Dragon Born: Book I of the Tendaaren Chronicles
Chapter 10: Euphoria

“I am there waiting, watching keeping to the shadows. But when you need me, I’ll step out of the shadows and protect what’s MINE.“--Jbaby Writes

The small group had been traveling for several days. According to Alyenna’s aching muscles and joints, it was more like months. Her legs vehemently protested the first few days, but now she was becoming numb to the aches and pains of her new world. When they were not riding, they were training. Aly trained with Baellnar and Aagi daily. She had to adapt to different styles and to understand an infinite amount of weapons that could to against her. While they rode Baellnar would point out the local flora and fauna and instruct Aly on what was safe to consume, what was not, and of course the dangers of the more exotic wildlife she had yet to encounter.

Alyenna was never a particularly good listener, so she was only absorbing about half of what he said. The other challenge was not getting lost in the soothing tones of his voice. She tended to daydream and refocus when he would say critical things like “you aren’t listening are you?” She, of course, had a crazy knack for remembering the exact sentence he said before that and repeating it, but he was suspicious none the less of her attention span.

She was a much better student when it came to the physical training. Holding her dragon-wing sword gave her a sense of control in a world that was spinning even more and more out of her control every day. It helped her not focus on her oppressive destiny, and as painful as her stiff muscles were, she relished the pain. It meant that her strength was growing.

For so long she had been weak physically and mentally. Now she had found peace in the rhythmic clashing of weapons. Though she still could not master the bow. She was beginning to develop her fighting style. She was quick and elusive, favoring her ability to fake and distract her opponent out and deliver a mighty blow to unguarded spots.

She was especially good at dodging her opponent. She was nimble and bouncy, and it worked in her favor. She felt sly and cunning like a stoat. Her two trainers exceeded her in size, but they used that as part of her training. They had to show her that size and fortitude was not everything, and that it was possible to use their strength against them.

Aly even bested Baellnar in some of their sessions, and exuberantly gloated each time. This new found mental and physical freedom gave her an overwhelming sense of self and purpose. She could put power behind her jeers at her friends instead of feeling that they were hollow and helpless. She relished this new confidence and knew she would never let it go again.

Sometimes there were breaks in her training, and she would get a peaceful moment to rest. She still had her favorite book with her but reading it seemed redundant now. So it was in those moments of relaxation that Roxanne would take the opportunity to teach her about dragon lore. Which was decidedly much more interesting than learning about plants. She absorbed Roxanne’s stories hungry for the details. They were so much more in-depth and colorful than any book she had ever read. Every once in a while she would react out loud to which her companions would stare at her curiously, and she would shuffle uncomfortably and pointedly ignoring them.

The most fascinating of Roxanne’s stories were the ones about Eleanor, the golden hero, from the books she cherished. Sure Alyenna was in this land 150 years after the fact, but she still loved those stories.

To hear them from the perspective of those who weren’t Eleanor was eye-opening. She would hear about their adventures in the form of ballads, folk songs, stories, poems, and of course prophecies. The breadth of Roxanne’s folklore knowledge was incredible. She said it came from carting Aagi from tavern to tavern. However, Aly knew a bit about dragons and though Roxanne was not a full dragon. As a dragonkin, she still had the same instincts. All dragonkin have a treasure hoard. Each hoard is different sometimes its jewels, sometimes its weaponry, sometimes its lost relics of the sea and even rarer sometimes its knowledge. The latter was Roxanne’s Draken hoard. Aly was sure of it.

None of her companions were forthcoming about their destination. Even when Aly asked Roxanne, she would quickly sidetrack the conversation. Her only clue was the sporadic moments that Baellnar would sit up straight, listen intently, and change their direction. It was strange behavior and one that he was unwilling to explain. For all of his jeering and tomfoolery, he was very reserved when it came to anything personal.

“oi pointy ears!” Aagi shouted at Baellnar as they were reaching the end of their 14th day on the road. Baellnar sighed and looked at his companion patiently waiting for him to explain his outburst.

“it’s been a ’ortnight since we ‘ad a bed an’ a shower. Oi for one am startin’ ta stink sumptin fierce!”

“I second that! Aagi I think not even flies can stand you right now!” Aly smirked at Aagi. The thought of a warm bed and a bath just too enticing to pass up.

Baellnar sat in silence for a while staring at both of them. They happily waited for his response. Aly stuck her tongue out for good measure after several minutes of the staring contest. It took a moment, but Baellnar conceded. He sighed and rolled his eyes dramatically. “Fine there is a town just over this hill we will stop there for the night. It will do the horses some good.”

No kidding you think you’re sore, Philly just imagine how my poor little hooves feel! Sadie kicked her front hoof and shook it for emphasis. Aly chuckled and spoke for Sadie.

“Sadie agrees!” The two men stared at her with that classic ‘you’re bonkers look’. It was in that moment that Alyenna remembered her deliberate negligence in letting them in on her secret. Aly was not comfortable with that ability and was still reluctant to share. She decided now was as good a time as any. Especially considering It hadn’t just been her horse but several animals along the way that had sought her out for conversation. Many were excited that a furless two foot as they called humans could understand them.

She forced the most casual tone she could. “what you can’t?” Aly knew full well the answer would be a resounding ‘no;’ but that did not matter. Alyenna did not have a lot of practice revealing ‘superpowers,’ so she hoped they would forgive her lack of tact.

“No,” Baellnar said simply to her awaiting further explanation. When none came, he forced the conversation. “How long Aly?”

“How long have I been in Tendaara?” She asked.

“A little over two weeks.” He answered her exasperated with her sudden desire to be difficult.

She made a mockery of counting her fingers and then looked up at him smiling.

“Then a little over two weeks.” She spoke in a matter of fact tone. The conversation was uncomfortable and forced her into a state of disquietude.

“Why have you been hiding this Aly we are your friends.” his voice was a gentle whisper.

Aly cursed him for the ease in which he could read her. Alyenna did her best to deflect the conversation through humor, which was her instinct in all matter of disagreeable situations. She batted her eyes in exaggerated flirtation. “Well, darling how else would I keep our relationship fresh? It’s the little secrets that keep me interesting!”

Aagi guffawed, it was an infectious deep belly laugh that broke up the moment. As it turns out Alyenna did not need humor, she just needed Aagi. “Break it up will ya? I ‘ave beer ta drink an’ women ta woo.”

Baellnar sighed and stared meaningfully at Alyenna for a long moment then turned his horse towards the town.

About an hour later they arrived at the ‘town.’ Which was a strong word for an inn, a couple of small homes, and a general store? All the same, it was more civilization than Aly had seen in weeks so to her road worn soul it could have been New York City. A dusty road ran through the center of ‘town,’ and a sun-worn sign swung in the wind and read “Hatchville welcomes you.”

They led their mounts to the barn next to the inn paid the stableboy and then headed inside. The tavern portion of the inn was already full of weary travelers and bored townsfolk. Hatchville was obviously used to travelers so no one, so much as looked up as they walked into the room. Baellnar approached the innkeeper who was polishing glasses at the bar and began bargaining for their rooms. Meanwhile, Aagi made himself comfortable at a table by the fireplace and set about getting the barmaid’s attention. Aly joined him and began to absorb the ambiance of the inn.

It was well cared for but worn down. The furniture all had knicks and scratches from day to day use and in several bar brawls. The air was heavy with the stench of sweat from the local workers and dust from the travelers. Overlaying that was the most enticing smell that seemed to be getting stronger by the second.

Her stomach rumbled in protest, just as three bowls of stew, a basket of oven-fresh bread, and three tin mugs of ale were plunked down on their table. Aly immediately grabbed a fresh roll and began digging into her dinner. Aagi downed his tankard right away, his eyes twinkling and held up his mug for a refill. The barmaid happily obliged and he leaned back in his chair pure bliss scrawled across his face. Baellnar stoic as ever careful and politely sipped his beverage and stew.

Aagi was not satisfied with Baellnar’s proprietary behavior, “Quit being’ such a ninny, an’ drink!”

Baellnar chuckled, “Alright old friend how about a game of kings.”

Aagi lit up like a kid on Christmas morning, “We need all the beer!” He announced to the room. The waitress slammed several more mugs on the table, and Aagi cheered as she disappeared into the throngs of drunken miscreants.

Aly felt a gentle pull on her heart as the night wore on. Somehow these two endearing buffoons had weaseled their way into her heart. Even her mind had come to terms with acceptance of them into her life. Her soul had been desperate for friends, and Tendaara had provided them. They had rescued her, had guided her, and had refilled her confidence. These two charming clowns had shown her that there was a world beyond Paul and that there were people who cared about not only her existence but also her well-being.

Several drinks in Aagi had become distracted by a curvey red-headed barmaid, and she with him. Alyenna could tell, that even though the coin in his pocket drove her interest, she did enjoy the humorous nature of Aagi’s flirtation. Alyenna swayed under the power of the ale and smiled at the pair. She had become so enthralled in her private reverie that she almost missed Baellnar’s quiet departure. She could not let him leave her behind, and a small voice in the back of her mind pushed her to pursue him.

She stumbled outside to replace him grooming Aria and crooning to her in a gentle song. The words were oddly familiar to Alyenna despite the fact that she could not understand the language in which he sang. The beautiful chestnut mare nodded and butted him with affection as he worked to show her appreciation. Aly watched as she leaned on a wooden post for support. She too enjoyed the effect of his song.

“What is she thinking Aly.” His gentle voice broke her hazy reverie. Her heart raced, his voice had always been intoxicating. There was something about the soft moonlight and joy of the evening that amplified its effect. A warm western wind kissed her neck and pushed her toward him. His eyes bore into her soul, those two beautiful sapphire orbs that twinkled with depth and mystery. Allured by his gaze, she took an instinctual step forward.

Alyenna was inches from him now, and in her inebriation, it was almost impossible for her to focus on the conversation. through her words, she said, “Only that she loves you.”

Aria whinnied and threw her head in agreement but looked directly at Aly. Nice cover little one, Alyenna felt herself blush, though she knew not why, as she rubbed Aria’s forehead. She tore her eyes away from Baellnar and forced her focus to remain on the mare.

“of all the magical gifts in Tendaara, yours is the one I would have wanted most,” he said continuing his gentle ministrations. “But why did you hide it, Aly?” There was a deep pain in his voice as he asked the question.

“Honestly I do not know” She felt ashamed of her secrecy, but because of her past, it was an impossible habit to break. She had wronged him with her secret. She felt her words tremble as they left her lips, “I have had to protect myself for years.” She gazed at the moon unwilling to meet his eyes, “I guess it was a habit.

An expression of understanding and sympathy crossed Baellnar’s face. “I am sorry for what he did to you, Aly. I cannot imagine why he would do such things to you and I am sorry I could never stop it.” The pain in his eyes was transparent, but she had no idea why.

“How could you?” She soothed, “you were on the other side of the portal. As much as I would have loved to have met you earlier.” She paused as she took a step closer to him. “My time in that world in a strange way has made me stronger. I had to discover courage through doing the impossible; it was me who had to take a leap of faith. I would never have believed in my inner strength if someone had swooped in before I had the chance to try. I had to rescue myself.”

Her words proved to her that the monster in the night that had held her captive for, she did not know how long, was a distant memory. Paul was back in a forgotten land which she did not intend to return. Aly was unaffected by the loss of phones or electricity, she had her freedom.

“It does not matter anymore. I have you now,” Aly spoke in, what she hoped, was a faint whisper.

The wind at her back pushed her closer to him. His hand lightly cupped her cheek raising her face to his. “I would never hurt you, Aly.” His eyes met her for an infinite moment. Her heart fluttered in her chest. Aly felt her the heat of her blood as it coursed through her veins, and her skin tingled under his touch.

Baellnar retracted his hand; his eyes were wide with fear. He cupped his hand to his ear and stuttered, “I have to go.” With that, he darted off into the evening mist leaving her behind, bereft.

Aly was overwhelmed by her a tumultuous sea of emotions, so she fell into an old habit, she ran away into the dark woods that surrounded the town. As she slipped into the welcome shadows of the trees, she slowed her stride and proceeded to kick stones and mutter to herself in frustration.

Dark eyes shadowed by loose ebony hair watched her from between the shadows.