Page 96 of The Dragonrider and the Void
“The Void Drinker believes that with the Flashover’s approach, it can breach the barriers permanently. If it succeeds, none of the realms will be spared. It will consume everything, growing stronger with each feeding.” Lark met the Queen’s gaze directly. “The original binding that contained it required both dragon and fae magic, channeled through Vaerdium alloy. I seek to recreate that binding before it’s too late.”
Queen Aurelia studied Lark for what felt like an eternity, her expression unreadable. Finally, she rose from her throne in a fluid motion, descending the dais to approach Lark directly. The courtiers gasped. Apparently, such proximity to visitors was unusual.
“Show me this dual power you command,” she ordered, standing close enough that Lark could feel the summer heat radiating from her presence.
Lark summoned the combined flows of energy once more, allowing it to manifest between them. In the throne room’smagical atmosphere, it responded more vibrantly than before, forming intricate patterns that seemed almost alive.
The Queen circled Lark slowly, examining the energy from all angles. “Imperfect,” she concluded, “yet remarkably balanced for one untrained in the ways of our realm.” She returned to face Lark. “And what makes you believe you are worthy to attempt what took twelve dragons and representatives from all of our courts to accomplish?”
“I don’t claim to be worthy,” Lark answered honestly. “Only necessary. I’ve been marked by both realms, connected to both sources of power. If there’s a chance I can help seal the breach, I must try.”
Queen Aurelia’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. “A refreshing lack of presumption.” She glanced at Nix. “Your companion has taught you well.”
“Nix has been a loyal guide,” Lark agreed.
“Has she revealed how you came to be bonded? The true circumstances?”
Lark hesitated, glancing at Nix, whose flame had dimmed noticeably. “Not entirely.”
“I thought not.” The Queen returned to her throne, settling gracefully. “Before I consider your request for knowledge and materials, you should understand the full truth of your position.” She gestured to an attendant, who approached with a crystal sphere balanced on a golden cushion.
“This is a Memory Orb,” Queen Aurelia explained. “It contains the recorded account of how you and Nix came to be bonded, and why. Watch carefully, dragonrider. The history you’re about to witness shapes your present far more than you realize.”
The attendant held the orb before Lark. As she gazed into its crystalline depths, the throne room faded from her awareness,replaced by visions of a past she couldn’t remember yet somehow recognized.
She saw a younger version of herself, barely more than a child, stumbling upon a hidden pool deep within the caves under the Everburning Forest. The water glowed with an unnatural light, similar to the gateway she’d created in Vermillion Keep. Young Lark reached into the pool, drawn by curiosity, and pulled forth a golden pendant shaped like a lark in flight.
The scene shifted. A fae man in the robes of a human mage stood before what Lark recognized as the Summer Court throne room, though less grand than its current incarnation. A younger Queen Aurelia listened as he spoke urgently.
“The Void Drinker stirs, Your Radiance. The rimeshade grow stronger, and the Magi Order has been infiltrated. We must take action before the next Flashover.”
“What do you propose, Zadar?” the Queen asked.
“The prophecy speaks of a princess of the North with the potential for a dual bond. If we can locate this child and forge the connection early, she might grow to have the power needed when the time comes.”
“The Night Court will never willingly participate,” another courtier objected.
“They need not know the full scope,” Zadar replied. “I can enchant a pendant to seek the child. Once found, it will establish the initial connection. The Night Court can be persuaded to assign a guide under the pretense of monitoring Sataran’s magical developments.”
The Queen considered this. “And who will you choose as this guide?”
“One who burns bright enough to survive in Sataran, yet whose loyalties are unquestionable.” Zadar’s expression turned grim. “Nix has proven her devotion to both courts countless times.”
The vision shifted again. Lark saw Nix standing before a council of shadowy figures, their features obscured by darkness despite glowing eyes that watched her intently.
“You will observe this human child,” a voice commanded. “Report on her development and the state of draconic magic in Sataran. Nothing more.”
“I understand, my Lord,” Nix replied, bowing deeply.
“Remember, ember,” another voice cautioned, “this assignment is temporary. When the task is complete, you will return to your rightful place in our court.”
“Of course,” Nix agreed, though Lark could now see hesitation in her flame.
The final vision showed the moment of their bonding. Young Lark, having taken the pendant from the pool, swam deeper, following some instinct or pull she didn’t understand. The water around her began to glow brighter, then suddenly, she was elsewhere. A dark chamber lit with a single flame that approached and surrounded her.
Nix’s voice, though younger and more formal. “I am assigned to guide you, child of Sataran. Our paths are bound until my task is complete.”
Young Lark, confused but unafraid: “What task?”
