Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)
Finding Questions, No Answers

Nurra led the way through the darkening roads. He could smell out where the man had gone. Kiaran’s fingers touched the cool glass shard in her pocket as they followed the little dragon.

Her sword hung from her belt, the cloak hiding most of it away. Davin walked at her side, his shoulders squared off and his back erect. Although he was dressed in old, worn clothes, his very air shouted that of nobility. Royalty.

She glanced to him anxiously, her stomach flipping each time she thought of his journal. The things he wrote about the woman he loved...It made her skin hot just thinking about it.

The prism in her pocket seemed to spark against her fingers, dragging her mind back to the present.

Kiaran did not like the secretive, uncanny ways of magic. Would have been much simpler and easier if the man had told her directly what he wanted.

They moved down a dark alleyway, the road narrow and damp. At the end was a small, one room hut, looking out of place. Everything was built well, decorated, and cleaned for the festivities. However, this hut was old and poor and wedged between the back end of two buildings. Rather than a door, the entrance had a heavy blanket of dried plants nailed over it.

They paused, glancing to one another and to the small hut. Nurra purred curiously and zipped into the hut. Shortly after, the dangling plants were yanked aside to reveal a young girl, possibly about Ryker’s age.

She dressed in old clothes, though they were cleaned and hemmed nicely. Her wild hair was pulled back, tied loosely at the base of her neck. A silver chain hung from around her neck, holding an oddly shaped charm of ivory, a bird's claw and feather, and a sprig of sage.

With black painted nails, she gently scratched at her wrist, as if a nervous tick without an itch. Her eyes had the most vibrant of colors, seeming to shimmer endlessly. She blinked at them; even such a simple gesture caused Kiaran to grow numb.

She smiled widely, revealing remarkably white teeth. With inhuman eyes, she gazed at them. “You came,” she said with an odd accent. “Come, come in.” She stepped backwards, allowing them inside.

Hesitantly, they obliged. Davin allowed Kiaran to enter first. As they walked inside, they were hit with a wall of scent, the plants brushing their shoulders as they went. It smelled strongly of herbs and plants and soil.

Inside, plants were drying along the ceiling of the hut, hanging upside down. A few potted plants grew near the window in the corner, though Kiaran couldn’t recognize what they were.

In the floor were a few woven mats to sit on, each with a heavy, colorful blanket. The girl sat on one, two others across from her, as if she had readied for them. Holding her little hands out, she said, “Please, sit, sit.”

They sat beside one another and Nurra chirped at the strange girl. She chuckled at him and spoke in an odd language toward him. “An odd companion in Trindal,” she said. Kiaran nodded. “I am Harlin.” Davin nearly paled as the girl spoke, recognizing her voice.

“Kiaran,” she replied.

“I know,” she shrugged a shoulder. “And Davin as well,” her eyes flickered to him for a short moment. She tried her best to contain a chuckle, though it was obviously noted. Something was amusing to her, though she wouldn’t tell them what. “I’ve waited for you to arrive. You have questions, no?”

“We do,” Davin nodded.

“Ask.”

He looked to Kiaran who seemed to have the first question lined up. “Who is Sterjia?”

It seemed to grow deadly silent, the girl’s brows arching. Her lips curled as she said, “Surprising question. I may see things...know things, but...” Kiaran waited, growing impatient for an answer. “I cannot answer that. Ask another.”

“What do you mean you can’t answer?” she grunted.

Davin tapped Kiaran’s knee and intervened. “What can you tell us about Sterjia?”

“Specifics?”

Kiaran’s brows drew flat and she said, “If you are a soothsayer, you should know what we want to know.”

“I only catch things in pieces. I do not know your thoughts,” she scoffed. “I am still young at this, Drakeling.”

Kiaran huffed and Davin said, “We did not mean to be rude.”

“I know,” she smiled again. “You want to know some details? I will tell you...I like the two of you...my favorite future tale.” Her grin was momentarily interrupted by a forced, if not fake, frown. "If not a bit tragic." They both eyed her uneasily, color draining from their cheeks. "But who doesn't love a good tragedy?" She ended with her broad, unnatural smile.

“Long ago," Harlin began, her bright eyes casting them excited looks, "there was a young girl--a girl of magic--held captive by an evil man. Held captive as if a songbird. And he was a king, no less. He was sexually evil and abused her until he got what he wanted from her. When she was cast aside, she was able to escape.

“Upon her escape, she found her way into a country drowning in its own blood. She rose to the throne and took over. However, though she had survived and became a queen herself, she was still angered by the king’s vulgar crimes. Changing her name, she gifted the king something of peace. A symbol to show her ‘good nature.’ A throne, made of ivory and black marble.

“Little did the king know that he was cursed. Cursed with that impressive gift. A curse of desire. Whatever desire the king of that land had would soon take over until nothing else was known. He’d forget to eat, forget to take care of himself. Ultimately, his desire would kill him.”

Harlin ran her fingers up and down her forearm oddly, tapping quickly along her pale skin. “That curse had sunken into the land. Though the throne could be crushed, burnt, destroyed of any nature, it would do no good. The land of Rishana is corrupt. Cursed. Gone to desires and madness.”

“Rishana?” Davin asked lowly.

“Oops,” she grinned slyly, shrugging a shoulder, “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that.”

Harlin's eyes shot aside as the blanket of herbs gently moved. The handsome man from the tavern stepped inside. He locked eyes with the girl and then glanced to Kiaran and Davin. “Arrall,” she smiled. “Our company,” she held a hand toward them.

He smiled, nodding at them and silently moved to Harlin's side. He sat on the dirt floor beside her and suddenly appeared to be a dog. He was a large beast covered in silver fur with black along his back and tail. It was a beautiful creature, his stunning blue eyes glued on Kiaran. She stared in shock, Davin also taken.

“He is my familiar,” she sighed. “Impressive, no?”

“He is,” Davin nodded.

“Sterjia, she is the one to curse Rishana?” Kiaran brought them back on track. “We already had this in mind. Can you tell us anything of use?” They faced her and Harlin simply grinned. “And the curse has leaked into the land? I am assuming that means whoever leads will be led by desires?”

“Indeed.”

“Rishana is forever doomed?”

“It is,” Harlin nodded once more.

Kiaran pondered, her eyes slowly shifting to Davin who watched hopelessly. “So, it would be best for one to rule with only the most righteous of desires?” she finally asked. If he had a good heart, perhaps he wouldn’t destroy an entire empire as the Murdocks had.

She was silent for a long while, considering the question. “That is difficult to answer...But it is better for this man to lead than any of the others,” Harlin answered, her gaze shifting to Davin.

“Is there no way to end it?” Davin asked, his deep voice warm, though uneasy.

“...There is,” she answered softly. “Though it is near impossible. It may...It,” she stopped herself and muttered in that other language. “I cannot tell you...But I can tell you that the only way to stop that curse is through Sterjia. And I believe she will not end it on her own accord. A death will be needed. Her blood for your country, King Davin Holloway of Rishana.”

“You warned me...You told me about the curse,” Davin whispered, his eyes glued to her.

She held a sly, proud smile. “I did,” she said in a childish, flamboyant voice. “I knew it’d get this kicked into gear.”

“What?” Kiaran asked in confusion.

After a long, uncomfortable silence, Davin asked, “Is there anything else we must know?”

“Avestitia is just as doomed,” she sighed softly. Kiaran’s eyes shot at her, like sharp blades. “Everywhere is doomed so long as Sterjia is alive. Brinn has been touched, Trindal is feeling forced to abide her laws, and the dragons...” Her colorful eyes moved to Nurra as he climbed to Kiaran. “They are especially in the danger. You see...they are immune to most magic. Yet, they are the most magical creatures.”

Kiaran’s brow lowered at the contradictory. Harlin chuckled, saying, “It makes no sense, I know. But nothing of magic does.” She adjusted herself, crossing her feet ahead of herself. “Drakes and Drakelings are the most powerful magic users. You, Queen Kiaran...you use magic without knowing it. That is impressive.”

“Magic?” she asked. “How so?”

“When you travel as your dragon, Kriettor?” she answered, “That is one instance. Have you ever noticed, dear Queen...you are faster, stronger, smarter, and heal much more quickly than most people you’ve met?”

“I’m not,” she disagreed slowly. She was not any better than others she had met. On the contrary, she couldn't think much less of herself. She always had room to improve.

“Perhaps, but you excel much more quickly than others. That is due to a bit of natural magics, enhancing yourself to ensure your survival.” Her smile slowly faded away, her eyes still glistening with wonder and filling with sorrow as she watched Kiaran. “You have had a sad life, Kiaran.”

“It is improving,” she tried to toss the comment aside.

“So you say,” she sighed. The dog companion lied on his side, watching everyone silently. “That is all the information I have for you.”

“Thank you,” Davin nodded as he began to stand.

“Wait,” Kiaran said. “If Davin is not leading Rishana, is the curse still in effect on him?”

“Once he is free of the burden of leading, he is free of the curse,” she answered.

“What if it is a group of people, leading in his absence?”

She smiled and hummed as she pondered. “That is a curious question,” she breathed. “I assume they will all be affected.” Her eyes dug into Kiaran and she spoke in Draken so Davin could not understand, “Do not make the decision to take him from the throne to save him. For Rishana will be cursed beyond Davin. You may save him, but you will lose all the people of that land.”

Also in Draken, Kiaran asked, “If I do not take him from the throne, what will happen to him?”

“He will lead the country in corruption, but unlike the others,” she said with an unnaturally charming smile.

“How do you know Draken?” she asked softly.

“I do not,” she chuckled.

“But you are speaking in...”

She winked and said, “I...have been known to tell a lie here and there.”

“Have you lied to us tonight?”

She hummed, rubbing her palms together. “No.” She paused, holding up a finger. “Well, yes. You aren’t my favorite story...I have a few more, but they won’t happen for a few more years.”

Kiaran watched the girl in awe. She was so young, yet spoke like an adult and in such a confusing manner. The girl’s shimmering eyes seemed to change colors. At one moment, they looked green, but as the light shifted, they turned blue and then highlights of gold seemed to shimmer.

The girl crossed her legs and folded her arms over her chest. “Perhaps it is time that you leave,” she suggested. “I have nothing else worthy to note.”

Davin lowered his head respectfully and Kiaran thanked her as they stood.

“Ah lun, ki ah hirth min,” Harlin smiled.

“In ah timnani, ki ahna hirth krinnono,” Kiaran replied, still surprised. It seemed more than just a language if she knew the Draken goodbye.

Nurra followed after them as they left the small hut. He climbed up Kiaran’s back and nestled across the back of her shoulders. The streets were still busy as the moon took the sky. Kiaran pulled her hood up to hide the dragon from the onlookers.

Rather than rushing people and busy markets, the streets were crowded with distilled individuals. They were all standing still, waiting excitedly with their eyes on the streets which were lit up with lanterns and candles.

“It seems the festivities are just beginning,” Davin said. Kiaran nodded, her eyes moving over the sea of families. For the first time in her life she was homesick. The excitement of shows and music and festivities all were very much like Vintar. Davin looked to her and asked, “Do you want to watch?”

She shifted her eyes to him and thought for a moment. Shrugging, she said, “Sure.” He took a step to try and shift through the crowd, but she tugged on his wrist. He looked back at her curiously, then followed her down a narrow, vacant road.

There was a rickety, old latter attached the the side of one of the buildings. She began to climb up and Davin asked, “Do you believe that ladder is safe?”

“We’ve gone against worse,” she replied. He shrugged in agreement and followed her up.

Halfway up, she stuck her hand in a spiderweb and she ripped her hand back. The large, brown spider kicked its legs angrily at her. She grimaced a bit at it, but continued.

Davin was beneath her, and found the spider next. He let out a short shout. Punching the ladder, he made it shift to Kiaran’s displeasure. She wrapped her arms around it and looked down at him.

“It was a damn spider,” he grunted. “If I didn’t know any better, you had left it for me.”

She laughed. It was such a strong laugh she had to hold onto the ladder with both arms. “You are afraid of a little spider?” she cackled. “Oh my, I’ll make sure to leave future spiders to your fury, Davin.” She laughed even harder.

“Just go,” he grumbled.

“Aye,” she cleared her throat as she moved up.

He grumbled as he pulled himself onto the shingles, shaking his head. He winced a bit, putting some weight on his right arm. Kiaran’s smile weakened, but Davin was right back to normal as he stood. “Walking a dangerous path, Miss Krutia,” he said.

“Yes,” she nodded. “I was born for that.”

They sat together on the top of the pointed roof that overlooked a good portion of the road. The people’s faces were lit up in amber light, young faces and old, bearded and smooth. The cold air was rather pleasing compared to the summer’s previous heat. She pulled her hood down so Nurra could watch as well.

“Did Torin tell you about his wife?” Kiaran asked. He faced her curiously and she said, “He is about to have a child of his own.”

He nodded with a small smile. “I’ve never thought of him as being a father,” he snickered. “Not that he would be a bad one.”

Music began to play into the night air as the crowd grew excited. The words that the little girl had said made Kiaran uneasy. She glanced over at Davin as he watched the street fill with performers.

“Davin...” He faced her and her stomach grew a bit weak. “Are you going back to Rishana?”

His brow lowered a bit, unsure of the answer. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Why?”

“Your country needs you,” she said. “As Harlin said, you are best fit to rule because you do not have corrupt wants.”

He frowned, facing forward again. She had no idea what he had been battling. “You assume that I do not have some dark desires that might take over?” His answer was unsettling, her eyes digging into him. “I do not want blood on my hands.”

“Harlin also said something,” Kiaran pressed. “She told me that if I keep you from Rishana it would kill them. Your people.”

“You will not keep me from Rishana, I will do that on my own,” he answered.

“But is it not more dangerous for Walter to take over?”

“I do not know what is in his heart,” he said.

Kiaran studied his eyes, the frown on his lips. He seemed scared, and that was not like him. He ran a hand over his head and down the back of his neck. “Are you alright?”

“Tired,” he nodded with a sigh.

“Let us go back, then,” she stood, dusting herself off. He slowly stood beside her, allowing the distance to be minimal between them.

“Of all the people,” he shook his head, still in disbelief that she stood before him. She lifted her eyes to him and he said, “I never thought you’d replace me here...”

“How long did you aim to travel alone?” she asked, surprised by the softness of her voice. The wind brushed the hair across her forehead. He shrugged and she said, “You should never be alone, Davin. That could be dangerous.”

It was dangerous to have others around him. Especially when he didn’t know what was going on. He didn't feel right, and that would end him or anyone around him. “I’m not alone any longer,” he finally voiced. Though he felt it would be too dangerous for her to stay.

She could read it in his eyes. He wanted her to remain in safety, though he didn’t want to part from her. A smile crept along her lips and she moved her eyes to the celebration below. “You do realize that I don’t know what danger is?” He eyed her quizzically and she said, “You needn’t worry about me, Davin. I can handle anything.”

“So you say,” he sighed shortly. He hesitated, wanting to say something more.

In one aspect, she hoped that he wouldn't. She was afraid it'd pertain to the letter he had written in that journal. But on the other hand, she wanted to hear what he had to say.

"Something else, Davin?" she asked, her eyes shifting to him.

"...You've read everything I wrote," he stated cautiously. Anxiously, she nodded once. "Alright..." he breathed to himself, looking forward once more. "You know...though it was exaggerated...it is true to some extent."

Her heart raced and she was thankful the darkness concealed her blush. Touching her cold fingertips to her hot cheek, she looked away. Clearing her throat, she said, "We should go rest. Who knows when we'll be leaving..."

"Yeah," he said lowly, seeming rather discouraged.

Reaching their inn, the bars and tables were filled with people, celebrating excitedly with ale and food and song. Curiosity got the best of Davin and he asked an old man what they were celebrating. He looked at him in shock. “How do ye not know? Live under a rock, boy?” he asked.

He shrugged a shoulder and said, “A small town.”

“Meh,” he grunted, “Same thing.” Davin grinned a bit at the remark. The old man’s good eye shifted to Kiaran as she waited silently for the answer. “Well, with all the mishap as of late, we were worried that Trindal would be washed over by a mad tempest. Weather, animals, slavers, bandits. They all came out of nowhere, they did,” he explained. “But our Princess Danalla had finally agreed to combine our land back with the Sister’s. We will once again be a part of Trindal-VinCar.”

Kiaran’s heart burned, her chest feeling like it had imploded. She glared at the old man as he merrily took a drink. “But who will lead this land? It is far from the capital of Trindal-VinCar,” Davin said. He kept himself calm, and he was able to think clearly enough to gather information that might be of use.

“Well the princess, of course,” he scoffed, wiping his upper lip with the cuff of his sleeve. “She’ll keep watch, but not without being watched, herself. You know the legends...” he leaned in with a bit of exaggerated, sarcastic mystery, lifting the furry brow over his good eye. “The legends of walls with unseen ears, the windows with invisible eyes. Queen Sterjia, Her Majesty, knows all.”

“Well,” Davin sighed with a smile, bowing his head to the old man. “Thank you for the information.”

“Aye,” he nodded slowly. “See to it that ye keep your woman close, boy. Times have been...difficult as of late.”

“So I’ve heard,” he muttered as they went back to their room.