A Dragon Born (26 page)

Ariana rode in through the open gate and into a clear yard just inside that was lined with Kandaran soldiers. When she saw Duke Boric, she dismounted her horse and went to him and the big man scooped her up in an unexpected bear hug. As quick as lightning, Keira, had her sword drawn and was moving toward the Duke, but she stopped when she heard his bellowing voice laughing heartily as he put Ariana down. The Kandaran soldiers barely had time to touch the hilts of their own swords before Keira had already slid her blade back in its scabbard.

"Your friend is a might touchy," Boric said, eyeing the masked elf, who was barely a sword's length away. "I see you've taken to wearing an elven mask."

"Well, my mother was an elven princess," Ariana said with a smile.

"Yes she was," Boric said. "You do look very much like her, though I have always thought you have your father's eyes and it's good to see them again. It is good to see you again, Ariana."

"Thank you, Boric," Ariana said then she turned to look at the elves who had accompanied her. "This is Keira. She is a member of the Queen's Guard and a Ranger." Ariana pointed to the rest of the elves. "That is Quenta, the Prince of Solari and second seat of the Elven Court. We have brought several hundred elven warriors to help defend Kandara."

"Well, I don't know if a few hundred will tip the balance, but something is going on with a bunch of the soldiers outside the wall. It looks almost as though they might be switching sides." Boric said.

"The Maramyrians loyal to Ariana have elected to defend this city," Quenta said as he walked up to Boric and Ariana. He inclined his head for a moment then stared at Boric from behind his mask. "Greetings from Elvanar, Duke Boric Akandar."

"Quenta Solari," Boric said. "You are Laurana's son, if I am not mistaken."

"That I am."

"A wonderful woman and a capable Queen, she is," Boric said. "Welcome to Kandara. We are glad you answered our call for aid. Some no longer hold to the old ways, and it is good to see the elves still honor the treaties."

"We have come as called," Quenta said with a nod.

"Borrican!" Ariana exclaimed and ran toward the Kandaran prince.

"Ariana," Borrican said. "I am so glad to see you. I could barely believe my eyes." Even though he had caught a glimpse of Ariana when she rode up to the city wall, he was surprised at how different she was from when he had last seen her. She looked stronger, more vibrant and, even though she wore an elven mask on the side of her face, the part that smiled at him was even more beautiful than he had remembered.

Ariana embraced Borrican in a tight hug, forgetting their past antagonisms, for she was glad to see her friend. When he put his arms around her to return her embrace, Ariana felt the firm muscle in his arms and back and she looked up at his face and saw not the boy prince she remembered, but a man with a serious look about him. It caught her off guard how close they were and she stepped back, though one of her hands could not help but linger on his arm for a moment longer.

One of the Kandaran guards called from the open gate, interrupting their reunion.

"Duke Boric, two Maramyrians approach the gate."

"Let them through," Boric called. A few moments later, Nathas and Kaleb appeared. "Nathas, Kaleb," Boric said. "I wondered why the two of you were acting so strangely when we met on the field."

"We did not yet know, Boric," Kaleb said. "We only suspected."

"I have known for some time, Duke Boric, but without proof, there was little I could do," Nathas said then he turned to Ariana. "Highness, I am sorry that I failed you at Rivergate. I had my people searching for days."

"You were looking for me?"

"After a manner," Nathas told her. "The soldiers thought they were looking for Aaron, but I sent them out hoping they would find you instead."

"Where is Aaron?" she asked.

"He went south, with that girl, Carly," Nathas told her.

"Aaron lives?" Borrican asked, relieved to hear word of his friend.

"As far as I know, he is in the southlands, keeping clear of Cerric," Nathas said.

"I'm glad he is safe," Ariana said. "It was so unfair that he became involved in everything. I hope after all of this is over, I can apologize to him for all the trouble I caused. But for now, on behalf of the kingdom of Maramyr, I apologize to everyone here, every Kandaran who as lost their home and been forced to take refuge inside these walls. My uncle has stolen my crown, usurped the throne that is rightfully mine and set our two countries on the path to war." She turned to Borrican. "I must speak with your father, the King and address the Royal Court."

"We'll take you to see the king, but as for the court, you're looking at it," Boric said, clapping his big hand on Borrican's shoulder.

"Your highness," Kaleb said. "It would be better if you were to remain within the walls. Duke Boric, I assume you are in charge of Kandara's defenses. We are at your command. Our people went to war over the lie that the princess was killed. Now that she is returned, they are as determined to protect her as they are to right the wrong that has been done in her name."

"Borrican," Boric said. "Please conduct Princess Ariana to your brother and father, then return to me here. We've got a battle to fight and I have a feeling it will begin very soon." He turned to the Elven Prince. "Prince Quenta, are you and the Elven Guard here to guard the Princess or can we count on you in the battle?"

"Princess Ariana is more than capable of defending herself," Quenta said with a nod to Ariana, "And she has her Queen's Guard. The rest of us are here to assist you in this battle."

"I hope you are up for a challenge," Boric said.

"I have never turned away from one," Quenta told him.

"Have you heard of the Darga?"

"Unfortunately, yes, though I have not yet fought them."

"I have," Boric said. "They are very strong, fast and they have tough skin patched with iron hard scales. They might prove a challenge, even for the members of the Elven Guard."

"We will see about that," Quenta said.

"I certainly hope so," Boric replied with as mile.

"Duke Boric, the enemy army is moving," Margo called down from atop the wall.

"Which army are you talking about?" Boric asked. "The one just outside the walls have changed sides."

"The other one, the main army beyond," she said. "The Darga are falling back to join them.

"Nathas, Kaleb, Quenta," Boric said to the three commanders. "We have much to discuss and very little time. The battle will soon be upon us."

Ariana and Borrican made their way through the city to the palace, where they encountered Borrican's older brother, Elric, who had just been told of the developments at the city walls and was just about to head down to the gates.

"Queen Ariana, " Elric said, using her formal title and bowing his head for a moment. "We are very glad you have come to Kandara."

"King Elric," Ariana said, using his title as the acting monarch, which Borrican had explained to her on the way to the palace. "I had hoped to address both you and your father, to express my apology on behalf of Maramyr. No doubt you have been told that soldiers loyal to me now defend Kandara from those of my uncle."

"Yes," Elric said. "I just received word of this, thus my gratitude for your timely arrival. I understand that you have brought a contingent of the Elven Guard as well. Let us hope that they are as capable in battle as the legends say, for Cerric has many mages and with the Xallan Queen, brings many more soldiers and these Darga creatures."

"The elves are dedicated fighters," Ariana told him. Elric nodded then he looked to his brother.

"Borrican, father is in the court if you wish to see him, but I do not recommend it. He is in one of his intemperate moods."

"Thanks for warning me, brother," Borrican said.

"If you will excuse me, I must see to the people," Elric said. "No doubt they will be heartened by this latest turn of events."

"Your highness," Ariana said with a nod as Elric left them. She turned to Borrican. "I do not know your brother, but he seems upset or taken by melancholy."

"Elric has been that way since our mother died," Borrican said. "He does his best to hide it and put on a good face when he is at court, but he is like a walking ghost. I should warn you, my father the old king, suffers for the same reason but his moods are more volatile. Elric did not say as much, but I suspect that our father may have given him some trouble."

"I did not know of the difficulties with your family," Ariana said.

"The House of Akandra has had a long history of broken hearts," Borrican said. "We do not recover well from the loss of those we love and seldom remarry."

"The nobles of Kandara do not marry lightly then," Ariana commented.

"No," Borrican said. "We do not. I think that is why my uncle has never taken a wife."

"Forgive me, Borrican," Ariana said. "I mean no insult, but I find it sad that your uncle would forsake love for fear of a broken heart."

"Perhaps it is, but he would call it a practical decision. He is fond of saying that love is for the lucky, and he has never won a toss of the dice."

"If one never tosses the dice, then one has no chance at winning," Ariana pointed out.

"Or losing," Borrican said. "Come, let us visit my father."

They pushed open the great doors to the court and saw the old king Eric sitting on his throne.

"I told you to keep out and stay off my throne, coward!" he shouted. Ariana threw a questioning glance at Borrican, and he seemed a little upset by what his father had said, so she decided to let it go. Eric squinted at them as they walked toward him and his eyes brightened. "Ah, Borrican! I mistook you for your brother. Now who's this you've brought to see me?"

Eric rose from the throne and walked toward them. Ariana was surprised at how old the king looked, though she was curious at how tall he seemed, even though he stood no greater in height than Borrican.

"Father, I present to you Queen Ariana of Maramyr, Princess of House Coromyr and Princess of House Solari of Elvanar."

Eric sniffed at her. "I thought I smelled the blood of an elf. It's been a long time since I've had the pleasure. Fresh as a summer breeze you are. What's that on your face, girl?"

"It is an Elven mask, King Eric," Ariana said. "I have come with the Elven Guard to help defend Kandara against its enemies."

"Bah, your own armies are the enemy," he scoffed.

"My uncle, Cerric has usurped my throne, King Eric," Ariana told him and the wizened old king stared at her for a moment.

"That I understand," Eric said, then he leaned in to her and spoke in a low voice that was almost a whisper. "Truth be told, my other son, Elric seems to have usurped mine. He thinks I'm unfit to govern and my brother Boric speaks to me like I'm a child as though I couldn't beat him proper, which I'm of a mind to doing. Perhaps I should thrash them both. That might scare some respect into young Elric and wake him up. You might want to think about giving Cerric a smack. That might smarten him up as well."

"I certainly hope for the opportunity," Ariana said. "Unfortunately there is an army in the way, preventing me from doing so, for the moment."

"Young lady, it is irritating trying to talk to you while looking at that mask on your face," Eric said. "Either be an Elven Princess or be a Maramyrian Queen."

"I am both," Ariana said, then she sighed, realizing that she was going to have to take off her mask at some point. "Out of respect for you, I will honor your request, King Eric, though I would rather not."

Ariana took off her mask and the old king stared at her for a moment then he stepped close to her and stared closely at the scars on her face. It was awkward and a little uncomfortable for the old man to be so close, especially because she could hear him sniffing at her. Borrican, who stood to her right, could not yet see what his father was looking at, so he found Eric's behaviour even stranger.

"I smell the trees, a drop of water, the hardness of stone, the earthy loam, the breeze and the wind," the king said, sniffing her even more. "You have tasted fire."

"Yes," Ariana told him, not sure about the rest of what he had said, but acknowledging the scars on her face. "I was injured when my uncle's men tried to kill me."

"You've a little fire in you but not nearly enough," Eric said, still sniffing at her then he glanced at Borrican. "That won't do. It won't do at all."

"If you mean my magic," Ariana said. "I can make fire like most mages, but it is not one of my strengths. My family has had bad luck with fire." Eric sniffed her again.

"You have the sight, likely a gift from your mother," Eric said. "Your father had such gifts as well, but he did not pursue them and that was his folly."

"You knew my parents?"

"Of course," Eric told her, standing up straight and proud. "I am the King of Kandara, Eric Akandar of the House Akandra. King Gregor and Queen Aria were guests here at my palace as I was at theirs. It was a different time then, mind you I was against their marriage at first, but you are an interesting creature and perhaps that is the way of things now."

"I don't really understand," Ariana told him, "but I am pleased to know that you were fond of my parents."

"Oh yes. They were a lovely pair. Lovely. They were dear friends with my wife," Eric said and his eyes took on a faraway look for a moment, then his attention returned and he looked at Ariana with a fierce look, like that of a predator defending its young. "I will give you a gift. That will help you. Yes, that is what I will do. Would you like me to give you a gift?"

"A gift?"

"Yes, it is a secret gift," he said. "Borrican could give you the gift, but he doesn't know how yet, though he will learn it soon enough. His foolish brother may learn it someday if he ever gets his fire back. It is the gift of fire. Would you like the gift of fire?"

"Father," Borrican said, starting to feel uncomfortable at his father's strange talk. "I think Ariana must be tired from her journey. She insisted on coming to see you, out of respect. Perhaps we should allow her some time to refresh herself."

"Borrican," Eric said, his voice suddenly stern and powerful. Ariana was shocked when the old king's hand shot toward her and grasped her chin, then turned her face toward the prince. The old king's fingers were unyielding like iron but he was gentle as he moved her face. "Look at what has been done to this lovely girl."

Borrican looked at Ariana and saw the other side of her face that had been covered by the mask. He was shocked when he saw the harsh ridges and dark red lines that streaked her face from her cheekbone down to her jaw.

"If you love this girl, you will give her the secret of fire, Borrican," Eric told his son, then he released Ariana's chin and laughed. "But I forget, you are younger even than your brother. You do not even know the fire, though it burns within you."

"Father, I do not know what you are talking about," Borrican said then he turned to Ariana. "I am very sorry about what happened to you and I wish I could have lent my sword to defend you. Cerric has much to answer for."

"That he does," Ariana said.

"Children," Eric said. "You look so grown, but you are still so young, so very young. An old man forgets. First thing is first, young lady. I will give you the secret, if you promise not to tell anyone I have given it to you, except Borrican. Perhaps you can help him find his true fire."

Ariana was not quite sure what secret the old king was referring to, but she wondered if it had to do with fire magic.

"Is it magic?" Ariana asked.

"Of sorts," Elric said. "I must touch your power, to a place deep within you, and I would only do such a thing with your permission."

Ariana hesitated for a moment. Something about the old king made her think of a kind old grandfather, but from one moment to the next, she almost feared him. She could sense a king of power in him, but it was strange to her and not like the magic she knew, though something about it reminded her of the elves and the way she could talk to the trees. Even though the old king was unpredictable and she could see why Eric's sons and brother had taken over ruling the kingdom, she still felt as though she could trust him.

"You may," Ariana told him.

Eric's hand moved so quickly it was a blur as it came to rest on her scarred cheek. Ariana almost flinched but there was no impact despite how fast he had moved and she wondered at the level of precision and control he must have despite his erratic behavior. A moment after the old king touched her, Ariana felt a strange sensation in her cheek and she began to see strange visions appearing in her thoughts.

"Father," Borrican said with a note of urgency in his voice when he saw Ariana's eyes widen. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing harmful, Borrican," Eric said. "I am protecting her."

"How can you protect her?"

"You will understand, my boy. There is much fire in her life and more in her future. That much is plain, and I would not see the young lady harmed," Eric said then he removed his hand. "Ariana understands now, don't you?"

Ariana reached up and touched her face, where the king's hand had been. Her scars were still there, but they no longer hurt and her whole body felt different, stronger than it was. More surprising, was the knowledge Eric had given her, and she wondered why he had chosen to trust her with so much.

"Thank you, King Eric," she said.

"Try your fire magic now," he said, clapping his hands, his kingly demeanor gone and seeming almost like an ancient child.

"You want me to use mage fire in the royal court?" Ariana asked. She had grown accustomed to not using her fire at all, throughout her time in Elvanar, but even before, she knew how volatile and uncontrollable even small amounts of fire magic could be. The king shook his head.

"Do not be afraid," he said. "The castle cannot be burned, and neither can you. Never again will fire hurt you. That is my gift to you and your mate. Please, show me some fire. Mage fire is always so amusing. Let me see it."

Ariana was not sure what Eric had meant about her mate, though she wondered if the old king had some idea about her and Borrican. It did not surprise her that Eric might think of her in such away, given how hard Borrican's uncle had tried to arrange things between them while at Maramyr. Either way, the old king seemed intent on seeing her use her mage fire and, considering what she had just learned from him, Ariana thought it would not hurt to indulge the old man a little. She reached out with her will and gathered her power of fire and focused it into flames that danced just beyond the tips of her fingers. She was amazed at how easily it came to her and how the flames no longer seemed like they might burn her or escape from her grasp.

"Ha ha!" the old king laughed, excited. "Your flames are pretty, just like you are, young lady. Can you make them bigger?"

Ariana nodded and she drew a little more of her power, increasing the size of the fire in her hand to that of large blaze. Strangely, she could feel the warmth of it, but unlike the times in the past when she had used fire magic or been near a fire that was burning, she no longer feared being burned by it.

"Do you see?" Eric asked. "Can you feel it now? It is part of you and it cannot hurt you."

"I understand," Ariana said in wonderment.

"Throw the fire in the hearth. I will show you a trick."

"Father," Borrican said, his voice a little more urgent. "I think we have had enough entertainment. In case you haven't noticed, there is a war outside."

"Borrican," Eric said, fixing his younger son with a stern look that betrayed none of his madness, the look of a powerful king who was in full control of himself, the look of a father, who would brook no nonsense from a child. "I do this for you and for the girl. You may not understand this, but you will, when you have real fire in your belly. Now be quiet and pay attention and perhaps you will learn something." Eric smiled again and turned to Ariana. "The hearth can handle a little patch of flame like that, just toss it in there. My old bones ache, so it will be nice to have the warmth."