Dragons of Aster Cliffs (Chapter 6)

[sidhe_faerie]

 

CHAPTER 6

The riders along with two guards took the seaside trail from the Crystal Fortress to the top of the cliffs. As they rode, the King pointed out spots of interest. The scenery was amazing. 

When they crossed the bridge over the channel where the lake of Alban Isle flowed into the sea, the terrain changed. It became rockier. They slowed their pace as they started their ascent to the place where the sanctuary would be.

The view of Zestra from the trail was breathtaking. Lady Benna saw Lord Aster looking in wonder at the world down below.

Lady Benna smiled at Lord Aster. “It looks very much like this when I’m in flight.”

“How fortunate you are to have such a vantage point. I would love to be able to fly like you.” Lord Aster said.

“I wish I could show you but I fear I cannot. Drake would be able to lift you. He is stronger in his dragon state than I. I can ask him if he would take you up, if you like. “ Lady Benna offered.

“I will think on it, My Lady.” Lord Aster blushed. He wasn’t used to attention from beautiful women.

Lady Benna smiled when she saw his blushing face. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“I’m not.” Lord Aster lied. “It’s just the air that’s all.”

Lady Benna smiled and nodded. “We are almost to the top.”

The trail leveled off to a large flat area that overlooked not only the kingdom of Zestra but the cove below and on to the shores of Atlantis. The riders dismounted and looked around.

Lord Aster looked at the amount of space on the top of the cliffs and found that it was adequate for a large barn and a       hatchery to be added at a later date.

“King Harrod, this will suit my needs perfectly. There is plenty of space and it is isolated enough for the dragons to be safe. There is also a natural hearth over there in that sheltered area. That is the perfect place to build.” Lord Aster said.

“I agree, Lord Aster. I will have a notice posted for workmen as soon as we return to the Palace. I will provide whatever support you need.” King Harrod said as he looked around.

“Thank you. Sire.” Lord Aster bowed to the King in gratitude. “I have plans already made up for the main building and I will also like to build a smaller building for a hatchery.”

“Lord Aster, do not forget that the caretakers will need quarters.” Lady Benna said. “A cottage perhaps?”

“I thought they would have rooms in the main building. That way they could be close when there is a problem.” Lord Aster said. “Is that not adequate?”

“Yes, I believe it will be.” Lady Benna smiled at him approvingly.

“We must leave before the light turns.” King Harrod said. “When your workers come, they will need to stay in tents until the work is complete. The slope is tricky in the afternoon light. It is full of shadows. That can cause problems for the horses. We do not want there to be any accidents.”

“I agree. Tents can go over there while the work is completed.” Lord Aster pointed to another flat place a little higher up the cliffs.

King Harrod nodded. “That will do. Let us leave before we need a tent.”

The King and the others mounted their horses. They took it slowly down the trail to the bridge at the channel. The sun was already starting to play tricks so they traveled in silence concentrating on the mounts footing.

When they crossed the bridge, Lord Aster pulled his horse up to Lord Drake. “I will need to make orders for lumber and supplies. Perhaps, you can provide some guidance in this.” Lord aster said. “I am not familiar with the businesses here yet.”

“I will get you in contact with the mill in Brimstone as well as the ironworks for nails and hearth grating and tools.” Lord Drake told him. “We will stop and make the orders on the way back to my home. Of course I will assist you in any way.”

“Thank you, Drake. There is so much I need to coordinate. I know your help will be invaluable. Lord Aster said.

“I plan on being involved as well.” Lady Benna said as she moved her horse up to the two men. “I think there will be more than enough work to share.”

“Thank you, My Lady.” Lord Aster smiled at her. Their eyes met and held for a few minutes before they shyly looked away.

Lord Drake was wondering if there was something starting between his sister and Lord Aster. He wasn’t sure but he felt it all the same. He would talk to the man later about his sister. He would make it clear that she would be joined in an arranged marriage as soon as their father decides on her husband.  

In the courtyard of the Crystal Fortress, the visitors took leave of King Harrod. They got back into their carriage and started the journey home. They stopped at the mill and iron works in the Village Of Brimstone.

When they returned to the Draconis estate, they were greeted by howling hungry little dragons. Lady Benna quickly organized the feeding as well as soothing the ‘little darlings’ as she called them. The two men went inside to talk over the plans for the sanctuary.

After they had settled in with a brandy, Lord Drake took the opportunity to broach the subject of his sister to Lord Aster. “Ulster, my sister seems to be quite taken with you.”

“I hadn’t noticed.” Lord Aster lied. He had noticed but he had hoped Lord Drake had not.

“My father has already said that she will be given into an arranged marriage. So if you were hoping for some kind of romantic involvement you will be disappointed.” Lord Drake told him.

“I had no intention of pursuing such a relationship. I do admit to being fond of her but love is another matter.  I appreciate her help with the dragons and nothing more. I have responsibilities that are more important than marriage at the moment. I must establish this sanctuary before I can think of anything of a personal nature.” Lord Aster informed him.

“I wasn’t sure how you were feeling on it. I just wanted things to be clear so there would be no misunderstandings.” Lord Drake said. “I think that Benna may have other ideas. I have seen the way she is with you and it worries me.”

“I have not encouraged her.” Lord Aster said. “To do so would b a dishonor to her and your family.”

“Thank you, I know.” Lord Drake said. “Let’s get back to the plans shall we?”  

“Yes. Thank you for your council, Drake.” Lord Aster smiled and looked back at his plans spread out on the table.

The next morning Lord Aster went back to the cliffs and waiting for him was at least three dozen men. He instructed them to set up a camp on the higher flat area.

A short balding man approached Lord Aster.  “Lord Aster, I’m the Royal Architect. My name is Lord Dunne. The King has sent me to help you.”

“It is an honor, My Lord.” Lord Aster said. “I fear that I am a bit out of my element. I have no idea how to handle workmen.” 

Lord Dunne looked around. “I have worked with many of these men I know their skills well.”  

“That will help. I was just looking at the site again. Please come with me.” Lord Aster said as he took the plans for the main building out of his saddle bag.

The two men go over and start to pace out where the building would be. They looked at the plans and pointed out where things would be

There was a shadow moving across the sky. Lord Aster looked up and saw Lady Benna in her dragon form flying over the cliffs. He smiled and waved to her.

Lady Benna sat down a few feet from where the two men were standing she lowered her head and a wall of fire came up and when it disappeared, she was human again.     

Lord Dunne looked at Lady Benna with awe. He turned to Lord Aster. “I had never seen one of them transform before. That was amazing.”

Lord Aster nodded at Lord Dunne. He looked up at the workmen and they were not paying attention to the appearance of Lady Benna. He was glad that they had not been frightened. He went to greet Lady Benna. “How are you this morning, My Lady?”

“I am well. I have just left the little darlings and they are all fed and playing. I just wanted to fly over and see how things were coming.” She looked around. “I see the workers are here but not the supplies?”

“They will be here shortly. Thank you for the care of my dragons. It means a great deal to me.” Lord Aster admitted.

“They mean a great deal to me, Lord Aster. They are my kin.” Lady Benna told him.

“Yes. That is what your father said when I met him on Atlantis.”

The jingle of a horse harness made them look to the trail. The first cart was hauling the lumber and a second had casks of nails and tools. Lord Aster waved the workers over to unload the carts. Several of the men came over and began unloading the lumber and nails.

“I will organize the workers, My Lord, so that we may begin as soon as possible.” Lord Dunne said from behind Lord Aster.

Lord Aster turned. “Thank you. Have you been introduced to Lady Benna Draconis, Lord Dunne?”

“Yes. I have made the Lady’s acquaintance but it was a year or so ago. I was helping with the new hospital on Atlantis.” Lord Dunne said.

“I remember. I attended the opening with my parents.” Lady Benna said. “It is nice to see you again.” She offered her hand and Lord Dunne gave it a quick kiss. 

“If you will excuse me I will get things going.” Lord Dunne left them to supervise the workers.

Lord Aster looked out over the sea to Atlantis. He couldn’t believe he was about to realize his all dreams. It was overwhelming.

“It just became real for you didn’t it?” Lady Benna asked. “I could see it in your face.”

“Yes it did. Thanks to your family and King Harrod my dragons will have a safe home. I will have accomplished what I have strived to do after so much sacrifice and time.” Lord Aster looked at Lady Benna and saw her looking out to Atlantis too. “Are you missing your parents?”  

“I am a bit. The flight is short so I can return anytime to Atlantis.” Lady Benna admitted. “I must get back to the estate. Drake will be looking for me soon and so will the little darlings. I will see you at dinner?”

“Yes. I will be there.” Lord Aster said. “Thank you again for all the help you have given me.”

“It has been my pleasure, Lord Aster.” Lady Benna said.

The way she said such a simple thing made him wonder if Lady Benna was flirting with him. Lord Drake may be right after all. He smiled as he watched her hold her palms down and the wall of fire come up and leave. She stood in her dragon state and nodded to him before taking flight for the Draconis estate. He returned his attention to the work at hand.

Chapter 7