Page 35 of Emerald Waves
“I may be able to help the rest of you accompany Caro.” Raven’s lithe body gracefully slid between the protectors as she entered the horde. “Though it’s an incantation I’ve not performed before and is derived from Mattias’ gift.”
“Wait, I can share my element with my brothers?” Mattias asked.
I grabbed my phone and hit the recording app, not wanting to miss a second of this to include in the historical diaries.
“Yes, as the protectors you each harness the ability to share your affinities with one another. Thankfully, up until now there hasn’t been a need to do so. But there is no denying there’s been a shift in the magical realm, and we need to prepare for whatever may come. The powers bestowed upon each of you run far deeper than you’ll hopefully ever need to know.”
“How had we not known?” Ionus was at constant war with himself, his own disappointment in not having been privy to this was evident given his scowl.
“Ionus, we are all a work in progress, learning is eternal as are you. Just as none of you knew what that stone was before today and asked your archivist to find out, I too learn from our elders whenever I call upon them for guidance. There is no way anyone will ever know everything.”
“Raven, why have you not shared any of this before?” This was one of those times I wished to hide from Ionus’ wrath while Raven clearly had zero trepidation when dealing with him.
“Because I only just learned of it myself. The more stirrings such as this within our dimension, the more often spirit has visited me. Strength is in numbers, Ionus, this is constantly reiterated to me, and the strength is in the five of you staying together as we wade through these trying times. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that dark days lie ahead.”
“Dragon Wars,” Mattias muttered.
“Yes, only this time there are five protectors leading the battle. Light will always overshadow the dark and what was lacking during the first Dragon Wars was a unified force. Goddess saw that and thus the protectors were born from it. Every clan was out for itself, each with its own leader and its own agenda. Didn’t any of you ever wonder how you came to be?” The brothers shook their heads. “You were born of the light from the dark. Your mother knew of this, spirit visited her on many an occasion and she swore to protect you with her life until you were able to protect yourselves. You’ve trained in battle for centuries and now it’s time to learn to draw from your lifeforces.”
“The Gems.”
“Yes, Ionus, the gems are your lifeforce and as long as they remain together your strength is limitless. Apart, it weakens each of you.”
There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Raven had changed. She spoke with more authority, surer of herself than she had been before. There was strength in her words and an ethereal glow shrouding her.
“Your powers have intensified.”
“Yes, they have, Emerson,” she smiled. “The elders have bestowed upon me the greatest of gifts. Not only second sight but knowledge and magical abilities beyond my wildest dreams. I can now call upon the elements with the greatest of ease and without incantations.” Raven held her palm upward and aglowing orb appeared, hovering just above her hand. “Things are not always as they seem.”
“Who will teach us to harness these powers, High Priestess?”
Raven bowed her head. “Thank you for acknowledging my new role within the coven, Ionus.”
Caro rose then each brother bowed and recited their unwavering vow to protect as one:
Goddess, we thank thee for these gifts you have bestowed upon us. With them we accept the responsibility to protect human and dragon kind from the dark and bring with it the light.
Peace be to all.
I’d never heard them recite it before nor had I known any such credo existed. Thankfully, it was recorded so I could add it to the archives for future generations to read. It was truly an honor to have witnessed this firsthand.
“Let’s proceed to the gems. I don’t wish to damage this magnificent horde.” Caro’s cheeks reddened at Raven’s words. “The gift you share with your brother is amazing, Caro. Earth isn’t just of dirt nor flora and fauna. It’s all encompassing.”
Caro nodded. “Thank you, Priestess.”
As the brothers left, Caro wrapped his arms around me.
Safe. My dragon whispered.
Always with us, my love.
“Are you okay, Caro? I mean, really alright. No lying to your mate.” My stern tone was met with his devious laughter in return.
“As of right now, yes. But I fear if the statue isn’t soon returned that may come to an end. My only question is how they just realized it was gone and that it was in my possession.”
“Great question. Better brush up on my Draconian and continue deciphering the scrolls.”
Caro kissed me and headed toward the door, turning just before he reached it. “I love you, Emerson. Please don’t ever forget that.”
