Blood Bride (Aarabassa World) (10 page)

‘We should have done better with our own farewells, Frizzell,’ Leon spoke to his dog, regretting that he had not said goodbye to his father. He reflected on his brothers and Heather and wondered again where they were and if they were safe. Content that at last he was to start his journey to the mid-mountains of Ginnung to visit the dragons and continue the search for Raphael, at last he would learn of Heather’s progress. Perhaps she may even have returned from the Darklands. 

The noise of metal weapons clanking around him shook him from his daze. He looked up to see Prince Phellip mounting his centaur, readying himself for the journey. Leon had practiced riding Grettar many times since she had adopted him but he still did not feel fully confident upon her broad back. His horse Jhapar was to be taken back home with the Chief’s party. King Longbard of the dwarves would probably ride upon Jhapar as it would be unlikely a centaur would wish a dwarf upon his back. Leon considered himself very honoured that Grettar had chosen him. Centaurs were friends for life so now he had a dog, a centaur and a new brother to share his problems with. He had his doubts that Grettar would listen to his complaining like Frizzle does, but he was willing to give her a try. He mounted her strong back. She did not need instructions from him of which way to go as she sauntered over to Prince Phellip’s side. The two Princes looked eye to eye, grinning in their unique style, and began their journey to the River Wharfdon where they would go upriver to arrive close to the dragon’s lair. 

When first they arrived at the port village of Otlerian, Leon was astonished at the large barges built to accommodate the centaurs. He had come to realise that they did not like travelling in the moving water. The centaurs would spend yhe most part of their journey in a specially adapted long room. At one end the horses were housed in individual but small paddocks, these enclosures assisted in making the horses feel secure. The other end was similar but with full length wooden walls, more like larger rooms without a door, to allow for the larger bodies of the centaurs. Below them in the bowels of the barge, were the experienced oars men who rowed so gently that the moving motion was almost unfelt. Open port- holes were affixed at a height that none could see outside the hull but allowed the air to circulate with a degree of freshness. Given a choice their preference would be to spend longer traveling on foot over the rocky mountain paths, rather than using the quickest route at the bottom of a moving piece of wood. Nothing less than an emergency and perhaps a war, would ever convince them that travel by this method was necessary.

The journey upriver proved to be an easier trek to Leon. He found the boat ride comfortable. At first, the river’s edge looked dour and murky with brown muddy embankments. Later it appeared with thicker foliage of long yellow tangled grasses and overhanging branches from huge trees on the edges. Wildlife bobbed in and out of the scenery.  Further along, the bank turned into rocky ledges with sharp overhangs  of   jagged cliffs. Eventually they were surrounded at each side by tall looming grey slate mountains that looked dangerously precarious, ready to landslide at any moment.

Leon did his share of rowing when the experienced Cheroks needed to rest.

Perching over the railings that surrounded the deck, he watched the spectacular mountainside drift slowly by and contemplated on what his next move should be. He was glad to be, at long last, following in Heather’s footpath, though he did not expect that she would be there waiting for him on his arrival at the dragons’ lands. A small hope inspired him that perhaps this had all been a misunderstanding from the Emperor and that all would be well. Not wanting to give in to his weaker nature, he shook his head, slapping the palm of his hand sharply on his forehead. A passing Cherok warrior looked at him, wondering what custom this Prince performed that he would wish to hit himself. Leon gave him a cursory glance and smiled, then returned to his pondering unaware of the Cherok’s puzzlement.

A bellowing voice broke his concentration.

‘The dragon’s lair is in sight!’ shouted a lookout. 

They had arrived at their destination at last. Leon wondered at what a true dragon must look like. He had met Queen Thimat when he was younger but his memory was vague. She had been accommodated in a huge barn, and he had welcomed her with his father, but he could not remember what she had actually looked like. He had an image of a motherly female. Her voice was kind and gentle. The more he concentrated the less he could recall. In his schooling he had learned that pictures were unreliable. They showed dragons with huge wings covered in hard scales. Yet they were generic in detail and he could not imagine what their faces really look like? He did not have long to wait for an answer. A huge blue dragon circled over their heads. Still, he could not see the creature too well, but what was clear was the beauty and gracefulness in its movement of flight as it swam through the clouds.

The barges pulled over towards a flat embankment where strange hirsute men assisted in anchorage. Recalling his lessons, he remembered that these were the abapes who were the Carers of the dragons.

He remained on the boat a while longer and watched as the Cherok Prince performed the greeting. Prince Phellip had spent many nights with the dragons whilst trading with abapes. He appeared to know what he was doing. Prince Phellip turned to search for Leon.

‘Leon, come on over here, the Queen waits to greet us at the lair. The abapes are to show us the way,’ he yelled waving his hand in a motion of speed.

Leon disembarked and walked towards the strange looking creatures.

‘Leon, come my brother and meet my trading friends. They have come to greet us and assist us with the mooring of the barges. You will come to know them in time; they have a great sense of humour. When they play games, they always lose.’ Prince Phellip laughed heartily at this notion. ‘Occasionally I allow them to win but then they just get bored. Truly, I have discovered they prefer playing and loosing. Personally, I think they just like to give gifts. They are wonderful beings and very loyal friends.’

We had better get moving. Let’s not keep Queen Thimat waiting. They inform me she hasn’t been back very long after her journey assisting Heather through the Wall. She can tell you how your friend is coping with the task set before her.’

Leon felt a gush of excitement. This was the closest he had been to Heather in a long time.  Soon he would have his little brother Raphael safe in his arms along with his childhood sweetheart. The very thought of wars and evil Emperors did not seem real at this moment. 

He followed close behind one of the abape creatures who grunted every now and then. He watched as the creature walked with such ease, almost bent down on all fours on the rough and very narrow mountain path. He had heard rumours that the abapes were descendants of the apes that lived in other parts of the mid-mountains among the trees. The creatures he now observed seemed far too intelligent to be from a lineage of wild animals. As they neared a large flat ridge, he noticed a dragon perched, observing their movements. It was she. Queen Thimat was beautiful. Her golden yellow scales reflected the sun’s rays, highlighting the thin deep red lines of every intricate scale. She appeared heavenly to Leon, he looked up to observe her long slender snout that seemed to smile down at him. 

Ah, so here you are Prince Leon,
she enquired in Mindtalk.
Heather is very fond of you, boy. She told of many a trick you have played together in your mischievous plights. I welcome you to my homeland. You are not able to Mindtalk Heather from this side of the Wall but I can tell you that she was well when I left her.

Oh my Lady, you have no idea how I have longed to hear such words,
Leon returned his thoughts as he neared her.

Why should you think otherwise Leon. Have I given you cause for concern?

No Queen Thimat but I fear for all my loved ones in these troublesome times
. Leon could not help but speak his thoughts honestly.
I shall continue to fear for them until I see them with my own eyes again.

I think you are in need of rest, my Prince,
Queen Thimat suggested.
Then your mind will be more alert and less likely to play hurtful tricks on you. A tired mind can only fog the thoughts.
The Queen concluded and turned her huge body gracefully to lead the way up the remaining climb of the steep hill.

Once at the top of their long climb, Leon continued to follow the abape who led him to a large opening at the dragons’ lair. He was then led to the same cave chamber that Heather and Rikka had shared with the same drape hanging over the entrance. Leon sensed somehow that Heather had slept within these walls. He felt her presence yet knew that she was the farthest she had ever been from him. She was on the other side of the world where he could not follow.

Beldroth was busy with the hustle and bustle of chaotic celebrations. The Head Mage Heimarl encouraged welcome parties for the visiting Lightlands Council representatives. The citizens had mourned the loss of their king but must now learn to put their trust in the leaders that united within their walls.

The first to arrive was the Queen of the Forest Keepers from the forestlands of Chervin. Queen Rosinda had travelled with haste to the Royal City in her own natural smaller size as a tree fairy. Once she had arrived at the human city she had transformed to human size. With her travelled a company of spider guards that she had also changed into human form. Also three female fairies, who remained their natural small size, to assist her in weaving the magic needed to maintain these spells. They had passed through Mount Eteran flying on the backs of large eagles. The citizens of Beldroth were enraptured with her beauty and welcomed her with cheers of joy.

They cheered with mixed delight as the Cherok tribe Chief arrived with his guards all mounted on the backs of large centaurs. Beldroth was used to all manner of creatures passing through its gates to trade with its merchants and attend the Academy. The centaurs were well respected and grandly welcomed by the people lining the streets that led up to the palace. The dwarves were, surprisingly, on horseback instead of mules For speed they rode the finest of animals loaned to them by their friends and neighbours, the Cherok tribe.

The arrival of the huphin Prince was perhaps one the strangest. The huphins had simply swum to the port of Beldroth. Then simply walked up towards the palace in dripping wet cloaks that covered their whole bodies. At first sight, he and his party looked like a group of beggars as they strolled at a slow pace through the crowds. The merchants were quick to spot the huphin Prince and make more of a fuss than the huphins would have liked. At least the crowd had cleared a way through for them. They could not move fast upon the land.

King Apsle of the Guardian Dragons had flown directly to the Academy to find space for landing. Only two other dragons attended with him. The dragons would not be attending the gatherings in the palace but would Mindtalk to a representative in the meetings, so their voices would be heard.

Other leaders of smaller tribes and villages from all over the Lightlands were arriving too. Some would not be attending the Lightlands Council gathering, but they would be kept informed of the progress of talks amongst their Kings and head leaders.

Heimarl was pleased with the arrival of the dwarves and Cherok tribe, it meant that Prince Leon had been successful in his quest. Yet he grew restless and concerned for the new King.  There had been no word from Amos since his contact with the huphins. There were still no representatives arriving from the desert lands, neither the myeaz nor the listard had arrived. He feared for the safety of the new King but had decided to commence with the gathering of the Lightlands Council upon the next moonwake, regardless of his absence. At least all this organising kept him away from home where Heather’s mother worried herself over the lack of contact from her daughter. Try as he might she simply did not apprehend that Mindtalk was not only difficult with vast distances but was impossible at two different ends of the world, with a magic barrier in the middle

‘Head Mage Heimarl,’ one of his clerics flustered as he abruptly disturbed his fretful thoughts. ‘We need to arrange for water for the huphins beds at night.’

‘That’s simple, they can bed down in the public bathing area.’

‘But what of the students, Head Mage? They cannot simply stop cleansing themselves?’

‘No, I don’t suppose we want the smell of the unwashed in our midst. Tell the students that they must make full use of the bathing area during the moonwake only. At moonsleep the area belongs to the huphins, whilst they are our guests. Make sure the waters are changed after the daily bathing’

The cleric bustled away tutting to himself at such changes to the regular routine. Heimarl dismissed the problem from his mind immediately and marched towards the dining halls. It was time for refreshment before he went to plan for the start of the Lightland Council at the next moonwake.

The Lord Vamplin looked upon the weeping female vamplin with gentle curiosity. She was not yet aware of his presence. He could feel the pounding beat of his own heart pulsating fast. What was it about this female that stirred such an excitement within him? Her tears saddened him, he had no desire to see her so distressed. Should he intrude on her privacy in this way?  Should he let her know of his arrival or should he slip quietly out again? When he was in her company, he did not want to be parted from her. He wanted to touch her, gently take her into his arms and comfort her. Never before had he experienced such feelings for any female. He had mated with the best of vamplin females so why should she this human be any different? But, she was. She moved his heart and she aroused his groin.

His eagerness to protect her caused him to tread heavily, she heard his movement and turned her tear stained features to look upon him sadly.  Surprisingly, she did not stop weeping. Making no attempt to cease her tears, she simply wept some more.

On her part she felt she could trust him. He would care for her. He gently held her within his hardened muscular arms. This felt so right, it felt just. She belonged in this place, in his arms.   She did not know how to tell him of her loneliness, of her worry for her own people. Heather nestled closer to Fiendrac. He smelled comforting, as if she had known him all of her life. Her tears trickled onto his chest as he tightened his hold and pulled her closer to his body. He hushed her sadness.

She peered up at his face for assurance. His pale features appeared handsome to her. Gentle eyes with thick strong lashes. His nostrils opened like a bulls as he breathed a quick sigh. She stared at his kissable shapely lips. He had a strong jawline, hinting at his warrior strength.

His head bent and he brushed those lips over her soft vamplin silky forehead. She tried to speak but sadness stuck in her throat. He shushed her with a low hushing sound and stroked his long pale fingers on her soft pale cheek.

Lifting her delicate chin, he gently touched her pale pink lips with his own. The force of that first gentle kiss increased to a passion that neither could control. Each stroked the others skin. Neither wanted the touching to end. The vibration of passion was felt through the loving touches of each others body. This was no magic trickery, only the magic of love. He never wanted to let her go again. His loins throbbed with a longing ache. Yet he did not wish to violate her without her consent.

She stroked her delicate feminine fingers down over his broadened shoulders. Unable to resist scratching his chest in her passion to reach down to his belly. She bent her head and wildly kissed and licked his salted chest. His skin was delicious. The aroma of a lusting male emanated from his sweat. He wanted her, of this she was sure. She desired to give her virginal honour to this stranger. She could not help herself.

How had they become so entwined. So easily vulnerable to each other.

‘My Lord,’ she tried to whisper.

She knew she must escape this entrapment. It was all a set up by the Emperor. Yet how? How could she quench these flames of desire. The more she tried to drowned them, the higher her urge to pull him closer, to touch, to feel his manliness.

‘Fiendrac,’ she tried again to communicate and break the spell.

‘Heather, I have never loved as I feel for you now,’ he breathed in her ear. His voice low and husky.

‘We must stop this Fiendrac,’ she moaned in response, but still unable to pull away.

His hand stroked the top of her inside leg. All her nerves twitched at this touch.

‘No, don’t make me stop,’ he moaned, ‘I want you forever, my love.’

‘How, Fiendrac?’ she managed to ask as he kissed her naked breast and stroked her hard nipples with his fingertips. She writhed in reaction to the touch. A wetness pooled between her legs.

‘I can’t answer that Heather. I only know that your very being is something I must have. Please Heather. Promise me you will stay by my side from now to eternity.’

‘Why, Lord, why do you wish this of me?’

They had managed to part their sweating bodies.

‘I only know that if you left me I would be alone, utterly alone without you,’ he said with such fretfulness that she pulled his head to embrace him in assurance.

‘I can’t tell if someone has managed to manipulate us by magic,’ she tried to make sense of the sudden love she felt. ‘Do you think we  should stop this madness?’

‘I cannot stop Heather, but I will, if you ask this of me. I would not hurt you ever. My only desire is to cherish you.’

‘I too feel this longing, but the very nature of my quest tells me that you are my enemy,’ she pulled away a little from his body.

‘I am a leader of many. I have been lover of many. But, I have never been in love with any. Your innocence is your strength. You need no protection of a man. Yet I feel I want to take care of you for ever.’ Fiendrac was truly won over by this little human girl.

Heather giggled at such humble words, only to realise that Fiendrac was not comfortable with her reaction.

‘Why do I feel like you mock me, human? He asked, his brows furrowed and his feelings quite hurt.

‘No, no my Lord,’ Heather smiled as she spoke. ‘I could never mock you. I feel like we are meant to be together but I can’t fathom out why. You are a good leader and I can see that you care for your people. I want to help you keep them safe from this Emperor. I think together we may be strong enough to outwit his plans.’

‘So,’ Fiendrac looked at her pleading soft eyes. ‘We shall unite in our strength and in our hearts. Now let me taste your lips before I loose all my courage.’

Their clothing was dropped to the floor. Heather’s fingers scratched red welts into his naked broad shoulders. He stroked her perfectly rounded breasts and felt the longing of her passion in her sensitive nipples. Slowly he bent his head and licked at her skin, working his way to her delicious cherry nipple. She writhed with the sensation of pleasure on her breasts. His hands cupped her closer to him. Her hands tugged at his hair. She felt so wild with her passion. Gently he lain on top of her naked body, parting her thighs with his large hands. She felt like pure silk, so soft, so delicate. His fingers felt the wetness between her legs. Her aroma was the most tempting scent he had ever inhaled.

Like a lock and key they slotted into their love making. His member filled her insides. His thrusting pulsated as she returned the rhythm of his movements. Every part of her body yearned for him to move in and out of her. Slowly he started, building up his momentum until she could take no more. Increasing their rhythm together, their body fluids finally burst forth in a mixture of sticky wetness. The wildness of their movements calmed.

He stayed on top of her, not wanting to let her go. She held on to him tightly, knowing her love for him was real. This was no spell. Her tears flowed again.

‘Aaahhh, my sweet,’ he whispered gently in her ear. ‘I hope those are tears of joy because that’s what I’m feeling right now.’

Heather laughed gently. He made her feel happy. He made everything seem right.

Their love making continued on until they both fell into a fitful slumber. Their bodies entwined within each others embrace.

The monshaad Emperor smiled to himself. He had achieved all that he had planned. The seed of the vamplin Lord was now set in its rightful place. Time was of no consequence. Soon the Emperor would have the child of this union. A vampire who could withstand the Lightlands and do his bidding.

It was time to capture this Changeling. She had her role to play in his game.