Eternal Darkness (The Amagarians 1)

Chedra took a great torch with her and Saieke took one as well, not wanting to reveal that she was able to see in the dark and the why of it. “Are you not afraid of being attacked?” Saieke murmured as a piercing scream rent the air.

Chedra laughed with surprise dancing in her eyes. “We are Darkans: the animals are wary of us.”

“What about Cullen and other children. They are so small.”

Hands squeezed hers and she looked down into a face scrunched up in ferocity. “I am not small. Drac says I am a big and a great Darkan, and one day I will have access to my Lyon.”

“Forgive me; of course I know how big you are. I spoke of other children.”

He nodded, pleased and his mother chuckled.

“No, our children are safe. Even though their beast powers are latent until they are about one hundred years, the animals can sense something more in them. Not only that, they are faster than any creature in our world and yours. We are dominant here in all ways.”

Saieke dipped her head under some foliage. It was really stunning. Although it looked wild and in disarray, there was still a certain organization to the design. There were clear pathways for walking that had no obstruction. There were sculptures made from onyx strewn about, and stone benches and tables were arranged everywhere. “Cullen has a dragon as well? Drac told me that your parents possess dragons and that the beasts are inherited,” she explained at the surprised look Chedra threw her.

“I have a dragon but my mate possesses a Lyon. Cullen has inherited a Lyon as my mate’s beast is more dominant than mine.”

“I thought that only the same beasts mated, as your parents both have dragons.”

“That is normally the way of it, but we don’t choose who we mate. It just happens and to deny that connection is impossible. When Tzar and I mated with different beasts, it was the fifth in our history. Many said we were an abomination as the power of the child we brought forth is unknown until he is grown and his tattoo is fully formed.”

“How awful,” Saieke breathed. “Why would it be an abomination?”

“There may be a convergence of the two beasts, and for some, the idea is abhorrent. We have people that are full of fear and prejudice as well in our society.”

“But Cullen will only have a Lyon?” Saieke asked with curiosity.

Chedra’s lips flattened. “His Lyon has formed already, but I can see the outline of wings forming on its back. We do not worry; it’s only a few that have such a perception and their perception cannot harm us.”

Cullen shouted. He released her hands and ran to a fountain and started to splatter the water. It gurgled powerfully and in abundance. Saieke laughed at his excitement, waved then spiral water towards him. He reached out to touch it and the wide smile on his face was the sweetest one she had seen all day. She blew wind and created several ice sculptures. She heard Chedra’s gasp of amazement as she formed several birds and animals out of ice.

“That is so amazing, Princess Saieke,” Chedra cried clapping.

She flashed over to her. “Please let us not be formal with names anymore. Call me Saieke.”

Chedra gave her a blinding smile with a firm nod.

Cullen demanded more and more.

“I will need more water.”

“Please Mother; can we go to the lake?”

“No Cullen,” Chedra said firmly. “We will disturb many of our lake friends with our noise and antics.”

“How about our cave of dragon?” he yelped.

Chedra looked at Saieke. “Our cave of dragon has deep underground tunnels and waterfalls that converge into a deep body of water, which is about two miles wide. Nothing lives in it.”

“Waterfalls underground?” Saieke asked excitedly.

“Several waterfalls and caverns. There is also a pool of hot water in the midst of everything”

“I would love to visit.”

“Are you sure? It is very far away, and you have not rested or eaten again as yet. I would not want Cullen to exhaust you when mother has planned a wonderful dinner for you.”

“Far from it.” Saieke laughed. “I leave the Darkage soon. I hope to return if my people agree, but I want to explore as much as I can before my departure. And I do miss the roars of the falls, the foams and power of the water.”