The Dragon In the Castle: The Witch, the Healer, and the Huntress

by MountainSunrise

Summary:

The magic world is watching as Sunlight Castle prepares for its newest addition. But some are not content to just watch and wait.

Inspired by Felicity_M's "The Dragon In the Castle" series.

Chapter 1

The witch Liana adjusted the bundle on her back and brushed her silvery gray hair out of her face as she entered the tavern and looked around the rowdy crowd for a likely gossiper. Voludera had come to her attention recently as whispers floated through the magic world, and she was looking for information.

The magic world had long known about the Dragon of Sunlight Castle. It was a wonder that the Dragon had survived, especially with the tendency of ordinary humans to kill what they didn't understand. But then startling news had begun to spread. The Dragon of Sunlight Castle has become human. The Dragon has sired a child.

Of course the magic world was waiting on the child to be born. After all nothing like this had ever happened before, and curiosity was running high as to what the Dragon's Child would be. But Liana had never been one to simply watch in curiosity, and she had a plan of her own. Hopefully the Dragon would be agreeable to it...and if not...Liana reached into her pocket and touched the small glass orb hidden there. The spell inside was already prepared, and merely waiting to be released.

Liana saw a drunken man sitting at a table in a corner and headed for him. She'd seen his kind often enough before: old, bored, lonely, living for telling stories in exchange for alcohol, and generally harmless. If anyone was likely to tell her anything, it would be him.

People glanced at her as she passed them. Her commoner's dress was nothing noteworthy, but she still had a pretty face despite her four hundred plus years thanks to the youth spells she'd cast on herself. Her gray hair was unusual on someone so "young", but she kept it simply because she liked the color. Of course, this village was also small enough to where outsiders stood out...which meant that, should things go wrong, she wouldn't be able to seek refuge here.

She lightly touched the old man's shoulder as she got up to him. "Good day, sir."

He looked up at her and his eyes brightened. "Well good day, young lady. I don't believe I've seen you here before." His breath told her he was already more than a little drunk.

"I'm just passing through your village," she said as she sat down across from him and signaled for the barmaid. The barmaid came up and Liana ordered two tankards of ale before turning to him again. "I thought I'd stop in here and maybe hear a few of the local legends before moving on."

"Well, we don't have many legends to tell here. Unless you count the ones about the dragon."

"Dragon?" She put on a surprised face. "There was a dragon here?"

"Was? There still is!"

"Really." The barmaid returned with the ale, and Liana gave her a few coins before turning to the old man. "I'm surprised your king hasn't sent his knights to slay the beast."

The old man took a deep drink. "Not a one of our knights had the courage to face a dragon. But believe it or not, our Royal Sorcerer turned it into a man! And that man married a noblewoman, and they're expecting a baby right now."

Liana laughed softly. "Sounds like quite a fairy tale. Tell me, is anyone else living there?"

"Yep. The Royal Sorcerer himself, along with one of the Royal Knights and a tailor. Other people come and go."

She kept the frown from showing on her face. There was no need to worry about the others, but the sorcerer might be a problem. Well, she'd just have to work around him. "Does the former dragon seem friendly? He doesn't go around breathing fire on people, does he?" She laughed at her own joke.

The old man took another drink of his ale. "Oh no, he's quite friendly. He's not in the town by himself a lot. He's usually with Lady Kathryn--that's his wife--or one of his friends. Let me tell you, young lady, I've never seen a man so much in love with a woman, and when I was a young man I sailed nearly all over the world! Good thing for Lady Kathryn too, because there's plenty of ladies who would steal him away if they could."

"He's married to Lady Kathryn? Does he have a name?"

"Sir Geoffrey. He's got some fancy foreign-sounding last name now."

"Where is this castle?"

"Outside the town. Follow the main path." He gestured vaguely. "They've really redone the gardens. You can't miss it."

Liana nodded. "Thank you. That was a very interesting story. But I suppose I've lingered long enough." She pushed her untouched drink to the old man. "Here. No use in letting good ale go to waste."

"That's what I always say, too." He took the tankard and drank.

Liana got up and made her way out of the tavern. So, the Dragon was likely to receive visitors, but probably not without his mate. But with a pregnant mate by his side, he was unlikely to resort to violence. She touched the glass orb in her pocket again as she thought of how to proceed.

She stopped a passerby to ask for more definite directions, but she was soon walking along the path on her way to Sunlight Castle.

***

Geoff and Kathy stayed close to each other as they walked through the gardens. It was almost too cold for their daily walk, and Geoff noticed Kathy's sad expression as she looked at the brown leaves and empty branches all around them. "We can go back inside if you want."

"I'm fine." She sighed. "I've never liked the later part of autumn. Everything is so colorful and pretty for a few weeks and then everything just becomes bare and depressing." She drew her cloak a little more around her shoulders.

He offered her a smile. "We'll be too busy to be depressed soon." He glanced affectionately down at her baby bump.

Kathy noticed his look and smiled. "I can't wait to meet him. He's getting impatient too. He won't stop kicking."

Geoff chuckled. "You think we're having a son?"

"I know it." Kathy smiled as she rubbed her stomach. "Call it mother's instinct."

"Well who am I to question that?" He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Kathy sighed happily and leaned into him. He held her there for a bit, as much for affection as for warmth.

An unfamiliar voice cut in. "Sir Geoffrey? Lady Kathryn?"

Geoff sighed inwardly as he and Kathy turned to see a young-looking but gray-haired woman approaching them. She was smiling at them, but it didn't quite meet her eyes. "I hope I'm not intruding," she said.

Kathy stepped forward and spoke politely. "Not at all. Although we weren't expecting a visitor, Miss--"

"My name is Liana," she said. Tawny eyes looked Geoff over in a way he didn't entirely appreciate. "I won't take up too much of your time. I would like to speak to Sir Geoffrey about a purchase I'd like to make."

Geoff raised an eyebrow. "A purchase? From me?"

"Yes," Liana said. "I know what you truly are, Sir Geoffrey. And not to be too vulgar, I wish you to give me a child."

Geoff's jaw dropped so hard it almost dislocated as his mind froze. Kathy gasped, then spoke in a high-pitched, indignant voice. "Excuse me? You dare to make such a proposal to my husband in front of me? Who in the name of the gods do you think you are?"

"As I said, I am the witch Liana," she said calmly. "And I am surely only the first to make such a request...although I may be one of the few to negotiate. Many other magic users would take it by force." Geoff felt an icy finger go down his spine at that as she went on. "I do not require the physical act itself, only some of the resulting essence."

This is not happening, Geoff thought. This is not happening. This is not happening. "Why do you want...?"

"The child of a witch and a dragon would no doubt be unique. It would interesting to oversee its development." She looked at Kathy. "It would no doubt be more powerful than any child an ordinary woman like her could provide."

Those cold, dismissive words broke through Geoff's shock and made anger bubble through. "So you want a child just to see what will happen? And what happens if this child doesn't turn out like you want? Do you kill it or abandon it for someone else to care for?"

Her calm tone made his anger worse. "I will care for the child regardless. After all, it will also be mine. And if you are worried about claimants to your estate, that will not be an issue. It will never know of you if that is what you wish."

Kathy shook with rage as she took a step toward Liana. "Absolutely not. Not now, not ever. You can find someone else to have your baby with. Now get out of here."

She looked blankly at Kathy, then at Geoff. "Is that your answer as well?"

"Yes," he said as calmly as he could manage. "My body or...whatever part of it...is not for sale."

Liana nodded. "Very well." She turned and walked a few feet, then Geoff saw her pull something from her pocket as she turned back around. He instinctively stepped in front of Kathy as Liana threw the object, which shattered as it hit his abdomen. His body seized, and then there was nothing.

***

Liana stopped in surprise for a moment as the statue spell turned the Dragon into solid marble. The woman's scream pierced her ears, and she turned and began running before others came to the spot. She opened an emergency portal and jumped through it, then quickly closed it before any pursuers could follow.

She knew she couldn't stay there. No doubt Sunlight Castle's sorcerer would send out search parties, and the emergency portal would have taken her only out of immediate danger--no more than half a mile. She threw another temporary portal up, then another, and once she'd crossed them she took a few moments to consider her position.

She'd meant to hit the woman with the spell, not the Dragon, but that couldn't be helped now. The Dragon would live for a few days under the statue spell. A small chuckle left her as she thought about Sunlight Castle's sorcerer; he would doubtless try to break the spell but Liana doubted he would be able to do that with the way she had set it up. His failures would only add to the woman's tension. She would wait and come back when his life was about to expire and the woman was desperate. This will still work out as I wish, and all I need to do is wait.

She thought a bit more before she selected her destination, then opened a full portal and stepped through it. I might as well relax. Have to pass time somehow.

***

Kathy screamed as Geoff turned completely white and crashed to the ground. Liana turned and ran away, and Kathy fell to her knees beside her husband. "Geoff!?" She tried to turn him over but he was far too heavy for her. She heard people running towards her but she didn't even look up. "Find Eli! Find Eli!" Someone tried to pull her to her feet, but she clung to Geoff with all her strength as she screamed for Eli.

It seemed like forever passed before she heard Eli's voice. "I'm here! Kathy, I'm here!"

"Out of the way!" Cesar yelled. She felt his hands on her shoulders and allowed him to pull her into a hug. "Kathy? What happened?"

"The witch," Kathy sobbed.

"What witch?" Eli asked.

Kathy wiped her eyes and saw that Eli was examining Geoff. Layne and several of the gardening staff were nearby. "She said her name was Liana. She wanted..." Her stomach lurched as she recalled the witch's disgusting request.

"Easy," Cesar said as he held her head to his shoulder. "Easy. I've got you. Just breathe."

Kathy swallowed. "She threw something at me...he got in front of it." Her stomach lurched again. "What did she do?"

Eli frowned deeply as he looked Geoff over. "She turned him to stone."

"Oh gods," Kathy gasped. "Is he--"

"He's alive, but I'll have to work fast." Eli looked at Kathy's face for a second. "Cesar, get Kathy to bed and stay with her. Do what you can to calm her down. You--" he pointed to a gardener "go into town and get the doctor for the lady. Layne and the rest of you, help me get him inside. And don't drop him." The one gardener ran off as the others gathered around Geoff.

Cesar picked Kathy up, and Kathy protested weakly. "I want to stay with Geoff."

"Eli said to put you to bed, and that's what I'm going to do." Cesar carried her to her bedchambers and laid her down in bed, then sat next to her and held her hand. "Don't worry. Eli will figure something out."

Kathy swallowed as her stomach lurched again. "She wanted Geoff to give her a baby."

Cesar's eyes flew open. "What?"

"She wanted to have a baby with him because he used to be a dragon. She offered to pay him." A fresh wave of tears came.

"That's...that's just sick!"

"She threw something at me when he refused. He got in front of me. He took it for me." She gagged. "I should be the one that needs Eli."

"Now don't you even start that," Cesar said as he rubbed her arm soothingly. "Just relax and try to calm down. The doctor will be here soon and Eli's doing everything he can."

Kathy held her baby bump as they waited. Layne came in a few minutes later. At Cesar's questioning look, he said "Eli's working on it. They're in the parlor right now. We couldn't get him up the stairs to the magic room." He looked at Kathy. "He wants to know exactly what happened out there."

Cesar squeezed Kathy's hand as she told the story to Layne. Layne's expression filled with disgust, but all he said was "I'll let Eli know."

He turned and walked out, passing Earl as he came in. "Good day, Lady Kathryn." His voice was firm and soothing. "How are you feeling?"

"Sick," she said.

"I imagine so," Earl replied. "I heard what happened. Have you been vomiting?"

"Not yet. I want to though."

"All right then." He carefully examined Kathy, taking her pulse and peering into her eyes. "Definitely showing all the signs of shock. Any pain down here? Any twitches or muscle cramps?" He gently pressed down on her baby bump.

"No."

"Good. Good." He looked at Cesar. "She needs to stay as calm and quiet as possible. Plenty of water and light meals for the next day or so. Peppermint tea will help her upset stomach. And if she starts having stomach pain or bleeding, bring her to me immediately."

Cesar nodded. "Of course. Thank you."

Earl nodded. "I won't disturb Eli, but tell him I wish him the best of luck with Sir Geoff."

"I will."

He bid them goodbye and left. Cesar called for a maid to bring tea, then sat next to Kathy again. Kathy stared ahead of her, not really seeing anything, as she waited for word from Eli.

***

The sun had set by the time Layne and an exhausted Eli came to Kathy's bedchambers. Eli gave a small shake of his head in response to her hopeful look. "I'm sorry, Kathy. I can't break the spell."

Kathy lowered her head, and Cesar frowned. "You tried everything?"

"I tried every trick I know, and a few I just made up," Eli sighed as he sat down on the bed and took Kathy's hand. "I'm sorry. It's simply beyond my power."

An anxious silence fell, then Cesar spoke softly. "But...we have time to figure things out, right?"

Eli looked away. "Three more days at most."

"What happens after that?"

Eli shot him an irritated look. "Take a good guess." He sighed. "The only thing to do that I know of right now is to find the witch who did this, and that could take months."

Cesar looked at Eli meaningfully. "But there's no reason to give up yet, is there?"

"No, of course not." But Eli's face didn't match his words. "I'm sure with a little research I can find something that works."

"And we'll help however we can," Layne said. Cesar nodded at that.

There was a silence, and then Kathy sat up. "I want to see him."

Cesar tried to push her back down. "Earl said to stay quiet."

"I said I want to see him!"

"Let her," Eli said. "But then right back to bed."

Kathy got up and walked out of the room, and the three men looked at each other helplessly. Eli sighed as he put a hand to his forehead and tried to think of something that would help.

After a few minutes, he remembered something that gave him a little bit of hope. It wasn't a guarantee, but...He quickly got up and headed back into the parlor with Layne and Cesar on his heels.

***

Geoff lay on the parlor floor, and Eli had placed soft pillows under him to keep him from breaking. Kathy swallowed back the lump in her throat as she knelt on the parlor floor beside him and held the cold marble hand.

It was as if a sculptor had spent years creating a statue of Geoff, down to the strands of his hair and the lines in his skin. His eyes were wide and his mouth slightly open in surprise, and it made Kathy shiver. Please let him be unconscious. Don't let him be aware and suffering.

After a few minutes she heard footsteps and looked up as Eli walked in, followed by Cesar and Layne. The sorcerer sat down next to her and spoke softly. "...There is someone we can call for help."

Her eyes widened. "Who?"

"A pair of sorceresses, twin sisters, who live to the south in a kingdom called Vandalia. I can send a message to them and they should get it by tomorrow morning."

"You think they can help?" Layne asked.

"If I didn't I wouldn't have mentioned them," Eli said. "One is a powerful healer. The other specializes in hunting down rogue magic users."

Cesar grinned. "So one can help Geoff and the other can find the witch who did this!"

Kathy swallowed. "They'll want payment..." Her eyes went to Geoff as she thought about what Liana had said."I am only the first..." She shivered again. What if... She pushed the thoughts away. "Tell them I can pay as much gold as they want."

"I will." Eli took her hand. "You should go back to bed."

"I want to stay here."

"It wouldn't do any good. He doesn't know you're here," Eli said gently. "And your bed would be more comfortable for the baby."

"I said I'm staying!" Kathy snapped. She couldn't bear the thought of going back to an empty bed, or of leaving Geoff alone here. If there was even the slightest chance that he was aware, he would need her.

The men looked at each other. Layne finally spoke. "We'll bring you some pillows and blankets."

"Thank you."

Eli got up and left with Layne and Cesar and came back with enough pillows and blankets for an army. Kathy allowed them to assemble a makeshift bed next to Geoff, then laid down. Layne covered her with a blanket, and then the three bid her good night, extinguished all the lamps but one, and left her alone. She didn't think she'd be able to sleep, but it wasn't long before her exhaustion won out.

***

Cesar stayed at the parlor door and watched Kathy for a bit before rejoining Layne and Eli. "I think she's already asleep."

"Good," Eli said. "She and the baby both need rest."

"And so do we," Layne said.

Eli nodded. "I'll send off a message to the healer before I go to sleep." He rubbed his eyes as he turned away. "Good night."

Layne and Cesar bid him good night, and Eli slowly walked to the magic room. He sat down at his worktable, picked up a quill and paper, and began to write. Once his letter was done he put it in an envelope, cast the delivery spell, and watched as it flittered away. He went to the window and watched until it was out of sight, then went to his bedchamber to sleep.

He didn't doubt that the healer would want to help. He only hoped she could.

Chapter 2

Summary:

The Healer and the Huntress get to work.

Cesar is being Cesar again.

Aurora, the Healer, hummed to herself as she tended her indoor herb garden. Watching her beloved plants grow and flourish was something that always brought her joy, and a bit of gardening was the perfect way to start the day in her opinion.

She looked toward the window as a little flutter got her attention and saw a faintly glowing envelope floating in. Her eyebrow rose with curiosity as she opened it and read the enclosed message, and then she took the letter with her as she walked out of the house to find her sister Selene.

The brightly colored beads in Aurora's long white hair clacked softly in the gentle breeze as she found her sister at the edge of the forest practicing with her bow. Aurora watched for a few minutes as Selene drew the bow back, conjured an arrow, and then fired. The arrow dissolved a few seconds after hitting the target, but not before another arrow hit just beside it. Aurora smiled to herself; her huntress sister's ability to create any weapon she wanted had earned her a strong reputation in the magic world. More than one rogue magic user had been brought down by the violet-eyed Huntress.

She watched a bit more before calling out. "Selene! We got a letter!" She waved the paper in the air for her sister to see.

Selene looked over, then came up to her. "Who's it from?"

"The sorcerer Eliezar, of Sunlight Castle in Voludera."

Selene's eyes, all the brighter for the braided black hair that was wrapped around her head, flashed. "Sunlight Castle...isn't that where the Dragon's Child will be born?"

Aurora nodded. "It is. And according to the letter, it's the Dragon himself that needs our help."

Selene took the letter and read it over, then nodded slightly before handing it back. Stoic as always. "Very well."

Aurora smiled. "Well, let's get started. I'll gather my supplies."

Selene followed Aurora back into their house and then went to her own room as Aurora carefully put various bottles and sachets into a rosewood case. Eliezar, a sorcerer himself, would have the more common ingredients she'd need, but there were some things she wanted to be sure to have on hand.

Aurora was just closing her case when Selene came back dressed in a brown huntsman's outfit with her hunting knife in her belt, and a long silver chain that Aurora had enchanted to trap magic users long ago coiled on her hip. A small pack that Aurora knew contained food and a few other essentials was slung over her shoulder.

"Do you have everything?" Selene asked.

Aurora nodded. "I believe so. We should hurry. Time is of the essence with statue spells."

Selene nodded and turned to leave, and Aurora picked up her case and followed. Once out in the yard, Selene closed her eyes, held up a hand, and spoke in her solemn voice. "Aperire ostium in arce solis." The gray portal appeared, and the sisters held hands as they stepped through to Sunlight Castle's courtyard.

A bald man dressed in a gardener's outfit and holding a rake stared wide-eyed at them as they appeared and the portal closed behind them. Aurora smiled gently at him; it looked like they had interrupted him spreading straw around the roots of a fruit tree in preparation for the coming winter. "Good morning. Can you take us to the sorcerer Eliezar?"

The man swallowed. "Certainly. Follow me, m'ladies."

***

Eli and Layne watched from the parlor doorway as Kathy sat on the floor next to Cesar and read to Geoff. Despite his best efforts Eli hadn't been able to convince her that Geoff was completely unaware and he'd finally let it go. After all her reading to him was keeping her calm, and therefore relieving stress on the baby. Every now and then Cesar took a turn at reading to let Kathy rest. Eli had to admit that it was very entertaining to watch and listen to Cesar read, and his voices and gestures even put a small smile on Kathy's face. We'll have to get him to read more stories over the upcoming winter nights.

"Eli, sir?" Bucky's voice came from the hall, and he turned to see the gardener leading two women toward the parlor. "These ladies say they're lookin' for you?"

Eli sighed to himself in relief. "Yes, Bucky. Thank you."

Bucky came up and whispered to Eli. "I'd be careful with these two, sir. Appeared out of a gray cloud, they did! And after what happened to Sir Geoff--"

Eli smiled. "It's all right, Bucky. I asked them to come here." The gardener bowed and left, and Eli and Layne walked up to the women. "Greetings. I'm the sorcerer Eliezar, and this is my friend, Sir Layne, a Royal Knight."

The white-haired woman's blue eyes twinkled as she smiled. "Greetings. I'm the healer Aurora, and this is my sister, the huntress Selene." Selene merely nodded as Aurora went on. "I hate to rush things, but we should get started. Where's your friend?"

"Through here." Eli lead them into the parlor and cleared his throat. "Kathy. The sorceresses I told you about have arrived."

Kathy looked over her shoulder, and Cesar got up and helped her to her feet. "Hello," she said softly. "My name's Kathryn, but you can call me Kathy. This is my friend Cesar. And that's..." her voice faltered as she gestured to the statue. "That's my husband, Geoff."

Aurora introduced herself and Selene as she walked over to where Geoff lay and set her case down. Selene stood nearby as she knelt on the floor and touched Geoff's face with her fingertips. A minute or so later she frowned as she looked at Eli. "How long has he been like this?"

"Since yesterday afternoon," Eli said.

She ran two fingers along one of Geoff's arms, frowning even deeper. "And this is the Dragon, you say. Are there any other spells on him?"

"None I know of, but he's already been turned from human to dragon and back once," Eli said.

"So this is the third transformation spell he's been placed under."

"Yes."

"Who did this?" Selene asked.

Kathy answered. "She said her name was Liana. She looked young, but her hair was gray."

Aurora looked up. "Yellowish eyes?"

"Yes."

The sisters looked at each other. Selene spoke first. "The Wandering Witch."

When no other explanation seemed forthcoming, Cesar spoke up. "Wandering Witch?"

"Most magic users have a home they're based out of," Aurora said as she continued to examine Geoff. "Liana doesn't. She prefers to travel. It's going to make her harder to track down."

Selene's face didn't change. "But not impossible."

"Have you dealt with her before?" Eli asked.

"Not directly," Aurora said. "But she's known to be a bit of a troublemaker. Now tell me exactly what happened when your Geoff was transformed."

Kathy relayed the story. "...I thought she was leaving, and then she threw something at me. I didn't see exactly what. Geoff jumped in front of me and...turned into that."

"Did she say anything?"

"No."

"So she already had the spell primed," Aurora mused. "It sounds like she was planning to transform you to force him to do as she wished." After a bit longer she sighed. "Sister...you should begin your hunt. I don't know if I can break this without knowing the original spell." She looked toward the group. "And even if I can, I may have to break Eliezar's spell to do it."

"Well that's fine, isn't it?" Layne asked. "Eli can just change him back again."

Eli grimaced. "It might not be that simple, Layne. It was harder to change him the second time. I...might not be able to do it again, even with a Booster Sphere."

"I don't care if he has to be a dragon," Kathy said quickly. "I want him back."

Aurora looked at Kathy in surprise, then walked up to her. "I'll give Eliezar every assistance should that happen," she said as she took Kathy's hands. "And I'll do my best to restore your Geoff to his human form while my sister hunts Liana."

"But Eli said we only have three days," Kathy whispered.

"Selene is an excellent huntress, and I'll do what I can to extend that time."

"We will restore him," Selene said. "Or else we will avenge him." Her voice was calm and quiet, but her words still made Kathy and Layne shiver.

"Um, let's focus on the first half of that for now," Cesar said. "One problem at a time, right?"

Kathy nodded. "Right." She gently drew her hands back. "Eli, make sure Aurora has whatever she needs."

"Of course."

Selene crouched, drew her knife from her belt, and placed the flat side of the blade against Geoff's shoulder. The blade glowed a bright green for a moment, then she stood and nodded. "I'll be back as soon as I can." She walked out of the castle towards the gardens.

"Good hunting, sister," Aurora called as Selene stepped through the door. She smiled apologetically at the group. "I hope you'll excuse her. She doesn't mean to be rude, but she has little use for formalities."

"What was that she did with the knife?" Cesar asked.

"She picked up Liana's thread. Her track, if you will. It'll take some work, but Selene will find her. She hasn't failed to hunt down her quarry yet." She turned to Eli. "I'm assuming you have a magic room? May I use it?"

Eli smiled. "Certainly."

She looked at Kathy. "It'll take a little time for me to make the salve I'm going to use. You and the little one should rest."

Kathy nodded and laid down on the makeshift bed next to Geoff. Eli answered Aurora's questioning look. "She's refused to leave him. We're not fighting her on it."

"We're keeping an eye on her," Cesar said. "And Earl's on standby."

"Her doctor," Eli explained.

Aurora nodded. "Well, then. Show me to your magic room, please. No sense in wasting time."

***

Selene's blade glowed green as she walked through Sunlight Castle's gardens. The few staff out and about stared at her but gave her a wide berth. She paid it little mind; she was used to getting stares for her unusually colored eyes and the fact that she wore huntsman's pants instead of traditional female dress. It was a matter of practicality in her profession, and she had little use for the opinions of others.

Liana's trace suddenly disappeared, and Selene knew she'd found where Liana had escaped through a portal. She held her glowing blade out in front of her. "Sequi semita."

A portal opened, and Selene stepped through. A small frown crossed her face when she looked around and still saw Sunlight Castle relatively close by. Liana's trace only went a few feet before disappearing again, and Selene realized that Liana had used a series of portals, not just one.

No matter. Liana could have used a hundred portals. Selene would still track her down and bring her back. It was the task she had taken on and she would see it to completion.

She opened up another portal and stepped through.

***

Aurora frowned in thought as she looked through her case and selected the herbs she wanted to use. Star anise and nettle for curse breaking, hyssop for purification, horehound for protection against evil, burdock for cleansing. She nodded to herself as she arranged the herbs on Eliezar's work table. "...I must say I'm surprised, Eliezar. Most sorcerers wouldn't have been humble enough to ask for help. Or allow another to use their magic room."

Eliezar stood near the door. "I am a proud man," he admitted. "But right now Geoff's life matters more than my pride...and you can call me Eli. Most people do."

She smiled at him. "Eli, then. How did your original transformation spell break?"

Eli sighed. "Do you know Athelmar?"

Aurora groaned softly in annoyance. "Unfortunately. I was summoned to his kingdom some years back when their Queen was having trouble conceiving. Athelmar and the Royal Sorcerers were not pleased when I was able to help. It was a simple process really, once I had broken all of the so-called "fertility" spells they'd placed on her." Aurora smiled as she began to examine her vials of crushed stone. "Conception magic is best left to a woman...Anyway, the Royal Sorcerers were at least civil. Athelmar, however, was a bit...vocal with his displeasure."

"Yes, he hates it when he's shown up." Eli chuckled. "He cast a blanket spell over Voludera to break any transformation spells. You can imagine what happened next, but after things calmed down I turned Geoff back into a human. And that was that until...this."

"Hmm." She put a vial of obsidian, for cleansing, down next to the herbs. "...How has Geoff been adjusting to being a human?"

"Very well. As far as I know he doesn't have any regrets. And he's excited about the baby he and Kathy are expecting."

"Good. So he should be fighting to return to his human form, rather than the dragon." She selected malachite to aid in the transformation. "I assume you have a good quantity of purified water."

Eli walked over to a set of shelves and picked a clay gallon jug off the bottom. "Will this be enough?"

Aurora took the offered jug and walked over to the fireplace where a cauldron hung. Within a few minutes she had managed to light a fire and allowed the cauldron to heat empty as she measured her ingredients and put them into an empty cheesecloth bag. Violin music reached her ears and made her pause. "Who is that?"

"Layne. Playing the violin calms him when he's stressed. If it's going to be a problem I can tell him to stop."

"No, no, let him play as much as he wishes." She smiled, pleased. "He's very good."

"Don't tell him that. It'll make his head swell." Eli laughed softly. "Layne, Cesar, Geoff, and I put on a little show for Athelmar after he broke the first spell. We let him know exactly how much we appreciated what he did."

Aurora laughed. "I'm sure he enjoyed it."

"I don't think so, but we certainly did." A fond smile crossed Eli's face. "Geoff still has the ability to use his dragon voice. You should have seen the look on Athelmar's face when he heard it."

"I would love to hear it myself."

"I think that can be arranged once Geoff recovers."

She turned back to the cauldron and splashed a little of the water in it. The water hissed against the metal, and she nodded. "Perfect." She emptied the jug into the cauldron and then tossed the sachet she'd just made in. "Now we let that boil. Later I'll add a bit of arrowroot to make a salve."

There was a knock at the door and Cesar poked his head in. "How's it going?"

"Well, so far," Aurora answered. "How is the lady?"

"Hanging in there. She's reading to Geoff again. Layne's providing background music. Hey, Eli, do you have any peppermint in here?"

Eli stared. "No. I don't. Try the kitchen."

"I did. They're out."

"Why do you want peppermint now?"

"Earl said to give Kathy peppermint tea for her stomach."

Aurora smiled. "See if they have lemon balm."

"Got it." Cesar left. Aurora stirred the cauldron a bit, then heard Cesar shout from the bottom of the stairs. "Hey Eli!"

Eli sighed. "Be right back." He went out into the hall, but Aurora heard him calling. "What is it?"

"Ask her if lemon pepper will be okay!"

Aurora put a hand to her mouth to stifle laughter as Eli yelled back. "You don't put pepper in tea! What are you trying to do, make her sick? Go to the village and buy some lemon balm and peppermint!"

"Got it!" A pause. "Where do I find them?"

"At the herbalist's shop, where else? And don't mix them!"

"Right!"

Aurora sat down in a chair and finally allowed herself to laugh out loud as Eli came back in, shaking his head. "I swear, he does this on purpose."

She wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "He's certainly quite the character, isn't he?"

Eli smiled affectionately. "He is. He keeps us on our toes, that's for sure. You should have been here for the Great Watermelon Incident."

That threw her. "I'm sorry, the what?"

The sorcerer laughed. "This past summer, Layne and Cesar got bored. So they built a catapult and got watermelons from the village for target practice. Unfortunately their target was on the castle wall. They missed a shot and sent a watermelon through a window. There was a servant in the room cleaning at the time. She wasn't hurt, but as you can imagine she didn't want to work where random watermelons could come flying through the windows anymore. We lost quite a few staff that day."

Aurora burst out laughing again. Yes, from what little she had seen of Layne and Cesar she had no trouble believing every word Eli had just said. "It sounds as if things are very lively here."

"Yes," Eli said. "I'd say we're pretty happy...most of the time."

She nodded as she stood back up and stirred the boiling liquid again, a smile still on her face. How charming it was that this unlikely mix of people had come together to form a family. How different Sunlight Castle was from other castles she'd visited. No one was wishing for Kathy and her baby to die during childbirth. No one was hoping Aurora failed in her task so they could become lord of the castle. There was no jealousy, no scheming, no hidden resentments that she could sense. Everyone was pulling together in this dark time and doing whatever they could to help. The Dragon's Child is certainly fortunate to be born in such a place, she thought. No doubt he will be well cared for and well loved.

She hummed a little to herself as she watched over the cauldron.

***

The lemon balm Cesar had fetched from the village had settled Kathy's stomach but hadn't done much for her nerves. Her heart was beating fast as she watched Eli and Aurora carry the cauldron into the parlor and set it down next to Geoff.

Eli went to get Cesar and Layne from the music room, and Aurora knelt on the other side of Geoff, across from Kathy. "The salve I made needs to be spread over him," she said gently. "I don't need to do that if you'd rather I not touch him."

Kathy swallowed her nervousness back. "I appreciate it, but you can do it. I don't mind." She could feel her hands shaking, and wasn't sure how much help she'd be anyway.

The healer nodded, the beads in her hair clacking faintly. Eli soon came back with the other two, and Aurora began to give instructions. "Layne and Cesar, your job will be to turn Geoff over as we need it. Eli--" She pulled two cloths out of her pocket and handed Eli one. "Start spreading the salve over his feet and work up. I'll start at his head and work down. Make sure the stone is completely covered." Eli nodded as Layne and Cesar got in position and Kathy moved out of the way.

Ye gods, let this work. Kathy put her hands on her baby bump and prayed as she watched. The salve was in a thin layer on the marble when all was done, and then Aurora put her hands on Geoff's shoulders, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. "Ex frigore et exanimi lapide, caro et os iterum fiunt." She repeated it twice more, and as they watched the salve was absorbed into the stone and color began to return to the white marble. Kathy gasped as Geoff's fingers flexed.

Cesar grinned. "I think it's working!" Layne and Eli were smiling in relief as well, and Kathy felt herself begin to relax. Aurora's eyes were tightly closed as she kept repeating her spell. After several seconds, Geoff drew a deep gasp and began to look around.

Eli spoke reassuringly. "Hang on Geoff. You're almost there!"

Geoff's voice was raspy and strained. "Kath...the baby..."

"They're fine," Cesar said. "They're just fine."

Kathy came up and clasped his hand. "I'm here, Geoff."

Geoff looked at her and smiled, then his eyes went wide and he let out a scream of pure pain. Kathy stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed as the hand in hers faded and became marble again.

Geoff's limbs jerked as his back arched, and Aurora's voice cut through his scream. "Hold him still!" Cesar pinned Geoff's other arm down while Eli and Layne held his ankles. Aurora pushed down on his chest. "Calm down! Sir Geoffrey, you have to calm down!"

Geoff screamed again, but the sound cut off as his body returned to marble. Kathy stared in horror at the marble hand she held, then she dared to look down. Geoff's back was arched, his head thrown back, and his limbs were twisted in mid-struggle. Thankfully he looked to still be in one piece. She looked at his face and began to cry at the sight of the frozen scream.

"What happened?" Layne demanded of a gray-faced Aurora as Eli helped Kathy free her hand from Geoff's. "It was working! What happened!?"

"The spell snapped back," she said weakly.

Kathy couldn't move as she stared at Geoff's face. He'd been fine until she touched him...I should have just left it alone... She barely heard Cesar ask "Can you try again?"

"I'll need to make more salve, and I also need to rest."

Eli helped Aurora to stand up. "I'll take you to one of the guest chambers," he said. "The two of you take care of Kathy." Silence fell as the two magic users left.

After a bit Cesar's soft voice came from next to Kathy. "Hey." She didn't look at him. "Hey. Kathy. Come on. Let's get you out of here." Her eyes remained fixed on Geoff as the two of them pulled her to her feet. "There you go. Let's find you a nice spot to rest."

Guilt washed over her. If she had only waited a few more seconds, Geoff might have been fully restored. "I'm sorry, Geoff," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"Hey, no, none of that," Cesar said. "Come on." They pulled her out of the parlor and through the small crowd of servants that had gathered at the door. Her legs gave out as the tears broke through, and Layne picked her up and carried her to her chamber as Cesar kept trying to reassure her. "You heard Aurora. She just needs a little rest and to make a new batch of salve. That's all. I'm sure she'll get it next time."

She heard cloth moving, then Layne laid her down in bed and Cesar drew the blanket over her. Layne's voice was very kind as he asked "Is there anything we can get you?"

"No. I want to be alone."

"All right. Try to get some rest." She heard the bedroom door shut as they left.

Her body curled in on itself, and she cried until she gagged. The very real possibility that her baby would grow up without his father was like a cold weight pressing her down into the bed, and she drew the covers tight around herself. Eventually her sobs died down, and she slipped into sleep.

***

"What happened back there?" Eli asked.

Aurora rubbed her temples as she sat on the edge of the guest bed. "Like I said, the spell snapped back." She'd felt the Dragon's pain and fear.

Eli stood in the doorway, a concerned frown on his face. "Was it Kathy?"

She sighed and nodded. "Yes. It was her touch that set it off."

"Any idea why?"

Aurora shook her head. From what she'd been told the spell had been meant for Kathy in the first place, but that shouldn't have mattered. Liana had obviously tied it to Kathy in some way..."I'll have to think about it. Once I've rested I'll try again. We'll keep Kathy away this time, or perhaps let her approach slowly so I can gauge how her presence affects the spell. I might need to borrow your Booster Sphere as well."

"It's yours." Eli sighed. "...Do you think we bought any time today?"

"Yes, we did. But we can't keep it up like this or we'll do more harm to him than good." She had to find the answer or Selene had to bring Liana back, and one of those things had to happen quickly.

"...I'll take my leave," Eli said quietly. She knew he needed time to rest after what happened. They all did. "If you need anything, there's a bell cord by the bed."

"Thank you. Rest well, Eli."

"You as well, Aurora." He left, closing the door behind him. Aurora lay on the bed, and her mind worked as her body rested.

***

Liana's trace led Selene to a small village in a kingdom to the northeast of Voludera. She kept her blade in her hand as she walked through the village square, but sheathed it as she entered a tavern. It didn't surprise Selene that the trace had led her here. What better place to hide than in a building full of people?

Selene's eyes went over the crowd as she made her way through the tavern. There. She spotted Liana near the edge of a group of people gathered around a table of men who were waving their tankards in the air while slurring their way through a drinking song. The witch was facing Selene, but hadn't noticed her yet.

Her fingertips ran along the chain coiled at her side as she considered her options. There were too many men surrounding Liana right now for Selene to make a direct attack--

Liana looked up, and their eyes met. They held eye contact for a few seconds, then Liana bolted. Selene ran after her, ignoring the sudden yells from the crowd as she pushed through it. She ran out the tavern's back door in time to see which direction Liana was running in and gave chase.

They ran out of the village. Selene formed her bow and arrow and shot at Liana, but the arrow splashed harmlessly against an invisible barrier just as it would have hit the witch. She's thrown up a shield. The bow dissolved as Selene threw it aside and reached for her chain. If she could close the gap between them a bit more--

Liana stopped and turned to face her. "Perfodi!" The ground opened up just in front of Selene and she just barely managed to jump over the gap. She rolled to her feet as Liana ran again.

Selene took her chain in hand and was raising it above her head when Liana's cry of "Capto!" reached her ears. Her left foot was suddenly yanked out from underneath her and the chain fell from her hand as she hit the ground with a grunt. She looked up just in time to see Liana disappear into a portal.

When she looked down at her leg she saw that a tree root had wrapped itself around her ankle. She hacked at it with her blade until the wood split and released her, then picked up her chain. For a few moments she sat where she was and caught her breath.

Liana had undoubtedly jumped through multiple portals again. And now she knew that Selene was after her. The hunt had just gotten harder. Next time I'll have to take her down as soon as I see her, no matter how many others are around.

Selene got to her feet. The sun was close to setting. She'd find an inn and get some food and rest overnight before resuming the hunt. Liana would have to stop running sooner or later, and then Selene could catch back up. In the meantime she could plan her next moves.

Her patience would pay off in the end. She wasn't terribly concerned about the Dragon; after all Aurora was with him and could buy her the time she needed.

She turned and walked back to the village.

***

Liana had lost count of how many portals she'd jumped through before she was forced to stop to rest. She stumbled against a tree and leaned on it as she sank to her knees and gasped for breath.

The Huntress. They called in the Huntress. Of course it had to be the Dragon's friends who had summoned her--something Liana had not expected.

Selene's relentlessness was well known in the magic world. Once she was on a hunt, one could only temporarily throw her off the trail. She could be defeated in a battle, as Liana had just done--but the Huntress had never lost a war. Liana knew she'd be seeing Selene again, and soon.

She remained where she was as she considered her options. She could return to Sunlight Castle and offer to remove the spell on the Dragon in exchange for them calling off the Huntress--but then if the Huntress was involved, then no doubt her sister the Healer was already working to break the spell. That meant that there were two hostile magic users at the castle, and even without the Huntress chasing her Liana did not like those odds.

She could use a portal to steal the Dragon away--which is what I should have done in the first place, she thought. It might have been a good option then but it was out of the question now. She had nowhere to keep the Dragon, and between the Huntress and the nature of the statue spell she had no time to set up a place. She could break the statue spell and use mind-controlling spells on him--but that would slow her down and possibly bring the Healer and Sunlight Castle's sorcerer into the fight. No, for now at least, the Dragon had to stay where he was.

The third option wasn't much better: try to eliminate the Huntress altogether. Other magic users had tried and failed. And even if she did, that would bring the wrath of the Healer down on her, and the Healer would not be likely to show mercy to the one who had killed her sister.

Liana got to her feet and used the last of her energy to open a portal to the nearest village. Perhaps after some rest she'd be able to think more clearly and find a way to get out of this situation with the least amount of damage. Night was falling; the Huntress would need to rest as well. She should be safe for a while.

Liana stepped through the portal and came out on the edge of a village. Lights shone ahead of her, and she wearily walked toward them.

Chapter 3

Kathy woke up in the early dawn. Sunlight Castle was quiet as everyone else slept, and she merely pulled a dressing robe over her nightgown and raked her fingers through her hair before heading down to the parlor. Her stomach growled and she realized she hadn't eaten since the meager breakfast she'd managed to choke down yesterday, but she ignored it for now.

Someone had completely covered Geoff with a blanket, and she hesitated before leaving it where it was. She knelt next to him and leaned against his torso, half-hugging him. "Geoff." Her voice was a whisper. "If you can hear me, we haven't given up. We're going to break this spell on you. You just have to hold on a little longer." Of course there was no answer, and she swallowed. "I love you. Remember that." She stayed where she was as she fell silent, unwilling to leave him again. The room gradually lightened as the sun rose further and shone through the windows.

Eventually she heard a footstep. "Kathy?" It was Aurora. When she looked up the healer was walking toward her with a cup in each hand. "I hope I'm not intruding."

Kathy sat up bit stayed near Geoff. "No...I just...I wanted to be near him." She swallowed again. "Eli told me he's not aware of what's happening. Is...is that true?"

Aurora sat next to her and handed her a cup. "Yes, that's true. When he wakes up next, for him it'll be as if he woke up from a normal sleep." She nodded to the cup. "Blueberry tea. I put a good amount of sugar in it."

"Thank you." Kathy took the cup and drank. It did have a bite, but the sugar countered it.

Aurora sipped her own cup. "I'm going to try the salve again," she said. "I'm also going to have a cup of nettle tea ready to give him."

Kathy blinked. "Nettle tea?"

"Nettle helps to break curses and also lessens fear. It's perfectly harmless to drink. It will also help to get some water in him." She frowned a little. "There's a thread to the spell that is tied to you, somehow. I want you to approach him slowly once he is awake, so I can gauge the effect your presence has on the spell."

Kathy nodded. "All right." She looked back toward the covered figure. "I'll do whatever I need to do to get him back."

Aurora sipped her tea again before responding. "Would you truly be able to be content if he had to return to his dragon form?"

"I would," Kathy's eyes stung as tears welled up. "He's my world. My everything. I...I don't think I could live without him." She wiped her eyes. "When I first met him, he was a small dragon and I was a young girl...I would come here and read to him until my parents took me away. I actually came back hoping to find him again, but I was expecting to find a dragon, not a man."

Aurora reached out and held her hand. "Tell me. I want to hear everything."

The healer listened attentively as Kathy told her about how they had found each other again at the celebration, and how their relationship had blossomed. She felt her body relax and her heart lift as she recalled how happy she had been during those times, and there was a light energetic feeling in her abdomen as if the baby was happy too.

Cesar, Eli, and Layne came in one by one as Kathy talked about the day she'd told Geoff about the baby. "He was so surprised and happy. He never thought he'd get to raise children."

Aurora smiled, then glanced down at Kathy's baby bump. "You are aware that the baby will be part dragon."

"...We've discussed that," Kathy said softly. She gently held her baby bump. "And...we are a little anxious about that."

"I've done some research into what might happen with the baby," Eli said. "I can't find anything, other than greatly exaggerated ancient legends."

Aurora shook her head. "Nothing like this has ever happened before. That's why the magic world is so curious."

Kathy felt a shiver of fear. "Will...Liana said other magic users would come after Geoff. Do you think she's right? Will they come after the baby?"

Aurora nodded sadly and squeezed Kathy's hand. "It is a very real possibility, yes."

"But we're not helpless," Eli reminded her. "I'm not a sorcerer for nothing. I'll do what I can."

"And so will we," Layne reassured her. "I am a highly trained Royal Knight."

"And I'm..." Cesar's voice trailed off. "I'm a tailor."

"A very brave little tailor," Aurora smiled at him. "And of course you'll have the Dragon. Just like in the old adventure stories where the brave warriors set out on their grand quests."

Kathy couldn't help but smile at that, and Cesar smiled sadly. "If this was one of the old stories, all Kathy would have to do is give Geoff a kiss of true love. Then he'd turn back into the handsome prince and we'd all live happily ever after."

Aurora fell silent, and when Kathy glanced at her she saw Aurora's eyes were wide. A few seconds passed as she glanced back at Geoff, then at Kathy, obviously following a train of thought. A smile slowly came across her face. "Cesar." She walked up to him, held his face, and kissed his forehead before beaming at him. "You clever, clever boy!"

Cesar grinned and looked around at everyone as she released him. "You hear that guys? I'm clever!"

"Yeah, yeah," Layne said.

Cesar looked back at Aurora. "What'd I say?"

The beads in her hair clacked in excitement as she talked. "Follow my thoughts. When we were attempting to restore him last time, the statue spell strengthened when Geoff realized Kathy was nearby. He wasn't affected by her physical presence, but by what he felt when he saw her. What does he feel when he sees her?"

Eli perked up. "Love. You see it every time he lays eyes on her."

"Yes," Aurora nodded. "Love. Happiness. Emotions that bring light to the soul. And since those emotions strengthen the spell...dark emotions should break it."

"Dark emotions?" Cesar asked.

Aurora nodded. "But the ones that bring energy, not the ones that sap it. Rage, hatred, the desire for vengeance."

They all looked at each other for a moment. Cesar finally shook his head. "I don't think he's able to feel those things."

Eli spoke carefully. "What if...what if we restored him and then told him Liana came back and took Kathy?"

"He'd panic," Layne said.

Cesar smiled. "But we could really play it up. Hide Kathy, pretend we're injured. Make him mad."

Aurora slowly nodded. "Yes, it could work."

Kathy frowned. She didn't like the idea of deceiving Geoff, especially about herself, but she knew it had to be done. She could make it up to him. "All right."

Aurora smiled. "I'll make the new batch of salve."

Cesar smiled. "And I'll go to the theater."

Eli blinked. "The theater?"

"Yeah. I've got an idea. Be right back!" Cesar ran out.

Layne shook his head and looked at Aurora. "He's never going to let us forget that you called him clever."

Aurora smiled. "Forgive him. He means well." She left to go back to the magic room.

Eli had begun to follow her when Kathy's stomach growled. He looked back toward her. "...When's the last time you ate?"

"...Breakfast yesterday."

Eli sighed heavily. "Kathy...come on. Let's get you some food." The baby kicked then, as if agreeing, and Eli took Kathy's arm to lead her to the kitchen.

"I could use some breakfast myself," Layne said as he followed Kathy and Eli.

Kathy glanced back at Geoff, but Eli's grip on her arm was firm. She sighed softly as she walked with him.

***

Irritation was beginning to creep into Selene's mind as she came out of the portal on the edge of a city. She'd tracked Liana through several portals to an inn at a small town, then from there through more portals to this city. If Liana had thought she'd get frustrated and give up, she was in for a surprise.

She sheathed her blade as she walked through the huts at the city edge toward the town center, but kept her hand on the hilt. This place felt familiar to her, but she couldn't immediately remember why--and it didn't matter. The marketplace was bustling with activity and noise as Selene made her way through it, but the trace kept going. Eventually the trace took a sharp angle as Liana changed direction, and something tingled at the edge of Selene's senses. It took her a few moments to realize what it was: the very faint trace of another magic user. Had Selene not already been on the hunt she would have missed it entirely.

So that was it. Liana had come to this place seeking refuge, and perhaps allies in the fight. Well, if this second magic user had sense they would not stand in Selene's way. She briefly wondered who Liana was with, but she would find that out soon enough.

Her steps quickened with her heartbeat as she continued to follow Liana's trace. She eventually caught sight of Liana, who was talking with another magic user. The second person turned to leave, but Liana grabbed his arm. The brief turn was enough for Selene to see his face.

Athelmar. Now I remember. She had accompanied Aurora to the Royal Castle here several years ago when Aurora had been summoned to help the Queen conceive a child. Of course Aurora had been able to help. They had stayed at the castle for four days, and the Queen had gotten pregnant on the third night. The Royal Sorcerers had been cold but civil to Aurora, but Athelmar's pride had been so wounded he had accused Aurora of faking the pregnancy to receive the promised payment. The only thing that had kept Selene from putting an arrow between his eyes was Aurora's gentle insistence that Athelmar wasn't worth the effort.

She watched from a distance as Liana followed Athelmar, then used the crowd to hide herself as she followed the pair. There were too many obstacles here, too many avenues of escape Liana could use. But they were obviously headed somewhere, and Selene would take her opportunity when it presented itself.

***

Once Liana had found shelter the previous night she'd spent some time carefully considering her options. What she needed was a place to hide from the Huntress, and so she'd come to this kingdom to find the sorcerer Athelmar. He'd owed her a favor for years, and Liana knew that he was ultimately too cowardly to refuse her.

She made her way through the marketplace at a quick pace, and found who she was looking for near the baker's shop talking to two young women who appeared to be fascinated with whatever he was saying. Liana walked up and put a hand on his arm. "Athelmar."

Athelmar turned to look at her, then paled and jumped slightly. "Liana?"

"I need to talk to you. In private. About business." She looked at the young women in disdain. "The two of you can swoon over him later."

The women walked off, one of them winking at Athelmar as they did. Once they were gone, Athelmar turned to Liana. "What do you want?"

"I'm calling in that favor you owe me."

Athelmar's face wrinkled in apprehension. "...What do you need?"

"A place to hide myself and one other."

"Hide from who?"

"The Huntress Selene."

Athelmar's eyes widened. "Her? No. Oh no. I'm not going anywhere near anything to do with her."

"It will only be temporary."

"I don't care." He began to walk away.

Liana grabbed his arm and stopped him. "You owe me, Athelmar. You may have forgotten but I have not." She gave him her hardest glare.

Athelmar frowned, no doubt recalling how she had hidden him once when he was a young magic user and had angered the wrong warlock. The two of them glared at each other for a moment, then Athelmar sighed. "Who is the other you want to hide."

"The Dragon of Voludera."

"What?!" Athelmar's eyes went even wider than before. "He and his people are angry with me as it is!"

"I placed him under a statue spell. He will be unable to harm you. And as I said, it will be temporary until I can secure a hiding place of my own."

Athelmar frowned, then sighed. "All right. You hid me for three days, so that's what you have."

"That will do."

Athelmar nodded. "Follow me." He turned and walked, and Liana followed closely. She glanced around but there was no sign of the Huntress. Hopefully she was still making her way through the portals Liana had left behind her.

Athelmar's house was on the edge of one of the city's higher-class residential areas, not too far of a walk from the Royal Castle. More than one curious pair of eyes fell on them as he opened the door and let Liana inside, but she ignored them. She took one final glance around to check for the Huntress before hurrying inside the house.

The sorcerer closed the door behind them. "...The Dragon is a statue, you said?"

Liana smiled. "See for yourself." She held out her hands. "Da mihi draconem Voludera!"

***

Eli carefully held the Booster Sphere as he walked into the parlor with Aurora, who was carrying the cauldron of salve. He blinked as he found Cesar painting Layne's face. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Setting the scene," Cesar said. Layne looked over, and Eli saw that Cesar had painted a deep gash on Layne's cheek. Cesar's shirt was stained a deep red, as if he'd taken a stomach wound. "After all we want Geoff to think Liana attacked again, right?"

"We want to make him angry, not scare him to death." Eli looked at Kathy, who was watching Cesar from next to Geoff with a dubious expression on her face, then to Aurora. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I'm beginning to wonder," Aurora admitted. "But it's the best idea we've got." She carried the cauldron with the new batch of salve over to where Geoff lay.

Cesar came up to Eli with the paint in his hands. "Hold still."

Eli waved his hands in front of his face to keep Cesar back. "No. You're not putting that stuff on me. Go away." Cesar pouted as Eli walked up to Kathy. "You'll need to not be here."

Kathy frowned. "I want to be nearby."

"You can stay near the door, but he can't see you."

Kathy shook her head. "Eli...the more I think about this the less I like it."

"I know, Kathy. But we're running out of options and time."

Kathy nodded and went out into the hall. Aurora sighed. "Let's get started."

It was harder to apply the salve this time because of the twisted position Geoff was in, but they managed it. Aurora had one hand on the Booster Sphere and the other holding Geoff's hand as she cast her spell, and Eli held his breath as the Booster Sphere glowed and color returned to the marble again.

Geoff finished the scream he'd been caught in, then gasped. His eyes were wide as he looked around to get his bearings. "Wha-what happened?" He found Cesar and sucked in a breath when he saw the fake bloodstain. "What happened?"

Cesar spoke sadly. "Geoff...I'm sorry."

"Sorry? About what?"

"Liana came back." Geoff's eyes widened as he recognized the name. "She...she took Kathy. We couldn't stop her."

Geoff's voice was barely a whisper. "What..." He pulled his hand from Aurora's as he stood up and took a step toward Cesar. "Where...where are they?!"

"We don't know," Aurora said.

Geoff whirled around. "Who are you?"

"I am the healer Aurora. Eli summoned me to help you. Liana had placed you under a statue spell."

"She was trying to take you when we surprised her," Layne said. "She grabbed Kathy and escaped."

Geoff's voice was high and shaky."You couldn't stop her?!"

"Geoff..." Layne shook his head. "It was too quick. I'm sorry."

Geoff stumbled over to a chair and sat down. Despair was plain on his face as he stared off into nothing.

Eli, Layne, and Cesar looked at Aurora, who shook her head. For several seconds they all looked at each other, not knowing what to do now. Eli glanced at the Booster Sphere, which was still glowing brightly. Aurora couldn't keep up the spell indefinitely. They had to think of something.

Layne walked up and stood next to Geoff. "Geoff..."

"I should have just given her what she wanted," Geoff whispered.

"No." Aurora said firmly. Geoff looked at her. "If you had, it wouldn't have stopped with Liana. Once word got out that you were willing to trade yourself for your mate's safety, others would have come seeking a Dragon's Child for themselves. It would never end." She gave Geoff a couple of seconds to think about that before she went on. "The only way to ensure your mate's safety is to show that you will refuse and that you are willing to fight. To punish those who are arrogant enough to dare to harm your wife and child."

Something sparked in Geoff's eyes. Aurora went on. "To you your child is precious. To them...the child is an object. A possession. Something to experiment with...to use..."

Geoff's face reddened in rage as he jumped to his feet. "No." His voice deepened to a growl as his fists clenched. "No one will harm my child. I will not let that happen!"

Eli quaked a bit as he saw Geoff's suddenly glowing orange eyes and realized Aurora might have overdone it. Geoff picked up the chair he'd been sitting in and threw it across the parlor as if it had been made of paper. "Kathy and the baby will be safe if i have to wipe out every magic user ONE BY ONE!"

Aurora smiled and breathed a sigh of relief as she took her hand off of the Booster Sphere. She nodded to Eli's questioning look. Eli gave his own sigh of relief and nodded to Cesar, who grinned and left the parlor to fetch Kathy.

Layne put a hand on Geoff's arm. "Geoff--"

He was cut off as the floor opened up beneath the two of them. Aurora gasped and Eli yelled as Geoff and Layne dropped through a portal and disappeared.

Kathy and Cesar came running into the parlor at the noise. "What?" Kathy demanded. "What's happening?"

"The good news is, the spell is broken," Eli said, his eyes on the floor. "The bad news is, I think Liana just kidnapped Geoff and Layne."

"What?" Kathy looked at the floor where Eli and Aurora were looking.

"Can't you follow them?" Cesar asked Aurora.

The healer shook her head. "No. I can't do portal magic." She looked at Kathy. "Selene must be close to capturing Liana if she did this. And even if she isn't...Liana may have just gotten more than she expected."

Eli looked to Aurora. "You saw it too."

Aurora nodded. "I did."

"What?" Cesar asked. "Saw what?"

Aurora looked at Cesar. "The Dragon has awakened."

***

Geoff grunted as he fell hard, and he heard Layne cry out as he fell beside him. He looked up to get his bearings, and the first thing his eyes fell on was Liana. Rage welled up and almost suffocated him. "You." A snapping, crackling sensation whipped through his body as he got to his feet and began to walk toward her. "Where is she."

Liana's eyes were wide in surprise and fear as she took a step back. She raised a hand toward him. "Mora!"

A red bolt came from her fingers and hit Geoff in the chest, but he barely noticed. "Where is she!" He grabbed Liana by the neck and lifted her off her feet. "Where. Is. MY. WIFE?!"

Liana gagged and shook her head vigorously. "I--I don't know!"

Her denial made a rush of fury go through him, and his hands burst into flame. "You lie!" Layne yelled as he tried to pull Liana away from Geoff, and Geoff heard the sound of a door being kicked in. Liana let out a garbled scream as her hair and flesh burned. "Tell me where she is!"

He saw a chain drop in front of his face, and Liana fell from his hands as it was pulled tight around his body, trapping his arms. The flames on his hands vanished as he was forced onto his knees. "Geoff!" Layne's voice cut through the mayhem in his head. "Geoff, she's fine! Kathy's fine!"

"What?" He blinked at Layne.

"Kathy's back at the castle. She's fine. It's a long story. But she's okay."

Geoff blinked widely at Layne as the rage drained from his body, then looked around. Liana lay gasping on the floor nearby, her hair burned away and the skin on her neck blackened. A huddled figure in sorcerer's robes lay nearby, unharmed. He looked up at the one holding the chain that had trapped him and saw a woman's face with braided black hair and calm, violet eyes.

Layne went over to Liana's still form and slowly bent to examine it. "...I don't think she has long."

"Hmm." The woman didn't seem overly concerned. "What about Athelmar?"

Nausea began to overcome Geoff as Layne examined the other. "I think he just passed out." He glanced over at the woman. "I think you can let Geoff go now."

The chain loosened and Geoff slumped down to the floor. What happened? What's happening? The world seemed to tilt and shift underneath him. His breath came hard and his muscles twitched uncontrollably.

"Geoff. Hey. Come on." Layne helped him sit up, then spoke to the woman. "Can you get us back to Sunlight Castle?"

"Yes." She picked Liana up, then said something Geoff couldn't understand as Layne helped him to his feet. When he looked up a portal had opened. Layne helped him walk through, and after a brief darkness he was standing outside of Sunlight Castle's door. His legs wobbled with every step as Layne half-carried him inside.

"Hello?" Layne called once they were through the door. "Anyone home?"

Geoff heard running footsteps, then several gasps. He looked up just as Kathy flung herself into his arms. Layne let him go, and his legs gave out. He clung to Kathy as he sank to his knees. "Kath..."

"It's all right, Geoff. You're safe now." She pet his hair. "You're all right. You're safe."

"Is that..." Eli's voice trailed off.

"Liana," Layne said. "She's still alive."

Aurora spoke. "Follow me, Selene. I'll treat her." Selene sighed softly as she walked away.

Geoff raised his head and looked at his wife's face. "They said...I thought you..." Tears blurred his vision. "I thought she..." He turned away from Kathy as he dry heaved.

"I'm so sorry we did that, Geoff," Kathy whispered. "But we had to break the spell."

"Wha--what?"

Eli's voice was apologetic. "The statue spell was made to where only dark emotions could fully break it. We had to enrage you."

Geoff stared, and then broke down sobbing. "Don't ever do that again. Don't any of you ever do that again!" Kathy held him as he cried. "Don't make me think..."

"We won't." Kathy kissed his forehead. "I'm sorry, Geoff. I'm so sorry."

"He needs to rest," Eli said.

Layne took Geoff's arm. "Come on, Geoff. Let's get you to your room." Cesar came to support Geoff's other side, and they managed to get him up and walking. They made it to his and Kathy's bedroom, and Layne and Cesar laid him down on the bed. Kathy laid down next to him and held him close. His emotions slowly calmed, leaving him with a dull ache that went down to his very bones.

They were left alone for a while, and then there was a knock at the door. Kathy got up and answered it, then the door closed again. He heard the clink of china and liquid being poured. "Geoff." Kathy gently shook him. "Sit up and drink this."

He did as he was told, and almost immediately after finishing the cup he felt his body relaxing. Kathy's soft hand touched his cheek. "Go to sleep, Geoff. We'll talk after you've rested."

He laid back down. "Stay with me."

"Of course. Always." She kissed his forehead again. He was out before she pulled away.

***

Liana lay asleep in the bed of the guest room Aurora had been given, her hands tied with Selene's silver chain. Aurora had healed her burns but had left the scars on her neck and head. It had been very tempting to let her die, but Aurora knew Liana would be more useful alive.

She glanced to where Selene stood near the door, blade in hand, ready to act if she was needed. Her sister gave her a small nod, and then Aurora turned back to Liana and placed a hand on her forehead. "Exsuscito."

Liana woke up with a gasp, and it didn't take long for her tawny eyes to find Aurora, then Selene. Aurora spoke firmly. "Hello, Liana. It's fortunate for you that the Dragon's clan had called me here to help him. You would have died otherwise."

Selene came up to stand on the other side of the bed from Aurora. Liana's eyes went to Selene, then back to Aurora as the healer spoke. "Now you listen to me, foolish one. You're not going to be able to heal those scars. I've seen to that. You can go back to your wanderings, but I want you to tell everyone who asks who gave you those scars. Let them know what happens when you attempt to harm those who are precious to the Dragon of Voludera. Do you understand thus far?"

Liana nodded, her eyes wide. "Yes."

Aurora leaned in. "Good. Now, as for you yourself...get out of Voludera and never come back." She paused for effect. "I advise against attempting revenge. This castle and its inhabitants are under our protection now. If you lift so much as a finger or a breath against them, Selene and I will find out. You know that Selene will not hesitate to put one of her arrows between your eyes. And you also know that as a healer, I have the power not only to restore flesh and bone, but to tear it apart." Aurora leaned in close. "Again, do you understand?"

Liana nodded again.

"Good." She looked at Selene. "Get her out of my sight."

Selene opened a portal, then removed her chain from around Liana's wrists before shoving her through. The portal closed, and Selene looked to her sister. "Do you think she will do as you said?"

"For her sake I hope so." Aurora frowned. She didn't like using such threats, but understood the necessity of them.

"What of Athelmar?"

Aurora sighed. "From what you said he wasn't too deeply involved, but he should be warned anyway. Just in case."

"I'll take care of that."

"Go ahead. I'll take care of things here."

Selene nodded, then opened her portal and stepped through. Aurora sighed in fatigue, then went to find Eli and the others.

***

Liana fell to the ground as she exited the portal. She turned to watch as the portal closed, but much to her relief no one followed her.

She slowly got to her feet and gently touched the scars on her neck. She remembered the Dragon's blazing eyes as he demanded to know where his mate was and the excruciating pain as his hands had literally burned her alive. She'd been in danger before from other magic users, but a shudder went through her body as she realized just how close she'd been to death.

She began to walk. Not even the possibility of having a Dragon's Child was worth having to deal with a vengeful Dragon, not to mention the fact that the Healer and the Huntress would be aiding him. She didn't know where exactly she was going yet, but she knew it would be far away from Sunlight Castle.

***

Selene sat patiently in a chair in Athelmar's living room as she waited for the sorcerer to wake up. She'd found him still passed out, and had wrapped him up in her enchanted chain before laying him out on a couch.

His eyelids eventually fluttered, and then his eyes opened wide. He looked down at himself, taking in the chain, and then his face paled as he looked over at Selene.

"What was your involvement with Liana?" Selene asked.

"I...I wasn't involved." She could see the sweat breaking out on his forehead. "She wanted me to hide her from you. I owed her a favor so I agreed to let her stay here for three days. That's it."

Selene remained silent.

"That's all," Athelmar pleaded. "I swear it on my life."

"Yes. If you are lying, it will indeed be on your life." She got up and took the few steps over to Athelmar. "I would avoid the Dragon. He is very angry."

Athelmar nodded. "I'll stay away from him. I promise."

She nodded and unwrapped him. She half expected an attack, but he remained still. "Keep your promise. And you may want to consider paying for things up front instead of handing out so many favors." Athelmar remained silent as she opened a portal, but a glance backwards before she stepped through showed the relief on his face.

She doubted he'd be a problem for anyone anytime soon.

***

Layne told Eli and Cesar what happened at Athelmar's as they waited in the parlor for Aurora. Eli had to smile at the image of Athelmar passing out from fear, but he didn't like the rest of what Layne had to say. At Aurora's direction Eli had made a pot of valerian tea for Geoff, and when he'd checked on them a bit later both Geoff and Kathy had been deeply asleep.

They all looked up as Aurora walked in. "Liana won't be bothering you again. And after Selene gets done with Athelmar, neither will he."

"Will anyone be coming after Geoff about Liana?" Layne asked.

"I doubt it. The magic world will consider it a battle between magic users that Liana lost. And once Liana gets done telling her story anyone else should think twice before coming after the Dragon's family."

Eli nodded. "I should renew the protection spells on the castle just in case. I don't like that she was able to open a portal literally under his feet."

"I can help with those." She looked at Eli. "I'd like to stay for a few days to keep an eye on Geoff and the baby."

Eli nodded in agreement. "It'll probably be a good thing to have an extra magic user around, at least until we're sure what's happening with Geoff now. Will your sister be staying?"

"Most likely. She'll keep to herself." Aurora sighed. "I think I'll rest for a bit. There's going to be a lot to do over the next few days."

"We should all relax," Eli said. Layne and Cesar murmured agreement, and the group broke up to get some rest and think about how to apologize to Geoff once he woke up.

Chapter 4

Geoff woke up shivering from cold. He raised his head and blearily looked around. It was still night, and he could hear rain falling outside through the open window. The bedroom's fireplace was dark, and Kathy was huddled in the bed next to him. If I'm cold, she probably is too. He got out of the bed, closed the window shutters, and pulled another blanket out of a nook in the wall.

Kathy murmured in her sleep as he tucked the blanket around her. "Geoff...?"

"It's okay, Kath. Just getting another blanket." He got under the blankets and lay close to her.

She put her arms around him and snuggled up. "I'm so glad you're okay," she said as she rubbed his back with one hand. "You're soft and warm and breathing and I can hear your heartbeat." She nuzzled against his chest. "I was so scared..."

He kissed the top of her head. "I was scared too. When I thought Liana had taken you..." The memory of the pure undiluted rage that had burned his veins came back, along with the image of his hands in flames.

"I'm so sorry we deceived you," she whispered. "But we were running out of time--"

"Kath, don't. It's all right." He was still hurt, but he understood.

She leaned up and kissed his lips. "I love you, Geoff."

"I love you too." He kissed her back, then watched as she cuddled up and went back to sleep. Their body heat filled the little space under the blankets and Geoff warmed up, but he couldn't go back to sleep.

He thought about the brief fight with Liana and remembered Aurora saying she'd treat her. He wasn't entirely sure how to feel about that. Now that he was calm a part of him was glad that he wouldn't have blood on his hands. Still...there was no guarantee Liana wouldn't come back seeking revenge. And it wasn't just her. Both Liana and Aurora had said that others would come for him, for his child...He wasn't a fighter at heart, but he knew he was going to have to learn to fight if he wanted to keep his family safe. He was going to have to show the magic world that this particular dragon still had his claws.

His eyes drifted back to Kathy's sleeping face. "I will protect you, Kath. You and the baby. No one's going to hurt either of you. I swear it." He kissed her forehead, then settled in to attempt to sleep.

***

The rain had slowed to a light drizzle by early dawn. Selene paid no mind to the cold droplets as she carefully followed the trail that a deer had left behind through the forest surrounding Sunlight Castle. Thanks to the rain she knew the tracks were fresh, and the deer was going at a walking pace. She would catch up to it.

She'd been somewhat disappointed yesterday when the Dragon had stolen her hunt from her, even though she knew he was Liana's victim and therefore had more right to the kill. It was still a flaw in her otherwise perfect record. The dissatisfaction had prodded her to come out and hunt. Her instincts would be satisfied once she had brought the deer down, and the meat she would take back to Sunlight Castle was merely an added benefit.

There.

The deer, a large buck, was eating an apple that had fallen to the base of a tree. Selene went absolutely still, barely daring to even breathe. The buck raised its head and looked around for a bit, then stepped over to another apple.

She held her arms in position and the bow and arrow appeared fully drawn, notched, and ready. It took only a couple of seconds to check her aim, then she let the arrow fly. The buck dropped as the arrow went through its eyeball and out the other side.

A small smile came to her lips as the bow and arrow dissolved. With an effort she managed to pick the buck up and carry it on her shoulders as she made her way back toward Sunlight Castle. She could have used a portal, yes, but the castle itself wasn't far and she was strong. She didn't mind the walk.

Aurora had made it clear last night that she wanted to stay at Sunlight Castle for the next few days to help Eliezar with protection spells and keep an eye on the Dragon. Selene had no objections to it; she went where Aurora went, and she could practice with her weapons while Aurora and Eliezar worked their craft. They would need to return to Vandalia briefly for fresh clothing and to water Aurora's plants, but that would not take long.

The rain had stopped and the sun had cleared the horizon by the time Selene stepped over the threshhold into Sunlight Castle's main hall. She was looking for a servant to tell her where the kitchen was when she heard a male voice behind her. "What in the world?" Upon turning around she saw it was the one called Layne. His eyes were wide as he stared at her.

Her voice and gaze were steady. "Where is the kitchen?"

"The...kitchen?"

"Yes. The deer will need to be dressed for the evening meal."

He pointed. "That way. Um...not to sound unappreciative, but you don't really have to hunt for us. We usually get our meat from the market." When Selene didn't answer he got visibly uncomfortable. "From the butcher?"

"Mmm." She turned and headed in the direction he had pointed in. The kitchen staff was just as startled as Layne had been when she dropped the deer on the floor and told them to prepare it for the evening meal, but she paid it little heed. They could use the meat or not; it didn't matter to her.

Not many thoughts passed through her mind as she went back to the room she'd been given the night before and started a fire. She took off her clothing and set it on chairs before the fire to dry, then sat down in front of the fireplace and undid her braid before raking her fingers through her hair. She'd put her hair back up once it was dry again.

She idly wondered what Aurora was doing as she drifted off to sleep.

***

Geoff was sitting in front of the bedroom fireplace when he heard a knock at the door. He didn't take his eyes off the ashes as he answered. "Come in."

The door cracked open, and he heard Cesar. "Hey Geoff. You still mad?"

He sighed. "No. Come on in."

"Just wanted to tell you breakfast is ready." A pause. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just got stuff on my mind. We'll be there in a minute."

"Sure." Cesar shut the door as he left.

Geoff went to the bed and gently shook Kathy awake. "Hey Kath. Time for breakfast."

"Mmm." She curled up. "Five more minutes?"

He smiled and pet her hair. "Come on now. I bet the baby's hungry."

She sighed but looked up at him with a smile. "All right." She put her arms around his neck and kissed him before letting Geoff help her up.

A few minutes later Geoff and Kathy walked hand in hand into the dining room. Everyone else was already seated and helping themselves. Aurora smiled at him. "It's good to see you well, Geoff."

"Thank you." He caught a whiff of food, and suddenly realized he was ravenous. "...What of Liana?"

"Sent off with a story to tell. I doubt she'll bother you again."

Geoff nodded and sat next to Kathy. Eli looked over at them. "Aurora and I are going to go over the castle and renew the protection spells. We'll extend them to the grounds as well. No more magic users are going to come anywhere near the castle without my knowing about it."

"And now that things are back to normal, I have to go check in with Tony," Cesar said.

Layne sighed. "And I should go see Deejay. He'll probably want me to stay and train, so don't be surprised if I'm gone all day."

Geoff swallowed some food. "Speaking of training..." He looked at Eli. "Did Layne tell you what happened with Liana?"

"He did. Wish I'd been there to see Athelmar's face." Eli grinned.

Geoff sighed. "When Cesar came to get us, I was trying to...I guess make my hands burn like that again. I can't do it."

"Do you want to? Truly want to?" Aurora asked. "If you have doubts, your mind may be blocking your power without you realizing it."

He nodded. "I do. I can't...I have to be able to protect myself. My family." He looked at Kathy for a second. "I can't just hope nothing like that ever happens again."

Eli frowned thoughtfully. "I'll show you what I can. Fighting magic really isn't my specialty, though."

Aurora smiled. "Nor mine. Fortunately, we have a warrioress here." She looked over at Selene, who didn't appear to be paying attention to the conversation. "What say you, sister? Care to teach a Dragon how to fight?"

Selene took a bite of bread. "If he wishes." She got up and began to walk out. "I'll be out in the garden. Come find me when you're ready." They all looked after her as she walked out.

"What is with her?" Layne asked once the sound of her footsteps had faded.

"Layne," Eli said warningly.

"It's all right," Aurora sighed sadly. "I've heard that question before. He's the first to say it to my face."

"But seriously," Layne says. "Even at Athelmar's she was just...so...so calm. Doesn't she feel anything?"

"Outside of the hunt, she feels almost nothing." They were all silent as Aurora looked down at her plate, lost in thought.

Cesar looked distinctly uncomfortable. "...Was she always like that?"

"...No." Aurora sighed.

"What happened?"

"We are two, but we used to be three. We had a triplet sister, Astria. Her loss greatly changed Selene."

They all looked at Aurora. Kathy spoke gently. "What happened to her?"

Aurora looked at Eli. "You've no doubt read of the House of Iblis in your studies?"

"Of course," Eli said. "They were the warlocks responsible for starting the Clan War. They were killed by a sorceress..." His eyes widened. "Wait. They died over two centuries ago!"

"Yes. Selene is the sorceress that killed them."

Layne blinked. "How old are you two?"

"Older than we look, Layne. Iblis himself came to our house. He wanted Astria for one of his sons. She had water magic, and he believed that she would give him powerful grandchildren. Astria refused--as any sane woman who knew of the House of Iblis would do--and Iblis killed her." Aurora seemed to droop. "She didn't die immediately. I did my best to heal her, but Iblis' magic was too strong. Selene took it very hard." She wiped her eyes, and Cesar reached out and took her hand.

Aurora gave him a wan smile. "Thank you, little one..." She took a breath. "Selene swore revenge. She spent years honing her skills for the hunt. She lived it, breathed it, it was her every thought. Eventually, I woke up one day and found her gone. She hunted down Iblis' sons and killed them, then went after Iblis himself. That battle nearly killed her, but she won. She came back through a portal, half-dead and clutching Iblis' head in her arms like a precious treasure." Aurora's eyes were distant at the memory. "I spent days healing her body. But her soul...it was broken. She'd poured all of herself into hunting Iblis and without that..." She shook her head. "I thought she'd get better. But she never has."

Cesar frowned sadly. "It sounds miserable."

"She's not miserable. She's numb. Perhaps if she was miserable she would seek to change things. But she has no reason to."

Everyone was silent. Geoff looked down at his plate, and to his surprise he found himself sympathizing with Selene. His own recent rage was fresh in his mind. Wouldn't he want revenge if anything happened to Kathy or their child, or Layne or Eli or Cesar? He pushed his chair away from the table and stood up. "I'm going to the garden." He quickly walked out before anyone could protest.

Selene wasn't hard to find. Geoff came across her doing pull-ups from a low branch on one of the older fruit trees. She barely glanced at him. "You came sooner than expected, Dragon."

"Call me Geoff, please."

Her only answer was to drop to the ground. "You said you can't summon your flames?"

He shook his head. "No."

"How did you do so when you were a full dragon?"

Geoff blinked. "I...I just did. I didn't really think about how it worked."

Selene nodded. "You are a dragon. The flames are natural to you. Merely summon them." Geoff closed his eyes to concentrate, but she interrupted him. "No. Open your eyes." He did so as she went on. "Don't think about it. Don't concern yourself with the how. Simply summon them. Bring the fire."

Bring the fire. She makes it sound so easy, Geoff thought. He held his hands out in front of him. He thought about his days as a dragon, and all he'd had to do to use his fire was just want to do it. Well...I want to use the fire. He jolted hard when his hands burst into flame. He could feel the heat on his face and arms, but it was completely painless.

The faintest smile came across her face as Geoff examined his hands. "Very good, Geoff. You learn quickly. Now, throw it at me."

"What?"

Selene held her arm out and a shield materialized on it. She held the shield in front of her defensively. "Throw the fire at me."

"But I might--"

"Do not be concerned with my safety, any more than you would be an enemy's. I can block it, and I can withstand a few burns. Worst comes to worst, Aurora can heal me. Now, throw it."

Geoff had to wonder if they were in the best place to be doing this. He drew his hand back, then forward in a throwing motion. A weak fireball came from his hand and splashed harmlessly against Selene's shield. She nodded. "Good. Again."

Geoff kept throwing fireballs, then at Selene's instruction extinguished his flames and summoned them again before throwing more. Kathy, Eli, and Aurora came out after some time and settled down nearby but out of the way to watch. Eventually Aurora spoke. "I think that's enough for now, sister."

Selene glanced at Aurora and nodded. She looked back at Geoff, who was breathing hard and sweating heavily. "You're a good student, Geoff." She walked back toward the castle.

Aurora smiled as Geoff came up to them. "You're doing very well. Don't be afraid to tell her when you need a break. You'll need to build up your endurance, and you're still recovering besides."

Geoff nodded as Kathy hugged him. "Okay. Thank you." He looked down at Kathy and smiled. "What do you think?"

"I'm impressed," Kathy said as she ran her fingers through his sweaty hair. "I won't have anything to fear with my dragon at my side."

Geoff smiled back and kissed her forehead. "Let's go back inside. I need to change into fresh clothing." He held Kathy's hand as the group walked toward the castle door.

When they got there Eli motioned for Geoff and Kathy to go first. "Let me know if you feel anything going through the door."

Geoff raised an eyebrow, but went through the door with Kathy. He frowned as he felt an odd sensation, like walking through a sheet of water. "...What was that?"

Kathy blinked in surprise. "I didn't feel anything."

Eli smiled as he and Aurora entered the castle. "That's one of the new protection spells we've put on the castle. It'll repel unwelcome magic users. We're going to put the spell over the windows as well. Once Aurora and I are done, Sunlight Castle's going to be a magic fortress."

"Can you do something about non-magic user invaders?" Kathy asked.

"That's what you pay the guards for," Eli reminded her. "Besides, it's not like we're exactly defenseless."

"But I'm sure there's something we can do," Aurora said.

Kathy nodded. "Thank you. Thank you both."

"You're welcome," Eli said. Aurora echoed the sentiment, and Geoff and Kathy went to their bedroom. Once behind a closed door Geoff stripped off the sweat-soaked clothing. "Looks like I'll be keeping the laundress busy."

Kathy chuckled as he pulled fresh undergarments on. "If she has a complaint I'll send the laundry out," she said. "I think I'll get a nap before lunch."

He turned and saw her changing to a nightgown. "A nap sounds good." And he wasn't going to turn down the chance to be alone with Kathy for a while.

Kathy laid down and smiled at him. "Then come here before you get cold."

"Yes, milady," he teased. He was quick to slip under the blankets with her, and once they were cuddled up and comfortable he was soon asleep.

***

After dinner that night Aurora stayed in Selene's room for a bit. She'd borrowed a book from Sunlight Castle's library and was reading aloud to Selene as the huntress sat in front of the fireplace and stared into the fire. Finally Aurora stopped and set the book aside with a small sigh; Selene was obviously lost in her own thoughts anyway.

Her eyes settled on her sister as she thought about breakfast that morning. She wasn't sure why she had told the Dragon's family about Astria, but she instinctively knew she could trust them. Cesar had given her a hug before he'd left, and over dinner they had been much more at ease around Selene. Aurora had realized that they understood and respected why Selene was the way she was, and that she didn't mean to frighten or disrespect them. The understanding would make their time at Sunlight Castle easier...

Violin music interrupted her thoughts, and she smiled. "There's Layne again." The music reminded her of a sea shanty, and she tapped her fingers along in time.

To her surprise, Selene answered. "The knight?"

"Yes." Aurora watched Selene carefully as the music continued. After a minute or so Selene stood and walked out of the room. Aurora was quick to follow her.

It was easy enough to follow the music, and as they got closer Aurora could hear Cesar singing. "She had not been two weeks from shore, when down on her a right whale bore..." A smile crossed her face. "The little tailor has a good voice."

Selene didn't answer. The sisters got to the door of the music room as Eli began to sing the next verse. "Before the boat had hit the water, the whale's tail came up and caught her..." Aurora's eyes widened. There was a palpable force behind Eli's voice that vibrated with her own magic instincts. A glance at Selene's narrowed eyes showed Aurora that she felt it as well.

Layne went still as he saw them in the doorway. Eli and Cesar looked over as well. Cesar was the first one to speak, his hands full of green fabric and gold lace. "Hi."

"Hello," Aurora said. "We didn't mean to interrupt."

"Hey, it's fine. We were just practicing while I trim this dress. Tony says it has to be finished by tomorrow evening for some noblewoman's party."

"What was that you were doing?" Selene asked, her eyes on Layne.

Layne looked down at the instrument in his hands. "...Playing the violin?"

"No. The other. With your mouth."

His eyes lit up. "Oh that! Just a little something I'm trying out." He began to make a rhythmic noise with his mouth, almost like drums. Aurora stared as his hands moved, beating a rhythm against his chest and tapping on his own cheeks as he opened and closed his mouth to change the pitch. His eyes closed and his body moved as he lost himself in the rhythm.

Aurora glanced at Selene, who was staring at Layne in fascination. Her own breath caught; this was the first time in years that Selene had shown such interest in anything besides the hunt. Selene looked alive as she watched Layne.

"Layne. Layne! Stop!" Eli finally said. He shook his head as he looked at the sisters. "He'll go on like that for hours if you let him."

"Practice makes perfect," Layne said. "I think it'll add a little depth to our music."

"It is very interesting," Aurora said. "I think you're right."

"You are performers?" Selene asked.

"Well, not officially. We've sung at festivals a few times." Layne smiled. "People seem to like our music though."

Aurora smiled. "What was that song you were singing just now?"

"Just something I heard at the tavern," Cesar said. "We're putting our own little spin on it."

"Can we hear the entire song?" Aurora asked.

"Sure!" Cesar grinned. "It would sound better if Geoff was with us, though. You should hear the low notes he can hit."

"Eli mentioned that Geoff can still use his dragon voice," Aurora said. "I would like to hear it."

"He can! Wait here. I'll get him." Cesar rushed off and returned several minutes later with Geoff and Kathy in tow.

Geoff had obviously been asleep. He rubbed his eyes wearily as he looked at the others. "This couldn't have waited until morning?"

Eli gestured to where the sisters stood. "We have a request."

"Cesar said they want to hear 'Wellerman'. I've barely practiced that one."

"Well, to be fair, it's not quite finished yet either." Layne shrugged.

"All right." Geoff yawned and went to stand next to Eli.

Kathy smiled at Aurora. "You're in for a treat."

Aurora returned the smile. "I can already tell."

Cesar counted down from three and started singing as the others beat their chests to imitate drumbeats.

"There once was a ship that put to sea.

The name on the ship was the 'Billy 'o Tea'.

The winds blew hard, her bow bent down--"

The others jumped in. "'Blow my bully boys, blow!'"

Layne's violin joined in on the chorus.

"Soon may the Wellerman come

To bring us sugar and tea and rum!

One day when the tonguein' is done,

We'll take our things and go!"

Warmth began to spread through Aurora's chest and stomach. It wasn't just Eli, she realized. It was all of them, their voices combining to make such a powerful effect. It was startling, almost frightening.

The group went through Cesar's second verse, then Eli's. Then Geoff had a verse of his own:

"No line was cut, no whale was freed,

And the captain's mind was not of greed.

He belonged to the Wellerman's creed.

She took that ship in tow."

Aurora gasped as that last low note rumbled in her very bones. Selene stared, wide-eyed, her hands half-up as if preparing to defend herself. The men went through to the last two verses, ending with a loud, almost sinister laugh from Eli.

Cesar grinned at the sisters. "Well, what do you think?"

"It was very...very interesting!" Aurora said, a hand on her stomach. At the moment she couldn't articulate what she meant. "Very unusual indeed!"

Cesar's face fell. "You didn't like it?"

"Of course I did!"

Layne was looking at Selene. "Um, is she okay?"

Aurora spun around to look. Selene had frozen, eyes wide, her hands still half-raised, her breathing uneven. "Selene?"

Her violet eyes turned to Aurora, and the panic in them was obvious. Aurora's own eyes widened. "Come on, sister. Let's get you to bed." She took Selene's arm and led her back to her room while thinking about the effect the music had had on her. Aurora realized that Selene had felt something similar to what she'd felt. She wasn't used to strong emotional reactions, and she had no idea of how to handle it.

Selene looked up with wide eyes as Aurora helped her lay down. "What was that?" Her voice was small and scared, nothing like that of the relentless Huntress. "What was that? What did they do?"

Aurora pet her cheek. "Nothing intentional. They were simply making music."

"But..."

"I know, sister. I felt it too. But there was no spell being placed on us. Only a group of friends making music." She would have to listen to them more, she thought. It wasn't conventional magic, but something was definitely happening there.

There was a knock at the door then, and Aurora looked up. "Come in."

The door opened, and Geoff came in. His voice was deeply apologetic as he spoke to Selene. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Cesar said the two of you were wanting to hear my dragon voice, but I didn't mean to overdo it like that."

Aurora spoke gently. "I don't think it was only you, Geoff. It was all of you." She looked at Selene, then back at Geoff. "She'll be all right."

Geoff was silent for a bit. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Have some hot water sent up for tea," Aurora said. She'd give Selene some valerian, as she'd given Geoff the night before. "And then I'd like to talk to all of you."

"All right. I'll have everyone meet in the dining room." He left with a glance at Selene, and a few minutes later a servant came in with a tea set.

Once the servant had gone Aurora mixed the tea. After it had steeped she poured some in a cup and stirred in a spoonful of sugar. "Here, sister. This will calm you."

Selene sat up and sipped the tea silently. Aurora took the cup from her after she'd finished and stayed with her until she fell asleep, then went to the dining room with the others.

They all looked up as she came in. Cesar was the first to speak. "Is Selene okay?"

"She will be. She just needs to rest and process what happened."

"What did happen?" Kathy asked.

Aurora sat down with them. "I told you earlier how she feels almost nothing. Your music touched something inside of her and...she panicked."

Cesar frowned. "Is this the first time she's heard music since..."

"No, of course not. She's encountered it plenty of times."

"So what made her react like that this time?"

Aurora was silent for a bit as she gathered her thoughts. "Your music is as unusual as you yourselves are, and I mean that in the best possible way. I don't think any of you understand how unique your little family is. Not just in its members, but in how you think and act." She smiled gently at Kathy. "I've healed kings while the queens stood behind me hoping that I would fail so they could be free to be with their lovers...but you wanted your Geoff back at any cost." She turned to Layne. "Most knights I've known are arrogant and brutish, living only for the sword and their King. The last thing they would concern themselves with is making music." Her eyes went to Cesar. "I've been to castles where you, a simple tailor, would be executed for daring to step foot on the grounds without permission. And you, Eli..." She smiled at him. "You were able to put your pride as a sorcerer aside to help your friend. As I told you before, most sorcerers wouldn't have been able to." She nodded to herself. "If I may say so, Kathy, your child is very, very fortunate to come into this family."

Kathy smiled and took Geoff's hand before looking at the others. Aurora looked around at them as well. "Your music...it has that same unusual quality. What Selene and I felt went beyond simple enjoyment. It was...it was warmth. It was power. A power strong enough to reach into a soul."

Layne's voice was skeptical. "That's...that's going a little overboard, isn't it? I mean, for Eli and Geoff, sure. But Cesar and I aren't magic users."

"I know what she means," Kathy said. "I feel things when I hear you singing too."

"Like what?" Cesar asked.

"It depends on what you're singing. Sometimes I feel calm and at peace. Other times I feel as if I could fight the entire world." Kathy slowly nodded. "I know it sounds strange. But I understand what Aurora is trying to say."

Aurora nodded. "She was uninterested in the violin music until I told her Layne--a knight--was making it. Then the...the other, whatever you call it, caught her attention. Layne cracked the shell, so to speak. Then the song broke through. It was overwhelming for someone who's felt so little for so long."

Cesar slowly grinned. "But...but that's good, right? It means that there's still something in there! It just needs to be let out."

"If she allows it," Aurora said. "She could simply close herself off again."

"Well then, we can't let that happen." Cesar fell silent, but she could tell his mind was working. The little tailor was clever, and Aurora wouldn't be the least surprised if Cesar did come up with an idea to help Selene.

"I should go check on her," Aurora said. "And I believe we could all do with some rest. It's been a very busy day."

There were murmurs of agreement. Aurora went back to Selene's room and found her sleeping peacefully. She lay down next to her and listened to her sister's breathing as her mind went over the events of the evening. She wouldn't be surprised if the inhabitants of Sunlight Castle did manage to heal Selene's broken soul.

Aurora rolled over and held Selene close as she drifted off to sleep.

Notes:

This was originally going to be the last chapter but I decided to split it.

Iblis is a character from the Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 game. He's also the leader of the devils in the Quran, and I have to wonder if the game creators knew that.

Chapter 5

Geoff lay under the blankets next to Kathy and rested a hand on her stomach. The baby was moving around, and Geoff couldn't help but smile when he felt a kick against his palm. Their son seemed eager to come out and meet his parents. He gently rubbed Kathy's stomach. Won't be long now.

His mind drifted back to the training session and he realized that one day he might be training his son in how to use the fire. Of course that wasn't for sure, but it was likely. If I'm going to be training him, then I'll need to know everything I can find out about it. I'll need to practice and learn exactly what I can do.

He thought for a while about what it might be like to teach his son, and an idea came to him. He slipped out of bed and went to the dark fireplace. He piled some kindling and wood among the ashes, then sat in front of the fireplace and drew himself up before staring at the wood and imagining it burning brightly. Burn.

He felt something prick him in the forehead, but the fireplace was instantly ablaze. Geoff grinned to himself as the wood popped and cracked. Well, that'll come in handy. He remained where he was and watched the fire as the bedroom warmed. The heat felt pleasant and soothing, and he stretched as his body relaxed.

Another idea came to him, and he picked up a piece of firewood. I don't want to burn this wood. He summoned his fire and concentrated on not burning the wood, just as his hands didn't burn.

He could feel the strain in his arms and hands. The fire wanted out to burn the wood, but Geoff held on for as long as he could, and when he extinguished his hands the wood was uninjured.

He couldn't help but feel a little proud at that. A grin came to his lips as he tossed the piece of wood onto the fire. He'd have to show Kathy and the others later. I wonder what Eli will say about it.

Geoff stretched again and laid down on the floor. He'd get back into bed in a bit, but the warmth of the fire held him in place. He soon found himself curling up and drifting off to sleep.

***

Selene sat in her undergarments in front of the fireplace in her room. The crackling and snapping of the flames was loud in the otherwise silent room. She glanced back at the bed where Aurora still slept, then at the window. It was just before sunrise and she would usually be hunting or training at this time, but her body felt weak and her mind was occupied.

Her thoughts turned toward Astria and Iblis as she stared into the fire. Astria's power had been over water. She'd been called out often to help find new wells during her short life, and one of her favorite things to do was to amuse the children of whatever village they were in by making shapes with water. Selene remembered one instance where she'd stood by silently as Astria made a line of water ripple and twist and loop in mid-air, like a ribbon. The children had watched in wide-eyed fascination, and one boy had put his finger out to touch the moving water. Astria had made the water split at the touch, giving her two ribbons to work with. The boy hadn't even gotten a drop on him.

Then Iblis had come.

Rage seared Selene's veins as she remembered Iblis coming to their house and demanding Astria marry one of his sons. Of course Astria had refused; the Iblis clan was well-known for its arrogance and cruelty. Iblis had attempted to take Astria by force, but Selene, with no time to aim, had put an arrow in his neck.

Her head bowed at the memory. If only she had killed him with that first arrow...

She still remembered the rage in Iblis' orange eyes as he'd pulled back, and then Astria had burst into flames. Iblis had vanished just before a second arrow had pierced his heart. She could still see the arrow fly through where Iblis had been and off into the distance.

Aurora had pushed herself to exhaustion as she tried everything she knew to heal Astria's burns, but had only succeded in lessening her pain over the three days it had taken for her to die. Selene's stomach twisted as she remembered how helpless she had felt. All she had been able to do was read to Astria and pray to whatever gods there were to spare her.

Aurora had finally looked at Selene and shaken her head. The look on Aurora's face had told her everything. Selene had taken Astria's hand as gently as she could and held it as she died. "I will avenge you." It hadn't been just a promise. It had been a vow. Selene would kill Iblis, or die trying.

She nearly had.

She'd hunted down Iblis' sons and killed them one by one. Then she'd turned her sights on the demon himself. She'd found him at his ancestral castle, and even with all her training and preparation the ancient warlock had almost killed her. He'd taunted her, played with her, burned her slowly. "Your sister could have had everything. Power. Wealth. Respect. Protection. A pity she chose not to accept it." His smug, arrogant smirk was still embedded in her memory. "Also a pity that you did not learn from her mistake."

Iblis had gone in for the kill then. In desperaton Selene had opened a portal underneath his feet. He'd fallen in, and the portal had opened several feet above Selene's head. She'd summoned a battleax and swung it at Iblis with all her remaining strength as he'd fallen, and it had caught him in the stomach and nearly cleaved him in half. A second swing of the ax had beheaded Iblis, and the head had still been alive when she'd kicked it across the castle hall. She'd had to stop to just breathe for several minutes, and had barely had enough strength left to retrieve the head and open a portal to take her home.

She'd slept most of the time while Aurora was healing her. The pain from Iblis's burns had been intense despite Aurora's efforts, but to Selene it had been worth it. She'd fulfilled her vow and avenged Astria. Whatever happened after, even her own death, was no longer of any importance.

She'd found that killing the House of Iblis had secured her reputation. She was Selene the Huntress. Selene the Relentless. The one who could not be placated or bargained with or frightened away. She'd been called to eliminate many rogue magic users over the years but none of them had been as difficult to kill as Iblis. Aurora's services were often requested, and Selene went where Aurora went as her bodyguard. No one feared a healer, but those who would dare harm Aurora quickly changed their minds when Selene's violet gaze turned to them.

And yet...nothing had been the same since she'd killed Iblis. Everything was...muted. Muffled. At first she'd wondered at it, but eventually she'd come to accept it as normal. Her inability to feel strong emotion had only aided her as a huntress, both practically and in reputation. Aurora had tried to help her recover at first, but had eventually accepted that there was nothing to be done. It had been so long that Selene had almost forgotten what it was to feel.

Until yesterday.

Training the Dragon hadn't bothered her. Of course a former dragon would be a fire mage, it was merely to be expected. She hadn't even been alarmed when he'd attacked Liana; it was only natural that he would attack an enemy that had abducted him. And even with what little she had seen of him so far she could tell that Geoff was about as opposite of Iblis as one could be. It was the music that had brought on her panic.

She'd heard music often enough, but the Dragon's clan's music was different. Hearing them sing had made something she couldn't explain well up within her and grow to overwhelming strength. It had paralyzed and suffocated her. Her stomach had felt as if it had been sliced open and still hurt even now. She believed what Aurora had said about it not having been intentional, but that only made it more frightening.

Selene wasn't sure if she wanted to hear more of their music or not. She was no coward, but that...

Quick footsteps caught her ears as they passed the door, and before she thought she went to the door and opened it. The tailor was carrying a wrapped bundle and humming to himself a little as he headed for the stairwell.

She didn't know why she called to him. "Young one."

He turned and looked at her, eyes wide in surprise. "Oh, hi Selene."

"Where are you going?"

"To the palace. I need to take this dress back to Tony."

She frowned. The early morning was a dangerous time to be out for one such as him, even with the weather... "Wait a moment."

He blinked at her. "...Sure."

Selene went back inside, quickly dressed and gathered her pack, then joined the tailor in the hall. "I will escort you there and back."

"You don't have to. I'll be fine."

Selene ignored his protest. "Lead on, young one."

"Okay." She followed him through the hall and down the stairs. "...You can call me Cesar."

She nodded. "Cesar, then." They walked out of the castle into the cold morning light. Selene began to feel her strength returning as she escorted Cesar down the dirt road leading away from Sunlight Castle.

Cesar's voice broke the silence. "Aurora told us about your sister. I'm sorry for your loss."

Selene blinked at him in surprise. "...Thank you."

They walked for a bit more before Cesar spoke again. "I'm sorry our singing scared you."

She glanced away as a pang of embarassment--when was the last time she'd been embarassed?--went through her. "I should not have let it effect me so."

"Hey, it's okay. You should feel things. It means you're alive."

Alive. That word hit hard for reasons Selene couldn't have explained. To keep from thinking about it, she asked him "You are not a professional minstrel. You are a tailor. Why do you make music?"

"I enjoy it. Why else?" Cesar grinned at her. "We all do, but it wasn't until we needed to get back at Athelmar that we decided to form a group."

"Athelmar?" She hadn't known the sorcerer had a history with the Dragon's clan. Now she understood why Liana had gone to him for help.

"You know him?"

"Yes. What did he do?"

"He's the one who broke Eli's original spell on Geoff." Cesar told her about the trouble that had caused and how they had gotten back at Athelmar as they walked. By the end of the story Selene could feel a faint smile on her face.

"...And then we decided to just go with it," Cesar went on. "We all like to sing and make music. We've performed at a few festivals, nothing professional or anything like that. The Royal Minstrels would get mad if they thought we were trying to take over. And besides we all have our own jobs." He looked over at her. "What about you? Do you sing?"

The question startled Selene. "...I am a huntress."

He waved a finger at her. "Not what I asked."

"...I do not."

"You should! I bet you have a beautiful voice." His white teeth flashed in a grin as he stopped walking. "Try this." He hummed a short little tune. Selene stared at him, hesitating, and he hummed it again. "Just try it!"

It took her a few tries to find the pitch, but she managed to hum the tune back to Cesar. The tailor nearly quivered with excitement. "There you go! Now try it with words. My mother told me, someday I will buy..."

Selene's voice shook a little but she repeated it back to him. His grin widened. "All right, let's keep going!" They started walking again as Cesar taught her the rest of the song. By the time the Royal Palace came in sight Selene's throat hurt from the exertion, but Cesar seemed happy with her effort.

The guards at the Palace door let them through after Cesar explained that Selene was with him, and they walked through the halls until they came to Tony's rooms. Cesar poked his head through the door. "Hey, Tony! I brought the dress back!"

"It's about time," Tony said. Selene followed Cesar in and saw the slim, dark-haired man approaching. An eyebrow rose as he saw her. "New friend?"

"Yep. This is Selene, the huntress I was telling you about yesterday."

Tony nodded. "Pleased to meet you." She nodded in return, and Tony took the bundle from Cesar's arms and opened it. Selene's eyes wandered around the large room as Tony inspected Cesar's work. There were bolts of silk and velvet and linen, racks of thread and tools, mannequins with partially completed clothing. Tony was obviously a busy man...

"All right, here's your pay," Tony said, his voice making her look over. He handed Cesar some coins and a bundle. "I added a few extra coins for an errand. Take these scraps over to Rachel, get her payment and bring it back."

"Sure. Come on, Selene." Cesar took the bundle from Tony. "Be right back." They walked back out of the Palace, and Cesar explained where they were going. "Rachel's the tailor for the commoners. She makes little accesories out of scrap cloth for some extra coin." Selene was silent, not knowing what to answer to that. Cesar went on. "Tony will buy her accessories sometimes and then resell them to the nobility who wouldn't be caught dead buying something from a common shop. I think it's stupid, myself, but I guess it works out for them both. Maybe if I was nobility I'd get it, but I'm not."

"Nobility is not hard to understand," Selene said. "They believe they are superior because of an accident of birth." She'd seen it often enough in her travels, especially among magic users.

"Good thing Kathy's not like that, then. Otherwise we wouldn't be waiting on a baby." The ever-present smile flashed at her again. "I can't wait to be an uncle. I'm going to spoil that little one rotten. You just watch."

Cesar's enthusiasm was infectious, and Selene found herself smiling back at him as they walked along. "I am sure you will."

Rachel's tailor shop was in the village square. She looked up from cutting cloth as Cesar came in. "Hello, Cesar."

"Hi. Tony sent some scraps over." Cesar handed her the bundle.

"All right, I'll take a look at them." She glanced at Selene. "New friend?"

"This is Selene." Cesar was more than happy to tell Rachel the entire story as she looked over the scraps of cloth. Selene had to wonder at Cesar's need to talk to anyone and everyone. It was almost as if the young man was afraid of silence.

She found her attention wandering--not something that happened often but she sensed no threat from Rachel. There was a set of sloped shelves on one wall where the accessories Cesar had mentioned were displayed. She walked over and began to inspect the hair combs, flowered ribbons, pins and other wares. They were all well-made, and Selene found herself touching the silk lily petals on a hair comb before she thought.

Cesar's voice at her elbow made her jump. "Like them?"

She drew back from the shelves. "...They are pretty."

"Why not buy one?"

"I have no Voluderian coin."

Rachel called out. "Do you have other coins? I can exchange them."

Selene hesitated. "I do."

"Then pick something out," Cesar said. "Get something for Aurora too. Like souvenirs."

She hesitated again, and Rachel came over. "Let me help...Oh, this one might suit you." She picked up a wooden hair comb with violet silk daffodils on it. "It just about matches your eyes. Here, let me put it on you." Selene stayed still as Rachel fixed the comb. The tailor drew back and smiled. "Come look in the mirror."

Selene did as she said, and her eyes widened to see the flower in her hair. She reached up and gingerly touched the silk. "It...it is pretty."

"It really does bring out your eyes," Rachel said. "They're such an unusual color. Almost like amythests."

Cesar grinned. "Let's pick one out for Aurora. She'll be so surprised."

It took a few minutes, but Selene picked out another comb with a blue velvet iris on it. She paid Rachel with what coin she had, and then Rachel wrapped the comb and gave Cesar the payment for Tony's scraps. The comb felt oddly heavy on Selene's head as they walked back to the Palace, and she had to keep resisting the urge to touch it. Cesar's excitement never faded while they dropped Rachel's payment off, then walked back to Sunlight Castle.

***

Aurora wasn't terribly surprised to find Selene not in the room when she woke up. What did surprise her was when she asked a castle servant if he had seen Selene and was told that she had left the castle with Cesar. When she found Layne he told her that Cesar had left for the Royal Palace to take the dress he'd been working on back to Tony. She felt a little anxious at that, especially when she considered Selene's current emotional turmoil. Hopefully nothing would happen to make her panic again.

She couldn't help but feel relief when Cesar and Selene walked into Sunlight Castle's main hall. Her eyes widened when she saw the flower in her sister's hair. Selene never wore anything simply because it was pretty. Her clothing choices were based on practicality, and nothing else. How had Cesar managed to get her to wear that?

Cesar grinned when he saw her. "Hi Aurora!"

Selene nodded, her hands holding a small wrapped package. "Good morning, sister."

"Good morning," Aurora replied. "I hope your visit to the Palace went well."

"It did," Cesar said. "Selene got you a present."

Aurora looked at Selene in surprise, and Selene looked away, a faint tinge of red in her cheeks, as she handed the package to Aurora. "Here."

She thanked Selene and opened the package, then smiled as she saw the hair comb. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

Selene nodded, and then awkwardly left. Aurora decided not to follow; they'd talk soon enough. She looked at Cesar. "...How did you convince her to accompany you?"

"I didn't. She insisted." Cesar smiled. "We had a nice chat, and I taught her a new song we've been working on."

"You..." Aurora was speechless for a few seconds. "...Selene volunteered to go with you? And...you taught her a song?"

"Sure did. She has a nice voice, although she didn't sing for very long. She said her throat hurt." His smile never left his face. "This is all good, right?"

"Good? It's wonderful!" Aurora kissed his forehead. "Are you certain you are not a magic user, Cesar? Because it seems you can work miracles!"

"Nope, no magic here. I'm just me." He took the comb from her and fixed it in her hair. "There you go. It even looks good with your beads!"

She smiled at him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now I'm going to go check on breakfast. I'm starving." He went off, and Aurora watched after him for a few seconds before going to find Selene.

She found her sister in her room, sitting on the bed holding the comb in her hands. She looked up as Aurora came in. "...Sister."

Aurora sat next to her. "How are you feeling?"

"...Odd. Very odd."

Aurora didn't doubt it. "Did you enjoy your walk with Cesar?"

Selene thought. "I...I did."

"I'm glad." Aurora smiled and hugged her.

Selene gradually relaxed into it. It was a bit before she spoke again. "I still miss Astria."

Aurora nodded. "So do I. We always will." She hesitated. "She loved you, Selene. And she knew you loved her." Selene's eyes closed and she turned her head away, but Aurora caught the sadness that came over her expression. She kissed Selene's cheek and fell silent, afraid to push too hard in case Selene closed herself off again. The two of them sat there in quiet, and Selene thoughtfully stroked the silk flowers until they were called to breakfast.

***

After breakfast Geoff and Selene returned to the garden for another training session. This time everyone bundled up and came out with them, curious to see what Geoff could do.

Kathy had woken up to find him still asleep on the floor. He'd been a bit embarassed, but Kathy had just asked him to come back to bed until breakfast was ready. Geoff had been more than happy to comply, and they had simply laid there quietly and enjoyed each other's company.

Selene's eyes were tired as she and Geoff faced each other. Everyone else stood off to the side at a safe distance. "I want to see if you can form weapons," she said. "You should be able to with practice."

"What kind of weapons?" Geoff asked.

"What weapons do you prefer?"

He frowned, not having thought about it. He glanced around, and Layne caught his eye. Layne used a short sword and shield as a knight. It was as good a place to start as any. He imagined himself carrying a sword and shield of fire. They appeared with almost no effort on his part, startling him.

Cesar clapped a little before Eli shushed him. Selene smiled and formed her own sword and shield, although hers looked to be made of steel. "I prefer ranged weapons myself," she said. "But it's good to have a command of different weapons. Being unpredictable is an advantage in a battle."

"Do those even work?" Layne called out.

Selene's eyebrows rose. "We'll see. Block my attacks." She advanced on Geoff and brought her sword down. Geoff raised his shield, and her sword met it with an audible clang. She glanced at Layne. "It seems they do." She looked back at Geoff. "Now fight me, Dragon."

Geoff had no idea how to properly use a sword, but quickly realized that Selene was holding back. They exchanged blows, and if Geoff was slow to block her sword dissolved before it touched him. After several minutes of sword fighting, Geoff got an idea and jumped back out of immediate range. The sword in his hand changed shape, and he threw a fireball at Selene.

It splashed harmlessly against her shield. A small smile graced her lips as she nodded. "Very good." Her sword and shield reformed into a bow and arrow, and after a second she fired the arrow at Geoff's chest. Kathy cried out, but the pause had given Geoff plenty of time to bring up his shield and the arrow bounced harmlessly off of the flames before dissolving. He tried throwing another fireball, but had to bring the shield up to avoid another arrow. It was only after the third arrow that he managed to get a clear shot at her, and she was forced to switch to the shield again to defend herself.

She reached to her hip and uncoiled the chain that hung there, and Geoff paused as he remembered that chain trapping him. Selene's voice was calm. "This chain will block your magic. Keep me from getting it on you."

Geoff heard Aurora reassuring the others that the chain wouldn't harm him as Selene began to swing the chain. He shot a fireball at her, and she had to stop swinging and move. She charged, and he dove to one side and hit the ground hard. He rolled over onto his back and saw her throw the chain at him. There was no time for him to think, but he managed to throw a large fireball that intercepted the chain's momentum and dropped it to the ground.

Selene came up and extended her hand to help him to his feet. "You have quick reflexes."

He took the offered hand and allowed her to help him up as Kathy half-ran to him. "Thank you."

Kathy hugged him from the side. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," he reassured her before kissing her forehead.

Everyone else came up as Selene retrieved her chain. Layne grinned at him. "Remind me to never challenge you to a duel."

"I can still challenge you," Geoff teased.

"Let's get out of this cold," Kathy said. "We can all talk inside in front of the fireplace."

There were murmurs of assent, and the group began to walk toward the castle. After several steps Cesar asked "Hey, isn't Selene coming?"

Geoff glanced back and saw Selene with her bow and arrow, aiming at a tree. Aurora put a hand on Cesar's arm. "She's had a busy morning. She needs some quiet time."

Cesar looked disappointed, but nodded. Geoff looked back for a few steps more before turning back toward the castle.

***

Selene kept to herself most of the day. Aurora respected her need for quiet and let her be until after dinner. They were in Aurora's room, and she watched as Selene carefully brushed and braided her hair, then fixed the comb in place. "...It looks good on you, sister."

Selene's voice was quiet. "...I like it." A short pause. "We should return home soon."

"What about Geoff's training?"

"There is little else I can teach him. What he needs most is practice. And there is no need for me to be here for that. Our work here is finished."

Aurora knew Selene had a point. And normally they would have left by now, but Aurora didn't want to leave. Not now at least, not when Selene was finally waking up. "I've already talked with Kathy. She says we can stay here as long as we like."

"What of your garden?"

"With your portals it will be easy for us to go back and forth."

Selene looked at her. "You want to be here for the birth."

Aurora smiled. It wasn't the entire reason, but... "I do. And Eli says that considering the circumstances having us nearby would ease his mind as well."

Selene nodded. "If you wish to stay, I have no objections."

"Very well." She chose her next words very carefully. She'd already consulted with Eli about this, and the sorcerer had agreed. "What would you say to moving here?" Selene looked at her, startled, and Aurora was quick to clarify. "I don't mean to the castle permanently, but to Voludera."

"...You mean, leave Vandalia?"

"Yes." They still lived in the same house where Astria had died, and Aurora was beginning to wonder if that was a mistake. Perhaps what Selene needed was a new beginning in a place that didn't hold any memories of Astria or Iblis.

"What about Eliezar?" Selene asked. "This is his territory."

"I've already talked with him. He has no objections. After all, we are now allies, if not friends." Aurora smiled. "We don't have to decide immediately. But I wanted to ask what you thought."

And Selene did think. It was several minutes before she answered. "I see no reason against it."

Aurora went over to her and squeezed her hand. "Thank you, sister." Selene merely nodded, but she didn't pull her hand away.

Aurora's mind was going over everything they would need to prepare for the move when there was a knock on the door and Cesar called out. "Hello?"

"Come in," Aurora called.

Cesar peeked around the door. "No, you come out. Geoff's showing off. I thought you might want to see it."

"Showing off what, exactly?"

"He can keep his fire from burning stuff! Eli didn't know that was possible. Did you?"

Aurora's eyebrows rose in curiosity as she stood up. "No, I didn't."

"Come and take a look! It's weird."

Selene followed Cesar and Aurora out. Cesar led them to the parlor, where Geoff's flaming hand was holding Kathy's. The sight was startling, even more so when Kathy pulled her uninjured hand back. Aurora couldn't help but inspect Kathy's hand, even though she knew Geoff wouldn't have done that if there was the slightest chance of hurting Kathy. "Her skin isn't even warm." She looked up at Geoff. "How did you keep the fire from burning her?"

"I don't know how," Geoff said. "I was experimenting this morning and tried it."

"Fire that doesnt burn. Such a thing wouldn't even cross most fire mages' minds," Aurora said.

"Why not?" Cesar asked.

Eli looked over at him. "Why would it? Fire's natural purpose is to burn things."

"Come on. Like you've never tried some kind of magic just to see what would happen."

"That can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing," Eli said. "Magic demands respect."

Layne spoke as Geoff lowered his hand and the flames went out. "Maybe Geoff has more imagination than your usual sorcerer." Eli's eyes narrowed as he looked at Layne.

"That's enough," Kathy said mildly. "Let's not start arguing." She smiled at Geoff. "I'm looking forward to seeing what else you can do." Geoff gave her a fond smile and touched her cheek at that.

"Speaking of finding out what people can do," Cesar said. "I found out Selene can sing!" Selene's eyes widened and she stepped back, but Cesar caught her hand. She stared at her hand in his as he went on. "She's out of practice, but she's got a lovely voice. Show them, Selene. Just like this morning." She hesitated, and Cesar squeezed her hand. "I'll start. My mother told me..."

Aurora saw her swallow. Cesar repeated the line, then Selene finally responded. "Someday I will buy." Her voice was soft, but clear, and Aurora's eyes moistened to hear it.

"Now with me," Cesar said. "A galley with good oars."

They sang together. "Sail to distant shores."

Geoff joined in. "Stand up on the prow. Noble barque I steer."

Eli's voice joined the chorus. "Steady course to the Haven."

Layne's voice rose. "Hew many foe-men, hew many foe-men."

A few tears fell down Aurora's cheeks as the group repeated the verse. Selene had not sang since Astria died...It was like watching a flower open in the morning light. Kathy came over to her and took her hand, and Aurora nodded to let Kathy know she was all right.

After all these years, Selene was alive again. It would be a long road ahead as Selene readjusted, but Aurora didn't care. As far as she was concerned she had been more than repaid for helping Geoff. She had her sister back.

I hope you're watching, Astria.

***

The next two days passed in much the same manner. On the second evening Selene told Aurora about an idea she had. Aurora was surprised, but helped Selene send the needed message off to put her idea into motion.

On the third morning when Aurora and Selene went to check on Aurora's plants they found a message waiting for them. Aurora sighed as she opened the envelope and read it. As she'd expected, she was being summoned to another kingdom to heal a sick noblewoman. She was disappointed that they would have to leave Voludera so soon, but she did need to make a living. Selene was disappointed as well, judging from her face, but said nothing as she helped Aurora care for her plants and opened a portal to take them back to Sunlight Castle.

After gathering their belongings and making their preparations the sisters met the others in the main hall. Cesar's face fell when he heard the news. "But you'll come back, right?"

"Of course," Aurora said. "We're both eager to see the baby. And we'll have to find a place to live. We plan on moving to Voludera come spring."

"And you're welcome here anytime," Kathy said.

"Thank you." Aurora reached into her pocket and brought out a bluish-green glass orb which she handed to Eli. "If there's complications with the birth, break this to summon me. We'll be here as soon as I can get Selene to open a portal."

Eli smiled as he carefully took the orb. "Thank you."

Cesar came up and hugged both sisters. He looked up at Selene as he drew back. "Keep practicing your singing."

"I will." She looked at the group. "I will look forward to seeing you again."

"Same here," Layne said.

Selene opened a portal. Goodbyes were exchanged, and the sisters stepped through. Aurora couldn't help but feel a little sad as the portal closed behind them. Selene's face reflected the same, but she said nothing as she walked with Aurora.

Aurora looked over at her. "We'll see them again soon."

"I know." A faint smile. "I wonder how long it will take for their gifts to arrive."

Aurora chuckled. "I doubt it will take very long." She took Selene's hand as they walked toward the castle they'd been summoned to. She wished she could see the look on a certain sorcerer's face when Selene's letter arrived.

***

Athelmar stood on his front doorstep as he opened the letter. He wasn't expecting anything important. He got letters asking for help all the time--but his face blanched as he read this one.

 

Athelmar--

The Dragon's Child will be born soon.

I suggest you send gifts befitting the birth of a noble family's son.

Selene

 

He swallowed, but quickly went inside to get ready to go to the shops. If gifts would placate the Dragon and the Huntress, he'd gladly send them. Selene's words about not handing out so many favors came back to him, and he made sure to take a purse full of gold coins with him as he left his house.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of Sunlight Castle Stories