it, and it’s annoying!”
Heirwynn almost laughed but didn’t. The big dragon seemed genuinely upset, and ‘Heirwynn had her own questions about Albarad’s whereabouts.
“I’ll take a look.” She said. “I’ll be right back. If I don’t come out in a minute, you should probably tear the front of the house off because something really bad is happening inside, and I’ll need help.”
The dragon got a strange look on her face.
“Ok, but tearing another wall off a house with Ardwynn inside it is probably not going to be received well. We kind of got it overlooked the first time when Mo-Rung did it. But if I do it again, there are probably going to be serious consequences!”
” Don't worry. I’m sure that I’ll be right back.” Heirwynn said. She ran up the steps and opened the door.
———————
Ardwynn watched her husband kiss Firestorm. Then she kissed him back. Right there in the formal entryway of her parent’s house. She knew that she was paying for the sins of her previous self. That elf that had been tainted with Argent’s curse. She was the one who had thrown Lothinar away, leaving behind his ring as a declaration of divorce. But seeing him now showing affection to someone else still irked her. Michelle put her hand on Ardwynn’s shoulder, drawing Ardwynn's eyes off Lothinar and his all-too-pretty fire-haired dragon.
”You had to know that this was eventually coming.” Michelle said softly. “I’m actually surprised and a little jealous that it isn’t me over there getting a kiss right now. Would it make it any easier if it was?”
”I don’t know. Maybe. But probably not.” Said Ardwynn, meeting Michelle’s eyes and frowning. “At least you have talked it over with me. Firestorm hasn’t. It’s like she feels that she owns him. I don’t think she wants to share. She used to be the one keeping me from him when we were living in the ambassador’s house in Silvantra. She literally blocked the hallway.”
”Those were different circumstances, and you know it.” Said Michelle. “She blocked me too, remember? Before Vanquish and I entwined. I was relentlessly after him.”
Ardwynn sighed. “Firestorm just saved all our lives, not to mention my dining room ceiling, by stopping Marg. I suppose she deserves some sort of reward. My mother’s dress probably isn’t enough.”
”We should probably be glad she is wearing it right now. She just can’t make it disappear like her conjured clothes.” Chuckled Michelle.
”She is shameless and impetuous when it comes to Lothinar.” Said Ardwynn.
”Aren’t we all?” Said Michelle with a grin. “Oh look, Heirwynn’s here as well. I don't think she's made her play yet, but I suspect she will eventually.
"For Lothinar? Really?" asked Ardwynn. "Aren't there any other men in town?"
"I heard she turned down King Enderline," Michelle said.
"Wow, a king," said Ardwynn.
"He's pretty good looking too. Even up close," said Michelle. "I met him at a party once. "
"You told me about that." Said Ardwynn. "You were going to try and convince your father that Enderline had knocked you up."
"That's right!" said Michelle, laughing. "I was desperate. It would have never worked."
"Aren't you about to do the same thing soon?" asked Ardwynn. "Turn down Enderline, I mean. That's not going to make your father happy when he finds out."
Michelle laughed. "I suppose my father will be disappointed. But before I can turn Enderline down, I first must connect with him on his return trip. Every day I wait puts his fleet further out to sea. It's just so hard to leave and turn away from all this excitement around here! And I've got to pry Firestorm away from Lothinar for a few days. She’s going to be my ride. That's going to be the hard part. Especially now.
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Heirwynn was in a hurry. She didn't want Esmarilla to rip the front of the house off. She didn't even have time to smile at Lothinar as she rushed past him. Besides, he looked deeply involved in talking to some very pretty red-headed elf that Heirwynn had never seen before. Esmarilla had brought Ardwella here. The way Heirwynn saw things, she shouldn't have left the black dragon hanging around outside with no information. Heirwynn spotted Ardwella and Albarad. They were clustered together with Siophra and an enormous white-haired elf that Heirwynn had never seen before. Heirwynn stifled a gasp. They were standing over a monstrosity! It looked like a strange amalgamation of elf and dragon. It was lying down but filling a large part of the floor. A huge knife handle was sticking out of one of its eyes. Heirwynn stepped back in shock. The stifled gasp escaped.
“Is that Marg!?” She stammered.
”I’m afraid so.” Replied Albarad. “She attacked Lothinar. He tried to subdue her with Ardwella's magical sword. She overcame that, so Firestorm stabbed her in the eye.”
”It was actually both eyes, dear,” said Ardwella. “Then Siophra twisted the knife.”
”I was trying to be succinct.” Albarad said.
"I just wanted to be clear," said Ardwella. "The specifics of killing have always been my specialty."
"I thought you were giving that all up," he said.
"Yes, but my sword was mentioned. I'm just distancing myself from this by providing the additional information. That's how rumors run amok. I don't want anyone to think that I'm back in the business."
"Ah. Probably a good idea then," said Albarad.
“So she’s dead, I’m assuming.” Said Heirwynn. “And now her huge nervous daughter is just outside. Esmarilla is about to tear the front of this place off with worry. Who’s going to be the one to tell her about this?”
”Lothinar was on his way to do that, but he seems to have become distracted.” Said Siophra.
“Well, he’s got about five seconds before Esmarilla makes a hole and comes in.” Said Heirwynn.
The big white-haired elf blanched at that and ran across the room. He physically grabbed Lothinar, picking him up off the floor and carrying him quickly outside. Lothinar squirmed a little in the huge elf’s grasp. Firestorm shot him a dirty look for his trouble. The screen door banged shut.
"Who was that?" asked Heirwynn.
"That, Heirwynn," said Siophra proudly. "Was Tundor."
"Then the cute redhead with Lothinar is?" asked Heirwynn.
"Firestorm," said Siophra. "Candasar is upstairs, also in her elven form. As are Constance and Vigilant. She’s trying to get them to go to sleep. Even comfortable beds don't seem to be doing it. I suppose there is just far too much excitement going on downstairs."
Ardwynn looked at Marg's dead body.
"I don't think I could sleep with that in the house either," she said. "Where is Zinariya?”
"Now that," said Siophra, "Is the question of the day."
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”Lothinar! Thank goodness. I’ve been trying to contact you. What is going on in there?” Asked Esmarilla with grave concern. She had her front claw raised and was reaching for the porch. She quickly lowered it, trying not to look guilty.
Tundor set Lothinar down. He straightened his shirt before replying.
“I don’t know how to say this any easier. Your mother is dead.” Lothinar said sadly.
“How is that even possible?” The black dragon asked in shock.
She tried to kill me. All of us, actually. I tried to subdue her, then hold her in place with Ardwella’s sword. The blue blade's power held her for a bit, but she was eventually able to wiggle out of that.”
Esmarilla was just staring at him.
“That sounds like my mother.” She finally said. “How did you manage to actually stop her?”
”It was a long, sharp knife through the eye,” said Firestorm, stepping out onto the porch. “I did it. Twice. I’d do it again if it meant protecting Lothinar. And the rest of them,” she hastily added.
”You actually killed her.” Said Esmarilla. Her face was an unreadable mask. “This is going to cause a lot of problems. Probably not immediately, but eventually. We might be looking at a planet-wide extinction event! Chelseben could fall. There are certain aspects of orbital maintenance that only a golden dragon can do. And now there is no way to get Zinariya up there. We are totally screwed.”
”So, glass half full," Said Lothinar with a sad smile. "Zinariya is already up there. Even though we had to kill your mom, we might still have a chance. That’s how this whole debacle got started. Zinariya bonded with me and drained most of my power before teleporting away. She somehow ended up at Chelseben. Marg felt the power release that it took to get her there and came sniffing around. She demanded that I turn Zinariya over to her.”
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”I’m sure she did.” Said Esmarilla. “But Zinariya is just a baby, really. She won’t know anything about keeping the moon from eventually falling out of the sky.”
"Aren't moons supposed to stay where they are put?" asked Tundor. "That seems rather precarious and irresponsible, leaving just one person with the responsibility to hold up a moon!”
”Then we will just have to figure it out together.” Said Lothinar. “Any additional information you have on space stations would be a big help.”
”Me?” I know practically nothing. Vanador probably knows a little more. If only Xerxes were still alive. He’s got to be dead by now. He was old when I was hatched.”
”He’s still alive and on the station.” Said Lothinar. “Zinariya’s already met him.”
”Well then, all I can say at this point is “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead. It’s about damn time.”
Tundor looked at Esmarilla. "So, what do we do with Marg's body? You are obviously next of kin," he said cautiously.
She looked at Tundor with keen interest. "You look good, Tundor. Did my mother help you with that?"
He blushed a little. "Yes. One minute, she was so nice, and the next, she was about to turn into a demon. I'm quite confused about how I actually feel about her dying."
"My mother always had some sort of agenda. At least, that's what Vanador told me. I'd never actually seen her in person until the other night up at Ronniflass's place. If she turned you into an elf, she probably had more than one reason to do that. Perhaps she saw how virile you are and was thinking about having another clutch of eggs."
"Whoa!" said Tundor. "She knew that I was with Candasar. I'm sure we told her at some point."
"It wouldn't matter. She'd probably teleport you off to her lair and not let you go until she'd had her way with you. Until you'd given her what she needed."
"You don't have a very high opinion of her. Perhaps I should reach out to Vanador somehow." Tundor said.
Esmarilla sighed. "No, you're right. She had her good points. Can you help me by carrying her body out the back? I'll take her away somewhere nice and plant her. I'll even get Cantrell to carve a little stone. Eventually. Maybe in the grove near Aleena. That would be nice, don't you think."
"I suppose," said Tundor. "I'll go get her now."
Tundor walked back into the house and picked up the golden's body. It was surprisingly heavy. But not as heavy as a cow. On the way back through the kitchen, he saw Firestorm there, eating again. Ardwynn walked in through one door just as Tundor was walking out with Marg over his shoulder.
"Oh my. Thank you, Tundor." Ardwynn said. I had no idea how to move her."
"Esmarilla is going to make final arrangements with the body," he said. “I'm meeting her out back."
"I'm sure that's fine," said Ardwynn. Tell Esmarilla that I'm sorry for her loss."
Firestorm was standing over the stove, eating steak out of the pan. Her mouth was full so she couldn't speak, but she rolled her eyes. Ardwynn somehow seemed to catch sight of it.
"We need to have a conversation, young lady," Ardwynn said.
"What now?" said Firestorm, still chewing and with her mouth full.
Tundor didn't have time for that. He carried the body through the door and outside. Esmarilla was waiting.
———————-
Vanador sped through the afternoon sky. He needed to find his mother. Only she could unlock the ability that would allow him to take the shape of an elf. It wouldn't be the life he had planned, but perhaps, in some way, Vanquish and he might still have a future together. He wanted to ask for Vanquish's forgiveness as an elf. It would prove that he was serious about being with her. He just hoped she would be able to forgive him and that it wasn't too late.
His mother could be almost anywhere, but he knew she would eventually come back to her lair. If she wasn't there, she might be up on Chelseben. That was out of reach, but Perhaps Zinariya could help him. It was risky to expose the existence of a second golden dragon to his mother by asking the youngster for a teleport. That could lead to trouble. It was a risk he would have to take. He would reclaim his life with the one that he loved.
———————-
Michelle was saying goodbye.
“I’m actually somewhat surprised that you are still leaving,” Lothinar said to Michelle. “I thought that was one of ‘Marg’s demands. She's not going to be able to enforce anything now."
”It was, but she was right about that much, at least. We’ve lost so much, Lothinar. The dragons, I mean. I’m the second generation. I was born here, but at least I know what I don’t know. As Zinariya begins to learn about the mysteries of Chelseben, your mind is probably going to explode.”
He frowned. “I certainly hope not!”
”Figure of speech, “ she said. “You’re going to be fine as long as the people up there can coach Zinariya on some of the specific tasks Marg was performing. It’s not like it took all her time, but it's probably very technical and needs to be done right.”
”I know.” He grimaced. “You mentioned the downside of failure. It’s quite literally a down. side.”
”That’s a pretty terrible attempt at a joke, Lothinar.” Said Michelle. “Hey, make me a promise.”
”Sure. I’ll do whatever I can. You are important to me.” He smiled.
There is not much of what I would consider 'high ground' in Silvantra. If Chelseben comes down, there will be Tsunamis. Huge tidal waves. If you fail, please let me know as soon as you can. I'll need some time to evacuate. Me and the young dragons. I'll warn Enderline, but there probably won't be much he can do. Additionally, you might want to explore up in the high mountains for someplace where you can relocate. Send someone out to take a look for good spots to ride out a water disaster. There will probably be enormous floods. Dween will be gone. Even here in Delora, we are still too close to the ocean."
"You don't seem to have a lot of faith in Zinariya," Lothinar said.
"I'm about to go to an island Lothinar. An island with very low-lying foothills. That ought to tell you something. I think the worst-case scenario will be averted."
"That's good to hear," he said.
But you should know that my faith isn't in Zinariya. It's in you. This has always been about you. You just seem to blunder along without realizing how important you are. You have already fulfilled several prophecies. Yes, they were a bit vague, but most prophecies are."
"So, no pressure," he said with a smile.
Michelle leaned in suddenly and kissed him. "That's from both of us," she said. "Michelle and Vanquish. It's taken a while for old blue, but we both love you."
"Lothinar looked, and Michelle's eyes were the green of the human girl. She blushed when she caught him checking.
"Maybe you shouldn't go after all," he said suddenly. "I'll be worried."
"Consider it motivation to succeed," she said. Like I said, just give me as much time as you can if it all goes to hell. I'd like to save as many lives as I can."
"You're wonderful. Do you know that?" Lothinar asked, looking at her fondly.
"Firestorm! Are you ready or not? Get me out of here before I beg Lothinar to make me stay!"
"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Firestorm yelled as she ran onto the porch. You don't expect me to fly on an empty stomach, do you? There was more steak in the kitchen!"
The red-haired elf ran down the stairs and onto the lawn, wiping her mouth on the sleeve of a very expensive dress. The air shimmered, and there was a ripping sound. The dress flew apart as Firestorm's dragon's body materialized. The beautiful redhead was gone. In her place was a vibrant red dragon.
"I hope you are not still afraid to fly, Michelle," said Firestorm.
"Ok, youngster, you need to have another dragon take you up when you are in elf form. That way, you can experience flying from my side of things. It won't feel at all the same. I promise."
"Ok," said Firestorm. I'll try to fly gently. Let's go. I want to get back as quickly as I can." She wiggled her dragon eyebrows at Lothinar. "I've got a date. Nice dress, by the way, Michelle. Are you sure you want to fly wearing it?"
"Yes, I'd like to make an entrance, and it's going to be dangerous to try and change once on Dragonback," said Michelle. She climbed up and straddled Firestorm's neck. She looked down.
"Ardwynn's going to be upset when she sees what you did to that other one, It was a pretty nice dress," said Michelle.
Lothinar quickly scooped up the torn dress and put it behind his back. "I'll just hide this then," he laughed.
"Don't forget the thong," said Firestorm. It's probably down there somewhere, but it might have shot off into the bushes. That elastic was pretty strong. It resisted a bit as I shifted before it finally snapped." she said with a strange and mysterious grin.
Then Firestorm, with Michelle gripping her tightly, jumped into the air.
"Goodbye! Goodbye!" yelled Michelle as they flew out of sight.
"Take good care of her, Firestorm," Lothinar said through the bond.
"Don't worry. I won't drop her or anything. She's obviously the most reasonable of the bunch." Firestorm replied.
"The bunch?" he asked.
"Yes, the females that are in love with you. The bunch! Of course, I include myself in that. Your Harem in waiting."
"Ok...." he said. "I suppose that you have all made it pretty clear how you feel."
"No, not all of us," Firestorm disagreed. "Heirwynn's inside talking to your wife. She's trying to convince Ardwynn to take her on as a nanny for young Harvey. Personally, I think she's just trying to get closer to you."
"You are far too suspicious," he said.
"HA!" Just wait and see. That girl has stars in her eyes. I saw the way that she was looking at you."
"I'm sure you're mistaken. She's just trying to be nice," he said.
"She's tricky and devious. I don't trust her," said Firestorm, "even if Snow speaks highly of her."
"You're not making me think that she would be a good nanny," he said. My father seems to like her. He considers her a daughter. I think he might object to his son even considering her as a potential mate."
"Come on, Lothinar. You know she's not blood-related. She's not even the same race!"
"Ok, I'll watch out for her underhanded, dirty-dealing affection. But putting that aside for now," he said. "Why did you say that Michelle is the most reasonable of the bunch?"
"I guess it's compared to....others."
"You mean Ardwynn. Is she being difficult?" he asked.
”Yes! She cornered me with food in my mouth. I couldn’t even defend myself. She saw you giving me that kiss!” She kind of lost it. She started talking some nonsense about us all taking turns with you so nobody feels left out. That I needed to share. It’s not my fault that she’s yesterday’s romance! I almost spit out my steak to give her a piece of my mind.”
"You know that sounds totally reasonable, don't you?" He asked slowly.
"But we are bonded!" she complained. "That's a connection of mental intimacy that will bring my future physical relationship with you to a whole new level! None of the others will be able to compete with that!"
"I might be able to give you some competition on that score," said Zinariya. "By the way, I find this whole conversation fascinating."
"Now, you stay out of this," Firestorm yelled telepathically. "You're stuck up on the moon, and your mother has made it very clear that..."
"My mother does not run my life, Firestorm," Zinariya replied.
"LADIES!" Lothinar interrupted vigorously. "We have very important problems to solve right now, and this is not going to help. At all. Firestorm, please talk about this with Michelle. She's right there with you. Perhaps, as you said, she can give you some thoughts on the matter. Zinariya, I'm quite inclined to honor your mother's wishes on this matter. In addition you are way too young to be even thinking about these things."
"Your mother had some very interesting thoughts, Lothinar," Zinariya said.
"I'm sorry that you had to grow up so fast, but you really need to give yourself time before trying to deal with this sort of thing. Promise me that you'll try and do that."
"Ok. Lothinar," she sulked. "But it was fun teasing Firestorm."
"I'm surprised that Candasar didn't jump in right there." said the red dragon.
"She must have gotten the other children to finally fall asleep," Lothinar replied. "I haven't tried them out yet, but Ardwynn's beds looked pretty comfortable. She probably laid down next to them and fell asleep too. I should probably head back inside and get some shut-eye myself. I feel like I've been up for days."
"Sure, go right back to Ardwynn the minute I'm out of town." Firestorm huffed. "You're not going to get anywhere, you know."
"What are you talking about," he asked, confused.
"I stole the vial with the mung bean extract and hid it where you'll never find it. You're out of luck, buddy. Ardwynn won't even be interested."
"I'll try not to take that as a personal challenge." Lothinar laughed. "You know, Ardwynn and I go way back. I never needed mung bean extract before."
"Rats!" said Firestorm. "Don't wear yourself out. I'll be back soon."
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Esmarilla reached out to Cantrell through the bond.
"I need a favor Cantrell." said Esmarilla.
"Yes, I know. You need a statue of your mother. I'll start on it in the morning. There are plenty of gold coins in the treasury. I'll melt enough of them down to make a nice memorial.."
"You don't think it's excessive? That it will cost too much?"
"I know that your relationship with your mother wasn't what you wished it was," said Cantrell, "but she deserves to be remembered. How do you want it? Elf or dragon-shaped?"
"Oh. dragon, I guess. That will take more gold. Is that going to be alright?" Esmarilla asked.
"Sure. I'll do that. Don't worry about the expense. It's Argent's money, after all. "
"I'm kind of worried that someone will try to steal it," she said.
"The grove is isolated. Nobody really knows it's even there except us. It'll be fine." he answered.
"She didn't love me, you know. She barely acknowledged that I existed. To her, I was an immense failure."
"You're not!" Cantrell said. "You helped birth the dragon god. That got your mother's attention in the end."
"I guess," said Esmarilla. "I have an empty place inside me now. I know I should feel something about her passing. I just don't."
"Give it time," Cantrell said. "You'll just be going about your day sometime soon, and it will hit you. The loss. Not of what you had, but what you hoped it might eventually be. Then you will be able to make peace with it."
"I'll wait for that. Thanks, my bond. You are wise."
"I thought you kept me around for my sculpting talents."
"That too. I miss you, Cantrell. I think I'm going to come back tomorrow."
"Please do. I miss you too. Terribly. I could use a hug. Your brother absolutely refused to give me one yesterday."
"He really took off? Vanador just left?"
"Yes, he's probably headed your way. He's looking for Michelle, I think."
"He's a little late for something like that. Her heart belongs to Lothinar now. She is also on her way to Silvantra."
"None of this is going to matter if that moon comes down. I hope Lothinar is taking this seriously."
"I'm sure he is. I think that he and Zinariya have been discussing the next steps. Now that Firestorm left, the drama is probably going to go way down for him. I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I can about that Chelseben stuff. But right now, I'm digging a hole.
"That probably deserves your complete attention. I'll talk to you soon, love. Let me know if there is anything else I can do."
"Just keep being you, Cantrell. I didn't know an elf could be so wonderful to be bonded to. Thanks for that."
"The pleasure is entirely mine. I love you," he said.
Esmarilla dropped the body in the hole. She took one last look at her mother's face, still permanently scrunched up in an angry scowl. It seemed to fit her. She threw in the dirt and packed it down.
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