Once Forgotten 1.9

Queen Dylan Chambrulay was sitting outside in her garden, her head in her hands. She looked up at her informant. "And that's all he told you?"

"Yes, your Highness. He also said to let you know that he would be dropping in soon for a visit." He bowed respectfully.

Dylan sighed. "Which means he'll stay for an hour or two, then vanish off to wherever he goes."

Her informant coughed. "I do not believe so, your Highness. Not this time at least."

She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I believe that he intends to finally meet with Kadrin." The informant suggested.

"Yes, it would be him to avoid someone for a year, then finally meet with them out of the blue. Regardless. I am wondering if I should just bar Kadrin from entering our borders." Dylan huffed, her irritation evident. "How can he expect me to comply when he never answer a single question?"

"Your Highness! How could you even think to try to bar him from our lands!" The informant shrieked.

Dylan chuckled. "You should not underestimate your queen. Like Kadrin, both Flamian and I do not deal in petty magic. The spells we use are all based upon elemental energy, just as Kadrin's power is." She sighed. "It's a shame that such knowledge has been lost." She shook her head. "You are dismissed. I have no further duties for you at the moment." She gave a pleasant smile. "You may return to your family." The informant bowed and hurried away.

The queen sighed and massaged her temples. It had been quite some time since she had seen Flamian. She rose from her seat and headed inside. A wolf bounded up beside her. 'You really should stop worrying.' The wolf's voice echoed in her head.

"You know I can't help it, Kis. After all we went through, how could I not?" Dylan asked.

Kisame nudged her leg affectionately. 'You knew that he would wander. It's in his blood. He was bred to be a Hunter, and that is what he is."

"And I have a feeling that he is hunting something big now. Whatever it is, it has him worried enough that he is finally willing to meet with Kadrin." She told her faithful guardian.

'Kadrin is returning?' The wolf up with ears laid back. She ruffled them, making them stand up again.

"Yes, he is on his way now. And he's not alone this time. He has taken on an apprentice from Salcar." The queen said.

Kisame cocked his head. 'Magyck runs deep in that land. Many of the great wizards of old hailed from that kingdom. If he has taken on an apprentice from there, could it be that the power that was sleeping there be awakening?'

"It very well could be, Kis. I'm thinking of sending a messenger bird to Kurel asking if she knows anything. Of course, any stories or rumors will reach us long before they get here. Keep your ears open." She ruffled them affectionately.

'I always do, my Queen.' He padded along in silence.
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Flamian landed upon a rocky outcropping, looking down at the castle before him. It was still the same as it was years ago, dark and dreary. He began his decent carefully, jumping from outcropping to outcropping, sometimes using his wings as parachutes and gliding. Landing at the foot of the mountain peak behind him, he made his way inside. The doors were open, a sign that Lord Calrius was in a mood for visitors. Calrius had certainly changed much, after what he and Dylan had done. They had crushed his army and destroyed his conquering spirit. Now, the one-time "Dark Lord" was nothing but a simple Lord of his estate. He ruled his lands, nothing more. Though, he had somewhat brightened up to his people.

A heavy door shut with a thud. Flamian looked up to see his old enemy approaching, his black robes rustling as he moved. "Ah, Flamian. So kind of you to visit." He hissed.

Flamian rolled his eyes. "You can cut with the hostilities. I need info."

Calrius grinned, which was not a pleasant experience. "Ah, so the mighty Hunter now comes to me for aid? Well, what can I do for you?" Came the mocking reply.

"I need info on a mutual enemy." Flamian answered. Calrius snapped the book in his hand shut. He turned to his old enemy with wide eyes.

"You can't be serious?! You seek information about him?" The old dragon took a couple of deep breaths. His tail swished in agitation. "You know that it's dangerous to look into his movements."

"So naturally, you would know something about them." Flamian responded.

Calrius gulped, thinking quickly. "Besides, even if I did, why should I help you? You and that wretched girl ruined me!"

Flamian smiled, revealing the tips of his fangs. "Kadrin has taken an apprentice. From Salcar."

A new light came into Calrius' eyes. "Well, that changes everything." He rummaged about among his papers until he found what he was looking for. He handed the leather folder to Flamian. "Take that back to the Queen." He said, putting a begrudged emphasis on "queen". "I'm sure she'd be happy to see you again."

Flamian gave him a mocking bow. "Always a pleasure doing business with you."

"Flamian, wait." The younger dragon looked back. "Send word to Kaylandra. She needs to prepare the clans. I fear that things may begin to escalate. Be careful." Flamian nodded and was gone.