Hi Readers
With work and other obligations (read new PC game) I have been struggling to get started on the new book. I think I'm having a lot of trouble getting into the new book I want to start. At least I have a few ideas, so that must count for something. Oh well.
When we last left Saita the Heavenly had made an appearance, obviously knowing far more than they had shared in the past. Enjoy the update.
Saita immediately looked away from the Heavenly. Though she had known he and his younger companion were on the planet, she had done her best to avoid the pair. Shareik saw the act and only smiled kindly.
“It is good to see you looking as well as you are.”
Saita grumbled under her breath and otherwise refused to engage.
“Explain this!” demanded Saasha and she pointed behind her.
“Those are the passages myself and my kind have used since the dawn of time to create and manage the various universes and timelines. It is how we travel, or it is how we used to travel.”
“Because the Fell Dragon has taken over the corridors?” asked Saasha.
“Not her, but her Wolven minions.”
“How much of a danger are we in?”
The Heavenly shrugged his shoulders before a servant pulled a seat out for him. He sat and indicated that Matta should sit too. The younger Heavenly looked nervous at seeing the diagram but remained silent.
“Edzeeker was ripped to pieces in a locked cell.” Said Sedeath with a growl. “He deserved many things, but he didn’t deserve that.”
“I beg to differ.” Hissed Saita.
Shareik looked disturbed at the news. He looked at his hands clasped on the table and said softly, “This isn’t right. If anything, the Fell Dragon should have targeted Saita. Why would she go after Edzeeker?”
“Because she wants to unravel my life.” Said Saita.
The Heavenly seemed to think this over and nodded his head. He turned to Matta and said, “I think I understand why our numbers have dwindled the way that they have.”
“When at my council table, you will address the council.” Reminded Saasha.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, old habits.” Shareik stood up and came to stand before the screen that showed the image that Silens had drawn. “Remarkably accurate for a barbarian.”
While Silens didn’t give it another thought, Baks’ face flooded red and the woman next to him had to clasp his hand tighter. Shareik waved his hand and the image changed to have more detail. It showed multiple images of what Silens had drawn, stacked on top of each other. Yet the central part remained a tube that connected to each layer. It was the only thing that remained unchanged between the levels.
“This is the Fell Dragon’s cage.” Shareik pointed to the central tube. “Each level is a different universe, while each timeline is represented by a single line radiating from the cage. The universes and timelines used to be numerous, as were my people, but this had changed.”
He waved his hand once more, and now there were significantly fewer universes and timelines. Enough to elicit a shocked gasp from Sedeath.
“She has been busy.” Even Shareik looked shocked.
“Enough!” Saasha growled, “I want to know how all of this is possible and if we can stop it or if we’re just waiting for the inevitable.”
Shareik seemed to ponder this before he looked to Saita and said, “We haven’t been able to stop this scourge for some time. This is why Saita was created in the first place. This Fell Dragon has awoken once before and has managed to wreak havoc on different timelines and universes. Originally, she didn’t travel much, but between the first time she awoke and the second she gained the ability to control the Wolven. It would seem, that instead of powering the cage to keep her placated, the creatures were feeding her. They also took to hunting our people and the other fledgling Fell Dragons.”
“Of course, there would be more. Why hedge your bets on a single replacement?” Muttered Saita.
“And like I told you; you are the only one left and few of my people still live. The Fell Dragon has likely ensured that the cage has been destroyed. She will not go back a second time. She will do anything to remain out of the cage.”
“So, the cage is fixable?” asked Saasha.
“In theory. I haven’t seen the damage she may have done to it. Matta and I lack the ability to travel the corridors while they are stalked by the Wolven. There’s even the possibility of the Fell Dragon moving through them of her own accord, but I doubt that.”
There was silence for a while before Siar asked, “Why do you doubt that?”
“Fell Dragons come and fall, it was what they were meant to do, but not this one. No, she destroyed the dragon before her, and the champion meant to cowl her, then went back to sleep. This has never happened before. Mentally, this would be taxing. She would not be traveling alone, the Wolven were designed to keep the Fell Dragon contained. Even if she found some way to control them, their basic instinct would still be there. It would be the only way to control her. No, she’s not traveling alone. She wouldn’t know how to open the veils despite traveling the corridors. She has a Wolven with her and a powerful one.”
“Likely Red-Eye.” Saita rubbed at her chest where the scar of the Wolven attack still sat red and angry.
“Veils, corridors, all of this makes no sense to me.” Said Saasha.
“The corridors can be walked by any who find a weakness or a veil that was left open.” Said Matta from his side of the table. “Without Heavenly to fix the corridors, more weaknesses are developing. The Fell Dragon likely found a weakness and found the corridors. While she can travel throughout the corridor she found, it was unlikely that she got into a timeline without veils being created.”
Saita swore under her breath and said, “When the Wolven attacked, they used their claws to cut through the air before they appeared.”
“Those would be the veils being created. Few Wolven could do this, it would seem far more have learned the skill between the previous Dragon and this Fell Dragon.” Said Shareik.
“So, it is the Wolven who have free reign.” Said Siar. “Does that mean that the Fell Dragon can learn this skill?”
“Doubtful, if she had, she would have killed us long before we were aware of her.” Said Matta.
“If we remove the Wolven from the equation, does that trap her?” asked Jethron.
“Your guess would be as good as mine. While this Wolven, Red-Eye you called him? While he may be the guide for the Fell Dragon, he is also the one keeping her sane. Removing him from the equation could cause the Fell Dragon to act chaotically and then we can’t track her movements.” Said Shareik.
“We can’t track her movements at the moment!” roared Saasha.
The table fell silent, waiting for answers that they all knew weren’t available. Shareik looked from one face to another and came to rest on Saita. The young woman refused to catch his eye, but he smiled at her all the same.
“I noticed the gentlemen outside. He has recently been forced to this time, has he not?”
“He said the Fell Dragon attacked and he suddenly appeared here.” Said Saita.
“Then you will have nothing to worry from the Fell Dragon for a while. She has gorged on lifeforce and will be sleeping for a while. However, that said, she has made her intentions very clear by attacking and killing Edzeeker. She is coming for you Saita; she knows who you are despite everything that was done to keep your identity a secret. As for why she isn’t willing to face you, that I don’t know.”
Shareik looked to Saasha and said softly, “As much as you hate the situation you’re in, Your Majesty, there is nothing more you can do until the Fell Dragon stirs again. All I can offer is some sort of alarm if the Fell Dragon steps into this timeline. Other than that, there is nothing else I can offer.”
“I figured as much.” The queen sighed. “As usual, you have offered me nothing but problems.”
“Mother, an alarm gives us time to prepare, especially with us suspecting that the Fell Dragon is trying to unravel Saita’s life. People of importance can find protection, be better prepared…” said Jethron.
“It’s not enough.” Growled Saita.
She looked up at the Heavenly and demanded, “Take me to the closest weakness so I may find the Fell Dragon myself.”
Shareik laughed at Saita and said, “Naïve girl, even if I could show you how to get into the corridor, it won’t be easy to find her. That is her domain. It’s best you wait for her to come to you.”
“So, I’m expected to sit here and wait for her to kill more people that are connected to me? While I don’t care much for Edzeeker, next time it could be someone that’s close to me. I need to be better prepared.”
“And while I agree, that is something you need to work on with what was gifted to you. There is nothing more to say on this matter.” Shareik bowed and walked from the room.
Matta looked nervous as he got to his feet. He bowed to Saasha and apologised as he followed his elder out of the room.
“I didn’t dismiss you.” Grumbled Saasha as she rubbed at her head, “Those two give me a damn headache.”
The queen took a deep breath and looked at Saita, “I wish I had better news for you.”
“I should be used to having something good quickly followed by something horrific.” Sighed Saita.
Jethron slid the blood-splattered book over to Saita, who looked at it in disgust.
“This seemed to have been some sort of diary that Edzeeker kept about the machine within you. My scientists have taken what they needed. I think this is best left in your capable hands.”
Grimacing, Saita took the book and opened it. She recognized the disgustingly neat handwriting of Edzeeker and immediately slammed it shut.
“There may be mysteries in there that can help you.”
“I’ll pass it on to Jarah. I don’t understand half the things that Edzeeker and Sellious wrote about. Jarah will have a better understanding.”
Saasha got to her feet and said to Saita, “Congratulations with Aidan. I’ll be passing his records on to Baks, and he can make the final arrangements for your son. The Academy is the best place for him at this time, I’m sure you’ll agree.”
“I do. Thank you for thinking of his safety.” Saita got to her feet.
“I assume you’ll be heading home soon.”
“Yes, I’ll wait a few more weeks, wait to see Aidan settled, and then head back. Pura’s health has been fading for some time and I think he would be grateful once I am back. Thank you for everything you have gifted to me, Your Majesty.”
“You earned everything you got, but now isn’t the time for goodbyes. Now is the time for the two of you to plan how you’re going to tell your parents that you want a Saith to rule with you.”
Saita blazed blood red and cleared her throat while Bolx chuckled.
“We will talk more in the coming days. For now, I would ask you all to clear the room, as I have a family matter to discuss.”
Jethron was painfully aware that Lardan hadn’t been at either meeting and was sure he was keeping the old Royal Guard company outside. He made to get up, but Saasha grabbed his wing and forced him back into his seat.
“You stay.” Then to the rest of the table, “Dismissed.”
And now Saasha has to address the time travelling elephant in the room. But that is all for next week! See you then!
For those of you who have never heard of Fell Dragon you can find Book 1 here, Book 2 here, Book 3 here, and Book 4 here, Book 5 here, and Book 6 here
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I love discussing my books!
As the series continues, it will combine with another book series I wrote. To avoid confusion about what is happening, introductory chapters will be introduced separately so that you don't have to be lost. However, these chapters will contain spoilers. You can find these chapters here:
Races Explained
Banishment
Royal Guard
Saasha’s Direct Family
Saith Characters Recap
Human Characters Recap
Alternate Timeline Brucel
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Haven't read the other parts yet? Follow these handy links:
Part 14>>You are Here>>Part 16
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