Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
I couldn’t hold him off. He is coming.
What is wrong? Why do you feel so weak?
The Darkness is too strong. I pulled all of my power back from all of my dragons, and I still wasn’t strong enough. I am sorry. Run, Young Mother. Cleanse yourself so he doesn’t have the chance to take your power. He overpowered my defenses and is slowly leeching my element, but I won’t let him have my power.
Firwyn, you’re going to be okay.
No Araiya I will not, but I will save my power and dragons. I’m sorry, you are strong. You will survive.
Survive what Firwyn? Talk to me.
I won’t let him take my power Araiya. Just breathe and Talon will get you safely to my brother. Don’t fight the transfer. It will hurt less.
“Talon, get ready. Something is happening.”
“Well hurry it up. The Darkness just reached the beginning of this vent.”
Be well and tell my son I love him.
Araiya felt the Fire elemental withdrawal from her mind. She felt the shadows start to deepen.
“Araiya, we have to go now.”
“Not yet. Almost there.”
“Araiya it’s almost here. We have to go through the gate now.”
“No Talon, please just wait. I promised.”
The shadows darkened even more, and Araiya fell still again in Talon’s arms. Both heard a chuckle from up the ramps, already celebrating his win. The darkness crept closer to where the two were standing before the gate. Talon took a small step backward and was turning when a roar was heard from above. A streak of fire flew down the center of the vent and made a small crescent ring around the gate. The flames grew taller until everything was blocked out from the outside and the fire ring had turned into a shell, fully covering the doorway.
“Araiya, thank you for waiting.”
“Firwyn, I knew you needed me here. What can I do?” Araiya had Talon put her on her feet.
A tall column of fire broke free of the barrier. The fire formed into a tall, beautiful woman with onyx skin and orange and red hair. Eyes a burnt gold with ancient power reflecting back causing the two before her to bow. Firwyn made her way to Araiya, lifted her back up and kissed her forehead.
“Holy shit is that…”
“Yes.”
“And she chose this form to talk to us.”
“Yes, Talon my youngling I do not have much time. Even now I feel the Darkness eating away at my power. Araiya, young dragons get their abilities from their element. It isn’t until they reach a certain age that they become self-producing of their elemental powers. I cannot allow my fire to go out or be eaten by that blood-sucking vermin. You are the only one here who can survive the power transfer. I am sorry about this, but you are my only option. “
“Power transfer?” Talon questioned. Araiya shrugged.
“Talon, my brother’s kin. I took this form to speak with you. Araiya is going to need you. I need you to be strong, wise, and trust in your heart. You aren’t where you need to be yet, but soon. Trust in yourself, Araiya and the other Enforcers. Trust that the Goddess has guided you exactly where you need to be. Protect Araiya with every ounce of your power. Do not trust everyone close to you.”
Fire stepped forward and kissed Talon. Then she turned to Araiya.
“Young Mother, our last hope. This will not be pleasant, but it is necessary. Remember your promise to tell my son what happened here. Do not run from him. He will need you in the coming days. Trust your heart and your gut. I have loved you for over a millennia. I will love you from beyond the veil. Take solace in knowing that it was always going to unfold this way for me.” Firwyn stepped over to Araiya and kissed her head. She wrapped her arms around Araiya and hugged her closer. Firwyn leaned over and held Araiya’s face and kissed her lips. Araiya tried to pull away, but the Elemental held her head firmly. Araiya tried to tear away again, but Firwyn pulled her closer and held their mouths together.
Young Mother, hold still. It will all be over soon. Stay safe. The Darkness is just beyond the barrier. Once we are done you must go. Be well.
With those parting words the elemental hugged Araiya harder and poured her power down her throat. Araiya felt like she was swallowing lava. The power was so intense. How was this not enough? How did anyone have any hope if this wasn’t enough? Araiya started screaming, but she never stopped accepting the flow of power. Firwyn was sacrificing herself for her kin, and Araiya couldn’t step back from that sacrifice. The power kiss ended and Firwyn sagged in Araiya’s arms.
“Thank you for keeping my family safe Young Mother. I know guiding them won’t be easy, but I will watch over you all from the veil.” Araiya kissed the Fire elemental’s forehead.
“Go with the Goddess, Firwyn. Your work here is done. I will keep guard over them in your stead.” Slowly the Fire elemental disintegrated into tiny embers that flew up to the fire shield that was slowly coming down.
“Araiya it’s time to go now before the shield is gone,” Talon said from beside her.
“Talon, I will need you to run me straight to the center of Water. Can you do that for me?”
“Of course, but why?”