“Ivan needed to get something before we confront Lageena,” Anders said, quickly unhooking the saddlebag straps on Zahara’s saddle, freeing her from some of the awkward weight.
“There’s something else we’ll need to do before we go into Cedarbridge,” Ivan said.
“What’s that?” Anders asked.
“We’d better get some backup. Just in case.” He moved close to Zahara and asked, “Can you call on your parents?”
Zahara nodded and took to the sky. Moments later she returned, her parents close behind. Once they’d landed, Ivan addressed the small group, “I’ve called on you because we’re in an urgent situation. What we’re about to do may be considered treason and the elves could turn on us. If we’re going to ensure our way out of here, we’ll need help. That’s where you come in.”
What exactly are you trying to tell us, human? Zahara’s father said cautiously.
“While we were in Hardstone, we discovered some very revealing information.”
In what way?
“King Asmond’s wife, the queen, has been a spy for Merglan and was working to undermine his every move. She’s betrayed him and everything we’ve been fighting for these long years. Tonight, we’ll reveal her true identity to the king. He might not take this well, so we need to plan for the worst. I’m not sure how much control Lageena has over the king, but she could turn on us and we’re not sure what she’s fully capable of. I’m hoping you can spread the word to the other dragons here and back us up in case something goes wrong.”
I have not stuck my snout into human or elf business before, but seeing as my only daughter is swept up in this fight, I’ll back you up. For her sake. That is the only reason why I will agree to help you, Zahara’s father said. As for my mate, I cannot make this decision for her.
Ivan’s attention turned to Zahara’s mother, “Will you do this for us?”
She looked at Zahara, then to her mate, I’ll spread the word to other dragons, and stand by to see if anything befalls my daughter. I’ll not get involved directly until I need to. I’ll protect my daughter with my life if need be, but I’ll not help save you humans or elves.
“That is more than I could have hoped. Thank you for everything you can do,” Ivan said.
Together Zahara’s parents took flight, soaring to spread the word of Ivan’s plan.
Ivan motioned for Anders and Natalia to come close. “I expect Asmond doesn’t know of our return and Lageena is likely unsuspecting of our knowledge of her transgressions. I’d like to keep it that way if at all possible. We’ll go into the city. Once we’ve arrived at Asmond’s home, Zahara,” Ivan pointed at her. “You’ll be our eyes on the outside. Make sure no one escapes from the home or enters without our approval.”
Got it, she replied.
“Natalia, I’ll want you posted at the door, block Lageena’s escape. Anders, you’ll be with me. Stand back slightly and spread out, we’ll be more effective if anything happens with a wider spread. Keep your weapons at the ready but try not to seem too threatening. We can’t afford for the queen to become wise to our plan until Asmond knows the truth. If at all possible, I’ll try to show Asmond the letter without Lageena present. This may be difficult, however. Sound like a plan?” Ivan asked looking a bit wild-eyed.
They nodded in unison glancing at each other to confirm everyone was onboard.
“Alright,” Ivan said, taking a deep breath. Exhaling, he said, “Let’s do this.”
Ivan and Anders climbed atop Zahara while Natalia started toward the cliff. Zahara ran down the field, spreading her large wings as she did so. Anders noticed she’d grown since they first came to the training facility. Zahara’s body rippled with muscle, and her wingspan had more than doubled.
You flatter me, Zahara said as they took flight.
Laughing at himself for assuming Zahara wouldn’t notice his examination of her, he said, You’ve grown! I hadn’t noticed it lately. We’ve been so busy, but you’re looking fierce. He felt a warming sensation rising within her. At first, Anders thought something might be wrong, but he quickly realized that she was blushing.
Soon Ivan and Anders were dropping down off Zahara’s back outside the King’s tree house. This style of living once again seemed strange to Anders after spending time with the dwarfs. Natalia was quick to follow.
“We’re all clear on how we’re handling this?” Ivan clarified before going any further.
“Yes,” they said in unison.
Ivan rounded the corner of the large cedar tree house. Two armed guards stood sentinel outside the door. Recognizing Ivan, the guards weren’t hostile.
“Ivan,” one of them said as he came near. “You’re back from your trip to Hardstone. How did it go? I hope Remli wasn’t too headstrong with his negotiations. That old codger can be quite stubborn sometimes.”
Ivan smiled, somehow summoning a calm and friendly demeanor as if nothing were the matter. “Right you are, Ray. I almost forgot you’ve spent time in Hardstone. They went well. Better than expected, I would say.”
“Well, that’s about all you can hope for. I’m glad to hear the delegation went well. I’d hate to see our people fighting in this dark time.”
“You and me both,” Ivan said. “We’d like to speak with Asmond.”
“No problem. Let me make sure he’s ready for you. One moment please.” Ray opened the door and leaned inside. He grabbed a mirror, much like the one Ivan had used to talk with Asmond when they were traveling to Eastland. Holding it up to his face, he spoke. “Hello, Asmond, are you there?”
For a moment the mirror remained as a reflection of Ray’s tan face. Suddenly the glass began to shimmer, and the scene depicted on the reflection changed. King Asmond appeared, his top half displayed in royal blue silk. He reclined against quilted pillows nestled against a sprawling headboard at his back. “Yes, what is it?” the king asked.
“Ivan and the others have returned from Hardstone,” Ray said, moving the mirror to show who waited at his front door. “They wish to speak with you,” he said returning the mirror to his face.
“Ah, yes, send them in,” Asmond said.
“Wait,” they heard the queen’s voice before Ray set the mirror down. “Give us a moment to prepare,” she said.
Anders’ heart raced. Does she know that we’ve figured out her relationship with Merglan? Why else would she need to get ready, before we enter?
Ivan turned and glanced at Anders and the others. He raised his eyebrow and turned back to the guards.
“One moment,” Ray said holding his finger up to indicate they needed to stand by.
They’d been waiting nearly ten minutes and Anders was beginning to sweat when Asmond’s voice sounded through the mirror. “Send them in.”
Ray opened the door and stepped out of the way, letting them enter. The king and queen’s house was regal, but not as fantastic as Anders had imagined it would be. Embroidered silks hung from the tree’s walls. Each one depicted a scene of elven history. Beautifully crafted stained glass windows glowed with the light of the moon. Twin chandeliers hung in the large open room. Cashmere rugs on the polished wood floor brought warmth to the room. A set of stairs with delicately carved banisters led up to Asmond and Lageena’s master bedroom.
