Dracen Phyre - Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chasen resisted the urge to squirm as Elder Orton watched her, the critical gaze softening after words from Elder Sanchez. Her vision hazed, there was nothing for her to focus on. The walls were in the dark, and the only real splashes of color were the rainbow of capes draped over the Elders’ chairs. With a gasp, Chasen’s knees buckled and she fell on her ass; the stone floor hard and unforgiving. With a curse, Chasen snapped out of her stupor in favor of the throbbing pain radiating from her ass. The Elders watched in amusement as she started to mutter about nerves and waiting. About being intimidating and annoyance. Scowling, Chasen met Orton’s eye, “You’re doing in on purpose, damn it.” Her features twisted with the effort it took to get her shaky legs under her to stand again. The anger and annoyance was going a long way rebalancing Chasen’s state of mind.
Her head whipped over to see her head of family hiding a grin behind his hand. Her eyes narrowed, “Uncle Oliver, don’t even think about it.” She had great respect for her great Uncle, but that didn’t mean she liked to be butt of a joke for him. Her gaze slid to her cousin Nate at his side, his shoulders trembled in a tell tale sign of withheld laughter.
Oliver Davenport leaned forward, a smile spread over his mouth, “I think this is likely what you all were seeking.
There was a murmur from the Elders. Chasen frowned, her finger that she’d shaken to chastise her Uncle curled into a loose fist. Suddenly she gasped, “I’m so sorry!” She felt her anger fade, to be replaced by guilt.
“Not to worry, Sen, you’ve done good.” Oliver turned to catch Orton’s eye.
Her fingers were moving over her chin as she watched Chasen react, thoughtfully. She suddenly smiled, “She’ll do very well indeed.”
Chasen’s mouth opened and closed as she tried to speak. She was terribly confused. Nothing made sense. She’d nearly passed out, and then mouthed off to the Council. Why weren’t they angry and demanding respect?
“Take a seat, young Davenport.” Orton’s hand moved as her second leapt to retrieve a chair from the dark outer bounds of the room. Chasen moved to sit beside Elder Orton, her brow scrunched as she watched the other Elders nod and murmur to each other.
“If I may, ma’am,” Chasen paused, waiting for a go ahead, “What is going on?”
“As I said my child, we have a vital mission for you.” Orton moved to hand back, a letter appearing in it. “It seems the time has come to put the world to right again.” She handed the letter to Chasen.
With care, the young hunter opened the envelope, sliding an old photo from within. It was a picture of a child and a dragon, and if she didn't know better, she would have sworn it was real. She lifted her eyes, looking around at the Elders who all appeared to be on the edge of their seats. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s real Sen,” Oliver said softly. “A dragon lives. One woke years ago.”
Sudden clarity moved through Chasen’s mind. “The Eruptions,” she stated firmly. “That was a dragon waking? That’s why the planet went to Hell?”
“Yes.” Sanchez answered. “And now the time has come to restore the planet to what it once was.”
“Why? How?” Chasen stopped suddenly; she couldn’t even voice her confusion and shock.
Elder Lawley spoke up, “The Dreamer contacted us. He said it was time. That we were to begin it.” He paused, “We don’t even know the details. Only that we were to find a Hunter that would seek the dragon.” All of the Elders fell silent and stared at Chasen.
“Me?!” she squeaked. The photo fell from her nerveless fingers to the table. She couldn’t believe this was happening.
“We’re sending you to River Rock. From there you’ll be on your own.” Elder Watson said softly. Her words carrying through the quiet.
“River Rock.” Chasen repeated, her brain stalling as she realized she was being sent to the Witches Enclave belonging to the current head of the Witches. The Dutchess. Gulping, Chasen asked the only thing she could, “When do I leave?”