Sunshine
Chapter 21

Lianna stood with Seth at the mouth of the dragons keep the next morning wrapped in her rabbit skins and fur cloak. Her long hair was pulled back into a thick braid and she breathed in the fresh air as if it was her last. She had missed the sunshine over the last week, and just as she suspected, she and Aeros would have to clear them a path before they could even make it down the steep trail that led to the bottom of the canyon. But Aeros was gone. He had left in the night and not said a word to anyone. Seth had mirrored her suspicions this morning when she told him of their argument the night before. Lianna did not know what to think. He had just pledged his loyalty to her and then he just disappeared.

If he went to warn Errewyn of their impending attack then they might be doomed before it ever started. And now Lianna would have to figure out a way to convince the guards to abandon their posts on her own. Aeros had forced her into this and she hated him for it. She did not want to tell the wolves of the possible treachery for they might jump to conclusions that may prove false, if not fatal. Nagging suspicion on her part was hardly proof of his guilt. Seth had grudgingly agreed with her on that point.

The crowd of wolves and felines behind her waited patiently as she squeezed Aerin tight and promised to be home soon. She grabbed Sylva’s hand and squeezed it with a wink before she broke into a run and threw herself from the cliff in wild abandon. The boy began shouting behind her as she brought her hands out before her, stretching into a perfect swan dive.

Her body elongated, scales replacing golden skin. Her wings flared out and caught her with strong strokes as she plummeted toward the ground. She felt the airlift her and she let the fire rip from her in glorious waves as she soared through the pass, melting the snow and ice until it formed a small river washing over the red rocks beneath it.

The first thing was to clear paths through the snow that would allow them to move the rescued slaves to safety. Lianna had looked at map after map of the continent last night when she was unable to sleep until she felt she could fly the paths with her eyes closed. The refugees would rest in the forest with the wolves before they continued to her valley, or one of the other three villages that had been hidden from any and all but those who knew the mountains well enough. The lions knew the terrain better than anyone and they would be leading the parties through the mountains while the wolves waited to take in the refugees.

Lianna enjoyed the frozen flight, her hot blood flowing through her veins as her wings glittered in the sun. Being cooped up inside the mountains for the last two weeks gave a new meaning to the freedom that her ability to fly gave her. She burned a path through the canyons to the first village, only a few miles south of the dragons keep, while Aeros was supposed to be clearing the path that leads directly through the heart of the forest. It took her most of the day to clear the paths by herself, and the sun had turned red in the eastern sky by the time she met her guards near the river that would lead them into the Fae realm come morning. Her guards were already there waiting on her, her tent erected and the fire already crackling brightly.

Eris was sitting on a small log someone had dragged between the tent and fire, waiting for her with a small plate of her favorite food. Lianna bit into the backstrap with gusto, barely swallowing before ripping a chunk of bread from the small loaf that Nathaniel provided. A gift from his mate he had said.

A small moan of bliss escaped her as she swallowed the bread and washed it down with water from her goat’s bladder. As she drank, she thought of the dark powder that Aeros had used to make the water safe again. She wished she had asked him about it before he left.

“We must come up with a way to clean the water, or else most of our people will not make it through the winter.” She looked to Eris as she spoke around bites.

“The wolves have indoor water. The water comes from the ground through hollow metal pipes. They use sand and charcoal to filter the water before it comes out of the faucet.” Lucas supplied the information. Lianna looked towards Seth who sat closer by the fire, to see what he thought of the idea. He rubbed his chin as he thought about it.

“It would take time to install filters in all of the wells, and we wouldn’t be able to begin until the spring. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.” He admitted with a shrug.

“Oh, I could kiss you, Lucas!” Lianna smiled joyfully. His face lit up at her praise and Nathaniel laughed at his boyish expression. Seth gave her a crooked grin just before he nudged her knee with his own.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” He asked low so no one else overheard. Seth was the only one who knew of the uncertain terms with which Aeros had left under, and that Lianna would be alone tomorrow. Lianna tried not to let him sense her fear.

“I will be fine. How hard can it be to convince a few males that they would be better off serving me than my father?” She laughed

“Lianna, if there is even a hint of danger I want you to fly back here as quickly as possible. I feel as if I am sending you to the gallows alone.” He admitted. The rough tone in his voice made her feel a little bit better.

“I will be okay Seth. I promise.” She patted his knee next to her own. He caught her hand when she made to pull it back. He brought the tips of her fingers to his lips.

“Aeros told me that even Lucien was unable to control more than one mind at a time and that what I did in the council room will be spoken in stories, centuries from now.” She looked at him intently, trying to replace the truth.

He nodded once. “It is true that your power far surpasses any we have ever encountered. It’s almost as if it is still slowly awakening from being suffocated for so long. It may be years before even you know what your fully capable of.” Lianna was speechless for a moment, trying to comprehend what he was telling her.

Seth watched her close her eyes and compose herself. The power radiating from her was calm and soothing, her beast trying to comfort her, he supposed. He reached out to caress her cheek and she opened her eyes. “I am here for you, and I am not afraid Lianna.” He promised her. She smiled softly and squeezed his hand in thanks.

”Good night boys.” She said to them all as she stood and turned to enter the tent

Lianna knelt onto the pile of furs that was their bed and snuggled in deep. The feel of the furs on the hard ground made her think of her pallet in the cabin. She would see it again in a few days. Tomorrow she would spend the night alone in the forest and then the next, if everything went right, she would meet Eris in the dens on the Eastern side of the mountains.

Even with her ability to disappear into the wind, she was terrified of being caught. She had not seen any of the ancient weapons used to kill dragons at the encampments, but that did not mean they weren’t there now. Errewyn knew that at least one dragon had reemerged after all these years, there was no other explanation for the destruction of the mine down by the river. There were six sites left after Lianna had destroyed the main mine and the one Aeros had wrecked on the other side of the castle. Three north of the mountains, and three to the south. She would take care of the Fae first and then move to destroy the human camps last.

Lianna was curled onto her side facing the wall of the tent when she felt his aura brush against hers as if he were sliding into bed behind her. She sat up with a startled gasp looking around frantically. She laid back down and tried to ignore the prickling sensation that would not go away.

“Stay out of my head Aeros!” She hissed into the darkness. “You have no right to any part of me.” She finished silently but viciously. Shoving him away mentally. She would not fall for his tender lies again.

The next morning dawned bright and clear. Some of the snow had begun to melt and the ground was slippery beneath her feet as she stumbled sleepily from her tent. When she awoke and realized what she had been dreaming about she could not stop the blush that suffused her entire body. She had to press her thighs together to ease the ache between them. She had never known this kind of torment before Aeros had introduced her to the pleasures of the flesh. When she closed her eyes that was all she could think about. Lianna growled her frustration and stood up, running a sweaty hand through her tangled hair. There was no room in her head for such nonsense. She needed to focus on the day’s tasks.

And indeed, it would be another long and busy day. Today she would travel to each camp and ‘convince’ the guards to release the slaves and blow up the ammunition stores. They would leave Nathaniel at the first camp to guide the refugees to safety. Seth would take the second group, and Dorius the third. Then they were to meet in Lianna’s valley exactly three days from now. After they broke their fast, they would begin their trek through the Northern Pass and the danger that waited for them this day.

“Good morning.” Seth greeted her with a bowl of soggy oats and a roguish grin. A large boiling pot almost overflowed with the sticky stuff.

“If you loved me you would have brought me a cup of hot chocolate.” She teased him with a wink. Seth put a huge hand on her head and ruffled her curls. Lianna took the bowl from him with a playful hiss and sat on a log far from the fire and it’s stifling heat. Glancing around she saw that her guards were already done with their breakfast and were milling about readying the area for the refugees. They would leave this campsite up for the train of people who would soon be traipsing by, cold and hungry toward the shelter of the villages beyond the forest. Lucas would stay here and make sure everyone got a hot bowl of oats and a loaf of bread. They were expecting a company of wolves to arrive soon to help with the monumental task Lucas had accepted with tactful grace. He was the youngest of the guards and did not have the experience the others had. Lianna noticed that the other guards did not pick on him, but they did not allow him to participate in their more dangerous missions either, it would seem.

Lucas did not seem to mind, however, and had set about making the most of the small camp. Lianna even offered him the use of her tent for as long as he needed it. They ate in relative silence, each lost in their thoughts and when it was time to move out, Lianna decided she did not want to say goodbye to anyone. She would see them in four days or remember them without fearful goodbyes.

She ran forward and leaped into the air, shifting with a flash of light. Her beast roaring its fury into the icy morning air. She felt Seth shift below her and let her aura swat at his playfully. He leaped forward in reaction and her beastly smiled flickering into transparency. She cast her power out and imagined it holding him as well as her, in the depths of the wind, and she let out a terrified snort when he actually disappeared. She panicked when she realized she would not be able to see him either.

Seth was just as startled as her from the sound of his screech.

“What was that?” He shouted into her head. Lianna laughed,

“A way to disguise you on the ground. Neat huh?” His answering sniff was disdainful agreement.

There was a camp directly East of them, at the base of the mountains halfway between the river and the castle. Then two more in the forest on the other side of the castle. The high wooden walls of the makeshift fortress had just darkened her view when she glided toward the earth. The barren land between the river and the castle offered no shelter to shift into her fae form.

The encampment was laid out simply. There were four wooden walls with two entrances. Four guards per gate. The slaves inside were all huddled around small fires. There was only one tent in the southwest corner and Lianna supposed that’s where they kept their supplies, meager as they were. Even the guards looked half-starved and frozen.

She looped back around and headed for the cover of the rocks deciding to keep the invisibility cloak around them until they had both shifted. Seth met her on the outcropping and when she felt his aura pulse beside her she let go of the air pocket that hid them from sight. They were to wait here until the wagon train came into view. And when the first wagon appeared, Lianna would go talk to the guards at the gate and make them an offer they couldn’t refuse. She turned nervously to Seth,

“How do I look?” She knew he could see her rising fears and needed him to tell her she could do this. Seth looked her over, her hair was frizzy in the wind, coming loose from its long thick braid. Her short doeskin dress outlined in white rabbit skins, worn over her skin-tight pants gave her a wildly ethereal look. The bow and quiver slung across her back and wicked knife tied at her hip, completed her warriors’ outfit. Her exotic eyes had a golden glow beneath the pale green, making them look luminescent even as steam curled from her mouth and nose with every frigid breath.

“Like a dragon queen, Majesty.” He answered honestly. She gave him a small smile that made him almost feel sorry for the guards she was about to flay into. Lianna rolled her eyes as she heard his thoughts flit through her mind. The sound of approaching wagon wheels kept her from replying. The old rickety thing rolled into view, and Lianna was not surprised to see her snow-white mare attached to the rear. She strode toward the beautiful creature and was rewarded when the beast recognized her and whinnied her welcome. She rubbed the horse’s snout and brought her forehead to lean against its soft gray muzzle.

“Lianna, wait.” Seth came up behind her, grabbing her shoulder and turning her around. He walked to the first wagon and pulled a satchel from under the seat. From it, he pulled out a large band of what looked like silver twine. When he turned back to her she saw that it was a simple crown of intertwining vines decorated with thorns and thistles. Small purple stones winked in the early light as he brought it up for her to inspect.

“This belonged to Ainslee.” He said quietly. “I had Sylva stash it in a bag for you. I hope you aren’t too upset.” She did not know what to say when he looked at her like that. So she simply bowed her head and stood still while he placed it atop her head. To her shock he pulled her into a hug, gripping her tightly. By the time she thought to return it, he was pulling away looking somewhat embarrassed. His skin tone turned deeper red when she smiled at him radiantly. She turned and leaped nimbly onto the mares bareback. She held the reins in one easy-grip when she turned to get one last look at her best friend.

“Watch this.” She winked at him and was galloping off before he could reply. All he could do was stare after her in silent awe.

Lianna felt her heart pounding inside her and prayed her beast would not let her down today. She dug deep down and pulled up her fire to wrap around her like a wall of strength. These people did not deserve this treatment. They would freeze and die if she did not free them. The horse’s hooves thundered beneath her and her heartbeat took up the staccato rhythm like the sound of war drums. She did not slow Persephone down until they were almost upon the gate. She needed to intimidate and to inspire and she would get through to these people if it was the last thing she did. Which it could very well be. Her dragon shook its head in defiance even as she thought it, and Lianna truly felt invincible at that moment. She leaped from the horse and came to a deliberate halt barely feet from the two guards. She had to keep from flinching as the stench of sweat and human feces slammed into her.

“Who goes there?” The taller one demanded. His nose was long and broad like a hawk, his eyes dark and beady.

“Queen Lianna Bloodstone. What is your name?” She offered him a sweet smile.

“George, Your Highness.” He stammered, his eyes going a bit round as she let her face take on some distinctively dragon-like features. Her green eyes turned into reptilian slits, her slow smile, revealing needle-like fangs as she let her aura roll out before her. The two males dropped to their knees in submission and Lianna’s beast hummed with satisfaction. She let her aura brush against their birdlike souls, a dominant queen, petting her minions.

“Very good. You will release these prisoners at once.” She let the words draw out slowly with meaning, so there would be no misunderstanding. “You will load all of them, including whatever supplies you have in that tent into these wagons. If you would like to be free of my father’s command, you may swear fealty to me and accompany us to safety. Should you decline my generous offer, you will burn with the powder you have stored here. Make up your minds quickly because I will not wait long in this cold.” She lifted a gloved hand and flames bloomed in her palm. She looked each guard in the eye and was rewarded with their looks of stunned disbelief.

“Your Majesty, The King will not be pleased when he replaces out.” George stammered.

“The King?” She let out an exasperated huff, a red and purple flame rolling over her setting her hair ablaze. The sudden burst of anger at the mention of him was wholly instinctual and primitive. “He is hardly a King, and I look forward to the day I can show him what happens to someone who enslaves my people and blows up my mountains. By the time she said the last word, her hair was a shimmering halo of flames and her pupils were tiny slits in their golden orbs.

“Yes, your Majesty.” The outspoken one agreed immediately. “It will be as you say.” He bowed low over his hands and Lianna thought he might fall over.

“Then what are you waiting for? Release them and get going!” She snapped. The males jumped to do her bidding and Lianna followed them just beyond the gate.

“I am Queen Lianna Bloodstone. You are my people, and you are free.” She shouted at them. Then she stood and watched as the guards went to several of the slaves and bent to unlock their manacles. The slaves stepped away from the fallen chains and began pushing for the doorways. Lianna turned and mounted Persephone in a graceful movement.

“All of you will get into the wagons and be brought to a safe place where you will be fed and given warmer clothes. It will then be your choice what to do next. I am your queen, but you are slaves no more.” Lianna waited patiently until all of the wagons were loaded with supplies and the last person hopped onto the rolling wagon. They headed back West to the river pass where Lucas was waiting with warm oats, bread, and blankets.

Dorius and Seth came out of hiding near the camp’s rear and shifted. Lianna let out a slow breath and smiled at them both. She jumped off of her mare and almost knocked Seth off of his feet when she landed in his arms with a very un-queenly-like squeal of triumph.

“I did it, Seth! And I didn’t even have to use his mind.” Her smile was full of pride and accomplishment.

“You truly are amazing, Lianna.” He grinned. Dorius clapped her on the back with a nod of approval as Seth set her down.

“The next camp is a few hours ride, you will have to fly low over the mountains to keep away from the castle. There are magickal wards around it that will expose anyone trying to conceal themselves, so give it a wide berth. The wagons will be coming through a narrow pass just East of the camp. The people there will go to the Alpha’s dens. Once we finish up with that lot, we can stop for lunch on the plateaus.” Lianna nodded her agreement and turned to Persephone. She pulled the bright green apple out of her pocket and offered it to the mare.

“Follow the cats. It will be a long day my beauty.” She whispered to her. The horse’s eyes blinked at her and she whickered softly in understanding. With a final smile for her men she turned and bounded into the air with a flash of light. Lianna barely let her golden scales flicker into life before she found a pocket of wind to disappear into it. The startled hisses of her guards brought a smirk to her proud beasts face. She circled overhead until they were several miles East before she let out a screech of warning. Her beautiful red and gold form sparkled into being, flying high over the peaks of the mountains. Letting all of her rage and defiance burst forth in a fiery lance, she ignited the wooden fences and barrels stacked along the edge of the snow-covered rocks. The ice melted immediately, washing away the burning structure. She aimed another ball of fire at the barrels and then banked back to the East to follow her companions.

Lianna shot forward as smoke billowed up into the air. She was about one hundred yards away when the blast shook the earth behind her. A shockwave raced past her through the air and the scalding warmth sizzled along her scales. She turned her head back just in time to see an avalanche of rock and snow cover the entire area where the camp had stood before. Her beast smiled and she did a spin in celebration. She was Lianna Bloodstone Dragon Queen of the Fae. Errewyn would bow before her or burn in the Underworld.

She was flying over the castle by mid-day, her shoulders and back were beginning to ache with their long flight, but she refused to acknowledge the sensation, glad that Seth could not read her mind as well as she could his. He would surely have made her stop and take a break, even though there was no time for that. Lianna noticed fewer people crowded the cobbled streets than the last time she had been there. She wondered if that meant they had died or gone home. Anger swelled within her as she realized that if they had left the protection of the city, then they probably would not make it back to their homes in time to prepare for and survive the winter.

“We cannot save them all” Seth said sadly when she mentioned it to him at the next barracks.

“Would you have helped them if you had not met me?” She asked him, suddenly needing to know.

His pause made doubt gnaw at her insides.

“I honestly don’t know. I like to think that I would, but before you, I had nothing to gain, and nothing to lose but my own miserable life. I had no care for anyone but myself, or what was left of me locked inside my feline form. You saved my soul that day in the pass. Damned as it is.” Lianna did not know how to respond so she said nothing, choosing instead to send him a wave of warmth. She felt his sigh of gratitude when it reached him.

The second camp was tucked away between two foothills snug up against the mountains just as the one before it had been.

“Here goes nothing.” She murmured to them as she quickly jumped onto Persephone’s back once again.

She repeated the motions the same as before and was not surprised when the two young guards almost wept when she offered them their freedom. She had been correct in assuming that these men were just as much slaves to her father as the ones in chains, for if they did not obey, they would be right there with them, and the whip passed on to the next poor soul.

The dissecting of the second camp went just as smoothly as the first camp, although it took a bit longer for the wagons to arrive. They took a different pass back into the mountainous harbor, the long train rumbling slowly over the hard rocks. When the last one finally disappeared behind a rocky outcrop, Lianna shot forward, unleashing her fury upon the now empty walls. The impending explosion brought the surrounding cliff crumbling down upon the camp and it was swallowed whole within seconds. She did not feel like celebrating this one so much and only wanted to stop to rest and eat for a bit.

Spying a tall flat-topped mountain, she landed gracefully and then flashed into view. Lianna turned and watched the train of wagons ramble through the pass far below. Seth and Dorius appeared from an unmarked trail a few yards in front of her. Seth carried a sack of bread and apples. He opened it quickly and gave her two apples and a loaf of bread. Lianna groaned in ecstasy as the tangy fruit lit up her taste buds. Dorius chuckled his amusement and produced some dried venison from a pouch at his waist. They sat on the ground and ate in silence. Dorius was trying his best not to shiver in the cold and Lianna took pity on him, ushering a wave of warmth in his direction. She let her aura surround the two of them like a thick blanket and felt them both sigh with contentment as it settled over them.

She watched the older male move with feline grace and felt a twang of envy for his self-sureness; his complete lack of effort to be so smooth. He noticed her stare.

“What?” He asked defensively.

“You are so graceful and sure of yourself. I wonder if I will ever be able to move with such smoothness as you. You make me feel like a clumsy child sometimes.” She answered honestly. He snorted at her. Her expression registered shock at the sound he made, and her laughter was music to their ears.

“I never thought to hear that sound come from your beautiful lips.” She said between giggles.

“While I am glad you replace me ‘graceful’, and ‘beautiful’, it does not inspire manly pride. I have had hundreds of years to perfect my technique, while you have had mere weeks. Besides, what are finesse and confidence when you can control the minds of others?”

“I have yet to use that power on anyone except for a fish, and to intimidate those wolves.” She told him with a self-deprecating grimace.

“Well, that speaks more of your character than anything else could,” Dorius replied softly. It was the closest thing to a compliment that she had ever heard come from the ancient warrior and was humbled by his tone. “To have great and terrible power, but choose not to wield it is something that not many would have the strength to do. I am proud to serve you, Your Majesty.” That was the first time he had ever used the title, and Lianna was momentarily speechless. She lowered her eyes and bowed her head in recognition of the praise. The males stood and Seth offered her a hand. She glanced up at him, grateful for the assistance. Her lower back and thighs trembled with exhaustion after flying all day and it was an effort to hide the weakness from them. She did not want to ruin their good opinion of her so quickly.

“This is where I leave you, Lianna,” Seth said casually, although the undertone was decidedly stressed.

“I will be fine. I promise to bring your friend back to you in one piece.” She smiled, then on instinct, hurled herself into his arms. His “oomf” of surprise quickly faded and he wrapped his strong arms around her. Lianna let herself cling to him for a moment, memorizing his warm musky scent. A deep sense of foreboding swept through her and she pulled back to look up into his smiling eyes. Lianna wanted to memorize every line of his face, his dark chocolate eyes framed by deep russet brows. A shadow of dirty brown fuzz grew along his jawline and covered his chin. His lips were full and bright red against his face, pale with cold. She wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Would he make her feel as wild and weak-kneed as Aeros? She watched his eyes widen and nostrils flare as if he heard that thought. But now that she had thought it she couldn’t unthink it. His hand came up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear.

“It is not appropriate for you to think such thoughts when you are mated to another, your highness.”

“I belong to no one.” She said with a snarling vehemence. And just to prove her point, she stood on the tips of her toes and pressed her lips against his. They were soft and firm beneath hers and she dug her fingers into his shirt, tugging him closer. She felt him give in like a wall tumbling down. He swallowed her startled squeak and pressed his tongue against her lips in silent demand. When she opened for him, a ravaged growl rumbled through him. Lianna felt her fire awaken under his gentle touch. Not the roaring to life that Aeros inspired, but a slow wave that cascaded through her making her feel warm and tingly all over. When he pulled away, she was breathless and a little dizzy.

“Oh, Lianna. What am I going to do with you?” He murmured. He stepped back and she was glad that he did not press her for more. Her fingers came up to trace her still tingling lips when he turned and fled down the mountain toward the wagon train slowly disappearing ahead. When she turned away, Dorius and the horses had gone ahead as well, leaving her standing there alone on the mountaintop. She wondered if Aeros could see her now and what he would think if he knew she had kissed Seth. A small smile quirked the corner of her mouth as she thought about how angry he would be. Her beast quivered with anticipation of the impending battle. She felt somewhat ashamed that the thought of Aeros being jealous excited her, but the idiot deserved it for making her want him and then abandoning her as he did. They were not bonded yet and she could kiss whomever she pleased. With that final thought, Lianna raced across the plateau and dove off the side, flinching at the sharp ache that pierced her spine as her wings caught her in the air.

The third and final camp was a two-hour flight farther East than she had ever been. She could see the edge of the continent where it gave way to a rugged coastline in the distance and the sun was slowly disappearing behind them by the time they made it to the camp. The mountains here became flat-topped and giant furry trees grew from the depths of the bloodstone beneath. Lianna waited on one such plateau while Dorius and Persephone caught up. The camp here was harsher sounding. She had counted how many times she heard the whip crack as she paced back and forth, and was ready to rip the guards to shreds by the time the feline came padding into view. Without a word she angrily leaped upon the mares back, grabbing a fistful of her mane instead of the reins this time. Her eyes flashed gold in the waning light and the frightened horse reared up with a loud cry before plunging forward.

When she galloped into the camp, she pushed Persephone through the gate, past the shocked men standing guard. A platform had been erected near the front wall, a small dais with one pole jutting from the middle. A large male was tied to the post, slumped over and hanging onto it with a white-knuckled-grip. His back was a bloody mess, his thin white shirt plastered to it in shreds. A small crowd watched in horror as the short, stocky male brought the thick lash down again. The red and gold outfitted soldier reared his arm back again to strike but Lianna had seen and heard enough.

“Stop! In the name of your Queen STOP!” She commanded. The soldier froze mid, strike. Silence rang throughout the prison camp as she flew from her saddle and stalked forward, her beast rearing up within her. She felt her aura rise around her in a giant tidal wave of power as she swept down upon them.

“We have no queen, woman! Begone from here and let me carry out the King’s work.” He demanded. He smirked at her and went to raise the whip a third time. The long snake-like leather rope froze in mid-arch. The guard was frozen in place, unable to move another inch. His panicked eyes swiveled around their audience, but no one dared move.

“Well, since you do not seem to know who I am, let me introduce myself, she said with deadly sweetness. “I am Lianna Bloodstone. Dragon Queen of the Fae, Errewyns daughter. I do not recognize him as king and hereby release these people that have been enslaved by his command. Anyone who would like to seek sanctuary with us in the mountains may do so if they get on their knees and swear fealty to me now. Anyone who resists will not walk out of here alive.” She smiled at the guard and released her invisible hold on him.

“You bitch!” He snarled and lunged towards her. The startled crowd watched as an odd expression crossed his features and he stopped mid-stride. His hands came up to grasp at his chest and his eyes began to bulge. Steam poured from his nostrils and ears as his skin became dark and red, bubbling around his bones. The dirty uniform caught fire, engulfing him in flames just before he melted into a puddle of steaming flesh at her feet. She turned to the crowd. Some shouted and tried to run as they began to comprehend that she had just burnt him alive from the inside out.

“You are my people and you are free. You need not fear me. I will not harm you as long as you harm no one else.” She promised them. One smart guard began fumbling for the keys and unlocking the irons that held the people together.

“The wagons will take you to safety. And from there you are free to go your own way, or wait out the winter.” She turned toward the poor soul strapped to the whipping post on shaky legs. Dorius was waiting at the gate for her and she waved him over to assist her. She made short work of the thin ropes that tied him to the post and watched as the man slid to the ground, to weak to hold himself up. Lianna knelt beside him and smoothed some hair from his face.

“I am sorry I did not get here soon enough to prevent this.” She murmured to him softly. Glassy blue eyes that reminded her of the Omega found hers.

“I will heal. But that bastard will never wield a whip again. Thank you, Majesty.” His hoarse reply turned to a groan of pain as Dorius lifted him and half-carried him to the nearest wagon. She followed them slowly, the reality of what she had just done sinking in. Her stomach heaved and she brought her hand quickly to her mouth to hold back the bitter bile that threatened to spew forth. A second heave had her running to the other side of the wagon and droppingto her knees to hide her shame. She wretched beneath the wagon wheel and was mortified when Dorius walked up and squatted down beside her. She flinched when his hands gently pulled her hair back from her face.

Closing her eyes she took a deep steadying breath, wiping her mouth on her sleeve, she finally turned to face him.

“I killed him.” She looked up into the warrior’s solemn eyes. They were dark gray with a hint of amber and reminded her of burning embers.

“You had no choice, Your Majesty. You did the right thing under the circumstances. You had to take control in a way that would prove not only who you are but that you fight for their freedom and will not tolerate this senseless cruelty.” He smoothed her hair back from her face, and Lianna felt strangely comforted. She pulled slowly away from him with a tight nod of thanks before turning to away to finish the job.

All but three of the guards chose the sanctuary she had offered this time. And when the camp disappeared into the bedrock, they went with it. Lianna had grown tired of flying, something she never thought would have been possible, and decided to hitch a ride on the wagon train. This one was headed through the flat-topped mountains towards the eastern dens that Aeros had sent the first refugees to weeks ago. Lianna wondered where he was now and what he would have thought of her work here.

She dropped her cloak of wind and her golden form sparkled in the waning light as she flew over the wagon train. People pointed and shouted, some even screamed in fear. The horses were the only ones not panicking as if they knew they had nothing to fear from the beast that soared overhead, but the train inched to a halt as everyone turned to watch the dragon’s approach. Lianna landed gracefully on top of a nearby boulder and shifted into her fae form with a bright flash of light. The stunned faces gaping at her sent a small thrill scuttling down her back. She had no more secrets from them and they would either accept her or not. The whole wagon train had stopped to watch her and she saw Dorius turn back to see what the fuss was about. She smiled brightly and began jogging to catch up with the wagon. The long line slowly started moving again as she climbed up into the seat beside the feline.

Lianna took his hand and let him help her up. She sat down on the cushion and rubbed her aching back. The male turned and looked at her, something odd in his expression.

“You did a good job today Majesty.” He smiled.

“Why was it so easy?” Lianna asked with a worried frown. Dorius looked at her with amused exasperation that reminded her of Sylva.

“We are only halfway finished. By the time we get to the human realm, Errewyn will have realized what’s going on and probably have some sort of trap waiting for us, if that makes you feel any better.” Dorius grinned down at her. Lianna made a wholly un-ladylike sound and rolled her eyes.

“There is also the problem of water contamination to deal with. Even after installing filters on every well in the kingdom, the rivers and streams will still be an issue. The animals that we hunt will still be subject to the poison. Not to mention the farms.” Lianna’s face fell in abject misery at the thought.

“How much longer until we reach the dens?” She asked needing to change the subject.

“Just past the tree line there,” Dorius answered her again, pointing to the mass of tall ash trees that rose steadily from the ground up ahead. Lianna looked closely at the tree line trying to distinguish the mounds that she knew housed many of the free faes already.

“Will there be enough room for everyone?” She wondered. The dens she had visited with Eris had been a huge underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, but his pack was the largest of the three that roamed these mountains.

“These mounds are the oldest and housed the original pack before the world went to shit hundreds of years ago. They are the largest of all the wolf dens.” Dorius explained. His warmth radiated against her side and the need to reach out and touch that warmth almost overwhelmed her. She wished Seth was here to hold her and so she wouldn’t feel so alone. Lianna knew that they had not been in any danger today, they had attacked before Errewyn even knew that there was a threat rising against him. Waiting another week for the second phase of their plan would give him time to prepare his defenses in the human realm.

The wooden cart halted a few yards from the tree line and Lianna jumped down with a wince. A pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared, distracting her from the pain followed by an excited barking. Lianna felt Eris’s power flare and she let out an excited squeal. She saw his flashing shift and ran towards him, nearly knocking him to the ground when she flung herself into his arms. Eris picked her up in a bear hug and whirled her around.

“You did it!” He shouted in joy. “The people have already been arriving in the forest for hours! My mother opened up her home, and everyone will sleep warmer tonight because of you.” He put her down and grabbed both of her hands with his giant paws.

“I have been waiting here for you for an hour to tell you the news. Through our bond, I have been in touch with the other wolves and everyone is safe. There have been no casualties today and everyone in this forest tonight owes you a life debt.” She saw the emotion glistening in his eyes and her own smile was a bit trembly.

“I could do no less.” She said simply.

“That’s why you are our queen.” He said proudly as Dorius came up behind her.

“Is there room for us all here?” He asked the wolf.

“Yes. And then some. The dens here are twice the size of my father’s, and only a quarter of the space has been used so far. We are trying to keep families together and letting the individuals who don’t have families decide who they want to bunk with. It is a kind of organized chaos.” He turned and led them into the dark forest.

“There is a map of the dens layout in the entrance hall, and we let people mark the dens they choose so that if anyone comes looking for them, then we know where to replace them.” They had begun walking through the trees and came upon a large staircase set into the ground. Sentries stood guard on either side of the entrance at the top and bottom, their blue and silver uniforms standing out starkly in the dim torchlight. Lianna smiled at them as she passed.

The entrance to this burrow was much the same as the other, except instead of a root ball, a large round table graced the center of the room. The domed walls were held aloft by wooden arches. Just as Eris had said, this room was twice the size of his father’s, with not two, but four main hallways leading in opposite directions along the circular wall. Columns of red stone carved into wolves in various poses held up the ceiling throughout the room.

There were sofas and chairs along the walls between the arched doorways and they looked to be as ancient as the tomb itself. Lianna walked towards the table and noticed that a map of the dens had indeed been drawn on its surface. The halls were labeled with the type of rooms that it offered, one read ‘kitchen, barracks, servants’ the servants had been scratched out and ‘soldiers’ was scribbled beneath it. One was labeled family suits, and Lianna counted at least twenty rooms off the main hall. The other two were not labeled but an additional twenty rooms per hall made this den’s size staggering indeed.

She turned to see Dorius studying the map as well. He grunted and lifted his eyes to Eris.

“Soldiers?”

“Anyone who wants to be trained is housed in that hall and provisioned with a bow and short sword. Training starts at dawn every morning.” Eris looked to Lianna with a wink.

“I figure, now that we have found a queen worth fighting for, that men need to be trained to do so. There has not been a standing army in centuries, and I intend to remedy that mistake. We will never be subjected to this sort of misery again. Anyone who has experience as an officer is urged to help train. ” He said passionately. Lianna could not help but lift her chin in pride at her friend’s courage and self-motivation.

“Does Erin know?” Her guard questioned him again. A low growl rumbled from Eris’s chest and Lianna’s brows furrowed.

“My father has different views. He does not want to fight back. He thinks that he is doing his duty by hiding in the woods. I feel like the last dragons had the Dragon’s Guard and a canine army, why not stick to the old ways and begin training these people to defend themselves again. We need to be able to protect our homes just as they did in the past. Our packs have gone soft over these last centuries. We were once the fiercest fighting force on the continent, and now we are reduced to cowering in our dens while the world falls to shit around us. Someone needs to take the initiative and bring the packs back together again.” Dorius had been quiet and intent as he listened to Eris’s tirade and his nod of approval at the young wolf seemed to bolster his air of authority.

“I agree pup. And I will help in any way I can while we are here.” Dorius clapped him on the shoulder in a fatherly manner.

“Now if you will show us to the dining hall so we can eat.”

They dined on roasted chicken and boiled oats; Eris tried to apologize about the meager fare but Lianna quickly cut him off.

“With so many to feed, it is a wonder you can even spare this. We are glad just to fill our bellies.” She leaned back in her chair trying to stifle a yawn, watching as a line of hungry people began to file through the door. The people looked tired and broken as they took the plates offered to them by a group of young women and found a seat. They glanced at her warily, and Lianna did not let it bother her, they were probably scared of their own shadows right now. Sorrow welled within her at the thought of what these people had been through. Remembering the terror when she had woken up hog-tied in the pitch-black closet deep inside the mines. The terror welled within her at the memory, her exhausted beast jumping to life to defend her from the non-existent threat.

“I think it is a good idea to train everyone in the basics of self-defense.” She said. “I want them to have a fighting chance to fend for themselves. They deserve that.” She told Eris “Make it mandatory. Even women and children.” She knew she sounded ridiculous, but she couldn’t help it. She felt Eris’s cool breeze flow through the air and was grateful for the comfort.

“It will be as you command Majesty.” Eris bowed his head towards her. Lianna snorted, narrowing her eyes at him. He smiled in return, knowing she hated the title, but glad that he had distracted her momentarily.

“When you are ready to retire, the chambers just down the hall near my rooms have been readied for you.” He said by way of apology. Lianna yawned again at the mention of a bed.

“Actually…” She trailed off as she stood up. Eris followed suit and offered her his arm. Lianna felt the eyes on them as she accepted his escort, and they slowly traversed the now crowded room. But as she examined the atmosphere she felt more relief and mild curiosity than fear or resentment. She felt Eris squeeze her hand in reassurance and she smiled at them as they entered the hall, where the line of people waiting for a meal was snaked back to the main entrance.

“It will take us most of the night to get them all fed and a place to sleep, but they are better off here than where they were,” Eris said as he led them to a smaller door in the same hall.

“My room is just there.” He pointed at the door across the hall.

“I will see you in the morning.” He winked at her and turned towards the entrance of the den where people were still filing in.

“Eris.” She called out as he turned to leave. He stopped and waited for her to continue.

“Thank you. I know it must be hard to go against your father’s wishes. Our people are lucky to have you.” The look on his face spoke volumes as her words of encouragement hit home.

“Without your guidance, I would not have found the courage to do so. Our people have you to thank, Majesty.” Lianna stepped away from the door and pulled Eris into a tight embrace.

“We will make this world better together.” She whispered, her emotions bubbling over, causing her voice to tremble slightly.

“Together.” He promised and released her, turning back towards the dining hall.

She opened the door and the first thing that caught her eye was the giant bathing tub filled to the brim with steaming water. She closed the door softly behind her and leaned against its solid frame. Relief washed through her at the silence and warmth the room offered. The chamber was spacious and sedately appointed in pink and purple pastels. There was a small table near the hearth, and an armoire set against the rear wall next to an antique vanity. The bed took up most of the chamber, and Lianna decided that she had better bathe before she even thought about the bed lest she pass out and the water grew cold. Then she had to laugh at herself for forgetting she could warm it with barely a thought., letting her cloak fall to a heap on the floor. The rabbit skin quickly followed and soon she was sinking into the decadent warmth, a sigh of contentment echoing in the silence.

She allowed herself a moment to reflect on the progress they had made. Thinking about the male she had burned alive. The dragon inside her had taken over and she could barely grasp the depth of fury she had unleashed on him. She had felt almost numb as she watched him melt in front of her. Silent tears leaked down her face as she released the lingering emotions that it evoked.

“I told you it would not be so hard, why do you cry?.” A voice whispered into her mind. Lianna jumped from the tub and stumbled to the bed.

“Leave me alone Aeros.” She growled at him. “I killed a man today, a few men, actually. Their lives may have meant something to someone.” She whispered in despair. What if it had been Seth? Or Eris?

“His life meant hell to a great number of people you set free today Sunshine,” Aeros replied, sending with it a wave of warmth that she supposed he meant to comfort her.

“Your presence was not missed.” She smiled and thought about her and Seth’s kiss. An angry roar echoed through her.

“I will kill him.” He seethed.

“You will do no such thing. I kissed him. He even tried to stop me. I belong to no one. Especially an arrogant, self-absorbed, prick who would abandon me at the worst possible time.” She threw up her wall of fire and blocked him out. She had nothing left to say to him.

When she awoke the next morning Lianna quickly dressed in her furs again. Sylva would have told her that queens never wear the same thing twice in a month let alone everyday for a week. She smiled at the thought.

She headed back to the dining hall to replace the males. They were sitting at the end of the table, heads together as they talked quietly. Lianna grabbed a bowl of oats and a couple of boiled eggs before she hurried their way trying to ignore the curious stares that seemed to follow her everywhere. The males looked up as she approached. The smiles on their beautiful faces did much to lighten her mood.

“I was just telling Eris about a defense technique that the women and children would be able to master quickly. It involves grabbing the attacker and pulling them towards you. When you do, you lean over and let them sort of trip over you, they fall behind you and you run away.”

“Sounds interesting.” Lianna grinned.

“Would you like to stay here and help oversee the training Dorius?” Lianna got to the point quickly.

Gray eyes turned to her and he looked as if he gave it some thought.

“I could if I knew you would not need me, Your Highness.” He inclined his head.

“Well Eris does not have the training or experience you have, and without his father to guide him, I think you both may benefit from a friendly alliance. The wolves and the felines working together again sends a powerful message to the people.” She finished, stuffing a spoonful of soggy oats into her mouth.

“There you go, thinking like a queen again.” Eris smiled. “My father will be furious, but I gladly accept the offer.” He looked to Dorius in question. The feline nodded slowly.

“Good, then it is settled,” Lianna said as she poked another spoonful into her mouth.

“How long will it take me to reach my valley today?” She asked Dorius.

“Just a few hours,” Eris answered her around a bite of biscuit. You fly directly South-West and when you see the peak of the last mountain keep an eye open. There is a trail of pines cutting through it. You should recognize it.”

“Be careful, he is bound to know about the camps to the North by now and will be waiting for you to strike again.” Eris gave Lianna a pointed look, that she deftly ignored, rolling her eyes in frustration.

“We just found you, if something were to happen to you we would be lost again.”

“You would not. You would continue to do what should have been done when these people started going missing thirty years ago.” She demanded hotly, fire sparking from her hair causing some of the people milling around to jump back.

“Besides, you are the ones who told me that Errewyn posed only a mild threat. ” Lianna lifted her brows to emphasize her point.

“When this is all done, you will be queen Lianna. You already are in every sense of the word. Dragons have ruled this land forever. It is your birthright and sacred duty. You cannot take chances with your personal safety.” Dorius surprised them all with his little speech. She met his eyes for a moment before dropping her gaze to the table. This kind of talk always made her uncomfortable.

“I will not purposefully put myself in jeopardy.” She agreed. Lianna had finished with her meal and pushed the plate away from her. She stood and made to leave, being around so many people still made her nervous, and she turned to look at her guards one last time.

“I will see you when it is done then. ” So many eyes watched her as she left that Lianna felt her beast bristling beneath her skin. When she finally made it through the crowded hallway and into the fresh air she sucked it in like she was drowning. The icy air filled her lungs and she let it out in a sigh of relief.