AoD Characters
The Beginning...
Edwyrd Flardryn brushed the mane of his black stallion on a beautiful day in the kingdom of Fhaor. The sleeves of his shirt and the horse's tail swished in the slight breeze. The sun beat down on the kingdom, but the breeze provided a calming and coolness to the air. He continued to brush the stallion's mane as people bustled around him: servants rushing here and there, children playing with a ball in the shade, warriors playfully training. It was a beautiful day. Edwyrd couldn't have picked a better day for the Festival of Peace. The Festival of Peace was an anniversary of the day that that the Great War ended and Dragons became friends, allies, and sometimes even pets.
A small maid walked towards the king with her head bowed. "Sire, the parade starts soon. Shall I escort you to you chambers to dress?" she muttered to her feet.
Edwyrd let out a hearty laugh. "Thank you, my dear. I would be glad if you escort me."
The maid's head jerked up in surprise as the king slips his arm into her's and leads her back towards the palace.
Angel Anterine looked around her shop with disgust. What a day for the festival! People had been in and out for potions of all sorts. "I want to go out into the sun, but I need to stay pale," was the most often repeated statement. And while it made Angel a pretty bundle of money, the coins barely made up for having to deal with the endless parade of people that had been in. And to top it off, the parade went right past her shop, so she had people lined up right outside her windows. Angel had locked the doors when she ran out of goods to sell. Though that wouldn't deter the local thieves. Today was as good as any to steal, especially since everyone was distracted. Angel was tempted to join them, but she had to make an appearance at the parade as the head of the Mage's Guild. She glanced at her timepiece and headed out the door, brushing past several people with no apologies.
King Edwyrd had finished changing and his horse was waiting for him outside the palace walls. He made his way there while fixing his riding cloak around his shoulders. He hated it because of its heavy fabric, making it a burden in a jiffy and a heat raising cape of doom. A servant held his stallion's reigns, waiting for the King. His horse has its best saddle and brightly colored beads, strings, and braids strung throughout its mane and tail. As the servant wished him luck, the King took the reigns and rode off towards the parade start.
At the parade's starting point, King Edwyrd was met with cheers, hellos, good lucks. Edwyrd took his front point at the beginning of the parade. Music started and Edwyrd started to ride towards the center of town to meet the people. Dancers danced around him and his horse as he waved to his humble peasants.
Angel made it to the town's center, climbing upon the dais that had been set up. She glared at a man for attempting to help her. In her best blue gown, she stood among the other Guild masters, waiting for the king.
He's taking his own sweet time, she thought to herself.
As if we don't have better places to be.
Edwyrd turned his stallion around the corner and into the center of town where cheers erupted and confetti floated and flew everywhere. He waved to everyone screaming and cheering with a huge smile on his face. He hated being the center of attention, but he loved to make his people happy. The King galloped up to the dais and, in a spectacle, jumped from his horse to the dais. Cheers became louder and the King bowed in laughter. He raised his hands to silence the cheers. "Welcome to the Festival of Peace!" his voice boomed as cheers started again. He raised his hand again to silence the people. "Decades ago ," he began, "there was a day that changed the lives of many generations: the Great War ended!" Cheering began again, but quickly died. "Today is the Festival of Peace that marks the end to the that brutal time in our history! We now have great allies!" The word 'allies' signal a giant shadow to crowd over the city and swirl closer to the town center. Cheers erupted as Dhaerow, the black dragon of the king landed with a thump behind the dais. He let out a roar that made some people scream and others laugh with glee. The King bowed to the people and stepped back for the great legend to be told by the city's Mage Guild's leader. It was a tradition for the kingdom of Fhaor to remember their history, and today was no exception.
Angel took a step forward, giving Dhaerow a look that plainly said if he roared in her ears again, he would pay for it. She gave the crowed a winning smile and, using her gifts, and a bit of magic borrowed from those in the guild, to paint a spectacular scene above the people. Evil dragons flying high. Angel's voice rang over the crowd, calm and steady, despite her sour mood. "Years before any of us were born there came to be a group of dragons that sought the extinction of all life. But where there was evil, there was good to conquer it." A large black dragon that resembled Dhaerow emerged into the images. It blew fire above the crowd, and one of the evil dragons fell towards the ground. It exploded into a million sparkles moments before it hit the people, covering them in shiny dust. "There was hope once more for the people of Fhaor. And with the defeat of the evil that plagued us," the dragons vanished from above, "we made a pact with those who had come to our rescue. So we have lived and prospered, and this is why we celebrate." Several explosions of color went off where the images had been. The dust fell once more over the spectators as Angel discretely stepped back into her place.
The crowd began to cheer and scream to their heart's content. Once the King stepped forward the crowd respectfully became quiet. In a booming voice, and with a raise of his hands, Edwyrd announced "Let the Festival of Peace begin!" The crowd cheered and began to drift and separate into groups, finding their way to different booths. The center of town and some of the side roads and building were a multicolored array of brilliance. King Edwyrd and the leaders left the dais and faded into the crowd. Edwyrd approached Angel. "Great job again this year. Your magic was spectacular as usual, but your mood could use some work. What's got you worked up?"
"My apologies, my lord, I did not know it was obvious." Angel walked with Edwyrd, watching for the thieves, most of whom kept well away from her and the king. "My shop is in shambles and there are too many pickpockets about for my liking." As she said it, she grabbed a boy who had walked in between her and Edwyrd, spinning him around sharply and taking what he had picked off the king. She shoved him along again, discreetly leaving a few gold coins in his hands. He would soon learn from the others who had stopped him. It all transpired in the moment of a second, the boy was off into the crowd again, and Angel handed Edwyrd the coins.
"It was not obvious, Angel. Most people probably didn't even notice, but I've known you long enough that I had a gut feeling." He took the coins from Angel and sighed. "I think this place is starting to go to shambles, too. Something's wrong when a small child has to steal." He shook his head. "But these problems are not for you, but for the King...the one who feels like a loser..." He sighed again and stared at his feet. "But never fear!" he said as his head snapped up. "Today is a celebration!" He grabbed Angel's hand and dragged her quickly through the crowd. Music got louder as they headed towards a small part of the square that was set up for dancing. "Dance with me, Angel! Let the music lift our moods!" He twirled her around in a circle, laughing happily.
Angel stumbled over her skirt as he twirled her. She quickly grabbed her skirt in her free hand as the king swept her into a dance. Edwyrd was much more graceful than she, but Angel did not seem to mind. His mood was infectious, though she brushed off the feeling of unease in the back of her mind. She knew better than most the target she was painting on her own back by associating with the king. But that couldn't be helped now. "My lord, people are staring," she said quietly, indicating that one such as he, who was married, should not be dancing with a young, eligible female. She looked up at him, then back down before he saw the strange emotion that flitted behind her eyes of regret for what she had said. It was unnecessary to remind the king that people watched him.
Edwyrd stopped in mid twirl and dropped his arms. "Yes, I guess you are right..." His head drooped to look at his feet again. He was not sure if he should drop this news on Angel on this glorious day or not. He resolved to not tell her. He looked at her and cleared his throat. "Um, well, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. I have things to do," he said in strict formality. He left through the crowd with a swish of his cape.
Angel watched him go with a sense of sadness. She picked up her skirts and hurried through the crowd after him, knowing he had more to say. Angel needed to catch up to him quickly, too. "Sire!" she said just loud enough for him to hear. She skipped around several dancers and slipped through a gypsy caravan to catch up faster.
Edwyrd heard Angel calling his name and stop to puzzle if he really should tell her.
In the next few days everyone is going to know, he thought to himself.
I guess I should at least be polite and see what she wants. He turned around and saw he rushing out of a gypsy's caravan.
Angel slid to a halt next to Edwyrd. "I saw that look," she said quietly, almost a whisper. "And as well as you know me, I can still read you." She took a deep breath, carefully controlling her own response to running. Angel looked up at him, her eyes questioning. "What is it?" she asked, ignoring politeness and protocol of not asking such direct questions. She might not like most people, but she did consider the king a friend.
Edwyrd sighed. He looked around to make sure no one specific was following or watching him and pulled Angel into a deserted road off the main road that was crowded with people. He let go and looked at her. "Everyone is going to know soon, but I have a fondness for you. I wasn't going to tell you because it will ruin the Festival, but, since you asked, I now think I should tell you the devastating news."
"Sire, these festivals mean little to me. What is this news?" Angel interlace her arm into his, trying to steer him away from the bigger crowds. They would be safe enough from thieves and others with her nearby, and he would know that, so there was no fear in going into an alley or an empty building. Her shop was nearby, so she headed for it. "You can trust in my discretion."
King Edwyrd patted her hand that was on his elbow. "My dear, I don't know how else to say so I'll say it bluntly. Kharis was murdered."
Angel froze in her tracks. Her shock lasted for a split second before anger welled up in her eyes. "When?" she asked in a low growl. Kharis had been her friend, too. The woman had been accepting of the Mage Guild's oddities. "Why did you not send for me? Did you locate the murderer?" All this was said as she unlocked her shop and drug the king unceremoniousl
y in. She shut the door and locked it behind her. Angel gathered what few things she had behind her counter and looked at Edwyrd. "Well?"
"Well, I found her this morning," Edwyrd said as he rubbed the back of his head. "I have my best looking for the murder...I didn't tell anyone because of the Festival, and I'm still in shock from it myself." He shuffled his feet as he tried not to cry. He was having a hard time keeping it in, and slumped against the wall. He pulled his knees into his chest and laid his chin on his knees.
"Edwyrd," Angel said quietly, going over to him and kneeling next to him. "I cannot say as I know how you feel, but I do know how I feel, and I want to see justice. You know we have ways to find this murderer, but I cannot do it without your help and permission." She wrapped one arm around the king, unsure of how far her comfort could go.
Edwyrd's brow furrowed. "Thanks, Angel. You're absolutely right." His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed in determination. "I know just where to go," he mumbled as he jumped up from sitting. He whistled and Dhaerow landed just outside the door. Dhaerow pressed his nose to the door leaving a steam spot on the window for a second. "Do you wish to come with me? Dragonback is the fastest way to get there." He held his hand open to Angel.
Angel gave Dhaerow a look. "It is not, but I will humor you this time." She didn't exactly trust dragons, but she would for Edwyrd's sake. Angel put her hand in his. "Don't wreck my windows!" she yelled at Dhaerow. "Or you will be fixing them!"
Edwyrd yanked Angel and ran out the door. He left go of her hand as he jumped on the dragon's back, right in front of the wings. Dhaerow, down. Dhaerow dipped down and pressed his belly to the ground. He crocked out his elbows to make a step for Angel.
Angel gave Dhaerow a smile as she climbed onto his back, settling just behind Edwyrd. She wrapped her arms around his waist as she settled down. "Thank you, Dhaerow," she said quietly to the dragon. "All right, my liege."
"Ha!" yelled Edwyrd and Dhaerow took off into the sky, leaving a dust cloud behind him. They flew over the city, towards the edge of town, over the gladiator arena, and landed near a circle of tents, carriages and makeshift huts. Dhaerow thudded when he landed and crouched close to the ground again. The King jumped off the dragon and landed with grace. He held his hand out for Angel.
Sliding off of the dragon, Angel caught Edwyrd's arm to keep herself from falling. She looked around with slight distaste at the caravans. This wasn't exactly within her comfort zone. "Edwyrd," she said, looking around. "Why here?"
Edwyrd let go of Angel's hand and started to head towards the caravans. "There's someone I know here that can help us. She's full of stealth, and no one will get wind of the operation and tell other people. They may be a little on the bad side, but I know I can trust them." He turned around a small hut and continued down a tunnel of tents.
Angel sighed and followed. At least there weren't any thieves around here that she could spot. And this would give her a little more insight into her king. She was of the belief that he needed to get out more anyway. Though this wasn't exactly the ideal situation for it. She followed wordlessly, watching the people as she passed.
Edwyrd went through the opening flap of a tent that was softly lit by candle glow. A man sat looking over papers at a desk. "Hector," the King said with command. The man looked up from his papers. His face was worn, old, and full of scars. He had bushy eyebrows and a thick bread that contrasted his thinning hair. He had on tiny spectacles that he took off to look at King Edwyrd. "My, my," his voice rumbled. "You've grown up. What can we do for you this time, Sir Edwyrd?" Hector stood up as he talked and shook the King's hand. He stood to about the chest of the King, which showed his dwarven features very prominently.
Angel followed through the tent flap and stopped, looking at this Hector. He didn't look like much, but Angel of all people knew that looks could be deceiving. After all, she was much older than she actually looked. Angel stood close behind Edwyrd, frowning at Hector from behind the king.
"I can see you brought a friend," Hector laughed heartily.
"Yes," said Edwyrd. "This is Angel. Angel, this is Hector. I've known him since I was really little. Almost long as I can remember," said Edwyrd with a smile.
"Hector," Angel said in greeting, coming out from behind Edwyrd enough so she could hold her hand out to the man. Of course, this wasn't her usual greeting to strangers, but a friend of the king deserved respect of some sort.
Hector clasped Angel's hand with his big hands, completely covering hers, and shook it lightly. "It's always nice to met a friend of the king's. So, Master Edwyrd, what can we do for you?"
"Well," Edwyrd replied. "My wife, Kharis, has been killed and we need to find the murdering in a way that doesn't panic the public."
Hector gasped, but quickly recovered himself. "Well, you came to the right place."
Angel looked from Edwyrd to Hector, unsure of how this man could help. The magical way to search for the murderer was beyond Angel's grasp. Or rather, it was a simple spell, but simplicity often alluded Angel, who could light a forest ablaze but couldn't light a candle.
Hector started to walk out the tent and motioned the two to follow. "This way. I know the perfect person." Edwyrd followed Hector back into the maze of tents and huts.
Angel followed them again, looking at the colors of the caravans. She was just waiting for someone to try to steal from her, but was still going to follow the king either way.
Further into the maze sat an elven girl who looked to be in the height of teenagerhood. However, the looks and glares she was shooting at anyone crossing her path spoke volumes of exactly how old she actually was and how much she had been through. Alexi Treeborn sat at the back of the covered wagon, eying everyone who was walking by.
"Alexi!" snapped Hector. "Get over here!" he yelled with a snap of his fingers.
Alexi stood slowly, her movements holding a dangerous sort of grace in them. She approached Hector, giving him a glare at the way he had yelled. "I am no longer a servant," she said under her breath to him before turning to the king and his companion. "King Edwyrd," she said without bowing or even inclining her head. "Ma'am," she said to Angel. "Hector," she growled at the the other.
Hector ignored Alexi's sourness. "The King has a job for you. It's up to you if you want to take on the task or not. I'll leave you guys to discuss it." Hector left with a nod to the King.
"Um," the King said as he looked around. "Is there somewhere private we could go to discuss this matter?"
Alexi laughed. "The only private place 'round here are the commodes. An' even they aren't private all o' the time." A squeak went out from under the covered wagon. Alexi glanced down as her small silver dragon ran out from under it to cower against her legs. She picked him up as one would a child and looked over at Edwyrd. "This is Shrieve. He's a bit skiddish."
Angel took a step towards Edwyrd and looked at him. "We can use my shop," she said quietly. "No one would bother us there." The confines of the maze of tents was starting to get to her, and she shifted nervously from one foot to the other.
"He looks very nice. He'll become a fine dragon one day." He thought about Angel's proposal. He could tell that this place was getting to her, and he kind of felt the same way. He had been around this place since he was a kid so he knew that Angel's slight fear was necessary. Even though he was the king he knew it wasn't his place to decide. "Well, we need Alexi's help so wherever she would like will do."
"The shop in the Mage's quarter, right?" Alexi asked, looking at Angel. "Soun's fine to me." She gave a nod to Shrieve, who took off skyward on unsteady wings.
Angel actually sighed in relief that they were willing to leave. She didn't want to be a huge chicken by running off without them. "Good, then we should get going. The sooner we...start this, the better."
"Let's go back to Dhaerow. He can carry all of us." He led the girls back towards the dragon. "Thanks for coming with us Alexi. I know you will be a big help to me."
Angel started in an unhurried pace out of the tents. She didn't want to seem like she was overly worried, but it was hard to not flat out sprint towards Dhaerow. She gave the king a short glance, then looked at the ground.
Alexi followed, bringing up the rear of the group. She didn't acknowledge that Edwyrd has spoken to her, but that wasn't uncommon. Alexi looked forward at Edwyrd and frowned slightly. "It mightn't be my place, but your secret isn' much of a secret. You need to learn to keep it from the front of your mind, elsewise anyone with a gift will pick it up instantly."
Edwyrd frowned. "Well, I'm sorry. She was dear to me," he replied calmly as the neared Dhaerow. "Ladies first," he said with a slight bow.
Alexi took a springing leap, landing on Dhaerow's side before throwing herself onto his back. She patted his side, running her hand down the scales.
Angel looked at Edwyrd, then shot an annoyed look at the elven girl. Showing off to the king, like that would get her anywhere. Angel lifted her skirts and carefully climbed up Dhaerow's foreleg. "A little help would not go amiss," she said to the dragon.
Dhaerow helped Angel up onto his back. The king then pulled himself up behind the girls. "Hold on tight," he said as Dhaerow took off into the sky. Night was falling upon the kingdom giving the sky pink, yellow, and orange tints, especially on the clouds. Dhaerow flew quickly over the town and landed in front of Angel's store. He squished himself to the ground to allow his passengers an easier way to get off. King Edwyrd jumped off and offered his hand to the ladies.
Alexi slid off the dragon, ignoring the king's offer. She gave the street a once over, picking up a few stragglers on the roads, but no one dangerous at the moment.
Angel took Edwyrd's hand, accepting his help. She gave Dhaerow a small pat and looked at the dragon. "Do not steam up the windows this time!" She went and unlocked the door to the shop, allowing the other two to enter before her.
Dhaerow snorted in irritation. He liked to have a little fun here and there, but he knew not to get on Angel's bad side so he curled up in the alleyway next to her shop and laid down.
Once in the shop, Edwyrd turned to Alexi. "You already know why I've asked for your help, but I figured I should give both of you the whole story."
Angel pulled out some stools, putting them in a rough triangle and taking one herself. "The whole story would be nice."
Alexi sat down and looked at Edwyrd. "What you can share would be 'elpful 'ere."
King Edwyrd took the last stool and started at his shoes. He sighed as he began his story: "I got up as any other morning. I took my morning walk around the grounds and had breakfast. It was a little more hectic and crazy because it was the morning of the festival. I had people constantly talking to me and asking me questions. It was a whirlwind. It was about mid-morning and I was preparing my horse. I was brushing him when a maid came a told me it was time to get ready. She and I walked back to my chambers and she left me there. I went inside to get dressed when I found her. She was still in the bed. Blood was everywhere. The room smelled so bad I almost lost that morning's breakfast. I got my stomach under control and went to investigate." Edwyrd took a moment a tear slid down his cheek. He shuffled his feet and repositioned himself on the stool. Then he went on: "Her body was so mangled I couldn't even tell it was her. Her nightgown was torn to shreds, as was her body. I realized it was her when I found the ring I gave her was still on her finger. I knew it was robbery because that ring was very valuable. It had to be murder. Kharis was murdered. I just couldn't believe it. It took a moment for the shock to wear off. I took the ring from her finger and stuck it in my pocket. Then I wrapped her body in the sheets so no one had to see her like I did. I knew the Festival of Peace had to go on so I changed and locked the door on my way out." Edwyrd took the ring from his pocket and stared at it. He stifled back some tears and sniffled. "Whoever it was needs to pay, and that's why I asked you here, Alexi. I need your help."
Angel stood and walked to the window, her arms wrapped around her chest and her eyes locked on the building across the way. She seemed absorbed in thought.
Alexi eyed the king. "I'm not sure 'ow I can 'elp. What gifts I possess are limited." She was lying, and intentionally. Alexi had no idea of whether she could really trust the king, and she definitely didn't trust the cynical woman who was with him. She looked at the ring and frowned slightly. "If I can 'elp, I'll do my best.'
Edwyrd looked up at Alexi. "Hector said you were the perfect person for this job. I trust Hector unconditionally. I've known him since I was a child. If he thinks you can do it, so do I." He stood up. "If we're going to catch this guy we must get on it as fast as possible. The longer we take the farther away he gets." His brow crunched together in determination.
Alexi nodded and stood, going over to the door and opening it. She gave a long, inaudibly high pitched whistle out into the fast fading daylight. Alexi stood there for several more moments before a nearly exact replica of herself appeared outside, running at a speed that would frighten lesser beings. Alessa slid to a halt and Alexi whispered to her quickly before Alessa took off once more. She turned and nodded, letting the door shut again. "I need to see the scene of the murder, then."
Edwyrd puzzled this strange happening. He shrugged it off and went over to Angel. He put his hand on her shoulder and whispered, "You can stay here if you'd like. You don't have to come."
"She was my friend," Angel said. A single tear glistened down her cheek before she wiped it away. "It is...difficult to think that any person would do such a thing." Angel looked back at Edwyrd. "I will go. You may have need of my services."
"Alright," he said as he patted her shoulder. "Let's get going." He lead her out of the door and beckoned Alexi to follow. He whistled for Dhaerow and he tottered around the corner. He squished himself down again to make it easier for the ladies to get on.
Alexi once more spring boarded off Dhaerow's side, landing on his back and looking down at the others. She rubbed a hand down the spine in front of her.
Angel followed Edwyrd, climbing slowly so she was just behind Alexi. Angel put a hand on Dhaerow and looked at her shop, silently putting up the defenses since she was sure she wouldn't be back that night.
"To the castle, Dhaerow," Edwyrd whispered to him. He took off into the twilight and flew over the castle gates. The King whistled his special tune to let the guards know it was only him. Although he was the only known person with a black dragon, chances couldn't be taken, especially now. Dhaerow continued to travel over the palace to the far corner tower. He landed right outside the bottom of the door. Edwyrd dismounted and held his hand out to Angel, knowing Alexi would ignore it anyways.
Angel slid downward, into Edwyrd's arms to keep herself from falling. She looked at the castle again, sighing. It had been too long since she had been there, and that was on a thief's errand. Shaking her head, she started towards the door, standing there and waiting for the others.
Alexi practically bounced off Dhaerow, landing in a crouch on the ground. Her eyes went to the sky, and she made a quick face. It was only for a split second, so if they weren't looking, it would have been missed. She stood and glanced around. "Nice place," she said to no one in particular.
"Follow me," Edwyrd said as he motioned to the girls. He lead them into the castle through a door at the bottom of the tower and down the hallway. He took a right and lead them down another hallway. This hallway was more extravagant with tapestries and statues stuck in niches in the wall. Towards the end of the hallway there was an ornate door with carvings along the trim. Edwyrd took out an antique gold key from his pocket an unlocked the door. "In here." He slowly opened the door and walked in. He bowed his head to the ground. The mess he had just left in here brought shame upon him. He couldn't believe that he had just left his wife here to rot. "She needs a proper burial. She loved the rose gardens. I think she like to spend her eternal rest in the place she loved most."
Angel stopped at the door, unable to proceed any further into the room. She put her fist to her mouth, looking around, trying to be objective and forget that this was her friend.
Alexi walked into the room as if the blood didn't bother her in the least. She swept over to the bed, unrolling the sheet and peering in. "Nice. Precision work 'ere. Didn' bother with 'iding it. See here?" she asked, pointing to Kharis' body. "These wounds are straight. An' were made with something extremely sharp. Like...say...dragon claws?" She looked over at the king, her eyebrows raised in question.
The King looked up in surprise. "Why on earth would a dragon do that? It had to be a small one, too, to get in here in the early morning. Kharis doesn't bully the dragons anyways........What if someone got a hold of dragon claws?" King Edwyrd asked in hope.
Alexi gave the king another look. "They would'a had to have the whole claw. Have you actually looked here, these wounds look as if a dragon tried to pry her open with 'is 'and." She poked a few of the wounds, completely oblivious to those around her and the faces they might be making at her seeming disrespect of the woman. "Would'a have to been a small dragon, though, like you said. Maybe even..." She shook her head suddenly. "No, couldn't've been." She suddenly stretched her hand out over the body, measuring the distance of the claw marks. "Maybe a...Draconian?" Alexi looked at Edwyrd again, blood covering her hands.
Edwyrd sighed. "I didn't really look because I can't face it, and I know I still can't. That's why I need you here." Edwyrd's head jerked up again at the mention of Draconian. "No," he whispered. He cleared his throat. "There aren't many Draconians left so it couldn't have been. They were cleared out long ago. The only ones left have my full trust and couldn't have done such an awful thing." His chest puffed in confidence and in protection of some of his companions. "Any more investigating before we can bury Kharis?
Alexi looked back, almost as if she was insulted. "Well, I know what I'm seein' 'ere. An' I'm done with the body if you'll take my word that whatever attacked 'er was a dragon."
Angel looked up at Edwyrd. "She is right. A Draconian is the only creature who could have done this." Angel turned from the sight, standing just outside the door.
"We'll see," Edwyrd mumbled as he crossed his arms. "Let's go bury here and be on our way." Edwyrd slowly made his way to his wife. He sighed and covered the little bit of her feet that we sticking out. He noticed that the sheets were completely covered in blood. He turned and went to the wardrobe on the opposite side of the room. He pulled out a dark blue blanket and used it to cover Kharis' body again. He picked her up and put her over his shoulder. He nodded to Alexi, then held out the gold key to Angel. "Will you please lock it for me? I can't quite get it."
A thudding came down the hallway. Edwyrd looked up in surprise. People didn't travel this way very often. It was the King's private sector. Especially people who make that much noise. Edwyrd stared down the hallway to see who or what was coming as the thudding got louder.
The glowing eyes of the red dragon peered down the hall. His tail struck the walls. As he moved closer to Edwyrd, the dragon thinks, "At any moment I could kill him, but I'll let him live to deliver a message to all that my name is Death."
Edwyrd clutched the body of his departed wife as he stared at the dragon's eyes. Something about its eyes struck fear deep within him. A really bad feeling was rising in Edwyrd's heart. As he began to tremble, he made sure his voice stayed strong and said, "I am King Edwyrd. What are you doing in my castle?"
"I am hear to give you a message that Man's and Elf's rule over this planet is over and the Age of the Dragon's Rule has begun." The dragon breathed flames at Edwyrd, but only burned the dead body of his wife.
Edwyrd dropped Kharis' body on the ground, but wasn't burned at all. He inspected his arm, and his sleeve wasn't even burned at all; not even a dark mark at all. He glared at the dragon as the body of his wife slowly stopped burning at his feet. "The Age of the Dragon's can't have begun. There are still good dragons in this world, even inside this very kingdom. You must learn your place, dragon!" Edwyrd drew his sword and took a fighting stance. He grabbed a shield from off the wall and slipped his hand through the arm guards. "Be gone, dragon!"
"We will see, Edwyrd." Death blew flames at Edwyrd melting his sword and shield and burning his arms. "I will lead this world into darkness," Death says as he blows flames at the wall. It burns a giant hole, a way out, and Death flies away through the hole.
Edwyrd pats the flames that were burning up his shirt. His face tenses in pain as he runs to the hole in the wall. "Alexi, I think we have a war coming. The future's not going to be pretty."
Stumble!