Chapter 27

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“That is a horrible idea!” exploded Feidlimid.

“No, it isn’t,” I argued. “If I willingly keep him as my slave, I would be no better than Maleficent.”

“You won the riddles I set out for you-” mumbled Planeto.

“And that’s all good and fine, but I don’t want to have someone to order around. Even the nicest monarchs can get absolutely pissed on their power.”

“Pissed? As in angry?” asked Zeke.

“Drunk,” translated Gina. “And it is a good idea, and Stella is right- many wise, kind monarchs come into power and get drunk on their own power. Control over all dragons? How do you think Maleficent went from the daughter of the greatest Maeve in our history to what she is now?”

Everyone was silent, meditating on the past. Except for, you know, me; I still didn’t know what anyone was talking about, and it seemed like this would be a sensitive issue.

Feidlimid nodded. “I’ll go take this to Ailill mac Máta.”

“Who?” I asked.

“King of Eire; originally one of Maeve’s husbands, and the king of Connacht,” explained Gina. “He’s the twentieth, and the longest lasting. Took over right after the…”

“Is there anything else that we need to clarify or bring up before I go talk to our current king?” interrupted Feidlimid quickly.

No one raised any objections. Feidlimid knew how I felt about the subject, and if she didn’t agree with me, there was nothing I could do.

She nodded, and lifted herself from the seat behind her desk that she had been sitting in, while everyone stopped leaning on their respective sections of the wall. The air was stale and warm; we had been talking for a good hour.

As Feidlimid moved to the door, Planeto didn’t get up. She waited, looking at him expectantly.

I flashed Zeke a look of mirth, seeing my reaction mirrored in his mischievous, twinkling eyes. He jerked his head to the scene unfolding before us, and I followed his gaze.

“Excuse me,” mutters Feidlimid.

“At last, some manners from the fey woman,” says Planeto. He moves, backing his head out of the doorway. “Please, pass fair lady,” he said with surprising genuineness.

Feidlimid huffed. “About time,” she responded snootily. Just as she was about to pass through the doorway, I called out to her.

“I’m releasing Planeto.” I stated matter of factly.

“Just know that there was a split between you and someone else to be put into the Trials,” she replied carelessly. Feidlimid walked out before I could say anything back.

Everyone looked to each other, bewildered by what had just been said. The reaction was like someone had announced that there was a bomb under our feet, waiting for us to step on it, and kill us all.

“I- I have to go,” was all Gina stammered before leaving the room, glancing at Planeto fearfully.

“Well, that’s two down,” I murmured sarcastically. “Who’s next?” I asked a bit louder, so everyone could hear me.

“Me,” said Zeke shamelessly. “Nothing against you, but I have a commitment to the person Feidlimid mentioned.” He sauntered out without a care in the world.

I looked to Orenda. “What about you?”

She stuck out her chin defiantly. “I am not a pillar of ice among pillars of diamond, one that shirks from too much heat or weight.”

I nearly sobbed in relief. At least I had someone other than a forced companion at my side for what may or may not come next. “Thank you, Orenda. Really.”

She padded over quietly, and placed a warm, reassuring hand on my aching shoulder. “I will always be here.”

A tear slipped out of my eyes. Without bothering to wipe it from my cheek, I pulled her into a tight hug. A moment passes, and a large neck snaked its way around Orenda and I, the pillars of hercules with a twisting banner wrapped around us. Symbolizing a wealth of loyalty, friendship, and strength. We held our until Planeto unwound his head from around Orenda and I. We let go of each other, meeting the other’s eyes, then looking over to Planeto.

“So how do I release you?” I asked.

“Simply say that we are equals, and that you forgo the the title of Dragon Queen.”

Orenda interrupted. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she said, the question weighed with implied importance.

I giggled. “I’m fine, Orenda; this is the right thing to do.” I was interrupted by my growling stomach. I had forgotten to eat dinner! “Once I say all of, well, that,” I gestured towards Planeto, “I’ll go get a bite to eat. I know you can’t join me because of the Trials, but after what Feidlimid mentioned…” my voice trailed off, while my heart pounded at the thought of what the future contained. Combined with Melinda’s tattoo and Maleficent’s pin… It was terrifying.

She nodded. “Well, I suppose that you would do that anyways, even if I tried to make you do otherwise.” Her caribbean accent lilted over the words, adding depth to what had none before.

I mustered a smile, despite my nerves. As I turned to Planeto, he straightened. “One question before I do this.”

“Go ahead,” he pressed. “What is it?”

“If and when I need you the most, will you be there?”

He answered without hesitation. “Yes.”

“You, Planeto, and I, Stella Elizabeth Lyra, are equals. I forgo the title of Dragon Queen.” I paused, waiting for any effect. Nothing happens. “Did I do it right?” I ask hurriedly, starting to panic.

Planeto nodded. “You did. I will fly these daggers back to their rightful owners, and return when you need me.” He bowed his head. “I swear by the scales on my hide, the wings that carry me skyward, my fallen brethren, and those still walking this plane. Fare thee well, Stella Lyra.” His snout touched my forehead, rough and spiny against my pale skin. A shiver went through me, like Planeto was dripping power into my veins.

I reached to grasp him with my two hands, and closed my eyes. “Stay safe, Planeto.” He hummed in response, then lifted his head away from my grasp, simultaneously opening his eyes.

“You as well, little one. Orenda,” he said, “keep her safe, no matter what.”

She bowed formally. “I will, wandering star.”

He smiled. “I will come back for both of you.”

I laughed. “When all of this is over.” And that brought me to my next subject. “Also, you guys should know- when Planeto and I were down in the tunnels, Maleficent said that she had heard that I was immature… How could she know that without being in the Trials?”

Orenda’s and Planeto’s eyes widened, realizing where I was going with this.

I continued, nodding gravely. “I don’t know much about the politics of Fableland, but even I know that this can’t be good. Last I checked, she was a Tale.” I turned to Planeto. “You spent some time with her; did she mention anything that might help?”

He shook his gigantic head. “She was cautious when speaking around anyone she didn’t trust. There was no chance of gleaning any information.”

I swore softly. “Well, thanks anyways, Planeto. You should probably get going.”

He nodded. “Yes, I suppose you are right. Please, do be careful while I’m gone; you seem to have a penchant for getting into trouble.”

Orenda chuckled. “I’ll keep her in line. Don’t you worry about that, Planeto.”

“Fight me,” I muttered defiantly.

Planeto smiled, and extracted his head from the room. His steps could be heard, shaking the floor from even here.

Orenda grabbed my arm, dragging me out of the room.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Dinner,” she said simply. She dragged me behind her, and I followed her without a care. After all, I’m with her.

Author's Note

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