Sakaris gave a dark chuckle. “I long ago cast a spell on your hoard and the other royals’ treasures. Your uncle could look directly at a massive pile of gold and not see a solitary coin you’ve claimed as your own. And I wouldn’t be so quick to renounce your future.”
“I’m supposedly heading for my death,” Elouan reminded him. “That doesn’t sound too promising.”
“Aye, as far as the court is concerned.”
Elouan had heard the same conniving note in Sakaris’ tone before. Many times. Usually before he trounced Father at cards. One of the most powerful mages alive wasn’t above a few pranks occasionally. He and Father constantly worked to best each other.
Hadworked. “What are you planning?” Elouan asked, failing to keep the suspicion from his voice. “You said you’d show Urien another dragon, claiming it to be me.”
“Urien has ordered the pathway to the human world sealed. No longer will he allow our folk to freely cross over. I will seal the doorway, but not before sending over one more dragon.” Sakaris lifted one meaningful eyebrow. “Your father was my dearest friend. Failing him is my greatest shame. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure his legacy survives.”
Elouan stopped. “You left the bowl before Urien attacked. Did you know what he planned?” Had Sakaris caused Father’s death? If so, it wouldn’t be Elouan flying over a cliff tonight.
“Alas, I did not. Unbeknownst to me, Urien conspired with Gwythyr. He hid Urien’s intentions and also enchanted the weapons brought into the bowl that night.”
“Where were you when Father died?”You should have been by his side!
Sakaris hung his head. “Gwythyr kept me away. Once I freed myself, I found I was too late.” His voice choked on the last words. “I am so, so sorry, Prince Elouan, and I hope one day you and your brothers can forgive my error, for I’ll never forgive myself. But I will do everything in my power to keep you all safe. Even if Urien thinks you’re dead, Gwythyr could scry and find the truth. The only safe place for you is Terra.”
“Me? You’re sending me to the human world?” What would Elouan do there, especially after losing everything he knew? Terra was so different with technology, cars, telephones… “Butwhat of my brothers? The court? Will I be able to shift there?” So many stories existed about the place predominantly occupied by humans. Though more and more dragons were brave enough to cross, few returned.
While human colonies existed in Adrakus, Elouan hadn’t dealt with any. Rumor said dragons had brought them to act as servants, but they’d eventually fought for freedom and now carefully avoided dragon lands.
Elouan had visited Terra several times but never stayed long enough to become overly familiar with the culture.
Finally, they came to the Cliff of Doom. Dawn pinked the horizon, driving back the stars. Elouan looked one last time at the heavens, committing this moment to memory. Oh, to shift and launch into the sky once more.
“You won’t be alone, Prince Elouan,” Sakaris told him. “I’ll go with you part of the way. But remember to keep your eyes open. There’s no telling what—or who—you might find.” He placed both hands on Elouan's head, bringing their foreheads together. “My magic will help you adapt to the human world. I’ve already arranged enough human money to get you started in your new home. I’ll come for you when the time is right.”
Elouan clung to the words as a lifeline, wrapping his arms around Sakaris. White-hot agony exploded in Elouan’s head. He bared his teeth, holding back a scream.
Water dripped somewhere nearby. Cool air brushed Elouan’s body—hisnakedbody. He lay on a hard stone surface. Had someone returned him to his cell? There was nothing butdarkness in every direction, with not a single sliver of light. Where was he?
A ball of light appeared before him as though summoned.
Elouan jumped back. What the… The feeble light reflected off the white in Sakaris’s hair and beard. “My apologies, Prince Elouan, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Elouan shifted his gaze from his own nakedness to Sakaris’s robe.
“Oh, excuse me.” Sakaris set the light ball to hovering while he held out a hand—empty one moment and holding a robe the next. “Put this on. I didn’t have time to buy locally worn attire. This will have to do. Most dragons can’t bring possessions through the portal. I can, but I still have limited options.”
Elouan stood and pulled on the ill-fitting robe. “It’s freezing in here.”
“You’re in a cave, and during daylight we’d be sharing this space with a host of bats. I have little time, so we’ll have to be quick. Your Terran name is Elouan Aaron. There is a dragon nearby. He and others here can help you establish that identity. I’ve converted a share of your father’s hoard to local money, which I’ve deposited in a human bank.” Sakaris handed Elouan a piece of paper. “Here’s what you need to know: birth date, name, place of birth, banking information, etcetera.”
Birthplace? Name? Birthdate?
Portal use always left Elouan reeling, but his mind decided now would be a good time for a break.
“It’s disorienting, I know, but you’ll come around.” Sakaris wrapped his arms around Elouan, hugging him tightly. "Don't be alarmed if foreign ideas form in your head. That’s part of a spell to help you adapt to your new surroundings. Take care of yourself. I’ll be back for you when the time is right.”
“When will that be?”
“When you’re ready to take your rightful place.” Sakaris turned and walked into darkness, the mage light dimming, but going in the other direction. “You should follow that,” he instructed.
Elouan followed, finally exiting the cave. A full moon shone overhead, but the stars were all wrong. Nothing seemed familiar. Even the trees surrounding him smelled different.
“Is someone there?” came a wavering voice.
