“Not an eye. He is referring to the tale of the Twin Dragon Blades,” Cassiel said.
“Oh.” That was not a tale she had heard before.
Rawn nodded. “Two swords were forged some millennia ago from the fires of Bái Lóng, the white dragon deity of the Xián Jing Dynasty. These swords had such unimaginable power so terrifying, the emperor of Xián Jing ordered them to be destroyed. Unfortunately, they were indestructible. He then sent forth his most trusted envoys to conceal the swords on opposite corners of the world. One of these swords was named the Dragon’s Fang, and the other was the Dragon’s Eye.”
Dyna pictured the magnificent blades, coated in dragon scales, fire reflecting off the deadly blades. What sort of magic did they possess?
“Red Highland seeking the Dragon’s Eye signifies a threat of war for Greenwood,” Lord Norrlen continued. “My king bestowed upon me the task to find the Dragon’s Fang for it is the only sword that can challenge the Dragon’s Eye. I traveled to Xián Jing immediately and spent years searching for the confidential accounts of the concealment mission of the Twin Dragon Blades, and additional years translating them to Urnian. In the last scroll, there was an inscription stating the Dragon’s Fang rests on land not found.”
Now it all made sense to Dyna. “So you are now searching for Mount Ida. It’s an island that no one can find.”
Rawn sighed, looking past them to the west wistfully. “It is the only location the sword could be. I’ve searched the entire world hither and yon for Mount Ida, to no avail. It has not been without difficulty for Red Highland has learned of my mission. They have sent several assassins to impede me and have placed a bounty upon my head. I have kept in hiding to evade them, hindering my journey further. I cannot return to Greenwood until I have located the sword. Time has been merciless in its passing. I long to be home again. I’ve not seen my wife since the birth of our son nigh a score ago.”
Her mouth fell open. “You’ve been searching for Mount Ida for twenty years?”
“I neglected my family in search of the Dragon’s Fang for my King and country,” Rawn said, his brows furrowing. “I’m eager to return to them. Therefore, at the notice that you had a map to Mount Ida, I followed. Please forgive my transgression, on my honor it was not with ill intent.”
He shifted on his knees and bowed his head to them, his blond hair curtaining around his face. “I beseech you. Please allow me to join your company. I have traveled to all continents of this world, and I have reached all regions of Urn. I can guide you to Mount Ida in safety. You have my word, whither thou goest on this quest, I pledge to guard your steps and shield your life, to the end of the world and back.”
The promise in his words settled over Dyna. This is what they needed, someone to guide them on their journey.
“No,” Cassiel said.
“But we need a Guidelander. He knows the country.”
“No.” He stood with his face set in stone. “How are we to know if there is any truth to his story? It would be foolish to invite a stranger into our midst.”
She rose to her feet. “But he saved my life, Cassiel.”
“People will do anything to gain your trust.”
She may not know much about the world, but oaths from the elves were a pact of honor. “Well, I believe him.”
“That’s because you’re a stupid human,” Cassiel snapped.
She winced. For the first time, the insult stung as if he had slapped her.
His scowl faded. “Dyna, I—”
“This matter concerns us all,” she said, looking away. “We should have a vote. I say he stays.”
Cassiel rubbed his forehead. “I say no.”
They turned to Zev. He glanced back and forth at their unyielding frowns, then at Lord Norrlen who awaited the verdict.
“Zev,” she pleaded, but he shook his head.
“I’m sorry, Lord Norrlen.” He took Rawn’s sword and handed it back to him. “You’re a risk. I cannot allow that around her.”
Rawn exhaled a long breath and rose. “I was enchanted to meet you, my lady. I shall not forget your kindness.”
She heard the faint sadness in his voice. “You’re leaving?”
“I must respect the decision of your companions. They heed for your safety. Be wary. Danger may lurk herein.”
Cassiel and Zev looked at him questioningly.
“It is but a word of warning. Eyes are everywhere, and I do not believe I’m the only one lurking in Elms Nook.” Rawn took the reins of his horse and tipped his head in farewell. “I bid you a good evening.” He mounted Fair’s saddle and cantered away for the forest.
