Raistlin, Sky, Kalin, Tanis, and Tas were heading to the ice caverns beyond Thorbardin, much to Sky's chagrin. "I always said that there was something creepy about Thorbardin, Kalin." She had said when she found out about their destination. "Don't be upset if I say I told you so when something nasty happens." The group had been travelling for two weeks, and Sky had not stopped complaining.
"But Raist, I really really hate the cold!" She was now whining pitifully. "Can't I just wait for the rest of you back here? I promise that I won't-"
"Skyflame, you are coming with us, and that is final." Raistlin interrupted. "I refuse to listen to any more of your incessant complaining."
This effectively silenced Sky and she pouted for much of that day's travel. Kalin was immersed in a conversation with Tanis and didn't notice until later the uncharacteristic silence of her friend. For much of the travel thus far, Sky was usually listening to and commenting on Raistlin's instruction on the neutral order of mages, but today, both magi were silent. Kalin mentioned this to Tanis, and though both elves found it a little disconcerting, they gave it not a second thought.
Sometime later, Sky stopped and sprinkled some powder on her staff, chanting something too quiet for anyone to make out. Soon, her staff began to float and Sky grinned as she climbed atop it. She then took out her spellbook and began studying spells. The staff followed the group with no manipulation from Sky.
"Hey, Sky?" Tas piped up. "Why aren't you walking anymore? I mean, other than that your staff is flying…"
"I didn't feel like it. If I'm being made to go to the ice caverns, then I think I should at least have some say in how I get there. This way, I can keep up with the group and study at the same time." Sky replied matter-of-factly. It's much more time efficient."
"Skyflame, we have no time for such foolishness." Raistlin admonished, glaring at his young apprentice. "You would be better off-"
"Back in my OWN time," Sky interjected, " but you don't hear me complaining about THAT, do you? No. I listen to your instruction and follow you as though I don't have a mind of my own. But I'm not mindless, Raistlin, and I will expand my horizons if I so please. Now, if you don't mind, I have to get back to my studying." With that, Sky turned her back on Raistlin and resumed reading her spellbook.
Tanis' eyes widened and he looked at Kalin, looking for an answer to Sky's outburst, only to find that Kalin was chuckling to herself and grinning. Kalin looked at Tanis, finding herself amused by his disbelief.
"It was only a matter of time." She said quietly so that neither mage could hear her. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that Sky does NOT take it well when people are condescending towards her or assume that she's not capable of holding her own. When Raistlin took her on as an apprentice of sorts, he was underestimating her. Catch Sky at a bad time, and she's as temperamental as they come! She can be so spiteful sometimes!"
"I see." Tanis muttered softly. "It appears that we could be in for some trouble then."
Kalin grinned. "I'm betting on it."
They walked well into the night with neither Skyflame nor Raistlin saying much to each other. Sometime ago, Sky had become annoyed with Tasslehoff's incessant questioning about the amusement factor of a flying staff. She had picked him up and set him on the staff with her under the condition that he was perfectly still. The two were now sound asleep, with Tas resting in Sky's arms and Sky's head resting on his topknot. Kalin looked over at the two sleeping forms and yawned. She hadn't realised just how tired she was.
"Raist, Tanis? Can we stop?" Kalin asked plaintively. "I'm not the only one who's tired, and it's starting to rain…"
"Patience, young Kalin." Raistlin replied, his voice thin and cracking. "We will stop soon."
Kalin sighed in frustration and glared at Raistlin's frail, robe-shrouded form. He seemed a lot weaker than when they had started, and Kalin was surprised that he didn't want to stop. She looked over at Tanis, her eyes slightly worried.
"What's up with him, Tanis? You'd think he'd want to stop…"
"He's probably looking for somewhere specific to stop. You've got to remember, he knows what's going on, so he probably has something in mind."
"Well, we'd better stop soon. I'm getting soaked." Kalin pouted.
After that, all was silent except for the rain pattering on the ground and the wind rustling through the trees. Kalin shivered and sighed deeply. Such a strange, strange world, she thought; so different from her own, and yet so similar. Suddenly, she was brought back to reality by a horrible, hacking cough and Raistlin doubled over on the ground. Kalin looked up in time to see Sky jump off her staff, leaving Tas to sleep peacefully, and rush to Raistlin's side, her eyes wrought with terror.
"Oh, my God, Raist!" Sky exclaimed, frightened. "Are you alright? Please tell me you're alright…"
Raistlin clutched Sky's shoulder with a shaking hand as he wiped his lips on his robes. He stood weakly and pointed to a small gap in the trees. "We will be camping there for the night. There is a cave just inside that grove." He choked.
Sky nodded quickly, whispering "Followius, magika." Her staff floated alongside her, allowing Sky to keep an eye on Tas without leaving Raistlin's side. Raistlin leaned heavily on the Staff of Magius, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The group walked slowly, shivering violently as the wind cut through their rain-soaked clothing. Tanis and Kalin began walking faster, seeking the shelter of the cave. Sky stayed back with Raistlin, fearing he might collapse. Tas slept through it all, floating in a blissful slumber on Sky's staff.
CHAPTER TWO - KITIARA'S WARNING
Upon reaching the cave, Kalin and Tanis began building a fire. It was soon a comfortable temperature and the two elves went about making their beds for the night. Kalin looked up to see Sky walking through the entrance of the cave, robes drenched and sticking to her, doing her best to carry Raistlin. She carefully lowered Raistlin's frail, limp form to the ground and silently collected some rainwater in a cup. Placing the cup over the fire, Sky watched the water come to a boil and then began adding various powders and herbs. She turned and looked at Raistlin, then to Tas, who was still sleeping on her staff.
"Kendris groundata. Magika restus." Sky whispered softly. Tas floated gently to the ground next to Raistlin and Sky's staff quietly fell to the floor. Sky sighed gently and moved to Raistlin's side, propping him up against the cave wall and bringing the cup to his lips. "Here, Raistlin." She whispered in a tremulous voice. "I've made your tea for you."
Raistlin sat against the cave wall, not moving. His golden eyes glowed in the darkness and cut through Sky like a knife, almost glaring at her. Sky stood and threw the cup to the floor, its contents splashing onto Raistlin's cloak. Sky's gaze narrowed and her tone, once soft and caring, turned to ice. "You are so damn stubborn. You think you can make it on your own, like you don't need anyone's help. You'll see one day, Raistlin Majere. You'll need help, and there's not going to be anyone there because they're all sick and tired of waiting for you to care. I should be in my time. With friends who remember me…instead, I'm in someplace new to me, in the middle of a rainstorm, and you expect me to put with your crap because I'm your 'apprentice' and you brought me here, like I owe you something. Well, Raistlin," Sky said in a harsh, biting voice as she picked up the cup and tossed it into his lap, "here's your cup. Consider us even."
All eyes in the tiny cave were on Sky as she stalked out, her staff held tightly in her right hand. Kalin turned to Raistlin. "You deserved it, Raist. You know that. It was only a matter of time until-"
"Sky's temperament is well known to me, Kalinestiara." Raistlin hissed. "More so than you realise."
Kalin's eyes narrowed. "I've had enough of your stupid mind games, Raistlin. I want to know why we were brought here."
"She was not brought here on a whim, nor were you for that matter. You both have your purposes, which will become clearer to you in time." Raistlin said in irritation as he turned his back and began preparing his tea. "I will not reveal anymore to you."
Kalin sighed in frustration and looked at Tanis, who just shrugged. If there was one thing he had learned, it was that Raistlin did things one way, and that was Raistlin's way. Though Tanis himself might be the "unspoken leader," no plan was ever implemented before running it past Raistlin. Kalin was about to ask Tanis why Raistlin was so testy when a shriek of pure terror came from outside. This woke Tas from his slumber and the four companions in the cave looked at each other then quickly made their way to the cave entrance.
Sky was standing in the rain, screaming, pressed against the wall just outside the entrance. She was trembling, partially from the cold, but mostly in terror. Standing before her, in all its frightful glory, was a blue dragon. Her medallion, which was now glowing brightly, cast blood red shadows that danced wickedly over the dragon's belly.
"P-p-please…leave me alone…" Sky stammered, clutching her staff. "If…if this is y-your cave…w-we can leave…"
Sky heard a voice echoing in her brain, and her eyes widened. "I have not come for the cave, Skyflame. I have come for you."
The dragon stared at Sky, its golden eyes boring into her. Its blue scales glistened in the moonlight, giving it an almost mystical glow. Its long, white talons shone, tips stained red from years of eating raw flesh. The two stared at each other for what, to Sky, seemed like an eternity before someone finally appeared outside. Both Sky and the dragon turned to look, seeing Raistlin standing in the cave entrance, followed by Tanis, Kalin, and Tas. Sky, however, could only see Raistlin in the dark night.
"Raistlin," she choked out in a frightened, tremulous whisper, "Raistlin, help me…please. Please help me…I'm so scared…"
Raistlin could see the pure terror in her eyes, and he approached cautiously. As soon as Raistlin reached her, Sky hid behind him, trembling with fear, her medallion giving her face a crimson glow.
Raistlin's golden eyes met those of the dragon and he felt a presence in his mind.
"She has come." The dragon's ominous voice echoed. "She has the medallion."
"I know. It was I who summoned her here, and it was I who gave her the Dragon Medallion."
"For what reason? What purpose does she serve? Who is her friend?"
"You know very well who her friend is. As for what their purpose is, that will become known to you when I deem it necessary."
"The Highlord will not be pleased. You are wrong to defy her."
"My dear sister has no control over me," Raistlin hissed, "and she knows this well."
"You will come to regret your digression. Use your time well, mage, for you have precious little of it."
"That remains to be seen. Now leave us, Skie. Go tell Kitiara that her presence here is unwelcome."
"Very well. But mark my words. The Highlord will seek revenge upon you, family or no family."
"Thank-you kindly for reminding me." Raistlin remarked as he smiled sardonically. "Now leave, and be sure that you are the last dragon of your kind to appear to her, or you shall pay the price."
With that, the dragon took flight, taking a moment to run a sharp talon over Sky's back as a warning to Raistlin before disappearing into the night.
Sky screamed as the dragon's talon traced down her back and she felt Raistlin run a hand along her spine, checking to see if the skin had been broken. Once the dragon had disappeared from sight, Sky fell to the ground, her body wracked with violent, choking sobs, and her medallion returned to normal. Kalin came running over to her and the two friends clung to each other for comfort as Raistlin walked over to Tanis and Tas.
"Hey, Raist? What's a blue dragon doing here?" Tas asked excitedly. "Do you think it'd let me ride its back? That would be really-"
"Apparently, Kitiara has received word of the girls' presence here." Raistlin replied quickly. "She is suspicious as to why. We must protect them at all costs."
"But Raistlin," Tanis began hesitantly, "we've been faced with Kitiara's wrath before. If she wants Kalin and Sky dead, then…"
"Then it is our task to prevent her from succeeding. I'm sure that dragons are watching the other groups as well."
"Yeah, but they don't have the girls, and it's obvious that's what, or rather who, Kit is concerned about. She won't be focusing on the others. She'll call the other dragons back. We've got to be careful."
"We needed to be careful anyway, Tanis. Our quest is of the utmost importance and it is imperative that we succeed."
"I think that a dragon flying around is going to make that really hard, Raist. But how can we be so sure that Kitiara's looking for Sky and Kalin? I mean, maybe she just misses us." Tas piped up. "We haven't seen her in a long time, and I think that being a Dragon Highlord would be very lonely. She's always so mean when she's in her armour. I think she just wants some friends, and we're her friends…you and Caramon are her brothers. How do we know that's not why she sent the dragon?"
"Regrettably, Kitiara is not worried about friendship or family ties. If she were, our task would be much easier. However, she has what she's always wanted, and that's immense power. She can destroy a city simply by saying the word. She has no need for friends or family. She has her dragons."
Tas considered this for a moment. "I guess so." He looked over at Kalin and Sky. "But why is she so worried about them? They don't know anything about Ansalon…or Krynn for all that matters. They aren't from here. They can't hurt her."
Raistlin's mouth twisted into a thin, crooked smile. "Not yet, they can't, but Kitiara knows better than to believe that." He looked over at the girls. "They are very special, though they don't realise it yet. You mustn't tell them. Let them discover it on their own."
"If you say so, Raist." Tanis sighed.
"It's better that way." Raistlin said as he walked over to the girls. "Trust me."
Sky looked up at Raistlin, her eyes quizzical. "Raistlin, I don't understand what just happened there. Why didn't that dragon kill me? Why didn't it kill you? Why didn't it kill everyone? What's so important about us?"
Raistlin's eyes twinkled eerily in the moonlight and he spoke cautiously. "Sky, you and Kalin were brought here for a reason that I cannot explain to you, for it would be too much for you to comprehend. All I can tell you is that, once you have realised why you are here and have learned all you need to know, you'll be very, very dangerous to Kitiara, and she will stop at nothing to make sure you don't get to that point."
Sky looked at Raistlin, her eyes quizzical and confused. The group was silent for a while before Kalin finally spoke. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired and soaked. Let's go back in."
With this, she helped Sky up off the ground and the two girls walked in shivering, leaving their companions to talk outside. "We leave tomorrow for Thorbardin." Raistlin whispered. "The girls must be accompanied at all times, and we must not stop until we have reached the ice caves."
CHAPTER THREE - TWO DRAGONS IN ONE DAY
After Raistlin had cast a spell of protection of the makeshift camp and the fire had been rekindled, everyone settled in for the night. Sky offered to take the first watch, stating that she really wasn't tired. Kalin looked at her, her eyes concerned.
"Sky, are you sure you wanna do that, considering all that's happened?"
Sky looked at Kalin, her lavender eyes glimmering in the gentle firelight. "I'd rather take the first watch. I couldn't sleep right now anyway." She shrugged and smiled weakly. "I'm a little preoccupied."
Kalin nodded and looked at Raistlin, hoping for some support. All he did was stare at her, his gold eyes intense. His raspy voice was soft as he spoke to Kalin. "Let her be, Kalin. She needs some time to reflect."
Again, Kalin nodded and then went to hug her friend. "Goodnight for now, Sky. If anything happens be sure to wake us up."
Sky nodded. "I will, I promise. Sleep well, everyone." With this, she walked to the mouth of the cave and sat on a large rock, staring at the sky where Lunitari and Solinari circled inexhaustibly.
Once everyone was asleep, Sky stood and dusted off her robes. There was no better time to practice her magic than when everyone was asleep. She planted her feet firmly in the ground and extended her arms in front of her, hands outstretched with gently curled fingers. She closed her eyes and whispered softly, "Sphera, Pyralis." A ball of flame grew in her palms, and Sky smiled proudly; her first defence spell. She used her hands to manipulate it, drawing it out and then forcing it back quickly, causing the flame to tower above her in a fiery column. When the column reached its highest point, she raised her hands to the sky and moved them apart while whispering "Soaris, Draconis, Pyralis!" At this point, the column of fire turned into a giant flaming dragon that soared into the sky before disappearing.
At this point, Sky was pretty proud of herself and she started to grin, but then noticed that her medallion was glowing again, and her grin soon vanished. It took on a silvery hue, and Sky stared in amazement as a silver dragon emerged over the horizon. She began to tremble, her mind racing to find another spell to use. However, it was of no use, as the dragon soon reached the cave opening and landed softly in front of her.
"Skyflame," it said softly, "I had only dreamed that this were true. It is truly you; through you wear the robes of neutrality. We assumed that you would wear the robes of good. It is, however, of no importance. I pray that Kalin has accompanied you, and that you both arrived safely."
Sky stared at the dragon with frightened curiosity. "What do you mean? I don't understand…how do you-"
The dragon merely smiled, or at least, came as close to smiling as a dragon can. "I see he has not told you anything. It will all make sense in time."
"What do you mean? WHAT will make sense? And why all of a sudden am I being ambushed by dragons!?"
"I know that it is all confusing now, but soon, you will understand. I cannot tell you; it is something you must discover on your own. All in good time."
With this, the dragon took flight and hovered in the sky for a few moments before flying away, the moonlight reflecting off its silvery scales. Once again, the medallion's light faded and soon was gone completely. Sky watched the dragon leave, but continued to stand outside, thoroughly confused. What was going on? How had the dragons known her name; how had the last one known Kalin's name? Maybe Raistlin hadn't just thought of them as she'd assumed. Speaking of whom, what hadn't he told her and why? She pondered this for a while. She didn't understand it any more than she understood the two moons in the sky or the magic she possessed. And, while she enjoyed the magic skills, she was confused by her proficiency at using them. In fact, a lot of things about this world they called Krynn had her completely mystified. Surely Raistlin would eventually explain it all to her. She shivered in the cool night air and sighed. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she did not notice the dark figure approaching her until it at last spoke.
"You should not be here. You should be-"
Sky stood and whirled around quickly, taken by surprise. She quickly regained her composure and, as she closed her eyes; fingers outstretched, she cried, "Lightis, Entanglia!"
Lightning bolts streaked from her fingers and surrounded the approaching figure, forming a cage. Sky approached cautiously, her mind preparing another spell. "I wouldn't think of attacking us if I were you…" As with most things of this sort, Sky's trembling voice betrayed her threat.
"As I was saying," Raistlin's irritation, and slight amusement, was apparent in his voice. "You should be inside keeping warm. In the name of Gilean, Sky, if I were going to attack the party, I would not have come from behind you."
Sky's eyes widened and she gasped slightly. She blushed deeply, her face appearing red in the glow from the lightning cage. "Raistlin, I'm sorry…I didn't…I mean, I wasn't…"
Sky heard him whisper, "Lightis, Eradia." The lightning cage dissipated to a soft glow that lit the entire cave for a short while before disappearing altogether. "You weren't paying attention to what was going on around you, and that very well could have cost us our lives."
Sky sighed and hung her head in shame. "I'm sorry, Raist, it's just that I just…"
Raistlin walked over and saw that the dragon in Sky's medallion had changed. It was now silver. "I see that Lumina has paid you a visit."
"Lumina? I don't know who, or what, Lumina is, but I WAS visited by a silver dragon."
"Exactly, Skyflame. That silver dragon was Lumina. Perhaps we shall be safe in our travels."
Sky yawned softly. "I don't understand a word of what you are saying. This whole thing is very confusing for me. I thought that dragons were bad." She sighed. "I wish I knew what was going on."
Raistlin smiled crookedly. "All in due time, young one; all in due time. For now, however, I will take over the watch and you can go get some rest."
"Okay…make sure you keep warm." Sky walked to the mouth of the cave, then turned around, her expression sheepish. "I'm really sorry about earlier, Raist. I honestly didn't know that it was you."
Raistlin nodded. "I know, Sky. Now go sleep."
Sky nodded and walked into the cave. The fire was dimming and going out, so she put some more wood in and tended to it until the fire was good and strong again. She then settled in between Tas and Kalin. As she drifted off, she was sure that she heard Raistlin's voice carrying through the air from the cave mouth.
"They are not yet ready, Aurora." Raistlin stated matter-of-factly. "Although, Sky's proficiency with magic is far beyond what I thought it would be, as is Kalin's skill with the bow."
The woman standing in front of him nodded. when she finally responded. "Be that as it may, I hope that you plan on reaching the ice caves by sundown tomorrow. Skie will have reached Kitiara by then."
"I am well aware of that." Raistlin sighed. "There is no way around it. We must reach the caves by tomorrow night."
Aurora shook her head. "No, Raistlin, you must be inside the ice caves by tomorrow evening. Skie and Kitiara will come looking for you, and if you are not inside, who knows what might happen to the Empress and Kalinestiara. As for protection in case something does go wrong, I will be watching. You need not call for me, for I am always in tune with the feelings and thoughts of the Empress."
Raistlin nodded in understanding. "Very well then. I pray you have a good trip home, Aurora."
She smiled gently. "I hope so. Fare thee well, Raistlin Majere. Take care of my Empress."
With this, she took hold of the pendant on her necklace and bowed her head, whispering softly. Her body started to glow, and she transformed into a silver dragon. She raised her large head and stared at Raistlin for a moment before taking flight.
"Fare thee well, Lumina." Raistlin whispered as he watched the silver dragon take off into the night sky. "I hope that I can continue to be worthy of your trust."
CHAPTER FOUR - NEWCOMERS
Sky awoke early the next morning to find Raistlin gone. Immediately, her thoughts turned to the dragons of the previous day. Regardless of what she had heard, she still believed that all dragons, no matter what colour, were evil. Fearing for Raistlin's life, she quickly scrawled a message on the cave wall (thanks to her new magic ink spell), and ran out of the cave; however, the sight before her eyes upon reaching the outside stopped her dead in her tracks.
In the clearing in front of the cave were the remnants of a battle. Tree trunks were snapped like toothpicks, and the plant life was crushed on the ground. Taking flight were the blue dragon from last night with a rider in blue armour, and a silver dragon whose rider was all too familiar to Sky.
"Raistlin!!" Sky called as she ran from the cave, between snapped tree trunks and trampled flowers. "Raistlin, where are you going? Answer me!"
Predictably, she received no response. Sky called out to him once more as the dragons flew into the early morning sunshine. She ran after them, but was soon left behind. Using magic, she attempted to follow the dragons in her mind only to find that they disappeared soon after.
"Where can you be going, Raist?" She sighed dejectedly. "I can't possibly imagine. I pray that nothing happens to you…we'd be lost."
Suddenly, the rider of the blue dragon appeared beside her. She was dressed in blue armour and had short, curly black hair. She grinned evilly at Sky. "Well…if it isn't Skyflame."
Sky jumped up, her mind racing for a spell. "Who are you? How do you know who I am? What have you done with Raistlin? Why did he go with you?"
The woman sneered at Sky as she spoke. "My name is Kitiara, and I am a Dragon Highlord. There are many who know of you, Skyflame, as you will soon realise. Raistlin hesitated too long. He should've had you at the ice caves by now. The most powerful mage on all of Krynn, but powerless to stop me now." The woman grabbed Sky's arm. "You are coming with me."
Sky tried to pull her arm away. "I most certainly am not!"
"Yes, you are. I'll find your little friend, along with Tanis and Tas, later. Raistlin will surely tell them what happened, and they'll come looking for you." The woman pulled Sky towards the large blue dragon that had landed in the clearing.
Closing her eyes, Sky whispered, "Draconis, Lightis, Entangla," and soon, the same lightning cage that had once held Raistlin surrounded the dragon and his rider. Sky pulled her arm away and glared at the woman. "You leave me alone. I don't care who you are, or why you are here, but I want you to leave, and your dragon too." Sky turned her gaze to the dragon and stared at him, her lavender eyes blazing with fury.
"Remove the spell, mage, and we shall leave."
"Is that a promise?"
The dragon moved his head slightly, in a reluctant nod. Whoever his rider was, she would be most unpleased when he flew away without Sky. "You have my word."
Sky snorted softly. "Whatever THAT'S worth. Very well then…after I remove the spell, I want you both gone, and I don't want to see either of you again. I've had enough of this."
With that, she whispered "Lightis, Eradia", and the lightning cage disappeared. The dragon waited for the woman to be seated on his back, then he took off before she could grab Sky's arm.
"Skie," the woman shrieked. "Where are you taking me?? We need that girl!!" As the woman looked down in annoyed disbelief, she saw Sky begin a frantic search for any clue to Raistlin's destination.
After hours of surveying and re-surveying, Sky found no sign of Raistlin or the silver dragon. Defeated, she walked back to the cave to tell Kalin, Tanis, and Tas the awful news. How was she going to tell them that Raistlin was lost, or, quite possibly even worse, that they were all lost in unfamiliar territory? Sky was downtrodden as she reached the mouth of the cave, but then a familiar voice drifted out from inside. She paused a moment and slipped into the shadows before actually entering the cave.
Inside, Raistlin was making introductions. "We have two new people joining our party. This is Aurora and her brother, Orin." He turned to the newcomers. "Aurora and Orin, these elves are Kalinestiara, more often called Kalin, and Tanthalas, or Tanis as we call him. The kender is Tasslehoff Burrfoot. You will no doubt hear from him through the duration of our journey."
Aurora curtseyed and Orin bowed, greeting Tanis, Kalin, and Tas politely. Aurora was first to speak. "I'm so glad to meet you all." Her face grew concerned as she turned to Raistlin. "Is there not another member of your group? One whom you called Skyflame?"
At that moment, Raistlin realised Sky had been missing the entire time. "Yes…there is another member of our group." He turned to look at Kalin, Tanis, and Tas. "Where did Sky go?"
It was Kalin who spoke next, her voice worried. "I thought that she would come back with you. That's where she went… to look for you."
Raistlin looked to Aurora, whose face had gone pale. "We must find her."
"Why bother finding what was never lost?" A voice drifted from the shadows. "Never lost, merely misplaced…not that anyone really noticed." Skyflame removed herself from her shadowy hiding place in a spectacle of fire and lightning. She stood before them, staring at the group indignantly.
The air in the cave was still for a few seconds, until Tas broke the silence. "Sky, how did you do that?"
Sky smiled wryly. "The art of disillusionment, with a slight dash of light stepping." She looked over at the newcomers with an air of scepticism and distrust, sweeping her arm in a wide arc in front of her. "Welcome to our glorious hovel, Aurora and Orin. May you find it to your liking."
Raistlin gave Sky an irritated look. "No need for melodramatics, Skyflame. We will be leaving in due time."
"Sure, whatever. Look out for Kitiara and Skie though." Sky said matter-of-factly with a disinterested shrug. "They're already hot on our trail."
Raistlin's face went expressionless, and Orin and Aurora stared directly at Sky. "What did you just say?" Raistlin exclaimed.
Sky looked at him, slightly annoyed. "You heard what I said. Not that it matters, really. I'm sure you already knew that anyway." Sky grabbed her spellbook and walked to the mouth of the cave again to sit on the large rock and study, leaving the rest of the group inside. All were utterly speechless, except for Kalin.
"Who is Kitiara anyway, and what does she want with us?"
Raistlin ignored Kalin's question as he gathered Aurora and Orin to a quiet corner of the cave. "We have problems."
"What does she mean exactly, Raistlin?" Orin said in a hushed voice.
"That Kitiara and Skie have been here, they've confronted both me and Skyflame. I'm afraid that our troubles have just begun."
"Well, regardless of who is trying to interfere, we have to get to the ice caves. It is imperative that we retrieve the book."
"I know this, Orin. The fact of the matter is that I'm not so sure that Skyflame is ready for the truth."
"Maybe she isn't, but-"
"Enough, both of you." Aurora broke in. "The Empress IS ready to know the truth of her purpose and her presence. And if it imperative that she find this out! We cannot continue to hide it from her. I will not let Kitiara or her 'pet' Skie stand in the way of my Empress realising her destiny."
Orin rolled his eyes gently and looked at Raistlin apologetically. "Forgive my sister, Raistlin. She is, if anything, over-dramatic."
"I most certainly am not over-dramatic." Aurora huffed. "I am nothing if not realistic. At any rate, we must depart immediately. The ice caves, and The Book, await the arrival of the Empress." She turned and walked towards the rest of the group, her cape gliding gracefully along the cave floor.
CHAPTER FIVE - JOURNEY TO THE CAVES
The group packed up their sparse belongings and made for outside. Morale was low, and hopes of reaching the ice caves were even lower. Aurora noticed that Sky had taken a strong and immediate disliking to both her and Orin. Despite her best efforts to engage Skyflame in conversation, Aurora found that Sky still viewed the newcomers with scepticism and slight hostility. Orin mentioned to his sister that it might be best to give Skyflame time. After all, she was not yet ready to realise who she herself was; let alone who Aurora really was.
"Aurora, I think it best to let Skyflame be." Orin whispered as he pulled his sister to the back of the party. "If you force her, she may not come around at all."
"Don't be silly, Orin! She can't do that!"
Orin sighed. "Listen to me, dear sister. If you push her and prod her, Skyflame may try to have us expelled from the party, and that would be catastrophic to our cause."
Aurora paused to consider her brother's words and finally sighed in resignation. "I suppose you are right. I just wish that she would at least talk to us…"
"It is no wonder that Skyflame is hesitant to accept us, and is even hostile towards us. Remember what Mamea said? Skyflame and Kalinestiara were brought from another time and place for this exact purpose. Supposing this is true, and I have no reason to doubt that it is, then she would be leery about accepting us for who we seem to be."
"So true, Orin, so very true. If I could only help her realise that I mean her no harm."
"That will come tonight. We must leave them tonight, for I refuse to sleep in my mortal form."
"As do I, Orin. I do miss our cosy cave. Laertes and Calantha are expecting us, I would think."
"So it is decided then. When they rest for the night, we find an excuse to leave."
Aurora nodded and sighed gently, walking ahead to talk to Raistlin. She noticed he and Skyflame were engaged in a hushed conversation, so she hung back, and listened.
"Raistlin, I don't care who they are. I don't trust them and I want them gone."
"I will have none of this, Skyflame. It is not your decision who stays in our group and who goes."
Skyflame glared at Raistlin. "Fine then. Either they are gone by the time we rest tonight, or I am. Take your pick." With that, she stalked away, her anger like a storm cloud brewing above her head.
Aurora walked up to Raistlin and looked at him, mouth agape. "Raistlin, I couldn't help but overhear…"
The mage sighed and looked at her. "She is very upset about your presence. She does not trust you or your brother…to the point that she is willing to leave the group if either, or both, of you stay. I have to ask you…" Raistlin paused and smiled slightly. "I sense that I do not need to ask you as you have already made up your mind to leave tonight."
Aurora nodded. "Orin and I have decided to return to our mates tonight and inform them of our situation. This is just more of a reason for us to leave."
"It is decided then. Please inform Orin of the discussion Skyflame had with me. That way, an informed decision can be made as to the best time to leave."
"As you wish." Aurora said as she turned and walked towards the rear of the party. "Just not right now."
Sometime later, Aurora was walking alone, contemplating what had brought her and her brother to this point. As was bestowed upon her and Orin as their mother's children, they were the mounts and dragon-companions of the Empress and her bodyguard. It was their honour and duty to protect the women from those who would harm them. Aurora remembered her mother's final words to her and Orin. She shed a tear silently for her mother, whom she and Orin had called Mamea.
"The Empress and her bodyguard will be summoned, and thus have no knowledge of their purpose or even their whereabouts. It is paramount that you be aware of this. Your father and I have done our best to prepare you for your duty, but you must heed my words. You mustn't reveal your true nature until the time is right. The Empress goes by the name 'Skyflame'; her bodyguard the name 'Kalinestiara.' You will be summoned by the neutral mage Raistlin Majere when Skyflame and Kalinestiara are within reach of the Book of the Dragon Empress. My darling children, I pray that you will remain strong and healthy, both physically and mentally, for this commitment will be impossible otherwise."
If only they had listened! Aurora was certain that her mother was mistaken. Summoning beings so important as the Empress and her bodyguard? That seemed absurd. Then again, she supposed, stranger things had happened…MUCH stranger things. When Raistlin had called for Aurora and Orin, Aurora had been overjoyed. Finally, she would meet the women of whom she had only dreamed. What did they look like? Aurora had pictured the Empress as a brown-haired woman with deep green eyes in the robes of good-white robes; her surprise when she saw Skyflame was obvious. Here was a woman with hair the colour of a ripe strawberry and lavender-coloured eyes, wearing the robes of neutrality-red robes. Aurora was even more surprised at Kalin. She had thought of a human mercenary, fierce and muscular, with dark, black hair and bright blue eues. Kalin was, in fact, an elven archer, slender in build and quite spirited. She brown hair and brown eyes. Aurora now chuckled at herself. Interesting, was it not, how the imagination could create people with no knowledge at all.
Aurora eyed the two women from beneath her hood. Her clandestine glances did not go unnoticed by Orin, and he was soon at her side. He knew that something was bothering his sister.
"What's wrong, Aurora?" He asked quietly, practically whispering in her ear.
She turned to look at him, wrapping her slender fingers around the silver pendant hanging around her neck. "I best tell you in private. Let us take leave from the group for a bit. I'm sure that our presence will be missed by no one, save for Raistlin."
Orin nodded and, as he and Aurora slipped out of sight, he also took hold of the silver pendant hanging from his neck. Soon, both had transformed into beautiful silver dragons and were flying from the group. The landed in a cave nearby, and Aurora explained to Orin the conversation that had taken place between Skyflame and Raistlin. He looked at her in shocked disbelief and was silent for many minutes before making any comment. Both he and Aurora transformed into humans again before either spoke.
"You are sure she said that?" He asked incredulously.
Aurora nodded and sighed. "She most certainly did. And, I have a feeling, that if Skyflame leaves the group, so too will Kalinestiara. We can't afford to have that happen. The fate of all Krynn rests in the discovery of the Book!"
"I agree with you, but we must make sure that we keep our distance if that is to happen."
"I know. I just wish there was another way."
Orin gave his sister a gentle hug and patted her shoulder. "Things will work out in the end, Aurora, you have to believe that."
Aurora sighed and smiled softly. "I try to, Orin. I try so hard to. We best be getting back."
With that, the two transformed into dragons and took off into the afternoon breeze. Increasingly, it seemed that the young dragons were in for more than even their mother had believed.
CHAPTER SIX - DISAPPEARANCE AND DISCOVERY
Aurora and Orin hoped that their absence had given Raistlin a chance to change Sky's mind. This could not have been farther from the truth, as Sky and Kalin were both missing. Tas was running around frantically between Tanis and Raistlin, his topknot all in a tizzy. It was at this point that Aurora and Orin slipped back into the group.
"Where did they go? Why'd they leave? Don't they know it's dangerous here? What if Kit...Kitiara, not the elf so formerly known as Kit, and Skie come back, and not Sky-the-red-mage Sky, but Skie-the-blue-dragon Skie? You know, I think we should go find them…but it's dangerous for us too! What do we do!? We need to-"
"Enough already, Tasslehoff!" Raistlin exclaimed exasperatedly. "We need to make a decision, and we can't do that with your incessant chatter!" With this, Raistlin turned to converse with Tanis as to the best course of action.
Meanwhile, Tasslehoff quieted down, but he still ran around frantically searching for his friends. He wondered why they had left in the first place. He pondered this while he searched in every place he could think of: behind tree trunks, in the branches, even under rocks, thinking that maybe Sky had managed to shrink herself and Kalin. Then, he remembered a conversation he'd overheard between Sky and Kalin earlier in the day.
"I don't trust them, Kit. I don't." Sky had whispered, using her friend's real name for the first time since the assignment of their new names. "They appear out of who-the-Hell knows where, and Raistlin expects us to accept them like they belong with us. I won't stand for this. If we're as important as Raistlin claims, then what use have we for these two outsiders."
Kalin shrugged and leaned in towards her friend. "I think we should give them a chance, Marn. I mean, they wouldn't be here if Raistlin didn't think they needed to be…"
"I don't care what Raistlin thinks they are. I don't trust them. It's either them or me. His choice."
Kalin's eyes widened. "But we don't know where we are…we didn't know where we were when we started, and we certainly don't know where we are now."
"Be that as it may, that's the ultimatum. You can stay, or you can come with me, it matters not…truth be told, though, I'd rather than you came with me." Sky looked at her friend, a glimmer of fear lingering in them.
Kalin smiled slightly and sighed. "You know that I wouldn't leave you alone. I just wish you weren't so stubborn. It doesn't have to come to this."
Sky shook her head emphatically. "But it does, Kit…don't you see that? I…" She sighed. "I just don't want to be here with them."
Kalin nodded and hugged her friend. "Don't worry, Marn. I'll support you whatever you do."
Tas realised then that Sky had probably been referring to Aurora and Orin. He looked around and noticed the two resting near a tree. He ran over and stood before them, pointing an accusatory finger. "It was YOU!" He yelled. "YOU chased them away!"
Aurora was absolutely dumbfounded, and Orin stared at Tas in disbelief. "Excuse me, Tasslehoff?" Orin managed to say. "We did what?"
"You made Sky and Kalin go away. Because you made Sky uncomfortable, or something. What did you do anyway? I mean, it's not like you tried to kill her or take her away or anything…not like Kit did…and by Kit I mean Kitiara, not the elf so formerly known as Kit."
Aurora was about to say something when Raistlin and Tanis walked up. "It's no secret that Skyflame disliked Aurora and Orin. It's also no secret that Kalin and Sky are very good, very close friends and thus they would be inclined to stick together." Raistlin said, stating the obvious. "What is a secret, however, is where they went and if they will return. Until such point as we can find out, we need to be on the look out for them. Nonetheless, we must continue onwards." Raistlin sighed deeply and rested heavily on his staff as he turned from the others and resumed walking. He prayed that Gilean would find the girls unharmed, and that he would return them safely to Raistlin's care.
While Raistlin and the others were continuing on towards the ice caves, Kalin and Sky were walking through the forest on a path that had seen better days. More than once, Kalin stopped and looked at her friend, sighing. She did not want to be here, trekking God only knows where. She was happy walking with Tanis and the others. She did not really understand what Sky had against Aurora and Orin. They were nice enough, and they did not try to intervene in the group in any way. She sighed again and ran to catch up with her friend.
Sky's demeanour had changed significantly since they had left the group. The confident and headstrong air she had carried was now replaced by one of fear and doubt. Kalin noticed immediately, and asked her friend about it.
"Sky? Why so glum, chum?"
Skyflame turned to look at her, her face wrought with indecision. "I don't think this was such a good idea…I mean, we don't even know where it is that we're going." She sighed deeply. "I shouldn't have convinced you to leave. Now we are both lost because of my stupid idea."
Kalin placed a hand on Sky's shoulder. "It didn't matter. I would have gone with you regardless. I only have one problem with what happened." Kalin paused, trying to find the best way to voice her concern. "I'm wondering what, exactly, it is about Aurora and Orin that you don't trust? They've been nothing but polite, even kind, about giving you your space. They haven't tried to kidnap you or kill you. I, personally, think they're rather nice." She looked at her friend, trying to gauge her reaction.
Sky merely nodded and sighed, her shoulders falling in resignation. "I know. I guess it was just because everyone was so wrapped up in their arrival that they didn't notice I was gone. And now, thinking back, I realise that it was Aurora who noticed that I was missing. Maybe I was wrong to judge them right away." She looked around at their surroundings. "And now I have no idea how to get back. They've probably gone on without us anyway." She threw Kalin a melodramatic look and sighed. "Oh, Kalin…when sorrows come, they come not as single spies, but in battalions!"
Kalin was about to speak when she heard a squeal that was not quite animal, not quite human, coming from the bushes. She moved just in time to see a small being emerge from the bushes and scamper away. Both women were taken aback, but did not have the time to think about it. They could hear branches snapping, leaves rustling, and voices hollering in anger…coming towards them! Kalin and Sky hid in the bushes on the side of the path opposite the voices; Kalin readied her bow, and Sky drew a defence spell.
From the other side of the path emerged three of the ugliest things the women had ever seen. The women drew back in disgust and fear, but maintained their position. Kalin turned to Sky and whispered. "Tanis told me about these…they're goblins."
Sky looked at her, eyes wide. "Goblins? As in witches and ghosts and goblins? They shouldn't be to difficult to deal with…"
Kalin smiled and chuckled softly. "Not quite as easy as you'd think. They have tough, thick skin, and anger easily. Tanis said that we should avoid them if at all possible."
Sky nodded slowly in understanding. "Makes sense to me. I can't say that I'd want to get involved with things that look like that anyway. Let's sneak away." Sky went to move, but she stepped on a branch and it snapped. The goblins' heads whipped around to look, and they saw Sky just as she was ducking down.
"Hooman!" The closest one shouted. "Must be in team with dwarf!"
"Must have bow! Bow worth much money! Must find dwarf, then get hooman!" One of his cohorts yelled in return.
"Orgba find! Belong to me!" The third yelled. "Must get back! Attack hooman, then find dwarf!
Sky looked at Kalin, her eyes wide in fright. "I'm sorry, Kalin! I think we're about to get involved!"
Kalin nodded and moved closer to Sky as the goblins moved towards them. The last thing she heard Sky say before the attack was "Gilean, grant me the power to beat them, the spells to do it, and the intelligence not to do something stupid like that again!"
The group moved along at a slow pace, disheartened by the disappearance of Kalinestiara and Skyflame. Raistlin looked much frailer than usual, and there were times when it was unsure as to whether he could continue. Tanis was often lost in thought, trying to figure out just where the women could go. Orin was doing his best to comfort his sister, although she was taking it surprisingly well. Tas walked along slowly, his head hung. He did not understand why Kalin and Sky had left. Were they not all friends? Did they not care that he would miss them? He sighed and looked into the trees. He thought he saw fire, and was about to say something, when a scream of terror was heard coming from the trees, and then another voice, frightened, screaming "Let her go!"
Raistlin seemed to grow stronger instantly, his raspy voice eerily calm. "We are needed. Sky and Kalin are not far."
When the group reached Kalin and Sky, they were shocked to find the two engaged in an extremely one-sided battle with three large goblins. One of them was holding Kalin hostage, preventing her friend from using her magic. Another was attempting to take Kalin's bow from her, claiming, "Orgba find! Orgba find!" Kalin was struggling valiantly, but to no avail. The goblin was much stronger than she, and had too good a grip on her for Kalin to slip away. Sky's face was wrinkled with thought, her hands ready to cast another spell.
At that point, Kalin managed to get enough momentum to wrench away from the goblin. She ran back to Sky and both women looked at each other, at a loss for an attack strategy. Then, Kalin got an idea and whispered it quickly to Sky. "Okay. I'm going to count to three, then shoot an arrow. I want you to cast a fire spell on that arrow."
Sky looked at her, incredulous. "Won't that, like, incinerate it or something?"
Kalin shrugged. "I dunno, but it's about our only hope right now!"
Kalin nocked an arrow and aimed for one of the goblins. She pulled back the bowstring and said, "1…2…3! NOW!" She released the string and the arrow flew through the air. At that moment, she heard Sky cry out "Spheris, Pyralis!" A ball of flame flew through the air and engulfed the arrow, but did not destroy it. The flaming arrow flew through the air and slammed into its target, causing the goblin to catch fire. It yelled with ferocity unheard and was soon no more than a mound of ashes. The other goblins, enraged at the death of their comrade, charged the women. Suddenly, the one who called himself Orgba stopped. Kalin and Sky had reduced his friend to a pile of ash, and he, not wanting to suffer the same fate, had ceased his advance. He turned and began running in the other direction. As he ran, they could hear him yelling, "I get hoomans! Orgba find bow!"
Too caught up in the fight, Kalin and Sky had failed to notice their spectators. Now, however, they turned to see five mouths agape and one very pleased Raistlin. He walked over to them, his face lit up with a crooked grin. "I knew one of you would figure it out! Absolutely brilliant!"
Kalin blushed gently and smiled. "It was of need at the time. I'm sure that we'd have never tried it if we weren't in danger." She paused and looked around. "What WAS that little thing anyway?"
As if on cue, the little being crawled out of the bushes and stood before them, beaming happily. She bowed somewhat clumsily and said, "Thank you for save me."
Kalin and Sky merely nodded, their eyes wide with curiosity. The small being before then was one of the filthiest they had ever seen. A female, her hair sprung from her head in every direction and she had whiskers sprouting from her cheeks. Her clothing was very basic and had seen better days. Her overskirt, which went to her knees, was like a dirty patchwork quilt and was held in place by a piece of frayed rope. The only truly interesting thing about her was the large sack she carried over her shoulder. The women turned their attention then to the rest of the group, looking for an answer to their very obvious question. It was Raistlin who spoke first.
"She is an Aghar, or gully dwarf as her race is typically called. They are the bane of any city's existence, living in filthy, abandoned areas where even the vermin refuse to live. They know much and can tell you it all if they can manage to piece together a sentence."
Sky smiled. "I bet she'd be able to help us."
Tanis looked at Sky, obviously thinking she was insane due to her last comment. "What help could a gully dwarf possibly provide us?"
Sky looked at Tanis. "Well, Mr. Smartypants, can you tell us how to get to the caves from here?"
Tanis' face reddened slightly. "I can't, no."
Sky smiled sardonically. "Then we need someone who can. And if, as Raistlin claims, gully dwarves know much and speak little, then all we need to do is get this one to talk to us…as much as she can handle. Besides, I'd like her along anyway. I think she's cute."
Skyflame walked over to the gully dwarf and knelt on the ground. "What's your name, little one?"
The gully dwarf looked at Sky hesitantly, suspiciously. "Bupu."
Sky smiled broadly. "That's cute." Her face went serious and her voice was low. "My friends and I are lost and need help getting to the ice caves. Could you help us?"
Bupu continued to eye Skyflame suspiciously. "Why I help you?"
Skyflame sighed. "I can do neat things…like this." Sky took a rock from the ground and threw it into the air, where it disappeared from sight!
Bupu looked on, amazed. "How you do!?" She exclaimed.
Sky smiled and then reached for Bupu's ear. Out came the rock! Bupu was completely flabbergasted. It was at this point that Sky took advantage of Bupu's inattention to what she was saying. Sky closed her eyes and whispered beneath her breath, "Suh tangus moipar, ast akular kalipar." Almost instantaneously, Bupu was at her side, pulling on her robes and saying, "You follow. I know way!"
The rest of the group looked on in amazement. Kalin turned to Raistlin. "Raist, what was that she just said? That's not like any of the other spells she's been learning…even the language is different! Is that Gully Dwarf or something?"
Raistlin shook his head, incredulous. "That was the language of the ancient magi. New magi do not learn that. It is thought to be too difficult."
Kalin nodded. "So then why did you teach Sky?"
Raistlin's golden eyes met Kalin's. "I didn't." He then looked over at Aurora and Orin. Aurora was beaming knowingly, her eyes shifting to Raistlin's and seemed to be saying, "She is learning."
Kalin's eyes widened and she turned to look at Sky, who was calling them from a short distance away, Bupu tugging on her robes. "C'mon, you guys! We don't have all day!"
Just then, Bupu stopped. "Wait!" She cried. "Bupu have present for elf who save life!" She walked over to Kalin and started digging around in her sack. Soon, she brought out a beautiful bow, carved with ancient runes. She handed it to Kalin. "You take. Me no use."
Kalin's eyes sparkled as she took the bow. "Thank-you, Bupu." She looked at Raistlin, who had gasped. "What is it, Raist? What's wrong?"
Raistlin's eyes were glowing. "Stormstrike."
Kalin's expression was blank. "Stormstrike?"
Raistlin nodded, but dismissed her question. "Yes, Stormstrike. I cannot explain its importance to you now; for there is much you have yet to learn before you can fully comprehend the meaning of this gift. Know, however, that you and only you, Kalinestiara, can ever use that bow to its full potential."
After that, Bupu again began pulling on Sky's robes. "Come! Come! We go now!"
Sky nodded and called the group while being pulled along by Bupu. "Let's go, guys. This one's a little impatient."
CHAPTER SEVEN – BUPU’S SURPRISE
After travelling for several days, Bupu brought them to a clearing surrounded on three sides by rock face. During that time, Raistlin had spent countless hours reflecting upon Skyflame’s acquisition of the ancient language, and even more deflecting and ignoring Kalin’s questions about the bow, Stormstrike. Standing in the clearing, he turned to Bupu, his mouth twisted in irritation. “I do not see the entrance to a cave here. Are you sure you know where we are, Bupu?”
Bupu rolled her eyes and looked at Sky. “He not very perceptive. For red guy, he very stupid. Of course Bupu know. Bupu not stupid. He not see cave because cave hidden. Bupu use magic words to open.”
Sky could not contain her amusement and she laughed, her eyes twinkling. She nodded at Bupu. “Of course it’s hidden. However, Raistlin isn’t stupid, Bupu. He tends to state the obvious at times, but he is far from stupid. Could you open the secret opening for us, Bupu?”
The gully dwarf nodded and began rummaging around in her sack. She pulled out a dead rat and walked over to the side of the mountain, muttering something akin to gibberish and waving the rat around in the air. The hilarity of the situation was not lost on the companions, and they had to suppress their laughter or risk offending Bupu and thus risking their way to the ice caves.
Suddenly, the rock opened, and there before them was an icy passageway. Raistlin’s eyes widened significantly, and the group was in awe…all except for Tasslehoff. He was giggling uncontrollably. Bupu beckoned the group and as they all went inside, she waited for them. As soon as she stepped inside, the door closed. Raistlin and Skyflame were amazed, to say the least, but Tasslehoff soon informed the magi of Bupu’s “trick.”
“It wasn’t really magic, Sky.” He started. “I mean, I’ve never met a magical dead rat before. Come to think of it, I’ve never met a dead rat who could do ANYTHING before…” Tas paused to ponder this a moment. “Anyway. The dead rat doesn’t have any magic at all…well, it might, but not door-opening magic. Of course, it could have door-opening magic, but not door-opening magic that can open this door. It was a hidden switch in the ground. She stepped on it and the door opened.” Tas laughed, his topknot bouncing. “She probably had the rat in her hand one day and stepped on the switch by accident.”
The magi nodded in understanding and agreement. It was obvious that they believed Bupu knew magic, and both were trying to make it seem as though the thought had never entered their minds. It was then that they heard a shrill voice calling them.
“Come now! We go to caves!” Bupu was yelling. “We not have all time!”
Bupu soon had them walking through cold and winding passages. Raistlin and Tanis seemed to be just fine, and Tas was prattling on as always, but Sky and Kalin were having a rough time. They were terribly cold, and no amount of activity could warm them. Perhaps the most difficult times were when the group rested. Aurora and Orin seemed quite at odds with the climate in the caves, but not so much as Kalin and Sky. The girls huddled for warmth, using their travelling blankets to keep the heat near their bodies. The ground was frozen, so they had to sit on a blanket. This went on for a long time, a few days at least, and the women soon caught a cold.
They travelled for what seemed like many days, getting lost on the caverns and passages in the mountains. It was taking a toll on everyone, and tempers were simmering. During this time, no one seemed to realise that Sky’s medallion was beginning to glow brightly from atop her staff. Eventually, Bupu led them to a passage that was mysteriously warmer than the others. Her face seemed to pale, and she pulled Skyflame aside.
“Me forgot to tell you…” she started. “There be big dragon in room ahead.”
Sky’s eyes widened. “Tell me you’re kidding, Bupu. Please tell me that you’re kidding…”
Bupu shook her head sadly. “Me wish. No, there definitely big dragon.”
Sky sighed deeply. “Can you show me, Bupu? Show me where the big dragon is?”
Bupu nodded and Sky asked her to wait. She walked back to the group and took a deep breath. “There may be a problem…Bupu and I are going to look ahead.”
Raistlin began to walk towards Sky. “I am coming with you.”
“No you aren’t, Raistlin. You stay back here with the others. I won’t be long.”
“Skyflame, I think that you are making a grave mistake…”
Sky looked at Raistlin, her eyes calm. “Please, Raistlin,” She said softly. “I can do this.”
Raistlin stopped and stared at Skyflame, realising that she was beginning to understand. Sky turned and Bupu took her hand. “Come, I show you!” She said as she pulled sky down the passage. “Bupu not kidding!”
Bupu led Sky up the passage to the end. Sky peered around the corner and gasped softly. There was, indeed, a dragon…a large white dragon, to be exact. “Uh, Lunitari’s idish…” Skyflame sighed in frustration and turned to Bupu. “You weren’t kidding at all, little one. Let’s get back to the others.”
The first sign that Sky and Bupu were back was a strange muttering. Raistlin's eyes widened as Sky and Bupu emerged from the passage. He was glad that the others did not understand what Skyflame was saying, and he was glad that no one asked him to interpret, because the language she was using would put even the dirtiest sailor to shame. It certainly did not need to be repeated. He asked Sky what the problem was, and her reply shocked everyone.
“There’s a dragon. A nice, big, white one, just waiting in the cavern. We may have more problems that you anticipated, Raist.”
Just then, Orin spoke up, his face concerned. “I had heard rumour of a dragon in these caves. Her name is Echo. She is likely the guardian of that which we seek.”
Sky looked at Kalin, who was muttering beneath her breath in a language that was unknown to everyone but Skyflame. “Un dragon? Mon Dieu, c’est impossible!”
Sky shook her head. “Non, Kalin, c’est vrai. Un dragon.”
Kalin sighed and muttered something under her breath. Sky chuckled and leaned over to her friend. “That’s exactly what I said when I found out.”
CHAPTER EIGHT – TRANSFORMATIONS
She heard the footsteps approaching. Echo opened an eye and saw the hooded head peer around the corner, the hood a deep blood red in the moonlight that filtered from a crack in the ceiling. She saw the head retreat and was about to go back to sleep when she heard “Uh, Lunitari’s idish…” Her head snapped up as the words registered. “Oh, for God’s sake…” It was spoken in the language of the ancient magi. Only the most accomplished mages ever learned it, and that was only if their masters were fortunate enough to know it. Obviously, the mage had a very knowledgeable, very powerful master. Then, Echo’s thoughts turned to something else. She had sensed something about that person, something very powerful. Her eyes danced as she laughed quietly. Regardless, she would not let them near her treasure. That filthy gully dwarf had already stolen Stormstrike; the gods would surely frown upon her for it, but she was determined to rectify that mistake.
Echo laid her head back down so that she could rest. It was not often that she got visitors, and she rather liked it that way. She needed to keep her strength if she was to chase the mage away. There was something disconcerting about the mage…something that Echo couldn’t quite place. Perhaps it was the strong aura of magic power, or the fact that she was travelling with a gully dwarf. Whatever it was, Echo was certain that she had no need for the young human, a female by the sounds of the voice, and could dispense of her with minimal effort. She closed her eyes once more and entered into a peaceful slumber.
A few hours later, when the group was asleep, Skyflame snuck back to the cavern and studied the dragon. Her scales shone a pale, snowy white in the moonlight but with a hint of green. Her talons were long and sharp, stained on the tips. She was beautiful, Sky thought, in a dangerous sort of way. Not that she was particularly attracted to women, or dragons for all that mattered, but she could not help being awestricken by the beauty and obvious power of this creature. Sky stood there, completely focused on the dragon and did not hear the footsteps sneaking up on her. She felt a tap on her shoulder, and it was all she could do not to scream. There, standing behind her was Kalin.
“Sky, what are you doing!?” Kalin whispered.
“I’m looking. It’s always a good strategy to know thine enemy.” She whispered back. “I don’t know about this, Kalin…we haven’t had to actually fight a dragon yet…”
Kalin merely shrugged. “I’m sure that we can handle one dragon.” She poked her head around the corner and paused, then looked at Sky. “You know, maybe you’re right.”
Sky smiled and nodded gently. “I think we should go tell Raistlin. He’ll know what to do.”
The women turned to leave and were surprised to see Raistlin standing in front of them. His eyes glimmered in the light reflecting off the icy walls, and his voice was soft. “What are you doing here?”
Skyflame opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a voice coming from behind her. “You should know better than to spy, human. It’s impolite.”
Sky and Kalin moved beside Raistlin, taken by surprise; an elven woman blocked the entrance to the cavern. Her skin was a pale white, with the slightest touch of pink in her cheeks and lips, revealing her as alive and not a marble statue as she appeared to be. Her hair was an icy blue, held back in a silver clasp, and reached her ankles. Her eyes were a deep blue, the colour of an angry, turbulent sea. She wore a dress, white like the colour of her skin, with a layer of sheer, ice blue material over top. The icy ends of the fabric trailed out and down like silken icicles from the overly-long sleeves that drape past her arms, and the same fabric adds an iciness to the long skirt that draped to the floor. Her neck is adorned with a single clear crystal, hung from a silver chain.
Skyflame was first to speak, having recovered from her surprise. “We weren’t spying, per say, we were…scouting…for a place to sleep.”
The woman laughed, her voice tinkling like icicles dropping to the ground. “Of course you were. I know your race better than you might think.”
“I don’t think you should jump to conclusions about people you don’t know.” Sky countered. “Who are you anyway? And what right do you have to treat us like this?”
“I am Naiya, and I can treat you however I please,” Came the woman’s frosty reply. “You are below me.”
“We aren’t ‘below you,’” Kalin retorted. “You don’t even know us. You can’t make claims like that!”
“I know enough about your kind to know that you can’t be trusted, and that you are as filthy as a gully dwarf, and twice as stupid. Go back to whatever hole you crawled out of, for I have no desire to associate with you any longer. If you don’t leave, then I will resort to force if need be. I don’t appreciate your presence.”
“Then resort to force, bitch.” Sky taunted. “C’mon, do it.”
Kalin joined in. “Yeah, c’mon do it. We aren’t afraid of you.”
Naiya’s eyes narrowed and she spun around. “As you wish.” Right before their eyes, the elven woman morphed into the white dragon Sky and Kalin had seen just moments before.
Raistlin sighed. “Always be wary of who you make enemies of.”
Sky turned to look at Raistlin. “No one calls us stupid, no one calls us filthy, and no one says that they’re better than us.”
Kalin nodded in agreement and the girls walked into the cavern.
Echo was not prepared for the women’s entry into the cavern. She was expecting them to run in fear, but they did seemingly the complete opposite. The women faced the dragon and stared into her eyes for what seemed like an eternity. The dragon was about to cast a spell when six others ran into the cave. There was another elf, though he looked to be a half-elf, what with his facial hair. There was the gully dwarf, a kender…the dragon grimaced. A gully dwarf and a kender…they kept strange travelling mates. There was the other red-robed mage, a male, and two other humans. It mattered not. She would dispose of them easily and then get back to her nap.
She focused her attention on the women in front of her, her voice booming in the cavern. “Prepare to die.”
Skyflame narrowed her eyes, her voice calm and clear. “Don’t be so sure of yourself, dragon. Perhaps we are more powerful than you assume.”
Echo laughed sardonically. “I doubt it.”
Sky looked at Kalin and grinned. “C’mon,dragon. You afraid?”
“I am anything but afraid. I’m merely giving you feeble mortals a chance to prepare yourself for the worst.”
Kalin’s eyes lit with a mischievous twinkle. “Prepare for what?? A little smoke in the face? Oh, please! I bet a gully dwarf could do more damage than you!”
Echo’s eyes narrowed. “Indeed, I’d like to see your gully dwarf companion try…”
Sky laughed. “Yeah, so you could use her tactics, no doubt! C’mon, Echo, hit us with your best shot.”
Echo paused. “What makes you so ready to die, human?”
“Who says we’re going to die, hunh? If you’re so sure of yourself, why are you hesitating?” Kalin laughed. “You couldn’t hurt a fly…”
“Don’t test my patience!” Echo fumed. “All I have to do is breathe…”
“Then do it.” Sky challenged.
“If you insist…”
Sky’s eyes lit with lavender flames, lightning glowing at her fingertips. “Shirki muan!!” Skyflame yelled, her voice ringing through the cavern, freezing everyone in place. “Sharcum pas edistus, damen du!!”
Echo stopped in mid-spell, her mind translating the ancient language. “Obey me!! Do as I say, damn you!!”
Kalin readied Stormstrike, nocking an arrow in anticipation. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what Sky had said. Skyflame was preparing to cast a lightning spell on the dragon, when Echo morphed into her elven form.
“You know the language of the ancients. It was you earlier.”
Sky’s face was blank. “I guess it’s the language of the ancients…if you say it is.”
Naiya looked from the woman to her staff, the top of which was glowing brightly. “It cannot be…”
Sky looked up at her staff, squinting slightly. “What? It’s glowing…like you’ve never seen anything glow before…”
Naiya looked at Sky. “You have no idea, do you? You are Skyflame…” She looked from Sky to Kalin. “Which means that you cannot be anyone else but Kalinestiara.”
Sky and Kalin were speechless. Naiya merely smiled icily and looked at Raistlin. “I do not see anyone else here who could understand what’s going on, so you must have something to do with their appearance.”
Raistlin nodded. “I do, Naiya. I have everything to do with why they are here. It was I who brought them.”
Naiya nodded and then turned to Aurora and Orin. “And, if I am correct, you two aren’t who you seem to be. No matter. All will be revealed in time.” She stepped to the side and, sweeping her arm across the cavern, revealed an icy altar. “Go, Skyflame. Realise your destiny.”
Sky looked at Naiya as if she had lost her mind, her eyes narrowed strangely as she walked to the altar. She cried out in surprise and dropped her staff as the light from the medallion grew, the chain of the medallion wrapping around the dark wood of the staff, melding with it to produce a golden pattern that weaved down to the tip. The group watched in amazement as Sky’s robes went from a blood red to a deep cerulean, the hood, cuffs, and bottom outlined with gold and silver runes. The ice of the altar began to melt, revealing a book, whose cover was a deep indigo with silver runes, entitled “Spellbook of the Dragon Empress.”
At the same time as all this, it soon became apparent that a transformation was occurring with Kalin as well. The runes on her bow were glowing an eerie blue, and her green tunic changed to the same colour as Sky’s robes. Her tan-coloured pants turned to a pale grey, and a blue cloak appeared at her feet. Kalin picked up the cloak and pulled it over her shoulders, tying it around her neck. It was made of a silken material, but was stronger and softer than silk. Kalin’s eyes were wide as a small icy patch melted to reveal a quiver of arrows made of the same wood as Stormstrike, and a small book whose bluish-green cover read “The Powers and Spells of Stormstrike.”
The women picked up their newfound belongings, their eyes wide in wonderment and disbelief. Aurora and Orin walked over and bowed before them, Aurora extending a hand to Skyflame, and Orin extending a hand to Kalin. “We are proud to serve you.”
Kalin stepped back. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Serve what? Why? What’s this all about?”
Raistlin stepped forward, his raspy voice echoing eerily in the cavern. “Skyflame, the Dragon Empress, and Kalinestiara Sothinara, Protector and Loyal Friend to the Empress. Welcome to your destiny.”
CHAPTER NINE – IDENTITIES REVEALED
