Dragons of Aster Cliffs (Chapter 5)

[sidhe_faerie]

 

CHAPTER 5

The two men went inside to the large sitting room. Near the stone hearth a woman with long dark hair stood in a blue dress. A blue veil was draped over a chair near her.

“Benna, you have transformed.” Lord Drake said.

The woman turned and smiled. “I thought I would be human while the babies are sleeping. Lord Aster, they are adorable.”

Lord Aster thought he had never seen anyone as beautiful as she. He was speechless for a moment. His throat was dry. “My Lady.”

“Did I not tell you, Ulster, that my sister was very beautiful?” Lord Drake grinned.

“No. You did not.” Lord Aster cleared his throat. “It is an honor to meet you, Lady Benna.” 

“So you find me beautiful?” Lady Benna smiled mischievously.

“Who could not My Lady?” Lord Aster blushed at his shyness.

“Am I equally as beautiful as a dragon?” She smiled. She was expecting him to say that she was a more beautiful woman than dragon.

“I find you beautiful in any state, My Lady.” Lord Aster kissed the hand she had extended to him. “I am appreciative of the beauty of dragons as well as women.”

Lord Drake laughed. “I think he’s enchanted. Benna, you worked magick on him, didn’t you?”

“I have not! Just because you can’t see me as beautiful doesn’t meant that others see me as you do.” Lady Benna shot back at her brother.

“That’s not what I meant Benna. He’s blushing.” Lord Drake said.

Lord Aster was suddenly self conscious. “If I have offended you, Lady Benna, I apologize.”

“Not at all! You are refreshingly honest. I like that.” She slipped her arm though his and led him to the settee. “Don’t listen to my brother. He needs a wife to straighten him out.”

“I do not. I am far too young to settle down. I’m not even 100 yet. Mother and Father didn’t marry until they were past 200.” Lord Drake protested.

So your mother is draconian as well? Lord Aster asked.

“Yes. Mother stays in Atlantis with Father. We are one of the few pure families but I don’t believe that will be the case for long.” Lady Benna said. “I have no interest in either one of the Wyvern sons. They are both bores.”   

“Father, may arrange it whether you like it or not.” Lord Drake reminded his sister.

“He wouldn’t dare. I will most likely marry a mundane or a magickal but not a draconian.” Lady Benna said.

“Pardon a mundane?” Lord Aster asked. He had never heard that term before.

“A mundane is a human that is without any magickal powers.” Lord Drake explained. “You are a mundane.”

“Drake! That’s rude.” Lady Benna admonished her brother.

“I apologize.” Lord Drake said. “I meant no offense.”

“I am not offended.” Lord Aster said.

A maid servant brought in tea and some delicacies. She began to serve them.

“How long are you staying this time, Benna?” Lord Drake asked his sister.

“Didn’t Father tell you? I have left the Sisters of Atlantis. Lady Vena believes that I have learned all I can.” Lady Benna said. “I am as skilled as she is now. It doesn’t matter. She will not recognize me as her successor because I am draconian so I have left.”

“I am sure that did not make our parents happy. Will you join the Sisters of Alban Isle?” Lord Drake asked.

“Father was quite angry but it was time for me to leave. I may go to Alban Isle, if the Lady there will allow it.” Lady Benna smiled. “I was hoping to stay with you for a while until I decide of course.”

“It will be a treat to have you here.” Lord Drake said. “Don’t you agree Ulster?”

“Yes, it will be a treat indeed.” Lord Aster smiled shyly. He was hoping the blush he was feeling wasn’t too noticeable.

There was an awkward silence in the room. It was broken by a chorus of howls from outside. The loudest sounded like Myrdren.

Benna laughed. “They are awake and they want attention. She sat her cup back on the tray.”

“I’m sorry. I will quiet them.” Lord Aster stood and Lady Benna put a hand on his arm.

Lady Benna stood and smiled at Lord Aster. “They need a woman’s touch, My Lord, especially that little Myrdren. He is just as sweet as he can be. I will attend them. I am feeling the need to transform anyway.”

“Thank you. I am in your debt, My Lady.” Lord Aster said.

“I may call in that debt someday.” Lady Benna smiled and patted Lord Aster’s arm. She left the two men. 

In the morning the two men and the Lady Benna traveled by carriage to the Crystal Fortress. Lord Aster had never seen anything so beautiful in his life. The walls were literally bejeweled with crystals that he had never seen before.

“This is the most beautiful palace I have ever seen.” Lord Aster said as the stepped out of the carriage.

“Every jewel has a meaning and most of them have protective powers. It is said that each are blessed by the Sisters of Alban Isle, Atlantis and Avalon.” Lady Benna said.

“Don’t forget the Druids as well.” King Harrod said as he walked down the stairs to the visitors. “Welcome to the Crystal Fortress, Lord Aster. It is good to see you again, Lady Benna. I heard that you were in residence.”

“Really how?” Lady Benna asked.

“King Unbane told your brother to tell you to stop flying over the populace. He should know better.” King Harrod laughed. He presented his arm to the Lady Benna and she took it. Lady Benna looked over at Lord Drake questioningly.

Lord Drake just grinned.   

The King led them into what was the throne room The Crystal Throne Room had inlaid stones on the walls in the pattern of multicolored dragon. Each scale was a separate stone. The floor was paved with black marble tiles and the pillars on either side of the gilded throne were made of pure clear quartz. Long strands of many colored gemstone beads hung in the alcoves making private places for secret meetings.

The sight took the breath from lord aster as he took in the inlaid dragon that took up all four walls. “King Harrod,. I see I am not the only lover of dragons.” Lord Aster said.

“I believe that without them, magick would cease to exist on this plane. Once the dragons disappear the other magickal creatures will not be far behind in disappearing from this world as well.” King Harrod said. “I like having them around me.” 

“It pleases me to hear that.” Lord Aster said.

“I hope that they flourish here so that we can grow the magick of this land.” King Harrod said. “Lord Draconis has sent word to me that he will be quite interested in the sanctuary as well.”

“My father has told me as much.” Lady Benna said. “They are darlings. I have been playing with them.”

“Indeed! In which form My Lady?” The King was surprised to hear this.

“As my dragon state. They were very affectionate to me and later when I came to them as my human state they were equally as affectionate.” Lady Benna told the King.

“Have you given any thought caretakers?” King Harrod asked.  

“I was speaking to Lord Aster on that subject. I suggested that he might want draconian caretakers.” Lord Drake said. “I think seeing them with my sister has proven the wisdom of it.”

“Yes. I believe that draconian caretakers will be best. They responded well to Lady Benna. I will have to speak to Lord Draconis on how to get in touch with interested applicants. I hope there will be some draconian wanting to apply.” Lord Aster said

“I intend to help as much as possible. I hope to help train the new caretakers. The dragons are quite lovely.”  Lady Benna said. She smiled at Lord Aster. “I have become quite attached to them already.”

“That sounds like an excellent plan. However, are there not few of your kind?” King Harrod asked.

“There are few pure draconian but there are many of mixed blood that can transform easily enough.” Lord Drake said. “There even may be a chance to strengthen our kind by welcoming the mixed blood draconian to Ogham-Duir. We may be able to save ourselves in the process.” 

“You mean to bring them together as a community in support of Aster’s dragons?” Lady Benna asked. “Or are you proposing a colony of draconian?”

“Father and I are proposing a colony possibly in Zestra. If you will allow it that is, King Harrod.” Lord Drake said. “With a colony established, they will intermarry and strengthen our kind.” Lord Drake said. “Father has been in favor or a colony here for quite some time. I have to admit I would enjoy it as well. As it is now, Benna and I are the only draconian here on Ogham-Duir.” 

“I would welcome them to my land, Lord Drake, as I do the dragons.” King Harrod said. “I believe that the area below the cliffs would be a good area to settle. I would think they would prefer to stay away from the Ren boarder.”

“I agree but it would be very close to the capital city of Una.” Lord Drake said.

“The residents will become accustom to seeing them in time. King Unbane cannot dictate the types of settlers I welcome in my Kingdom.”

“That is true.” Lord Drake said. “He will still complain.”

King Harrod laughed. “He will complain very loudly. I have no doubt in that.”

A stable boy walked in and bowed to his King. “Sire the horses are ready. My Lady, I apologize but we have no side saddles available. I hope you will not be uncomfortable with a man’s saddle.”

“It is fine I actually prefer it. The side saddle is very uncomfortable on my knees.” Lady Benna said.

“I didn’t know you even used a saddle. When we were children, you and I rode bareback most of the time.” Lord Drake teased.

Lady been blushed. “Lady Vena thought we should be proper in our travels. Not that Atlantis is that large but it can get quite painful after a while going from one side to the other using a side saddle.

The King and his guests went out to the courtyard to mount the horses. The horses were Atlantians. They were slightly smaller than the horses of Arabia and the old world. 

“Lord Aster will you assist me?” Lady Benna asked.

Lord Aster looked at Lord Drake who gave him an amused smile and a nod of approval. “I would be happy to assist you, My Lady.” Lord Aster helped her into the saddle then mounted his own.

Chapter 6