The Valley of Dragons

There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. In fact, the valley was a wasteland until they arrived ten years ago. No one knew where they came from. One day, they just appeared and the next, the valley was turned into an oasis. There was a large lake with a waterfall near the far end. The middle was lush grass and forests. There were about twenty dragons living there.

Axel reined in Amot, looking into the valley from below. With a heavy sigh, he urged the grey and black Andalusian forward. He didn’t want to enter this valley, but he had no choice. His sister was dying, and he needed a flower that only grew here to save her. He’d been riding hard for two days and his horse hadn’t complained once. He had to stop soon and rest, though they were both tired and hungry.

It didn’t take long to wind his way down to the mouth of the valley. It was flanked by two onyx statues. On the right, there was a large warrior in armor, his helmet shining in the midmorning sun. Standing with his sword in front of him, tip pointing to the ground and hands folded over the pommel. On the left there was a wizard, complete with pointy hat and mage staff. Axel took a moment to admire the statues, only realizing he was just sitting there staring when Amot shifted under him. “Sorry boy.” He murmured, patting the horse and maneuvering him towards a clearing just outside of the valley.

Even though Axel was starving, he took the time to tend his horse. Then he took some dried meat and cheese from his saddlebags, eating swiftly. He wanted to continue on, but his horse needed rest, so he stretched out in the shade and was asleep within moments.

A few hours later, he felt someone watching him. Opening his eyes, he locked gazes with a woman in what appeared to be her mid-twenties. She had midnight dark hair that contrasted with her alabaster skin and sky-blue eyes set in a heart-shaped face. Her clothes were colorful and made of what appeared to be layers of cotton voile. She was sitting on a log on the other side of the clearing, watching him. He sat up slowly, his dagger clutched in his hand. “Hello.” He said cautiously, sparing a quick glance for Amot to make sure he was unharmed.

The woman smiled, showing perfect white teeth. “Hello.” She responded. Her voice was husky and caused a shiver to roll down his spine. “I am Lana. What brings you to the Valley of Dragons?” She asked, tilting her head.

He quirked a brow at her. “I’m Axel of Ravenspire and I could ask you the same thing.” He countered. As a guard in the royal court, he’d had caution beaten into him. He’d been training and fighting since he was fifteen. He’d seen several battles and had barely lived to make it to his 28th year. He didn’t make it this long by letting a pretty face distract him.

She threw hear head back and her husky laugh filled the clearing. “I like your spirit. Axel of Ravenspire. It is obvious you wish to enter the valley and I am here to guide you. The dragons are territorial creatures and would attack you without hesitation. Very few have attempted to enter the valley and you are the first to be found worthy of a guide.” She responded.

Axel took a moment to process the information. “When was I judged? What makes it safe for you to traverse the valley?” he shot the questions off, shifting positions, so he sat with his back against a nearby tree.

She shrugged. “It is my calling. I am the Guide of the Valley. I live in the valley and the dragons know me. They will not harm me or anyone I choose to travel with. I do caution you, though. If you attempt to harm me, they will kill you even if they have to leave the valley to hunt you. When you arrived, you gazed upon the stone statues. They are spelled to assess anyone wishing to enter the valley. So far, you are the first to be judged worthy. What is your quest?” She asked with an eagerness to her voice..

Axel sighed. This was his burden, but if this woman was in fact sent to guide him, he had to share. “My sister was poisoned. She is in severe pain and will die within the month if she doesn’t get an antidote. The healer said he can make one, but he needs Dragon’s Breath. It’s a small bushy plant with red flowers they look like flames growing off of it. She’s only twelve and I would do anything to save her. I have never seen anyone more genuine and loving than Shawna.” He said, twirling his dagger between his fingers.

“Well then, we should get moving.” Lana announced, pulling out a long, slender whistle and blowing into it. A whinny sounded from the trees behind her, and a horse looking a lot like his own trotted through them. “This is Star Fire. She is fast and strong.” She said, standing and stroking the horse’s neck.

Axel stood gracefully, stretching out his long limbs. Noting the slight widening of Lana’s eyes, he grinned wickedly at her. She was tall for a female, but the top of her head still barely reached his chin. At Six foot five, he towered over most people. He had auburn hair and grass green eyes that glowed against his tan skin, and women tended to admire him. But he had no time for that right now. Shawna needed him, so he turned to Amot and made quick work of saddling him. Lana watched him and murmured things to her horse he couldn’t hear while she waited.

“Ready when you are.” He stated a short time later. “What should I expect and do you know where to find the flower I need?” He asked, stepping up to offer her a hand up onto her horse.

She grinned at him and gracefully mounted her horse without his assistance. “First, we enter the valley. You have been deemed worthy, so I don’t expect any resistance, but the dragon that guards the entrance can be a bit surly. The flower you seek is near the lake. It will take us the rest of today and all of tomorrow to reach the area where it grows. We will travel to my home and spend the night there.” She answered.

Axel mounted his horse riding next to her. “How is it a human is able to live in the valley?” He asked, curious about how she’d arrived here.

Lana flashed a brilliant smile, her light-hearted personality lessening the dread and fear he felt in his soul. “What makes you think I am human? Just because I have chosen to appear to you as one does not make it so.” She said, watching his reaction.

Axel’s training served him well, but he had a feeling if he’d been walking, he would have stumbled. “What do you mean? If you’re not human, then what are you?” He asked, examining her features again.

“I’m a dragon, of course.” She said, chuckling at his confused expression. “We are magical creatures. Most of us prefer to stay in our base form. However, we all have the ability to take on a human form. We do this for various tasks. We are stronger and faster than the average human. We can’t be poisoned and are immune to disease. I’ve been told that if people knew we walk among them, they would try to capture us. I don’t understand the obsession your people have with us.” She said.

They had reached the entrance of the valley and as they passed the statues Axel could feel the magic brush across his skin. When they got past the statues, the magic faded and the pathway ended. In front of him was a lush meadow with a rainbow of flowers scattered through it. Unfortunately, the one he needed wasn’t here. When they were about halfway across, there was a loud, bellowing roar. An enormous dragon with yellow and orange scales about the size of his home landed in front of them, blocking their way.

Lana moved in front of him and Axel had to fight his protective instincts and let her take the lead. “Kyros! The wards deemed this man worthy of entrance into our valley you may not harm him.” She said, iron in her voice. “Step aside and let us continue. We have a long way to go.” She growled.

Magic shimmered in the air as Kyros shifted into his human form. “You know I don’t trust those piles of stone. What is your assessment?” He asked, keeping his gaze locked on Axel.

Lana huffed. “If I didn’t think he was worthy, I wouldn’t be his guide. Please allow us to pass.” She said, glaring down at him.

Kyros nodded his head respectfully. “You may pass. I just want to know why you don’t change form and fly to where you need to go instead of taking the long way.” He smirked up at her.

Lana growled, a puff of smoke escaping her nostrils. “You know why! We are not pack animals and I won’t degrade myself. Axel’s quest is worthy and urgent, but I can’t allow that kind of degradation.” She responded, giving Axel an apologetic look. He nodded in understanding. “If you wish to allow him to ride you, I would be happy to fly with you to the lake.” She countered, arching an eyebrow at Kyros.

It was his turn to snort smoke. “Not a chance.” He growled, “Now get out of my meadow.” He barked, shifting back into his dragon form and taking flight.

No other dragons tried to stop them. Axel had seen several in the trees and some flying above. The sun glinted off their scales and in flight. They were graceful as they glided along the air currents. Lana set a steady pace, which Amot matched easily, and they chatted about nothing special. He learned she had some siblings in the valley and he’d told her all about his sister and how he was all she had since their parents died. The ride was comfortable and in no time, a small cabin came into view. It was made of logs and appeared to be a single story structure. It was exactly what he’d envisioned from some of the fantasy stories he’d read to his sister. There was even smoke wafting out of the stone chimney sticking out of the thatched roof.

Lana slid off of Star Fire and quickly removed the small saddle and bridle, leaving her bare and free. Axel looked around, but he didn’t see any sort of fencing to keep the horse from wandering off. “You can let him roam free. The pixies will tend to him and make sure he has everything he needs. He will be here and unharmed when we are ready to leave in the morning.” She told him.

Axel shrugged. When in Dragon Valley, he mused. “Thank you, I am sure he will be fine.” he said, making quick work of removing Amot’s saddle and bridle, leaving him to follow Star Fire.

“Are you hungry?” Lana asked, bounding up the steps into her cabin. A loud rumble from Axel’s stomach answered her, and she laughed. “I will take that as a yes.” she giggled, moving to the small kitchen area. “I hope stew is ok.” she said as she grabbed two bowls from a shelf and stirred the pot hanging in the gigantic fireplace.

Axel smiled at her. “Stew sounds great. I have been living on dried meat and cheese for the past few days.” he said, thanking her as she handed him a bowl and spoon with a large hunk of bread. He sank down into one of the plush chairs and practically inhaled the food.

“You’re going to give yourself a tummy ache, eating that fast.” Lana mused as she refilled his bowl. “There is a bathing room at the end of the hall. If you would like, I can conjurer you some clothes to sleep in. If you drop your clothes in the bin, the house will clean them and put them in the cabinet in the guest room so you can wear them tomorrow. The guest room is on the left and my room is on the right. If you need anything, simply ask. For example, one glass of cold water, please.” She stated, and there was a soft brush of magic before the glass appeared on the table next to her.

Axel let out a low whistle. “Well now, I don’t want to leave. I live with a twelve-year-old hurricane that leaves things everywhere and is constantly asking me to get her things like juice and snacks. Can your house get me the flower I am looking for?” He asked, not really getting his hopes up.

Lana shook her head. “Sadly, no, the house can only provide you with what is already here.” She said.

Axel shrugged. “It was worth a try. I think I will take you up on the offer to use your bathing room, then get some sleep. I haven’t slept much in the last few days.” he remarked, heading down the hall.

Lana set the bowls in the sink to be cleaned and conjured some soft grey sleep pants and a t-shirt. She laid the clothing on his bed before retiring to her room for the night. She hoped she could sleep. The excitement for tomorrow was churning in her stomach.

They woke at sunup and had a quick breakfast before heading out. Axel followed Lana’s instructions. Apparently, they had to take a certain route, so they didn’t cross over any claimed territory. After several hours of winding their way through the thickly forested area, Lana declared she was tired and hungry. They stopped to have some sandwiches she had prepared. Axel paused, his second sandwich halfway to his mouth, when he heard a loud commotion and a dragon with silver and green scales burst from the forest. It stared at them, narrowing its eyes at Axel and covering him in a cloud of smoke when it huffed. Causing him to erupt into a coughing fit.

“Vin!” Lana exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “That was rude! What are you doing here?” She demanded, hands on her hips.

The dragon shifted to a human-looking male with silver hair and deep green eyes. “What are you doing with an outsider in our valley?” He growled, anger seeping into every word.

Lana threw her hands up in annoyance. “My job. He has been judged worthy and I am his guide.” She answered.

Vin’s nostrils flared, and he continued to stare at Axel. He nodded, finally accepting her response. “That is acceptable. So long as he keeps his hands to himself, I can tolerate him in your presence.” He declared.

“What the hell does that mean?” Lana replied, a deadly glint in her eye.

“I made it clear I have a claim on you. I will destroy anyone that touches what is mine.” He stated with a shrug.

Lana spluttered. “A what? I am not some possession to be claimed! I rejected your attempt at claiming me almost fifty years ago! If I choose to mate, it will not be with you. Leave and if you come near me again, I will end you.” she ground out.

Vin shifted to dragon and roared. Sending a plume of fire at Axel. He dove to the side, barely avoiding the projectile. In seconds, Lana had shifted and taken to the skies after Vin. Axel marveled at her beauty. She had black scales along her back and her underbelly was several shades of blue, fading from dark on the outside to the lightest blue at her center. Axel’s admirations were cut short when a scaly tail whipped across his body, sending him crashing into a gigantic tree. The air exploded from his lungs and he saw black dots as he tried to regain his breath. Lana was still fighting Vin above, so this was someone new. That was about as far as his brain got before large talons wrapped around him, yanking him roughly off the ground. The talons were sharp and sliced across his bicep when he tried to move. The cut wasn’t deep, but it was painful and he could feel blood coating his arm.

A loud roar split the sky somewhere to his left. He couldn’t see anything from where he was held captive. But a moment later, a loud crunching noise was heard, and he watched as the silver and green dragon crashed into the ground. Vin tried and failed to stand. An orange liquid flowed from his hind leg and one of his wings was broken so badly it appeared to be barely attached. The roar sounded again. Axel was pretty sure it was Lana, and she was angry. She let out another roar when she got closer. It sounded like a warning. Axel braced himself as best he could, just in time for the hard jolt. Lana had barreled into the dragon, holding him from above. It roared loudly, making his ears ache and orange liquid now streamed across its body. The blood was sticky and had an earthy smell to it. Axel couldn’t avoid it and some dripped across his wound, healing him almost instantly.

The next hit caused the dragon to lose its hold on him, and he went spiraling downward. Looking down, all he could see was water. If he wasn’t falling to his death, he’d be happy to have almost half a day cut from his journey. When he was just about even with the tops of the trees, he noticed a lake monster for lack of a better term circling below him. The beast had three heads and a long smooth body with a tail that was probably double its length. It watched him fall for a few seconds before diving deep, then shooting out of the water. It held its three heads together and slid them across his body, making a slide of sorts. He slipped down its neck and body as it splashed down into the water, breaking his fall and letting him slide safely into the water. It circled him twice before coming up under him. Axel wasn’t sure what to make of his new friend, but he was happy to have him as he sliced easily across the lake, heading for the bank. “Thanks my new friend.” he chuckled, rubbing the closest head. The other two quickly butted his hands like puppies fighting for attention.

It took them five minuets to cross the expanse of the lake. The creature watched him swim the few feet to shore, splashing and gibbering before it dove into the lake. Lana landed in front of him, placing her hand on his chest drying his clothes instantly.

“Are you ok? Did it bite you?” She asked in a rush.

Axel grinned at her. “I’m fine. He saved me and gave me a ride to shore. Any idea what that was about?” He cocked his head toward the lump of dragon across the field.

Lana let out an angry snort. “I hope their scales rot off. Vin decided he wanted to be my mate. I refused his request and attempts at courtship. He got mad and tried to claim me by force, refusing to allow another male near me. I thought he’d gotten the message, but I was wrong.” She ground out through gritted teeth.

“Looks like we both came out of it fine and it saved us a half day’s trip. I’m pretty sure he got the message now. Which way to the flowers and any idea how long it’s going to take the horses to find us?” Axel replied.

A smile split Lana’s face. “The field of fire flowers are just over there behind the tree’s.” She answered, pointing to the left. “I asked the pixies to send the horses home and my friends will be here shortly to take us there, too. They are much faster than regular horses. Usually they don’t like to be ridden, but they feel it is their duty to help you. Since you're the first visitor we’ve had.” she explained.

Axel hugged her in his excitement, quickly letting her go. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch you without permission. I would never presume it was ok to do so. It was just my excitement at being so much closer to saving my sister.” He rushed, turning deep red in embarrassment.

Lana returned his hug. “I don’t mind. I know the difference between a hug from a friend and some jerk trying to cop a feel. I actually love hugs. All dragons do.” She said, pulling away and lacing her fingers through his so she could pull him along to where the flowers bloomed.

When Axel saw the field of flowers before him, he almost cried in relief. Pulling his knife from his belt, he knelt next to the first bush and quickly started cutting the stems the way the healer had instructed. Only to realize his satchel was tucked away in his saddlebags. Lana removed a section of fabric from her skirt and handed it to him so that he could wrap them inside. He cut twenty flowers and wrapped them gently in the fabric. When he had the precious cargo, they returned to the bank where he’d emerged from the water to find two pegasi there. One white as snow and the other black as night.

Both of the pegasi bowed their heads slightly as Lana approached. “Axel, I would like you to meat Beauty and Beast. Kind of cliche I know, but it suits them.” She giggled, running her hands up and down their muzzles.

“Hello it’s nice to meet you.” Axel bowed respectfully. “Thank you for taking the time to help me. I am most grateful.” He humbly offered.

The pegasi snorted and pounded the ground with their hooves flexing their wings. Lana quickly mounted Beauty and Axel followed suit, settling himself behind Beast’s wing joints. There wasn’t much to hold on to, but he found a grip that didn’t hurt his mount or feel too awkward. The pegasi ran for a few feet, then they were airborne. It was magnificent. Axel marveled at the world around him as they glided through the air. It took less than an hour for them to reach Lana’s cabin.

“That was amazing!” Axel exclaimed, jumping down and rubbing Beast’s muzzle in appreciation. The pegasi snorted, then nudged Beauty gently before they ran off into the forest.

Axel checked on Amot, who was grazing happily nearby before grabbing his saddlebags from the porch railing and entering the cabin to find Lana sitting down at her small dining table. A roast chicken with all the trimmings was spread out. “Wow, you work fast.” He commented. “Let me drop this off and wash my hands start without me.” He added.

After dinner, they sat in the living room and Axel told Lana all about being part of the Royal guard and growing up in Ravenspire. Both of them were tired, but neither wanted to end the day. All they had left was the half day’s ride back to the entrance to the valley and then they would part ways.

“Can I go with you?” Lana muttered, her eyes half open. “When you go. I want to meet your sister and see where you come from. I promise not to overstay my welcome.” She rushed to add.

“I’d like that.” Axel said, relieved that he’d have a few more days of her company at least. “You can stay with us for as long as you like. Just be warned, there is no magic there.” he commented.

They were up with the first rays of light in the morning, both tired from having stayed up too late. After a quick bite, they set out at a fast pace. When they reached the meadow leading to the entrance, Kyros was there. He simply shifted out of the way, allowing them to pass.

Axel took the lead when they were out of the valley, stopping every four to five hours for Lana and the horses to rest. It took them two and a half days to return to the city. Lana’s eyes were enormous as she tried to take everything in. “I promise to take you on a tour tomorrow. This is the outer city where you will find a lot of your goods from farmers and crafted items. We are headed for the inner city. It’s across the bridge and surrounds the castle. The inner city is mostly homes and shops that hold more expensive items like silks and jewelry.” He explained, leading her across the bridge and six houses down. He stopped in front of a white two-story house with a small stable in the back. “We can leave the horses here, and I will tend them after I have met with the healer.” He said as he dismounted.

“I can tend the horses while you take care of things with your sister.” She replied.

He smiled down at her. “Thanks, I would appreciate that.”

Axel slung his saddlebags over his shoulder, taking the steps up to the porch two at a time. The house was quiet and mostly dark when he entered. He didn’t keep a staff and the only ones here were Shawna, the healer, and his best friend Jacob. “Jake, where you at?” He yelled.

“In Shawna’s room.” Came the muffled reply.

Axel bounded up the stairs, finding his friend in the doorway. “How is she?” He demanded.

“She hasn’t changed. You made seriously good time.” Jake commented.

Axel shrugged. “I got really lucky.” He replied, looking behind Jake to get a glimpse of his sister.

Jake clapped him on the shoulder. “I am glad everything fell into place for you. The healer should be back in an hour. Are you good if I go home? Bella is having trouble with the twins. Edward seems to think he’s invincible and keeps trying to jump off of everything. With her pregnant, it’s difficult for her to stop him.” He grimaced.

Axel laughed, his eyes twinkling. “You go ahead. We will be fine here. Give Bella my love and tell Edward to stop being a brat.” He joked.

Axel watched Jacob leave, then went to check on Shawna. He fussed over her, pulling the blankets up and adding some logs to the fire. After completing what few tasks he could find to keep himself busy, he settled himself into the chair next to her bed and watched her as she slept restlessly. A while later, Lana quietly slipped into the room, bringing him some water.

Thirty minutes later, the healer arrived. He was impressed by the amount of flowers Axel had gathered. He asked about how he completed the task so quickly and seemed offended that Axel wouldn’t share the story. It took him ten minutes to create the potion. Once he was done, he used the dropper from the vial and squeezed three drops on Shawna’s tongue. She immediately relaxed and started breathing easier. The healer left them with the vial and instructions to give her three more drops in the morning and again at night. After that, she should be fully cured. He took the rest of the flowers as payment and hurried off.

Lana made soup for dinner. They all ate in Shawna’s room. She could sit up, but didn’t have the strength to leave the bed. They entertained her by telling her about the Valley of Dragons.

Lana spent three weeks with them exploring the city. Finally, one night after dinner, she asked Axel why they stayed here, where they were obviously unhappy.

“Where would we go?” Axel asked, knowing she’d decided it was time to return home. “I would love nothing more than to take Shawna and go live in the Valley of Dragons. You know as well as I do we wouldn’t be welcome.”

Lana swallowed hard. “There is one way.” She whispered, lifting her head from where it rested on his shoulder. “If I claim you as my mate, they would have no choice but to allow you to live with me.”

He stared at her in shock. “I thought you didn’t want a mate. You’ve never indicated you wanted a romantic relationship.” He said, confused and trying not to hope. He’d fallen for her weeks ago and he knew the day she left his heart would be irrevocably broken.

Lana caressed his cheek and watched his eyes flutter closed. “I fell for you a long time ago. It’s the reason I didn’t want you to leave the valley without me.” She whispered, pressing her lips to his in a gentle kiss.

Axel and Shawna wasted no time. They gathered the things they wanted and the three of them set out in the morning to start their new adventure as a family.