Chapter 9: North Hastemire

         After days of riding he had finally arrived atop a hill looking over the valley that stood between him and the castle. This castle that he once called home, where his family was. Calling on his horse to advance, the two got closer and as they did he sensed something different about the kingdom. What once was so pure and welcoming had become suspicious and defensive; as if all love was ripped away and consumed by a greater evil. A shudder ran through the man’s spine; he thought he had seen the worst of things while being in the front lines - until now. Riding into the village he noticed he was not recognized, only stared at as if he didn’t belong. Looking back at the faces peering up at him, he realized that they were new to him as well. Not a single recognizable face was in view. Quickly he turned and took off to the stables in hope of the faces he knew could never forget.

An older man was cleaning out an empty stable as he approached. The lines in the man’s face showed the many years that had passed.  Jumping off his horse, the young man called out, “I’m home!” 

The age on the older gentleman’s face lifted as he came out and looked in disbelief upon his sons face. 

“Jasper!” The joy in the man’s voice warmed his son. “I’m so... so sorry.” Slowly his voice dropped and became much more serious. Leading his son to an old bench the old man sat down and told Jasper all he knew about Princess Elise and Zoeloft.

“... she’s gone?” Jasper looked deep into his loving father’s eyes, “...and Zoeloft is with her?” He had so many questions, questions his father didn’t have any answers to. Finding the truth meant he had to go looking. After some moments of recollection and grief Jasper stood, gave a fervent goodbye to his father, and jumped back upon his horse. His father watched as Jasper set off to find his love and best friend, proud to have raised such a loyal son. As a tear formed in the man’s eye, he went back to work. 

Jasper rode as quickly as he could to the caves, the one place he knew would point him in the direction closest to his friend. Once Zoeloft was found, answers would start to reveal themselves. Winding through the trees effortlessly, Jasper rode closer to the lake where the original adventure had begun. Jumping off his horse as fast as he could, he dove into the water, swimming towards the portal. It wasn’t as he remembered it. Just as the castle was, it was darker and haunting. Jasper tilted the door slightly to the left and pushed it enough to slip through as he had years before. Entering the first tunnel, he closed the door behind him and looked  around him. The walls were dim, hardly emitting any of the purple glow that would light the way down the tunnel. Trudging forward shin deep in water Jasper stroked his hand across the walls, they were unable to absorb the water he stood in. The whole tunnel was covered in burn marks, and filled with a thin layer of smog. Each step Jasper took brought him to the conclusion that this was something’s home, some creature that would not kindly greet anybody who happened to stumble through. Slowly and quietly, trying not to disturb whatever it was that was awaiting him, he made it through the cave unnoticed. Jasper exited the cave through the portal that led up to North Hastemire, for no better reason than that it was the quickest way out. 

The sun was almost blinding after being through the dark and gloomy cave. The North Hastemire was two days ride from the kingdom Jasper had returned to. Flashes of exploring the Hastemire with Zoeloft rushed over Jasper and tears came to his eyes. He could not tell if this had been their end, he did not know if they survived. Regardless, Jasper was a true friend, and would not stop searching. He began to walk down into the valley following the West breeze; it led him on, and he hoped that one day he would find his lost love, and his best friend.

Zoeloft looked out across the castle rampart. The days and nights had become very long, and he longed for something that he could not explain. The feeling ate away at his soul, and he felt the desperation of hopelessness; he had not felt this feeling in a long time, not since he last fled the cave. His rough hand clenched a shiny object. He turned his back on the wall and walked back to his quarters. 

Zoeloft heard a man call from outside.

“Excuse me, Sir, but there is a strange-looking man outside the gate wishing to speak to you!”

“What does he want?” Zoeloft asked, his curiosity piqued. 

“He did not say. He only wanted to talk to you, something about a girl.” Zoeloft peered out his window, the sky was grey and it threatened to rain. 

“Who are you? Why have you come for me?” he thought to himself. Zoeloft made his way to the gate, unsure whether to be excited or scared of the man who had requested an audience with him. Straightening up as much as he could to assert his power, Zoeloft reached the gate and called the man to turn and enter. 

Zoeloft and Jasper stood face to face. Their friendship had always been based on loyalty and truth. As the two looked into each others eyes, Jasper still had the friendliest of looks despite all he had seen. A small smile stretched the corners of Zoeloft’s mouth as he looked upon the man who had brought him through so much. Jasper let out a deep laugh and wrapped his arm around his friend’s shoulders. The two both felt the same; they missed each other but knew there was a new tension between them. They began to walk, Jasper fell slightly behind his friend as they wandered through the kingdom Zoeloft had created. Jasper could hardly believe this belonged to a man that came from nothing; it wasn’t much but was still a major accomplishment. Reaching Zoeloft’s quarters the two took a seat, and began to converse over a drink of ale. 

“It’s been a long time, Jasper,” Zoeloft said, beholding his long lost friend, and took a swig out of the mug in front of him, “I’ve been out here by myself these long years, trying to make the most I can of myself.”

“Where is Elise?” asked Jasper, getting straight to what was on his mind.

“I... don’t know, my friend. There are rumors that she ran away.”

“Zoeloft, I want the truth. I know you were with her, tell me what happened.”

“I know what you think, Jasper, and it wasn’t like that. I’ll tell you everything.” Zoeloft lied to Jasper about his love for Elise; he could not bear to tell the truth. He told Jasper that Elise had left for the North Hastemire in an attempt to make a new life for herself.

“I must go back there!” Jasper cried out. “How can I let the love of my life slip away? I know she would wait for me!”

“There is something that I would appreciate your help with before you go, Jasper.” Zoeloft said. “I have been searching for my princess, but she has been taken away and held captive. Can you help me find her?” 

“I would do anything for you, my friend” Jasper replied. 

Zenith

So this is the very first image of Zenith
Hope you guys like it.

"When Taya saw the shooting star she decided to name the young dragon Zenith to represent the heavens."

Chapter 8: Prey To Predator

       Taya awoke to J’vonte’s voice.

“Come on! Get up sleepy head!” She shook Taya’s shoulder. “The sun is nearly up, and we have a long day ahead of us.” Taya rolled over to face J’vonte’.

“But we had a long day yesterday.” Taya had spent several weeks practicing with Zenith while J’vonte’ instructed. The days were long and tiring, but when Taya and Zenith landed on the soft green earth they felt accomplished. 

“We’re giving Zenith time to rest, so today we are going into the forest” J’vonte’ said. 

“What exactly are we doing?” asked Taya.

“You will just have to wait and see.” J’vonte’ smiled at Taya. Taya knew this smile all to well. It would be a challenging day.

As the two friends began to reach the west side of the village, where the forest was most extensive, J’vonte’ dashed toward what appeared to be an animal trail. 

“If you can find me, we will call it an early day!” she called out to Taya. The forest was darker and thicker than most, its trees and vines intertwined with each other making it the perfect labyrinth. Taya decided to enter the forest from a different side, a ways from where J’vonte’ had entered. She knew that her friend could be anywhere in the forest by the time she entered it, and that it would be better to take the chance of approaching from another direction rather than attempting to track one of the quietest hunters that Yelya had ever seen. 

Taya found a slight opening between a large boulder and an oak tree which was covered in vines. She slipped through the small gap, her hands gently sliding across the rough surface as she moved silently into the forest. The large canopy encompassed her and she was overcome by the beauty of the trees twisting together to form a protection from the sun. She refocused herself, scanning in-between trees and through the branches. It was hard to locate any movement, and no sound could be heard. A large sycamore towered in front of her reaching up above the surrounding foliage. Taya climbed to the highest branch that she trusted her weight on, almost effortlessly; climbing had become natural to her like flight is to a dragon. Once Taya was crouched she began to scan again. Nothing. J’vonte’ was good, but Taya knew that she would always be moving, which made her easier to spot, yet harder to catch. Taya maneuvered out further unto the branch and leaped out catching another branch with both hands. She swung up, her feet coming in contact with a branch higher than the first. The momentum carried her body and she reached out to grab the trunk with her right hand. 

Suddenly a hand reached out, grabbing Taya’s ankle.

“You aren’t fast enough” a voice said. Taya found herself sliding down the trunk to be flung to the ground. J’vonte’ stood above Taya.

“I heard you the moment you broke the tree line” J’vonte’ said. “Remember, use your toes and the front of your foot. Rocks and harder ground will help with lighter steps. Always assume that I know where you are and that way you will always be on your guard.” When J’vonte’ had finished going over several other techniques regarding moving in silence they did the same exercise over and over again. By mid-afternoon Taya was showing a fair amount of improvement, and even managed to catch J’vonte’ off guard once, by swinging in behind her and wrapping her legs around J’vonte’s neck. J’vonte’ simply caught Taya’s arm and threw her to the ground in a single motion, but Taya knew that it was still at least, a small victory.

“J’vonte’, teach me how to fight, I can move through a forest unnoticed, I know I will get better, and I know how to get better, please, show me how to fight.”  Taya was persistent, and after a while, J’vonte’ gave in.

J’vonte’ began with showing Taya simple hand to hand combat. She explained blocks and defensive maneuvers first, and then showed Taya the proper techniques to throw, strike and off balance an opponent. They practiced for the rest of the day; they sparred hand to hand, as well as with branches cut to the length. Taya quickly learned to use the forest to her advantage, by gaining height on fallen trees and rocks as well as using the trucks to stop oncoming blows. 

J’vonte’ would wait until Taya came on the offensive to defend and then counter attack. Taya preferred to start off an attack with a right kick, accompanied by a left elbow jab. J’vonte’ quickly shut down Taya’s offensive by ducking Taya’s kick, blocking the elbow and striking Taya in the stomach with the palm of her hand. 

“Taya, do not be predictable; I don’t want you to do the same sequence twice.” Taya nodded. Combat was about being creative and fast on one’s feet, thinking of new combinations to bring the opponent down. Taya faked a right jab, ducked J’vonte’s left hook and aimed her right elbow into J’vonte’s stomach. J’vonte’ easily blocked the elbow and returned a high right kick at Taya’s head. Taya caught J’vonte’s ankle with her right hand and in an instance changed hands so that her left hand held J’vonte’s ankle while she struck with the side of her right hand. J’vonte’ blocked Taya’s effort and used her left leg to leap, gain enough momentum to yank her right leg free and land a left kick to Taya’s back. Taya stumbled forward as J’vonte’ quickly moved behind her and began to choke Taya out. 

“Alright!” Taya called out, gasping for air. J’vonte’ released her grip with a smile and a soft laugh. 

“You’ll beat me one of these days, I’m sure. Just not today.” At that, the two friends decided to call it a day. They were covered in bruises and dirt, but they were both happy with the progress Taya had made. Taya knew that over the course of the next few weeks, J’vonte’ would continue to push her abilities in every respect. 

As Taya began getting faster and lighter on her feet she became recognized as a valuable member to the village. J’vonte’ knew Taya was ready to put her skills to the test. The two were to set out on a round to secure the area, making sure any danger was quickly dealt with. All day Taya thought over everything J’vonte’ had taught her, using any free time she had to go over some combination attacks where ever she happened to be. J’vonte’ approached behind Taya partaking in meditation before the trip. Slowly and quietly she crept closer, trying to catch her off guard, but the training had paid off. Taya spun around quickly and low to the ground and with a sweeper kick she took J’vonte’ out. Standing up, with a smile usually painted on J’vonte’s face, Taya looked down at her friend offering a hand back up. 

With a full moon high in the sky and the stars gently tinkling in the nights’ blanket, the girls set out. Taya knew the route from training and was not worried about finding her way with the little light the moon permitted. With her knowledge on how to read the stars, she knew exactly where she was in relativity to the camp at any point. J’vonte’ and Taya separated to sweep the area more efficiently, far enough that they wouldn’t mistake each other for a threat, but close enough to allow the other to quickly back the other up. Almost half way done the patrol, Taya heard some stray sticks that lay on the forest ground begin to snap slowly behind her. Swiftly darting behind a bush she rounded back, in attempt to turn the predator into her prey. Listening closely she did not hear a noise, sticking low to the ground she stayed completely still. Minutes passed and still not a noise to be made, Taya was quick to assume whatever it was, was doing as she was to be undetected. She grabbed for the nearest stray stick, and roughed it against the forest floor to make it sound like she was on the move. Exactly as predicted movement came from the her far left. Taya silently moved behind some large boulders in an effort to flank the mysterious person. Taya quickly leapt into a tree. Peering through the leaves she spotted the maker of the noise. It was a man, with dark hair and a harsh face. A face that had seen many winters and suffered much pain. The man reminded Taya of Zoeloft, and a cold sensation swept over her. His movements were fast and quiet, but unlike J’vonte’ they were audible. The man turned his back to Taya and she seized her chance. She swung to the ground, landing without a sound. The man’s back was still turned away. Taya approached the man, unsheathing her knife as she did. Her movements had vastly improved since the first day J’vonte’ had taught Taya the methods of stealth. Just as Taya was lifting her knife to the man’s neck she felt her foot upon a small twig; the twig snapped and in an instant the man had spun around to face Taya drawing a long dagger as he did, slashing Taya’s bone knife away from his body. The man immediately lunged at Taya swinging the knife towards her neck. Taya blocked the attack with her knife but was then met with a right kick to the side. She was knocked down, but using her momentum, she flipped onto her hands and sprung back up, landing on top of a fallen tree. 

“You don’t scare me.” Taya said, crouching in her attack position.

“Zoeloft sends his regards” said the man, as he chuckled. 

“I will not go back to him” Taya hissed.

“You don’t have much choice I’m afraid.” The man spun throwing a knife which had been hidden in his boots. Taya jumped from the tree, doing a backflip as she did. The knife skimmed her leg drawing blood. Taya winced from the pain, as she landed. As Taya’s right foot hit the ground, she carried her weight and connected a left kick which knocked the man’s knife to the ground. She hooked in a right fist catching the man off balance and he stumbled backwards. The man was bleeding from his nose and looked fairly stunned at what Taya had just done. 

“You think you can beat me little girl?” The man said. 

“I will beat you.” Taya responded, an expression of utter seriousness crossing over her face; Taya’s eyes were a piercing red. The man was startled, but came at Taya nonetheless using a combination of left and right jabs, Taya ducked and blocked. Taya had been taught a strong defense from J’vonte’, and knew how to be patient; to be able to defend until the perfect opportunity. There it was, Taya’s mind was several moves ahead of the action. The opportunity was only there for a split second, and Taya wondered if she was fast enough. She didn’t have a choice, she had to take it, she had to try. The movement felt like slow motion, as she ducked a kick, struck the man in the jaw with the handle of her knife spinning behind him reaching her arm over his shoulder and holding the knife to his neck. The man instantly stopped and put his hands in the air. Taya realized that right now, she had the man’s life in her hands. He was the only one that knew where she was, if she killed him right there, no one would blame her. The man was sweating.

“Please, please don’t kill me, I have a life, I’m not a bad person.” The man pleaded. Taya lowered her knife, but raised it again quickly tighter to the man’s neck. It began to bleed.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you live.” She whispered in his ear. Just as Taya was about to slit the man’s throat, an arrow was shot from the side going straight through the man’s head. He dropped to the ground. Taya looked around startled. Between a few trees stood a young man, who looked to be similar in age to Taya, holding up a bow which resembled the bow that J’vonte’ had carried on the first day the girls had met. The two locked eyes, J’vonte’ came out from between the them. She looked at Taya whose eyes were still fire red as she stared down the man who stole her kill. Taya was panting, but now much more angry and ready for another go. Walking towards the man standing with his bow now dropped, Taya gripped her knife tighter. J’vonte’ put her hand upon Taya’s shoulder and held her there trying to break the eye contact.

“Taya, that is Bastian,” J’vonte’s said calmly to her fired up friend, “He’s my brother.” She dropped her hand to her side as she felt the tension in Taya’s body fall. Taya looked at her in awe. 

“Your brother?” Taya looked back at Bastian who stood there with the same smile she knew so well from J’vonte’s face. Confused she turned back to her friend, who confirmed the question with a slight nod and identical smile. He approached the two with the moon reflecting ever so slightly in his eyes, and as he spoke, his voice was that of a voice similar to his father’s. Warm but fierce.

“Thought you were in need of some help,” he said, his smirk mocking Taya. “You’re welcome.”

Taya's Journal

This journal is seen through the entire book,
So please enjoy! Thank you illustrator.

"The diary was plain at first glance, but upon further inspection, one would see where there had been gold lining on the seams of the leather. There was a small symbol on the top of the spine, a silver spiral with a circle underneath it."

Chapter 7: Silver Moon

         For the first time in nearly eight years, Taya felt like she had a family. Within the tribe of Yelya each individual family was given the responsibility of providing themselves with food. However, if they were unable, certain families would work together to make sure no one went hungry. J’vonte’s father, whose name was kept secret and could be known only by his wife, spent the majority of his time by the waterfall, far away and secluded. J’vonte’ explained to Taya that it was just his way. It was where he would meditate.

“Ever since Mother died, Father has spent all his time by that waterfall,” J’vonte’ told Taya. On occasion he would descend from the mountain to discuss tribal matters or any conflict arising from outsiders. “One day he will lead us as he did before,” J’vonte’ sounded as if she resented her Father, or perhaps they simply had two different reactions to the same pain. 

J’vonte’ graciously offered her hut to Taya to stay if she so desired. “It isn’t much, but I call it home.” The hut was small, as it was built for only one, but the two women managed to make do. It was much better than anything Taya had ever built; there were no leaks, it was perfectly insulated and very few insects were able to worm their way through the mud walls. Taya sighed, it would be the first full night sleep in almost a decade. 

Every day proved itself a new adventure. Taya was undergoing strict training to get her skill level to match those around her. Not only did she have to work her self more than usual to achieve this, but she had her other tasks to deal with as well. After her run at dawn, Taya had to prepare any injured creatures for their recoveries and treatments. When she finished, it was back to training, only stopping for meals or being called upon for help with the injured. When the last meal of the day was finished, the whole tribe gathered together. J’vonte’s father would lead them in a deep meditation. Finding oneself and one’s place in the tribe was an element held very high among all members. Taya, having only been there a few weeks, was having trouble letting go of the weight of the day, therefore failing to find her inner self. So, as the night rolled in and the sun was just beginning to set, Taya would sneak away. She would go to the waterfall where she had first met J’vonte’s father, and simply take in her surroundings. Taya would watch how gracefully the water flowed over the top and gently met the base; it was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. Opening her leather journal, she began to write as she did when she was young, word after word flowing from her quill until her name was called. 

“Taya!” It was J’vonte’, “There you are! I’ve been searching for you all evening.” J’vonte’ was riding on Ennadia’s back as Ennadia perched on a large branch which protruded over the edge of a cliff. 

“I have news for you! Once every young girl becomes a woman, or a boy becomes a man, they are then under the mentorship of one of the nine elders. I asked for permission to train you,” J’vonte’ said, smiling at her new friend.

“I would be honoured,” replied Taya. The group training had helped her in certain areas, but she was lacking in combat experience, and very much wished to train to be one of the 200 warriors. J’vonte’ was both an elder and a scout, she was a lookout on most days and hunted larger animals for families who were unable.

“I will teach you everything I know.” J’vonte’ said with a twinkle in her eye. Taya did not expect that from a fearsome warrior, but then she realized: J’vonte’ was a friend, she was not at odds with Taya. J’vonte’ really cared.

Every day Taya wrote in her journal about the time spent with J’vonte’. If she had the lesson written down, she could redo that lesson over and over until she had perfected it. On day fourteen J’vonte’ brought Taya to her dragon. Taya realized that she had spent very little time with Zenith because of everything else that had been happening. She approached the enclosed area, and there he stood, as majestic as a mountain towering above foothills. He spread his wings in excitement and leapt high into the sky until he was in the clouds. 

“He is a bit of a show off,” commented J’vonte’.

“I think he’s just happy,” said Taya. They waited for Zenith to come down from the clouds and join them on the solid earth. As Zenith landed he looked down at Taya, who once was larger than him,  and bowing his head he invited her on his back.

“I’m going to teach you how to fly,” J’vonte’ offered out her hand to help Taya mount her dragon, “You and Zenith have a very special bond, you don’t have to be afraid.” Taya caressed the side of Zenith’s head and then proceeded, with J’vonte’s help, to climb aboard. She had only ridden him once before and Zenith hadn’t lasted very long, so Taya had no idea what to expect. Ennadia allowed J’vonte’ on her back also, and instantly took to the sky. Excited, Zenith did the same, Taya held on tightly as she almost took to the sky herself. Hovering in the clouds, J’vonte’ waited. She greeted them with a laugh. 

“You thought that was something? Wait ‘til you master maneuvers, they are much more fun! Now come on, I’ll teach you.” The four of them spent most of the day going over voice commands and positions. Taya and Zenith took little training, they easily adapted to how the other moved and reacted. J’vonte’ looked over at the team and smiled at the success they made, then she led them to a cliff that rose high above the river. The cliff looked out over the entire camp, from inside the village out to J’vonte’s father’s waterfall. They perched on the second landing from the top, big enough for both Ennadia and Zenith to fit perfectly. Before Zenith had the chance to let Taya off of him, Ennadia took off.

“Where’s she going?” asked Taya as she slid off her dragon’s head. 

“I’ll show you,” J’vonte’ had a look on her face that made Taya all the more curious. Without saying another word J’vonte’ winked, let out a loud whistle and jumped from the edge. Seconds passed, Taya and Zenith both a bit stunned and awaiting something fantastic to appear in front of them. In a flash the griffin soared up above the cliff with J’vonte’ on her back. They swerved in and out, and then Ennadia did a loop with J’vonte’ still holding on. They landed beside Zenith, J’vonte’ jumping from Ennadia’s back as they did so. 

“That’s all you have to do, Taya. Leap from this cliff. Show me you are fearless!” For the first time in Taya’s whole life she was being put to the test. It was the moment of trust, the moment for Zenith and her to prove that they had what it took to capture the skies. She looked at Zenith and nodded. He reached to catch air with his wings and flew out from the cliff. Taya looked at J’vonte’ and smiled.

“Thank you, my friend.” Taya took one step and in that step a beam of green light shone out from the locket around her neck. Zenith spotted the light immediately as Taya leapt out from the rock face. Her arms came close to her sides, and her legs were together; she flew straight as an arrow towards the water. Zenith quickly shot out and flew downwards to catch her. As he did so J’vonte’ looked over the cliff and saw the two falling together. Suddenly, Taya reached out to grab ahold of Zenith and he reared up, sweeping the water below him with the tips of his wings. Taya raised her arms as Zenith glided back up to the cliff where J’vonte’ stood. The two waited in the air as J’vonte’ climbed back aboard Ennadia, who took off to join them. All four of them enjoyed the rest of the day in the sky until day fell into night, and it was time for meditation. 

Later that evening, after the moon had taken control of the night sky and the villagers had all gone their separate ways, Taya left the hut. She had started to master the skill of light feet and managed to slip through the beaded door without waking J’vonte’. Taya made her way to the pasture that Zenith stayed in, the night owls whispered their secrets and the crickets sang their song. She wanted to fly. Taya collected a dead squirrel she had killed early that day and climbed over the wooden fence which signified the divide between the villagers and their creatures. Taya stood in the middle of the field,  lifted her locket up to the sky, opened it, and shone the light that had become so familiar to Zenith. Several miles away Zenith lay on top of one of the sisters’ mountains. That mountain had quickly become Zenith’s place; he made it his own like a bird creates a nest. He spotted the green light and immediately rose from the peak soaring over the forrest until he reached the field where Taya was standing. Zenith swooped down near Taya. She threw the dead squirrel in the air and Zenith caught it in his mouth.

“Are you ready to fly?” Taya asked as she brushed her hand down his beautiful neck. As if to respond to her question, Zenith bent down to let Taya climb on his back. Taya held on tight, she was only just getting used to the unique feeling of flight, which would become second nature soon enough. The wind whistled the night’s soft and gentle caress past Taya’s ears. The moon hung in the distance, the silhouette of a warrior and a dragon crossing over her silver face. 

Castle Of Caelestis

This art comes to you right out of Chapter 1. 

See if you can spot Taya's Journal.

"She discreetly began to walk up to the castle gates. There her diary was, sitting almost at the base of the castle wall just across from the gate."

Chapter 6: Grains Of Sand

  Rays of sun peeked through the ceiling of the forest, slowly warming the cold earth on which the two friends had fallen asleep. The toughest night the two had ever encountered entered their past as it turned to day. Taya was the first to awake as the sunlight met her closed eyes, taking the place of the darkness. She brushed her hand softly against Zenith’s head; he lay motionless and short of breath. As her hand moved slowly down the large dragon’s head, she couldn’t help but notice his scales were not as bright as they were a day ago, and he had dropped immensely in temperature. He had given his all for her last night, for them to be reunited, for it to end right. 

Taya examined the arrow wound to Zenith’s wing. The arrow had black and white feathers on the far end and a barbed tip on the front. She carefully cut the feathers off the back of the arrow so as to cause Zenith as little pain as possible. Once the feathers were removed she nudged Zenith awake and slowly began to pull the arrow through his wing. Zenith writhed in pain.

“Just a little further,” Taya said soothingly, and a calmness flowed over the dragon. She gave one final tug and the arrow gave way. Taya tore the sleeves and bottom part of the white night gown she was wearing from the night previous so that it fit above her knees and exposed her arms. She fashioned a belt from several vines which she wove together. She used the material that she had torn from her night gown to bandage Zenith’s wing. It wasn’t very secure, but it would have to do. Taya gathered some firewood together as she did not know how long they would be stuck in the jungle. 

Morning rolled into afternoon; the sun was high and beat down upon the two. Taya provided shade for her injured friend and told him to rest. Though Zenith believed he would be able to help, Taya knew it was best for him to continue to lie down and regain energy. Without knowing the surroundings, Taya decided to stay close and only gather resources in the nearest area. Walking a little into bush Taya heard rustling, not that of any animal, something more dangerous. She wanted to get a closer look without being detected by this wanderer, so Taya found a tree she thought she could manage her way up. She reached high enough that the branches in full bloom provided enough cover for her to keep a close eye on the stranger unseen. 

Taya noted the strange behaviour of these people, behaviour similar to her own. They scouted out an area, stayed quiet and low to the earth, and seemed always on their toes. Unlike herself, they did this in a more fluid manner, relaxed, like it was in their blood to trust they could take on any danger. A noise emitted from behind her, human. Taya carefully positioned herself on the other side of the tree in an effort to observe what was happening behind her. She could not see them, and did not understand how they moved so quickly without so much as a twig snapping. She began to wonder if they knew she was hiding. Through the bushes she spotted one, a young woman, with a similar complexion to Taya’s. She had long dark hair and what appeared to be a bow with golden designs running over it, and it was pointed at Zenith. In one quick motion Taya slid down the side of the tree she was crouched on. She landed on a lower branch and leapt to the ground between Zenith and this warrior. She held her bone knife in front of her, crouched like a wild cat defending itself.

“What do you want?” Taya hissed, shifting from side to side, eyeing the danger. The woman held herself in the same manner, drawing upon her bow. The two were locked in intense eye contact, which neither of them broke while exchanging words. 

“Just getting a closer look at that dragon.” The woman took a step towards Taya, clearly not affected by her threatening stance, “Stand down.” 

“That dragon belongs to me and I will not stand down.” Taya also very fearlessly took step forward to stand her ground. As she did, she became a threat, and instantly a voiced boomed from behind her. Taya turned, locking eyes with the third party, a very well built man pulling a weapon on her. 

“Be wise, there are two of us, one of you and an injured dragon.” The man’s voice cut straight through Taya. She had dropped her guard on the woman she had first encountered in an effort to locate the man’s voice, and in a split second the woman with the golden bow rushed Taya and in one smooth motion had both of Taya’s arms locked behind her back. Taya felt herself lose consciousness as an arm reached over her shoulders and around her neck. The world became blurry and she gasped for air. Taya saw the sun grow dark and she fell into the warriors’ arms. 

Taya’s waking was sudden. She gasped for breath as her last conscious thoughts came to mind. She was in a hut on a soft bed made of leaves and branches. The hut was small and enclosed, probably meant for one person. Taya could tell by the ornamental weapons hanging from the slightly slanted walls that the hut belonged to someone of importance. It was fairly worn down; the straw matt on the floor had seen better days. She guessed at whom the hut belonged to, perhaps an elder or leader of some tribe or an official; Taya really did not know. Suddenly a wave of anxiety came over her, as she realized that Zenith was not with her. Just as she began get up out of the bed, the woman with the golden bow walked through the strings of hanging beads which made up the doorway.

“You’re up!” she said, “I’m glad to see you are alright.”

“Where am I? And where is my dragon?!” Taya exclaimed with fear filling her voice. 

“My name is J’vonte’,” she stuck her hand out towards Taya to offer her help getting up. Taya rejected the offer and got up by herself, standing face to face with J’vonte’. 

“I’ll take you to your dragon,” J’vonte’ conceded. She pushed the beaded curtain to one side and gestured Taya to exit the hut. Still lacking in trust the two left the hut and travelled through the small village.

“Who are these people?” Taya’s eyes widened as she looked all around her on their way to find Zenith. J’vonte’ explained that her people were a native tribe to Danenya. The tribe had become the only one to populate Danenya for over 100 years. After a great war, J’vonte’s tribe, Yelya, had shown their strength and skill and carefully wiped out every other surrounding tribe. Despite the fact the tribe only held about 400 Yelyains, each were equipped with great fighting skill and a creature to aid them. Taya observed as both men and women sparred out in the open fields.

“They train out in the open as well as in the jungle. With countless hours of training you become a true warrior.” J’vonte’ said. 

“Your entire people are warriors?” Taya asked incredulously.

“Some more than others. Of course we need farmers, and those who work the land to help sustain us, but every person is trained to some extent,” replied J’vonte’. 

“And you have completed all of your training?”

“Yes, I began when I was very young. My father is the chief of our tribe. I will take you to him after I show you to your dragon.”

“Thank you,” Taya replied. She began to wonder if this place was a safe place for her and Zenith. Surely there was much she could learn, if they were willing to accept her. 

They arrived at a large fenced-in area. The fence did not look as if it would keep any beast in, as it was just made out of wood. There Zenith was, off to the side of all the other beasts with a proper bandage around his wing.

“His wing was infected, but one of our best alchemists managed to find a remedy. He should be able to fly in a few weeks.” J’vonte’ said.

“You helped him. Why?” questioned Taya.

“We care for those who care for us. Every Yelyain has a companion, a dog, a mountain lion, but very few people ever befriend a dragon. Consider yourself special,” J’vonte’ said flatly. They continued to walk around the fenced-in area until they were on the other side.

“My father prefers solitude,” J’vonte’ told Taya.

“No wonder, the beasts are so loud!” thought Taya. They walked further into the jungle. J’vonte’ pointed out good and bad plants along the way, as survival skills were always appreciated by Taya. They reached a large pool, which had a waterfall pouring into the far side. A hut rested against the rock cliff which made the waterfall. An older man stood with his eyes closed on top of the cliff just to the right of the enormous waterfall. His hair was a mixture of grey and white, and his silver beard flowed down onto his chest. 

“You will refer to him as Sir and you not speak until spoken to,” J’vonte’ warned. Taya nodded apprehensively. As the two got closer the man slowly opened his eyes and almost effortlessly worked his way down the side of the cliff. It was clear that this man had been training his whole life, and despite his age was still very capable of holding his own. Taya slowly began to understand the type of strength that came with the Yelyains, and desired to obtain such insight. 

“Welcome to Danenya.” The master spoke with a voice as smooth as silk and very kindly gestured them to walk with him. Down close to the water he addressed his daughter and indicated that this was where she was to depart, and with that he and Taya were alone. 

“We cherish honour, strength, and intellect here,” he told Taya, “We fight for survival and we live for each other.” These word struck Taya strongly; she knew what it was like to be a part of a team that lived strictly for each other. The more he spoke the more Taya showed interest into the Yelyain way of life. 

“I am accustomed to having to learn to survive and I am willing to continue to learn, to be close to care, and to call someone my family. I belong here, Sir.” Taya looked straight into the man’s eyes, hoping he would be willing to offer her a position among the tribe.

“Very well, Taya, but there are conditions.” He looked back at Taya with a gentleness in his eyes, as if he was trying to let her know she didn’t have to be tense to show strength. He proceeded to list the conditions; they were simple enough that Taya and Zenith would be able to stay. The first condition was to respect the Yelyain ways and participate in all practices and training. Taya wanted to learn proper ways to hunt, build and fight so she agreed with a nod as the man continued. The next conditions were about being assigned duties and developing strong, healthy relations with everyone and everything around her. This was difficult for Taya to accept because everybody she had ever been around had betrayed her besides Zenith. However, she was willing to try for she had no idea what Zoeloft might do. After all was discussed, she was dismissed and sent back up to meet with J’vonte’. As Taya began to walk away she heard the man’s warm voice call out to her. She turned back.

“Remember this, Taya.” He reached down and picked up a handful of sand in his palm. He held her gaze, “Each grain of sand should not go unnoticed.” The sand slipped through his fingers. With that strange last piece of advice, the man turned and began to walk away.

Taya and J’vonte’ took the path back to the main part of the village. J’vonte’ stopped in an open area which revealed a fairly large river. She whistled, and her whistle had a quality that Taya had never heard before and was unable to explain. A few moments passed and all at once there was a noise that split through the air like a giant eagle. Sure enough, the most majestic griffin Taya had ever seen landed just in front of J’vonte’. 

“Her name is Ennadia,” J’vonte’ said. “She has been my friend for many years.” Ennadia bowed her head to her friend and in quick movement J’vonte’ mounted her. The great creature reared up on her back two legs proudly.   J’vonte’ whispered in the griffins year and Ennadia lowered her body to allow Taya to climb onto her back. Taya could hardly believe it. Ennadia rose out over the river and the two young women flew out towards the distant land of Danenya.

Elise's Earring

This piece of concept art is right out of chapter 5.

"She was wearing a pair of dangly earrings, silver and intertwined like music notes being played together in the most beautiful harmony"