Starshadow, Myrkir

  Sonja Starshadow sat at her desk in the expansive Starshadow Castle. In her hands was an unopened report that had just been handed to her by the person across from her. She set it down on her desk. "Any trouble? I expected you back some time ago," she said quietly.

  Dahlia Blackheart shook her head. At the moment, the shape-shifting Onyx Dragon was in what was closest to her natural form. Her olive toned skin was slightly darker than other Onyx Dragons. She had yellow-ish eyes and long white hair. She was dressed in easy to move in leather, and with highly androgynous features with sharp contours. She sat in a chair across from Sonja's desk. She crossed her legs and tapped her fingers on the arm.

  "No trouble," she said in a slightly husky tone. "Aside from curbing the desire to go on a murder spree," she added.

  A few weeks earlier, Sonja had bumped into a young Dragon girl who seemed to be mistreated by her family. For reasons even Sonja can't explain, she felt drawn to the girl. So, she had Dahlia Blackheart investigate the girl and her family.

  Dahlia was a mercenary and with her ability to change her appearance, she was good at investigating things. And with the right spells, she was even able to hide the fact that she was a Dragon from other Dragons. The Darkbane clan of Elmdale was the last known holder of an ancient artifact known as the Shadow Blade. The previous matriarch had been friends with Sonja's grandmother. But that wasn't why she was interested. For a family to abuse a Dragon daughter was an unheard of taboo.

  Sonja tilted her head and waited for Dahlia to continue.

  "Argyle Darkbane is the last of that direct Darkbane line. He was the youngest at the time of the Plague, all his older family members died, leaving him as the sole inheritor. There are some more distant cousins but they're separated by several generations and have no claim to his family properties," Dahlia explained. "He has some interesting contacts. I think you and Zane will recognize some of the names," she added pointedly.

  Sonja raised her brow. There was only one reason she would say that. "People who also had contact with Ludvig?" she asked.

  Dahlia nodded. These people haven't done anything criminal, but the overlapping points of contact were interesting if tenuous. "He doesn't seem to be involved in the kidnapping plot," she stated. "It's just that these people have some interesting views on men and women and their places in the world," she said. "It's all in the report," she said. She didn't want to rehash the part where she shifted into a henpecked man and hung out with these people in various inns and bars for awhile.

  Sonja nodded slightly. "I understand. We'll mark them for surveillance," she said, referring to herself and Zane Darkwynde, the High Sentinel of Myrkir and the person in charge of military matters. He was also Dahlia's older half-brother. "What else?"

  Dahlia wrinkled her nose in disgust. "He married some flighty Elf woman and had a few children. Two older sons, Melaina, and the youngest Ellerby. The boys are treated like princes, and the girl like a servant. Even the mother doesn't intervene to protect her daughter. From what I can see, aside from a town school for a few years to learn the basics, she wasn't allowed further education," she explained flatly, not letting any emotion color her voice.

  Sonja frowned. "Is there a problem with the woman?" she asked.

  Dahlia nodded. "She's part of a small displaced group who came to Emphyralis before the end of the War," she explained.

  Individuals and groups of people coming to Emphyralis has been happening for as long as anyone can remember. Which is why the public outcry against "foreigners" is strange.

  "I don't remember that," Sonja said with a frown.

  Dahlia shook her head. "I didn't either, but I checked the records. It was a fleeing group that hid in a cave, and ended up on Emphyralis. They're former slaves in their world, so their personalities have been formed by these experiences. The woman appears to be numb to the violence toward the girl, and seems to be grateful for the rich life she's currently living as the wife of a wealthy Dragon," she explained.

  Sonja shifted in her chair. "I understand. I'll read your report and decide my next move," she said. "Will you be heading to Thale now?" she asked.

  Dahlia stood and stretched, her body lengthening, her chest flattening, and the contours of her face changing slightly, becoming more masculine while still retaining the usual androgyny. Even her hair was shortened. "Hmm. I plan to deliver myself via Drake," she said, her husky voice now slightly deeper.

  Sonja nodded and dismissed her. After the shapeshifter left, Sonja opened the report and began to read it.

  --

  Icestorme, Thale

  In the reception hall of Icestorme Hall, Morganna waited along with her three sons and a few officials and guards scattered around. This is where they agreed to meet the envoy from Silubra.

  Marius Icestorme was already over thirty, his icy teal eyes sharp. His dark hair was cut high and tight, emphasizing his strong face and regal nose. Slightly darker and larger than his siblings. He had recently taken over the duties of his late father, the High General of Thale. His sword-like brows in slight frown, his face serious. His pointed ears were starkly adorned unlike the usual fashion of Thale, with only one dangly earring in one ear and a stud in the other. Shimmery yellow, insectine wings were folded on his back while his arms were folded across his chest.

  The twenty-four year old Mason was a little more flamboyant with his hair slightly longer and carefree, several gold earrings decorated his ears. He was lighter than his older brother but darker than his mother. He took after her more than their late father. His pale blue wings would twitch every now and then as they waited. Unlike his older, and to an extent his younger brother, he had no interest in military matters. After finishing his schooling, he became a law clerk in the judiciary.

  The youngest son was Maddox. He was only ten. He kept his dark hair long. It was currently in a braid. He was the palest of the family, but looked the most like their mother, with his wings even the same color and shape as hers. Despite his delicate looks, he was tough as nails, and always wanted to fight with his big brother.

  The three of them were similarly dressed, in clothes suited more for desert living than harsh antarctic environs, with loose clothes, sandals on their feet, and light fabrics. Maddox leaned against his mother. "Is it time yet?" he asked. He was an active child and all this waiting around was incredibly boring.

  Mason reached out and pinched the tip of his little brother's ear. "Can't even wait a few minutes for important guests. You're the face of Thale. Learn some patience," he scolded gently.

  Maddox jerked his head out of his brother's reach. "Ugh. Stop it," he complained, puffing his cheeks in ire, looking like an angry little chipmunk.

  Marius cleared his throat and shot both of his brothers a neutral look, that still effectively stopped their bickering.

  Morganna chuckled lightly and patted her youngest son on the head. "It's almost time. After they arrive and we greet them, you can go play," she assured him.

  The boy gave a childishly dramatic sigh. "Fine," he agreed. He straightened up shoulders, tugged the cloth wrapped around his waist and straightened the inner edges of the sleeveless robe he wore over his loose white shirt.

  Mason snorted in amusement while Marius ignored the antics.

  They didn't have to wait too long. After only a few more minutes, a crack rent the air and a luminescent purple Drake appeared in front of them with a bag draped across her body. She flew around for a second to decelerate before disappearing into a purple mist that then solidified into a girl wearing the silver-gray robes of a Mage of Silvermoon Mage's Tower. Patterns stitched into the fabric denoted her identity as an apprentice of a high ranking Mage.

  ZsaZsa bowed to the noble family of Thale. "Countess Icestorme, High General Icestorme, young lords Icestorme," she greeted. "I am Shoshannah Morningstorme of Silvermoon Mage's Tower," she introduced, producing her identity token for verification.

  Morganna smiled in welcome while Marius double checked the silver scale-shaped identity token before handing it back. He nodded at his mother to indicate there was no problem.

  Mason was a little curious. "I heard that Earthborne Dragons could turn into Drakes, but seeing it for myself is something else," he commented.

  Maddox's eyes, on the other hand, were shining. "Awesome! I wish I could do that," he declared.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  ZsaZsa smiled slightly uncomfortably, not really knowing how to respond. She forgot how unusual her constitution was.

  Morganna came to her rescue. "Welcome to Icestorme. Come, we'll take her to a place where you can awaken the others," she said. As a unit the family of four led her to a comfortably attired sitting room. "When you're ready, just let one of the guards know," she instructed. She then led her sons out of the room.

  ZsaZsa waited no time in pulling the capsules out of her bag and setting them on the ground. Britiana created these special cloaks in order to help Delaney Crowley bring more people through the Shadow Dimension so she wouldn't have to make multiple trips. They've also found that they're useful for capturing enemies.

  It put the person inside into a type of stasis sleep, allowing them to be put into storage devices, which could not support life. The only drawback was that after awakening, there would be a few minutes of lethargy and drowsiness.

  As she set down a capsule, she said the activation word that freed the people sleeping within. After they were freed, they sat on the furniture to recover their senses.

  "No matter how many times I do this, it always feels like a Dragon sitting on my head," Amadeus complained slightly.

  This was Isa's first time going for a capsule ride. He had to agree with that statement. He was a bit pale.

  Britiana noticed this immediately. "Are you all right? I haven't found a way to get rid of the sequelae," she said apologetically.

  He shook his head. "It's fine," he assured her with a smile.

  Darius took stock of everyone. The least affected seemed to be the Noxies, who were standing patiently, waiting for their comrades to recover. One by one, the members of his team shook off the after effects and stood at attention under the eyes of their commander.

  Isa stood when he noticed Britiana perked up and took up a position behind her when she stood as well. She fluffed her skirt, patted her bodice, and smoothed her hair. "Everything in place?" she asked ZsaZsa quietly.

  ZsaZsa looked her over seriously, adjusted one of her silvery blonde curls, then nodded. "All good," she assured.

  Britiana nodded, ignoring her brother's somewhat flabbergasted look. He grew up with her, he should know how she is by now. If he doesn't, then that's on him. She sniffed. "Please inform our hosts we're ready," she said.

  Lazarus, being the senior officer, took charge. He opened the door of the sitting room and told the Icestorme guards that his Lord and Lady were available. The guard then led the group back to the reception hall. Britiana and Darius walked in front. Isa and ZsaZsa walked behind them. Amadeus and Lazarus led the other six guards behind.

  When they arrived, Britiana and Darius bowed in greeting to the Countess and her family. Due to ranking, Morganna didn't return the bow, but her sons did.

  "Do you need to rest first?" Morganna asked.

  Britiana shook her head. "That's unnecessary. Please have someone lead us to the site. The sooner we get started, the better," she said politely.

  Morganna was about to agree when she heard a low tone of a call stone chiming. She excused herself to see who was trying to contact her, only to see that she'd received a message from Dahlia Blackheart. "Marius, please lead our guests to the site," she said. "Please excuse me, I have something important to see to," she said apologetically to the guests.

  "Please, see to your business, my Lady," Darius assured her.

  Morganna left her guests in the hands of her sons and went on her way.

  Marius poked his younger brother. "Go play," he instructed.

  Happy for the reprieve, the boy excused himself in an upright and official manner before darting off. "Lady Britiana, Lord Darius, please follow us," he said.

  "Lead the way," Britiana said cheerfully.

  Marius inclined his head and began to lead the siblings and their delegation out of Icestorme Hall and into the city of Icestorme Dome as they made their way to the site they had prepared for the Bridging Array.

  --

  Before the shutting down of the Dragon Gate Network, all the Domes and outer cities of Thale used to be interconnected through a smaller network, but now that ability had been cut off. With enemies in the water and looking for a chance from above, traveling from island to island could be dangerous. This added to Thale's problems of resource distribution.

  There was a transit area in Icestorme, just like most other capital cities where now defunct Dragon Gates stood like monuments of a better time. Everyone was reluctant to demolish them in case one day the Network could be safely reactivated.

  Morganna and the city planning committee did not choose to build the Bridging array in this place. Instead they chose a new area. Similar to Chrystianna's plans within an abandoned warehouse, they planned to open a new area for transportation. But this one would be built in an octagonal plaza, with five areas dedicated to larger arrays connected to the other continents; the other three areas would be dedicated to five smaller arrays connecting Icestorme to other priority cities.

  It would be surrounded by shops and other businesses and governed by the appropriate offices. Mason, the more talkative of their two guides, explained all this to the guests from Silvermoon. "Of course this is all planning for the future. For now we are just grateful to be able to connect Silvermoon," he added diplomatically.

  Everyone was dying to wrench the secrets of the Bridging Array from Silvermoon and the few mages who understood it best, but no one would force it. There were written and unspoken rules regarding spells exclusive to both mage and mage's tower.

  Britiana smiled at him blandly. "In time I hope everyone can be connected, but the Bridging Array really isn't a replacement for the Dragon gates," she said.

  Mason chuckled. "Don't sell yourself short, my lady. Frankly, it's the best we have right now," he admitted honestly.

  ZsaZsa piped up at that moment. "More mages at the Tower are learning the mechanics. Possibly within the year, wide-scale connectivity will be possible," she said, speaking with the authority of the apprentice of the Deputy Mage of the Silvermoon Tower. Not only was this a comfort, but also a subtle warning. The Bridging Array belonged to Silvermoon and would not be shared with other organizations anytime soon.

  Mason was personable and perceptive. He easily understood the implied meaning, but chose to respond to only the obvious one. "Then, we look forward to that day," he said simply.

  It was maybe a fifteen minute walk from the Icestorme Hall to the new transit area. It was a massive area that was paved with the same sort of whitish-gray marble-like stone that most of the building in Icestorme was built with. It wasn't shiney, but matte. Still, when the sun shone on the stone, it seemed to glitter with some sort of hidden mineral. Guards stood quietly around the plaza with some patrolling.

  The areas designated for the arrays were pavilion-like with tall columns holding up tile roofs across from the entrance of the plaza. Although the Domes could protect against the cold and regulate the temperature inside, they didn't prevent rainstorms. In the arid environment of Thale, they welcomed rainstorms. The patron deity of the Platinum Dragons was Oshango, the God of Weather. Other than cryokinetic type abilities, they could also possess abilities relating to storms, so they saw rainstorms as a blessing from Oshango.

  Marius wordlessly led them to the central large pavilion that was roughly a 120 by 120 foot octagon elevated from the ground by both steps and ramps. "This is where the Silvermoon Bridge will be located," he explained. He looked at the group, slightly perplexed. Aside from the Silvermoon siblings and the young mage, the rest of the group were dressed as guards. "Do you need additional personnel?" he asked.

  Although he hadn't said much, he'd listened to their entire conversation along the way. He understood that they weren't willing to share the array, but he wasn't sure how three people were going to create a hundred-foot array.

  Britiana smiled at him. "No need," she assured.

  Darius then took control of his team, assigning them to guard the area around the pavilion from below, only himself and Isa would be in the pavilion itself with ZsaZsa and Britiana.

  Marius and Maddox generously did not attempt to join them, however, they stayed nearby to oversee everything themselves.

  Britiana, ZsaZsa, Darius, and Isa walked up the steps into the pavilion. Darius assigned himself and Isa to patrol in opposite directions on the outskirts of the extra ten feet around the working area.

  ZsaZsa and Britiana walked around the pavilion, measuring the size and finding the center. Marius and Mason watched from below, surprised because it seemed only the two women were going to draw such a large array alone. Such a large space, bigger than the largest Dragon, was going to be filled by two tiny women?

  What they didn't know was that Britiana, ZsaZsa, Raven, Delaney Crowley and some of their aunts, had weeks to work on perfecting the spell and find the best way to make it larger to transport larger groups or items.

  First Britiana and Zsa made marks with chalk at the center and certain parts at the edge of the pavilion floor for reference. They met in the center again and put down a stack of papers. Each paper was drawn in an obscure line or shape that made no sense to anyone but the two women.

  They picked up the top sheet of paper. ZsaZsa used a flicking fire stick tool to ignite the paper. It burned away in a flash, leaving only the mark floating in the air. The two women seemed to grab at the air near the mark, then ran to premade marks in opposite directions, stretching the mark, enlarging it to fit the appropriate dimensions.

  They did this countless times. By noon, there were hundreds of marks floating in layers a few inches above the ground and there were no more papers. The Icestorme brothers were a bit astonished. "Is that it?" Mason asked.

  Britiana glanced over at him. Even at such distances hearing each other wasn't difficult for Dragons. "No, we're taking a break for lunch before the next step," she answered as she grouped up with her brother and Isa.

  "Should we send for a meal?" Marius asked.

  "No, thank you. We'll eat here. We don't have time to wait. If we go too long, the marks will fade and the spell won't work right and we'll have to start over again," Britiana answered.

  Darius had already pulled out a table and two chairs for the girls to sit and relax before the next step. Isa approached and took up his station behind Britiana soundlessly. Darius gave him and the other guards permission to eat some rations while he set up a meal of energy rich food for the two. This stage of the process used more physical than magical energy but running hundreds of feet every few minutes for several hours was taxing even for a Dragon.

  Marius and Mason looked at each other, not knowing how to respond to their words or actions. In the end, they decided to forgo lunch themselves so they wouldn't miss what would happen next by being too busy eating.

  --