18th day of the sun season 2448

A teenage girl was sneaking from one narrow street to the next in the low town section of the peaceful city of Nothar. In her right hand hung a book protected by a thick brown leather cover. The back of the book was decorated with complex elven symbols that glittered under the rays of slowly dying suns.

The girl, accompanied by two young boys, jumped over a barrel that had been pushed and rolled in her path before ceasing her frantic run. In her wake, one could hear the clattering of plate armor and the sound of multiple boots.

- Damn guards, she growled. So they will never give up. All this trouble for a simple borrowed book.

- We're going to slow them down, Zeezee, said Grendel with a smile on his face.

The playful nickname irritated Azena. She glared at her little brother. Ravon, the youngest, giggled, amused.

- Go ahead, growled Azena.

The two boys with their unkempt black hair turned a corner, climbed up the side of a small house and prepared to ambush the guards.

Azena turned again and again. Disoriented by all these turns chosen by instinct, she stopped and examined the location that was depraved of light. A pair of beggars kissed each other fiercely in a dark corner. The man tore off the young woman's worn and dirty clothes. She moans in her excitement.

Azena hesitated and glanced at the couple. The man was wearing luxurious clothes. He was not a beggar at all. He was a noble. Fortunately for him, Azena did not recognize him or she would have denounced him to Bayrne. A gold chain shone around his neck. His powerful hand found the woman's throat and squeezed. The youngster moaned again; this time louder.

At once, Azena prepared to attack the man, but she noticed the pleasure that illuminated the woman's eyes.

"She is not a victim at all," she realized. She likes it. "

The man finally noticed her and gave her a murderous look.

- You didn't see anything, he grunted. Don't say anything to the guards or the lord. Go away, you little witch.

He threw a bag at her, which resounded with coins when it hit the ground, and climbed up the peasant girl. Subjugated like an animal conquered by his impulses, he engaged in sexual intercourse and was so ecstatic by it that he started drooling.

Azena, both disgusted by their behaviour and irritated by the man's words, looked away. He had no respect for her or the beggar and he didn't care. She swallowed without really knowing what to do with the little bag of change. Prostitution and public sex were illegal in Daigorn.

The sound of heavy boots and aggressive screams reminded her of the delicate situation she had found herself in.

"Shit," she thought. Grendel and Ravon didn't hold them off for long."

She grabbed the bag, carried on and visualized her destination: an old house that had nothing special about it, but that had great sentimental value to her. She made her way through the citizens by trying to hide her presence by keeping her head down.

She finally found the house she was looking for; it was at the end of a row of its twins. She rushed into the alley and then, in her momentum, she jumped. Fortunately for her, the house was not very high, and this allowed her, from the top of a solid barrel, to grab onto the edge of the roof.

- Hey! shouted a man whose voice echoed from the main street. Did you see a young teenage girl with silver hair passing through here?

With nothing but her hands holding her weight, Azena glanced at the guards. Their captain kept asking the same question to all passers-by. Finally, one of them pointed in her direction.

- Over here! shouted the captain in his half-exhausted voice.

The guard next to him grinded his teeth and set out in pursuit of his target.

Azena tried to lift her body up, but she was too exhausted. Sharp pain paralyzed the muscles of her arms. She struggled not to let go.

- Shit, she murmured, clenching her teeth.

The sound of the metal boots was approaching quickly. Azena ordered her muscles to lift her up and they only doubled in pain. She moaned as she tried to focus on her task, then let go. She anticipated the fall, but it did not come. When she looked up, she saw a familiar face with features twisted by the physical demands of supporting her friend with one hand.

- Perfect timing, as usual! exclaimed the grey dragon rider.

Fortunately, the roof was flat enough for Fayne to not slip. The peasant woman moaned in pain and strengthens her hand by adding a second. She pulled up, hard.

- Azena! shouted the captain, who was now directly under the rebel. Get off immediately! Give me that book. You know it's against the law to show anyone who isn't related to you.

- Frankly, Kardun, replied Azena, it's only a history book. It's nothing serious. Moreover, she is the fiancée of Miiister Honorable Lord Perfect.

- Azena, Fayne muttered with slight irritation and a shaky voice.

The brunette took a deep breath, grabbed her friend's arm and pulled until she was able to climb the rest by herself.

- You can go report to Bayrne that you failed your rescue mission, laughed Azena panting.

- Please, Kardun begged. Be a little cooperative for once.

- Give up, Kardun! I'm sure you have more important things to do.

Azena took a moment to catch her breath, got up, grabbed Fayne's hand and took her with her. The houses were so close to each other that they were able to jump from one roof to the other. It was only once on the last house that they stopped. Azena made sure that the guards were no longer in sight.

- Great. They gave up hunting, I think.

- I hate heights, lamented Fayne.

- Oh, please, replied the archer mockingly, we used to come here all the time when we were just kids. And.... you weren't afraid.

Fayne grumbled. She squatted down and held firmly to the tiles. Azena laughed slightly and then slipped right behind her friend. As if by instinct, she gently passed her arms around the belly of the blue dragon rider.

- Don't worry, she assured him. I won't let you fall. By the way, thanks for helping me. How did you know I was here? You were supposed to-

Fayne sighed and relaxed her embrace, letting Azena lift her up in a seated position.

- Wait for you on the roof of old Gania's house, finished the brunette, I know. You know, you have a knack for getting into trouble and when I heard the guards panic, I had to go check it out.

The grey dragon rider placed the book on her legs hoping to distract her from her acrophobia.

- Is it better now? she asked in a slightly shaky voice, still recovering from her run.

- Mhhhmm, muttered Fayne. It would be a little better if you were Buhrik.

- Too bad they can just come and visit us in the evening so as not to cause a general panic.

She slipped a little closer to Fayne. She could feel her friend's body heat penetrating her skin and caused her to feel comforted. Her focus began to falter.

- So you had to get yourself in trouble again, just for a book? asked Fayne.

- Mmm? Azena muttered, suddenly looking up as if something had surprised her.

Fayne pointed to the book.

- Oh, said Azena. Well, it was a little gift for the Passion Festival that starts today. You know, our friendship is solid. And... Stop staring at me like that... It was nothing. It was nothing. It's just a few guards to avoid. Nothing very difficult when you know them as well as I do. Anyway, the rules are created to be broken and I find you worthy of the family's trust. You're technically part of it because I've known you since we were very young. Really, the guards worry too much and Bayrne should learn to relax and twist what is made of rock from time to time.

- You would make a very special and interesting ruler, pointed out Fayne.

- Maybe, but it's not my place to govern.

- If you say so, whispered Fayne.

The young herbalist's eyes fixed on the thick book. A contentment smile formed on her face. With enthusiasm, she opened it and began to skim through it. Her eyes shone like those of a child who had just been given a toy he was looking forward to. She scanned texts and images at an impressive speed while mumbling incomprehensibly.

Azena smiled and let her friend explore the book while enjoying the moment. A rare tranquility seized her being and she looked up at the suns that we're setting lazily. Behind the sky that tinged with a weak gold, the moon was awakening.

- Did you know that Daigorn is the youngest kingdom, but that Nothar was founded long before as a sanctuary for those who did not want to get involved in various conflicts and wars? asked Fayne. It was the first dragon rider who proposed the idea and supervised its construction.

- Johrian? asked Azena.

- As surprising as it may be, he is not the first dragon rider. It was Archlan. Johrian was not chosen by a dragon even though he was the one who established the organization.

Azena pondered about it for a while. Meanwhile, Fayne continued reading.

- This is also why the Great Bell Tower in the centre of Nothar exists, Fayne explained. Before it was transformed into a bell tower, Schareilatra, Archlan's dragoness, perched on it to watch over Nothar. Previously, the Great Bell Tower was only a simple tower specially designed for the comfort of a dragon.

- What was its name at that time?

- The Guardian's Perch.

Azena fixed the old, but solid bell tower that proudly dominated the city and imagined it in its original state with Archlan and Schareilatra at its top. The brown dragoness was of a titanic size. Her serene gaze turned into an expression of amusement when her rider affectionately scratched her neck and then they disappeared.

- This book is interesting, she admitted.

- That is precisely why I wanted to read it, Fayne replied. See, reading is fun sometimes.

Azena did not reply. Her attention was elsewhere and her gaze was lost in the void. The fact that Nothar was founded by the very first dragon rider fascinated her and she wondered how the way of life was in those days.

When the suns were nearly gone, a gigantic silhouette passed over her and Fayne. The winged creature partially blocked the weak rays of the suns in its path. It was impossible to distinguish its color, but its shape was familiar. In its wake, it left only a weak breeze. The two young dragon riders fixed their gaze to the dragon until it disappeared into the forest beyond a field separating it from Nothar.

- I think it was Tyrath, guessed Fayne.

- It might as well be Buhrik, says Azena. He usually stops by occasionally to see if you're okay.

- True, but only Tyrath can fly with such delicacy. He does not emit a sound when he's calm. He is one of the masters of the sky.

Fayne continued to read the book voraciously. It took her a long time to let out a single word.

- The city has already been attacked by a wyvern!

Azena, who had become accustomed to the calm, was slightly startled by her enthusiasm.

- What? A wyvern?

- It's a kind of small dragon with more serpentine characteristics and a very poisonous stinger at the end of its tail, explained Fayne. As adults, they are about the height of a tall horse. They are small next to a dragon, but their venom is one of the most powerful: not to be underestimated. It is often modified to change its properties. It's worth a good price.

- Oh, well. I didn't even know they existed.

- Neither did I. Which is weird because I know a lot about wildlife. They must be very unknown and rare.

- Good observation in all cases.

- Anyway, the wyvern that attacked Nothar was huge; it was probably of high rank. It is said that she had no reasoning and acted like a beast inflicted by rage. Archlan and Schareilatra fought him on the Guardian's Perch. The inhabitants wanted her dead to make sure she didn't come back, but they refused and took her away.

- It doesn't mention what happened to it?

- Sadly, no.

A song echoed in the ears of the two friends and invoked joy in their hearts. It reminded Azena that tonight was the Passion Festival during which Elysia, Mother of light, euphoria, warmth, love and spirituality, was celebrated. Wherever people believed in Elysia, they honored the goddess by rejoicing in life and simply having fun. Any crime was severely punished during the festivities. Any action that led to conflict was not tolerated and ended in the penalty of imprisonment until the end of the event, regardless of the laws of the kingdom or the status of the person concerned.

Azena and Fayne looked up towards the heart of the city and a fireworks display rose to the sky to finally explode into a million particles as bright as the stars, temporarily illuminating the landscape with multiple warm shades. Cheers rang out. The two young teenagers smiled, happy with the amount of playfulness that emanated from the usual quiet Nothar.

- It is a pity that Buhrik and Tyrath cannot be present, Fayne remarked with slight sadness.

Downtown, a huge controlled fire was growing. People were dancing around the great wall of flames. The dancers were just small silhouettes moving from the top of the roof. The rebel opened her mouth, but before she could answer anything, a growl of frustration interrupted her.

- Can't we have a moment of peace here? shouted a voice damaged by age. To think that Nothar is renowned for his tranquility. Pah!

Azena and Fayne looked down at the path and identified an old woman standing on her damaged balcony with a wooden stick in her hand. Azena's face deformed under the folds caused by her sudden discomfort.

- Oh... This stick, she whispered. Do you remember it?

- A tad too much, replied Fayne, giggling. And the poor madwoman would run after you and when she caught you, she would spank you by saying that Lord Kindirah was negligent in his discipline.

- She was bold; she dared to hit a lady.

- I'm glad it never happened to me.

- Yeah.... Strangely enough, it was never your fault.

- I played my role of good girl well, explained Fayne with a proud smile.

Azena rolled her eyes and then, with a smile poisoned by the desire for revenge, she grabbed Fayne by the shoulders and pushed her slightly, just enough to trigger her acrophobia. The blue dragon rider shouted and by defensive reflex, she dropped the book so she could hang on to the roof tiles. The book passed an inch from Gannia's face before reaching the ground.

Gannia looked up and frowned when she saw the two friends. Sensing the danger, Azena froze. The herbalist took the opportunity to check if she was still alive by feeling her own body. When she laid her hand on her beating heart, she breathed a sigh of satisfaction.

- You two! exclaimed Gannia, hitting the ground with the tip of her stick. Get down from there right now or I'll call the guards.

- Stay calm, it's a predator we know well, Azena whispered to Fayne before raising her voice. I wouldn't count on them if I were you. Thanks to the festival, they are probably too drunk to remember what their duties are.

- We'll see about that, replied Gannia.

The old lady set off for the guard tower. Azena took the opportunity to lift the book up to her with a breeze that she controlled. Once again on Fayne's legs, it stopped moving. Azena recovered by breathing in calmly. Gannia had not progressed very far. She was slow.

A few moments later, a young man in a hurry turned the corner and nearly bumped into her. He stopped and apologized to her. Gannia ignored him. All she was interested in was that he was carrying a weapon and wearing light armor.

- You have come to rid me of these two!

- Umm.... Not exact-

The young man was interrupted by Gannia who had started pushing him with her stick towards her house.

- Okay, okay, he grumbled, increasing his pace to avoid being hit by the stick.

Azena and Fayne watched the scene with astonishment.

- She's completely insane, said Azena.

Fayne nodded in agreement.

Once in front of the house, Serus crossed his arms and stared at Azena and Fayne with a cold dead expression.

- Azena, what have you dragged Fayne into this time? The poor captain of the guard came to get me and said that you stole a book from our family's library despite father's opposition.

- Relax Great one, said Azena with malice.

Gannia brought down the tip of her stick on Serus' foot. He yelped like a dog that had just been stung by a bee and started hopping to ease the pain. Azena and Fayne could not hold back a laugh. Fayne tried to smother herself with her hand, but in vain.

- Are you crazy lady? Serus roars as he stood up. Do you know who you're talking to?

- I'm not crazy, said Gannia. I've had enough of you... children! You are so irresponsible and disrespectful!

- The Great Heir of the White Woodruff, mocked Azena. Where is your crown, O brother?

- I am not a king, grunted Serus on the imperious tone of a true king. I will never be because Father is a lord and not a king.

- Yeah, it's too bad Grandpa was a weak man and he gave Daigorn to Elthen. You would have been a real prince if it hadn't been for him.

- Daigorn's subjects always take father as their true king. Anyway, I'm going to regain Daigorn's independence when I'm lord.

Azena helped Fayne down.

- Catch her.

Serus completed the task by grabbing Fayne and then dropping her on the ground. Azena continued with a sarcastic voice:

- Oh, please. Please. Independence my ass. After that, there's the High King, the king to whom you owe your devotion. Do you really believe that our small army can defeat Elthen, Detmor, Neowalds and not to mention the dragon riders gathered under a banner?

- You will help me, he ordered. We're going to get our independence back.

- Have you forgotten? My loyalty is with the Guardians. You're going to have to win them a favor if you want my help. Ask Gendrel and Ravon. Their lives are devoted to looking for trouble. Anyway, you just want power. Why should I help you?

As she was about to go down in turn, a movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention and she stopped. Gannia glared at Serus.

- You are not going to destroy the prosperity of this kingdom.

- It is not your commoner's business, Serus grumbled as he tried to keep his cool. Calm down, you have no power over this decision.

- I won't calm down! roared Gannia. Not while you're here! Go away, young scoundrel!

- Quiet, old woman!

With embarrassment, Fayne examined the book and gently tapped it to clean it of the dust from the rocky path. Azena tried to ignore the screams of the argument between Serus and the crazy old lady, the noise of the festival and tried to focus on her search. She scanned the rooftops with attention.

- Azena, you'd be wise to come before I lose patience, warned Serus.

Another movement caught the archer's attention. An individual moved with a dizzying speed. He would jump from roof to roof and finally stop on the house next to Gannia's. It was too dark for Azena to identify him.

- Someone's there.

- Who cares, grunted Serus. Come on. Come on!

Azena did not move.

- Maybe he's a murderer. It would be a perfect opportunity. People are distracted. The guards are drunk. Easy to sneak into the city.

Serus climbed up to the roof while Gannia shouted that her problem was only getting worse.

- Over there, Azena said, pointing at the individual.

The stranger had not moved. Hooded, his face was veiled in the dark, masking most of his facial features.

- What is it? asked Serus, squinting his eyes. I can't see a thing.

- I don't know, but he's too fast to be human, Azena said.

- You have good eyes if you can see it. Could it be an elf?

The silhouette could have been confused for a human. This was until a long tail fell off his hooded cape in which it had wrapped itself. It looked at Azena and Serus, then rubbed its index finger and thumb together, both equipped with long hooked claws.

- I was definitely wrong, said Serus. What is it doing?

- It's him again, she whispered, frowning.

- Have you ever met him?

Azena nodded and gently grabbed her bow. She avoided any sudden movement and despite her caution, the creature darted off so quickly that the archer could only see an abstract figure being swallowed by the shade.