Free Legends of Marithia: Book 1 - Prophecies Awakening: Uncut and Extended Second Edition by Peter Koevari Page B

contracted her wings to enter the cave, flapping
them quickly once they were safely inside. The cave walls sparkled
with crystals, as if they were stars filling a pitch-black sky.
Like a gifted acrobat, Nymira flew at impressive speed through the
cave, narrowly missing natural columns and stalactites until they
broke free into a gigantic cavern within.
    "Can we do that again?" laughed Vartan, a
grin stretched across his face.
    I told you to trust me, didn't I?
    She gripped him with one claw as they
descended to a gentle landing in the middle of the cavern floor.
She eased Vartan to the ground, and he stood tall to take in the
many wonders of Trahoterra. His eyes widened at the kaleidoscope of
colours and objects that begged his attention.
    The cavern was filled with gigantic golden
statues of dragons, and was laden with treasures as far as the eye
could see. Treasure chests were everywhere, as were legendary
artefacts thought to have been lost forever.
    This is not the first time that humans have
allied with our kind. This is what we have left to show of that
past allegiance. Just remember that these treasures are forbidden
without our permission.
    “Of course, I understand. I have no need for
such things anyway. What an amazing sight to behold!” Vartan
beamed.
    I sense that Karven has returned from a hunt
for food. It looks like we are right on time.
    As Vartan turned, the opening to the cave was
darkened by the shadows of many dragons in flight. One by one, they
landed with a shudder around Vartan and Nymira in a circle,
dropping their catches before them. The largest of the dragons
alighted in the centre of the circle, folded his great wings, and
turned to Vartan. “So, young knight, we meet again."
    Vartan reeled back in shock at hearing the
dragon’s booming voice.
    “You can speak? I thought you only spoke
through minds.”
    “We can speak, Vartan. We just don’t
always choose to exercise that power. So, do you remember our first
meeting?”
    “It has been so many years, Karven, but how
could I ever forget that day? I have so many questions to ask of
you that have been plaguing me all these years."
    “Of course you do. However, allow me to begin
this discussion with a revelation. Have you ever wondered how you
channelled your power on that unfortunate night in the woods? Did
you ever wonder why you didn't also die that night? Have you ever
thought about why you have foreign and sometimes horrible dreams?
Did you also not question how you happened to have an audience with
me?”
    “I do. I have thought about that night every
day of my life. Finn… I failed him.”
    A smaller dragon in the outer circle stopped
eating and slowly raised his head towards Vartan.
    No, brother, you did not fail me at all. I
carved my own path.
    The dragon stretched his great wings and flew
to Karven’s side.
    “Finn? Is it really you?” said Vartan, tears
filling his vision. “By the gods, can it really be true? All these
years, I thought you were dead.”
    It was Karven who responded. “You weren't
ready to hear the truth that night, but the time has come. Our kind
has had many gifts bestowed upon us; however, some of us wish to
experience being mortal, and to live a human life. There is only
one path that leads to that particular destination, and it happens
to be irreversible.”
    “What is this path you’re talking about? And
what has it got to do with me?” asked Vartan.
    “It takes the form of a spell of the highest
order, and one that can only be cast upon a dragon who truly wishes
in his or her heart to be human. Once dragons transform, they
cannot return to their forms until the event of death and the
rebirth of life. Last but not least, the spell only works once.
Many years ago, two of our kind requested the spell of human life,
and it was granted."
    "I get all of this, I really do... But what
does that have to do with me ?” Vartan repeated.
    “The two dragons who were granted this spell
were your mother and