Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) (7 page)

“Yes.” I grunt. “Why are you helping me?”

“I’ve nothing else to do. There is no life here. It’s a free-for-all. I’m on my own to avoid getting into one of the battles fought by those who believe they should rule this place. You clearly have no idea what you’re doing, which reminds me—why are you here? Where are you going that you—a great dragon—would need to travel on foot?”

I find it amusing how he goes from one topic to another in an instant, but I don’t like being questioned. However, he might be able to help.

“I am searching for a wizard who’s said to be able to break any curse. Perhaps you know of him, and could point me in the right direction.”

Khende quits walking, and for a moment I fear he’s going to leave by the way he turns and looks out in the distance.

“Why do you seek such a wizard?” He looks up at me, his hands on his hips.

“Will my reasons have an effect on your answer?” I laugh to keep from crying.

“No, but your intentions might. What curse do you seek to break?”

“Why does that matter?”

“Because you are not the first person I’ve met on this road seeking such a power. In fact, you’re not even the first dragon to come looking for a wizard. Funny enough, only one other has ever asked me about it, and that was so long ago. I don’t even know if he found what he was looking for, but how could I forget a king asking me for help?” He looks up at me accusingly. “What is your name?”

“Aurelio, king of Dracameveo,” I state proudly.

“As I suspected. Like father, like son, I bet.” Now Khende does walk away.

“Where are you going?” I follow after him.

“Somewhere you won’t bother me. I helped your father, and he betrayed me. I’m not going to help you, knowing very well you’ll do the same.” He walks off the path and disappears amongst the trees.

“Khende! Tell me what happened. Please, help me!” I call after him, wishing I could go back in time and change things. If he knew my father, helped my father through the same trials, he could answer some of my questions.

What could my father have done to hurt this Satyr and cause him to hate dragons so much?

AURELIO HAS ONLY
been gone a day and a half, but it feels like a lifetime. Whispers began at the news of the delayed wedding. When people poured in asking to speak with the king and Castel and I had to turn them away, whispers became rumors, and rumors became lies so farfetched that panic set in.

Now the kingdom demands an answer. Where is their king? What happened to their last king? But Castel advised against telling the truth. “I am sorry, ma’am, but the king is unwell. He is in bed resting. I assure you that he is on the mend and will return to duty as soon as he physically can.” At least the last part isn’t a lie.

The woman coming to plea for more land leaves saddened and disappointed that the one person who could hear her claims isn’t available. I want to cry for these people. I want to cry for myself. But I remain strong because it’s what Aurelio would do—
is
doing. He will break the spell, and all will return to normal.

“My lady, we must meet with the council members,” Castel leans down and whispers to me.

I nod. “Of course.” I look down at the line of people waiting to speak with me—no, not me. With Aurelio. Even then, it should be Castel. But he insisted I talk to them. I can’t help but hurt for them. Not only can they not speak to their king, but they must wait to speak with me now.

I stand and follow Castel out of the room. As we leave, I hear one of the guards address the room, informing them there will be a short break.

The dress Castel asked me to wear is confining and hard to walk in, with multiple skirts. But he assured me it’s what a queen would wear. I hate to undermine him, but there will be far more comfortable dresses in my future—as soon as Aurelio returns.

I take a deep breath as I enter the council room and take a seat beside Castel, who sits at the head of the table. The others are already in the room, waiting for us, and they’re all looking at me—some with disdain, some with mistrust, but one with compassion. One of the only two other women in the whole room.

The doors close, and Castel stands. “Thank you for meeting here on such short notice. It seems history is repeating itself.” He re-tells the story he told me and Aurelio about Ignacio. “But this time, things are slightly different. Aurelio is already engaged. Yesterday, he and Zanta were to be married.” He looks at me pointedly. “However, that was unable to happen due to this curse. Our king’s last request before leaving was that Zanta rule with my aid while he is gone. Under different circumstances, I would have refused or at least counseled otherwise, but Zanta is our future queen, and I believe this is for the best.” Castel takes a breath and looks around the room, perhaps gauging the others’ reactions.

The woman who seemed sympathetic toward me opens her mouth as if to speak, but doesn’t.

Instead, a short, nearly bald man with dark eyes does. “Why did we send King Aurelio out there alone? What if he is in trouble? This was foolish on your part, Castel. The king entrusted this information with you, yet you did not send a guard with him. What if he cannot find any such wizard? His father went on that journey a hundred years ago. Who is to say the wizard—assuming he ever existed—is even still alive? The king could be walking—or flying—into a trap, and we would never know it. And to allow this commoner to rule as acting queen, despite the fact that she is not royal and has not yet married Aurelio, is silly. She has no power here. Why would the people listen to her?” The man glares between Castel and myself, and it’s disheartening. Partially because the man doesn’t trust me, and partially because he’s right.

“Waylon, hold your tongue. Castel used his best judgement in the situation or it would have happened differently,” says the woman who appears to be on my side.

“How would you know, Estella? You were not there. You weren’t even here when Ignacio left on his journey,” Waylon argues.

“No, I wasn’t. But Aurelio is our king, and he chose Zanta. He is not marrying her for any reason aside from pure love. He trusts her. And asking Castel to help her rule is very smart on the king’s part. This is not ideal, but at least she will have experience—she will know more than she ever did before. And as for why the people should listen to her? Because the king himself listens to her. The people love their king, and they will love the people he does. I was witness to Aurelio’s announcement of his proposal to this girl. There wasn’t a single upset person in that room. Everyone cheered and clapped and there was an overwhelming joy for the king they love. They will listen to her because she is a voice of reason. And for the record, you weren’t there either, Lord Waylon.” Lady Estella mocks him with that last bit, and I want to laugh and cheer.

“Thank you,” I mutter to Estella, who continues looking at me as if challenging me to prove her wrong.

“You’re welcome,” she says loud enough for the whole room to hear.

“The real reason I have asked for this meeting is not to argue over the king’s choices. Zanta is acting as queen with my help—I will do as Aurelio asked before he left. Elder Waylon.” Castel commands attention with the way he says the bald man’s name. “The next time you find you cannot respect King Aurelio’s choices, keep in mind his plans upon returning.”

I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud, and it appears I’m not the only one.

Castel grabs my upper arm and pulls on me until I stand. “Now, what we need help with is keeping peace among the people who fear that their king has been murdered and we’re simply covering it up. Spread the word that King Aurelio is ill. He is getting better, but he still cannot speak to anyone. The wedding is still happening—it’s just been pushed back. Please help us end the rumors about what is actually going on. We do not want the people to know the truth.”

The room is silent as everyone tries to figure out how best to respond, myself included. Where do we go from here? Less than half the council trusts me, and less than that actually like me. I look to Estella, hoping she’ll have something good to say.

“Let me take Zanta.” She stands, and I want to clap with joy. “I will teach her the ways of being a queen—at least, as much as I know from being so close to Dargiana. We will act like the queen, doing all the things she would have daily. We are going to show the people that Zanta is trustworthy, and that despite not actually being married to Aurelio, she was born to be queen.” Estella wraps her arm around my shoulders, and I’ll never be able to fully express just how much that means to me.

“I agree,” Castel says. “Does anyone have a justifiable reason as to why this would not be acceptable?” He looks at me before turning to each member, waiting for an objection. No one speaks.

“Then it is to be done.” Castel smacks his hand down on the table. The sound resonates through the room, and once it has gone silent, everyone stands and disperses.

I turn to Estella, her arm still around me. “Thank you so much. I don’t think that would have gone very well without your support.” I am counting down every second until Aurelio returns.

“No need to thank me, child. I believe you will make a wonderful queen—you just need some help. Now firstly, let’s see about getting you some more comfortable and yet regal gowns to wear. You are stiff as a board walking around in that thing.” She grabs a bit of the skirt and moves it about before dropping it.

“Thank you. I would most appreciate that. It’s so tight, I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“That’s because none of these dresses have been customized for you. They belonged to Aurelio’s mother.” Estella waves her hand as if whoever thought to have me wear them was an idiot. I couldn’t agree more.

And knowing who they belonged to saddens me. How many people recognized this dress today? How many people questioned my loyalty as they saw me prance around in their former queen’s gown?

“Do not fret, dear. Only the worst of people would assume the worst of you. Besides, Queen Dargiana hardly had the chance to wear these gowns. They were made only right before she passed on. And even if she had and people saw, they would know that their former queen would only want the best for you. She did, after all, die to save you.” Estella pats my hand.

“Thank you,” I whisper, not wanting to think about it.

“Let us go to the dressmaker first. We will get you properly fitted for clothing of your own. After that, we will discuss how to address the people in times of need. I fear keeping the lies straight will get far too complicated the longer they must go on. We need to be ready for that.” She leads the way out of the council room, back through the castle, and out into the sunshine. We walk to the market in silence.

THE SUN HAS
begun to set, and Khende hasn’t returned. I fear he isn’t going to, despite how much I need his help right now. It sounded as if he had good reason to leave—I just wish I knew what that was. Father was always kind and just. What could he have done to hurt Khende so badly?

“Khende!” I call out. “If you’re still nearby and can hear me, please come out. Whatever my father did, I am not him. I do not plan on hurting you or causing you grief. You asked to help me, and I said yes. Please don’t abandon me now!” I hate the despair that washes over me. This will be my second night on the hard ground, away from home, away from Zanta. Already it’s been too long.

The bush in front of me moves and Khende appears, grumbling under his breath. “I’m here, Prince. Now what do you want?” He puts his hands on his hips and stares at me.

“I am the king,” I clarify, but I don’t get a chance to continue speaking.

“See, another issue. Why do I need to know? I don’t care. Is it so important that you be addressed as king, even out here where nothing like that matters, that you would call me back here just to throw that in my face? You’re king? Right now we’re sleeping on the same ground, buddy.” He plops down on the dirt, folding his arms over his chest.

“I clarified not to mock or hurt you, not to prove that I’m better than you, but because you wanted to know who I am. The woman I love is a commoner, a woman who had nothing, comes from nothing. I would gladly give someone in need my bed so they did not have to go through more affliction. I am King Aurelio of Dracameveo, and I care for my people. My father, the man you spoke ill of, died less than a week ago. I am suffering, as anyone would being trapped within only half themselves. I can’t shift back into a human, which is the only reason I’m here. I was told there was a wizard who could fix my problem. If you do not wish to help me, fine. So be it. But do not think that I find myself higher and mightier than you because I am a king. If I were so prideful, so selfish, would I have asked for your assistance?” I wish I didn’t need his help. But I do, and I’m stuck with it.

The satyr scrutinizes me, as if contemplating everything I just told him. “Your father promised me freedom. He said that if I helped him find the wizard, he would speak with King Kryden—the one who banished me—and see about having my sentence reduced. And yet a hundred years have passed and still, here I am, unable to leave this terrible land.”

“Did you ever consider the possibility that my father kept his promise? He may have spoken to the king of Miraunus, but if Kryden said no, there wasn’t anything more he could do.” I can hope that’s what happened. I can’t imagine Father not keeping his promise.

“How would I know? I’m still here. Perhaps he just forgot or couldn’t be bothered to ask.” Khende looks away, still showing temper.

“Help me, Khende. Help me find the wizard, and I will speak with King Kryden. And if the answer is no, I will come back and tell you so you don’t have to wonder.”

“I can show you what I showed your father, and nothing more. The rumors of a wizard here are just that—rumors. There is nothing to prove such a thing. I’ve never seen him, and the only time he’s sought out to my knowledge is when two kings came asking for help finding him. In the morning, I will show you where I took your father. The one place it would make sense for such a person to dwell in a place like this.” With that, he lies down on his back and begins snoring.

“Thank you,” I mutter and lie down as well.

“WAKE UP, DRAGON!”
Khende shouts into my ear.

I force an eye open and see him jumping up and down in front of me just so he can reach the top of my head. “Is it truly morning?” I groan.

“It is. And we’d best be going because there’s a bit of a walk.”

“Could you spot the place we’re looking for from the sky?” I stretch out, forcing myself to get up before I fall asleep again.

“I suppose it would be easy enough.” He shrugs.

“Then we’re not walking.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Khende holds up his hand. “I did not agree to fall to my death. We’re not flying.”

“Either you can climb up on my back and hold on, or I can pick you up in my talons and carry you. I am stuck as a dragon—you had better believe I’m going to use it to its full advantage,” I huff.

“You’ve survived walking this long. What will one more day hurt you?” He begins looking a bit desperate.

“One more day away from the love of my life, another day not getting to marry her, leaving her to help run a kingdom. One more day could change everything. Right now, one more day is a matter of life and death. I must find a way to break this spell. We are flying.” I won’t argue with the creature anymore. If he chooses not to come, I’ll find the one I seek on my own.

“Fine, we’ll fly. I don’t like it. In fact, I hate it, so I hope you appreciate this.” He goes back to mumbling as he climbs up my scales and rests on my neck. It’s a rather odd sensation, and not something I’d like doing ever again.

“I assure you, I am more uncomfortable right now than you are,” I grumble and take flight.

“Go toward the mountains!” he yells over the wind.

I turn and follow his directions. Within an hour, we can make out trees and creatures atop them. “Where to now?” I call to him.

“There.” He points, his hand only barely visible in my peripheral vision.

I look down to see black smoke rising from a stack on the side of a small cottage. I dive down, enjoying terrifying Khende as I go, stopping short and landing perfectly.

Khende gets down, griping, but I ignore him and begin walking to the house, excited for what I may find. “Not so fast there, buddy!” the satyr calls out. I slow to be kind because he did just help me, but I’d much rather be on my way.

He passes me without a word, and I have half a mind to roast him. He’d never see it coming. But I don’t. Instead, I take another step forward.

My paw throbs in pain. I step back and look at the ground to find what caused so much agony. “What’s this?” I nudge the key with my nose. It’s made of thick glass, a skeleton head as the grip, and two teeth on the other end. It’s the length of my smallest talon and must weigh at least a pound.

“What now? I thought you were in a hurry.” Khende comes back and looks down, then picks up the key. “That’s heavy!” he exclaims, almost dropping it.

“Any idea what it opens?” I look around and see nothing like it, nothing it could belong to.

“How would I know?” He shrugs. “But we should keep going. The sooner this is over, the better. I’d like my freedom.” He tosses the key back on the ground.

I use my talons to scoop it up. “Do you have a piece of leather?” I think holding on to it is a good idea. Something like this must be important.

Khende stops once again, grumbling. “Now what would you want leather for?”

“I can’t exactly carry this in my claw and I don’t have pockets.” I drop the key in front of him.

“Lucky for you, I do.” He picks up the key and shoves it into his trouser pocket, though it sticks out, too large to fit.

The smoke we saw from above comes into view, but there’s no building. No cottage, not a house of any kind. All that sits in our path is a door. No walls holding it up, no visible building behind it.

“I think I found what that key belongs to.” Khende hurriedly pulls it back out.

I can’t take my eyes away from the door, staring at every little detail. Frosted glass, a skull in the middle, its mouth a keyhole. I run my claw down it, but it leaves no mark. I push harder, but still, it only makes a terrible noise. My scales stand on end and I take a step back, not ever wanting to hear such a sound again.

“Do you want me to open it?” Khende asks quietly. He has to repeat himself when I can’t hear him, considering our height difference.

“I haven’t decided yet.” I continue analyzing it. Is there a chance this is what my father found in his search for the wizard? What are the odds of this being someone’s front door? Then again, it’s in the forbidden lands. If I were to live here, I would make sure my house was indestructible. However, I would not leave the key out for anyone to find.

“I have to open it. There’s no wizard on this side of the door.” I look down to Khende and try to gauge his reaction.

“Would you like me to come as well?” he asks, trembling as if he hopes I say no.

“You have done your part, and I appreciate your help. I will not ask you to come with me. We don’t know what we’ll find, and frankly, in your position, I wouldn’t want to go in there either.” I look down at the satyr and extend my arm, opening my talons.

He nods and drops the key in my palm. I attempt to use my talons to insert the key. It falls from my grasp with a clink.

“Who am I kidding? You can’t unlock the door. How do I expect you to survive alone?” He smiles, though it is only for show, before picking up the key and sliding it into the door. He turns it, and with a click, the door pops open.

A cold breeze washes over us, and it feels as if I’m frozen. But I shake myself out of it and walk through the opening. There’s only blackness.

The world of color and life disappears behind us as we step into nothingness. I begin shivering, the extreme cold beyond any weather I’ve had to deal with before.

“Any ideas where we are?” I ask Khende, my teeth chattering.

“Somewhere dark and cold,” he responds, shaking just as much as I am.

“Welcome, King Aurelio,” a deep voice says, sounding as if it’s coming from all directions. There is no light, nothing to either side of me that I can feel, only the ground beneath our feet. And no one that I can see—even Khende is invisible to me right now—and a fear like nothing I’ve ever felt grips at me.

I take a step forward, hoping something becomes visible soon. I keep walking, wishing this hadn’t happened. Wanting to be anywhere but here. I take another step and find a glimmer of hope as something white flutters by.

With each step, a little more white appears. First the butterfly, then flowers. An odd light shines down from above, and I can’t help but notice there’s no color. Everything looks dead, yet living. It’s peculiar.

“Welcome to Itrummortui,” the same voice from before announces. “Khende is free to leave or stay. But you, Aurelio—you are not so lucky.”

I turn the bend, following the rotting, blackened trees and plants and come to find a throne of sorts. Sitting in it is a dragon, his cheeks sunken in, his horns jagged. His wings are torn. I look down, and the feeling of despair returns. I, too, appear to be damaged—or at least I am partially that way. The blues of my scales –now jagged and broken- have vanished, replaced with the same black as the dragon before me.

“What is going on?” I open my wings, which are thankfully still intact.

“You have entered the city of the undead.” He answers as if that is no strange reply.

“Why am I here? What is going on? Who are you?” I can’t help the overwhelming number of questions that flood my thoughts.

“Calm down, Aurelio. All your questions will be answered in due time. First, you must listen, for there are rules to this game. And if they are not followed, the consequences are not pretty.” The dragon stands and walks toward me. “First, know that every choice you make from here on out comes with a heavy burden. Second, understand that even if you wish to interrupt, if you think you know the answer, do not speak until asked. Third, you must allow me to tell you everything before making your choice.”