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Chapter 20, Chronicle III - Transformation By William Black Morion stood on the balcony of her room overlooking the palace gardens. It has been four months since the battle with Morlyn and his demons. The realm was very slowly recovering from the loss of her warriors. Everyone either had family members or friends who had lost their lives in the conflict. No one was the same. The realm itself had come to the stark realisation it was faith in one"s self, in family and friends, and in the One that created all, that truly matters. Yet Morion felt empty. Four months ago the dragon had helped carry the dead and wounded back to the capital. Four months had passed since he explained to her how he had worked out the final end to Morlyn and the recovery of Sir David's sanity. He even explained about his transformation; though didn't exactly comprehend it all himself. Magic may have been involved, but it was more like the answer to a prayer. A reward for a job well-done and a healing from the demon's blood that had slowly been poisoning him since his encounter with the destroyer beast. He explained as well as he could what the transformation was like. What he had felt. And tried to describe what would remain of his earthly life. He even, with a dragon's inherent reluctance, revealed his name to her. Which she knew gave her power over him, should she choose to use it. Not that she ever would. He had given it to her in perfect love and trust. By revealing his name he had given her his very soul. Yet there were things he still had to accomplish. The dragon nation to the far North would be his new home, but he had to make arrangements. Dragons traditionally are slow to accept newcomers. Especially one born into their race in such a non-traditional way. Among his final words to her those many months ago was the promise to return. So where was he? Every day she went to her balcony to wait for him. And every day only disappointment met her. Of all days, she wanted him to return today. "My Lady?" Morion jumped; her attention now on the moment. It was Lady Ann who knocked on the door. "My Lady, Sir David is waiting in the Great Hall." "Tell him," Morion paused. She really could not put off the First Knight's proposals any longer. "Tell him I'll be there shortly." "Yes, my Lady." There was a moment's silence, then "I'm sure he has a very good reason for his delay." Morion heard Ann's footsteps receding down the hall. With a sigh she turned from the balcony and went to make herself ready. She should be angry at the dragon for making her wait, but then again, dragon's live by different laws of time and reason. She shook her head sadly. There was always the Morion Stone that could be used to call the dragon. But since witnessing the devastation it unleashed at Will's command during his battle with Dumas, she hesitated calling on its power. No, the dragon was a man; no not a man she corrected herself, it was a dragon of its word. Eventually it would return. Her thoughts had taken up too much time. She dressed herself quickly, slipping on a fine silk gown. She place a jewelled studded choker around her neck. Glancing at herself in the full length mirror in the corner she knew her appearance would please Sir David. Again, she sighed. --- The Great Hall was almost entirely empty when Morion arrived with Ann a few steps behind. Yet it felt extremely crowded. Her guards were there, and so was the First Knight. Her wizard and a few other councillors were also present. But as she entered the Hall no eyes turned towards her; they were all on the large blue dragon standing in the centre of the floor. "Norwyth." Her mind screamed in recognition, but she kept the name to herself. "It's about bloody time!" She said out loud walking briskly towards the dragon. "My Lady, Morion." He replied with a low bow. "You look...beautiful." She blushed only for a moment, "And what news have you?" The dragon looked around at those present. He noted that Sir David was dressed especially nice for an audience with the Lady of the Realm. Something in his stance gave Norwyth a glimmer of understanding. But times had changed. No longer was he a man who'd not compete for the affections of a woman. Things were different now, and so was he. There was no competition possible. He was a dragon and no longer part of the race of Man. And regardless of what he'd said months ago to Morgan that Morion may have the soul of a dragoness; still she was a human. Turning back to Morion he said, "My Lady, you have kept it safe. For that I thank you. For that I love you even more." "Well said, dragon." Morion's frustration was rising with how formally Norwyth was conducting himself. "Do you have news for me. What of my request?" Norwyth lowered his head. "I cannot let you do this. You don't know what you're asking of me, nor of yourself. I have made arrangements, yet again I cannot let you go forward with this. I should never have put the Elders in such a position." He looked over at the First Knight, who stood shifting from one foot to the other. "He loves you." Morion glared at the dragon, and whispered, "Tell me something I don't know. But don't you dare presume to tell me I don't know my own mind." Then more gently, "I know you are trying to protect me. And my realm. You need to stop acting so chivalrously. The knight is gone, and I know my own heart." "My Lady, as for acting chivalrously, who do you think taught men the very meaning of the word!" Norwyth looked deep into her brown eyes, "I did and do love you. I don't want your death on my conscience. What you've asked of me I've fulfilled, but the method is...is so dangerous. And what of Sir David. What of the Realm? What of the Dark Crystal?" In his heart he already knew. He could help provide answers to all the questions he had asked, but at what cost? He shook himself and then rose up on its hind legs as if stretching. "Are you trying to intimidate me?" "Not at all. I want you to see me for what I've become. Nor have you answered my questions." Sir David walked over to Morion, confusion reflected on his face. "What is the dragon talking about? I don't understand this language he's using." "I'll tell you what he's saying," Morgan had entered the hall and strode quickly up to Morion and Sir David. "He is asking about the Realm. Basically, he wants to know...." "Be still, Morgan!" Morion"s face had grown flush. "I'll let them all know in my own time." "Know what?" Sir David was growing uneasy. "My Lady, it is time for secrets to be revealed." Morgan looked at the dragon. "I know you'll not tell me your name, so I'll call you by what I'm familiar with. So Will, tell those around what our Lady is planning." As Norwyth was about to answer another voice was heard. This time it was Sir Robert. "By all that's holy! It is you, isn't it Will? Morgan told me of the remarkable transformation. And what a change! For the better I might add," he said with a wink. Ah...nice scales. And I like the tale." Robert walked up without fear and patted the dragon affectionately. The dragon turned and put a forearm lightly on Robert's shoulder. "Good to see you in such good spirits." "Got you to thank...at least that is what I hear." He turned to Morgan and smiled. "Not now, Robert." Morgan looked back at Morion. "My Lady, your decisions affect us all. Tell them what you are planning." Morion had never felt so uncomfortable in her whole life. This isn't how she had envisioned this meeting. Not that she really had a good idea of how it was supposed to go. It would have been preferable to just slip away. Sir David stood in front of her, understanding dawning on his face. "You're thinking of going with this...this dragon? Morion, this is no longer Will." "Sure it is...." "Shut up Robert!" Morgan gave him a shove. Heaving a loud sigh, Morion explained, "I've led this Realm for so many years. I've seen it grow and prosper. I've seen battles and death. And yes, I've seen hero's come and go. Ballads and poems have been composed about the Land, her Knights and Ladies, and "yes" her Ruler. The Dark Crystal continues to stand as its shining light and power." She paused a moment, "And I have felt love and been loved. But we all change, David." She hesitated a moment, "And during the battle of Morion against Morlyn, I felt a great void. And emptiness. I cannot describe how alone and dark that felt. Deep despair is too mild portrayal." She paused as if thinking about what to say next, but before she could get another word out a great trumpeting came from the courtyard. Screams and shouts of fear and warning. "Dragons!" Morion took this as a sign that Norwyth had at least thought of going ahead with their plan. "All of you, go see what all this is about." Those in the hall ran out into the Foyer, and then down the steps to the courtyard. Greeting them were four huge dragons hovering just above the fountain. "Do not hurt them!" came Morion"s command from within. She had even sent her remaining guards out to see what the commotion was; telling them she'd be perfectly safe with Norwyth. Though they hesitated, they knew enough not to go against Morion's command. Outside knights, foot soldiers and archers held ready to attack should the command be given. The dragons for their part seemed very uninterested in the ruckus they were causing. Instead of attacking the people below, they flew to the palace and landed in front of the massive doors so that no one could re-enter the Great Hall. "What the blazes." The First Knight ascended the steps in bounds, only to be confronted by the largest of the dragons. "Relax, Sir. All will be made plain soon enough," the dragon grinned at him. Morgan and Sir Robert exchanged glances, though Morgan had a rapid sinking feeling in her stomach. --- In the Great Hall Norwyth stood before Morion, his massive body shielding her from those trying to see past the dragons at the doors. "No more discussion, Will." She said using his human name. "We"ve argued and discussed. You'll not change my mind. And it is true you could always walk away, but I'm asking you to grant me this final boon." Norwyth lowered his head and gave a low growl, though if he were still merely human it would have sounded more like a mournful cry. Hot tears were welling up in his eyes, so much so it was hard for him to see. "As you wish, my Lady." With a great clawed finger he wiped at his eyes. A droplet tangled precariously at the tip of his sharp talon. He held it before his Lady, who seemed fascinated by how the watery-bead caught and held the light. She was transfixed. "Your name is Laurithel!' She heard a whoosh of air as the talon pierced her heart. Her world was undone. Not a gasp escaped her lips. Yet in her death, she saw Norwyth for what he was. --- Outside Morgan screamed. "What is it!" Cried Sir Robert turning to his Lady. But before she could answer, a gust of wind sent those in the yard reeling. The dragons had leapt into the sky and were away before any of the warriors could react. Sword drawn, Sir David however burst through doors into the Great Hall, followed by Morion's guard. "He killed her...." Morgan was white with fear and disbelief. Sir Robert took her by the waist and guided her into the hall, saying all the way that there was some mistake. Will would never harm the Lady of the Dark Crystal. Morgan for her part was unable to speak. She didn't want to believe what she knew to be true. --- Inside she found that all was still. The guards, and even Sir David, were standing wide-eyed, speechless, and powerless. Before them stood not one, but two dragons. The newcomer was about the same size as Norwyth, but had a silvery black colour to her. She was sleek and beautiful. There was an aura of feminine authority about her. Around her neck on a gold chain was a morion crystal. Yet what was more surprising than the two dragons was the naked girl standing in front of them. She was tall and fair. Her face was youthful and beyond stunning. She had dark silvery hair that cascaded down to her slender waist. No fear was reflected in her eyes, just wisdom and love for those who gaped at her. Norwyth, seeing where the eyes of the men were staring, put a protective wing around the girl; covering all but her head. Then he nodded to his silvery companion. As if finding her voice, the female dragon spoke; "My Lord and I would like to present to you our beloved daughter; the new Lady Morion; rightful ruler of the Realm of the Dark Crystal and First Daughter of the Dragon Heights. Through her let our two worlds unite." With a commanding voice she continued, "Serve her as you have always served your Lady. And love her as you have always been want to do." The dragon gave Sir David a knowing look. "Treat her well!" "Our blessings we leave with you." Her voice was like the purist crystalline wind chimes. "Lady Morgan, if you would, summon Lady Ann and fetch a royal robe for your Sovereign." "No need my Lady," Called Ann as she rushed into the hall from the back, her mind totally distracted, "One of the guards reported that someone was nuuuudd..oooh my God!" Ann nearly tripped over her feet as she saw the two dragons crouched before her. As she recovered herself, Morgan came and took the robe from her trembling hands. Morgan then went over to the girl, slid behind Norwyth's sheltering wing and helped Morion with the robe. Without turning towards the dragons she whispered, "So, this is how it ends? This is good-bye?" Her voice reflected the sadness tearing at her heart. The silvery dragon lowered her slender head towards Morgan and titled it slightly. "Are you so surprised?" "No, my Lady...." But under her breath she said, "I just thought it'd be me." "Then wish us good fortune, for it is what we both wanted and felt was right for the Realm. Remember us." "I will, my Lady. And please, remember me too." She said it to both of them, but looked straight at Norwyth." Norwyth's voice was a distant echo of his human self. "And you remember, 'til time and times pass away.'" With this both Norwyth and his companion backed away from their daughter and Morgan. The rest of those in the hall were to in awe to speak, let alone think of something to say. As for Laurithel and Norwyth, their girl would rule well. They knew that those in the hall would help her all they could. As they continued to back away he whispered to his companion so that only she could hear, "My Lady, it is time." "After you, my beloved," smiled Laurithel. With that they lunched themselves into the air and flying low over the heads of those in the hall they shot one after the other out into the clear afternoon sky. Everyone in the hall followed to watch as the two dragons soared away. But Morion, now wrapped warmly in her robe, smiled and walked back towards the dais thinking to herself, "You really have to love magic." --- Thus ends the Third and Final Chronicle of the Druid Knight. It is my sincerest hope that those who read my stories find something whimsical and entertaining within. Please feel free to write me and let me know your thoughts: williamblack_7@juno.com All my thanks to Gunilla, Web Mistress, lover of Dragons, and a good friend. /William Black Chronicle III, Main page Thank you Will. For writing this story, and for giving me the honor to publish it at my site. It has been a wonderful journey. Your story is my dream. Your friend, Gunilla the Morion |