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Oniana
Alright so I don't have a title for this story but I feel that I can really take this thing places and I wanna help motivate myself to write more by posting it here.
I have Chapter One typed, Two finished, and Three in the making. Or four? I don't want to check.
But here's a quick summary and chapter one!
EDIT: I decided to name it Oniana, which is going to be the name of the land, but I can't edit the thread's title. Oop.
Each Kingdom of Oniana is represented by a Guardian Dragon. They usually live in harmony with their human charges, though something is brewing within the kingdoms that's causing a stir with the Guardians, throwing them into fits of rage, but nobody can pinpoint what's going on. Join Drake Bates, a former Nodin Knight and new Knight Instructor for the Nodin Kingdom, along with Veronica, their High Priestess-in-training and student Robby as they tour the kingdoms to figure out what is going on with the Guardians. Can they discover what's been driving the dragon gods mad, or will Oniana fall victim to their rage?
Chapter One
“Alma, you ready?” I shouted into the canyon. Alma calls back with something between a growl and a screech, and I grin. Taking a few steps back, I run forward and fling myself from the cliff. The class gasps behind me and my smile only grows. The wind tugs my clothes behind me and my curly hair whips around.
The ground raced up to me, and I can hear some of the students yelling out to me. Before I smack the ground, Alma swoops under me, a blur of blue scales, and I sit up on her back. “Excellent!” I tell her, patting her side. Beside me, powerful wings move up and down, carrying us back to the ledge. Alma flips once we’re over the ground and I slid off, landing on my knees. “That could’ve been better,” I muttered before standing up. She snickered while I addressed the class. “That, for those of you able to watch, was a
demonstration of trust between Bonds. Does anybody care to try?”
A small boy and his green Bond stepped forward. “I will, David. Flare and I have been practicing flight a lot outside of class.”
“Alright Robby, send him down. Alma, you go too as a precaution.” The two dragons swooped into the canyon, and Robbie jumped off and down into the canyon. This time, I waved the class over to watch. The boy free-fell and Alma circled below him, ready to catch him should she need to. Out of nowhere, Flare sped in and caught the boy, taking
gracefully to the sky. He made lazy loops, letting Robby fall and catching him with ease.
“See class, a perfect example of trust. If nobody will step forward to help further this…?” they still seemed in shock. Flare brought in Robby, whose face was broken with a grin. Alma was close on their heels. “Try this on your own, trust is crucial between Bonds, Knights or not! Class dismissed.”
The students dispersed, and Robby and I sat with our legs dangling in the canyon. We usually ended class together like this. Alma and Flare rested on the opposite side, lounging like cats in the sun.
“Any plans for today?” I asked him.
“My mom wants to send me on some errands later, what about you?”
“Veronica wanted some pointers on her flight with Azel, so I’m meeting her later in the field outside the kingdom walls.”
“So, it’s like a date?” Robby asked, completely straight-faced.
“It is so unlike a date!” I could feel my face heat up.
Robby had already run with it. “Even Alma noticed!” At the sound of her name, my Bond looked up. “It’s nothing, girl. But Flare, we’ve got to go.” The green dragon hurried
down into the canyon and Robby pushed himself into it, fond of his new mount technique. He waved as they whirled by, back towards town.
Alma crossed over to me and nudged my arm. “Yeah, let’s go.” I climbed up and she led us to Veronica, on a grassy field just outside the kingdom boundaries. We rested in the grass, and waited for Veronica.
When Azel’s shadow passed over us, we saw they were already airborne. She. Looked. Gorgeous. The moved like a fluid through the sky. It seemed effortless, the way Azel’s wings moved powerfully up and down and how Veronica shifted her weight to stay on. I could sit and watch for hours. Azel tried for a tight loop, and it must have been practiced, because the girl doesn’t miss a beat. She didn’t even start to slip from her Bond’s back. She grinned when she spotted Alma and I in the grass, and Azel drifted in with a quiet thump.
“That was great,” I said as Veronica slid off Azel.
“I could have done better,” Veronica shyly rubbed her arm—what a cutie. Not that I’m interested in her, or anything. Her hair was windblown and her face was flushed from her flight. “Have you and Alma been working hard?” she asked.
“Most of our time has been teaching the Knights’ class, so our practice has been worked in with that. Robby’s been really improving.”
“Speak of the devil.” Veronica nodded behind me as Flare and Robby rode up.
The dragon was breathing hard and slid a bit on his not-so-graceful landing, and even Robby was flustered. He nearly fell as he dismounted. “David, there’s something wrong with Zire!” he managed to get out.
“Oh no,” Veronica breathed. As a High Priestess-in-training, she was partial caretaker for our sky Guardian. As a part of the Nodin Kingdom, it directly affected Robby and I too.
“Mount up!” I called. Flare, Azel, and Alma pressed low to the ground to allow us easy access to their backs. “Go on ahead,” I told Veronica. She gave Azel a sharp kick and they bolted. “How’s Flare?”
“Exhausted, can you make it buddy?” Robby asked, rubbing the dragon’s head. Flare shook himself out and nodded.
“They can rest at the Sky Shrine, let’s go double time!” I’d slipped into the voice normally reserved for drills, but it was time for action. Alma and Flare chased after Azel, and it was a long trip made short to meet at the Shrine. It was an enclave carved into the mountainside where the long dragon could curl himself up inside with room to spare.
Our kingdom’s guardian though, was not in his shrine. Rather, he was wheeling in the sky, twisting violently while the Priestess followed him, trying to calm him down. “There’s an Imbalance, Zire is going into hysterics!” Veronica cried.
A knight of the Sky Kingdom rode up, marked clearly by her Bond’s tail band. “The King and Queen request David!”
I gave her a tight nod to send her on her way, and then turned to my student. “Robby, stay with Veronica; Alma, let’s go.” She was out of the cave before me, and with a graceful dive we made a beeline for the stone buildings that made up the palace.
Dragons and their Bonds were in and out of the open-air meeting hall from all six kingdoms. Knights in their color coordinated armor and their Bonds’ tails carrying their respective kingdoms’ emblems. Ours was like a central junction for all the kingdoms, as Zire was the eldest of each Guardian. Alma was quick to meet with coordinators, who sent me to the royal’s chamber inside and Alma with another group to receive a tail band.
“Your majesty,” I greeted King Moore and his wife Katrina with a low bow and outstretched arms. “You requested me?”
“Rise, Instructor Bates. I’m sure you have witnessed Zire’s rage.” King Otis Moore said.
“Robby informed me,” I replied as I straightened up with my hands tight behind my back. “He’s with Veronica and High Priestess Maxine in the Shrine as we speak.”
Queen Katrina Moore began pacing the room. “Word from the Varmes Kingdom states Titus is also angered.”
“Do we have any word from the other kingdoms?” I asked.
“All but Spime.” She said shortly. Spime was what we’d nicknamed the Kingdom that became when Koton and Uren merged together. They represented spirit and time respectively, and so came the name.
“We request you receive specific status reports from each kingdom beginning tomorrow.” King Otis explained. “You and Alma may have the company of one other Knight or Trainee, should you like.”
I didn't have to think about who I’d bring with me. “Student Robby Spalding, of Knight Training Class B. He and his Bond, Flare, have shown a strong partnership and great strength in class. I see him as a Nodin Kingdom Commander one day, like his father.” The Spalding line had a long history with the Knights of Nodin, and both of his parents were high level guards for the kingdom.
“Though he is young, that will stand.” Queen Katrina moved to the doors and called for a messenger. “Send a message to the Spalding family that Robby will accompany Instructor Bates on a kingdoms tour per request of the Nodin Royal Family. They will meet tonight at dusk.”
The boy was off and the Queen turned back to me. “Thank you for serving your kingdom.” Her husband stood and together they did a low, sleeping bow that mirrored how I had entered. I returned the gesture, arms spread wide. “You are dismissed, return at daybreak for you supplies.”
“My pleasure to serve my King and my Queen, always.”
---------- Post added 11-29-2013 at 09:16 AM ---------- Previous post was 11-17-2013 at 12:18 AM ----------
Oh man I forgot I'd posted this here.
Well, here's chapter two, friends.
Chapter Two
I sat with Robby in the faint, pre-dawn light at the same canyon I’d held class yesterday. We had some time before the Queen would meet with us, so we took the advantage. Alma and Flare rested across the gap from us.
“Drake?” Robby’s voice broke the silence. I looked over. “Have you ever met the other dragons?”
“The Guardians?”
He nodded.
“Just Lew and Zo, but they visit per summon when you can’t make it to Uren or Koton.”
“What are they like?” Robby asked.
“Small, they look more like lizards than Guardians.”
The boy laughed. “Why do we trust them so much then?”
“Well, do you remember why we have Bonds?” I began.
“They represent our chi, as we represent theirs. But, how does that tie in with our Guardians?”
“Think of them like Bonds to the elements. As we honor them we honor the elements, and that keeps us safe. I think we ought to pray to Zire for a safe flight before we meet with the Queen."
As we drew closer to the Sky Shrine, I could see a fire flickering inside. Curled up with Azel was Veronica. High Priestess Maxine stoked the fire, with her silver hair tied back, and greeted us with a warm smile.
“Veronica was still here when I left,” Robby whispered as we flew in. “Where’s Zire?” he asked Maxine when we landed.
“Zire has still yet to calm down, he tired himself out though,” The woman explained. “He was atop the mountain sleeping, but the air is too thin to know if he’s still up there.”
I nodded and kneeled by the fire across from her. “We came to pray for a safe journey.” Maxine nodded and moved back with her Bond towards Veronica. I led Robby in our prayer. “Zire, god of Air and the Wind, and Guardian of the Sky and Nodin. We offer the very breath from our lungs for your Blessing on our trip about the kingdoms six.” I waited for Robby to repeat the last part, and we ended with a deep breath that waved the flame.
Veronica had woken while we were praying and smiled at us from across the cave. “He is pleased,” she said.
As if summoned by her words, Zire flew down from his perch and rested his head in the mouth of the cave. “Your flight shall prove safe.” His voice was deep and bounced among the walls. Veronica and Maxine offered low bows. “Is there anything you may need, Priestesses?”
Veronica stepped forward. “Though I am sure it is against the King and Queen’s wishes, I wish to accompany Drake and Roby. Azel, my Bond, encourages it.”
I started to reject her offer, but Zire stopped me. “Hold your peace, young one. It is my wish for her to go.” Veronica’s face lit up like a sunrise. “It is good for young Priests and Priestesses to see the other Guardians.”
“You knew our mission?” Robby asked.
Zire’s laughter filled the cave. “Child, you bring a tear to my eye. As the Guardian of your kingdom, it is easy to pick up on the intentions of my people.”
“It seems as though you are feeling better, your grace.” Maxine too moved forward.
He grimaced. “While it is true I laugh now, the Imbalance is still egging at the back of my mind. I can’t place where I’m feeling it from, whether it be Nodin or another kingdom.” Zire sighed through his nose. “Dawn has broken; the trio should get move on to meet with the royal family.” He was speaking to Maxine, more than to us.
When he withdrew his head from the mouth of the cave, the six of us – Robby, Flare, Veronica, Azel, Alma, and myself, followed him out. Zire was outside the cave waiting for us. He himself as a Guardian had no wings; they used their holy power to keep them afloat. Outside, we could see Zire’s whole form, a long body of varying shades of grays and whites. Under his chin the scales seemed darker, and he looked like he had a beard.
The sun was steadily working its way up when we began flying towards the palace. “Will Queen Katrina approve of this?” Veronica asked.
“It’s the will of Zire; she’ll have to take it as it is.” I assured her.
We were greeted by a pair of knights at the landing flat each palace was fitted with. “We were informed to only expect the Instructor and Student. Why is our High Priestess in training here?” one challenged.
“It is the will of Zire.” Robby repeated, trying to sound older than he was. “King and Queen Moore must abide by it, right?”
The Knight sighed. “They will not be pleased, but so be it.” He turned to me. “Does your Bond still have her tail band?” I shook my head. He sighed again and turned to his partner. “Three tail bands, inform the royals of their arrival.”
An attendant led our dragons away to prepare their bands, and King Otis, followed by Queen Katrina, came out onto the flat. They looked perky for early morning, but still held the look everybody in the kingdom did; fair skin and light hair. Otis was balding, but Katrina still had long hair that brushed her shoulders. Katrina looked down her nose before she spoke. “Because it is the will of our Guardian and Sky God Zire, Veronica will accompany you. Ordinarily some-body of her class would not be allowed on potentially dangerous missions in or outside of our kingdom, but this is a special case.”
Three bags were left at our feet and our Bonds were led back to us. Each of them had a band near the end of their tails, with the kingdom emblem drawn in a whitish gold color.
Katrina continued her instructions. “Each of you will be expected to haul your own weight. Remember the differences our kingdoms share. Be aware of them, and be courteous. Instructor Bates, a few customs as well as the names of the royal families are enclosed in your pack. Student Spalding, you have been entrusted with a map. It’s important that Knights know how to navigate Oniana. Veronica, Maxine wishes you a safe journey.” Finally, the queen bowed. “You are dismissed.”
Otis chimed in. “Thank you for serving the Nodin Kingdom.” He too bowed.
The three of us bowed together and climbed onto the backs of our Bonds. I whispered a quick question to Alma, seeing that the extra weight of our packs was okay for everyone. She nodded. “Move out!” I called. The six of us rose into the sky, heading southeast towards the Varmes Kingdom, home of Titus, our Flame Guardian.
---------- Post added at 11:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------
Hot off the presses, chapter three proper!
Chapter Three
The Varmes people lived along the base of Titan, the volcano Titus resided in. They cut deep grooves in the earth to direct the lava flow around their city, and relied on winds from the northwest to keep the air clean of ash. As of late, it seemed that ash dimmed the glow of the city.
We landed outside the technical boundaries to rest and plan. “What are the customs of Varmes?” Veronica asked right away. She’d seemed oddly quiet through the flight, and it only just occurred to me this was her first venture outside of Nodin. Even before she’d been chosen by Maxine to be the new High Priestess she’d never left.
I dug in my pack and grabbed the small book Katrina packed us that listed customs. “Let’s see…” As I thumbed through to Varmes, Robby led our Bonds away from us to rest. There was a small stream they could drink their fill from, and they’d probably need it from the long flight. I shot him a look, but he only grinned. We both knew Flare, Alma, and Azel would go to the stream on their own time; he just wanted to leave me with Veronica. “Here we go, they’re deliberate,” like some young students I now. “And rather straightforward.’”
Veronica scooted towards me and read over my shoulder. “And their bows?”
“’Arms tight, bending at the waist.’ So, like this.” I stood up with my feet together, arms like boards, and when I bent, I kept my head down. “Now you try.”
Veronica got up and faced me, and we took a few steps apart. Arms straight, we slowly bowed to one another, careful not to bmp heads. As we straightened back up, I caught her eyes. They still seemed worried, and I gave her a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine,” I said quietly so only we could hear.
She returned the smile as Robby came bounding over. “Everyone’s rested up,” he reported.
“Then we should get a move on if we want to visit before late afternoon.” I quickly showed Robby the Varmes bow and called for a mount up. “Come in low, but don’t brush the roofs. Don’t look menacing.” The instruction was more to our Bonds. We could guide them but in the end, they were powerful dragons and they held our direction.
Alma took the lead and Flare and Azel flanked her on either side. “We’ll enter with a bow, state our mission, and see where that takes us,” I continued as we flew over the ashy city.
“Something is definitely wrong, Maxine said Varmes was really clean, ash isn’t clean.” Veronica said as she stared down over Azel’s back.”
“Zire usually directs air to blow ash away,” Robby explained, reciting what he’d learned in class. “But you saw him; he’s probably got other things on his mind.
We were closing in on the palace, so I wrapped up the discussion. “It’s the Imbalance, everyone’s being affected.” A pair of Knights began flying closer to us and I had Alma hold her place in the air. “We are from the Nodin Kingdom, home of Zire. We request the appearance of the royal family and a meeting with your Guardian, Titus.” I tried to project my voice to the guards without sounding like I was ordering drills.
One flew back to the palace and the other led us to the small, smoothed part in front of the palace doors. We stood in the way we had this morning before King Otis and Queen more, our Bonds beside us. The door swung open and a young boy with dark skin and darker eyes came forward. His Bond was two steps behind him, a gorgeous rusty red color. “My name is Prince Darius, state your business.” He performed the tight bow.
We returned the bow and Veronica stepped forward. “My name is Veronica Hanes, High Priestess in training of the Nodin Kingdom. On Zire’s request, I accompanied Instructor Drake Bates and Student Roby Spalding on their royal mission. We are to get a status report of sorts from each Guardian.
Prince Darius nodded, mulling it over. “You mirror my peoples’ bow. Why is that?”
Robby spoke up , and I’m glad he did. I had no plan. “We wished to honor our hosts. That is, if you’ll accept us as guests.” He sounded, again, much older than eleven, and I was so proud of him.
Darius turned his attention to me. “We accept you as guests,” he began. “But I must ask, why Zire does not blow his cleansing winds east now? Titus’s rage coats us in ash and many are falling ill.”
“There’s an Imbalance, it’s affecting all the Guardians. Can we speak to your High Priest or Priestess? “
“High Priest Jerome is in the Fire Shrine now, if you would like me to escort you.”
One of the guards stepped forward. “My Princes, it is highly un-“ she was silenced by Prince Darius’s upheld hand.
“I may not come into rule for a few weeks’ time, but I feel this is important. It is something you would not stop me from if I was king.”
The guard pursed her lips and stepped ack. “As you wish.”
Prince Darius’s Bond ran from behind him and tossed him up with his nose, moving forward to catch him on his ack. This was the first I heard the Prince laugh, or even see him smile. Veronica loosened up a bit as well, I noticed. But still, where were Varmes’s king and queen?
When I asked, Prince Darius’s smile dimmed a little. “My mother was unable to make it through my birth, and my father, King Dylan, passed last year. I”ll come into rule about three weeks’ time, when I am sixteen.”
Veronica gave him a warm smile. “I lost my mom too,” she said as she climbed on to Azel’s back.
Prince Darius returned the gesture. “I have come to terms with it, as I’m sure you have too.”
Veronica really seemed to open up after that.
---------- Post added 01-30-2014 at 08:32 PM ---------- Previous post was 12-23-2013 at 11:26 PM ----------
((The story is going to seem really choppy, because in my mind I have these things already written but they aren't written in, and I'm editing things and really making a very rough skeleton of what the finished project should be. Hopefully I won't take so long on Chapter Five, I only churned out Four in such a short time because HBC wanted to know what would happen. But that should help me get some ideas on what happens and again, get a skeleton to build off of. Ya feel?))
Chapter Four
The Fire Shrine was a platform standing on stone stilts on the lip of Titan, the live volcano Titus lived in. It was one of many volcanoes sprinkled through the eastern lands of Oniana, but it was the only one that wasn't dormant. According to Darius, the Guardian’s scales were thick and protected him from the heat of the lava. We flew in low to avoid the smoke billowing from the crater and the occasional cough of ash. When we landed Jerome was praying, and didn't look up until he breathed deeply and looked deep into the crater.
“High Priest Jerome,” Darius said as he bowed. “I have guests who wish to talk to Titus.”
Jerome peered at us over his half-moon glasses. Nodin people generally had light hair and skin, while Varmes people had dark skin and hair. “They are obviously not of our kingdom, what are they doing here?”
“They are scouts of sorts from the Nodin kingdom. King and Queen Moore have requested they gain insight on each Guardian. Instructor Drake, High Priestess—in –training Veronica, and Knight
Student Robby.” He gestured to each of us in turn.
“Prince, you know you don’t have to speak so formally all the time.” Jerome laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “For somebody so young, you speak well beyond your age.”
Darius relaxed. “True, sometimes I need a reminder,” he admitted. “How’s our Guardian?”
Jerome grimaced. “Well, you should see for yourself,” he shouted through the smoke and into the crater. “Titus! Your presence is requested!”
A yellow head led a body that faded into oranges and then reds flew from the mouth of the volcano. Titus, our Flame Guardian, curled himself and glared down at us. “What?” he growled. “And who are they?” he glanced at Robby, Veronica, and I.
Darius stepped forward. “Members of the Nodin Kingdom, and they’ve come to check on you by their royal’s request. On their behalf, may I ask how you are?”
Titus put his face in his claws and growled again. “Horrible!” he shouted. “I can hardly focus on anything but the nagging in my mind from the other Guardians! I can’t keep Titan calm, I can’t keep myself calm! This Imbalance is going to tear us up!” He let himself slip back into the lava crater and we could see him writhing in the lava. Finally, he lifted his head back up and rested his chin on the edge of the Fire Shrine. “I apologize for that, my rage grew so quickly. Nodin Trio, give my regards to the other Guardians. You have my word that I will help protect you on your trip, if I have yours that the Imbalance will be corrected.”
“Titus, I swear to you that we will heal your pain. We offer the warmth of our bodies as our word.” I kneeled in the shrine and Veronica and Robby followed suit.
Titus smiled and let himself slip slowly back into the lava. Jerome turned to Veronica when Titus’s nose had disappeared under the fire. “He talks much of this, Imbalance.”
“Zire does too; it’s all he seems to talk about lately.” She sighed and crossed her arms. “Do you know if anything would soothe them, Jerome?”
He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Remind me, who is your High Priestess?”
“Maxine Douglass.”
“I’ll have messengers go back and forth for us, thank you for trying in the Guardians’ time of need.” They bowed to one another, and Jerome returned back to his work.
Back at Darius’s palace, he helped us plan the best route south to Elden. So long as we were in Varmes territory he would have Knights keep an eye on us. The palace was farther inland than the beach, and like all urbanized portions of the kingdom, was surrounded by walls. “Must you leave so soon?” Darius asked, when we finished marking up the map.
“We can cut back east when we’re done in Koten and Uren,” Veronica traced the path through the two and back to Varmes. “I’m sorry you can’t come with us.”
Darius sighed. “As are the duties of a Prince. No matter though, I feel that I’ll see you again.” He gave her a bright smile.
“Drake, do you think we can stay here for the night?” Robby asked, and I realized he hadn’t talked much all day. “Flare, Alma, and Azel need to rest before another long flight.”
I bit my lip, mulling it over. Queen Katrina hadn’t given us a time limit, but of course she wouldn’t expect us to have everything done within a few days. I’d worked our Bonds hard today, and it wouldn’t be fair if we rested while they carried us. And sleeping outside the walls of any kingdom was very dangerous. “I guess, is it alright with you, Darius?”
The Prince’s eyes lit up and he nodded eagerly. “There are plenty of places for you to rest for the night. I’m sure nobody here would mind.”
I have Chapter One typed, Two finished, and Three in the making. Or four? I don't want to check.
But here's a quick summary and chapter one!
EDIT: I decided to name it Oniana, which is going to be the name of the land, but I can't edit the thread's title. Oop.
Each Kingdom of Oniana is represented by a Guardian Dragon. They usually live in harmony with their human charges, though something is brewing within the kingdoms that's causing a stir with the Guardians, throwing them into fits of rage, but nobody can pinpoint what's going on. Join Drake Bates, a former Nodin Knight and new Knight Instructor for the Nodin Kingdom, along with Veronica, their High Priestess-in-training and student Robby as they tour the kingdoms to figure out what is going on with the Guardians. Can they discover what's been driving the dragon gods mad, or will Oniana fall victim to their rage?
Chapter One
“Alma, you ready?” I shouted into the canyon. Alma calls back with something between a growl and a screech, and I grin. Taking a few steps back, I run forward and fling myself from the cliff. The class gasps behind me and my smile only grows. The wind tugs my clothes behind me and my curly hair whips around.
The ground raced up to me, and I can hear some of the students yelling out to me. Before I smack the ground, Alma swoops under me, a blur of blue scales, and I sit up on her back. “Excellent!” I tell her, patting her side. Beside me, powerful wings move up and down, carrying us back to the ledge. Alma flips once we’re over the ground and I slid off, landing on my knees. “That could’ve been better,” I muttered before standing up. She snickered while I addressed the class. “That, for those of you able to watch, was a
demonstration of trust between Bonds. Does anybody care to try?”
A small boy and his green Bond stepped forward. “I will, David. Flare and I have been practicing flight a lot outside of class.”
“Alright Robby, send him down. Alma, you go too as a precaution.” The two dragons swooped into the canyon, and Robbie jumped off and down into the canyon. This time, I waved the class over to watch. The boy free-fell and Alma circled below him, ready to catch him should she need to. Out of nowhere, Flare sped in and caught the boy, taking
gracefully to the sky. He made lazy loops, letting Robby fall and catching him with ease.
“See class, a perfect example of trust. If nobody will step forward to help further this…?” they still seemed in shock. Flare brought in Robby, whose face was broken with a grin. Alma was close on their heels. “Try this on your own, trust is crucial between Bonds, Knights or not! Class dismissed.”
The students dispersed, and Robby and I sat with our legs dangling in the canyon. We usually ended class together like this. Alma and Flare rested on the opposite side, lounging like cats in the sun.
“Any plans for today?” I asked him.
“My mom wants to send me on some errands later, what about you?”
“Veronica wanted some pointers on her flight with Azel, so I’m meeting her later in the field outside the kingdom walls.”
“So, it’s like a date?” Robby asked, completely straight-faced.
“It is so unlike a date!” I could feel my face heat up.
Robby had already run with it. “Even Alma noticed!” At the sound of her name, my Bond looked up. “It’s nothing, girl. But Flare, we’ve got to go.” The green dragon hurried
down into the canyon and Robby pushed himself into it, fond of his new mount technique. He waved as they whirled by, back towards town.
Alma crossed over to me and nudged my arm. “Yeah, let’s go.” I climbed up and she led us to Veronica, on a grassy field just outside the kingdom boundaries. We rested in the grass, and waited for Veronica.
When Azel’s shadow passed over us, we saw they were already airborne. She. Looked. Gorgeous. The moved like a fluid through the sky. It seemed effortless, the way Azel’s wings moved powerfully up and down and how Veronica shifted her weight to stay on. I could sit and watch for hours. Azel tried for a tight loop, and it must have been practiced, because the girl doesn’t miss a beat. She didn’t even start to slip from her Bond’s back. She grinned when she spotted Alma and I in the grass, and Azel drifted in with a quiet thump.
“That was great,” I said as Veronica slid off Azel.
“I could have done better,” Veronica shyly rubbed her arm—what a cutie. Not that I’m interested in her, or anything. Her hair was windblown and her face was flushed from her flight. “Have you and Alma been working hard?” she asked.
“Most of our time has been teaching the Knights’ class, so our practice has been worked in with that. Robby’s been really improving.”
“Speak of the devil.” Veronica nodded behind me as Flare and Robby rode up.
The dragon was breathing hard and slid a bit on his not-so-graceful landing, and even Robby was flustered. He nearly fell as he dismounted. “David, there’s something wrong with Zire!” he managed to get out.
“Oh no,” Veronica breathed. As a High Priestess-in-training, she was partial caretaker for our sky Guardian. As a part of the Nodin Kingdom, it directly affected Robby and I too.
“Mount up!” I called. Flare, Azel, and Alma pressed low to the ground to allow us easy access to their backs. “Go on ahead,” I told Veronica. She gave Azel a sharp kick and they bolted. “How’s Flare?”
“Exhausted, can you make it buddy?” Robby asked, rubbing the dragon’s head. Flare shook himself out and nodded.
“They can rest at the Sky Shrine, let’s go double time!” I’d slipped into the voice normally reserved for drills, but it was time for action. Alma and Flare chased after Azel, and it was a long trip made short to meet at the Shrine. It was an enclave carved into the mountainside where the long dragon could curl himself up inside with room to spare.
Our kingdom’s guardian though, was not in his shrine. Rather, he was wheeling in the sky, twisting violently while the Priestess followed him, trying to calm him down. “There’s an Imbalance, Zire is going into hysterics!” Veronica cried.
A knight of the Sky Kingdom rode up, marked clearly by her Bond’s tail band. “The King and Queen request David!”
I gave her a tight nod to send her on her way, and then turned to my student. “Robby, stay with Veronica; Alma, let’s go.” She was out of the cave before me, and with a graceful dive we made a beeline for the stone buildings that made up the palace.
Dragons and their Bonds were in and out of the open-air meeting hall from all six kingdoms. Knights in their color coordinated armor and their Bonds’ tails carrying their respective kingdoms’ emblems. Ours was like a central junction for all the kingdoms, as Zire was the eldest of each Guardian. Alma was quick to meet with coordinators, who sent me to the royal’s chamber inside and Alma with another group to receive a tail band.
“Your majesty,” I greeted King Moore and his wife Katrina with a low bow and outstretched arms. “You requested me?”
“Rise, Instructor Bates. I’m sure you have witnessed Zire’s rage.” King Otis Moore said.
“Robby informed me,” I replied as I straightened up with my hands tight behind my back. “He’s with Veronica and High Priestess Maxine in the Shrine as we speak.”
Queen Katrina Moore began pacing the room. “Word from the Varmes Kingdom states Titus is also angered.”
“Do we have any word from the other kingdoms?” I asked.
“All but Spime.” She said shortly. Spime was what we’d nicknamed the Kingdom that became when Koton and Uren merged together. They represented spirit and time respectively, and so came the name.
“We request you receive specific status reports from each kingdom beginning tomorrow.” King Otis explained. “You and Alma may have the company of one other Knight or Trainee, should you like.”
I didn't have to think about who I’d bring with me. “Student Robby Spalding, of Knight Training Class B. He and his Bond, Flare, have shown a strong partnership and great strength in class. I see him as a Nodin Kingdom Commander one day, like his father.” The Spalding line had a long history with the Knights of Nodin, and both of his parents were high level guards for the kingdom.
“Though he is young, that will stand.” Queen Katrina moved to the doors and called for a messenger. “Send a message to the Spalding family that Robby will accompany Instructor Bates on a kingdoms tour per request of the Nodin Royal Family. They will meet tonight at dusk.”
The boy was off and the Queen turned back to me. “Thank you for serving your kingdom.” Her husband stood and together they did a low, sleeping bow that mirrored how I had entered. I returned the gesture, arms spread wide. “You are dismissed, return at daybreak for you supplies.”
“My pleasure to serve my King and my Queen, always.”
---------- Post added 11-29-2013 at 09:16 AM ---------- Previous post was 11-17-2013 at 12:18 AM ----------
Oh man I forgot I'd posted this here.
Well, here's chapter two, friends.
Chapter Two
I sat with Robby in the faint, pre-dawn light at the same canyon I’d held class yesterday. We had some time before the Queen would meet with us, so we took the advantage. Alma and Flare rested across the gap from us.
“Drake?” Robby’s voice broke the silence. I looked over. “Have you ever met the other dragons?”
“The Guardians?”
He nodded.
“Just Lew and Zo, but they visit per summon when you can’t make it to Uren or Koton.”
“What are they like?” Robby asked.
“Small, they look more like lizards than Guardians.”
The boy laughed. “Why do we trust them so much then?”
“Well, do you remember why we have Bonds?” I began.
“They represent our chi, as we represent theirs. But, how does that tie in with our Guardians?”
“Think of them like Bonds to the elements. As we honor them we honor the elements, and that keeps us safe. I think we ought to pray to Zire for a safe flight before we meet with the Queen."
As we drew closer to the Sky Shrine, I could see a fire flickering inside. Curled up with Azel was Veronica. High Priestess Maxine stoked the fire, with her silver hair tied back, and greeted us with a warm smile.
“Veronica was still here when I left,” Robby whispered as we flew in. “Where’s Zire?” he asked Maxine when we landed.
“Zire has still yet to calm down, he tired himself out though,” The woman explained. “He was atop the mountain sleeping, but the air is too thin to know if he’s still up there.”
I nodded and kneeled by the fire across from her. “We came to pray for a safe journey.” Maxine nodded and moved back with her Bond towards Veronica. I led Robby in our prayer. “Zire, god of Air and the Wind, and Guardian of the Sky and Nodin. We offer the very breath from our lungs for your Blessing on our trip about the kingdoms six.” I waited for Robby to repeat the last part, and we ended with a deep breath that waved the flame.
Veronica had woken while we were praying and smiled at us from across the cave. “He is pleased,” she said.
As if summoned by her words, Zire flew down from his perch and rested his head in the mouth of the cave. “Your flight shall prove safe.” His voice was deep and bounced among the walls. Veronica and Maxine offered low bows. “Is there anything you may need, Priestesses?”
Veronica stepped forward. “Though I am sure it is against the King and Queen’s wishes, I wish to accompany Drake and Roby. Azel, my Bond, encourages it.”
I started to reject her offer, but Zire stopped me. “Hold your peace, young one. It is my wish for her to go.” Veronica’s face lit up like a sunrise. “It is good for young Priests and Priestesses to see the other Guardians.”
“You knew our mission?” Robby asked.
Zire’s laughter filled the cave. “Child, you bring a tear to my eye. As the Guardian of your kingdom, it is easy to pick up on the intentions of my people.”
“It seems as though you are feeling better, your grace.” Maxine too moved forward.
He grimaced. “While it is true I laugh now, the Imbalance is still egging at the back of my mind. I can’t place where I’m feeling it from, whether it be Nodin or another kingdom.” Zire sighed through his nose. “Dawn has broken; the trio should get move on to meet with the royal family.” He was speaking to Maxine, more than to us.
When he withdrew his head from the mouth of the cave, the six of us – Robby, Flare, Veronica, Azel, Alma, and myself, followed him out. Zire was outside the cave waiting for us. He himself as a Guardian had no wings; they used their holy power to keep them afloat. Outside, we could see Zire’s whole form, a long body of varying shades of grays and whites. Under his chin the scales seemed darker, and he looked like he had a beard.
The sun was steadily working its way up when we began flying towards the palace. “Will Queen Katrina approve of this?” Veronica asked.
“It’s the will of Zire; she’ll have to take it as it is.” I assured her.
We were greeted by a pair of knights at the landing flat each palace was fitted with. “We were informed to only expect the Instructor and Student. Why is our High Priestess in training here?” one challenged.
“It is the will of Zire.” Robby repeated, trying to sound older than he was. “King and Queen Moore must abide by it, right?”
The Knight sighed. “They will not be pleased, but so be it.” He turned to me. “Does your Bond still have her tail band?” I shook my head. He sighed again and turned to his partner. “Three tail bands, inform the royals of their arrival.”
An attendant led our dragons away to prepare their bands, and King Otis, followed by Queen Katrina, came out onto the flat. They looked perky for early morning, but still held the look everybody in the kingdom did; fair skin and light hair. Otis was balding, but Katrina still had long hair that brushed her shoulders. Katrina looked down her nose before she spoke. “Because it is the will of our Guardian and Sky God Zire, Veronica will accompany you. Ordinarily some-body of her class would not be allowed on potentially dangerous missions in or outside of our kingdom, but this is a special case.”
Three bags were left at our feet and our Bonds were led back to us. Each of them had a band near the end of their tails, with the kingdom emblem drawn in a whitish gold color.
Katrina continued her instructions. “Each of you will be expected to haul your own weight. Remember the differences our kingdoms share. Be aware of them, and be courteous. Instructor Bates, a few customs as well as the names of the royal families are enclosed in your pack. Student Spalding, you have been entrusted with a map. It’s important that Knights know how to navigate Oniana. Veronica, Maxine wishes you a safe journey.” Finally, the queen bowed. “You are dismissed.”
Otis chimed in. “Thank you for serving the Nodin Kingdom.” He too bowed.
The three of us bowed together and climbed onto the backs of our Bonds. I whispered a quick question to Alma, seeing that the extra weight of our packs was okay for everyone. She nodded. “Move out!” I called. The six of us rose into the sky, heading southeast towards the Varmes Kingdom, home of Titus, our Flame Guardian.
---------- Post added at 11:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------
Hot off the presses, chapter three proper!
Chapter Three
The Varmes people lived along the base of Titan, the volcano Titus resided in. They cut deep grooves in the earth to direct the lava flow around their city, and relied on winds from the northwest to keep the air clean of ash. As of late, it seemed that ash dimmed the glow of the city.
We landed outside the technical boundaries to rest and plan. “What are the customs of Varmes?” Veronica asked right away. She’d seemed oddly quiet through the flight, and it only just occurred to me this was her first venture outside of Nodin. Even before she’d been chosen by Maxine to be the new High Priestess she’d never left.
I dug in my pack and grabbed the small book Katrina packed us that listed customs. “Let’s see…” As I thumbed through to Varmes, Robby led our Bonds away from us to rest. There was a small stream they could drink their fill from, and they’d probably need it from the long flight. I shot him a look, but he only grinned. We both knew Flare, Alma, and Azel would go to the stream on their own time; he just wanted to leave me with Veronica. “Here we go, they’re deliberate,” like some young students I now. “And rather straightforward.’”
Veronica scooted towards me and read over my shoulder. “And their bows?”
“’Arms tight, bending at the waist.’ So, like this.” I stood up with my feet together, arms like boards, and when I bent, I kept my head down. “Now you try.”
Veronica got up and faced me, and we took a few steps apart. Arms straight, we slowly bowed to one another, careful not to bmp heads. As we straightened back up, I caught her eyes. They still seemed worried, and I gave her a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine,” I said quietly so only we could hear.
She returned the smile as Robby came bounding over. “Everyone’s rested up,” he reported.
“Then we should get a move on if we want to visit before late afternoon.” I quickly showed Robby the Varmes bow and called for a mount up. “Come in low, but don’t brush the roofs. Don’t look menacing.” The instruction was more to our Bonds. We could guide them but in the end, they were powerful dragons and they held our direction.
Alma took the lead and Flare and Azel flanked her on either side. “We’ll enter with a bow, state our mission, and see where that takes us,” I continued as we flew over the ashy city.
“Something is definitely wrong, Maxine said Varmes was really clean, ash isn’t clean.” Veronica said as she stared down over Azel’s back.”
“Zire usually directs air to blow ash away,” Robby explained, reciting what he’d learned in class. “But you saw him; he’s probably got other things on his mind.
We were closing in on the palace, so I wrapped up the discussion. “It’s the Imbalance, everyone’s being affected.” A pair of Knights began flying closer to us and I had Alma hold her place in the air. “We are from the Nodin Kingdom, home of Zire. We request the appearance of the royal family and a meeting with your Guardian, Titus.” I tried to project my voice to the guards without sounding like I was ordering drills.
One flew back to the palace and the other led us to the small, smoothed part in front of the palace doors. We stood in the way we had this morning before King Otis and Queen more, our Bonds beside us. The door swung open and a young boy with dark skin and darker eyes came forward. His Bond was two steps behind him, a gorgeous rusty red color. “My name is Prince Darius, state your business.” He performed the tight bow.
We returned the bow and Veronica stepped forward. “My name is Veronica Hanes, High Priestess in training of the Nodin Kingdom. On Zire’s request, I accompanied Instructor Drake Bates and Student Roby Spalding on their royal mission. We are to get a status report of sorts from each Guardian.
Prince Darius nodded, mulling it over. “You mirror my peoples’ bow. Why is that?”
Robby spoke up , and I’m glad he did. I had no plan. “We wished to honor our hosts. That is, if you’ll accept us as guests.” He sounded, again, much older than eleven, and I was so proud of him.
Darius turned his attention to me. “We accept you as guests,” he began. “But I must ask, why Zire does not blow his cleansing winds east now? Titus’s rage coats us in ash and many are falling ill.”
“There’s an Imbalance, it’s affecting all the Guardians. Can we speak to your High Priest or Priestess? “
“High Priest Jerome is in the Fire Shrine now, if you would like me to escort you.”
One of the guards stepped forward. “My Princes, it is highly un-“ she was silenced by Prince Darius’s upheld hand.
“I may not come into rule for a few weeks’ time, but I feel this is important. It is something you would not stop me from if I was king.”
The guard pursed her lips and stepped ack. “As you wish.”
Prince Darius’s Bond ran from behind him and tossed him up with his nose, moving forward to catch him on his ack. This was the first I heard the Prince laugh, or even see him smile. Veronica loosened up a bit as well, I noticed. But still, where were Varmes’s king and queen?
When I asked, Prince Darius’s smile dimmed a little. “My mother was unable to make it through my birth, and my father, King Dylan, passed last year. I”ll come into rule about three weeks’ time, when I am sixteen.”
Veronica gave him a warm smile. “I lost my mom too,” she said as she climbed on to Azel’s back.
Prince Darius returned the gesture. “I have come to terms with it, as I’m sure you have too.”
Veronica really seemed to open up after that.
---------- Post added 01-30-2014 at 08:32 PM ---------- Previous post was 12-23-2013 at 11:26 PM ----------
((The story is going to seem really choppy, because in my mind I have these things already written but they aren't written in, and I'm editing things and really making a very rough skeleton of what the finished project should be. Hopefully I won't take so long on Chapter Five, I only churned out Four in such a short time because HBC wanted to know what would happen. But that should help me get some ideas on what happens and again, get a skeleton to build off of. Ya feel?))
Chapter Four
The Fire Shrine was a platform standing on stone stilts on the lip of Titan, the live volcano Titus lived in. It was one of many volcanoes sprinkled through the eastern lands of Oniana, but it was the only one that wasn't dormant. According to Darius, the Guardian’s scales were thick and protected him from the heat of the lava. We flew in low to avoid the smoke billowing from the crater and the occasional cough of ash. When we landed Jerome was praying, and didn't look up until he breathed deeply and looked deep into the crater.
“High Priest Jerome,” Darius said as he bowed. “I have guests who wish to talk to Titus.”
Jerome peered at us over his half-moon glasses. Nodin people generally had light hair and skin, while Varmes people had dark skin and hair. “They are obviously not of our kingdom, what are they doing here?”
“They are scouts of sorts from the Nodin kingdom. King and Queen Moore have requested they gain insight on each Guardian. Instructor Drake, High Priestess—in –training Veronica, and Knight
Student Robby.” He gestured to each of us in turn.
“Prince, you know you don’t have to speak so formally all the time.” Jerome laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “For somebody so young, you speak well beyond your age.”
Darius relaxed. “True, sometimes I need a reminder,” he admitted. “How’s our Guardian?”
Jerome grimaced. “Well, you should see for yourself,” he shouted through the smoke and into the crater. “Titus! Your presence is requested!”
A yellow head led a body that faded into oranges and then reds flew from the mouth of the volcano. Titus, our Flame Guardian, curled himself and glared down at us. “What?” he growled. “And who are they?” he glanced at Robby, Veronica, and I.
Darius stepped forward. “Members of the Nodin Kingdom, and they’ve come to check on you by their royal’s request. On their behalf, may I ask how you are?”
Titus put his face in his claws and growled again. “Horrible!” he shouted. “I can hardly focus on anything but the nagging in my mind from the other Guardians! I can’t keep Titan calm, I can’t keep myself calm! This Imbalance is going to tear us up!” He let himself slip back into the lava crater and we could see him writhing in the lava. Finally, he lifted his head back up and rested his chin on the edge of the Fire Shrine. “I apologize for that, my rage grew so quickly. Nodin Trio, give my regards to the other Guardians. You have my word that I will help protect you on your trip, if I have yours that the Imbalance will be corrected.”
“Titus, I swear to you that we will heal your pain. We offer the warmth of our bodies as our word.” I kneeled in the shrine and Veronica and Robby followed suit.
Titus smiled and let himself slip slowly back into the lava. Jerome turned to Veronica when Titus’s nose had disappeared under the fire. “He talks much of this, Imbalance.”
“Zire does too; it’s all he seems to talk about lately.” She sighed and crossed her arms. “Do you know if anything would soothe them, Jerome?”
He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Remind me, who is your High Priestess?”
“Maxine Douglass.”
“I’ll have messengers go back and forth for us, thank you for trying in the Guardians’ time of need.” They bowed to one another, and Jerome returned back to his work.
Back at Darius’s palace, he helped us plan the best route south to Elden. So long as we were in Varmes territory he would have Knights keep an eye on us. The palace was farther inland than the beach, and like all urbanized portions of the kingdom, was surrounded by walls. “Must you leave so soon?” Darius asked, when we finished marking up the map.
“We can cut back east when we’re done in Koten and Uren,” Veronica traced the path through the two and back to Varmes. “I’m sorry you can’t come with us.”
Darius sighed. “As are the duties of a Prince. No matter though, I feel that I’ll see you again.” He gave her a bright smile.
“Drake, do you think we can stay here for the night?” Robby asked, and I realized he hadn’t talked much all day. “Flare, Alma, and Azel need to rest before another long flight.”
I bit my lip, mulling it over. Queen Katrina hadn’t given us a time limit, but of course she wouldn’t expect us to have everything done within a few days. I’d worked our Bonds hard today, and it wouldn’t be fair if we rested while they carried us. And sleeping outside the walls of any kingdom was very dangerous. “I guess, is it alright with you, Darius?”
The Prince’s eyes lit up and he nodded eagerly. “There are plenty of places for you to rest for the night. I’m sure nobody here would mind.”