Page 85 of Theoden
“Halt,” the leader said. He, like all dragons, was absolutely beautiful with his brown eyes and black hair. His presence was stern and confident, like that of a Knight. By the extravagance of his gold and steel armor that was reminiscent of dragon scales and probably just as tough to pierce, I was willing to bet that he was a Knight and the others at his side, soldiers.
I did as I was told. “Should I land?” I asked the Knight.
“A dragon can defend their territory on land or in the sky,” the dragon said, then removed his sword from its sheath. It was a wicked looking weapon with a curvy silver blade meant to do much damage. The other five dragons followed their leader and removed their weapons as well. I only had two daggers and my fire, but they were dragons and could do far more damage to me than I could to them. Not to mention, fire would have no effect.
“I seek parley with your King,” Ara stated.
“The King has not giving you permission to enter his territory,” the dragon said.
I decided to land, just in case they decided to attack us. I could not defend myself and my King if I was holding Ara. They followed and surrounded us as we all settled to the ground.
“I only come in peace. We have an alliance, your King and I. Please, take me to him so I may explain myself,” Ara said in his most diplomatic tone.
“I am Vex, dragon Knight to the King, and you will explain yourself to me and I will deliver your message,” the dragon said.
Ara’s jaw tightened and I knew it was because he didn’t like having to answer to anyone he felt who was beneath him. This Vex may be a dragon Knight, but Ara was a vampire King. I took offense to the dragon, but kept silent.
“I am Ara Leon, vampire King of the Persian territory, and I seek to speak with your King, Evander. I will not do proxy through you, Knight or not,” Ara declared.
Vex cocked an eyebrow and snorted. “Vampires have no authority here. I’d just as quickly run you through with my sword than lead you to my King.”
I looked up when I saw another approaching, and this time, I felt a sense of relief. Tylendel, dressed in his glorious dragon armor, joined us, landing softly and gracefully as he always did.
“What is the meaning of this breach, Ara?” Tylendel asked with a voice full of command.
“My territory was attacked by wolves. With the sun fast approaching, my vampires are forced to flee and we need a safe haven. You should know, the wolves may be coming here next. Dragons also have wolf slaves they may be seeking to free,” Ara said.
I wondered why he decided to tell Tylendel, but not Vex. Both were only dragon Knights. Maybe it was because Tylendel was my friend and would have a better chance at getting us a meeting with the King.
That, and Tylendel is the highest ranked dragon Knight, my son, and a Prince, Ara said to me with his mind’s voice.
Well, now I understood.
Tylendel narrowed his gorgeous green eyes as he regarded us and I knew he had to have known Ara spoke the truth. No way would we be in his territory if it wasn’t of the utmost importance.
“I will take you to the King,” Tylendel said.
The other Knight’s eyes widened and he frowned incredulously. “Tylen—”
“I will take it from here, Vex. If any other vampires enter our territory tonight, keep them at the border,” Tylendel commanded.
“Yes, Sir,” Vex said with a deep breath, then took a step back, as if to give control of the situation over to Tylendel.
“Follow me,” Tylendel ordered, then he took to the sky.
I wrapped Ara in my arms and followed him as he led us to the King’s palace, which was quite large and located in the mountain range. Remote and peaceful. The place was surrounded by exotic flowers and luscious trees. The lake was behind it and I saw several dragons swimming in it. They were looking up at us now and swimming towards the shore.
Tylendel landed in front of the palace and I followed him, releasing Ara when we touched the ground. “If the King agrees to see you, I will take you to where he greets his guests,” he said to Ara. He cut a glance to me before returning his attention back to Ara. “You will wait here until I return.”
“Very well,” Ara said. I only nodded.
Tylendel walked through the double doors into what I assumed was a lavish palace filled with beautiful furnishings, artwork, and sheer curtains. Dragons seemed to really love the finest things in life.
Ara fell to one knee, growling in pain, and I knelt at his side. “Father?”
“More of my vampires have perished!” he snarled, and I actually felt his rage and his agony.
I looked up to see the sky turning lighter and soon, the sun would be up. We needed to get Ara inside, safe from the rays. I began to panic as it seemed to take forever for Tylendel to return and just when I was going to throw caution to the wind, he opened the doors and motioned for us to enter. Once we were safely inside, he addressed us.
