Startled from a deep sleep Valeana awoken with a sharp cry. Terrified she bolted from her bed wildly casting a look about her surroundings. Feeling disoriented till she slowly realized she was in her room at the KoRT Keep and not in Ehlan. A painful sigh escaped her lips as she returned to the bed.

The dreams the nightmares they had returned. But why...why now she silently asked herself. Suddenly she became aware of a weight lying upon her breast. Reaching up she grasped the pendant he had given her and then the stark realization hit. He was gone and once again she was alone. Alone like when she had to leave Ehlan and all those she held dear, to seek help from Lord Nasher to save her family and homelands. A quest she never completed as her family and many she loved had perished to the plaque that besieged her lands before she even reached the gates of Neverwinter.

Instantly tears sprang to her eyes as she remembered the day he gave her the necklace. Trying hard to stem the flow she gave into them and fell on the pillows sobbing. Finally spent Valeana reached up and jerked the pendant sharply snapping the finely crafted gold chain. Getting out of bed she laid the ornament on her vanity and went to the wash basin quickly splashing icy cold water on her face. Then throwing open the wardrobe closet she dug out heavy leather britches, a soft leather top along with a fur robe. Dressed she picked up her great sword "Patience," her favorite long bow, and the pendant.  Then going over to the windowsill she looked down into the teary eyes of her faerie dragon austin draconis. Placing a light kiss on his wee little head she silently assured him she would one day return for him then left the room.

The confused stable master helped the Chancellor to her horse and was alarmed at the vacant look in her otherwise fire lit blue eyes. Watching his mistress canter down the lane then break into a full gallop heading out of the gates, he was besieged with dread as if an icy cold finger had touched his very soul. Confused he shook his head and returned to the comforts of the warm stables closing the door behind him.

Leaving the Keep, riding away from the protection the great walls of Havensburg afforded, Valeana turned the horse westward. Lying close to the back of her mount the scenery became a blur as rider and horse became one, flying through the pre-dawn light. Or was it the tears in her eyes that obscured her vision. Not willing to give in to the pain in her heart Valeana spurred the horse onward as they passed Alvar Tower and streaked pass Saxon's evil lair. The dawn was just stretching its watery fingertips into the sky when she reached Vernon Castle. As the roads were treacherous in these parts Valeana reigned in her mount to a light gallop.  Approaching the land's of the Cavemen they moved with caution, as she had no desire for an encounter at this moment.
Turning off the main road onto a rocky path they traveled upward into the snow covered mountains. Nearing the top Valeana dismounted and proceeded on foot till she reached her destination.

Looking about she was awe struck by the beauty and splendor of the majestic mountains. For the briefest of moments her pain was forgotten as she drank in this sight. Then slowly she drew the dagger from her boot. Looking it over remembering when she found it, up past Port Llast in Neverwinter on a given quest with Nesha and Ebony Jade. They had been digging a grave when her shovel had hit upon this black box and inside found a dagger with a jewel-encrusted hilt. It was strange finding something of such value in an old box and the patterns upon the hilt gave her a sense of recognition. Quickly shaking her head to clear the memory she dropped to her knees in the snow.

As if possessed she chipped away at the snow and ice with the dagger digging a deep narrow hole. Then taking the pendant out of her pocket she laid it on the snow. The contrast of the fiery jewel against the stark pristine beauty of the snow winked as the sun's early rays caught its brilliance. Finished digging Valeana reverently picked up the necklace and held it to her cheek.  Blinking back the tears welling in her eyes she dropped the jewel into its icy grave. As each layer of snow buried the pendant a layer of ice formed about Valeana's heart till she could feel no more. Standing she tromped and packed the snow down with her heel while wiping the dagger's blade against the robe.

Stopping to look over the mountain ranges once more a wry smile came to her lips. Here she was on top of the world .it reminded her of a childhood game she and Halin used to play. He called it king of the hill. For he who possessed the upper most peak would surely rule he told her. Laughing bitterly, some king she was, she couldn't even rule over her own heart. Sighing she began the long descent.

The walk back gave Valeana's troubled thoughts time to wander. They rapidly traveled back to when she and Halin used to tousle and wrestle about till her Mother felt a lady of her bearing needed to be reigned in. She sorely missed Halin and her champion Sir Beiruit. Thankfully he and Halin had escaped Ehlan after its fall, with twelve Knights of her household only to come to another land facing a precarious future. Still not knowing what happened to them as when the great vortex took Neverwinter they had been gone from Camelot in search of her book of spells. A glimmer of hope struck her as maybe they had made it back to Ehlan and were safe. One could hope she thought but then again she sighed softly and walked up to the patiently waiting horse.  Fitting her boot in the stir-ups she mounted.  Numb and worn out Valeana guided the horse back down the trail. Upon hitting the main road they headed south.

To be continued "The Search"

austin draconis - 10:11am Sep 20, 1998 MST
Baby Faerie Dragon to the Lady Valeana

Tiny dragon tears coursing down his snout austin draconis watched as his mistress dressed and placed items in her backpack.  He could not but help feel her pain as he had been Valeana's since lord Murtano had presently him as a gift to her at the beginning of his creation. She was all he knew with the exception of Squeaky the Wondermouse whom he had much difficulty keeping up with. It taxed his baby faerie dragon brain trying to follow that warrior mouse about.

Walking back and forth on the widow ledge his wee dragon heart was heavy as he heaved and sighed. When he saw Valeana pick up her great sword he knew she was leaving and would be gone for a long time. Watching as she approached him, she then kissed him sweetly on the head,  one of his most favorite things ..and looked into his eyes.

Immediately he understood and tried to dry up his tears but being a baby he could do no such thing.

Turning to the windows he peered down into the courtyard and waited till he saw her come out of the stables heading out the gate.  Sinking slowly laying his little head on the windowsill austin draconis vowed to wait as long as it took for Valeana to return.