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A Book of Roses - Book 2	By : Moongirl Category: A through F > Dragonlance Views: 3932 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the book(s) that this fanfiction is written for, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter 4 – Flight To Palanthas

Shareene sat straight up, looking in fear at the newcomer. She noticed the odd shadow, knew him for what he was. Her look darted from the stranger, to Raistlin, to the stranger now wearing what was supposed to be an assuring smile. It looked more like a hungry wolf than comforting.
Raistlin could feel her shoulders shake under his hands and knew that she was afraid of his servant. He couldn’t blame her, after what he had witnessed him do to the forest and the minds of the Silvanesti people. As much as the humans didn’t care for the elven people, no one could have deserved this fate. Although there were a few he could think of….
Throwing another random thought of his to the side, he turned his attention back to his girl, in the hopes that he could calm her down again. *Shareene,* he thought to her, *this is the one I spoke to you about a few days back.*
*He’s not human,* was all she could get out.
The mage paused. *No, he’s not. He is bonded to my will though, and he will carry you to Palanthas shortly.*
*I’m not going anywhere with that,* she protested.
He sighed and looked back at the “human”. Noticing the sickly grin on his face, Raistlin scowled at him. “That’s not a reassuring face, Cyan. I’d rather see you without any expression if that’s how you smile.”
Cyan merely raised an eyebrow at him. “Perhaps I can remove this stifling and puny form and return to my former glory. Would that help?”
Holding back some curt words, he merely responded, “You have no glory after I destroyed your dream hold.” This snapped the “human” to attention and all sarcasm was dropped. Turning back to Shareene, he held her so that the only thing she could see was his eyes. *Shareene, you’re going to have to trust me – and him – on this. Every living and unliving thing that belongs to the Dark Queen will be storming through here. You will not be able to escape them on land or by sea. If they find you, the least they will do is kill you. And I won’t let that happen. An ancient artifact bonds the wyrm to me, more powerful than his magic I can assure you. He does not serve Her, he serves me. I know what you’ve seen, I can understand your fear. But there’s no other solution. I cannot take you myself. I’m sure my absence has been noted already and I have to get back. But I promise you, I will be back for you. Do you trust me?*
She swallowed her tears back. *Of course I trust you. You never have to question that.*
*Good. Go with Cyan, and I will find you in Palanthas.* He kissed her softly on the forehead, whispering words against her skin. Instantly the shaking in her shoulders died off and she relaxed in his hands. He helped her to her feet again, adjusting what was left of her blouse back into place as she smoothed her hair in a shy form of grooming. Refastening his cape back on and reclaiming his staff he turned and walked toward the mouth of the cave. Shareene followed along after him and grabbed his sleeve before he started to cast. As he turned around, she pulled his face down to hers and kissed him, long and softly. *Return to me safely, Godspeed to you my love,* she whispered into his mind.
He sighed softly. So this is how it feels to be sent off by a maiden, he thought. He smoothed away a tear from her cheek and smiled at her. *I will.* With that, he let her go walk back so she wasn’t in the way of his teleportation spell, and vanished with the night.
Shareene stood there, watching the space where Raistlin had disappeared. Then sighed and turned back to the “man” in the cave. His head was slightly turned, as if he was assessing either her, the scene that played in front of him, or both. It was not a look she had seen on a human before; it made him appear more wolfish instead.
She took stock in the human form this beast took. His hair was rather short for most people in this area, where they usually wore it at least to their shoulders. It was a very dark black save for the highlights, making his hair shimmer green in the light. His face was pale and pointed, a thin moustache outlining his mouth. The garments were simple and in different shades of green. There was no sword or dagger of any kind that she could see, but if he were a transfigured beast he wouldn’t need them in the first place. Taking a few steps closer, she first thought his eyes were brown. Viewing them carefully, she noticed that they were really a dark red. Not a common color among humans in the least.
*So you are called Cyan,* she thought to him, trying to break the tension.
“Humans call me Cyan Bloodbane,” he started, both talking and speaking in her head, knowing her condition. “I have a true name, but it’s not for your folk to know.”
*Should I call you that, then?*
He shrugged, “It will suffice. And you are called?”
*Shareene Heathereth.* She didn’t know if she should shake hands with him or stand there. *Shall we leave right now?*
“That would be prudent. I can smell the armies and my kin approach. They are not under the mage’s control, like I am bound to his slavery.”
She frowned at Cyan. *I don’t know, you seem fit enough.*
“It is rather hard to beat a dragon down, I will admit that. Then again, if one tried – dragon orb or no – they would not live to see the next day, let alone the next moment.” He took a deep breath as if he was straining against his human frame, and then relaxed. “Gather your wares, I will carry them. I do not know how much food there will be along the trail, so I suggest you get whatever you can to eat and drink with you.”
Shareene looked in the bag Raistlin acquired. *There are only apples here. How long do you think the flight will take?*
“If we’re lucky, three days. We’re going to be flying past Solanthus, and already the metallics are flying with the…knights.” He practically spat out the last word. “We have to fly by night and be extra cautious. If they find me, I cannot help you after that. They have the dragonlance now, and I will not be skewered by humans in tin barrels.”
*I understand.* She went to bundle up a few items scattered about and tied up the bag securely.
Cyan took a relaxed stance. “I do believe you have no love for the knighthood either, am I correct?”
Dropping the bag at his feet, Shareene sighed. *I never had a love for those that wielded blades. That includes mercenaries, warriors, knights, sell-swords, and the like. Time and time again they proved to me that I couldn’t trust them.*
“So you trust this mage.”
*I’m leaving with you, aren’t I?* She smiled sarcastically at the beast, actually making him relax around her even more. *This is all I’ve got, we can start anytime.*
“No cloak? You’ll freeze at the speed I travel.”
She shrugged. *I have nothing else.*
Cyan looked around for a moment, then made up his mind. A few flicks of his fingers and he had a woolen cloak in a deep shade of green. He flung it around her shoulders, helping her slide her arms through the large sleeves and clasping it shut around her. “I will not be accused of letting you fall to the Fever because someone couldn’t give you some clothes for travel.” She let his snide remark slide, knowing what he meant. “Now, I need you to stand way over there,” he pointed to the back of the cave, if if it disturbs you, close your eyes. I’m rather large and will need as much room as I can get.”
Shareene nodded and took the pack with her to the farthest spot of the cave. She crouched low and covered her face. She didn’t know what to expect and didn’t want to find out the hard way how a human becomes a dragon again. There was a terrific rumble after a few moments, nearly knocking her over. She thought she could hear the dragon roaring in her head as he shifted. Once it stopped she dared to take a peek, and her jaw fell open at the sight before her.
Cyan turned out to be a magnificent green dragon, his scales glimmering like emeralds as his muscles rippled in movement. His tail was curled around him, his wings tucked against his body as the cave was just big enough for him to crouch. Even when curled up, there was barely any room left for her to move. She got up and touched the spiny tail and looked him over in awe.
“This,” he sighed, “Is not good.” One shift of his back and he brushed some of the stones loose. She hid under the massive tail to avoid it. “Hang on, I’m going outside. I have to stretch my wings out before I can fly again.” With a bit of shimmying, he managed to get himself out and disappeared over the ledge. She started to approach the edge of the cave, then dropped in shock when two green wings appeared at the doorway. With a creak and a sigh, his wings were popped back into place and ready to fly again. Two claw tipped hands then appeared on the edge and his head popped over to look at her.
There was something awesome about looking into the face of a dragon that close. All spikes and teeth and scales, then looking into the eyes and seeing so much wisdom in them. They looked so beast like and barbaric, until you see the intelligence behind all that power and muscle.
“Are you done admiring me?” he asked, which snapped her out of her thoughts. She got up, grabbed her pack and stepped outside. Looking down, he didn’t seem that big, figuring he would be larger than the hills for some reason. She skidded down till she was near his shoulder. “Now, mount up like a rider, and tuck your legs under my wings. That will hold you into place.” Slinging her pack onto her back, she scrambled into position and tried to figure out how to lock herself into place. “Hold onto a spine or scales if you feel more secure that way. I just hope you’re not too afraid of heights.”
*How would I know if I’ve never been on a dragon’s back?* She replied.
“Good point. Guess we’ll have to find out.” He turned around on his stone perch, and immediately Shareene grabbed onto one of the spines on his neck out of fear. It felt like her heart was leaping into her throat as she prepared herself for flight. Cyan unfurled his wings again, this time laying them parallel to his shoulders. “Hold on, here we go,” he warned her before he stepped off the ledge.
Even though she couldn’t hear herself, she screamed at the top of her lungs as her view was of the ground rising up to them. Then, with a giant beat of his wings, they started to level out and stop their fall. A few more mighty beats, and she was now looking at the night sky. She dared to look behind her and immediately regretted it. Squeezing her eyes shut, the girl stopped breathing as she clung tightly to the dragon. Obviously she was afraid of heights.
“Care not to squeeze too much, girl,” Cyan chided her. “That grip could shatter a scale, and it will be a long time before I can grow it back.” He felt her ease up a bit on her hold on him, then she started to relax again as he leveled out once he gained the altitude he wanted. “There, that’s better. Come, its not that bad, and it’s the swiftest way to travel.”
She did open her eyes after a moment, trying to adjust as the cold wind hit her face hard. She blinked the tears away and tried to see clearly. The view was indeed breathtaking. The trees looked like toys beneath them, the villages lit up like tiny candles. They were already far gone from the former town, and she bid it a happy farewell. Looking up, the stars shimmered in their homes in the sky, Solinari and Lunitari shedding their light over the world. There were curious emspotspots in the sky, where there should be stars there was only darkness.
“So you see the empty spots in the constellations, do you?” he asked. “Those are the areas where the Platinum and She Of Many Colors resided. They’re battling for control as we speak on this world, and that is what the mage is trying to end.”
*Who do you wish will win?* She hazarded to ask.
“Frankly, I want the Balance again. I was never under the orders of the Queen, and don’t intend to be. What I do is my rule, my decision. She may not like that, but then again I don’t personally care. When She turned to Her own schemes after the Cataclysm, the dragons turned to our own. I did fine without Her, and will continue to do so.”
*Then you don’t want Her back.*
“No. It’s not profitable for me to have Her here.” He jarred her thoughts with a few beats of his wings before gliding again.
She was silent again. Feeling it was safe again, she let go of his spine and wrapped the c tig tight around herself. It was late spring but the nights were still cold. Flying as fast as they were made the wind much colder than it really was. Instead of shivering in fear, she was now shivering with the cold.
After a few hours, Cyan could see the moons setting, a sign that the sun would start to rise. “We’re going to have to land and rest now. I need to feed and you need to get some sleep. I’m descending now.” Shareene grabbed hold n asn as he tilted his wings. They spiraled down into the forest below them, smoothly landing on the ground again. He crouched low to let her slip off as her legs were cramped from the cold and holding desperately onto him. Stiffly she managed to get off his back and laid down on the ground as she tried to move her muscles again.
The dragon sniffed the air, checking for anyone or anything that might be close by. “The area seems clear, though I smell my quarry nearby.”
*Quar She She asked as she rubbed warmed into her limbs.
”Venison, to be exact,” he said with a rumble that resembled a laugh. “I won’t be far away, but will you be all right here?”
She looked around, watching the sun start to appear on the horizon. *As safe as I can be. If someone sneaks up behind me, I may not realize it.*
The dragon nodded once. “This will be an easy kill. I’ll be back before you miss me.” With a swish of his tail, he turned around and walked off.
Shareene watched him disappear into the trees, the first time she’s ever been alone in her life. Even when she was a child, Raistlin would walk her home. If he couldn’t, his brother would even if she protested. It was too open for her to be comfortable, so she wandered over to a thick tree and sat against it. Opening her pack, she dug around for an apple or two and started to eat. She wished she could hear the birds waking up or the leaves rustling in the breeze. After a moment’s thought, she realized she wouldn’t hear birds anyway with her ride wandering the forest. They’d be too frightened to hang around.
Once she finished her meager breakfast and washed it down with the water in one of the canteens, Cyan came back. In one of his hands were the remains of the rear end of a deer. He dropped the haunches near her and sat back, licking the blood off his claws and then wiping the rest into the grass. “You can’t survive on elf food, you need meat. Do you know how to prepare this to make it last?”
*I have a rough idea, but I’d rather not do it out here. The smoke will give us away.*
“You mean the large dragon will give you away. Come with me, I found a grotto of caves we can both rest in.” Grabbing the meat by the hooves with his teeth, he led her to the spot they could both hide in. She followed, not knowing why she trusted him so. Even taking Raistlin’s words against what she witnessed was something she normally didn’t do. This was an odd dragon, not like his fellows that were engaged in war. He seemed to have his own mission in life and nothing would deter him from it. She wondered how lonis ais arrangement would sit comfortably with him.
True to his word, there were a number of caves hidden in the hills, some showing the signs of others being there before. Picking one that would hold both her and a full size dragon, they settled in for the morning. She set up the fire while he curled up and got himself comfortable. Shareene looked at the remains of the carcass in a hopeless gesture, she had no blade to cut the meat with.
“Don’t tell me you have nothing to cut with?” Cyan inquired, noting the look on her face. She just shook her head. Sighing he took it and started to claw it into strips. “Great wizard…go protect my lover…all up to you Cyan,” he snorted in a sarcastic voice. “He’s made it that you are totally dependent on me, which is not a smart move.”
Shareene gave him an odd glance. *I could do that myself….*
“But you don’t have these,” he flexed his talons at her, “so you can’t. No, don’t worry. Venison is a better meal any day than human.” He tried to make it sound like a joke as he smirked at her, but she seemed to take him seriously. “First rule with dealing with Cyan Bloodbane: I am a sarcastic wyrm. I have respect for no one save myself. With having no respect for anything, I will make jest of it. Trust me, you will know when I am serious.” He finished clawing the meat into cookable size and shoved it back to her. “Here, that’s ready for you.”
*Thank you…Cyan….* She seemed to stumble over her words, ashamed of making him upset.
“If you think you made me upset, you’re wrong,” he whispered, her feelings so apparent he wondered how she could deal with them. “We’re in this for the long haul. I will keep my word to your wizard friend, and I will stay with you for a time in Palanthas. I’m sure you will trust me on this.”
She looked into the red orbs of his eyes, feeling reassurance coming from him. She noddedacceacceptance. She set the pan to the fire and started to sear the meat. After picking a few to eat at that moment – and savored each one as eating real food was a luxury compared to what she had before – she cooked the rest and packed it away for later. *I truly appreciate your help. I hope there is a chance that I can pay you back for this.*
Cyan smirked. “When there comes a time where I will need the favor of a human, that will be day the Book is closed. But I appreciate it.” He motioned her forward with the tip of his tail. “Come here and sleep. I’ll keep you warm and safe.” Shareene hesitated for just a moment, then went over and laid down next to him. She used his tail for a pillow and the cloak as a blanket. As soon as she was settled she was asleep.
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Once Cyan awoke to twilight, he nudged her awake and got her ready for another night of flight. There was no drop to fly from this time, he had to bound up off his hind legs in order to take off. This time, Shareene seemed more comfortable of the flight and it went more smoothly than before.
She didn’t want to pass the night in silence after she was starting to take a shine to him. Instead, she asked him to tell her stories of what he’s done in the past. Being very proud of himself, he was glad to have someone interested. He talked long into the night, thankful he didn’t have to speak vocally to get them out.
Enjoying his stories, she glanced at the night skies, letting the moons’ light bathe her face, almost imagining she could feel their magic in the beams. Then, she watched the wheel of stars and saw something that brought a flutter of excitement to her heart.
The Platinum Dragon had returned to the sky.
*Soon, Raistlin,* she prayed, *soon you will come back to me. And this nightmare will be over.*
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As the sun was starting to crest the sky again, Cyan angled toward another grove of trees and hills. He didn’t care for where they were landing, but they didn’t have much of a choice.
*What’s wrong? Why are you so agitated?* She asked.
He snorted as if he was disgusted. “We’re in Solamnic territory. I swear I can smell their swill from here.” He turned into his human form even though he was tired. “Come, we must be cautious. They see damsel in distress and they’ll be poking their sacred noses in our business.”
She made an annoyed look. *I’m not thrilled with them either. Come, I thought I found a place over there to stay for the night.* Wandering over to the hills there wasn’t much cover that he could see, but one cave would have to do. At least it had a deep back, they could hide back there in case of anything.
“We can’t set a campfire, they’ll see the smoke,” he warned her.
*Cold meat is better than no meat at all.* She took out a strip and handed it out to him.
Cyan looked at the proffered food and made a disgusted face. “Um, if it’s all the same, I would rather not. I prefer my meat unaltered by fires. I’ll find something once I know it’s clear.”
*Great, a human gnawing on a leg of deer raw, that won’t raise any suspicions at all.*
“I’ll deal with it later,” he snapped, knowing she was right. “Take care of yourself for once.” Once she had enough and finished it off with an apple she was ready for sleep again. They curled up at the back of the cave in the dark, but Cyan had all his senses on alert.
A few hours later, Cyan woke up, the scent of metal and horses in the air. The metal he didn’t care for, but the smell of the beasts made him hungry again. Shareene felt him stir and looked up quizzically. He motioned her to stay silent as he watched the opening of the cave. A few tense minutes later, the Knights of Solamnia came into view.
It was a small patrol, only four on horseback and looking at ease on their mounts. There was no mistaking them, with the standards blazing from metal and saddle and cloth, the long moustaches flowing from their lips, and seemingly to be oozing pride and righteousness. They seemed to be later in their stages of life, one being the youngest in his late forties. One had his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, obviously the commander as he seemed to be more on alert than the others. As their mounts wandered closer to the cave the two were hiding in, the more they started to shy away from it. They reined them in, knowing that was a true sign of a dragon nearby.
The commander dismounted and approached cautiously. Cyan started to curse in his head as he saw him approach. As silently as he could manage, he got them to hunker down more so they could disappear. At least we’re not shining like they are, he thought to himself, and then cursed again heavily.
The bagSharShareene’s provisions was still out in the open, and the knight spotted it.
*I have an idea, and I’m going to need your help on this.* Not knowing what else to do, he listened. *I’m going to play the damsel in distress that they love so much. That might get them off your trail. They’re honor-bound to help me get to Palanthas once I tell them my sad story. Do you think you can meet me there instead?*
*I thought you didn’t trust them,* he thought back.
*I don’t, but they won’t know that. Consider this deb debt I owe you.* Before he could protest it was a breach of contract on his part, she started to pretend she was waking up and started toward the knight.
The commander nearly went for his sword, but once he could see it was a female approaching he eased up a little. Looking her over, he decided this wasn’t what made his horses skittish. He approached her, taking in every detail. Obviously malnourished, guessed her age to be early twenties, and didn’t look like much of a threat. “My Lady, do you require assistance?” he said with a bow.
Since his head was bent down, she couldn’t see that he said something so she didn’t react. The knight looked back up once silence greeted him and looked at her with a question. He repeated his statement, but she couldn’t even try to read his lips, what with that ridiculous moustache. “Can you hear me, Lady?” No response, as again she didn’t know what he said. She held out a hand to stop him, and then gestured writing on a piece of parchment.
“Well, obviously not,” he muttered to himself. While talking, he tried to gesture back his instructions. “Come with me. We’ll be able to help you.” With a sweep of his arm, he let her walk out of the cave first. He picked up her bag, took one more scan of the back of the cave, and then left.
Cyan cursed everything to the Abyss and back once they were out of hearing. “Sir Black Robes will not like this,” he snarled as he tried to figure out a new tactic.
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Shareene rode the knight’s horse back to a nearby castle that lay in the shadows of the High Clerist Tower. She looked at the massive tower in awe, never figuring she would ever see the great wonders that dotted the Ansalon landscape. They entered the castle, their squires coming out of the stable doors to take the mounts and help the knights with their gear. The commander helped her out of the saddle and apologized that she had to ride in an unladylike position, but knew that was pointless as she couldn’t hear. Regardless, there was just things he had to do out of duty.
He led her to the dining hall and ordered the servants to bring food and drink for her and his knights. In no time there was a thick stew, freshly made bread, meats and poultry, and mulled wine for everyone. Shareene didn’t want to seem like a starved person, but the smelere ere irresistible and she could swear she ate more than the knights around her.
Once they had their fill and cleaned up, he ordered for ink and paper. Now there was a time for questions. He took a sheet and wrote his name down, “Sir William Griffoncall”. She nodded and wrote hers down. No need to lie on that front.
Sir William spoke what he was writing down so his fellow knights would know. “Why are you here?”
She quickly wrote down, “Traveling to Palanthas.”
He nodded and wrote again. “Why there?”
“Looking for a better life,” was her answer. A partial truth, but still truthful.
He thought on that for a moment and posed the next one. “How did you lose your hearing?”
Okay, have to lie here. She wrote down, “Spell by dragon men. Blew out my hearing.” She swore she could see his moustaches bristle at the word “spell.” She heard enough from Caramon how his friend would complain about Raistlin’s magic. It took her a bit of effort not to smirk at this.
He wrote back to her amazement, “We will send for healers. Should be here tomorrow.” At that point the questions stopped as Sir William wrote a note for the local clerics and handed it over to the squire he summoned. “We will finish once you can hear again,” he wrote.
Relieved that she had a break, Shareene nodded and set the paper away. She was shown to her rooms and given some clothes to replace her old and damaged ones. While goe got cleaned for bed, the girl went through whatever she could think of for answers for the next day. Giving a small prayer of thanks for a simpler passage to her destination, she kissed the charm around her neck and fell asleep.
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The next day she was awoken by a servant, gesturing impatiently for her to get up. Remembering that she would be healed, she quickly dressed and followed her through the long tunnels.
They entered a small shrine dedicated to Paladine that was set in a special wing of the castle. A small wooden altar was in front of a few pews, a disk with the Platinum Dragon shined in the morning light on the wall. She could almost feel the holiness of the place, and how small she felt against the enormous icon in front of her.
In front of the altar was a small form, kneeling with his head bowed toward the platinum disk. Shareene waited uncomfortably for the cleric to finish his prayers, wondering if she should do the same then cast it off. She never prayed to Him before, and now was not the timebe ibe insincere. Finally, the small man straightened up and turned to face her.
Hazel eyes met obsidian as Shareene managed to feel more uncomfortable under the man’s stare. She felt like she was being sized up again, as if to see how worthy would she be to receive his God’s blessings. Fighting off the urge to fidget, she tried to look back without any emotion on her face, then decided to measure him iad.
ad.
He took down his hood, and to her surprise the cleric turned out to be an elf. There was something unfeeling about this cleric in front of her, as she figured those that would be serving the gods of good would be joyful in their task. The eyes reflected no emotion, his skin was almost as white as his robes, his lips drawn into a line of either concentration or displeasure. The black hair was a stark contrast to the pallor, pulled back sharply in what seemed as a painful fashion over the sharply pointed ears. He didn’t clasp his hands in front of him, or cross his arms, or do anything that a normally impatient person might do. The cleric stood there as if to wait for Shareene’s move. A knight came into her field of vision and motioned her to step forward. Almost feeling childish, she wondered if this elf would suck the body heat out of her. He seemed so cold and uncaring, like the metallic dragon that sat behind him.
Eventually, Shareene willed her feet to walk forward. The cleric gestured her to a chair that a knight put before the altar, and she did so. The pale elf came in front of her but his gaze was not on her but on the dragon behind her. She felt her head cupped by his hands, ice cold as she thought they would be. His palms laid flat against her ears and she watched as the cleric started his prayers. Not knowing what else to do, she shut her eyes and waited. Either she would be healr str struck down by lightning because she cavorted with green dragons and men in black robes.
Suddenly, she felt a popping in her ears that hurt greatly and flinched. Shareene could hear the cleric’s pulse as she could hear it race through his hands. The cleric’s eyes were closed, a look on his face that reminded her of Raistlin’s when he cast his magic. As his hands were lowered from her head, she could hear him whispering his thanks and praise to Paladine.
Shareene looked up at the elf, and the cold gaze was back again. “Can you hear me, child?” he said softly.
It took her a moment to realize she didn’t have to think her answers anymore. “Yes, I can, my Lord. Thanks to you.”
She wanted to take the last words back as she was firmly scolded. “Paladine healed you, young lady. I am merely His servant.” The cleric backed down. “We will leave you to your prayers of thanks. One of the knights will show you back to Sir Griffoncall.” His job was done and she was now dismissed. He turned and walked out of the chapel.
Shareene saw the other knights doing their prayers and joined them. She mimicked their movements, said a quick thanks in her mind, and spent the rest of the time in silence. One lie after another, she thought to herself as she spent her silent time on her knees.
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She managed to find the dining room again by following the scent of food. There were a few knights already assembled, heaping different items onto their plates. She was spotted by Sir William, who stood up and held out a chair for her. Taking it to be a sign that said “Sit with me,” she walked over as ladylike as she could and sat down. The sound of utensils hitting the plates was still a little sharp to her ears so she used hers very carefully.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me,” she said shyly to the knight.
“My honor is mye, Le, Lady Heathereth,” he responded simply. “There was a woman who needed assistance. It is my privilege and duty to provide that help.” She smiled as she started to eat. He didn’t want to seem rude, but she would be down on her guard if he veiled his questions as simple conversation. “So, now that we do not have to write, where are you from and why were you on your way to Palanthas?”
Shareene didn’t look up as she responded, eating between answers. “I was born in Tarsis. My family couldn’t make a living there, and after losing child after child they decided to move up to Solace. My father passed away from an illness, and once I was nearly an adult my mother decided we should move to a town near Jelek. She heard there was a lot of business there and there was no changing her mind. I lived there ever since.”
“That’s a rather vile area,” he commented.
“It was, I hated it, and I was trapped there. She died a year or two after the move, and I was pretty much the property of an innkeeper that did whatever he wanted with the serving girls. The town was leveled by the dark troops and a few people were able to escape. They mentioned about going to Palanthas, how it was untouched by the war, so I decided to go there.”
“You said you once lived in Solace. One of our own came from there, fought here a few months ago,” he added. “Do you remember a Sturm Brightblade?”
Yes she did, and she didn’t care for him. He avoided her because of her involvement with Raistlin. “I did but I never really made his acquaintance. Is he still here?”
Sir William sighed. “No, he died trying to save the tower you saw on your way here.”
Shareene was shocked. Out of all the people she never expected him to leave this world so early in life. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she whispered softly.
“He restored honor both to the knighthood and to his family name, so his death was not in vain.” The knight set aside his plate and leaned on the table. “Now, I wanted to ask you, how did you managed to get this far without any transport? There wasn’t a horse when we picked you up, and with being deaf you couldn’t hire anyone. So, how did you get so far so fast?”
It was not a question she expected nor liked. “If you are accusing me of something, please say it in plain common,” she said, feigning insult to the question.
“This is not a safe time for anyone. Evil can take on many guises, from ally to knight and even looking like wayfaring damsels. I ask this for the safety of this area and Palanthas. Refugees travel in packs, and you stated there were a few that survived the attacks. Why didn’t you travel with them?”
Her brow furrowed in real anger. “Would you travel with people that allowed the evil to take over in the first place? That did nothing in the face of danger except hide in the shadows and did whatever was demanded of them? I hated them because of that. I wouldn’t travel with them or help them if I had the chance.”
“That would make you as evil as they were.”
Shareene shrugged. “I call it thinning the herd. That might injure your knightly sensibilities, but they did the same thing the Knighthood did for three hundred years. It took one outcast knight to bring you back to some respectability, when you could have done it yourself.” She surprised herself by defending Sturm, but it was a necessary point. “So don’t talk to me about good and evil, it’s not as black and white as you’d like to believe.
“I appreciate your hospitality, but I must head on. I have a life to rebuild.” She got up and turned to leave the table until a gloved hand closed over her wrist.
“We will send a knight with you for protection and to lead you through the gates. It’s a large city and he can set you up with a small house.”
She was about to refuse the offer, but then reconsidered. “Thank you, Sir. I accept your help. I will be ready in an hour.” She was about to leave, then turned back. “One request. May I see where Brightblade is resting now?”
Surprised, the knight gave his permission and had another lead her to the Chamber of Paladine inside the High Clerist Tower.
It wasn’t very far away from the Griffoncall Castle, but the flight of stairs seemed endless. They finally reached it, and she braced herself against the wall to catch her breagaingain. The knight waited outside for her, giving her privacy to view the dead.
She hated funerals, hated anything to do with the passing of a person. She already had to deal with the death of possible siblings and both hers and Raistlin’s parents. But this was something she felt she had to do. Silently walking into the room, she recognized the crest that was of the Brightblades on his bier and headed for it.
Though they were never friends, she felt horrible that he was gone before she could get the chance to clear things up between them. Shareene looked down at him, noticing that he had aged much more than he should have for his years. There was a hole in his chest, the mark of a spear unlike any other she had known, which obviously was the deathblow. His hands were wrapped around the hilt of his sword, the one that he boasted would only break if he did. There were roses everywhere for each of the fallen, and the room was filled with thed.
d.
She had in her hand a few wildflowers she picked on the way up to the tower. They seemed paltry to the other effigies, but hers was sincere and not out of show. Choking back tears she whispered, “Congratulations, Sturm. You got what you dreamed about. Restoring the honor of your comrades, your family, and earning the same death as Huma – in battle. I see you never ‘broke’, as your sword is still whole. I hope Paladine finds your sacrifice worthy.” She sniffled and wiped her face with her sleeve. “I’m sorry we never really got a chance to talk, we might have all found common ground between us. We were all outcasts, a bunch of misfits that really did belong together. Unfortunately, fate sometimes has other plans for us, right?” At a loss for words, she took the bunch of flowers and laid it on his sword. “Fare journey to you, Sir Knight,” she whispered before she kissed his cold cheek in farewell.
Blinking away her tears, Shareene wiped the rest of her face so she didn’t look too much of a fright before leaving the chamber. As she crossed the doorway, she just nodded to the knight that she was done and they left the dead behind them.
********************************************************************************
Shareene and the knight-in-training that was assigned to her traveled silently the rest of the way to Palanthas. She didn’t want to hear about the glory of the Knighthood. He would start a story, she would just nod through it and ignore most of it. She missed the dragon. Cyan’s stories might be of his own puffed up ego, but it was more entertaining than hearing the exploits of Huma or Vinas. And the trip was much longer than on her friend’s back. The horse jostled her bones about, and was forced to ride sidesaddle which was very uncomfortable. She felt like she was going to slide off at any moment. The night flying might have been cold, but it was smoother and more fascinating than looking at tree after tree…very slowly.
The night was very uncomfortable as he would cook, tell his stories, and then stand outside her tent to make sure no one attacked her. It was unnerving having this stranger around her all the time. She didn’t care what emblem they wore, she didn’t like men in the “tin barrel” suits, as Cyan would put it. This was one of the few times she prayed sincerely that Palanthas was just around the corner so she could be rid of him.
Finally, the city appeared after a long trip through the large hills. She was amazed by the size of it, and wondered how many people actually lived there. This was the only time where she pestered the knight-to-be about the area and where ld sld she go, what sights were there and if there was anything to offer her in the jewelry-making sector. They entered with no problems, and he led the way to find someone with a house for rent.
Shareene heard the familiar cries of the merchant sector as they rode down the main road. She fed off the sights and sounds and smells of the city; she actually felt more hope than ever before. They traveled on to the wall of the town that separated the ancient city from the new. After a few hails between the knights, he led her inside the old city and headed north. It was a sector of the cityt wat was dedicated to the housing of visiting knights. She hoped this would be the end of her travels with the Solamnics now.
The knights put her up for the night in their large house. Even though she wanted to explore, her legs burned and ached from sitting in the saddle for so long. They gave her a hot bath and let her dine with them – which she kept to her own company – and then retired for the night.
The next day, the knight-in-training was going to accompany her in finding her own residence. Shareene refused any more horses and insisted on walking. It took her much longer to get around the city, but she couldn’t go through that jarring motion again. He had found out from the other knights there were a few areas that were looking for new people, but he wanted to check them out first.
As they went wandering, she noticed a familiar person in the crowds. He spotted her and walked over with the best attempt at a smile as he could. The knight went on guard until she told him to back down, stating it was a friend of hers.
The man in green came up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “It’s good to see you again,” he said, and actually meant it. He then turned his gaze to the man beside her. “And who is this delightful person?” he asked with his usual sarcasm.
“I was sent to ect ect this lady until she could get herself settled in town, and you are?” the knight stated crisply.
“I am Cyric, and I’ve been looking for her since I heard her town fell into enemy hands. It’s a pity the Knights couldn’t have been much help then, but I guess one does what one can, no?”
The young man stiffened visibly. Shareene turned to him, “He’s being honest. I wouldn’t want to keep you away from your trag nog now, and he can take care of me from here on out.”
“Lady duy duty is to keep you from harm,” he said as he eyed Cyric warily.
“I will be fine now.” She fished around in her pocket for the money pouch she was given and slipped a few steel pieces out. “Here, this is for you…”
“No, I cannot accept your money, Lady. You will need it for your stay here.”
Shareene sighed, “Then take it as tribute to the Knights that helped me in my need. No, sa’s a’s a tribute to the Brightblade name.” She said the last sentence with a hint of sadness. With a nod, he accepted the coins, bowed, and left their company.
She turned back to the dragon in disguise. “I’m glad to see you again. If I had to stay with them any longer I would have lost my mind.”
“So I take it they were actually able to heal your hearing.”
“Luckily. It’s good to have that back.” She grabbed his arm and made it look like he was holding hers. “Look, we better start looking for a place for me. I want to have my own lngs ngs for once.”
They wandered around the streets, asking where there were houses available. Most were filled up with other refugees and were told to move on to the next sector. They continued like this for the rest of the day, stopping once so that he could make her eat. Nearing evening they found an area empty of people and an owner practically begging for some settlers. He kept rambling about how they were frightened of the area, and then break off when she presser a r a reason why. Finally, she demanded to see the area with her friend in tow and then decide if she wanted to stay there.
Pointed in the direction, the two started off for the sector of empty homes. Only a few had some people in them, but the rest were abandoned. Eventually, Cyan came up short and wouldn’t proceed farther. “What’s wrong?” she asked of him.
He shook his head. “There is something wrong about this area, and now I know why.” He pointed upward for her to see. Following his direction, Shareene finally could seet wat was bothering him.
Rising out of a small forest of trees was a dark tower, rising high over them as she craned her head to take it in. It was rather hard to see at night as it seemed to absorb light than reflect it. “What is it?” she whispered in awe.
“It’s the ancient Tower of High Sorcery,” Cyan answered in a whisper. “The area is cursed from an insane mage that committed suicide from the top of the tower. The Kingpriest long ago wanted all the towers under his control, and one did not want him to have this one. Now, nothing but the dead resides there. Can you not feel the fear dripping from the trees?”
Shareene had to shake her head. “No, I don’t. A little dread but not actual fear.”
“I guess that spell he cast before you left with me was stronger than I though. It was to quell the dragonfear so that I did not affect you. I guess it applies to this area too.”
She looked at him, then back up at the tower, then turned back to him. “What is your advice then?”
“I personally would nive ive here, but something tells me it will not be empty for too long. There must be someplace else that you can stay at. The new city would be safer than living in the shadows of this.”
“I guess it’s the inn for us then,” she sighed. They found one nearby and settled in for the night, but there were a few times where she woke up and stared at the tower outside her window. Something fascinated her about it but she couldn’t be sure what it was.
The next day was better in getting a home. She found one in the new city, one sector away from the huge merchant district. Pouring coin after coin out to pay for the house, food, and a bit of furniture, she still had the one steel piece at the end of the day. Cyan, though he would have liked to stay, knew he had to go.
“I cannot stay in a house now. And right now, I’m going to be needed,” he explained. “I believe soon your mage will come back for you, just keep looking at the sor tor the signs.” Quietly he added, “I hope that we can meet up again sometime.”
Shareene hoped that would be so, and gave him a hug while he was still in his human form. “Thank you for everything, Cyan. I couldn’t have made it without you.”
“Yeah…well, don’t let word get out that a great wyrm like myself helped out a human. It would ruin my reputation,” he said with his wide sarcastic grin.
“I won’t. It’s not like I would admit that I befriended a green dragon. People will talk.” She smiled warmly at Cyan, gave him a peck on the cheek and waved him goodbye.
Happy that she now had a new life in a new area, she went out to explore the rest of Palanthas until Raistlin would send for her.

To be continued....
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A Book of Roses - Book 2