Links to other sites on the Web
It was pitch dark and soundless. There was nothing. Slowly, a faint flapping sound and the woosh of wind crept up from a distance. A far shriek was heard. There was a small reddish glow. The sounds gradually became louder. Quiet again. A green shape swiftly glides into view. The dragon stares with its old, yellow eyes and breathes an explosion of fire. The heat is unbearable. Suddenly, out of no where, a unicorn bursts onto the scene. It rears on its back legs, surrounded by fire. Its horn sparkles with an eerie light and its body glistens. It nays in defiance, then everything is swallowed up by the fire....
She screamed and woke up with a jolt. Her body was covered with sweat and her heart pounded. Her nightgown was sticking to her and she was cold from the breeze from the open window. It was the same thing every night. The dream just kept repeating itself. She brushed the damp hair from her forehead and breathed a deep sigh, trying to calm herself.
Rhianna lifted the covers and swung her feet over the side of the bed. She rested her head in her hands with her elbows on her knees and tried to tell herself it was only a dream. Slowly, she stood up and walked over to the window.
Rhianna rested her thin hands on the cool stones of the windowsill. She closed her eyes and took in the cool air. She had always loved the night air. It felt so refreshing. Small wisps of hair tickled her face, while the rest cascaded in long, brown curls down her back. Rhianna smiled and opened her eyes. The fear of the dream had past. The light from the waning moon sparkled in her emerald green eyes. Her whole face seemed to glow.
The window looked off to the side of the castle. She watched the top of the rustling trees wave in the wind. Small night birds dove and chased each other. The whispering stream shimmered in the clearing between the castle and the forest. Everything looked enchanted. Everywhere she looked, there was a pale glimmer from the moon.
"What a clear night," Rhianna said to herself and took another deep breath. She leaned out of the window and whistled a few musical notes. A large bird swooped and gently landed on her outstretched arm. Its rainbow feathers shined.
"Hello, Mista. How was your flight?" Rhianna said to the maka bird. Her hand glided over its soft feathers. It gave a small squak and nuzzled its head against her chin.
There was a knock at her bedroom door. "Rhianna, is everything okay?"
"Come in, Brad," she answered.
The strong oak door slowly swung open and a handsome man entered. He picked up her robe and stood behind her. Brad wrapped the warm fabric around Rhianna and rested his strong hands on her shoulders. He smelled her hair, it always reminded him of flowers, and softly kissed the top of her head. "Was it the dream again?" he asked quietly.
"Of course it was," she said as she shrugged off his hands and walked away. The dislodged bird flapped its wings and perched on a bed post. Rhianna pulled robe tighter around her neck, as she noticed a slight chill in the room. "I'm sorry. I'm just so frustrated. It's the same thing every night. It never changes."
"I know," Brad said. He held her arm and gently turned her around. They looked into each other's eyes. Brad encircled her in his arms and she rested her head on his chest. Rhianna snuggled close to him. She always felt safe in his arms.
Rhianna looked up into the sapphire eyes of the maka bird. "Oh, Mista. I wonder what it all means," she said in her mind to the bird. Mista's mind was silent. The bird shifted its head slightly and its eyes sparkled in the darkness.
* * * * *
Amber sat in the glade as she dusted off the morning sleep from her eyes. She remembered a dream she had. She dreamt of a woman. A woman with long, dark, curly hair and green eyes. Amber shuddered as she felt this woman's fear. As Amber started the fire and started her morning coffee, she remembered hearing the woman in her dream scream in fear. Who was this woman and why was Amber dreaming of her? As her coffee brewed, she began her morning exercises. Stretching with her singing sword. The sword glowed in her hands as she practiced her blows and parries. It was a gift from her mentor and teacher, Esmerelda. Esmerelda trained in the ways of the Ancients. Her training was difficult, but Amber was greatful to have Esmerelda. She taught Amber the ways of a warrior as well as healing virtues. She taught Amber how to fight with stealth and smarts. Finally, she sat by the fire, her body limber now, and held onto her warm coffee. As the steam rose from her cup, her mind drifted back to her dreams. Who was this woman? Why was I dreaming of her? I need to find her.
* * * * *
From the balcony of his tower, Astor stared across the landscape. The wind lapped through the folds of his sky-blue robe. He could hear, in the distance, the cries of the loons that dwelt by the lake. He stroked his grey beard as he considered the situation. The sigils had been disturbing. Something of great importance was about to happen . . . but what? That, he did not yet know.
* * * * *
The dark elf made his way toward the opening of the cave. The morning sun was shining through. He loved to watch the sun coat everything in its brilliance before the world woke up. This was, actually, strange behavior for a dark elf. They usually just kept to their caves. The mountain was riddled with caves. This side actually looked like a honeycomb from the outside, because of all the cave openings. He made this trek every morning, but this morning he felt like something was drawing him.
He reached the front of the cave and looked out. The sun shone on his dark grey skin and gave it a soft glow. A small breeze played with his short, light grey hair. From his cave, two-thirds up the mountain, he could see the entire valley below. The forest stretched out like a blanket, waving in the wind.
As he gazed across the landscape, something in the distance caught his eye. At first, all he could see was a sparkle, but it kept moving closer. Then, as it approached, he realized it was a golden dragon. Its strong, majestic wings pushed it through the air. It flew parallel to the side of the mountain. He was entranced.
Two adult dark elves stood in their cave opening. The mother was holding her baby, the breeze blowing her long pale hair, and the father stood next to her. They were just staring at the dragon flying past. A young female elf reached up to hold her father's hand, awestruck.
An old elf reached the end of his cave and looked out. "So, the time has come," he mumbled. "Riki come here." The startled youth behind him stepped forward.
"Yes, Elder Maloron," the youth answered.
"I need you to deliver a message to the castle. Ask for a private audience with the queen. Tell her the golden dragon has been seen flying past our mountain. She will understand. If anyone gives you trouble, show them this sigil and tell them I sent you," the elder said as he removed a necklace from around his neck and handed it to Riki. The young elf put it on. "Be careful and quick. This message is of the highest importance. May Gedra protect you."
As Maloron turned back to watch the dragon, Riki silently slipped away. "So, the time has come," he said again. Everywhere he looked, the cave openings were filled with dark elves watching the dragon pass by. He shook his head. The dragon was almost out of sight.
* * * * *
"Mmmmmmmmmmm....."
Closing his eyes, Nar felt the familiar pull on his body as he pooled the energies of his soul and focused on his Chi-Tal, the center point of concentration in the training of Chi-Pal.
"...mmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn..."
As the energy grew in his Chi-Tal, Nar reached down into his soul and pulled upon the energy he had been storing there.
"...nnnnnrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..."
Changing his technique to adjust for the growing power, Nar doubled his energy levels in an instant. In the next instant, he doubled it again.
"...rrrrrrraaaaaaaAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!"
Releasing the energy, Nar felt the bonds around his wrists release. Opening his eyes to the world around him, he felt the iron-worn callouses left from seven years of imprisonment. Again mentally thanking the old man from the cell block next to his for teaching him the ways of Chi-Pal, Nar opened the door to his cell and stepped out.
* * * * *
If you want to add to this story, e-mail me at jasujo@hotmail.com.
Links to other sites on the Web
© 1997 jasujo@hotmail.com
Get your own Free Home Page