Elitaron

Please read, its a fantasy story of a different world where things are set up strangely. Its not finished but any comments are welcome.

The world we love has a terrible past…one of mistaken trust and broken promises. We live where the Elitaron, a queen above all other monarchs, is supposed to govern our world yet two hundred years ago a man took the throne. Blasphemy beyond all blasphemy, For it was always foretold the moment a man took the throne of the Elitaron the world would crumble and fall into disarray...we did not heed the warnings of the ancient seers. So for two hundred years our world has fallen, a steep decline. The world that used to be a united nation is now split into two, Ebony and Ivory. The kingdoms are ruled by brothers, torn apart by this ancient mistake. It is said and foretold that the true Elitaron line shall rise again from the flames of death to reclaim their rightful place as ruler of this world. They are foretold to ‘be killed and reborn in the flames, betrayed and loved by wolves, and destroyed and saved by friends, and Gentle and fierce at heart.’ The Elitaron line is said to have died out that fateful day two hundred years ago, destroyed by the people seeking revenge on the man that took the place of Elitaron. Yet no flames were used in their deaths. The Elitaron line has seemingly died out yet every year a ‘search party’ is formed to hunt for possible Elitaron. They take the girls with the most ‘potential’ back to the capitals and train them. Many have tried to take the place yet none can handle it. So the throne of the Elitaron remains empty. It is possible that the Elitaron line is truly destroyed but the kings keep the façade up because it keeps the public happy. Yet they did not know that there is a child of the Elitaron line running around. A very bright beautiful girl child, of the Elitaron line running around and has no clue of her importance. Unfortunately for her…the people who do know do not care for their power to be removed the moment a crown sits upon her head. I do not know when this story shall be read, so I will explain our society as best I can.

Everyone one has a social level determined by which animal binds to them. You can move from a social level to another by having a different animal bind to you but that is rare. The levels are like this in Ebony.

            Wolf �" the top level held by the royal family, few outside have wolves and if they do they are able to travel in and out of the royal circles easily.

            Fox- below wolves but are clever, they often are seen trying to manipulate the lower animals, though they can be quiet useful as spies and such.

            Tiger-Fierce and loyal protectors, they are ready to defend the higher houses and the lower ones if they feel they need to.

            Lion- Careful and often found to have personalities that causes them to be come loud and rambunctious. Perfect soldiers but unsuited towards any kind of espionage.

            Bear- They are laborers, they work and often are found living high in the mountains away from society. They prefer to live alone.

            Horse- They are the lowest family in Ebony but that doesn’t mean they are not powerful. When those of the ‘horse’ gather together they can become a force to be reckoned with. There are ‘wild’ people from this group that often have stallions as partners. They are the main source of trouble in the land; they are sworn to the Elitaron and would protect her from anything. When the Elitaron was betrayed and a man put on the throne the ‘wild stallions’ broke from society and made a pledge only to return in the true Elitaron was returned to the throne.

 

It has occurred to me that perhaps, now at the time that you read this there is no more ‘bindings’ to animals. A particularly frightening thought to me, I shall explain as best I can about bindings. When a child is born no matter what the family level, they are taken to a temple when they turn to the age of nine months or one year. There they are taken by a priestess or priest to the ‘Chamber of Bindings’. They are left there for however long it takes for them to become bound. Food and other such necessities are taken to them during this time. The child is set upon a stone table it is made of pure white marble in Ivory and pure Black marble in Ebony. The animal that chooses the child will arrive and approach the table. The binding is a curious thing for the animal gives the person the option to chose them or await another; Thus in effect giving us the chance to choose our own society level. If the child decides to wait they wait but if they accept the animal, it becomes their constant companion and never leaves their side. What ever animal you are bound to you can speak to. If you are bound to a Tiger you can speak to any tiger that you come across. Yet YOUR tiger will be the one that you hear the best and you do not have to focus to speak with. There have been a few people that are able to speak with any animal they come across but they are rare at least that is how they seem. Your bound animal is your mentor, friend, and often closer than your own family because you are bound on a deep level. While most animals have a shorter life span than us humans, bound animals live as long as their humans do if not killed. When a bound animal is killed…the human goes to the temple and enters the ‘Chamber of Bindings’ again and awaits a new companion. Though…many chose not to, they enter the temple and begin life as priests and priestesses. It is a complicated thing to perceive if you yourself have never been bound and felt the bond. I shall now give you a list of the structure in Ivory:

            Eagle- the royal family, the same level and structure as a wolf.

            Flacon- equal to a fox

            Hawk- equal to a tiger

            Owl- equal to a lion

Swan- equal to a bear

            Sparrow- equal to a horse

 

There are few differences between Ivory and Ebony in social structure other than the different creatures that chose to bind themselves to the levels. The royal families are cordial with each other. Our society…its main focus is the Elitaron. The Elitaron was the focal point of many festivals. The Elitaron is a ruler with no compare any problem large or small was allowed to come before her in court. The Elitaron had a special animal that was neither of the Ebony or Ivory social structure. They had one of two animals that was their trade. A panther a beautiful black cat with glowing golden eyes, or a leopard, an animal with an undercoat of golden fur and black/brown spots or in rare cases is a black as a panther. These two large cats have only been seen in the blood line of the Elitaron, since the Elitaron blood line has ‘vanished’ none have been found bound to someone. People claim to be the Elitaron are taken to the capital tested and sent away if found not to be the Elitaron. There were rumors a few years back about a possible family from the Elitaron, one that had hidden for years to avoid detection from something. Then in due course reports of a large fire destroying a lone house killing an entire family where spread. The entire family was found slaughtered. Yet the cause of their deaths didn’t seem to be the fire but stab wounds of course no official report was ever filed.

 

 

 

Chapter 1: Found

 

Daemon leaned on his saddle with an extremely bored expression, another ‘Elitaron’ was reported and they sent HIM the Prince of Wolves and Ebony to find her and bring her back.

“You know Prince, that you could just turn her in bed then say that she ‘wasn’t’ worthy or even close to being the Elitaron,” whispered Flick a fox that was more cruel and sadistic than Daemon once imagined possible.

 Daemon sighed, “I am inclined to agree with you on the just saying she wasn’t worthy but if you ever insinuate having sex with a woman only to hold her back and further my own position again I will kill you.” Flick nodded in fear and rode back to the end of the party.

The guard captain trotted his horse forward, “Prince Daemon, the town is only a few miles ahead. Shall we continue?”

“One moment, Captain. Lucifer, my wolf, he felt there was something different about this area. He is checking it out currently he will arrive back shortly then we may proceed,” Daemon whispered as he waited for contact from his companion. A loud fierce howl sounded out of the forest and a large pure white wolf ran out of the forest and came to rest beside the Prince.

He gently stroked one ear of the wolf, what did you find my dear Lucifer?

The wolf shook it head, A strange new scent, one I have not smelled before at least…not in this way. It smells of a leopard yet…it has the tinge of human scent like a bound does. Other than that…I think that it is safe.

Daemon stroked the wolf’s ear one more time before signaling it time to move on. They rode the last few miles in quiet arriving quickly. The town square was a buzz of activity. People moving fluidly and the noise and sound were astounding.

 Daemon saw a man standing on the edge, “Good sir! What is with the commotion today?”

 The man looked up at him, “Oh! Stranger, it is the Festival celebrating the birth of our town council man and pride leader. Also his son has passed the test that allows him to take control of the pride and the council! It is a wondrous day! All are welcome none are banned!”

“We need to speak with the Pride leader and who ever else is in charge,” commanded Daemon.

 The man frowned, “if you are here to cause trouble then I might have to decline.”

“I am Prince Daemon, the Prince of Wolves!” shouted Daemon angrily. The man froze and so did many in the crowd.

A girl ran up and touched the man’s arm, “Skiff, I do not believe this the time to show your more…argumentative behaviors!”

“Who are you girl? Do you know where to find those I ask for?” Daemon commanded.

The girl looked up at him and a tiger appeared at her side growling she looked at it and whispered, “Hush, Hunter. He means no harm.” She gently stroked the tiger’s head and it clamed to a simply alert state.

She took a breath and looked up at him, “I am Blaze of Talon’s Pride. The Council man that you seek is my father. I would be happy to show you to him.” She removed a locket from her neck and handed it to the tiger, “Run and show it to papa. He’ll understand Hunter.” The tiger ran off at full speed.

The man, Skiff, touched the girls arm, “Lady don’t you go and get yourself mixed up in the affair of Wolves. They ain’t any concern of yours or mine.”

She smiled at the man then looked back up at Daemon and his party, “my father will meet us at the Red Star Inn. I am sure you have been traveling a good distance so you must wish to rest. I shall show you there.”

She looked at all the people who had frozen in the square and clapped her hands, “This is a celebration no? Do not worry all shall be taken care of continue!” the people moved on with there preparations and she gently took the halter of Daemon’s horse and guided him through the crowd.

Daemon listened carefully to what the girl was whispering; “Now you’re going to have to be careful my tiger friends play mean jokes on such things as you. So you just watch out and give them a close kick. They know to back off also be careful around the children they don’t know any better than to run up and go behind you.”

She spoke like she was speaking to something that could answer back which interested Daemon. They soon reached a large inn that looked comparable to one of the middle class inns back at the capital.

She pointed to the stables, “you can stable your horses there. Prince Daemon you should follow me my father has already arrived.”

She walked into the inn and Daemon noticed that she carefully moved to stay away from him. Close enough to be polite but far enough to not be with in touching distance. The inn keeper instantly moved and took care of the men that followed them in. She knocked on the door to a private room and entered it.

Inside was a man that looked around fifty or sixty he had long white hair and startling blue eyes. There was another man inside one that was close to Daemon’s own sixteen years, maybe a year older if that. He had short brown hair that was a sharp contrast to Daemon’s pitch black hair. His eyes were green and hazel and he had the posture of someone who would rule or be in charge. Daemon’s eyes were a similar color to the older man’s but he realized the man’s eyes were that color out of blindness not from being born with them. The girl went over to them and Daemon examined her for the first time.

She had waist length red hair that seemed to resemble flames. Her skin was pale with the slightest hint of a tan. She was tall, had a regal standing, and something about her made her seem important. He looked into her eyes and saw they were gold in color. The color of predator’s eyes.

The old man spoke up, “I am Talon, Pride leader and Council man. This is my son Aaron; he is going to be Pride leader and Council man when I die. You have met my daughter…Blaze. I am curious though, Why, Prince Daemon of Wolves, why have you traveled from the safety of the capital to this little town in the middle of nowhere? I am not aware of any matter that you would have been sent for, nor am I aware that any war is coming that we should be prepared for.” The man’s voice rang out with a strength that must have been iron when he was younger; a strength that would have been formidable in its time.

“I have come because someone sent in a report of the Elitaron or someone of the Elitaron line living here. I receive no specifics my father asked me to come here and look around and see if the reports were true. The report was sent by a Fredrick Watergate. My men are most likely searching for him now,” Daemon explained his eyes on the girl.

Aaron spoke up and moved in a protective manner in front of the girl, “It is not a true report if not first cleared through the council house!”

The old man closed his eyes, “A report of the Elitaron need not be cleared by the council house. It only needs the signature of one of the council members. I am afraid Fredrick is a council member so he could send it himself. Prince Daemon, I was not aware of this report…I would have set up something to help you in your search for the girl.”

Daemon looked at the old man, “How did you lose your eye sight old man?”

The man sighed, “In a terrible fire fifteen years ago.” Daemon sat in a chair across from the old man, “we shall wait for my men to bring Fredrick in. Then he may tell us exactly who he believes this ‘Elitaron’ to be.”

The girl fidgeted, “Father the festival…”

The old man smiled, “Awe yes…the festival. Would you attend to that my dear? You need only start the festivities. I will arrive in good time.”

The girl hesitated then nodded kissing the old man on the cheek before curtsying and disappearing out the door. Aaron sat down in the chair next to his father and watch Daemon the eyes of a hunter.

Daemon sighed, “When did you adopt Blaze?”

The old man tensed the relaxed, “I knew her hair would always tell others that she was adopted. It is such a beautiful red. I adopted her fifteen years ago.”

“The fire, she was from it?” Daemon questioned causally.

“Yes, she was the only survivor of a family of seven. She was the youngest as well, a mother, a father, two older brothers, twin sisters, and then her. It was a terrible thing when her family died. They were such wonderful happy people, they never hesitated to lend a hand or give shelter to those in need of it. So when the fire destroyed their home, I took in Blaze as a matter of course. Raised her as my own, I tried my best to not let her remember the terrible happenings of that day but the nightmares she encounters...they make even my war veteran veins run cold. I tell you this because of one important fact young prince. Her dreams always involve Wolves destroying her home.” His blind eyes some how found Daemon’s and glared the message straight into the prince’s heart, ‘do not do anything to the girl or you shall face more than you are ready for.’

The prince smiled kindly, “If we find nothing then we will leave with no harm done. If we find things or in this case someone, we will take them back to the capital test them and if they fail return them back here.”

The old man nodded. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and the Captain of the Guard came in towing a man that had a similar face to a rat. The man had a twitch which was annoying but it was consistent with, what the Prince could see, the man’s personality.

“Your majesty I am…Fredrick Watergate. I sent in the report,” the man twitched.

He looked at the Pride Leader, “Talon, I am sorry! I should have cleared it through you but the chance to put the real Elitaron on the throne once again!”

The pride leader sighed, “I am not angry with you Fredrick. You did what you thought at the time was correct. I agree that we should put the real Elitaron on the throne.”

 The man twitched, “So why isn’t she here then?”

 The Prince’s eyes shot to the old man, “What is he talking about?”

The old man sighed and held up a hand and Aaron knelt down, “yes?”

The old man whispered, “Find her.” The younger man nodded and left quietly.

Fredrick looked from Daemon to Talon, “You did not tell him!”

Daemon stood growling, “TELL ME WHAT?”

Talon sighed, “Nothing important.”

Fredrick looked back and forth between them, “Sir, I am not but a lion I don’t have any right to go against the Pride Leader’s decision but, his daughter is who I sent in the report for.”

Daemon was flung back into memory seeing the girl’s golden eyes measuring him. She had the bearing of a ruler, regal in every sense of the word. Daemon shouted, “YOU KNEW THIS WHEN SHE WAS PRESENT!”

The old man sighed his voice calm, “If I thought the kingdom was best served by my daughter being set upon the throne do you think I would hesitate for a moment to put her there? Her family was killed over their ties to the royal Elitaron family!”

 Daemon stood and looked to the Captain, “Find the girl, in the square most likely, with hair the color of flames and golden eyes. Bring her here.” The captain saluted and left in a hurry.

Daemon went out and the old man spoke, “Wolves killed her family boy. Will she trust you?”

Daemon spun and looked at the old man, “what do you mean by that?”

The old man stood and an equally old tiger rose with him, “I mean young Prince, the fear of wolves and what they represent was literally BURNED into her memory. She has nightmares each night, they are progressively getting worse. Her bound; he is the only one that can calm her in the worst of them. I need…no I want you to consider the fact her family were murdered and the only thing she remembers is wolves.”

Daemon stood looking at the ground in front of him, “You mean to say that someone of the Royal Family knew of this family? That they deliberately destroyed the last hopes of our kingdom to see the Elitaron’s return to the throne? Why would they do that the greatest honor of a Royal family would be to return the Elitaron to the Throne?”

Talon sighed, “you are young yet Prince of Wolves. I have no doubt that in years to come you shall see why a royal family would kill the Elitaron’s family line.” The captain returned dragging Blaze by the arm.

Her golden eyes were fierce with anger and fear, “Release me you have no right!”

Daemon looked at the old man, “Councilman, I by the authority vested in me by the King of Ebony His Majesty Samuel of Wolves, Take this girl Blaze of Talon’s Pride YOUR adopted daughter into custody.”

 The councilman frowned and wanted to disagree but there was nothing he could do, “Yes, I so do witness and place the girl in your care until such a time, that if it is fit, that she may be returned to us here.”

The girl fought the captain, “Release me you brute! Papa!”

The old man closed his unseeing eyes tears nearly spilling out, “Blaze, you are my daughter in every sense of the word except by blood. I love you and wish you safe travel until you return.” The girl tore her arm from the captain and ran a few steps to stand in front of the tearing man.

She touched his face with gentle fingers, “I understand that you have no choice. I understood that the moment I knew you were a tiger and that if a fox or wolf asked you of something you could do not but say yes. I thank you…for raising me. Yet, I am Blaze of Talon’s Pride, born Blazing Ember of the Elitaron Line. I do not bow to anyone’s will but my own.” Her voice which had been soft and girlish suddenly changed into a mature and powerful sounding woman.

She gently stroked the mans face and whispered in that same mature voice, “You gave up much for me. Your eyesight…it will not return no matter what is done. Yet…I can give you something in return.” She gently held the man’s face in both hands and stared at him, her seeing eyes locked with his unseeing ones.

The man’s face lightened, “Such beauty…”

The girl smiled, “It is the place that you have earned. When you go…this is where you shall be it is the only thing I can give to you now.”

The man wrapped his fingers around her wrists, “Thank you Blaze.” She nodded and dropped her hands. She smiled at the man and kissed his forehead.

She sighed and when she spoke again her voice was the child voice again, “I love you father, I always will.” She stepped away from the man and then looked at us judging. Then the window shattered with surprising force and a large cat landed on the table. It was midnight black, and had darker spots.

The girl stared at it, “Stalker!” The big black leopard jumped of the table easily and stood in front of the girl. She stroked its head and all around her knelt except Daemon.

His eyes locked onto hers, “Come with me Blaze. You’re needed at the Capital.” The girl shivered and crouched next to her Leopard. Daemon extended a hand his face kind, “I will assure no harm comes to you. Just take my hand and we shall go there.” The girl stood and took his hand.

Aaron stood beside his father again, “Father.”

The old man sat there, “She must go. Aaron you MUST stay the people need you. The PRIDE needs you.” The young man hesitated then nodded. Blaze looked back at Aaron her eyes full of love and pain at leaving but he nodded. Daemon, for some reason that he himself did not understand, felt jealousy at this look.

Daemon gently pulled the girl to him and rested a hand on her shoulder and looked at the two men, “it is not late; we shall just go. We do not want to be on the road for any longer than necessary and we can make good time to the next town.”

Blaze nodded, “that does make sense Prince Daemon.”

The captain snapped, “That’s your majesty to you girl.”

Daemon raised a hand, “we are taking her to the capital under the belief that she is the Elitaron. Treat her with respect.” The captain nodded. The Leopard stood and purred rubbing its head against her leg as she stroked it. She walked out the door and Daemon followed.

She walked down the street passing the festivities, past many empty buildings, older collapsing building, and down a long dirt path. After a few minutes she arrived at a large stone building that had the looks of a fortress. She pushed on the door and motioned for the group to follow her. She walked in and only the sounds of their footsteps she wandered the halls and then reached a broad set of doors. She pushed threw them and Daemon went after her and entered what was obviously the sitting room of a bedroom. She motioned for him to sit, “I will…gather my clothing for the trip.”

Daemon nodded and sat easily in the mismatched furniture. Once she was out of sight into the inner sanctum where her bedroom most likely was Daemon looked around. He noticed that some of the sitting room furniture had singed and burn marks along the edges and wooden parts, parts that could not be refurnished. He looked back to the slight open door and saw her picking up clothing and placing it in a bag. He knelt next to one of the pieces that looked most like it was rescued from a fire he gently brushed off some of the burnt wood and saw the seal of the Elitaron pressed into the wood. Few people knew that was a habit of royal wood makers to press the seal of the customer into the wood and then cover it. It was something a person running for their life trying to save as much of their previous life as they could, would not think of.

Blaze came back out, “Talon…said that he saved as much as he could from the fire.” She knelt next to Daemon, and traced the symbol, “He said he came to save me but in truth I know I was left on the door step by my mother’s Leopard, Triumph. In truth he had gone to the house to pillage what he could. I do not blame him; fifteen years ago this village was going through a deep depression. Food, water, children, and any sort of commodity were rare. Most things of value, jewelry, furniture, houses, and even people were sold to survive. The only people barely affected were my family. That was because my mother told them for years before, ‘a drought is coming stock up’ yet they didn’t and we did. Many…didn’t like it but we shared what we could. We really did. We had seven people, not including the people working at the house. We didn’t know how long the drought would last…we tried to help. Then THEY came. I don’t remember much the fire, except the howling and then…THEM. Those fierce faces, shimmering teeth, and that man…he had hate in his eyes. I didn’t know then but I do now as I see him in my dreams glaring down at me.” Daemon looked at the girl her eye signaled her lost in memories, “I was…only a babe barely over a year if that. The memories I don’t even know how I remember. Yet I think it is because of the fire that my child brain burned it into my memories. The wolves…ever since the first memories returned I have feared wolves. I mean no offense to you Prince of Wolves but I do not trust you. Nor will I until I understand what transpired to cause WOLVES to light my home on fire.”

Daemon nodded, “I honestly want to know as well. If someone of Wolf rank found out about the Elitaron line being alive they should have brought them to the capital immediately and you should have been raised to take the throne. Not raised in this out of the way town.”

The girl rose to her feet, “Had I been born in the capital and raised there…would I be the same person though.” She moved and grabbed the bag she had packed, “I have everything I want or need.”

Daemon whispered, “They won’t touch your room. I promise you.”

The girl hesitated and nodded, “Of course your majesty.” Daemon noticed something on her arm right below her shoulder, a mark of a small paw print it almost looked like a tattoo; it was a leopard’s paw print.

Daemon whispered, “How did you get that?”

The girl stopped and looked where he was looking she hesitated, “I’ve always had it milord. I don’t know where it’s from not even Nightstalker, knows I guess it’s a birthmark.” She motioned for them to go and he followed her. When they exited the fortress, the whole town had congregated outside. From the youngest child to the oldest person not bed ridden, they all stood there to say goodbye. The girl smiled kindly at all of them and kissed her hand and motioned it like she was throwing it to all of them. They all knelt before her, even the bound animals knelt. She looked at them all, “Don’t bow! I am not a ruler! I am your friend, family, and your fellow townswoman! Do not bow before the likes of me!” The town remained bowed though, Daemon took Blaze’s arm and led her down the step the people parted and Daemon saw she wasn’t used to that. The guard was mounted and Daemon mounted his war stead, after helping Blaze onto the midnight black war stallion that they had brought. The stallion reared slightly once she was on his back but quickly settled.

The group rode out in silence at first then Flick started to talk, “Why milady you have such gorgeous hair, was it from your mother’s side?”

Blaze touched her hair, “Actually…it was my father’s hair color. My mother had hair the color similar to gold.”

Flick nudged his mare closer to Blaze, “So, your eyes…they are beautiful like a hunter’s eyes.”

Blaze smiled, “Complements might work in court Sir Flick but here in the country they only show you for the sly man you are.”

Flick seemed startled, “I tell nothing but the truth milady!”

Blaze’s smile cooled a few degrees but remained stiffly in place, “I don’t think you understand me Sir Flick. I have heard all your complements before by smoother men than you. You will not gain my favor by hollow compliments.”

Daemon rode up next to Blaze, “leave the lady in peace Flick.” Flick nodded and pulled his horse back amongst the line. Daemon increased the speed at which they rode when a group of horsemen stopped their path.

 A man leaning on the saddle of a frost gray stallion looked at Daemon then Blaze, “So where do you think your taking the lady, Wolf?”

Daemon glared, “I am taking her to the Capital.”

Suddenly one of the men dismounted and walked over to Blaze, “Do you recognize me lady?”

She reached out a hand and gently twirled his dark blonde hair around one finger, “Brian? Brian is that really you?”

The man grinned, “It is truly me.”

Her face lit up and she jumped into the man’s arms, “Oh Brian! I thought you were dead!”

Brian held Blaze and swung her around, “I told you that I couldn’t just sit around anymore.” Suddenly a tiger appeared through the group of ‘wild’ stallions.

 Blaze reached down and stroked its head, “Clarity! I can’t believe that you’re here as well!”

Brian smirked, “would I go anywhere without my bound? Clarity has helped me through some difficult times.” The big cat purred.

 Blaze looked at him, “How did you end up with a group of ‘Wild’ stallions Brian?”

The man looked down at her, “You milady, I wanted to help protect you and it is the job of ‘Wild’ stallions to protect the Elitaron at all costs.”

Daemon cleared his throat, “We can handle her care.”

Brian kept a hand on her shoulder, “Your kind destroyed the house she was born at. Your kind killed her family.”

Daemon growled and a howl emanated from the forest and a pure white wolf jumped out of it, landing in front of Daemon growling at Brian.

Blaze saw the wolf and her face went white with fear she whispered, “White wolf of fire’s flame, burn the house in my name. Take the lives of those who live there. Let not a one is spared. From the oldest person to the youngest babe let none of the Elitaron be saved. Changing times has called for the vice that we call sacrifice! Do it for the royalty of Ebony! Do it for the children of ivory! Take the lives of those sworn to serve and turn them into ghosts or worse! Listen to my spell I cry, I the one of Ebony’s knights. Hear my name hear my command I am King Samuel of this land!” Blaze fell to her knees clutching her head, “The fire! Oh gods the fire!” Brian picked her up in one motion and ran back to the Wild Stallions who closed rank around Blaze quickly.

The leader shouted, “You can not protect her from your own wolves! How do you expect to protect her from her enemies?” Brian held Blaze gentle as the Stallions rode off at a rapid pace.

Flick laughed, “Well we can now tell your father that the girl was taken by Wild Stallions.”

Daemon’s fists clenched, “Did you not hear what she said? I know that spell. It is a common one the words can be changed easily, only a member of the ROYAL family can use it though. Someone from my family caused that fire and she has the memories in her head! We go after her.”

Flick groaned, “Oh but Daemon…”

“YOU GO BACK TO THE CAPITAL FLICK,” Daemon’s voice was full of fury and Flick’s mare bolted down the rode in response.

The captain of the guard cleared his throat shakily, “Prince Daemon, We can not, right now, go after them. We do not have the supplies or the man power to catch them. The only thing that can catch wild stallions IS wild stallions. We will have to wait for them to resurface.”

Daemon unclenched his fist and took a breath his face relaxing into the careful mask of uncaring, “you are right of course Captain. I shall inform my father of the events and this should…cause him to take some action. Whether it is to retake the girl or to simply eliminate this particular group of Wild Stallion, they have now escalated to kidnapping women. However Captain did you not mention earlier that there have been several…rapes of women in the capital area all of which were brought to the capital under the pretense of being the Elitaron?”

The captain nodded, “Yes sir why do you ask?”

Daemon looked at the dust trail of Flick’s horse, “Because sir, I believe you and I have been traveling with the culprit. Flick of New Haven has been, rather an odd commodity at court. He never truly fit in and has always spoken of women as object rather than people. I fear that we have given him too much rein…time to pull his head in and check if he is not a stallion we should put down. We have made him allowances no other person would receive because he is the son of New Haven’s lord. I think…he should be questioned make sure a wolf is there during the questioning and it can not be me understand Captain?”

The Captain nodded, “of course prince. May I ask why though you have decided NOW to turn him in?”

Daemon’s horse sidled and neighed, as he stroked its long graceful neck Daemon answered in a tone that could freeze water, “Because the Elitaron has returned Captain. To ensure her safety, I am cleaning the house; the crimes that we have ignored because of rank now must be justified and tried. She believes wolves killed her family; we must make sure there are none in our ranks as we bring her. We shall not take her into the Wolves Den if there are those who would harm her, do you understand?”

The captain nodded, “Yes sir. How come you trust me though?”

 Daemon smiled, “Because you haven’t gone out of your way to curry my favor. I believe that you would rather work for your promotions rather than to take them by cheat and lie. Let us ride captain.” The captain nodded and signaled to move out. Their pace one of haste, the Elitaron had been missing for two hundred years they weren’t about to lose her again.

******

            Daemon entered his father’s study, “Father! I have great news, we have found the Elitaron!” The man looked up from his papers, his circlet still upon his head pressing down on graying hair. He had sharp green eyes, a contrast to Daemon’s blue ones.

 His voice was as strong as steel still even in his advancing age, “What is this? You have found her? Why is she not with you?”

Daemon sat in a chair across from his father, Lucifer closely at his heel, “She was taken, by Wild Stallions, they believe her to be the Elitaron, if that is not proof a black leopard travels with her. She is a beautiful woman father, she echoes the paintings. She has flaming red hair that causes on to think of a fire and golden eyes, that of a hunters! I have not seen someone so closely resemble all the paintings and stories! I do no know if she realizes the importance of herself because every time people bow to her she calls to them to rise. It is most fascinating!” The old man sat back in his chair running a hand across a face that seemed afraid more than happy or excited. Daemon examined his father’s eyes and found cold fear in them, utter terror at something. The old King stood and walked to his sleeping white wolf, the king’s wolf was smaller than Daemon’s but no less white. If they stood side by side you would be hard pressed to find a difference beyond the size.

The king whispered, “Oh River, what could I have done? What choice did I have beyond that…how stupid of me to miss…?”

Daemon stood, “Father what do you speak of? You act as though you knew that the Elitaron line was at that village!” The king walked to the wall that was lined with books and files and took one down.

 He spread it across his desk, “You see this report Daemon? It was filed the year after you were born or close to that. I was still the Prince at that time. My father wasn’t much of a king I had been effectively ruling for many years. When this report came in it, it was filed by a Talon of Richard’s Pride, the oldest son of the Pride leader. He sent in the report along with the report that the droughts we were having at the time were killing his people. That in exchange for this information if we would bring food and someone to call the rain back to their fields. He truly did it for his people’s benefit. I informed my father of this report.

He said to me what I will tell to you now, “Two hundred years it has taken for us to come out of the depression losing the Elitaron. So we must not LOSE the Elitaron, they are not FOUND they are the unfortunate accident of a fire.” It was the only thing my father ever insisted I do. So I did. So I insist that you ‘unfind’ this Elitaron! She will be nothing but a menace to our society!” 

Daemon looked at his father in horror and in shame, “Father you ordered the death of the rightful rulers of our kingdom…our world? It was not your decision to make!”

 “THEN WHOSE WAS IT? TELL ME DAEMON! You think you know everything at your tender age of sixteen you were ONE when this happened you were even there! I took you. You do not understand! Our kingdoms have prospered with out them!”

Daemon growled and his eyes glared into his father, “I may not understand everything that you think you understand. But YOUR MAJESTY, it is NOT your choice! We are servants of the people we are to do what is best for them! And the best thing for the people is to have an Elitaron! You know that as well as I do!”

His father reacted like Daemon had slapped him his eyes focused, “you don’t understand Daemon this is how we have dealt with the Elitaron family line since the beginning of time…”

Daemon stared, “Since the beginning? What do you mean?” Then Daemon remembered the words of the leader, ‘You can not protect her from your own wolves! How do you expect to protect her from her enemies?’ and the words of the boy…Brian, ‘Your kind destroyed the house she was born at. Your kind killed her family.’ “Our family…has destroyed their family to remain in power?” whispered Daemon.

 The king shook his head, “no. The Royal line has killed off the excess members of the family to make their line rare…”

 Daemon looked at his father in confusion, “Make their line rare what do you mean?”

His father sat in front of the fire, “The leopards, and the panthers that are attracted to the Elitaron line? They are actually attracted to traits with in the person. The Elitaron’s all of them; they had Kind, forgiving, understanding hearts. Not a difficult thing for people to possess.”

Daemon started at the floor then looked at his father, “She has a Black Leopard.”

The king who had been holding a cup dropped it, “A…BLACK leopard?”

Daemon nodded, “tell me what is so special?” T

he king looked at his son, “A true Elitaron has a Black Leopard, for many years long ago each one that ascended the throne had a black leopard. Black Leopards…they are attracted to the same things the other Leopards and panthers are but…they require the person to have the OPPOSITE side of the spectrum. The person must be able to be kind, forgiving, understanding, and generous and many other things but the person must also be able to be decisive, fiery, angry, unforgiving, and even cruel. The things that a true ruler must understand to be able to lead a country! There is much history I have to teach you, truer histories than the ones that you have been taught through out your short life.”

 

 

Chapter 2 The Past

 

            Blaze rode with the Wild Stallion group through the forest and into a hidden cave. In front of the cave a waterfall, it fell for a least sixty feet and was almost frighteningly strong. Brian let her down from his horse and hugged her tightly, “Oh Blaze I knew that you would be the Elitaron. I knew it! I am so glad that I was right. Now I can protect you like I always promised.”

Blaze hugged him back, “Brian…I was so worried when you left. Yet seeing you now I know that it was the right decision for you. Back home…you would have smothered under all the restrictions and such. Brian…your brother Charles…he had a daughter. Rain, she’s a born wild stallion, with a tiger. It’s fantastic but Charles…he got rid of her. Did you..?” Brian looked shocked, happy, and partially destroyed.

The leader of the Wild Stallions but his hand on Brian’s shoulder, “I’ll send word out to the other groups. Your Niece will be found Heart-Brother.”

Brian nodded and some of the other stallions took him away.

The leader looked at me and bowed, “Arthur Spirit, Milady Elitaron. I am the current leader of the group. Brian shared his story when he joined us. He told us a lot of you.” A beautiful pitch black stallion walked up behind the leader and nuzzled him affectionately.

Arthur laughed and patted the horse’s nose, “Of course you told us more Midnight but it’s only so much!”

Blaze smiled brightly at the man, realizing that in all the harshness of his manner he was truly a free spirit at heart. “It is an honor to meet you Arthur Spirit; I am Blazing Ember of the Elitaron line, formerly Blaze of Talon’s Pride.”

“You say formerly but while you say it your eyes deny it. You do not think you are the Elitaron I take it?” the man said rather calmly.

Blaze nodded, “I apologize but I am no queen or Elitaron. I am merely a child orphaned by a fire.”

The man grinned, “that’s alright I know someone who will be able to prove that you are or are not the Elitaron easily. Are you up for another ride milady?”

Blaze smiled fiercely picking up the spirit from the wild stallions surrounding her, “I am always ready for a ride Captain. I am always ready for a ride.”

The man grinned and whistled loudly and all the men jumped onto their stallions, “Then we ride!”

Blaze jumped up behind the captain and held on tightly. For the Wild Stallions when called for a ride do not hesitate for safety are not stopped by rivers or ditches, they are Wild Stallions and nothing but the fiercest beast can stop them. Blaze rode with them; she could feel their spirits running with their bound, becoming one with the stallions that under no other circumstances would bear riders. The spirit Blaze felt among them was more spiritual than any religious right could ever hope to match. For when these men rode for freedom, need, or cause, they were no longer bound to this earth, no their spirits took on the aspects of Flame, and Blaze…as her name sake would suggest…felt her connection to them and her own spirit flame next to theirs. The pace that they rode would tire any steed down but the Bound Stallions; they ran on like it was nothing but a walk. Their sleek, finely muscled, brilliant bodies ran with passions and strengths that few had seen since two hundred years ago.

 Beside the group of Stallions, running at the same magnificent and terrifying speed was a Black leopard, shinning gold eyes that read of intelligence and love as it looked upon the girl with flaming red hair and challenging golden eyes whose face was flushed with enjoyment of an experience no other but a wild stallion would know. The black leopard that was running listened to the girl’s heart and heard nothing but the purest joy, the fiercest wish to protect the moment of joy shot into the black leopard. For this girl had faced to many trials for her bound protector’s liking, but the black leopard, knew that she must face more trials, harder ones, ones that no matter his fierce protection would hurt her and change her in ways that would make her stronger in the end if she survived through them. Yet any whose eyes happened to land upon that mane of flying red hair and see those golden eyes, they would know that they stood before royalty for in the moment that she rode with the Wild Stallions, the sworn protectors of the Elitaron, she was her true self and no one…not even the White Wolf could steal that. Yet all too soon for the young girl they came to a stop in front of a large tree that was easily two hundred feet from one side through to the other. It was a giant red wood, surrounded by smaller grown red woods, and there seemed to be a door and windows.

Arthur dismounted and helped Blaze from the saddle, “this is the home of Selena Ember Panyin, She will be able to tell you if you are truly the Elitaron.”

Blaze looked at the house that was part of the red wood, “Older Twin, Golden Moon. What is her younger sister’s name?”

Arthur hesitated, “Her younger sister works for the two empires. Artemis Azure Kakra.”

Blaze nodded, “Younger of Twins, Blue Moon.”

A woman with shining silver white hair appeared in the doorway, “Not many are able to translate the older forgotten tongues, none at all at your age unless you already knew me dear child.”

Blaze jumped startled, “Oh, Pardon me Lady! I didn’t mean to insult you if I did!”

The woman laughed her voice rich and full, “No child! You did not, please come inside. You to, Captain of the Wild Stallions, I have much to share.” Blaze walked into the house behind the woman and sat carefully in one of the chairs that sprinkled the front room. The woman turned and bowed gracefully as any one in their prime though Blaze could see the tell tale signs of age. “I am Selena; you may call me by that. You perhaps wonder how I would be able to tell if you are the Elitaron or not?”

Blaze nodded, “I am sorry but, I know the last true Elitaron was born over Two hundred years ago, I just do not see how you would know.”

 Selena touched her silver white hair, “the hair tells you that I am old but even as a child my hair was this color. Do you know why?”

Blaze frowned and thought carefully, “Because you are not human as we call it?”

The woman laughed pleased, “Quite! I am of an Elfish clan…you may describe me as being an ‘Elven’ woman. Such creatures as I am were common once upon a time. In your years I am…perhaps around 220 years old. I was born the same year as your last Elitaron. Yet for an Elven this would be the prime years of my life! We mature at the same rate humans do. It is not something hard, it’s just instead of being 220…it feels to me as though I am a human in my 20’s. It’s not a very difficult thing to comprehend.”

Blaze looked at her, “so you know what I am? Am I the…”

Selena smiled kindly, “you do not wish to be the Elitaron do you child?” Arthur looked at Blaze shocked but remained silent.

Blaze looked at her hands then reached into the pocket of her traveling clothes pulling out a letter, “My mother…wrote this before the fire…I guess she knew she wouldn’t live to tell me anything. I found it not to long ago, but I haven’t read it. I fear that it tells me that I am the Elitaron but, before I find out. I have a question Selena Ember Panyin, can you recover the memories that I suppressed? The ones that are of the fire and before then, I was a child but I know I had memories. I feel it every time something happens. The White Wolf I know, yet I have a feeling that I need to remember it all before I meet Prince Daemon, prince of wolves and Ebony again!”

Selena looked at her hands that were pale and smooth ever perfect in her near immortality, “It has been along time since my last memory recovery. I also fear that in recovering your memories you shall feel great pain. Memories are suppressed because we are not able to handle them. Yet…I think that you need those memories to understand what is inside that letter so yes, I can retrieve your suppressed memories. Arthur…”

The man stood, “I shall stand guard how long shall this take.”

Selena looked at the fierce, challenging, frightened, golden eyes that stared out of the young girls face, “How ever long it takes Arthur. When I give her, her memories…she shall be in a trance like state until the memories take their full course. She will have to watch each one, relive that moment, accept it, and move on to the next. In a very real sense she shall relive each moment of her life before and during the fire. I have seen people come from memories recovers in minutes even seconds, and I have seen ones that have taken five days for the person to recover. It all depends upon her heart.”

Arthur nodded, “I shall stand guard till she comes back.” Selena nodded and shooed the captain out.

Blaze whispered, “Selena…this could kill me couldn’t it.”

Selena busied herself boiling water and setting up a comfortable couch for the girl to lie upon before answering, “Yes Blazing Ember of the Elitaron line. It could. Because I am guessing you were not supposed to survive the fire that took your family I can only guess at what the person will do when they realize that you have returned to your memories.” She took out a grinding bowl and began to mash plants into a fine paste causing a sweet smell to enter the air. She stood up and led Blaze to the couch she had prepared, it looked more like a bed than a couch it was wide and deep.

“You will be dreaming fiercely and I do not know if you shall move during it,” Selena whispered as she handed Blaze a potion to drink, “This will help you enter and sustain the dream state that is necessary. Once I remove you suppression wall, the memories will flood your mind in a confusing chaos and then one shall come forward, your last memory before the suppression, it will most likely be horrifying and your mind will naturally push it away. You will see stairs in your mind, take them, they will be going up and down. Head down the stairs towards the depths of your mind. At the bottom you shall see a door. This door will be tall wide and strong. It shall be made of wood or iron in most cases though I am not certain yours. Open this door, if it is locked you must allow yourself to open it. In your mind there are no locked doors except the ones you let be locked. When you enter this door way. The memories will again try to flood you into chaos take hold in the depth of your mind you are the strongest that you will ever be. You must take the memories and force them back into order. They will go into the order that will be from weakest to strongest. This is because the strongest memories will still try to fight and be seen. The weakest memory shall be your first. Once you enter it, you can not do anything to control the flow, it is the truth. The memories will connect into the order that they should be and you will see them. In that order. I…must say that I have seen people die during these trances because their memories…were so horrifying that it killed them. Take heart young sister, I think you can survive. Drink the draught and lie down and listen to my words.”

 Blaze drank the draught and lay down on the bed, “I am ready.”

Selena began in a tone that soon lulled Blaze into the dream trance state, “Pleas from an ancient child hear my words and be riled. Here lies no ancient child but one of your latest guile. Her mind is lost and confused, memories hid by an evil ruse. Banish this mist, lift the morning light high! Fill this child with your light and show her what they would hide. Born of the Elitaron’s blood, raised by the killer’s hound, take her memories and make them resound! I am your child of your flesh, Here my name Selena Ember Panyin on the Elven Behest!” Once Selena finished the chant she saw Blaze’s brow furrow in pain then relax again for a few moments and then furrow again before she fell into the memories of her past.

Selena gently touched the girl’s brow, “I hope that your memories bring you the peace that you wanted Child’ though I doubt they will.” Suddenly the door burst open and their stood the Prince of Wolves. His eyes blazed with anger but Selena bowed politely and motioned for him to sit.

Selena spoke quietly, “she has just entered a trance to recover her lost memories. Even if I wanted to wake her for you Prince I can not. If she were to be interrupted she will never recover the memories or they shall come to her at a most erroneous time. Here have some tea young Prince.” She carefully brewed the tea in front of the man-boy. As she handed it to him an imposing white wolf walked into her home. She started at it fear clear in her eyes.

Daemon took a sip of the tea, “Tell me Selena Ember Panyin why does everyone look at Lucifer that way? Everyone seems to fear him yet he has not done anything worth that fear, yet anyways.”

Selena took a breath and gazed at the wolf, “Your kind plagues the mind of this girl. The White Wolf does not seem to have treated her kindly.”

The wolf tossed it head and seemingly grinned, ‘You speak my tongue Heart-sister, yet in it I sense fear. I am not the one that harmed your girl-child over there.’ A shadow stole across the floor behind Selena and jumped on to the bed that held Blaze. Golden eyes shone from the dark fur, Stalker, was not happy with their presence.

 The girl mumbled in her sleep, “‘tis not their fault Night-Stalker…” The large cat curled protectively around her and seemingly fell asleep.

Selena looked at the girl then looked back at Daemon, “The girl, her mind is filled with images of White Wolves, fear in them. They are parts of her suppressed memories but, until she accepts those memories all she knows is the fear behind them. I will…explain the past as best I can for you. Will you accept that? I must wait though…for her. She must hear this also.”

Daemon nodded and sat back, “Your younger sister sends her regards. She told me to tell you that ‘The time is coming, prepare the chosen.’ Though I have no idea what she meant.”

Selena rubbed her hands as though chilled, “She is just saying she had a vision. That is all.” They sat in silence and eventually Selena started a fire in her small fireplace. The crackling flames were small, seemingly sleeping for some strange reason.

Daemon’s eyes locked on the flames, “What makes Blaze so special?”

Selena went to a shelf and pulled a small chest down, “The Elitaron line is very special, very unique. They have abilities similar to those of ‘mythical’ creatures. Of course in most cases these abilities are not trained and they fade in time. The mother of the Elitaron, the one that bore the child that destroyed the line, she had the gift strongly, and she could control a few elements. It was kept a secret for fear that people would distrust her. Yet not all of them controlled elements, some could sense truths, others could move objects with out touching them physically, others were called ‘dream walkers’, and yet most tragically and yet beautifully some could control the very hearts of others. Blaze is from a line of people that’s very nature and blood made them unique and if they had not been Royalty could have had them killed.”

A young calm voice spoke up, “It did kill my family.” Daemon and Selena jerked around to see Blaze sitting up calmly her eyes and face clear and calm.

Selena looked at Blaze, “Child your awake! You surprised me!”

The girl smiled and gently stroked the head of the cat next to her, “I was…trapped in the dream loop of my last memory. Yet Stalker came into my dreams and guided me through. He is always there for me protecting me.” Stalker purred and jumped off the bed staying under his bound’s hand, an escort; he curled up next the Blaze’s feet when the child sat down. “My family…each of them had a gift. My mother could foresee the weather that’s how she told the people that a drought was coming. My father…he was from an offshoot clan of the Elitaron, so far removed that it hardly resembled the Elitaron line anymore. He was born in ivory, raised there and moved to the town where my mother was for no purpose than to move. He had the ability to move objects with out touching them but he had to be…near them. Then my brothers, one could speak with all the animals, the other he could walk in dreams. My twins sisters though, they could speak mind-to-mind, and most importantly give and take memories. They are the reason I remember things that I shouldn’t be able to. They took the memories from my family, each member even the bound and the servants, and gave them to me. In that way they gave me the history of my family line, everything that they knew...I now know.”

Daemon seemed startled, “Everything?”

Her eyes lowered then came up to meet his, “Yes Daemon, I do know that as a babe you were there.”

Selena knelt next to me, “Do you know believe child? Do you know believe that you are the Elitaron? Can you accept your destiny?”

Blaze raised her eyes, golden eyes that were fierce, kind and hopeful, “Yes I can. I can accept that I am Blazing Ember of the Elitaron line.”

For one moment as she said this the world stood still. No animal called, no person spoke, no river raged, and no brook babbled, even the fiercest water fall did not thunder, nor had the biggest drunkard slurred words, for the world once again felt the connection to the Elitaron who sat in a giant red wood surrounded by an Elf and a Prince.

The girl sat straighter her eyes matured, “I need no crown to be what I am. I truly am just the Elitaron.”

Selena nodded, “yes child you truly are.”

The Prince of Wolves, who had once bragged about bowing to no one not even his father, knelt before the girl with flowing hair of flames and eyes of gold, “Milady Elitaron.”

She nodded, “Prince Daemon rise, do not bow before me. I am not a person to be bowed before.”

Selena opened the chest she had pulled down, “These are all the notes that I had kept during the time I had spent watching over the Elitaron line.”

Blaze nodded, “yes…you came to the house after each birth and looked at the child. You told my mother that I would be the Elitaron. Despite the fact that I had two elder sisters.”

Selena nodded, “I am the one that watched over the Elitaron line. My younger sister Azure, she watches the throne, and I watch the line. It was an agreement we made. I knew she would not survive out here, she was court raise she has more edict than I so I took to watching the main line though many of the offshoot clans had candidates.” Blaze pulled the chest to her and found pictures of all the children her family had ever had since the fall of the Elitaron line.

“Even with their memories I didn’t realize that so many had been born…” Blaze whispered.

“It is truly amazing. The line thrived like it never would have if they had stayed on the throne. There are probably many people in the world that could claim a relation to you,” said Selena smiling.

 “No…they can’t,” whispered Daemon, “The royal families ensured that. Every offshoot clan that was discovered was quietly killed by them. During the drought…so many villages reported them in hopes that aid would be brought in return. Your mother’s memories tell you that don’t they?”

Blaze nodded, “She didn’t know they were killed. It was the…Year of Fire wasn’t it?”

Daemon nodded, “My father, he told me that the ROYAL family had been killing off the Elitaron line forever, ensuring that it remained exclusive. If there were multiple births four or five sons and daughters some would become ‘ill’ and die, leaving only the Heir and maybe two others. It wasn’t…very well known. The reason was so that people couldn’t start shouting about BEING the Elitaron in public. The Royal Families…they panicked when they found out about all these Elitaron lines. So many families and offshoot families it ensured that unless drastic action was taken someone would survive. Despite all their words and all their ‘searching’ the Royal families didn’t want the Elitaron found. Recently the families, the older parts of the families, had gotten comfortable that the Elitaron Line was dead. So they began raising us younger children to be faithful true searchers. Having no fear that we would never find an Elitaron. Then…one day I went to a village and found the last remnants of the line? Having survived a fire? Fulfilling the prophecies requirements that said that this Elitaron would rise to the Throne again? It has caused a commotion like none I’ve ever seen.”

Blaze reached into the chest again her eyes focused on something that no one could see. She removed her hand slowly and upon her ring finger of her right hand was a jewel encrusted ring, the emblem of the Royal Elitaron Family made on to it. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other rare and semi-precious stones made up the emblem.

 Daemon looked stunned, “What is that?”

Blaze stared at it then in a tone of someone in awed, saddened, and on the brink of realization she whispered, “My family’s true legacy.”

Selena smiled at the girl whose once fierce angry eyes turned into pure love and remembrance. It cost the girl dearly but she removed the ring and set it in front of Selena, “The ring of power?”

Selena picked up the ring gently, “Yes, The ring worn by each Elitaron as long has the Child has been.”

Blaze and Daemon looked up sharply, “The ‘Child’?”

Selena touched the signet and smiled slowly, “The Child is a term Elves use when a prophecy has been told about a person’s coming. The Child is someone of our prophecy that will come to be and shall change the world for the better.”

Blaze took the signet from Selena and slid it carefully on to her finger, “Elves…Elitaron are descended from them aren’t they?”

Selena shook her head her long sliver hair catching the fire light making it look similar to Blaze’s own magnificent shade of red, “ not descended. Elitarons…no one truly knows why black leopards, snow leopards, leopards, and jaguars only come to you. Your kind…they are more special than we know.”

 “WE?” Daemon roared.

Blaze stood up and bolted out the door and straight into the arms of an extremely tall man with silver hair like Selena. Night-Stalker roared a roar that would bring most people to their knees in fear but the man simply looked that the black Cat with a slight look of interest and distaste.

He whispered to Stalker, “Ease your fear, I am a friend.” His voice was that of the night with out a moon. Rich, velvet, and mysterious the lilt spoke of north east, then again of where Blaze herself was born also had a part of his speech.

Blaze struggled in his grip, “Release me! You have no right!”

The man laughed a genuine laugh, “you have no idea the right I have.”

“Then tell me! I do not know you,” her voice did not hold any fear anymore.

He looked at her and released her watching Daemon as well, “I am called Gwaylon. I am a cousin of yours far far removed. I am the Prince of Elves. You are my destined Princess. My ancestor married your ancestor thousands of years in the past. It is not so many generations for my kind but for you it is so far removed it is pointless to think of.” Daemon stepped forward and so did Lucifer ready to butcher this man at his bonded’s command. Gwaylon glared at him and a snow white eagle drifted to his shoulder, Blaze stepped forward amazed. Her hand reached out and the eagle bobbed its head to accept a touch from her but screeched at Lucifer.

Author's Note

Ignore grammar please!