17

Raiya

Godrick carried her all the way to Sibilla’s chambers. Cradling the girl in one arm, he opened the door to see Sibilla exactly where he had left her, resting alongside Shegil on the balcony. Nythointan was near the she-dragon, his head protectively draped over hers.

“Is she hurt?” Sibilla asked, alarm and worry jolting her up and over to the pair.

“No,” he replied softly. “At least not physically.”

“I am hurt physically,” Raiya murmured, removing her tear-stricken face from the comfort of his chest. “My heart hurts. My head too.”

Sibilla exchanged a glance with Godrick, both understanding the situation and not looking forward to the coming conversation. But they had no choice, and it was time to let her know.

“Rai, my sweetling, does this have anything to do with the results of the Enthronement?” she asked gently, motioning for Godrick to place the girl down on the bed.

Raiya didn’t speak for a second, gazing off into the distance. She didn’t know how to properly convey her feelings, but she knew that they understood already why she was upset. She only hoped that they would explain to her fully what would happen next even though she already had an idea. When she finally felt a bit more composed, she opened her mouth and said, “Lady Denali will be a terrible replacement.”

“And you know this how sweetling?” Sibilla asked. Though her tone was serious, her eyes were still warm and filled with understanding and love.

Raiya couldn’t handle it, tearing her gaze away. She didn't want to start crying again.

“Yes, you know this how? I’m sure Julian has told you that Speakers should be more careful in what they say publicly. If they speak such heavy accusations, they must present their reasons and any evidence they have to support it. So, what has Denali done for you to believe this?” Godrick asked, crossing his arms. He was the sterner of the two, ever the more disciplinarian.

To defend herself against one didn’t seem too bad, to defend herself against both, however, seemed impossible. But she knew they were right because Julian had also taught her this. “You must be ready to defend yourself if you say something that goes against the collective mindset,” he had told her.

So, she took a deep breath before saying, “I served her since her arrival here at Dragonspire. First, unofficially, and then after Priyana’s hatching officially. She comes across as very spoiled. She expects everything to be done for her and to her standards or she will become angry and hurl things around. She has gained the support of the fortress not through her own actions but because Ralph supports her since she is younger and more impressionable than you. He will make sure she doesn’t follow in your footsteps.”

When saying it out loud, even she knew that it didn’t sound very thought out nor did it list specific instances of behavior. She sounded like a petulant child who simply did not get along with another person and therefore sought to undermine than understand them.

“So, you think because you served her briefly that you then know her entire character? You know her history? You know everything there is to know? People are not that simple Raiya. We are far more complex than you may think. I know stories say people are either good or bad, but the real world is not so. Everyone possesses some good traits and some bad ones. Denali has a strong personality yes, but that doesn’t make her bad. Her confidence, how cunning she can be, and her stubbornness can all be considered her strengths as well. In fact, I’d say you two are remarkably similar in those regards.” She laughed at the disgusted face Raiya made upon the comparison, Godrick joining in.

“I doubt it,” Raiya disagreed, shaking her head emphatically. “No way am I like that spoiled princess!”

“Sibilla is right,” Godrick said, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. “Denali has a…strong personality, but I’ve seen her show kindness to many. Hyun, for example. She treats him kindly. She very much acts her age over trying to present herself as an older and more mature person. You’d forget she was not but sixteen with how she often carries herself.”

“Sixteen, though young, is still old enough to understand the weight and realities of the world,” Sibilla gently reminded the child. “She struggles with burdens that you don’t quite yet know about. One day you will understand.”

“She’s only five years older than me? I keep thinking her to be around Ralph's age with how she acts...” Raiya said, surprised.

“Yes, which is exactly why you should not judge her so harshly. And before you say she treats Hyun favorably because he is a dragon-flyer, I’ve seen her treat Gina kindly too. The pair are like sisters, or so I’ve heard,” Sibilla said, a small smile forming on her lips as the girl winced. She had hit the nail on the head.

“All we are saying,” Godrick began, his hand extending out to Sibilla.

“Is that you take what we’ve taught you over the years and use it,” she finished, her hands intertwining with his. “Besides, Julian will agree with me when I say that it is important to form friendly relations with powerful people, even if you don’t like them. Diplomacy, my sweetling, is especially important for ensuring long-lasting peace. I think we’ve had enough wars, don’t you?”

‘Maybe war is necessary to reset the world,’ Raiya thought. But instead of voicing such a heinous thought aloud, she nodded her head slowly.

“Especially when we are having troubles with producing enough dragons,” Godrick said and the two exchanged knowing glances once more.

For the last six years, they had been growing more vocal on the small clutches and lack of certain types of dragons. A Queen was so rare and even the War dragons were dwindling. More and more eggs were Specialists, dragons only useful for tasks around the fortress, not capable of reproducing or handling combat.

“Yes, we are fortunate for now, but I fear that we too will begin to see fewer, smaller clutches and therefore less Queens,” Sibilla sighed. “We were lucky that Rajin Fortress had a Prince egg. Hopefully between Nymerik and Priyana, we might see a new change. Priyana already is a good sign as she resembles the dragons of old.”

“And Nymerik is quite big himself. He’s bigger than Priyana is currently and still growing. Entirely unheard of regarding dragons over a year old,” Godrick added in.

Raiya remained quiet as her parents continued to talk. She had heard the tales of how the dragons were beginning to dwindle ever since her arrival here. She had overheard them speak about it so many times but had never thought that it would be her concern. But now, as an acolyte and soon-to-be Speaker, she realized that it had now become her duty. Some fortresses were producing, if lucky, fifteen to twenty eggs max. It had been years since a Queen egg had been laid within the other fortresses. The only one to still have favorable clutches was Dragonspire. That’s why their fortress had become dominant, according to the Council. The fortress produced Queens more often than the other fortresses and consistently produced the highest number of eggs too. Amongst the Speakers, it was a topic spoken about constantly and for others, it was a topic spoken upon with jealousy and conspiracy. What made Dragonspire special compared to the other fortresses?

“If you think about it,” she spoke aloud, gaining the attention of the two, “it makes no sense for us to send away capable flyers. We need all of them, right? Shegil can still fly, can still lay clutches. Shouldn’t we keep her around so that we can continue to bolster our numbers if our concern is over that? Or send her to one of the empty fortresses and a few other dragons as well.”

Sibilla sighed, sinking onto the bed beside the girl. “If it were that simple, sweetling. But if all the Queens were allowed to lay clutches, there wouldn’t be order. It’s the responsibility of the Empress to do so. The other Queens, they can fight. They can be a symbol of strength and power. But they can never challenge the rights of the reigning Queen after they’ve lost to her. Laying clutches is considered a challenge. As for being sent to an empty fortress, it just isn't possible to send a few dragons to hold a large fortress. There are so few dragons as is, we can't risk spreading ourselves thin and it's not worth the care and maintenance.”

“But we keep saying we need more dragons yet only allowing one dragon to lay. We can't send Shegil to another fortress to have more clutches there. It makes no sense. If we allowed even just one more, we’d have more dragons. Isn’t that what you’re trying to do? Obtain more dragons?!” she argued her point once more. It absolutely made no sense for them to do this unless there had been a history of the Queens themselves fighting each other out of a sense of rivalry regarding their clutches.

“I have a feeling,” Godrick said, sitting down on the other side of her, “that there’s more to this than that. Am I right?”

Raiya turned her head away, not wanting to acknowledge the truth. Even if a part of her argument rested on them, not leaving the logical side of her was curious as to why this was a practiced tradition.

“I have to leave my sweetling,” Sibilla said gently, her hand coming up the smooth the girl’s hair. “The Codex says that once a reigning Queen has been dethroned, she must leave the fortress. Either to a new one that needs a Queen or to the Elysium Isles where she will retire. She cannot remain in the fortress for fear of creating any sort of problem for the new Chieftess and her dragon.”

“S you mean being a symbol of rebellion? Where supposedly some in the fortress will not support the new reigning duo?” she asked bitterly. “That doesn’t make any sense either. It seems like it is just a way to weaken the fortress. Who even created such a rule within the Codex?”

“The Codex has been altered so many times, it is difficult to say who amended what and why,” Sibilla agreed slowly. “I can understand your frustration and argument. Even if we all felt that way, it would be hard to change a long-standing tradition. The nobility especially would not like changes that increased the strength of our fortresses. They already fear us and hate us. Resent us for plucking their children from their homes and sending them to, potentially, their death.”

Raiya’s thoughts raced around in her head. The Codex had often been changed through the years. The nobility and common folk disliked the dragons and their flyers. They feared the destructive capabilities their existence posed. Would it be strange to link the two? It made sense to say that the nobility forced the weakening fortresses to make changes to their Codex so that they would continue to lose power. Was their goal the extinction of dragons and the eradication of the flyers as a whole?

“…Raiya?”

Her head snapped up upon hearing her name.

“What?”

“I was asking you how you felt about us leaving,” Godrick said. His eyes noted the fading faraway look in her eyes, he could see her thoughts whirring about in her head even if he ultimately did not know what she was thinking so heavily on.

“When…will you go again?”

“Ralph will want me gone as soon as possible. So, I—” she glanced quickly at Godrick, “—we will leave by next week. If we are not ushered out quickly, then, by the end of the month. I would appreciate the time to settle my affairs and appointments. Say our final farewells to our close friends and family.”

Godrick nodded his head in agreement. “I would very much like to see Lucian settled in as the General Commander before my departure.”

Raiya looked down, not saying anything further. It obviously wasn’t going to make a difference nor change the outcome.

Sibilla and Godrick glanced at each other, remaining silent as well. It was a hopeless and heartbreaking situation all around. But they were not the first to suffer it nor would they be the last. For them, they valued the Codex and its rules set by those who created the opportunity to Bond with the dragons. They would continue to stand by it even if it created situations such as the breaking up of families.

Time passed as the trio remained seated together on the bed. Simply being next to each other was enough for them. When Raiya began to nod off, Godrick rose to take her to her own chambers, but Sibilla stopped him, shaking her head slightly.

“Let her stay the night with us,” she murmured.

He hesitated for a moment before nodding his head. He gently picked her up while Sibilla pulled back the blankets, laying her down in the middle. He stroked her hair as she drifted off.

“One day, you’ll understand the sacrifices we have to make as dragon-flyers,” he whispered.

Sibilla raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. No one could know the sacrifices a dragon-flyer must make unless they were one and Raiya would never be one. But she didn’t voice it aloud, content with watching over the love of her life and her child late into the night.

*~*

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The next day, Raiya woke up to an empty room. There was a letter addressed to her lying on the table beside her, so she picked it up and read it.

Dearest Raiya,

Godrick and I were called to an early meeting this morning by the Council. We both apologize for not being there to greet you in the morning. Make haste to the kitchen and find yourself something to eat. Ashari will want to speak to you I believe.

With all our hearts,

Sibilla & Godrick

Raiya placed the letter back down, her heart sinking. If a meeting was called so soon after the Enthronement, it meant that they would discuss Sibilla’s removal from the fortress. She got up, tidying up the bed quickly before making her way to the door. As she opened it, she gave one last glance over the room, taking in everything that made it Sibilla's. Soon, it would belong to someone else, and all her things would disappear along with her presence.

With a heavy heart, she closed the door, making her way to her own room so that she could change and freshen up. As she reached the door, she could hear loud laughter and people bustling around inside. Curious, she opened the door, walking into the midst of a conversation.

“He definitely likes you Gina,” Marigold declared while rummaging through her trunk. “He even came here once looking for you, right Eri? You opened the door and immediately closed it in his face!”

Eri, ever shy about interacting with anyone and especially when it came to being called out for an answer, froze at the sudden attention directed towards her. Her eyes shifted rapidly between the two before landing on Raiya who was standing quietly in front of the door. Her increasingly widened eyes made the other two turn to look curiously at what caught her attention.

“Well, well, well! Look who it is girls,” Marigold began, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Didn’t sleep in your bed last night did you. Where did you stay?”

“Goldie, I think you’re forgetting to ask the most important question. Who were you with?” Gina asked, a similar smile spreading across her face as well.

“My parents…?” Raiya answered slowly, confused as to what their glances and wiggling eyebrows were implying.

“O’ piss off the child, will ya?” Eri finally spoke, shaking her head in annoyance at the other two. “She ain’t old enough for ya dirty thoughts.”

Raiya never failed to be entranced when Eri, in the rare occasions that she did speak, spoke. Despite the village accent, her voice sounded both soft and musical.

“You should speak more, Eri. Your voice is so nice to listen to,” Raiya remarked, voicing her thoughts aloud.

Marigold and Gina giggled at that before sighing.

“You’re right,” Marigold said. “I’m sorry for teasing you, Rai. Especially when I should know better with one so young. It’s because of Gina here that I’m even thinking such thoughts!” She winked at the other flustered girl who threw a bundle of cloth in her direction angrily.

“Speak for yourself for I said nothing! Must you live that way vicariously through me?” Gina shot back.

“Why aren’t you attending Lady—,” Raiya stopped, catching herself as they glanced at her, “—er, Chieftess Denali?”

At the mention of Denali, the other three girls straightened themselves instantly, the mood in the room shifting.

“Chieftess Denali dismissed us because she will be in a meeting that will take up most of the day.” Gina hesitated because she possessed more knowledge than the other girls on what matters of topics would be discussed. On one hand, she wanted to proudly show how she was Denali’s favorite lady-in-waiting and close confidant, but on the other she knew one of the topics would be sensitive to mention in front of Raiya. Ultimately, she decided to carefully broach it. “She told me that they were to discuss Priyana’s mating flight which will happen soon. It’s also a test to see how she will lead the Council as the Chieftess, her first official day and duty so to speak. And…” she paused here, glancing quickly at Raiya who seemed to realize what she was about to say next and looked away, “I believe they are also talking about Dragonlady Sibilla and Dragonlord Godrick’s upcoming departure…for today.”

“Today?!” Raiya shouted, unable to contain herself in her shock. “But that’s too soon! The Enthronement happened only yesterday! They can’t oust her out that quickly! At least a week’s grace to prepare!”

Seeing the girl so agitated, Marigold quickly hurried over, enfolding her into her embrace whilst simultaneously glaring at Gina.

“Was that necessary,” she mouthed at the other girl who guiltily looked away.

Raiya stood there numbly in Marigold’s arms as her mind worked frantically to make sense of the situation. Pushing for Priyana’s mating flight so soon after an Enthronement? Forcing the pair to leave today? Why? What’s the motive for speeding up the process?

Unless…

With the two departing, the biggest thorns would be removed from Ralph’s side. But between the two, there was no question that the biggest thorn, the wall that was the most insurmountable and unconquerable was Godrick. Godrick had never put up with Ralph’s leadership and never hesitated to call him out on it publicly. He was a man who was highly respected and loved by the fortress, who had more allies than that weasel Ralph. He held more sway with his words, ideas, and actions than the other man, even when he had stolen the Chief position from him. This wasn’t a surprise for anyone because Godrick was far older than the other man and had more experience under his belt. Ralph could only nurse a deep bitterness in his heart, even when those close to him tried to explain the simple rationale being that Godrick was older and therefore wiser. That Ralph would follow as he also grew older and obtained the respect of his peers. Now, Ralph not only saw the opportunity to remove his greatest opponent quickly but also free up a prominent position that he might have a chance at. For if Mazanth failed to fly Priyana…he wouldn’t be stuck on becoming a Sentinel but have a shot at Godrick’s soon-to-be vacated position. Would he attempt to obtain it for himself from under Lucian? If he succeeded, he would be second only to the Chief and Chieftess in terms of power. That slimy hellfire wyrm! Gerians take his mind from him, no one could doubt that man’s cunningness indeed!

Marigold felt the girl’s body tense under her arms and pulled back, peering down at her in concern. The girl’s gaze was glossy as she stared off into the distance, her mouth hanging slightly open.

“Raiya?” she called her name gently. “I know you’re not okay, but what are you thinking about?”

Gina wondered if it was about Ralph and said, “Ralph chose to stay even though there is a chance he might not become Chief. He’s going to have to lead a squad instead since he refused the Elysium Isles. Everyone thinks he’s a fool for it even if he is rather young but maybe he just wants another opportunity should another Queen be born.”

Raiya swallowed the mirthless laugh rising in her throat from the naïve way Gina was speaking. Though her last words were more in line with Ralph’s thinking, the rest was foolish. As if he would be content with leading a squad when he led an entire fortress before! She was wasting time here amongst the other girls. She whirled around, ready to leave but Marigold caught her arm.

“Wait! You’re not leaving without changing and freshening up right?”

“I look okay enough!” Raiya answered quickly, shaking off the hand and dashing out the door.

“Raiya! Wait, you should comb your hair at least!”

Their voices faded away as she hurried back the way she came. Sibilla had told her that Ashari needed to speak to her and likewise she found herself needing to do the same.

She burst through the kitchen door, narrowly avoiding slamming into a servant attempting to leave.

“Hey, watch it!” he called out angrily, but she didn’t respond.

She walked through the kitchen, her head swiveling around constantly in search of the tall, dark woman. She ignored the disapproving looks sent her way as the other people in the kitchen took in her disheveled appearance.

Finally giving up, she cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, “Ashari!” She turned around and called out once more, “Ashari! Where are you?”

“Wa yuh waan, gal?” came the shout back, barely heard over the din.

“They said Sibilla is leaving today! Do you know this?”

Between the steam and bustling bodies, Ashari seemed to materialize out of thin air, startling Raiya with how near she was.

“Uh kno disya ting yah. Ah bin ordad fa sen som serbints ovah fa pack up she ting dem en git de room ready fa Chieftess Denali.” Despite the casualness of her response, her voice had a hard edge to it. Her form was tense and there were bags under her eyes. Ashari and Sibilla had become close friends ever since Sibilla helped Ashari. She knew what was happening to Sibilla, and she hated the world for it.

“If she leaves tonight then—”

“She da gwine leh tonite,” Ashari interrupted her. As much as she loved Raiya, she found herself becoming annoyed. “No use da deny um, ya ga hurt ta self an oda folk. She da een de meetin’ wid dem fa sort um out. Now leh me lone. I busy an ain’ got time fa waste talkin’ ta somebody who ain’ gwine hear right. Grab sumtin’ ta eat on ya way out. Clean up too.” She turned away, not waiting for her reply, and disappeared into the moving throng of servants. Raiya stared at the empty spot she was just standing in for a moment, before leaving the kitchen, her mind whirling. There was only one other person she could seek to ease her mind.

Her feet tread the familiar path to the library. She entered, her fingers absentmindedly trailing over the spines of the books on the shelves near her as she walked past them towards the table. She stopped in front of Julian who, seeing the shadow cast over his book, glanced up.

“Raiya! What are you doing here?”

“My mind is all over the place, as are my emotions,” she said slowly.

Julian nodded his head in understanding, closing his book as he gestured for her to take a seat.

“So, you’ve found out that Sibilla and Godrick are leaving tonight then.”

Raiya nodded, gazing down at her folded hands. They were suddenly far more interesting than his intense, blue gaze.

Julian took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation about to happen. He had purposefully missed the meeting knowing the girl would be seeking someone out when she discovered the news. It was time to recite the speech he had prepared for her while waiting for her to arrive.

“Raiya,” he began, “look at me.” When she finally met his gaze, he nodded his head once. “You have done exceedingly well here at Dragonspire in both your former and now current position. I couldn’t have asked for a better acolyte, truly. I…” he hesitated, looking away. Was this truly the right moment to bring it up, he wondered. But perhaps it was something she needed to hear, an opportunity that might dull the pain of their departure.

“You what?” she asked, curious as to where he was going with this. She had thought he might speak on their leaving, but to suddenly start talking about her out of the blue both aroused her curiosity and alarmed her at the same.

He paused, glancing away from her, his eyes shifting back and forth. A nervousness he hadn’t felt in a while overtook him, but he knew he had to push through it. He returned his gaze to her once more, speaking in a hurried manner as he said, “I want you to understand that you’re not being punished or that I think you’re unfit to remain here.” He winced at her facial expression but continued speaking. “As you are aware, there can only be one Speaker at each fortress and your training with me is progressing at a fast enough pace that I believe you’ll be ready to become a full-fledged Speaker within five years.”

“You’re saying I must eventually leave, right? Go to another fortress or to the Speakers Guild.”

She hadn’t thought about it, but now she realized that it made sense. Julian wasn’t so old that he would be expected to retire in five years. Unless he willingly retired, she would not become Dragonspire’s Speaker. Not to mention she was sure the Council would never allow it and she believed that, deep down, he wouldn’t want to relinquish his position. He enjoyed his profession, and she would not want to prevent him from doing what he loved.

“Ever so smart, my dear Raiya,” he said wistfully, his gaze of sadness tugging at her own, already bleeding heart. “You must understand that I was willing to give up my position to you despite not being old enough to retire but…the Council insists that I continue to be the Speaker for Dragonspire. They instead have asked me to send you to another fortress, Muria or…Rajin.”

Raiya noted both instances of hesitance, picking up immediately on what he meant. Ralph was the one who insisted, and they wanted her to go to Rajin.

“Both of the Speakers are nearing retirement age so the positions should become available around the time you complete your training, should you maintain the pace you have with me that is. You can decide which place you’d prefer.” Another hesitance here before he began speaking against, this time softly. “A word of caution however, both are…rough for newcomers.”

“Rough?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Dangerous,” he answered simply.

Goosebumps erupted over her skin, and she rubbed them down while Julian stood up, leaning forward so that he could place both his hands on her shoulders.

“But don’t worry Raiya. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you,” he promised, his expression serious.

“How can you promise that when you’ll be here, and I’ll be another continent away.”

“I have my ways, remember? My eyes and ears, they’ll let me know if you’re in danger.”

So, this was it. The purpose of a Speaker. To understand the politics between the fortresses and to be a representative of your own fortress to other fortresses. To be aware of the designs of the flyers through their dragons thanks to their unique ability and keeping the leaders aware in case of any trouble. Yes, it was a dangerous job in and of itself regardless of the location. A good Speaker had the ability to adapt quickly and despite what she may want or feel, she ultimately will have to leave in five years. She needed to be able to do that not just so she could survive in a den of snakes but thrive. Dragonspire had become a second home to her, but not because of the fortress in and of itself though thankfully it was no “rough” place. It was the people who had taken her under their wings, Ashari, Godrick, Sibilla, Julian, Marigold… This sad feeling in her was not from mourning the loss of the fortress, but the fact that she’d have to leave them all. As someone who had lost a family before, the price to pay for a prestigious position was steep. Was the rise in rankings truly worth the cost? Yet...weren’t Godrick and Sibilla already leaving her behind? With Denali becoming the Chieftess and Ralph still the Chief, couldn’t Dragonspire very well become a rough place for her? Even if she wanted to stay for Ashari, she knew that eventually in five years she’d still have to say goodbye. Julian? He was the one telling her about this. Marigold? Yes, she had become like an older sister to her. She was a friend, an ally, and had made serving Denali bearable. She’d be sad but she’d also insist that Raiya do what was best for her and that they could always exchange letters.

And with that list checked off, her mind finally settled and found clarity.

“Would it…be possible to complete my training at the fortress I choose?” she asked hesitantly.

Julian looked away. He had always appreciated her intelligence and ability to pick up on things, yet this one time he wished she had stayed oblivious and ignorant to his unspoken suggestion.

“I don’t want you to think that you must leave now. There is plenty of time and I wish to finish your training here, with me. I wish to remain your mentor. I wish—” He stopped himself, clamping his mouth shut. She couldn’t quite interpret the emotions swirling within his eyes, but she felt the heaviness of it loom over her.

She shrugged under his grasp. “I think its best if I go now, and I think you think the same too even if you don’t want to say it. There won’t be a lot for me here after tonight. If I must leave eventually, I’d rather leave now.”

A sorrowful smile crept across his face as he pulled her up and in for a hug, her blank stare hidden within the fabric of his robes.