Chapter Fourteen - The Kingdom

Chapter Fourteen – The Kingdom

As the dragons alighted down toward the island I could see every detail much clearer. Lush greenery spread all across it and several small pools were scattered within the island. I could feel my mood uplifting as we got closer. I could now see what appeared to be an elaborate castle in the clearing. It stood tall and large, begging any building to measure up to it's height.

We reached our landing place, a clearing of finely cut grass and polished stones outlining to make it clear where to land. The robed male sitting with me hopped off and pulled me down gently.

“Come,” He said. Eagerness in his voice. “You have nothing to fear here. You're home.”

I wasn't sure if he was talking to Saeron or me, but I followed the three anyway, into the beautiful castle.

Walking up the stairs alone was quite a challenge. I lost count of the amount when I hit a hundred. I felt as though my legs were going to give out, but Saeron helped me the whole way. I couldn't believe it. How could these people have the strength, the endurance to do such physical activity without a sweat?

We finally made it inside and I could barely breathe. I tried to recompose myself before everyone stared. Or were they already staring?

Inside it was spacious and decorated brilliantly in gold. Paintings hung on the walls of people and tigers. And fresh picked flowers in vases sat on golden tables in front of each large windows in the room. It was all so breath taking. But what was more breath taking was the painted ceiling with tigers and humans and the moon in the center. It was all so beautiful.

I looked in front of me at the strangers who were still robed and notices another flight of stairs. These split into a fork and up to several rooms from what I could tell.

Not more stairs. I almost lost my balance from lack of oxygen.

“Before we show you the rest of our kingdom and everyone else we'd like to introduce ourselves.” One of the males said.

Finally I would get to see what they looked like. I watched as each one took off their robes completely and began introducing themselves.

“I am Annie.” The female one introduced herself politely with a curtsy. Her hair was dark and shiny with hints of white and her eyes a honey brown. She smiled, showing her perfect row of teeth. “Nice to meet you two.”

“I'm Zayn and this is Drogo” The male who had almost attacked me greeted us with a grin. A bit startled I realized a big, green iguana rested on his shoulder, cuddling up to his brightly colored red hair. Zayn's eyes were just as green as his iguana. “Pleasure to meet you guys.”

“And I'm Jurah. Welcome.” The last male spoke. He was a figure more god-like than any person I'd ever laid eyes on. His form was perfectly shaped, his face perfectly chiseled, each strand of his strawberry, cream colored hair fell neatly into place. He was all to much for me to take in. I had to look away. Even then his image bore in my mind. Each detail of his intricately designed suit, his nicely polished boots, and his gold eyes continued to stare gorgeously. My thoughts were interrupted by his voice which I immediately found to be quite soothing. “What is your name?”

“Uh..Dante. Sorry.” I looked down in embarrassment. Had he been that distracting? Truth be told every one of Saeron's “people” were all very attractive. I was thankful at that moment that God hadn't cursed me with horrible looks so I wouldn't have to stand out here.

We were on our tour of the castle when we came across an old couple tending to the garden.

“Dante, Saeron, this is Melony and Horus.” Jurah introduced us and the couple came eagerly to us to say hi.

“Oh my. Does this one not know how to control his transformations yet?” Melony put her hand to her face with concern.

“Sadly no, but I'm sure Cromwell could teach him.” Jurah then led us up a flight of stairs and into a very large kitchen where a bald man stood preparing lunch over a tub of soup.

“Gah! Get out! Lunch isn't ready yet!” He shrieked, his blue eyes wide with surprise.

“Crom, we have guests.”

“Guests?” Crom was starting to settle down. “Why hello, I had no idea there were still more of us out there. Why are you still in your tiger form? Don't be shy, I wont bite.” He finished with a hearty laugh.

“Crom, he can't control his transformations. That's why I need you to do me a favor and teach him.”

“Not a problem. It'll take some time, but I'm sure you'll pick it up in a week or two.” He smiled warmly.

“Thank you,” Saeron said with his toothy smile. “I'm glad there's finally a way to control this.”

“Of course, you just never had anyone to teach you,” Zayn chimed in.

“How did you find me anyhow?” Saeron questioned.

“It's a long story. But I'll be happy to share it with you over dinner tonight.” Jurah's smooth voice offered.

“Sounds good.”

“Lunch will be served to your rooms in less than ten minutes. Why don't you get them to their own rooms so they can eat and rest up.” Crom shook his stirring spoon at Zayn.

“I'm not the one in charge of everything, so cool your jets old man.”

“You need to be more hospitable!” Crom yelled back. “If you were my son I'd-

“Well your not,” Zayn stuck his tongue out at Crom. I couldn't help but laugh at their argument. It was like they were brothers.

“If you weren't my cousin I'd slap you silly!” Oh so that's what their relation was.

“I think we should go.” Jurah directed us out of the kitchen, leaving Zayn behind. “I'm terribly sorry about their little spat. Their always at it.”

“It's ok.” I smiled and then sighed almost immediately after. I wondered where my family was now. Had everyone really fled like Jurah said? Were they okay?

We headed down a hall lit up by big windows and candles and passed several doors I assumed were mostly bedrooms. I wondered which would be ours.

“This room will be Saeron's.” Jurah opened the door and we all headed inside to take a look. The decorating was all done in gold just like the first room and the bed was a deep crimson red with a beautiful angel carved in the headboard. To the right was a restroom and next to it was a walk in closet. The room had three big windows that allowed for light to come in and a table with chairs at the far right corner.

“Annie, would you see to it that Saeron gets his closet filled with clothes?” Jurah turned to me and gestured to the door. “And now, if you'll come with me I'll get you to your room.”

We walked down the hall, neither of us saying a word. We eventually got to what would be my bed room and Jurah opened it, allowing me to view the room that was almost identical to Saeron's. The only difference was that the covers were a rosy red and the headboard had a tiger engraved in it.

“I'll personally see to it that you get the clothes you need.” He bowed politely before exiting the room.

I stared out the window. The view was breathtaking. A pool of water down below and trees as far as I could see. For such a small island I couldn't see the ocean at all. Only miles and miles of acreage.

“Your lunch, my dear.” It was Melony. She was pushing around a small cart with food atop it. “I hope your hungry because Crom made everyone a feast to celebrate your coming here. And tonight there will be even more food.”

“Thank you, Melony.” I eyed the food and my mouth began to water. Creamy tomato soup, fresh, hot bread, pears and apples, small blue icing cake.

“Oh please dear, call me Mel.” She smiled warmly and began placing the food on my table. “So, Jurah told me your not a Jyot.”

“A what?”

“One of us. A Jyot. How is it you came to be with that other one, Saeron?”

“To make a long story short, I was offered as a sacrifice to him and he chose not to kill me.”

“Oh my! That's quite a story for such few words. I'd love to hear it over dinner tonight.” She sounded both thrilled and shocked.

“Me and Saeron would be happy to tell it.” I turned to my food then turned back to her, remembering I had another question. “Is this all that's left of the Jyot people?”

“I'm afraid so. At least all we know of. Were lucky to have found Saeron, but I'm afraid he's the last of us.”

“Why are there so few of you?”

“Oh, dear. It's a long story. But I'm sure we can share that one too when it comes time for dinner.” She then headed out, leaving me to eat by myself.

I had just finished my soup when I heard a faint tap at the door. I got up to see who it was and found Saeron waiting patiently for me.

“Sorry, I got lonely over there by myself. Mind if I stay here for a bit?” Saeron's eyes begged me to take him in.

“Well of course. I was just getting ready to eat some cake. You want a piece?” I offered him one, but he shook his head.

“I'm really glad I found more like me.” I could hear the relief in his voice. “I'm told were called the Jyot, people of the moon. Which goes without saying.”

“Yeah, Melony told me. She said she'd explain everything at dinner and that she wants to hear our story.”

“Heh, that'll be a long one to tell.” He stared out the window at nothing in particular. I picked up a cake and began chewing mindlessly on it. “I'm eager to learn how to control these transformations. Finally I won't have to wait till midnight to hold you.”

A let out a small chuckle and finished my cake. “You always have a sweet way of saying things.”

“That's because you make me sweet.” Saeron turned to me and smiled. “You make me forget all the bad that's ever happened to me.” He paused, gazing up at me. “I wish I could kiss you right now. Damn this tiger form.”

“Aww, I can still hug you.” I got up and pulled his furry body to me in a loving embrace.

“I know, but I want to be like them.” Saeron said with a sigh. “Don't worry. I'll learn how to though. I'll learn it as fast as I can.”

“Either way, I'll still be here for you. Even if I have to wait till midnight to kiss you.” I said as I smiled at him warmly and he smiled back at me.

I finished the rest of my food and talked to Saeron for a bit before we heard a knock at the door.

“Is Saeron in here?” I heard Crom's voice come through the door just before be came in. “There you are. How would you like to start training right now?”

“That would be great.” Saeron got up and followed Crom. “I'll see you at dinner, Dante.”

I was alone now. I figured the only thing I could do was rest so I got onto the bed, laid my head down, and attempted to go to sleep.