A Trip To the Lands of Water

10 years later.

Making his way toward his study Michael could hear the argument before he even opened the door. Eli was furious as he shouted, "It doesn't mater what you think. As my second guard, you are obligated to go and can not refuse!"

"Well I'm not going," replied the snarky voice of a disgruntled teenage girl who thought she was above everyone.

Wondering how normal parents managed not murdering their offsprings was beyond Michael. Dealing with a welp was bad, dealing with a fledgling was worse. You couldn't teach them anything because they already know it all. You can't get them to do anything because they are always too busy doing nothing. An everything you get on to them about they roll their eyes and huff like you're the worse person ever. The sad part is, that him and his guards have been gone for the last 6 years dealing with the bandits, thieves, and rouge dragons that's been plaguing the south. An just within the first twenty-four hours at home he'd learned what it was like dealing with a teenager. He was already ready to sting her back up.

Opening the door Michael looked at the sixteen-year-old fighter with her glowing blue eyes and hard scowl. She grew so much in such a short time and she looked well beyond the years that she should. She looked more human than dragon in age."You just got home! You can tell them you'll do it later," snapped Sky. "Tell them the King is busy and you can't leave."

"But the King isn't busy, because the King is going too," said Michael making his way into the study.

"This is dumb why do I have to go," growled Sky gesturing wildly with her hands.

"Because you are a water dragon guard, and it's time for the guard rotation. Every group has a rotation schedule so that the guards can go back to living closer to their families and be around more of their kind. It's hard for them to find mates at a castle that is predominately male," stated Michael sitting down behind his desk that was over flowing with papers.

"Oh so now I'm a guard," snapped Sky. "I wasn't when you went off to fight bandits and told me I had to stay home and took the captain of the water dragon guard's instead!"

"You were also ten years old and we were going to fight skirmishes were you could have died," stated Jamie leafing throw his own stack of papers while he worked.

"Then he can go again in my place, and to hell with all of it," shouted Sky storming her way toward the door.

Pulling a knife out of his boot Michael launched it toward the door. Sinking into the wood close to Sky's face she turned and glared at him. "You've been summoned by Eli's father who is the High Lord of the water dragons. You fall under his jurisdictions because I appointed you as a water dragon guard so technically he's in charge of you. If he says jump, you say yes sir how high, do you understand!" When Sky growled and turned back around Michael threw another knife this one was closer to her head than the other one. "I said do you understand!"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Geeze! You're more cranky than normal. Whatever I'll go," grumbled Sky before she left the study.

Pulling the knives out of the door Tanner juggled them on his way over to the desk. "You know you've been worked up for the last couple of days. Sky is right too, your scent has changed. She says you smell like cookies," laughed Tanner letting the knives drop so that they stuck into the desk.

"I don't need your crap today Tanner," growled Michael as he pulled the knives from the desk leaving deep fishers.

Placing them back in his boots Michael returned to his work. "You're right she did say he smelled like cookies," laughed Jamie. "That's why she came in here anyway, thinking he'd stashed some in here, but nope the King just spent the night sleeping on his paperwork."

"I do not smell like cookies," growled Michael trying to ignore his closed friends and guards.

Leaning over him Kyle gave him a good sniff before continuing passed him with whatever ledger he was working on today. "You stink like a dragon in season," stated Kyle before he sat down at his own desk causing everyone to laugh.

"I can't deal with any of you today," snarled Michael pushing himself out of his chair and storming from the room causing everyone to roar in laughter.

Oh, Michael knew his dragon was in season, and he was well aware he was looking for a mate. Unfortunately, his dragon was a pedophile and had his eyes set on a spitfire who had grown into a fine woman in the six years that he was gone. In that short amount of time, she's blossomed from a gangly little girl to one young woman with very nice curves. Now she wasn't the best he'd seen. The Goddess had granted her a nice set of child bearing hips, and her breast were filling out just right, but she still had a while to go before breeding age. Like 300 more years. Shaking those kinds of thoughts out of his head he growled at himself and headed for the training hall. He couldn't have horrible thoughts like those if he was too tired to think. Luckily he was already five days into a seven-day cycle and his dragon shouldn't come into season again for another fifty years or so. Which was stupid to begin with. Why would a dragon who couldn't mate or breed go into season. Males went into season to start a chemical reaction within a female which would bring her dragon to the surface, and her breeding mark would appear on her body. Since it's the male that produces the hormones that bring on the female's first shift he's the one who goes into season. His season would start her heat and then everything becomes a down hill slide from there. For him, it was all pointless besides giving him a hard-on that didn't go away for a week. Not bad if you were a normal dragon and able to jump from bed to bed trying to find your one destined mate. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't do that, but he would have to find release soon or his balls were going to fall off. The pain was getting to that point and pleasuring himself wasn't cutting it.

Leaving the training hall covered in sweat and not any better off then he started he desperately avoided a young white-haired girl with a spitfire attitude. Taking lunch in his room, Michael decided to have supper in his study. Knee deep in paperwork and gravy Michael paused when Eli, and Tanner crashed through the doors toting bottles of wine and women. "Take a break your Majesty and make merry with us and a couple of my friends I found in town," said Eli with a little slur letting him know he'd started the party already.

"This might help you with your cookie smelling problem," laughed Tanner pushing one of the ladies toward him holding a bottle of wine.

Shaking his head Michael couldn't ask for a better crew and if he knew them that women had no ties to the world and no one to miss her. Such was the life of a prostitute, and a human one to boot. "Why not," said Michael pushing his diner plate away.

Standing up he went to join the small party that had invaded his office as Jamie walked in dragging another girl with bed ridden hair.

Sky knew she'd really angered Michael this time when he didn't dine with everyone. Also it didn't help when she'd heard them tease him about what she'd said about him smelling like cookies. Honestly, she didn't have a clue why they found that to be funny. She didn't think there was anything wrong or humorous about smelling like cookies. Who wouldn't want to smell like fresh baked, out of the oven, cookies? The smell made her mouth water and now she was sitting on the counter waiting for her cookies to finish baking. Yep, it was god knows what time in the morning and she was baking cookies. Why? Because she couldn't sleep and couldn't get the thought of cookies out of her head. On top of that, she was angry that she had to travel to this High Lord of the water dragons, whatever, just because he wanted her too. She wasn't even a water dragon, or at least she didn't think so anyway. It didn't matter anyway since the King had decreed she was to be Eli's second guard. Which was dumb because what kind of guard was she if she couldn't guard. Hell, she didn't even own her own sword yet and every guard had a weapon of some sort. Nope, not her, not even a knife to her name. She could go to town and buy one if she had money, but no, the King didn't even pay her for her none existent services. Not like she needed monkey. If she needed new clothes the governess would go get them for her. When she needed a horse to start riding lessons Shelby the head of the Fire dragon army and High council member gifted her one for a non-existence birthday present. Now every 4th day into the second month of spring the courts thought it was her birthday.

Growing up in the castle she wished she had a birthday like all of the other children, now she wished she didn't. Everyone pretended to be nice to her on that day, and people of political prowess gave her gifts. Not because they wanted to, no, it was in hopes to get her on their good side and so the Kings. It made her angry that people called her the Kings pet. She wasn't a guard or even a servant. Heck, she would have even taken being called an ornament for the castle over the King's pet. The King's pet was Maverick, a big wolfhound who was very lazy and had taken to sleeping in bed with her since the King left. Not like she minded, she took care of everyone's pets while they were off galavanting around the kingdom doing kingdom things. At least with Maverick, Thomas, Tanner's hawk, star, and Kyle's ferret, who was named thief, she wasn't alone for the last six years.

It was hard to be friends with someone who was afraid the King would eat them if they made you angry. Of course, other rumors flew around the castle but none of them made much sense to her, and no one explained when she asked. Then again, she didn't help in a lot of these rumors either. For example when she declared to her entire class at the age of eight that she would mate the King. Now she understood a little more what mating entailed even if not in such great detail. She also understood the harsh reality that the King never mated and he didn't much care for her anyway. Like today he had a pained looked whenever she was around and then he'd leave directly.

Days like today she wished she'd stayed in the woods, and lived a happy life there. Those memories were a bit fuzzy to her now but she remembers being happy there, and not so lonely. All the forest animals were her friends and there was a lot more of them there than in the castle. Pulling the cookies out of the oven she slid them all onto a tray so she could take her pity party back to her tower. Packing her tray of cookies and glass of milk Sky paused at the entrance to the royal wing. It was faster for her to get to her bedroom to got through the wing and then up to her tower room, but since the King was mad at her maybe she should avoid it. Not like he'd be awake now anyway, he wasn't a stay up late kind of guy. Nope, he was all business and no pleasure. Early to bed early to rise, work, work, work. Taking a right that would take her outside and down the balconies that belonged to the guards Sky nodded to herself. Sky knew she could avoid the King this way should he still be out and about. There was no reason he should be here considering his room was at the end of the precession. At the end, she would be taking a right and going up the stairs, as a left would take her toward his balcony. Her tower was literally above his room, with three ways to get there. She could go up the stairs right in front of the King's room. The outside stairs which were she was going now, or she could go half way across the castle, go up one more floor, throw the servants courters, into the attic and out the other side. That way was ridiculously long so she opted for the external route.

Rounding the corner that would take her to the stairs a strong gust of wind hit her in the face along with the smell of cookies. Prying her brain out of the current thought process she was in Sky brought her eyes up from where she concentrating on her milk. Moments before she was watching the cup of milk trying to not spill it all while walking and eating a cookie, but not now. Standing in the corner naked and thrusting into an equally naked woman was the King. A cloud of black swirled around him and away from the woman, as a crosswind blew some of it in her direction. Most of it was blown out over the wall, but even the little bit smelled better than the cookies she had in hand.

Standing there in shock the half-eaten cookie fell out of Sky's mouth clattering to the try. That man was pure sin, thought Sky as she looked at his muscles bunch and flex as he attempted to mate with the girl. There was a reason she'd said at eight she was going to be his mate. Everything about him was pretty, even down his tight round rump. Hearing the growl Sky drug her eyes from his rock hard behind to his dragon black eyes. Then she watched the cookie smelling black cloud explode around him. Pulling back from the woman she watched his manhood jerk as his seed coated the front of woman. Said woman currently looked in pain and her skin was beginning to turn black. Not knowing what to say or do Sky asked, "Do you want a cookie? I just baked them, and I think that woman is dead?"

Watching the woman's body slump to the floor Sky could see her eyes were now vacant. "Ah shit," snarled Michael stepping farther back from the woman.

"Should I got get Eli to take care of the body," asked Sky trying not to make the situation worse than it already was.

The King was already mad at her and now she was again on his bad side as he let loose a string of curse words and growls. "Why the hell are you still awake," roared Michael.

Not able to take her eyes off the dead woman Sky watched as the woman's black skin began to crumble. "I wanted cookies, and she's kind of falling apart. At this rate do you want me to get a maid to clean up the mess?"

"No! You should take your ass to bed," snarled Michael.

Taking her eyes off the almost not a woman pile of ashes Sky looked up to see Michael's dragon was as far out as possible without shifting all the way. Black scales protected his vital spots while clawed hands sat tightly fisted by his side. His massive horns decorated his head while black eyes reflected the stars in the sky making them seem to sparkle. Looking from the angry dragon to the stairs that would take her to her room and back to the angry dragon Sky stated calmly, "I'll just go the other way."

Spinning on her heals carefully not to spill her cup of milk Sky turned to see Eli leaned up against his balcony door. "You can cut through my room, but the toll will be two cookies."

Walking up to him Sky handed him the entire tray saying, "I think I'm good now, goodnight," before running into Eli's room as fast as her feet could take her.

Racing up the flight of stairs Sky slammed the door, bolted it, and then jumped into bed. Throwing the covers over her head she made a vow to never make cookies in the middle of the night again. The next morning Sky didn't know what to expect, was he going to still be angry with her? Was he going to yell at her for being up? What about that woman, what will they do about her? Did she have a family? Did that happen often? Sky had so many questions but she knew she wasn't going to get any answers to any of them. Why, because no one answered questions like that, especially the King. Not even Eli would answer question in regards to the King.

Hearing a knock on the door Sky crawled out of bed and answered it. Pulling the door open she found Eli standing on the other side holding what appeared to be saddlebags. Holding them out to her he said, "Pack only what will fit in here. This will be your first learning experience on what to pack for a long trip. A guard should alway know exactly what to pack for a mission that could last for months."

Taking the bags Sky yawn and scratched her head. "But aren't we traveling with a wagon train? I thought they were taking our luggage."

"Everyone else's luggage but ours. We are guards, not girls," stated Eli crossing his arms over his chest.

"Is this because of my cookie baking fiasco last night? Is that why we are doing this," asked Sky yawning again.

Eli's expression got really serious that halting Sky's yawn in its tracks. "No this is because we are guards, Miss "but I am a guard," so I'm treating you like one. An two, this has nothing to do with last night. Actually nothing happened last night, but the cookies were good, and the head chief says next time you take it upon yourself to bake clean up your own mess," said Eli shaking a finger at her.

"Okay so pack light…what should I pack?"

"That's for you to figure out," informed Eli turning to leave.

"It figures you wouldn't answer my questions, it's not like y'all ever do. It was stupid of me to ask," grumbled Sky under her breath closing the door.

Stopping when Eli's hand halted it Sky looked at his stern expression which she didn't much care for. She preferred his happy go lucky one. Kyle was always to stern I show no emotion face, not Eli. "We can't always answer your questions when you ask them Sky. Some you need to learn on your own like what to pack in your saddle bags. Most of what goes in there I shouldn't have to tell you. Other things you're too young to know about, or to be trusted with, but that'll changed when you get older. Other things it's just not our place to tell you, but I'll make a deal. Ask me one question, any question right now and I'll answer it no mater what. The only stupid question is a question you didn't ask so never stop asking okay."

Nodding her head in agreement she knew instantly what question to ask. The question she'd been wondering about since last night, and a questions she knew no one would answer anyway. Taking Eli at his word she asked, "What happened to the girl? Why did she turn black and crumble to dust?"

Heaving a sigh, Eli pushed the door open farther and walked into her pig sty of a room. Raking his fingers throw his hair Eli paced for a bit before glaring at her. "Of course you'd ask me a question like that? Which was two questions not one? I was hoping you'd ask me what to put in the saddle bags again or something trivial like that."

Frowning Sky walked over to her dresser a little upset. "Fine what goes in my saddle bag."

Sitting down on the foot of her bed Eli rubbed his face. "You use to call it death powder, because it would kill the grass. You said it looked and felt like powder in the air, like when someone dropped a bag of flour. The dust would float up and swirl in the air. To you, the black death that floats off the King was fun to play in and it smelled nice, but not so for the rest of us. There is a reason it's called the "Kings Death" Sky. There is a reason the grass turns black under his feet when the death comes. That death powder kills everything but you. What you saw is what happens when someone breaths it in. They die, their body turns black, and then they crumble away. An before you ask," said Eli holding up a hand to stop Sky from asking the question that was on the way out. "No he didn't do it on purpose. Even though the King can control it, it's connected to his emotions. If he's experiencing strong emotions it just kind of happens."

Nodding her head Sky began tossing stuff into her saddle bag. "So attempting to mate with a woman would elicit those emotions. That's why he was on the balcony so the wind would blow the smoke away from the woman, but I thought Kings couldn't mate."

Shrugging his shoulders Eli stood up. "No King to date has ever successfully found a mate. That doesn't mean they don't try to find one, and when did you learn about mating?"

Sky could feel her face turning red a little as she glanced in Eli's direction and then back at her task at hand. "I really don't know much about it. All I know is what I see, and mating happens a lot around the castle in dark hallways, the stables, and I guess balconies too."

"Oh really," exclaimed Eli as his scowl deepened.

"Yes, isn't that how things go? One of the scullery maids said that is just what men do is attempt to mate with as many females as possible and to pay them no mind. I'm not sure what humping each other like what Maverick does Walter accomplishes though."

Choking Eli cleared his throat as a mix of emotions fluttered across his face. "Sky, Maverick and Walter are boy dogs."

"I know and the Matriarch says that Maverick is asserting his dominance over Walter by attempting to mate with him. Isn't that what boys do?"

Choking again Eli's face began to turn red, "Question time is over, ask me when you're at least a hundred."

With that Eli quickly left her room leaving her more confused than ever, but it's not like she cared for what adults did. If they wanted to go around humping each other and asserting their dominance over one another more power to them. Boys and men were trifling things and she had more importing things to think about. Like what does one pack for a long trip when she couldn't even fit three sets of clothes into a saddle bag.

Michael was livid with what Eli had just told him. Charging into the servants quarters he found the three exact people he was looking for plus several more. "You're majesty," greeted everyone jumping to their feet at once except the Matriarch who was too old to move quickly any more.

"How is it that we may help you," asked Dilon the head of the male waiting staff including the butlers.

"How is it a 16-year-old girl knows what sex is," asked Michael getting to the point quickly.

Ignoring the chokes of several of the staff members at the question he'd just asked he glared at the heads of the staffing departs around the castle. "She doesn't now what sex is, your Majesty she's too young for that. She hasn't really seen the act of intercourse. She just thinks it's like two dogs humping like all animals do. When she came asking about it I told her she's too young to mind what adults do. They were attempting to mate and to leave it at that. You know she is stubborn so I had to give her something so that she would be pacified, but that's all I gave her was a title" informed the Matriarch.

"And she shouldn't even know that! She shouldn't know any of it at that age and she wouldn't if people weren't fornicating all over my damn castle," roared Michael. "She shouldn't be asking any questions in regard to that stuff until she's at least a hundred! What kind of staff are you running here!"

"Please forgive us," stated all of the head staff at once bowing low.

"Fix it," snapped Michael before storming out of the staff quarters.

At least he knows now what goes on at the castle when he's not there. A lot of fornication apparently. Grumbling and muttering under his breath Michael returned to his room to collect his small partial of belongings. He packed like he always did even though they had a wagon train going this time. That meant he would have to pretend to be King and sleep in a tent on a cot. He kind of liked sleeping under the stars and being just one of the guys. Not this time. Not with an army of men following behind him. Strapping his sword to his waist Michael headed out to the stables. Where everyone should be waiting on him since he took a short detour to take care of the fornication problem. Making his way to the stables he found the stable boy holding the reins of Ebony. The poor girl was probably angry she wasn't getting a break and was having to go out again, but you wouldn't know it. She stood there stoically looking like the great war horse she was. It was about time he thought about breeding her so that her daughter could become his next mount. Ebony was getting on in years and he loved all of her traits and behaviorisms, so he'd hope she'd pass those traits on to the next generations. Horses like dogs didn't live long enough, but then again nothing lived as long as dragons, not even the witches and humans who lived even longer than them combined.

Mounting up Michael visually looked over his royal guard and smiled slightly at Sky who was sitting at the head of the line. From her studious expression Tanner must be giving her the run down. Looking at the black and white paint that pranced under her Michael was impressed at the horses conformations. He would have to make a mental note to ask where the horse came from because he had no stock that looked like that at all. It looked more like a fire land horse than a center land plains horse, with it's short body and long legs.

Sky's hair was neatly braided and laid on top of a black riding cloak with his family crest sown on the back of it proclaiming her as one of his royal guards. She had chosen a nice pair of riding britches which would serve her well. He remembered choosing wrong the first time he had to go on a long journey. Then to top everything off was a small light wait sword strapped to her waist. Turning a glare toward Eli, Michael asked not too kindly, "Who gave her a real sword!"

Laughing Eli waved off Michael's question like it was nothing. "It's supper old and pretty much dull. It's just for show. She won't need it. Even if she did use it I think it'd probably break before it did any real damage. Every good guard needs a weapon."

"Great not only is she going to cut herself she's going to get tetanus, just what I need," said Michael rolling his eyes. "Let's get this over with."

Laughing Eli stood up in his stirrups, "Move out!"

With that, the precession was started. The towns folk cheered and waved a found farewell to the water dragon army as they passed through town. Sky's head was spinning so fast Michael figured she'd have whiplash before it was all said and done. From the awe he could see on her face this was super exciting for her. Come to think about it, this was probably her first time she really got to venture off of the castle grounds. All of her schooling and training could be accomplished there so there was no need for her to leave. This trip should prove to be interesting at least to a sixteen-year-old girl who's never seen the countryside.

The trip was long and arduous and with so many soldiers on foot, it was slow going. On the fourteenth day of travel Michael called for a break. Between the soldier's feet and his butt, they could use a day of rest. Making his way to the pond Michael stared at everyone who stood frozen along the edge of the pond. Seeing what caught their attention he could see the manticore prowling out of the wood line straight for Sky. Dropping what they were doing everyone rushed to her just as the beast leaped onto her back. Sending her face down into the water Sky shot to her feet yelling at the beast. It had been a long time since she spoke in the strange tongue she had when she was little. Michael figured by now she had forgotten it, but it seems she hadn't.

The manticore bounced around her like a kitten in play. Chasing after the thing it sprang out of the water running from her only to turn at the last minute. Slamming into his massive head Michael could hear Sky laughing as she held on for the ride. Jumping and leaping the cat shot into the woods taking the laughing teenager with it. "Stand down and go back to what you were doing," shouted Eli making his way over. "She's fine."

If people didn't talk about her enough as it was they defiantly were now that everyone saw her playing tag with a known dragon killer. When nightfall came and Michael didn't see her tent he figured she was out there somewhere curled up with the beast. She might have spent the last ten years in a castle but she was still a wild girl at heart. When the first light of day came Michael awoke to Sky standing in his tent shuffling through maps. "What are you doing," grumbled Michael upset that he was up before the sun was even over the horizon.

"You do know it's unbecoming of a female to be inside a man's tent before breakfast right," commented Tanner who must have been on watch considering he was fully dressed and armed.

"Which map is here," asked Sky looking at all of them.

Turning them this way and that her brow furled as she shuffled through them again. "Good morning. What's going on here," asked Eli packing in two cups of coffee. "Looks like you've got guests and you can't be bothered to get out of bed," joked Eli. "I brought coffee!"

Rubbing his face Michael didn't move an inch as he held out his hand for said coffee. "Eli when I sleep in a tent what do I sleep in," asked Michael over the rime of the cup.

"Oh yes I forgot you sleep in your birthday suit," laughed Eli sitting down in one of the chairs that sat next to the map table.

Pausing in her shuffling Sky gave Michael as sorry expression. "Someone gave you a suit on your birthday too? I hate when people give me ugly clothes. Birthdays are such a bother," complained Sky continuing her search.

Roaring in laughter Sky ignored everyone not understanding what they found so funny. Birthdays really were a bother, but what was more bothersome was the fact that she couldn't read maps. Looking up from the map table as Kyle and Jamie walked in Sky held up a map and asked, "Is this a map of here?"

"No, and what's so funny," asked Jamie shuffling through the maps on the table and handing her the one she needed.

"Surely it has nothing to do with maps," stated Kyle as Sky turned it this way and that.

"No, we'll have to tell you later," said Eli wiping the tears from his face.

"It's because the King is to embraced to get out of bed because he's in his birthday suit which is silly. Which way on this map is north," asked Sky turning the map around in her hands again. "Why wear the stupid thing if you don't like it, just threw it away, or give it to someone else."

"You can't-," stated Kyle but everyone jumped to their feet and hit him all at once.

Looking at all of the angry faces including the King's, Sky looked back down at the map and then at Kyle. "I can't what?"

Clearing his throat Kyle returned everyone's glare as he plucked the map out of Sky's hands. "I was going to say that you can't read a map before I was rudely interrupted."

"No I've never needed to," said Sky looking down at the map in question.

Pointing at a little black arrow in the upper right-hand corner Kyle stated, "This arrow always points north."

"So where are we?"

Sliding his finger from the arrow to a spot on the map near a small blue circle he replied, "We are here."

"Why a sudden interest in stenography," asked Jamie as him and Tanner hemmed her in on either side.

Hearing something rustle behind her Sky went to look, but Eli tapping the map had her looking back at him as he asked, "Ask your questions, remember there are no dumb ones. What's on your mind?"

"So the manticore said not to travel the road over the belly of the mountains because a.." pausing as if searching for a word she tried again, "a… little king... no that can't be right."

"A little king like a person," asked Michael making his way to the front side of the table drawing her attention.

Looking at the clothes he was in Sky cocked her head to the side confused. "I see nothing wrong with that suit. At least someone bought you a nice suit and not an ugly one in pink, and no it's not a person. It's a very dangerous creature and I'm having a hard time translating it into your langue."

"I don't like the way it fits," said Michael downplaying his birthday suit.

Purposely ignoring the pink birthday suit reference even though everyone was trying not to laugh currently Michael glared at everyone. "So what's it called in the other tongue," said Eli before everyone strangely roared in laughter again.

"A Basilisk," stated Sky glaring at everyone not finding this funny at all.

Suddenly everyone else didn't find it funny either. "A Basilisk. Are you sure that's what you're looking for? An who told you this? The Manticore? Surely you jest" asked Jamie with a worried expression.

"No, the manticore said a basilisk has settled at the belly of the mountain and that I shouldn't go that way. So now I'm looking at all these wavy lines, circles, and lines trying to figure out what a belly looks like and all you can do is laugh. I've seen what those things can do and they are not nice. They are scary monsters that don't listen to anyone, and we can't go to wherever this belly thing is," shouted Sky almost in a panic.

"It's okay short stuff," said Tanner putting an arm around her and giving her a squeeze. "We're sorry we all laughed and we won't go anywhere near the belly of the mountain we promise."

Nodding all in agreement Eli ruffled her hair as he said, "I have no idea what a manticore calls the belly of a mountain but Kyle here can take a guess because he's our map guy."

It'll either be a saddle or a valley," said Kyle pointing at two spots on the map. "To continue on we would have to take one of these two paths out of here, but besides that, I don't know. It would be a 50 50 chance on which one is the belly. The saddle would be the quickest and easiest way over the mountains. The river valley would add on two days to our journey."

"I won't take a 50 50 with over 300 people at our backs. Not with a basilisk. We'd lose half the army before we brought that thing down, or at least a quarter if we used our teeth and claws, but those are still bad odd," stated Michael as he paced the floor.

"We can send a high flyer. Someone who's dragons eyes are great at a distance. They would be able to determine at which one the dragon-sized little king has set up residence without making eye contact with the beast," stated Eli thoughtfully.

"Good idea. We will camp another day. Send out your scouts," ordered Michael before looking into his empty glass saying he needed more coffee.

The rest of the day the band of people waited around restlessly. Currently, they were taking wagers on if there was really a Basilisk or if Sky was crazy. Currently, the odds were in the, she's crazy favor. When the first set of scouts returned and reported they saw nothing the odds were stacked a little higher on the, she's crazy side. Eli on the other hand, was found putting down some money that she was right. Honestly, Michael hoped that she was right as well, but a Basilisk was like saying that unicorns existed. At least there were giant skeletons of the beast proving that at least at one point it did exist, unlike the one-horned horses.

When the second group came in, they came in quick fast and in a hurry. As soon as their dragons landed they were running toward him as he waited for their report. "It's there," shouted the first man.

"We didn't see it! We didn't see anything," said the second man.

"And then we came in lower and we spooked a ram down from the mountain and then BAM," shouted the first man gesturing with his hands.

"This huge dragon-like snake thing snatched it right out of thin air!"

"That poor ram never saw it coming," exclaimed the first man again shaking his head.

Nodding Michael turned to Eli, "Tomorrow we head for the river valley. Plan accordingly."

"As you wish your Majesty," said Eli as he went to arrange for the pack out and making adjustments to their schedule.

"Jamie sent word back to the castle. Have them send out messengers to warn people to avoid the beast until we can think of some way to safely destroy it. Which unfortunately won't be any time soon," continued Michael making his way back to his tent.

The camp was a lite with the conversation about the basilisk and they talked about it in awe. What they weren't talking good about was Sky, and she could see within their snakes they thought she was a freak. Normal people didn't play with manticores, and normal people didn't talk to animals. Yeah, they were happy not to die, but not happy enough to say thank you to the freak who talks to manticores. Not worrying about collecting a tent again from the wagon Sky spread her blanket out at the feet of her horse who grazed lazily in the grass. Bedding down for the night she rubbed Ebony's nose before kissing it. "You don't think I'm a freak do you?"

Blowing her hair Ebony munched on it a little before walking away from Sky to eat something more green and edible. When morning came she could hear Jamie complaining and mumbling something about stupid horses. Rubbing her eyes she sat up to find herself in the center of the herd of horses. Squeezing between two of the draft horses, Jamie brushed the fur off of him. "Man none of them made that easy," laughed Jamie. "Come on let's go eat before we pack up camp and head-on."

Nodding her head, Sky pushed herself off the ground and pulled up her blanket. Making her way back toward the camp the horses parted for her as she went. Everyone stopped to stare at her as they made their way into camp. Collecting her plate of breakfast Sky ventured to the edge of camp away from the judgmental eyes. Making their way over to where she sat the fire twins joined her, followed quickly by Alivia. By the time she was done with breakfast all of the royal guards were there except for the main four who dined with the King. After that, the group loaded up and were again on their way.

Mounting his horse Michael found a down trodden Sky sitting at the head of the procession. He had heard all of the rumors, the same as she had to have. Unfortunately, he couldn't stop them or shield her from them. Sky would have to learn to deal with it and go on. She would have to learn not to care what others thought. This was a life lesson she'd have to learn on her own, or life was not going to get easier. At least not for a white-haired, cream skinned, glowing eyes, girl who could talk to animals.

As the days wore on Sky grew more quiet and reserved. She spent more time on the fringes of the camp away from everyone else. The guard's attempt to bring her out of her funk failed. Another two weeks passed as they entered to low lands that would lead them to the coast. There were few places to stop with a group as large as theirs so they made use of the biggest one they'd come across in days. Taking a day of rest, Michael lost track of Sky again. Searching the shadows he found her way off in the woods sitting on a rock in a swamp. She wasn't the only one there. Eli was sitting in a tree not too far away being the overbearing father figure. Her blue mood had him really upset and he was at a loss on how to fix any of it. If the goddess saw fit to grace him with a mate and children he would make a great dad. Breaking himself down Michael willed himself to her side. Stepping out of the shadow he froze at the side of a winged deer head butting Sky in the arm. "What is he doing," asked Michael causing Sky to jerk and the deer to run off.

"It was a she," replied Sky before turning back and looking out at a herd of peryton's grazing on the green vegetation of the swamp. "She wanted me to play."

"Then why not play," asked Michael as the deer came back.

"Because people will think I'm a freak," stated Sky coldly.

"And what if they think you are. Who cares," said Michael. "I could care less about what people think of me."

"Yeah well, you're the King, you don't count," grumbled Sky into her knee caps.

"And how do I not count," asked Michael making his way around the rock to stand in front of her.

"You're the King so you don't have to make friends. Everyone wants to be your friend. No one calls you a freak."

"Even as a King I have to make friends, real friends," said Michael pushing at her so that she'd move over. Climbing up on to the rock he heaved a sigh. "Being King isn't easy you know. Everything is fake. People are fake. Friendships are fake. Even this smile," continued Michael smiling at her. "That's fake too."

"No joke, because it doesn't touch your eyes. I know when you're playing polite, and not all your friends are fake," said Sky still grumbling into her knees.

"Oh, so you think? So what friendships are real little miss know it all," asked Michael leaning back on his elbows.

"Eli makes you laugh a lot, and your eyes crinkle on the sides when you do. It's like your eyes are dancing. That's not fake. Eli, Kyle, Jamie, and even cranky Tanner are your friends on most days."

"Oh most days huh," laughed Michael.

"You and Tanner seemed to chafe against each other when you smelled like cookies, but you don't anymore and you two seemed to be better."

Laughing Michael shook his head. "On the days I smelt like cookies, so right when we got home? Yeah, we got a little angry with each other but friends do that from time to time."

"I wouldn't know I don't have friends," said Sky sadly as her eyes began to water.

"Oh yeah well what about the twins, or Alivia. How about Samuel, and Edgar, or Owen, and Grant. What are they? Nobodies? How about Tanner, Eli, Kyle, and Jamie. What about them," asked Michael cocking an eyebrow at her.

"They are your guards, and my pretend work associates. I am nothing but a responsibility to them," said Sky plainly.

"That's enough of that," snapped Michael shoving Sky off of the rock and into the shallow muddy brown water.

"What did you do that for," shouted Sky standing up looking like a drowned rat.

"Because you're feeling sorry for yourself and ignoring the group of men,"

"And a woman" interrupted Alive.

"Willing to follow you into swamp, because they're your friends and they are worried about you," snapped Michael standing up on the rock. "And all of them would see nothing wrong with you frolicking through a swamp with winged deer because they would know it's what makes you happy. So go frolic away you weird little child," said Michael laughing.

"We can pretend we're Preytons as well," joked Eli sloshing through the water before leaping out of it. "See! Bound with me through the swampy muck."

"Dragons can't bound," grumbled Kyle watching Eli like he lost his mind.

"Yes, they can. You just let your heart lead and your feet will follow." Leaping out of the water again Eli did some sort of twirl while saying. "We will bound and leap like a gentle breeze. Come frolic with me friends! Frolic!"

Sky couldn't hold back the laugh anymore when Eli found a deep part of the swamp and went face-first into the water. "Why aren't any of you frolicking?"

"Because even the preyton's know not to frolic in a swamp you twit," informed Jamie.

Hearing a snap and then a splashing sound everyone turned to she Tanner shooting out of the water like it bit him. Letting out a mighty roar everything in the woods took off running when the fire dragon burst into flames. "I hate water!"

"Then why did you enter the swamp," laughed Eli trudging his way back to the group.

Watching the flames hiss as they petered out Tanner frowned, "Because I wanted to play too."

Suddenly Tanner was yanked out of the water by a vine and was hanging upside down out of a cypress tree. "Sure I'll play with you and even get you out of the water," laughed Jamie.

"Whatever nature boy," snarled Tanner cutting the vine with his knife and dropping to the ground.

Landing on his feet Tanner leaped at Jamie sending them both crashing into the water. Sky laughed as everyone joined in, in their elementally battle. Well, everyone except for the King, because no one wanted to play with death, and he never touch what was deep within him. When everyone realized Sky wasn't playing they turned to look at her. Currently, she was standing back on the rock looking in the direction the preyton's had run off too. Her form was ridged and still as her eyes were glowing blue. "What is it you see," asked Eli turning in the direction she was looking.

Jumping down from the rock Sky began running in the opposite direction. "Tanner this is your fault! Run!"

Without question everyone raced after her through the swamp. "What's my fault, and why are we running?"

"Stampede," shouted Jamie as the sound of the animals running threw water grew closer.

"How is a stampede my fault," shouted Tanner as everyone tried to run a little faster.

"You roared and it scared the water buffalo," laughed Sky leaping onto a downed tree and running down its length.

"Oh water buffalo are tasty I got this," said Tanner sliding to a stop.

"He's going to get killed," said Sky looking over her shoulder.

"It'll be his own fault," stated Michael catching Sky's arms when she almost fell.

It wasn't long before they heard Tanner scream out, "I don't got this," before trees began to crash to the ground. Watching a red dragon take to the air above their heads Kyle shouted out, "Cheater!"

Racing out of the swamp and into the clearing they all shouted too run as the stamped exited right behind them. By the time everything was said and done everyone was disgruntled at the damage the stampede had caused. Of course, it didn't help Sky in her everyone doesn't like her boat either. Most everyone was angry that she didn't use her animal talking skills to ask the stamped to stop so that it didn't destroy half the campground. Sky at least was currently distracted by Tanner's dragon. His dragon was surprisingly calm about her climbing on, over, and under him. Her eyes were alight as she rattled off question after question about fire dragon anatomy. It hadn't occurred to them that since she didn't have a family no one took their time to explain dragons to her. Of course, she grew up the last ten years with dragons, but it escaped them that she'd never been up close and personal. Making his way up to the group Michael could hear her ask, "So why does Tanner only have four toes when Michael's got five. Is he just weird?"

Lowering his head down to her level Tanner rattled a warning at her. "No, Michael is the weird one. He's the only one with five toes. Like he's the only black dragon. They kind of go hand and hand," informed Jamie.

"So are all dragons spiky then," continued Sky climbing up Tanner's face to check out all of the long spikes he had on top of his head.

"No just Michael and the fire dragons traditionally have the most spikes. Wind dragons have the least, then water dragons, and then earth."

"How about these ridges," asked Sky pointing at the blade-like ridges that ran from the top of Tanner's head down his neck and back all the way to his tail.

"All dragons have them, but their shape if varied depending on their element. How is it you've never noticed all of this before now," asked Eli crossing his arms. "You live among a dragon army."

Shrugging her shoulders Sky climbed down Tanner's long neck as she replied, "I've never really looked closely at any of them. Plus it's not like I can say hey do you mind if I climb on you. They would have growled and blown smoke in my face."

Growling Tanner blew a puff of smoke in her face as she slid down his arm to the ground. "Well fine then let's all make this awkward," said Kyle shucking his boots and stripping out of his clothes.

One moment Sky was looking at the silent walking barn and the next an aquamarine-colored dragon. "Oh wow! There is a scale difference too," gasped Sky rushing up to run her hands over Kyle's leg.

Kyles dragon's scales were a lot smaller and more closely packed. "Of course they are. Kyle is a wind dragon. The tighter scale pattern allows them to be more aerodynamic compare to fire dragons with their larger scales. Fire dragons are made for heat so large scales with bigger gaps in between allow for better heat reduction, but causes more drag."

"More drag meaning not as fast in the sky," asked Sky making her way over to Kyle's fan-like tail. "And this thing?"

"Faster turns and maneuverability in the air," said Jamie before pointing up. "You'll also notice he's got one more flange on his wing than Tanner giving him a bigger wingspan and more power."

"Oh yeah! I see that now," exclaimed Sky looking up.

"What are you doing? Dragon show and tell," asked one of the twins dropping Tanner's mud-covered clothes on the ground in front of him. "We found your belongings by the way."

Shifting Tanner picked up his clothes and scowled at them. "I think I'd rather go naked."

"I can't believe you didn't pack more than two pairs and you ruined both of them," chided Eli stripping out of his clothes. "That's your own fault. My turn."

With that, Eli shifted into a steel grey dragon. "He's got small scales too," comment Sky getting a closer look.

"Ah, but with water dragons, scale pattern can vary from big too small. They will even vary in shape depending on the color. As far as I'm aware there isn't any set pattern to them. The only two big characteristics that set water dragons part from the rest are their webbed feet and the denser heavier wings to aid in swimming."

"How about the big horns on top of their head. So far all of them have been different. Do those vary by element as well," asked Sky pointing up at Eli's head.

"Yes, each element has its own unique set of crowning horns. They all vary in size within their set standard, but you won't have say, spiral horns of the horns of an earth dragon sitting on top of a fire dragon's head. Even the half breed horns match their elements, as far as I'm aware there has never been a fluke," informed Jamie watching Eli spread his fingers so Sky to get a closer look.

Shifting back Eli slid his clothes back on as he nodded at Jamie. "Your turn mister earth dragon."

Stripping for his turn as an exhibit Sky look looked at the forest green dragon with vivid yellow eyes. "You'll notice how Jamie is smaller and more compact than the rest of us," remarked Eli pointing at things as he spoke. "His legs are thinner and much longer, with longer toes. His wings also fold up closer to his body almost tucking in. This is to help him within a forest-like environment so that he can land and take off within trees and not looking as ridiculous as Tanner did trying to escape the stampede."

"Drop it water boy," rattled Tanner as several of the higher ranking guards made their way over to them and stopped.

"Okay, so those are all the exterior differences between the dragons. Are there any interior differences? Like Tanner made that rattle sound, and I've heard Michael do the same. But, I've never heard Kyle make that sound."

"That's because His Majesty and Tanner are hotheads, and the rattle is a warning. Your dragon should understand that," said Eli.

"A rattle can mean more than just a warning," said Kyle before Jamie took him out with a paw.

Shifting back quickly Jamie began to get dresses as he growled, "But we are not explaining that to a sixteen year old girl."

"Okay, what about the high pitched barking sound the little water dragon made when he got himself tangled in the briar patch," inquired Sky since everyone seemed apt to answer questions.

"You really don't know," asked one of the guards clearly flummoxed.

"No, it's not like anyone has made that sound around the castle. That's the first time I've ever heard it," informed Sky.

"Well then reason it out, what did your dragon think," asked Eli.

"She really didn't think much about it other then she didn't like the sound and we had to find out where it was coming from," stated Sky thinking back on it.

"Didn't like it how," asked Jamie.

"It made our heart kind of stop, and my palms got all clammy, and it was just unsettling," said Sky rubbing her arms as if trying to rub away her discomfort.

"You felt that way because that was a distress cry. If you ever go to a rooke you will hear that quite often. As soon as a baby hatches it makes the distress call. Well, they do if they are males any way since males are born dragons. Females cry just like human children," informed Alivia making her way up to the group.

"You're joking right," asked the same guard as before. "There's no way you can't know all of this. My six-year-old daughter knows this, and by the look on your face you'd think you'd just learned babies come from eggs."

Shrugging her shoulders Sky said, "I didn't, I thought we had babies like the humans. I saw one of the maids have her baby. They look like us so I just assumed."

This had the guards laughing at her, causing Sky to scowl at them. "This is ridiculous did your parents not teach you anything within that forest they drug you out of? My kids know the difference between humans and dragons by the age of eight."

Michael watched the happiness and excitement drain out of Sky's face as her shoulder began to sag. "Yeah well I don't remember ever having parents, and I don't have a family to teach me said things. Your children are blessed to have all those things. Please excuse me."

With that Sky left leaving a smell of sadness and pain behind her. Michael cringed when Jamie struck the guard hard in the stomach. Collapsing to the ground the guard had the gawl to look confused and hurt by his actions as he turned to Eli. "Guardsmen why are you here," growled Eli his temper barely in check.

"We came to inform you that this behavior is making everyone a bit uncomfortable. It is not polite or socially acceptable to court one so young my Lord," replied the guard as he rose to his feet only for Jamie to hit him harder.

"You are a moron guardsmen," scoffed Tanner looking down at the man in anger.

"You taught your daughter the difference between the elements starting at a young age I'm sure," stated Eli. "I know I was but you can say that all of us a lacking parenting skills because it seems we failed to teach Sky these things. Normally an orphaned dragon would be placed in a foster family by the Matriarch, but we elected that she stay in the castle. The guards all see her as our charge to be cherished and protected. We would only be so lucky if the Goddess graces her with our marks when she reaches breeding age. I'm sure her dragon will be as caring, strong, and a hundred times more powerful then you will ever be! How dare you insult us by even suggesting that we are courting a child. Maybe if her own people took the time and stepped up to teach her then she wouldn't be in the boat she's in now. But no, I leave the castle to defend these lands leaving the youngest guard in history in the capable hands of her people to only come home to a shunned teenager who doesn't even know babies come from eggs. I see I was mistaken to think my people could fill my shoes while I was gone."

Eli's face may have portrayed calm and his voice was mild in tone, but the storm clouds that gathered overhead betrayed how angry he really was. Bowing low the guardsmen profusely apologized but it was too late. The damage had already been done, and there was no fixing it.

Michael spent the rest of the day in his tent as the storm raged outside. Eli might have started it, but the Goddess decided for it to stay. Not only did she keep the storm she strengthened it and added lighting. Jamie said it was punishment, but Michael didn't believe in that kind of hocus pocus. It wasn't that he didn't believe in the Goddess, he just didn't believe that she could control the weather at a whim. He believed in science and that shifting temperatures and humidity caused storms, or angry water dragons. He believed that the Goddess breathed life into this planet and all that lived on it. She guided the souls of the departed to the next world and into their next life, but she didn't punish stupid people who hurt the feelings of little girls.

When morning came again most of the group was still tired because no one slept well, and everyone was a bit soggy. Not a word was said among anyone about the stampede, the dragon anatomy, or storm. Everyone mounted up and were down the road before the sun was fully over the horizon. Michael hoped that things would get better once they got to Rivia, but they were worse. Once they arrived the Lord of the castle placed Sky within the barracks with Alivia. One thing was for certain, was that a barracks is no place for a young girl. Especially when said barracks were full of people who believe they should be in the position of said young girl. The only saving grace Sky had, was that she as too young to challenge for position and rank. It was against the law to fight anyone under the age of a hundred. At that age, they were considered young adults and could start fighting their way up the ranks. It was at that age Michael got to choose his guards in his age range. Every ten years the guards rotated out and every 50 Eli and his guards were called home. From there anyone could challenge his guards for their position. Eli could accept or deny the challenge and the fight would happen. Also, Eli and his guards would be introduced to a plethora of females in hopes that the Goddess would apply their family crest to one of them. That way the next generation could be born, and that's what Eli hated the most about coming home. He hated it when his mom played matchmaker.

Sky's attitude continued to spiral down and Alivia was currently in the Captain of the Guards office getting scolded for sending another guard to the infirmary. That left Sky alone at the barracks. Of course, now Michael was having to go resolved the bullying issue because now the barracks that Alivia and Sky were staying in was burning away in blue flames. Normally a building fire was no big deal while living in and around water dragons. They could call water from every source including the air to put it out. Unfortunately, the water wasn't putting a dent in the blue flames. An so now he, Eli, and the Lords of the castle were on their way to try to resolve the problem.

Standing outside a raging inferno was a red-faced little girl with tears streaming down her face. Her fists were clenched at her sides as her dragon rattled at the man in front of her. "What is the meaning of this," stated Lord Andrew drawing everyone's attention.

"This little brat doesn't know her place Milord or social etiquette. She's a feral little shit who is unworthy of being called a royal water dragon guard of His Majesty the King," said the Guard bringing his fist to his chest in salute.

Rolling his eyes Eli looked at the clearly upset feral child. "Sky what happened?"

"This ass hole said the only reason I'm a royal guard his because you and the King want me to sit on your face. That I'm not a fighter, and I never will be, and I'm as stupid as my hair color. That freaks like me and Alivia will never breed and only be used as holders for his Majesty's sword. So I set his rack on fire, because no one insults Alivia and I promised her I wouldn't hit anyone," said Sky through clenched teeth as fresh angry tears rolled down her face.

"Oh dear," said the Lady of the castle placing her hand to her chest clearly embarrassed. "Surely a guard of mine doesn't have a mouth that foul."

"Did you really say that," growled Michael as his dragon colored his eyes.

Michaels dragon had a better sense of smell than he did and he wanted to catch this guard in a lye. If he lied he'd get to punch this waist of oxygen in the face for saying such things to a sixteen-year-old girl, and no one would say a thing. "This is the barracks My Lady. If she is to be a guard she will hear worse things. If she wants to play with the top she has to learn to handle the langue. Plus it's not like the ignorant child knows what any of what I said means anyway," laughed the man.

"I know what ignorant mean, and I am a fighter! I'm a damn good fighter for my age! An I know that Alivia is not a freak and if she was here she'd kick your ass all over the place like the last guy!"

"See she doesn't get it," scoffed the guard.

"It doesn't matter whether she understands the sexual comments or not. Its the point that you said them to a child," growled Michael. "An what's worse is you assuming that the only reason she's a guard is because of a sexual one!"

Michael's dragon was furious that he couldn't hit him. No, he was furious that he couldn't rip him to shreds, for the foul tongue he'd used to speak to what was his. Balling his fists Michael took a step toward the guard so that he could pacify his dragon just a little. Hell smashing the man's face in would make him happy too. Before he could take another step Eli stepped between them and placed a hand to Michael's chest bring him to a stop. "I can take care of my own people Your Majesty. Can you ask her to put the fire out and then go get a bucket and a brush. She's going to clean this mess up, because we take out our anger with fist and sword, not burning down the castle."

"I'm standing right here Eli. You can tell me yourself," snapped Sky.

"Silence," snapped Michael pointing at the build as a wave of power rolled off him sending everyone except Sky to their knees. "Fix your mess young lady and I will deal with you later!"

"No," growled Sky as her dragon rattled at him.

Michael could feel his horns and wings exploded out of his body as this little spitfire challenged his dominance. Glaring down at her their faces where inches apart as he rattled back at her. Released his full power in her direction he narrowed his eyes at the stubborn set of her jaw. She continued to glare back at him stubbornly. Not being cowed by his use of power, he tried another approach. "If you don't fix it this instant I swear by the Goddess you will not be allowed any cookies or means to cook any cookies for a year. Do you understand me?"

"Fine," replied Sky through gritted teeth. "But I'm not fixing his bed, cookies be damned."

"Deal," agreed Michael withdrawing his power from the world.

Within a blink of an eye, the fire was out and the barracks looked like the fire never happened. Michael hadn't known what she'd meant by she wasn't fixing his bed, but now he did. He was sure that if he walked into the building everything would look as it had except for the one guard's bed. Michael wasn't given much time to think more about it as Sky's eyes rolled back in her head and was left to catch her before she hit the ground.

Scooping her up Michael turned and glared at the reason for all of this as he picked himself out of the floor. Just as the guard righted himself Eli and his dragon that was barely being restrained within his skin slugged him. The guard's feet left the ground as the sound of the impacted reverberated through the courtyard. "That was for your vulgar languid in the presence of a lady," shouted Eli charging over to where the man hit the ground. Picking the man up by his shirt Eli punched him the face breaking his nose. "That's for insulting your King!" Drawing back Eli let loose another sicking blow as blood sprayed everywhere. "That's for insulting me! And this if for making her cry!"

With that, Eli took the guard up with both hands and threw him into the closest wall. The newly restored barracks wall cracked as the dragon's body slammed into it and crumpled to the floor. "I think you killed him," said Lord Andrew brushing the dirt and dust off of himself from where the King's power had him laying on the ground.

"Good, then he won't be needing a new bed," spat Eli as he held his hands out to Michael. "I will take her to the infirmly your Majesty. You need not trouble yourself."

Shaking his head no, Michael turned and headed back toward the castle. "It's fine, unlike some people, I understand when someone is better than me and more powerful," stated Michael pointedly looking at everyone in the courtyard.

Without a word or even picking themselves out of the dirt everyone waited for his passing. Delivering her to the infirmary the earth dragons looked Sky over saying that she should be okay. She'd exhausted too much power, but she wasn't in danger of dying from it, but it would be a long time before she was awake again. Currently, he was sitting at the head of the dining table listening to the water Matriarch. Who was rambling on about how Sky should be out playing with other girls her age and not living in the barracks with the guards. Even if she was a guard she should be treated like the little girl she was. He wasn't sure if their Matriarch was more nurturing or if it was the fact that everyone saw this little girl standing toe to toe with him. While everyone's faces were in the dirt, hers was inches from his glaring. "I can't force her to stay here and pretend to be a little girl," stated Michael holding his wine glass out for the server to refill it.

"I wouldn't dream of asking you to do that. I was just making a statement. I had heard she didn't know until recently that babies came from eggs, or how each dragon is different. I was just figuring that if she could get in with some of the females we have here around her age. Maybe she'd be more apt to participate in girl related things and maybe learn about those kinds of subjects from girls her age. There are some things men and swords can't teach her."

"We understand that madam Matriarch but that would be completely up to her," informed Michael. "As I'm sure you have already heard it's not like any of us can force her to do things she doesn't want."

"Hence why you threatened her cookie supply," laughed Eli's Mom and Lady of the castle.

"That only works so often," stated Eli rubbing his face clearly exhausted from today's adventure.

If it wasn't that, it was the lady currently hanging off his other arm, but Michael wasn't sure. "How about this then," said Eli's Mom with a thoughtful look on her face. "Since she is one of my guards and it's only fitting she learn our ways. How about I introduce her two fledgling dragons I have currently under my care. These two are in training on how to be proper Ladies within a Lord's house. I doubt it would hurt for her to learn the finer arts. If she hits it off with them then I ask that she stays for a little while. If she doesn't you can say I tried. Is that acceptable?"

Michael knew it would do Sky some good to learn to be a proper lady. Lord knows if any of it would sink in. He would hate for her to be so far away after just returning after being gone for years, but this was about her not him. What was better for her needed to be his higher priority because it seems his staff was failing her. Reluctantly agreeing, Michael returned to listening about the uptake in pirate activity along the coast.

When Sky awake she found herself in the infirmary and Eli was sleeping in the chair next to her. "How long have I been out," croaked Sky sitting up when Eli's eyes popped open.

"Two days," replied Eli handing her a glass of water.

"You look ruff. I'm sorry I've caused you trouble," said Sky before downing the water.

"Hey you being in here gives me an excuse to hide," smirked Eli. "I'm hoping it gets me out of the breeding mark ceremony. So you just lay on back and close your eyes so I can tell my Mom I can't attend for it's my turn to guard you."

Hearing someone clear their throat Eli rolled his eyes and made a un-Lord like noise at the sight of his mother. "That is unbecoming of a young Lord, Eli. Sit up straight and quit rolling your eyes. It's not often that a Lord's mark shows up a female, and the Lords in question are my sons. You will be there so go get prepared. An for you young lady," said the Lady of the Castle. "Since you are awake you will come with me." When Sky looked at Eli for guidance, his mom continued on. "Don't look at him for permission child. I am the Lady of the house. I give the orders here."

When Eli nodded at her she gave him a slight nod back as she swung her legs over the bed. "As you wish," said Sky as a mask slid over her face hiding the pain she felt over the last few weeks.

At this point she was beginning to feel numb, and hopeless. Like the entire world was against her. "My name is Mina. Since you are a water dragon guard today you will learn how to be an apprentice to my guard. As a female you will also need to learn the female side of the job. Should you find a mate you will join him and if he's the guard for a Lord then you can become guard to his mate. To be the best you must learn from the best."

Leading Sky up to an a dragon comparable to Mina's age the woman held out a small hourglass. "Now one part of being the best is being smarter than the rest. Sometimes strength is not the answer it's smarts. If you can take care of the big stuff the little stuff will take care of itself. This timer is five minutes in length. You must ask three questions before the time runs out. Each time this timer empties before you ask the required amount of questions will be one hour of etiquette training. This training will be conducted in your off-time and in a dress, do you understand."

"A dress," gasped Sky. "Etiquette training? You're joking?"

"No, a proper Lord will be required to attend many ball and social gathering. As a guard, you will be required to attend, and as a lady, you must blend in. You will be the wolf among sheep, but you must look, and act like those sheep," stated the woman with a stern face. "Your time starts now," continued the woman tucking the tiny hourglass into her pocket.

Rolling her eyes Sky figured this was all going to be way too easy. Not that she wanted to play this silly game, but how hard could this be. By the end of the first hour she had only managed to ask 20 relevant questions. Come to find out stupid questions didn't count. Sky found that out the hard way when she figured she could fill in missing questions moments before time ran out. One of those stupid questions was to ask Gladrea what her favorite color was. She answered it but said that, that question was irrelevant and didn't count. The questions she asked about food, or drink she had to partake in was irrelevant as well. This made Sky angry because she genuinely wanted to know about them, but they didn't count.

Now they stood in a room with the Matriarch and her ladies in waiting. They were cleaning and dressing a young dragon, about 300 years of age. They had the woman's hair arranged in a decorative pile atop her head. One of the ladies in waiting was pacing flowers in her hair as while another woman was tying a backless shirt around her. Once the woman moved Sky could see an intricate design across the woman's upper shoulders. Moving closer Sky looked back at Gladrea in shock. "Is this the first time you've ever seen a mating mark," asked Galdrea pushing her closer to the woman.

"What is a mating mark," asked Sky looking at the intricate swirls that entwined and intersected each other.

In the middle of the swirls was a family crest and upon closer inspection, she could see it was the house of Apalala. It was Eli's family crest. "When a female becomes of breeding age the Goddess will bless her with a mark like what you see. Normally they are smaller and grace the back of the woman's neck. Because she is destined to mate a High Lord than it covers her upper back."

Thinking about it logically if normal peoples were small, and a high lords was medium, that meant the kings had to be bigger right? Asking that question Galdrea laughter at her. "Dear child the King doesn't mate. None to record have and none will. That's the how of it. I figured you'd know that by now at least living under his roof," replied Gladrea with a look that said more than her words.

"Sorry I asked," grumbled Sky walking back to where they had been standing the entire time.

"That counts," informed Gladrea joining her and looking at the timer. "You have one question remaining and your time is almost up."

"So does she know who her mate is, or is it something the Goddess decides and you go in blind," asked Sky.

Crossing her arms Gladrea looked down at her as she raised a brawl. "You are very perceptive for your age. Has anyone ever told you this?"

"No," replied Sky watching the strange ritual unfold in front of her.

"If Milady hadn't told me you were only sixteen I would have sworn I was talking to a young lady of about 50 or 60 years of age, between your looks and your questions. But to answer your question most of the time her mates dragon will cause the mark to appear. From what we understand it's through skin contact, but some times it can just appear without her ever meeting her mate. Those are typically the hardest cases to match," said Galdrea turning her attention back to the group of women including the lady of the house.

"What do you mean to match," asked Sky surveying the room like a good guard assessing the threat that any one of these women could pose to her charge.

"As you can see the marks is of the Apalala family crest and the size says it's of the High Lords family. If it was smaller there would be a lot more suiters for her or possible mates. Since it's a High Lord and there are only three she will be presented with and process will begin."

Confused Sky looked between Gladrea and the woman who was being led away. "What do you mean process?"

"You're about to see, come on," informed Gladrea as the procession of women left the one room and entered into another.

Walking into the neighboring room Sky could see Eli standing alongside two older versions of himself. Michael noticed Sky as soon as she walked into the room following Galdrea, Mina's personal guard. He couldn't believe they were having her attend a mating ceremony at her age. Typically females didn't attend until they were about a hundred to one-fifty. Trusting Gladrea and Mina's decisions he hoped that they weren't creating a bigger mess for him to fix later because he really didn't want to answer questions like where do babies come from. On the other hand, he was happy to see that she seemed apt to ask Gladrea questions. So maybe a mature woman's touch was what was really needed. Standing to the side with all of the other males who were family, friends, and the heads of the houses, Michael watched the proceedings. It wasn't long before he began to zone out. He really didn't care for all of this boring and dry chatter about love, mates, and the Goddess. Yawning he choked when he heard Sky state, "I honestly think all of this is stupid. I mean we can all see the pink rope that ties her to the man in the middle. The older of the three already has a mate as denoted by the red rope attaching him to her," said Sky gesturing between Carlton, Eli's older brother, and his mate. "On top of that anyone with eyes can see he's trying really heard not to pay attention to her. That's why he been cleaning his nails for the last half hour. If not she'll be super mad at him and try to claw the other woman's eyes out. On top of that you can tell by her body language," continued Sky pointing back to the woman with the mating mark, "that she cares for the middle man."

Eli glanced at Michael before doing a facepalm. With as much as everyone has called her out of her feral behavior, this was not going to go unnoticed. Michael was trying to think of something to say that would disarm the tension in the room when the Matriarch spoke. "You can see pink and red ropes that connect people?"

Shrugging her shoulders Sky replied, "Doesn't everyone? I mean you can't miss them."

"No child we can't see mating bonds," said the Matriarch as a smile spread across her face. "If you would please can you show me then, everyone who has bonds, by matching the pairs in this room?

"You are not seriously letting his abomination make a mockery of my daughter's mating rights ceremony," stated a red-faced woman making her way toward the dais where everyone was standing.

Cutting off Eli with a quick gesture the Matriarch glared at the woman. "Bethany if I was you I'd learn your place while you are in my presence. I am the Matriarch and I determine what is acceptable and what is not while in the mating hall. If she claims to have the silver dragon sight of bonding then I will allow her to prove it, because that will be an asset to all of us dragons. Now, you stand there and shut up!" Turning toward Sky the Matriarch held a hand out toward the angry woman. "You can start by finding her mate and leading him to her. From there do the same for all the other mates in this room."

Looking between the angry scowl of Michael, Eli and the Matriarch Sky didn't move until she snapped, "Don't look at them Sky, this is my house and my word is law here. Even over the King so move!"

Grumbling Sky made her way across the room and took the arm of an equally angry man and led him to the woman and placing their hands together. From there she pared off almost the entire room except for a small hand full. "Well look at that she got all of them right plus one," smiled Mina making her way over to the crowd of people. Standing in front of a red-faced couple holding hands she smiled. "So why did you put these two together?"

"Because the Matriarch said to put the mates together, and they will be joined soon enough. Their rope is almost as dark as theirs," said Sky pointing toward the couple now standing on the dais together holding hands grinning ear to ear at the couple next to Mina.

"There are too many here to be a coincidence," beamed the Matriarch toward the couple. "Seems we'll have a dual mating celebration then. Your Majesty you should really let your Matriarch know about this wonderful young girl's abilities. She will be a valuable asset to you and your kingdom. This is so exciting! Oh you just made my day my dear," continued the Matriarch almost giddy as she hugged Sky. "Two new mates in one day! This is so great!"

Singing to herself Michael watched as the elderly dragon left the room with a little bit more pep in her step. From there he watched Sky follow Mina and her guard out of the room. "Okay, let's show you to your new quarters," said Gladrea before the door closed behind them.

It wasn't until supper that Michael saw Sky again. She seemed a little more excited than she had in the last couple of days. She was telling Kyle all about the rooke and everything she'd learned while she was there. It hadn't occurred to him that he should have taken her to a rooke. Then again it's not like they had a rooke in the capital city. Anyone who found themselves pregnant returned home to their home so that they would have the support of their families for their rearing of the welp. He had never thought about what a female would learn naturally from being among family.

At this point, Michael was feeling bad, because what kind of guardian had he been? Well besides an absent guardian so far. She needed more than he could give her. Maybe Mina was right. Maybe her staying here for a time would be good for her.