Chapter Eleven: Dragon Raiders

The door creaked open, revealing a spacious room with high ceilings and large windows that let in a flood of sunlight. The room was filled with rows of bookshelves, each one stretching from the floor to the ceiling, and lined with leather-bound tomes.

Seated at a large, ornate desk was Sage with her, long curly white hair and cold, emerald eyes. She smiled as they entered, her voice melodious. "Ah, brother, what brings you here with father and guest?"

Zephyr approached her, "Sage, this is Uncle Marshal fathers old friend and Kieran Luke Ashwood, Uncle Orien's son. We've come to discuss a matter of great importance."

Sage's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gestured for them to take seats. She walked towards her seat next to the window. "I sense a weighty conversation brewing. Please, have a seat,"

As they sat, Kieran couldn't help but notice the sheer number of books surrounding them.

"I see you have added more books to your room," Duke Argent smiled as he sat next to his daughter.

"Why, I can't even do that?" With a gentle smile, Sage asked.

Kieran's gaze landed on Sages face for a while before he looked else where. Duke Marshal gave a sly smile seeing this.

"I did not mean that." Duke Argent sighed.

Laughing, Sage said, "I know, I'm just reading on what I missed since I can't go out."

"Ah yes, there is one more day 'till you can go out." Zephyr said.

Sage nodded. "So, why have you come to visit?"

Zephyr looked at his father. Duke Argent though reluctant said, "We need the Dragon Raiders."

"Okay, so just go command them." Sage sipped on her tea she made.

"Have you forgotten? Only the Captain of the Dragon Raiders words shall be taken." Zephyr reminded her.

"Oh, I did forget," Sage placed her cup down.

"Sage, your brother tells me that the mission you went for three years ago was not the reason you fainted,"

Sage threw a pointed glare at Zephyr. "He's right, but I can't remember,"

Zephyr shivered as he continued, "The doctor did say tour memory will be out of sorts,"

Duke Marshal quipped in, "Oh come on Rowan, let Remi do it."

"...fine," Duke Argent agreed.

Sage looked at Duke Marshal with narrowed eyes as she thought, 'Remi?'

Duke Marshal smiled at her as he said, "So you also don't remember me?"

Sudden images crossed her mind as her eyes widen in shock.

"Uncle Chester?!"

Laughing boisterous he said, "The one and only."

"We will have this talk later," Duke Argent continued, "Tomorrow you will go and take with the Dragon Raiders,"

Sage nodded as she watched them leave.

As the door closed, Sage thought, 'Ashwood, looks like I have to research again on all the families in the Empire. It's good the Dragon Raiders are still active.'

She walked towards the window then whistled.

A few seconds later the Helix bird appeared. She took a piece of paper then put it in an envelope.

Sage sealed the envelope with a small, intricate stamp, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. She tied the envelope to the Helix bird's leg, whispering a soft command.

The bird spread its wings, taking flight into the night sky. Sage watched as it vanished into the darkness, the envelope containing her message bound for its unknown destination.

She turned back to her room, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's see how quickly they respond,"

As she returned to her research, a faint rustling sound came from outside. A bird, identical to the first, landed on the windowsill. Sage's eyes sparkled with shock as she looked at the bird she sent a few seconds ago.

"Ah, already? You're quick, I'll give you that."

She untied the envelope from the bird's leg, breaking the seal to reveal a message scrawled in hasty handwriting.

Sage's eyes scanned the message, her expression unreadable. The handwriting was messy, but the words were clear:

"Meet at the old windmill on the outskirts of town at midnight. -L"

Sage's gaze lingered on the message before she crumpled the paper. She walked towards the fire place a threw it in.

She glanced at the Helix bird, still perched on the windowsill. "It seems we have a midnight rendezvous, my feathered friend."

With a flick of her wrist, Sage summoned a small, ornate box from her desk drawer. She opened it, revealing a hidden compartment containing a slender dagger with a single sentence engraved on the blade:

"For when the shadows call, be prepared."

Sage's eyes gleamed as she tucked the dagger into her belt.