Chapter Nine: "The Queen's Mischief Has Backfired Already..."

"The Sovereign and his Parliament of the Kingdom of Noelle hereby hold that a 'Slave' is defined as one who does not possess a free will and individual voice due to a Person speaking for that Slave and determining what that Slave does or does not do. Thus, a 'Slave' by definition, is not a Person and is of its own kind, category, and species."

Of course, Rein arrived at the Palace of Helvetica first, and after some time peering through the windows which spotted the structure, she found the king and queen in a large, circular room with mirrored floors.

"But it's hardly been a month!" King Darren exclaimed. His voice echoed about the room. "How can we already be at a stalemate?"

"I didn't say we were at a stalemate, sire," replied General Mika who stood at the same round, white marble table. "I said we were nearing one." They spoke over a map of Saíd which had been set in the middle of this table. Little jade pieces which represented Noellite and Saídan cavalries and brigades were placed upon it so to show the uniformed men where everyone was thought to be located. "Give it a few more days and we're certain it'll happen."

"But we took them by surprise!" said Queen Ariana. "And we have the more advanced weapons and strategy!"

"Well, apparently Klaris made sure that his army was always prepared for any surprise attacks," said a general named Laufgar. "And they appear to have dragons fighting on their side."

"Dragons?" Darren and Ariana exclaimed simultaneously. Rein herself almost shouted in surprise with them.

"How in the world did they manage to get their hands on dragons?" Darren asked.

"Probably from the island which floats above the Interis Ocean," General Laufgar answered.

"I know from where dragons originate, you fool!" Darren snapped. "And the appropriate title is Volitare Isle!"

"The issue here is dragons cannot be domesticated and only venavores like myself can control reptiles," Ariana clarified.

"Evidently, some of their soldiers are venavores, Your Majesty," said General Mika.

"So, did you gentlemen have a proposal for me?" Darren asked his generals. "Or are you only here to deliver bad news?"

The generals traded glances with each other.

"We were hoping you had one for us, sire," a general named Testan finally spoke.

"Attack their palace again," came Polaris's voice. All eyes turned to the royal advisor who had just entered the round room with Drake at his side. The advisor's voice bounced off the walls that had been painted floor-to-ceiling with a massive, detailed map of all of Xyntriav.

"Polaris!" said Darren in surprise. "I distinctly remember you swore you wouldn't take part in this."

"I have found that you were right," Polaris answered as he approached the table. "The search parties came up with nothing, meaning that Nadia is not in Noelle. So, I'm here to lend my aid."

"Well your suggestion is a poor start," said Ariana. "Perhaps you should take a look at the pieces on the map before you spurt random jargon and interrupt our thought process."

Polaris took a glance at the pieces. "There you are, I looked. I still stand by my last statement."

Ariana rolled her eyes.

"How is that wise, my Lord?" asked General Mika.

"Right now, they might be expecting to make the next move," said Polaris. He pointed at the figurines on the map. "Let them. That will be their distraction. Entertain their move with these divisions here. They don't even need to win a battle so long as they maintain Saíd's attention. Take this division here, and attack the palace."

"We'll need more than one division to attack the palace, my Lord," said General Testan. "Otherwise it's suicide."

"General Nakea is still training a unit. While Saíd is fighting the soldiers of which they are currently aware, send General Nakea's unit undercover

to Saíd. They can come in from behind and surprise-attack the palace. I would also advise finding someone who knows a thing or two about dragons. I daresay it would be advantageous to avoid their detection if there exists a way to do so."

"General Nakea's unit is still in training for a reason," said Ariana.

"And if Saíd was ready for one surprise-attack, don't you think they'd be ready for another?" General Testan added.

"Who expects two surprise attacks so close together?" Polaris asked. "After one surprise attack, everyone's locations are exposed. However, if you are so certain that Saíd will see this coming, perhaps we should find a way to attack the palace in a manner that hasn't been done before, or at least not often. There's room for creativity in my suggestion. Additionally, Your Majesty, I have recently seen General Nakea's unit in practice, and they are well improved. I am confident that they're ready to see action."

"Do you have an example of an attack that hasn't been done before, my Lord?" asked General Laufgar.

"Please, I only came up with this idea two minutes ago, you really think I'm going to have all the details? I'm human, not God."

"Well we need something to work with, my Lord," General Mika said.

"He's provided you with more than anyone here has managed," said Drake. "So work with it."

"Drake is right, so listen here," came Darren. "If we are going to come up with an attack that hasn't been done on a palace before, we could use a layout of the palace, correct?"

"Yes, sire," the generals replied.

"Good, so before anything else, get me the layout of that palace. And I want a complete layout. Secret passageways included. Then find me an expert on dragons. This is one issue we are not prepared for and we need to fix that. Once I have everything laid out right here in front of me, we can continue this argument. Dismissed."

"Yes, sire."

All the generals left the room and it was just Polaris and Drake with the king and queen. Ariana almost blurted out another insult, but Darren spoke up first.

"I am so relieved that you decided to participate, Polaris."

"Thank you, sire," Polaris replied with a glance to Ariana. "I'm glad to be contributing."

"So, the search parties failed, you say?"

"Unfortunately. I gave them accurate descriptions, I searched with them, and she was nowhere to be found. So, all I can deduce is that she must not be in the kingdom."

"You think Saíd took her?" Ariana asked.

"They seem to be the more likely suspect," Polaris answered.

Darren smiled and patted Polaris on the shoulder. "Well it's good to have you on our side again."

Darren, Polaris, and Drake left the Map Room and Ariana stayed behind, a bit confused about Polaris's sudden change of perspective. She glanced at her reflection in the floor and Rein watched with growing curiosity.

"Something's not right here, Mother," she said. "But don't worry, we'll figure out what it is."

***

Polaris decided that the most relaxing way to end his long and tedious day was in the comfort of Thorncove Estate. Nevertheless, he lay painfully awake in his bed late that night, unable to sleep by any means. As it was a warm spring night, he left the doors to his balcony open to allow the air to circulate through his chamber. He did his best to focus on the cool breeze as it brushed across his face, but his thoughts were mercilessly held hostage by the day's previous events, the search for solutions, and the worry following the lack thereof. Soon, he heard a low, pulsing beat from the distance which reminded him of Borealis's strained pant, only with increased volume. Panicked shouts followed the repeated gusts of wind. Though this was a relief from his current worries, the commotion only added an additional and separate concern. He tossed his covers aside and proceeded to his balcony where he gazed upon the glow of a thousand torches lining the southern horizon, as well as many dark figures suspended in the sky above them.

"Our spies weren't able to see this coming?" Polaris wondered aloud. Rapidly, he returned to his chamber and made haste to Drake's. Without bothering to knock first, he threw open the door and barked, "Drake! Wake up! We're under attack! And they've brought their dragons!"

"Dragons?" Drake shot up wide awake upon hearing that word alone.

***

Back at the palace, the three generals from earlier that day galloped into the courtyard and created as much commotion as they could manage to wake everyone from their sleep and prepare them to either fight or flee.

"We're under attack! Suit up! All able-bodied men, prepare to defend your country!" they cried.

King Darren and Queen Ariana had no problems falling asleep that night, so they were most unpleasantly awakened by General Mika banging madly on their chamber doors.

"Your Majesties! Your Majesties, wake up! Wake up!"

Queen Ariana simply rolled over in bed and moaned, "How most inconvenient."

Darren got out of bed but was in no hurry to respond to this alarm. He took his time as he wrapped himself in a robe before he meandered to his chamber doors. At long last, he exited his chamber to meet with the panicked general beyond it. He wouldn't let the general inside, however. He closed the doors behind him and kept his voice low as he spoke so as not to further disturb his wife.

"What in God's name is the meaning of this?" grumbled the king.

"Sire!" the general cried desperately. "The palace is under attack! And they've brought their dragons!"

"I beg your pardon?" King Darren roared. "How is this possible? I specifically sent a unit to inform me of such a disaster ahead of time! Where are they?"

"Burned to ash, sire!" General Mika replied. "Even still, we've had bases on alert lining the borders of Noelle like you ordered, but the enemy still slipped by with their dragons!"

"Clearly, General!" Darren exclaimed. "You'd better hope the Saídans get to you and your troops before I do because after this mishap, I won't be as merciful with you as they will!"

General Mika swallowed a nervous yelp and Darren burst through his chamber doors. "Get dressed, Ariana, we're under attack!"

Queen Ariana was well ahead of her husband. "So I've heard. Have someone fetch Lusi for me."

Darren shoved himself passed Mika. "Fine night for Polaris to spend at his estate," he mumbled.

Once Darren was out of hearing range, Lusi rushed inside dressed in a silk lavender robe draped over her white sleeping gown.

"My Queen!" she called. "I thought I should remind you: Aimonbay Estate is unprotected!"

"I beg your pardon?" Ariana paused, deeply concerned. Lusi approached to assist her queen in dressing. "How? Where are Rallian's mercenaries?"

"Remember, Your Majesty? He lent them to you to fight in Saíd."

"Why would he do such a ridiculous..."

Realization overcame Ariana, which then crinkled into anger. Then she addressed General Mika while Lusi quickly finished tying the laces of her queen's gown.

"Send all of my White Knights to Sir Rallian immediately! Aimonbay must not be affected by this! Should they save the count's estate, I shall personally see to it that you escape your king's wrath."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said the general with a bow, and he made haste to follow his orders.

As she waited to receive word that her escape coach was ready, Queen Ariana watched from her balcony as all available troops prepared to defend the palace against the many lights that lined the hills and charged for their gates. She was unable to observe in detail the large black blots in the sky until fire poured from them, revealing their reptilian appearances in the glowing blaze. Their wings pulsed with every slow and graceful motion as the scaled creatures swooped down upon her towns, her villages, and commenced in setting them aflame. By morning, there would be nothing left. Anger surged through the queen like the very dragonfire which destroyed her kingdom, and she nearly squeezed to death the rabbit which she held in her arms as she hopelessly watched the attack unfold.

"Saíd will pay dearly for this, Mother," Ariana growled through clenched teeth. "I assure you, we will be unforgiving."

***

The past couple of months had been rough on Rein as she had been flying nonstop all about the kingdom. Such constant exertion of energy took quite a toll on her, and every night sleep came effortlessly to the exhausted pixie. This night was no exception. Rein slept deeply, curled beneath a squirrel pelt in the hollow of a birch tree located about a mile from the palace. When the obnoxious clatter of pounding hooves thundered passed her tree, Rein was only slightly aroused from her dreamless slumber and almost went right back to sleep. That changed when she realized that the riders of these noisy equidae hollered in sheer panic. Curious and slightly concerned, Rein took a moment to listen to the words.

"We're under attack! Suit up! All able-bodied men, prepare to defend your country!"

Now having grown more concerned, Rein opted to peek out the hole in her tree and peered around her immediate area. A faint glow on the horizon caught her attention and she squinted her eyes in an effort to achieve a better visual. A moment later, the glow brightened to illuminate the silhouette of a large, beastly creature among the clouds, and a damning force overtook Rein in a paroxysm of dread. Her first thought was of Nadia, and if she even knew these creatures existed. What would happen to her? How could Rein protect her? She needed to find help... help from Polaris! She had to warn Polaris of this disastrous attack before it was too late! Would she make it to Thorncove alive though? She wasn't even aware of how many of these beasts the enemy had brought with them. Of course, there was no way that someone would fail to notify Polaris of the misfortune befalling the Kingdom of Noelle. He didn't require Rein to inform him of it. Perhaps the best thing for Rein to do would be to slowly retreat into her little alcove and wait out the attack. Polaris could handle himself and he would definitely see to it that Nadia survived this onslaught. Rein on the other hand would be as good as dead if she made her presence known in this siege...

***

At Aimonbay Estate, most of the residents slept peacefully, the slaves as peacefully as slaves could sleep. That night, there was nothing out of the ordinary aside from the army of the queen's White Knights, which quickly made their way up the road to do her bidding. Suddenly, the pounding footsteps of a servant on the nightshift resounded up the stairs and through the shadows to Makiar's chamber. Without bothering to knock, the servant burst through the door, and awoke Makiar with his abrupt entrance.

"Savage sprites!" Makiar cried as he shot up from his bed. "What is the meaning of this?"

Makiar was quick to awaken Count Rallian from his sleep in the same way after learning of the emergency which swept the kingdom. He alerted the count of his visitors, but Rallian's reaction was more annoyed than alarmed. He hardly bothered to put his robe on before he snatched his sword and approached his front doors with Makiar and Nazar beside him.

"What the devil is this?" the count growled. "Speak now before I run you through!"

"Noelle is under attack, my Lord," the High Knight informed. "We've been instructed to defend your estate from dragons if necessary."

"From dragons?" Count Rallian questioned. He chuckled. "The Saídans got a hold of some dragons, you say. My, my, my. The queen's mischief has backfired already, and mighty hard too. Very well. I shall send my family to the safe-house."

"That would be wise, my Lord."

***

Nadia, same as Polaris, was unable to sleep. She heard all the commotion outside, but her bedroom window only offered her a view of the rear courtyard to the estate, not the front of the castle. As the raucous failed to cease and even increased enough to awaken Garnet, Nadia rolled out of bed to open her door and peered out to see what may be occurring on the other side. She found slaves and servants screaming and scurrying about in a panic; a panic which slowly seeped into her.

"What's going on?" Garnet asked.

"I don't know," Nadia answered.

"Noelle is under attack!" a slave shouted from down the corridor.

"Dragons! Dragons are attacking!"

"Hide! Hide from the dragons!"

One of the slaves passed by Nadia's and Garnet's bedroom. "There's White Knights in the courtyard!"

"Are there really dragons?" Nadia asked, more confused than concerned. She had learned from her governess back in the Obsidian Palace that there was only one place in the world to find dragons, which was exceptionally far away from Noelle. How could they be here?

"Yes!" another slave answered. "Hundreds!" Then he continued to hurry down the stairs.

Immediately Garnet leapt out of bed to get dressed and Nadia rushed back inside to do the same.

"Dragons in Noelle?" Nadia continued to question.

"I thought you couldn't find dragons anywhere," Garnet replied, as she threw on a blue bedleh outfit she found on the floor.

"Only on Volitare Isle," Nadia answered as she tied the laces of her red skirt. "But that's on the complete other side of the world!"

Once the girls were dressed, Mauro burst through their door and frightened them both.

"Did you hear?" he shouted.

"Yes!" Garnet replied.

"Dragons are swarming the kingdom!"

"It's unbelievable!"

"We've got to get out of here!" said Nadia.

"Lila, we can't leave," Mauro replied, his tone slightly softer.

"Why not?"

"We'd be viewed as runaway slaves!"

"We can't run to save our lives if we're under attack by dragons?"

"Of course not," Garnet replied. "It's the same logic as running away if your master decides to kill you. In every situation, we must follow Master's orders."

"That's ridiculous!"

Garnet and Mauro only looked at Nadia in the hopes that she wouldn't try anything foolish.

"Very well. I'll find out what Master wants from us and decide what I'll do from there."

Nadia left her bedroom to find her master. The frilly silk trimmings to her chiffon skirt flowed elegantly behind her as she rushed down the stairs. Garnet and Mauro followed after her and nervously anticipated the argument that could result between Nadia and her master due to her hard-headed personality. They arrived at the foyer where Count Rallian stood with a few of the knights and discussed their plans of action. Then Rallian caught sight of Nadia as she approached him.

"Lila!" he addressed. "I was just about to send for you. You're leaving here with Lady Skye and Miss Lynn."

"Just me, Master?" Nadia asked.

"Yes, just you. Now go!"

"What about Garnet and Mauro?"

"They're staying here, now go!"

"But I can't leave them, Master!"

"Do I have to repeat myself a third time to you?" The anger rose in Rallian's voice. "Alik! See to it she's in the coach with Skye in five!"

"Yes, my Lord," Alik said.

"Let me just get some of my things and I'll be back down," Nadia said quietly.

She looked at Mauro and Garnet fearfully as she passed them by.

"Don't worry about us, Lila," Garnet assured with a sad smile. "We'll be fine."

Nadia grabbed her satchel with her golden ball, donned some gold jewelry as her master demanded his slaves do when going out in public, and made her way with Alik to the courtyard where the coach was ready and waiting for her. With one more glance over her shoulder at Garnet and Mauro, Nadia was the last one to board and the coach took off for the Lucierna Forest.

***

After Polaris and Drake were suited up in iron and thick leather for battle, Polaris made haste through the darkness to his stable, closely followed by his assistant. There was no time to waste, and their heavy footsteps kicked the dried leaves up off the ground behind them. Drake struggled to keep up with Polaris.

"Why do you want Laertes?" he asked. "I really don't see a need."

"Because, Drake," Polaris explained as they trudged across the misty manor to the back of the mansion. "Rallian is going to send Nadia away in a coach along with his daughter to a safe-house he owns in the Lucierna. The Saídan army is sure to attack Aimonbay if they know anything about our kingdom. The Count of Helvetica is a prime resource to us. Additionally, the Saídans will have learned where Rallian sends his family in such a crisis. Thus, not only will they attack the estate, they will attack the coach too, or even the safe-house. I am going to be there when that happens to make sure that Nadia survives and therefore, since I don't have an army of my own, I will need Larry."

"How can you be sure that he'll take Nadia with him to his family's safe-house?" Drake asked. "Isn't she but another slave to him?"

Polaris stopped just outside the entrance to the stable and faced Drake. "Nadia is the only leverage he has against Ariana. Additionally, I saw the way he looked at her when I returned her earlier today. He's going to see to it that she survives. As will I."

Drake paused and Polaris entered the stable. "Well, the count has his own mercenaries," he mentioned as he followed behind Polaris. "He'll have soldiers to defend his estate while others will tend to the coach."

"Rallian lent his army to Ariana," Polaris informed as he proceeded to the back of the stable.

"Why in the world would he do that? Doesn't he know his estate is a target?"

"Of course he knows. That's why he lent his mercenaries. Didn't Rein tell you of the deal he and Ariana made?"

Polaris opened a hatch in the ground which led to a substructure beneath his stables. He peered down the steps into the pitch blackness. "Hello, Larry," he said with a smile. A low growl reverberated from deep within the cellar.

Laertes (or Larry as Polaris liked to call him) was a letmonian tiger and could be of good use for many situations, such as the one Polaris had just described. The letmonian tiger was a tad more ferocious than the tigers one is used to learning about; some may argue far more ferocious. Luckily for Polaris, they were also loyal to one master, and Drake happened to be Laertes's master.

Polaris and Drake galloped for the thick Lucierna Forest and made sure to maintain a decent visual of Aimonbay Estate. This way, they could remain aware of the progress of the attack. Laertes sprinted right beside them as his bony paws clawed the ground and left a trail of dirt and uprooted plant-life in his wake. Just down a hill and out in the distance was the Saídan cavalry, which quickly closed in on Aimonbay with approximately ten dragons hovering above them. Polaris looked toward the castle and saw the queen's White Knights ready for the attack with their brand-new guns and canons. Laertes growled at the sight of the enemy unit.

"Quiet, Laertes," Drake said. He turned to Polaris. "That didn't take long."

"Indeed. And it appears that Rallian has already sent his coach away. Let's move out."

A great battle was about to begin, but Polaris was going to be sure that he wouldn't be around to see it. He and Drake continued on deep into the Lucierna. They stopped for a moment while Polaris listened to the familiar sounds of a rushing coach in the distance.

"Follow me. I know of a shortcut where we can cut the Saídans off, hopefully before they reach the coach."

***

Meanwhile, the Saídan cavalry wasted no time. Without pausing to say a word to Queen Ariana's White Knights, the venavore commander's eyes glowed white as he signaled the dragons to attack the estate. The knights shot at the flying reptiles with their muskets, even attempted the same with the canons, but the bullets ricocheted off the dragons' natural armor and every cannonball missed. The soldiers quickly realized that the muskets were useless against this mortal enemy, and their experience with cannons was far too amateur to even justify hope. To make matters worse, this was the only strategy that they had brought with them to thwart the attack of the dragons without much time to prepare. If this didn't work, what else could they possibly do?

Inside the castle, the slaves and servants were instructed to make their way to the dungeon as this was to be their safe-haven until the threat was over. Unfortunately, attempting to direct every warm body through the single door that led to the thin stairwell was a battle of its own. Many slaves and servants were rammed and shoved off the stairs as the people behind them violently forced their way inside in a desperate strife to save their own skin from a hellish demise. Fights broke out and threats were cast. However, Garnet and Mauro were not a part of this crowd, no matter how much Mauro wished to be.

In a panic, Garnet rushed up the stairs towards her bedroom and ignored Mauro's pleas to make her way to the dungeon with everyone else. To her, there was a more important matter at hand that would affect her future if she were to survive this attack. Before Garnet and Mauro could reach her floor, they suddenly felt a chorus of animalistic wails and beastly howls vibrating against their bodies, and it frightened Garnet enough to stall for only a moment. She and Mauro grasped the banister while the force of the dragonfire against the walls rattled the structure around them. They almost expected the building to crash down on top of them, but somehow it held steady.

"I liked them better when they were located on the other side of Xyntriav," Garnet whimpered before she continued forward.

"Garnet, please!" Mauro called. "What is so important that it's worth your life and mine?"

"I didn't ask you to come, Mauro!" Garnet replied. "Don't put your life in my hands, I don't want it!"

"Well, obviously I'm not about to leave you behind! If I get to live, so do you!"

"That's lovely, Mauro. But Lila is our friend too. So I'm going to make sure that my future and hers survive this attack! Otherwise it's pointless saving our lives."

"What in the world are you looking to retrieve?"

Garnet nearly tumbled into her and Nadia's room as another blast of hellfire hit the walls of the castle. Then she frantically combed through her own drawers first. Her hands trembled heavily as adrenaline shot through her body, but she forced them to search for the item she required. All the while, the walls continued to shake and rubble began to break off the ceiling. The deafening cries of the monsters outside resounded as the heat quickly rose around them. Finally, Garnet snatched her coin purse and pocketed it.

"You came to save your money?" Mauro shouted. "That's what's worth your life?"

"Not just my money," Garnet answered.

She threw herself at Nadia's dresser and rifled through her drawers as well. The rubble which crashed to the floor soon became large pieces of stone and just barely missed Garnet's head. Flames licked the outside of the bedroom window, and illuminated the room in a bright orange glow. As each moment passed, the temperature of the air increased to the point where it grew difficult to breathe. They both nearly jumped out of the room at the sudden sight of thick, copper scales shooting past the window, which then veered away to reveal the full body of a mighty dragon. The spike-tipped tail flicked behind its extended leathery bat wings, which stretched as far as ten yards to carry the beast's shimmering body where it wished to go.

"Blinding specs!" Mauro cried. "I just saw a dragon!"

Mauro would give anything to escape that castle right there and then, but Garnet was unwavering. She continued to sift through Nadia's belongings, quicker this time, until at long last she found her friend's coin purse.

Garnet waved the bag in Mauro's sweaty face. "This is important because someday, it's going to free her, and then you and I will soon follow!"

"Wonderful – let's get out of here already before that thing comes back!"

Mauro practically shoved Garnet out the door where the entire level was aflame. They raised their arms to shield their faces from the painful blaze and bolted toward the stairwell before they, too, could catch fire. The next jolt that followed the blaring roar threw Garnet to the floor just before she made it to the first step.

"There must be dozens of them!" Garnet shouted.

Mauro helped Garnet to her feet and placed her hands on the banister to help keep her steady. However, the handrail was little help when it broke moments before they reached the bottom and they both tumbled the rest of the way to the first level of the castle. Garnet wailed in pain the moment she hit the ground. Mauro watched as she reached to grip her ankle, but her fingers recoiled at the sight of bone jutting out through her flesh.

"Mauro!" she cried.

"Can you stand on your other foot?" Mauro asked as he jumped to his feet to help her.

"What use is that if I can't run?"

Mauro quickly glanced at their surroundings. Here, they were enclosed in a wild inferno, and the sound of crackling and whirling nearly drowned out the battle cries and the screams of agony which came from the soldiers who hopelessly fought outside. Garnet was almost crushed by falling debris, but with the help of Mauro she rolled away just as it swiped her side and crushed his shoulder. They both cried out as Mauro grabbed his shoulder and Garnet clutched her bleeding torso.

"Mauro, take the money!" She thrust the coin bags into his chest. "Make sure Lila gets it when she returns!"

"Knock it off, Garnet," Mauro said as he shoved the bags back at her. He quickly stood to his feet. "Put them away, I'll help you onto your good leg."

"Mauro, I can't run!"

"I didn't say you had to! Put them away! Now!"

Garnet obeyed. Mauro yanked her to her good foot and immediately took her up into his arms despite the searing agony coming from his shoulder. Then he ran for the dungeon.

Purchase a copy of "Silver Skeletons: Book 3 of The Rose Tree Chronicles" at any online bookseller!