Nightsong Chapter 4
I followed Charming down two twisting flights of stairs and out into an enormous courtyard of white cobblestones, fountains and fantastic plants and trees. Standing at the gate, overlooking the courtyard was a gigantic black dragon, his scales glistening opalescent in the sunlight. Perched on the dragon's back was a tall dark-haired man dressed all in black with gold gleaming at his neck, waist and cuffs.
"Nightsong!" Charming said contemptuously. I looked over at him, appalled at his sudden change in manner. He no longer seemed very handsome with his lips curled in a sneer and his eyes darkened with hatred. I unconsciously drew back from him. Just a bit more space between me and the crazy person. A sudden laugh caused me to look up at the man on the dragon.
He had one hand raised, and around the hand was a purplish-white glow, like lightning, that was pulsing and rotating around his hand. He flung his hand forward, sending the energy blast straight at Charming. Charming's body was hit directly and was sent flying backwards to land flat out on his back. I ran to him and crouched over him. I slapped him lightly trying to wake him up but got no response.
"You didn't have to do that you coward!" I screamed at the man on the dragon. The dragon hissed and began flapping enormous wings, sending dirt and dust flying. I covered my face as the dust blew about, nearly blinding me. Suddenly I felt myself being snatched up and found myself in the dragon's grip and rising higher and higher over the castle.
I screamed once, but then gasped and closed my eyes, my fear of heights was great. I didn't know how long they flew, I kept my eyes closed the entire time, afraid that if I looked down that I would pass out. I could feel the cool breeze flowing through my hair and striking my face lightly.
I heard the dragon's wings begin flapping furiously and opened my eyes to find myself only a short distance from the ground. Abruptly the dragon's paw opened and I fell to the ground, landing hard. I gathered up the skirt of the nightgown I was wearing and got to my feet to try and run, only to trip over the outstretched claw of the dragon who looked at my boredly.
I landed at the feet of the black-robed magician. As I raised my eyes, I was surprised to see that up close, his face was kind, with laugh lines around his eyes and mouth. His eyes were an electric blue, his hair as black as his robes. He held a hand out to help me up and I took it, pulling myself to my feet.
He turned and began walking towards an enormous black tower on a cliff overhanging the sea. Waves dashed against the rocks, sending a cool spray over the land. We walked in silence until I couldn't stand it anymore. "Who are you?" I finally asked.
He turned back to look at me. "They call me the dark wizard Nightsong. You may call me Lord Brecken." And he turned and continued walking. We finally reached the dark tower and I was surprised to find that the castle-like structure was actually built into the cliff and was much larger than it looked from the outside. Servants seemed to appear from nowhere, men and women, even young children coming to greet their lord.
An older woman stepped forward when Lord Brecken beckoned to her. She was dressed in a white shift with a pale grey kirtle covering it. "Show her to a room, she is to stay there until I send for her." He said. I opened my mouth to argue, but the woman, seeing me, shook her head, so I closed my mouth and followed her in silence.