Ch 67: The White Dragon & The Golden Phoenix

Astasha had wanted to stay and begin work on transcribing her memories of the Wind Walking ritual, but she knew that her duty now required her attention to be split between her tasks as a sorceress, and that of a princess, and so she changed into a warm gown with one of the furs gifted to her over her shoulders, and headed out with Calder toward Kashor’s camp, Talib and Olander along with them.

“So, Captain Talib,” she said as they walked, “I believe you owe me a story.”

Calder looked at her curiously but his friend awkwardly cleared his throat.

“Oh, uh, well, there’s not much to tell honestly. We’d been traveling together for a time on our way here, gettin’ to know each other along the way. One night, we came across some trouble. I uh, might have been caught off guard a bit—“

“A bit?” Laughed Calder. “You were caught with your trousers down, literally!”

Astasha tried desperately not to laugh.

“Hey, even the Captain of the Prince’s Guard has to attend to personal business from time to time!” He tried to defend himself.

Even Olander had to turn his face away as he too tried to hide a snicker.

“Yes, of course.” She said. “I’m sorry, continue, please.” Tasha exchanged a quick look with Cal, who was the only one not trying to hide his amusement.

“Anyhow, Sorceress Norelle, she uh, well…” Talib trailed off and the Prince jumped on the opportunity to finish the story for him.

“She saved his ass, yes, literally. And once the battle was won, he marched right over to her and kissed her, in front of everyone!”

The Captain’s cheeks were a bright red as he turned on his friend. “I didn’t realize the Lady had asked you to tell the damn story.”

Calder simply shrugged. “You seemed to be struggling, figured I would help you out.”

Talib grumbled in response and Astasha felt compelled to save him from further embarrassment, despite her own amusement at the two’s antics.

“Well, I should think that’s a fine way to show your appreciation, and affection. The two of you are quite adorable together.”

He was quiet for a moment. “She keeps me grounded, out of my own head. And laughs at my jokes, not out of pity, but genuinely. I— she’s special.”

The Fire Witch looked over at the brute of a man next to them. It was something one never realized about the strongest of people; their need for simple affirmations. But she was glad he had found someone who gave him that.

“I’m happy for you both.” She said with a warm smile, and she could see a small one break the corners of the Captain’s mouth.

When they arrived at the NorthWestern end of camp, Kashor and his men already had a roaring fire going, fueling the smells of grilling meat and exotic spices.

“Ah! But the White Dragon and his beautiful lady have come!” The leader of Dorthshire called out.

There were cheers amongst the men as they were enveloped in greetings and led over to the fire. Each were offered a wooden cup filled with a strong smelling drink (though the Captains both declined), and welcomed to share in the food that was being prepared.

It was exquisite in flavor, tastes Astasha had never experienced before. “A man with a full stomach will fight like a man, but a man who has been filled with delights, shall fight like a beast.” Said Kashor as she complimented him and his men.

She had been introduced to most of those present as she dined and sipped on the strange liquor which warmed her cheeks. They were a merry bunch, always laughing and chiding one another, which was refreshing to see amongst so many grim faces outside of their little area.

A game of some sort involving pieces of bone had begun, and Kashor called across the fire to Calder. “Let the White Dragon see if he can hold his treasure this time!”

Astasha raised her eyebrows at Cal as he shook his head and took a drink from his cup before raising it. “I think it’s more like you’ll all walk with my hoard, but it’s been too long since I’ve thrown bones, so…”

“Throwing bones?” She asked.

“A local betting game they tried to teach me when I was there, though, I’m fucking terrible at it apparently.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Wish me luck, my Queen.”

“Good luck, my King.” He smiled broadly at her before heading to join the men gathered in a circle.

“I don’t believe your luck will help him.” Astasha looked over to see Kashen smiling broadly. “Not with the nectar of the Takkerin flower in him.”

She glanced down at her cup and then back up at her love who seemed to be enjoying himself more than she had seen since his return. She shook her head as a smile touched her own lips. “If it means I get to see him joyous like that, I’ll wish him all the luck I have.”

Kashen frowned suddenly, a sorrowful and yet bitter look on his face. “It has been difficult, the suns you have faced together since he returned. Love should not be guarded by gatekeepers of law.”

Tasha looked to him for a moment before returning her gaze downward and taking a deep breath. “Yes, well, I suppose there are those the laws were made for, it just means I don’t have much luck to give after all.”

“Not luck, but something better, stronger… destiny.”

The two stood in silence for a moment as she pondered what he might have meant by that.

“Why does your father call him the White Dragon?” She asked at last.

He looked at her with amusement in his eyes. “Have you ever met a dragon?”

“They live only in the empire across the sea don’t they? I’ve never left Trenue.”

“Dragons are fierce protectors. They give respect if you earn it, but will also destroy you quicker than they can swallow a bird if you cross them.” Kashen’s eyes moved to Calder as he spoke. “There is one, a myth out of the sea, wise and kind, friend to man, yet stronger and faster than its kin, and just as protective. It is said it’s eyes can see your soul and it loves those it cares for so deeply that it’s heart is said to carry the cure of all ailments. But this is why it is hunted, and yet it does not kill those who seek to destroy it, but takes them into its wings and brings them peace, and hope.”

Astasha’s gaze drifted to her Prince as well. “The White Dragon.”

The young Dorthshiren nodded. “Yes. It is said it perished in loneliness. But my father believes it’s spirit has come back.”

She watched Cal whose face was alight with laughter, and as he caught sight of her, melted into affection and love. “I think I can understand why.”

Kashen raised his cup to her. “Perhaps it will live on this time, for it is no longer alone.” After taking a pull of his drink, he bowed to her and walked away.

Astasha eventually made her way to the fire where she sat and listened to the men share stories and tall tales. Her gaze would occasionally stray to her Prince and their eyes would meet as they shared a knowing smile.

After awhile, the leader of the clan came to sit next to her, offering her a bowl of steaming broth which she took gratefully.

“My wife will dance to the stars when she hears tale that the White Dragon is whole.” He said with a smile. “Someday, you will meet her, and then, the men shall be in trouble.”

She laughed as he winked at her. “I look forward to meeting her, and your daughters.”

“On that day we shall celebrate as no Dorthshiren has before.”

They sat and watched the flames for a moment before Astasha turned to him. “Do you really believe the spirit of the White Dragon lives on in Cal?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Do you not? You know his spirit better than he himself.” She didn’t need to think about it, she knew. He truly was exactly what Kashor’s son had described. “But you do not see your own.” He continued shaking his head. He stood and walked over to the fire, taking from its edge a piece of burnt wood. “Just as the White Dragon learned his, let me teach you yours.”

He sat down in front of her, motioning to her chest.

She could feel the scars there, even though they didn’t hurt anymore. But for some reason, she wasn’t ashamed of them. They were her determination, her resilience, and her love.

Slowly, she nodded, removing the fur around her shoulders.

Kashor looked over the wounds and then smiled. “Like us, you carry the markings of your story. Now, I mark you as this.” He began to draw lines with the ash of the stick, incorporating her scars. “There are fires that burn too bright, they blind and go out without being truly seen. You, my beautiful, mythical princess, are simply reborn stronger. You weep for those fallen and raise them, carrying them with you to the skies. Bold, and brilliant as the flaming sun. Rise again, from these ashes, Golden Phoenix.”

She looked down at the symbol he had drawn and felt a sudden overwhelming sense of honor. “Thank you.” She said genuinely.

Gently, he took her hand and nodded toward Calder who was talking with a few of the men. “Your pairing is of the Gods. Of the same likeness, yet different worlds. One, a fierce protector, the other, a vicious caregiver, both willing to die for their purpose. Not likely to be seen flying together, but alas, the most mighty of alies should they align. You will be the song of his heart, and he the shield of yours.”

Something swelled inside Astasha, a sense of duty, and determination. In that moment, all of her doubts and fears melted away, and for the first time she could truly see it… the Golden Phoenix, Calder’s Queen, beside him, united, on the throne.