Several hours prior

  A grey haired man sat in a chair as men yelled at each other around him. He placed his head in his hands, took a deep breath, slammed his fist on the table and yelled. “ENOUGH!!! WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR ALL THIS USELESS DRIVEL!”

  The room went dead silent and the other men in the room slouched back into their seats. He sat up straight and looked around the room, “we need to take this letter seriously. Arkend wouldn't send us this letter warning us what those brigands were really after for no reason.”

  A younger blond man raised his hand, “Sir, what if we moved the statues beforehand? Would they not direct their attention elsewhere then?”

  A red haired female elf with purple eyes scoffed at the man, “It seems all the time you spent on the battlefield dimmed your mind Leon. We’ve already tried moving them several times, but whatever they are made of can't be moved by any quick means we have access to.”

  “Everyone please focus, the objective of the masterminds who hired these people remains unknown still. The only thing we managed to uncover, with the help from some elderly elves, is that these statues contain hints to awakening some unknown ancient threat. We must hold out as long as we can.”

  The grey haired man turned his attention to a knight sitting on his right. “Captain Tyner, ready your men for a siege and send out more scouts. We must find out how they plan to attack. EVERYONE IS DISMISSED!”

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Present time

  Aurora’s mind raced as she tried to understand the sight of the inferno in front of her. How? How? We just left! It can't be! Mom! Dad! Aurora ran off towards the city; desperate to save her family.

  Camilla finally stirred from her stupor, she shouted out. “AURORA, WAIT! It's not safe to go alone!” Her words fell on deaf ears, she stomped the ground as she let out a yell of frustration, then she followed her. She regretted not wearing her uniform today. Using her superior speed she tackled Aurora to the ground, shouting at her. “Aurora, please stop! It’s too late to help them!”

  Aurora attempted to shove her off, tears stained down her cheeks. “LET GO! I HAVE TO HELP TH–!” A giant shadow passed over, she looked up and noticed 3 giant trolls smashing the walls with massive clubs. Giant spiders scaled the wall attacking whatever they could find.

  Several poisonous lizards destroyed the farms outside the town. 5 lesser drakes flew over the city, breathing fire down as they passed. Aurora squinted and noticed humans atop the drakes which baffled her. Her mind snapped back to the nightmare she had suffered just a few days ago. Why are we being attacked? What did we do to deserve this?

  Feeling the resistance leave her, Camilla could only hug her friend tight, tears threatened to come out of her eyes. A few minutes passed before Aurora passed out from the shock.

  Camilla moved her into a bush to hide her, she looked around making sure no one was around. Once the coast was clear she ran towards the city gate in hopes of finding a weapon.

  Around the rubble that was once the main gate, a lone girl crouched around, her eyes scanned over the bodies of the guards strewn about. Finally she spotted a sword lying on the other side of the gate from her.

  The only issue was the group of bandits guarding a man in a robe. The man held a staff in his hand and gave orders to the others. He must be the one who brought these foul creatures here.

  She gritted her teeth in anger. I need to get that staff away from him somehow. She moved around the edge using the rubble for cover, when she reached the sword relief washed over her. Now what do I do? I could attack that man, but I bet he has more guards than I can handle. Let’s just get Aurora and leave. She made her way back to her friend, still asleep in the bush.

  Camilla leaned down and brushed the hair out of her face. “I’m sorry, I couldn't help your family, but I swear to protect you forever.” She picked her up and put Aurora on her back. Just before she headed east she gave one final look at the burning city, as she offered a silent prayer to those who fell in this tragedy.

  She turned away and headed for the nearby hunting cabin their families shared. Camilla’s family had purchased it when they sent her to live with Aurora eight years ago.

  Aurora slowly regained consciousness and found herself on a bed. She jolted up as she gasped for air. She looked around slowly and realized where she was. She thought back to the images she had seen while asleep. I see, they weren't nightmares. That really happened. The town, our house, my family. It's all gone. She pulled her legs up to her chest as she cried for everything she lost.

  Camilla came into the room with a porridge after she heard the commotion. “I brought you something light to eat. I hope you don't mind.” She put the bowl down on the nightstand and sat down on a stool next to the bed.

  She reached out and put her hand over Aurora’s, giving it a small squeeze. “I'm...sorry, I c-couldn’t do more f-for you ...and your family….” Camilla looked down in shame until she felt Aurora’s hand cup her cheek.

  “It's not your fault Camilla, don't blame yourself. Besides we don't know that they're dead for sure. Someone had to have made it out.” she put on a forceful smile before she leaned forward, closing the distance between them.

  Camilla leaned back a bit in response, as she tried to pull away Aurora grabbed her other cheek. She turned Camilla to face her, Aurora leaned forward again and pressed her lips against her friend's forehead.

  She pulled away, letting go of her cheeks as she grabbed the bowl of food. Aurora looked over while eating to see her friend had turned completely red. She almost spit out the bite she had taken from holding in her laugh.

  I can't believe that made her so flustered. She grinned at this knowledge. Guess I know how to tease her now. She proceeded to finish her meal, once she was done she asked. “So where are we heading now?”

  Camilla finished calming down before she answered. “I planned to go east to the city of Sarten. We’ll rest there for a few days and get supplies before going to the capital. As long as that's fine with you anyway…”

  Aurora lips formed a small smile. “That sounds like a great plan my dear~.”

  Camilla frowned “this isn't a joke here. We're on our own now, Aurora. Now go freshen up. The water in the bath should still be warm.”

  Aurora chuckled halfheartedly. “Okay I'll go, but if you want you could always join me!” She gave her a wink before heading to the bathroom.

  Camilla simply pouted in response and whispered. “Idiot.” Once Aurora was done with her bath and dressed in a clean outfit, they set off.

  “We’ll follow the road until it forks, and then follow the river from there. We should be able to avoid any bandits if we take that path.” Camilla was staring intently at a map as they walked.

  “Are you sure we shouldn’t just follow the river from here?” Aurora pointed at a spot closer to where they currently were. “It seems like a better choice to me.”

  “Well normally it would be, but that's bear territory and they just finished hibernating. It's too dangerous for just the two of us. We’ll just have to go around instead.” She rolled the map up and stored it in her makeshift knapsack. “You packed everything you need right?”

  “Of course I did. Enough supplies for at least 2 days. I would have preferred to have more though.” Aurora adjusted her belt to make sure it wasn't loose before checking the latch on her dagger’s holster. Good everything seems snug.

  She looked down at her new clothes. A green tight fitting blouse, brown leather pants and a simple leather vest complete with brown knee high boots and black stockings. She also carried a bow and quiver slung over her back and leather gloves hung from her waist, an addition to protect her fingers while hunting.

  Camilla was wearing a similar outfit but with a blue shirt, a skirt, and a chain mail vest. Aurora found herself staring a little too long, only coming to her senses with something passed in front of her face. It was Camilla waving her hand in front of her, an exasperated sigh escaping her lips.

  “Are you okay? You were out of it for a moment there.”

  “Yeah. Yeah. It’s no issue. I’m good now.” She tugged on Camilla’s wrist, pulling her forward. “We have to make good use of the daylight!”

  Camilla allowed herself to get pulled along, enjoying the warmth of the sunbeams shining through the trees. They continued on the path until they stopped hearing the chirping of birds. They both stopped and drew their weapons immediately, Camilla stepping in front of Aurora and placing her short shield in front of her.

  A trio of devil wolves stepped out in front of them, growling and foaming at the mouth.

  “Careful Camilla. Something is wrong with them.” Aurora took aim at the farthest one, waiting for them to approach.

  “Dont worry i noticed. They are likely mutating somehow. Don't let them bite you. We have no idea what could happen if they do.”

  “Copy that! I got your rear covered.” She let the arrow she was holding loose as soon as the wolves charged. It struck the smallest one in the eye, going through and piercing its brain. It stumbled for a few steps before it tripped over itself, falling in front of the one near it and knocking it over.

  The last one leapt at Camilla who thrust her shield forward, striking it in the face. She followed up by twirling her body to the side and swinging her sword in a downward arc, decapitating it in one strike. The last wolf finally rose only to be struck in its rear leg and flank by three arrows.

  It attempted to crawl away as Camilla sauntered over and finished it off. Her eyes scanned the woods, wary of any more hiding for another ambush. Once she was sure the fight was over she waved at Aurora and headed towards the river. Aurora made her way over as she sheathed her bow and drew her dagger.

  “Well at least we should have no issue gathering food as needed. We got lucky it was only three of them huh, Camilla?”

  Camilla began washing the blood off her sword in the river. “Let's pray the goddesses continue to bless us during the rest of our journey.”

  Aurora turned away with a frown on her face. The goddesses…eh. As if they have ever blessed us. “I’ll go dress the carcasses.”

  Camilla looked over her shoulder, “Just wait a moment, I can come help you.”

  “It’s fine. Just keep me covered. I'll be done in a moment.” She reached the first wolf and began to carefully skin the pelt off. She then moved to the teeth and claws. After she finished doing that to all three she moved to cutting the meat off the bones.

  Camilla helped her pack up everything after Aurora finished and they continued their journey. They continued walking without further incidents until arriving at the fork in the road. A carriage was surrounded by a group of 15 humans locked in combat with each other.

  “Uh, Camilla. Should we even help them? The guards seem to be winning just fine. They also might accuse us of being with them.” Aurora’s eyes flicked back and forth between the fight and her companion.

  Camilla scratched her chin, weighing her choices. “We should just wait for them to pass. As much as I hate looting corpses, the attackers might have items we need right now.”

  Aurora nodded in response, “Alright. It shouldn’t take long for them to finish them off.” They sat down next to the road, not bothering to hide. Once the fight ended the leader of the guards spotted them and rode over on his horse, aiming his sword at them.

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  “Identify yourselves! If you refuse to comply I'll cut you down where you stand.” Three additional guards joined in surrounding the duo.

  “How bothersome. Couldn't you just leave well enough alone. You know full well we aren't with them.” Aurora motioned towards the corpses.

  “I said identify yourselves! The next word from you that isn't your name will be your last.”

  “And I said it’s none of your buisi-” Her words were cut off as Camilla clamped her hand over her mouth.

  “My name is Camilla Dawnblade sir. This stubborn fool next to me is the Lady of the Frostwind family. I serve as her guard on our journey to Southtale.”

  “THE FROSTWIND FAMILY?! Are you certain?!” The captain’s doubt was evident in his tone. He dismounted and approached Aurora, scrutinizing her before backing away and kneeling down. He placed one arm on his knee and the other across his chest to his shoulder. “Forgive this discourtesy I have shown you. If you wish, we can offer you an escort to Southtale.”

  “Sir, there’s no need to kneel to me. Please get up! I'm just the daughter of merchants, not nobles.” Aurora tried in vain to make him stand. After a few more attempts she huffed and gave up. “Fine. I suppose I could…forgive you. Just this once!”

  “My thanks Lady Aurora. Shall we get moving then? It's a long journey ahead and daylight is fading fast.” He stood and gestured towards the carriage. “Please climb aboard and please be mindful of Her Ladyship.”

  Ladyship? A noble perhaps? Seems I'll need to watch my tongue. Camilla stopped just before entering. “Aurora, go ahead. I need to ask the Captain something. I won’t be long.”

  “Oh…Sure.” Aurora waved before she entered the carriage and took a seat. As she looked up her eyes fell upon a stunning young lady. From her shoulder length pink hair and golden eyes, to her porcelain color skin and her bizarre purple attire resembling that of a witch. She even wore a starry wide brimmed witch hat atop her head.

  “It’s quite rude of you to be staring. Don’t you think so, Miss adventurer?” The girl closed one eye as she flicked open a fan and covered her face.

  Aurora waved her hands in front of her, “I do apologize M’lady, it was not my intention to do so. I was just stunned to meet such a beautiful human.” Her cheeks began to burn as she spoke.

  “Is that so? Well I shouldn’t be surprised you haven’t met one before.” She snapped her fan shut and pointed it at Aurora. “I suppose introductions are required, no? After all, it seems we will be company for a few days. You shall serve as my conversation partner to alleviate my boredom. Rejoice, I shall reward you well if you do a good job.”

  Aurora stared awkwardly at her for a few moments before finally answering. “Thank you for your wonderful offer.”

  “Think nothing of it. Now, your name?” It was at this moment that Camilla entered and took a seat as well. “And your companions as well.”

  “This is Camilla, my guard and friend. I am Aurora.”

  “No last name?” She raised her eyebrow.

  “Uh it’s Frostwind, Aurora Frostwind.”

  “I see. My name is Mel, sole daughter of Southtale's city lord. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She held out her hand which Aurora shook.

  “Likewise, Lady…Mel?” Aurora said with uncertainty.

  “Just Mel. I am not strict on formalities, even less so towards my family's benefactors Aurora.”

  Benefactors? Does she mean my parents? But…Why? Too many questions without answers. Seems I should speak with this city lord if I get the chance. She pushed those thoughts aside as the group halted in a clearing as night approached.

  “Seems this is far as we could make it today huh? A bit behind plan. Stupid thieves.” The trio exited the carriage together. “Well, let us meet again tomorrow. Rest up while you can.” With that Mel walked away and the duo was left to find sleeping accommodations for themselves.

  The night passed without incident and the group resumed their journey, arriving near the city several days later.

  “Aurora, Camilla. Thank you for joining me on this journey. It’s unfortunate we must part here. I pray we meet again soon.”

  “I’m sure we will one day. Farewell, and good luck Mel.” The groups went their separate ways, Aurora and Camilla continuing on towards the main gate.

  “It's beautiful here. So this is the capital Southtale huh?.” Aurora looked around in awe. They started to approach the gate, and the duo noticed the long line for entry at the gate. The two looked at each other before they chose to approach. Nearing the front of the line they were stopped by the guards.

  “Halt. State the purpose of your visit.” After a brief moment of hesitation, the gruff man before them placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and scowled at their hesitance to answer. “If you refuse to answer my questions, I'll throw you in a cell. Now hurry up!”

  Camilla sighed, dealing with people like this is a pain. “We came here from the west, sir. Our city was attacked by bandits, we narrowly managed to escape with our lives. We came here to register at the adventurers guild to make a living here.”

  The guard merely thought for a moment, then whispered something to another guard who ran off. “I’m going to need some identification from you ladies first.” Camilla and Aurora both gave a small curtsy to the guard and introduced themselves.

  “I am Camilla of Trentfel, Eldest Daughter from the Dawnblade family.”

  “I am Aurora of Trentfel, Daughter of the Frostwind family.”

  They stood back up and observed the guard, who pondered what to do with them. “Both of you follow me to the guard house. I have some additional questions for you regarding this attack of which you spoke.” he motioned to his fellow guards who moved to flank the two women. He turned and walked towards the guard house situated near the main gate just inside the city; the rest of the entourage followed suit.

  They were led into the building that resembled a big stone box, moss and vines covered several spots around the outside. Once inside they were led to a cell and instructed to wait inside, to which they complied. The inside of the cell had one bench mounted on the wall and a wooden pail in the corner. The stench made them pinch their noses in disgust.

  Aurora let out a halfhearted chuckle. “Never thought I’d ever be put in a cell before.” She took a seat on the bench while they waited for the guard to call for them.

  Camilla shook her head at her friend. “Let’s just hope the head guard is a reasonable person. Otherwise we might be stuck here for a while.” She exhaled and took a seat next to Aurora. “I’m sorry, I didn't think it'd be this much of a hassle for us to enter the city.”

  A few hours passed before the guard finally came to retrieve them. Aurora groaned while laying down on a bench, “About damn time.”

  He unlocked the door and pointed to Camilla. “You come with me, your friend will have to wait here.” Once Camilla left the cell he shut the door and locked it again, he then turned and escorted her away. They entered another room further down the hall before taking a seat.

  “So you said you were from the Dawnblade family?” the guard raised his eyebrow as he looked over some papers.

  “That's correct sir.” She had no need to overexplain herself, thus she kept her answers short.

  He frowned at her short response before he wrote on the parchment. “What exactly did you do in the city?” he leaned forward, placing his arms on the table.

  “I hail from a lineage of knights.” she said a bit of pride leaking through her expression.

  “Knights you say? So you are a knight as well then?”

  “No,no. I'm simply still a squire sir.” She waved her hands frantically in front of her, “I never got to even start my official training to become a knight.”

  “Fine, it doesn't really matter. Now tell me about this attack. How it happened, how many men they have. Everything you know.”

  “We were both outside the city when the attack first began. By the time we noticed the city was in flames. When I approached the front gate for a closer look, the rubble was all I could see inside. A high ranked beast tamer had brought scores of monsters to attack us. They had lesser drakes, trolls, giant spiders, and several acid spitting lizards. I counted around 100 or so bandits. That's about all I know sir.” She shivered a bit, having recalled the gruesome sight around the front gate.

  The unnamed guard wrote a bit more, then glanced back towards the door for a moment. “Final question then. Why did this attack occur? Surely these bandits have a reason for such destructive means?”

  Camilla thought for a bit before shaking her head, “I'm sorry. I can't think of reasons other than territory, but if that's what they wanted they would not have leveled the cities to the ground.”

  “Wait, cities?” This word caught the guards full attention. He could feel something was off here, yet could not place it. “As in more than one?”

  “Huh….Yes, the city of Arkend was attacked a few days before ours according to the rumors I overheard.”

  The man pondered for a moment, “You said your name was Camilla, yes?”

  She nodded and simply stated, “Yes sir, that's correct.”

  “You and your friend are free to go. I have more pressing matters to attend to. Just don't cause any trouble or you'll find yourselves right back here.” he gave his warning and turned muttering under his breath, “I'll need to report this to the city lord…haaaa what a drag.”

  He was about to open the door when a voice caused him to freeze. “Oh? So reporting important matters to me has become a drag to you now has it, Captain Vance?”

  “L-Lord Blackwood!” Vance dropped to a knee once he entered the door, “I wasn't expecting you so soon!”

  A tall, middle aged man stepped into the room, his black and grey tinted hair was cut short. He glanced around the room before his eyes fell on Camilla. “ Ah there you are, your blue haired friend seemed pretty worried about you, but from the looks of it you seem to be alright.”

  Camilla raised her eyebrows in confusion, “you mean Aurora?” She crossed her arms not fully trusting this new man.

  He simply nodded at her question, “Yes, that would be who I spoke of.” he turned towards the kneeling knight, “Go find my secretary, then meet me at my estate. I need to speak with my guests in private.”

  “Yes sir!” Vance stood up and gave a quick bow, then ran off. After he left, Camilla looked towards the older man.

  “So, what do you want with us commoners, Lord Blackwood?” Camilla slowly stood up and stretched her back a bit. I can’t fathom why he would've taken an interest in us, after all we’re nobodies from a different city. He must have some ulterior motive, ill need to stay cautious.

  He let out a short chuckle, “no need to be so guarded child, I used to be an adventurer alongside your parents after all.” he turned towards the door and made to leave, “Now come along, this is no place for us to talk, lets go.”

  Camilla followed after him unsure what to think of this info. Our parents knew this old guy? How come they never told us about him? Several other questions went through her mind before they reached the exit where Aurora was waiting. She ran over as soon as she saw Aurora before checking her over, "You're okay right? They didn't do anything to you right?!” Her concern was plastered all over her face, she finally let go after a few minutes of looking her over.

  Aurora felt a slight blush adorn her cheeks as she simply laughed at her, “I'm fine Camilla. They ignored me until he came around and made them release me.” She gestured towards the old man behind her. “But what happened to you? Are you doing okay?” She felt concerned once she saw a look of suspicion on her companion's face. She decided now was not the time to say anything.

  “I'm fine Aurora, j-just tired is all.” Camilla shook her head slowly, “Let's go, apparently we have an important discussion to have.” She turned and headed for the exit glad to be able to finally leave the filthy building.

  The sun blinded the two girls as they stepped through the door. Camilla looked around and spotted the man waiting next to a fancy horse drawn carriage. She motioned for Aurora to follow her and stopped just outside the door. “So where exactly are you taking us?”

  Lord Blackwood pointed to the giant building at the top of the hill, “up to my office of course.” he then climbed up to sit next to the driver. “Get in you two, we haven't got all day.”

  Aurora looked towards Camilla and shook her shoulder, “come on, if he wanted us dead we would be in prison awaiting trial.” She climbed into the back of the carriage and took a seat. “WOW! Camilla, these seats are so COMFY!”

  Camilla couldn't refute her words about trusting the old man and climbed in after her. I hope we don't regret this choice. After she was sat in her seat the old man motioned the driver to head off.

  The journey through the city was slow but the girls observed the better quality of buildings in the lower sections of the city, it was quite surprising to them. Rather than the thatch and wood house they were used to seeing, the people here lived in stone or brick houses. These types of houses were normally owned by merchants and low class nobles, not commoners.

  What really drew their attention though was the statue in the main square. It was the same as the statue of the two dragons fighting from the middle of their hometown. Camilla was in shock upon seeing it. “Hey Aurora….isnt that…”

  “Yeah it is Camilla.”

  The old man chuckled from outside, "Don't be too surprised girls, there are 5 pairs of statues just like it. Same with the other statue here. However it seems two pairs of them have been lost to us, a troubling omen to say the least.” he went silent after he said so.

  The two wondered what mysterious importance some mere statues could possibly have. Aurora shook her head after thinking for a while and decided it wasn't her place to worry about such issues. She wasn't a noble or someone with a duty to others, she needed to live for herself and Camilla. She couldn't see what help she could possibly offer either since all she had were her skills with a bow.

  Despite being an elf she was unable to use magic, a condition surrounding her birth according to her parents. It had always been a source of teasing from the other elf children back in her home village, which was why her parents moved her to a human settlement. She was fine with this change though, if they hadn't moved she never would've met Camilla.

  Aurora jumped over to the other seat next to Camilla, laid her head on her shoulder, and smiled to herself as she thought about the past. I’m not sure when it happened but she’s become my light in this world. I’m not sure what I’d do without her by my side. If only she’d take the next step with me.

  Her face lit up as she jolted up once she got an idea. Oh! Maybe I should take her out for a date tomorrow! She squinted her eyes and rubbed her chin in thought as she sat back down into Camilla’s arms. Maybe I could ask this Blackwood fellow for some advice on where to take her here since I don't know this city.

  With this newfound idea of her she grabbed her friends hands. “Camilla, let's go out tomorrow evening!”

  Camilla raised her eyebrow at her friend's weird behavior. Seems like she's plotting something again. “Where exactly would we go out?”

  Aurora made a wide gesture with her hands. “Exploring! We need to learn about this place after all!” a big grin adorned her lips.

  Camilla felt a blush cross her cheeks as she let out a sight, her lips formed into a thin line. Well it should be fine as long as she doesn't get too emotional. Whatever happened to her as a child is a real pain in my ass.

  She thought back to the day 6 years ago when Aurora’s parents had told Camilla about how her magic was sealed away. According to them, any sort of prolonged high stimulation could cause a malfunction in the seal, which would release a torrent of uncontrolled mana that would affect the surroundings for miles.

  She shook the thoughts from her mind and watched Aurora observe the city with a slight smile. Well I guess this isn't too bad for now. She turned and looked up at the sky and muttered, "I swear I will keep the promise I made, even if I should die.”

  Aurora turned around a moment later “did you say somethi-”

  Lord Blackwood’s voice rang out and interrupted her, “Ladies we have arrived!” The carriage came to a sudden stop causing the girls to tumble and land on top of each other.

  Aurora rubbed the back of her head after it had hit the edge of the seat, she then noticed a squishy feeling in her other hand. Since when were the cushions so soft? At this moment Aurora looked down to see Camilla’s flushed face and her hand firmly pressed into her chest.

  She immediately scrambled back her own cheeks turned rosy as she looked down at the hand that was on her breast mere moments ago. She sat there frozen for several moments before Camilla reached out and pulled her into a hug. Camilla ran her hand through her hair slowly as she waited for her to calm back down.

  Aurora shivered under her touch before she slowly relaxed, her breathing starting to become steady. After a few moments passed she pulled away, “I’m okay now Camilla. Let's not keep him waiting for too long. From everything we have seen recently I feel something bad is coming.”

  She slowly stood up and straightened out her clothes, stepping out the door and stretched her back out. As she looked around the wide open garden that surrounded the fountain sat circled by a looped brick path, she ran over and crouched down to sniff the flowers.

  She then turned her attention to the statue of the three caged dragons, this one also identical to the one in the noble area of her hometown. After she studied it to look for any differences and found none she turned towards the main building.

  On the other side of the fountain from the main street was a large building made of gray marble. It was of intricate construction with sloped roofs. Most of its walls were filled by large stained glass windows and bright lights that illuminated it. The entrance was large double doors that could be accessed by going up the small amount of front steps. Large pillars held up an expansive balcony situated above the main entrance.

  Large neat trimmed hedges sat under every window on the front side. Further away from the building were 4 tall hedges trimmed to look like gryphons flying through the sky.

  Lord Blackwood called out to her from the front door, “Dear we don't have all day if you would hurry this way!” he turned to Camilla who had followed him unlike Aurora, “Your friend is quite outgoing isn't she. Reminds me of her mother back in the day….” his voice trailed off sounding a bit forlorn. His face softened from nostalgic memories, lips trembling as regretful words parted from them.

  Just what were our parents like back then? This sounds nothing like the people I know. She was about to ask him something when Aurora jumped on her back for a moment, which caught her by surprise.

  Aurora looked at the man, “ I just remembered sir, but you never told us your name.”

  He let out a short chuckle, "I suppose you are correct, how rude of me. I am Lord Amy Blackwood.”

  Aurora froze in shock at the information “Y-your name is A-Amy? As in the woman's name Amy?”

  “Yes, now if there are no other delays, let's go inside and wait for some refreshments.” The trio proceeded inside through a hallway filled with statues and expensive paintings. They stopped outside a door that led into a quaint room with a table with four plush chairs around it and a wonderful view of the gardens outside. On top of the table was a fancy porcelain tea set.

  Amy called for a maid and motioned for the two to take a seat, an invite they accepted politely as the maid pulled the chairs back for them. He then sent her off to bring tea and some desserts before taking a seat himself opposite of the two.

  He placed his elbows on the edge of the table and rested his chin atop his hands, his expression turned serious as his eyes narrowed. “Now, while we wait, why don’t you tell me what you know about the dragons.”