Dark Wood: Legends of the Guardians by Unknown Page B

surprise that she sounded just
slightly bitter.
    Considering
her words for a moment, Reign pondered. “Did you think some grand event would
take place? Sorry to disappoint you, but you would be wrong. You made it here,
and by doing so you found the power of your bloodline and much more.”
    “So
have I been validated?” Standing, she tossed the scarce bones into the fire.
    “If
that means do I believe you’re capable of fulfilling your role as Emissary,
then yes.” He sat on his hind legs as he watched her.
    Aryaunna
frowned, unamused with his toying answer. “Not that I want to dispute that, but
how is it you’re so certain? I have been given no tests.”
    He
balked. “No tests? You made it through the Dark Wood. You overcame its
trickery, its deadly treachery, and demonic spirits that would seek nothing
more than to poison your mind and body. You stood before me, with not a single
ounce of fear in your eyes. More than I can say for any other creature I’ve
come across that did not share my kinship. I offered you aid for an easy
passage through the cavern. You turned that down, despite your suffering and
made it to the grotto on your own accord.
    “I
find it peculiar that you never once assumed all of this was your test. These,
however minor, actions proved enough to me that you are the rightful Emissary.
Is that not enough? Or shall I produce for you an additional challenge?”
    “No,
it just seems like it was too… Not simple, certainly. Perhaps I expected
something more direct, identifiable.” With a heavy lift of her shoulders, she
stepped closer to the fire, warming the palms of her hands. “Something I would
approach as a challenge knowingly.”
    Not
acknowledging her statements directly he asked, “Have you had your fill of food
and water?” She nodded agreeably. “Your clothes are dry, and you have warmed
yourself?”
    “Thanks
to you, all of the above.” To hear a Dragon laugh was probably the most unexpected
thing about all of this to Aryaunna. It rumbled through his body out his long
serpentine neck. “Something is funny to you, Reign?”
    Despite
his size, Reign was incredibly agile, graceful even. His muscles rippled as he
moved, rolling throughout his body with every step towards her. “You truly have
absolutely no idea what you’ve gotten into.” His head lowered to be level with
hers so that he might look her in the eyes.
    “You
assume you were sent through the Dark Wood to find me as some validation that
you are in fact the Emissary, but there is far greater purpose to you coming
here than just that, young Ary.”
    “By
all means, please explain.”
    “Walk
with me, Aryaunna.” He turned without wait knowing she would follow, which she
did. “In becoming the Emissary you accept a position of leadership. You will be
taught the art of battle. You will develop your magic, among many, many other
things. You will lead people, thousands in the end. Many, you will lead to
their death. The Guardians will speak to you, guide you in all things; even the
sword in your hand when you come to trust in it.”
    “Would
you like to know how I swore myself?” Aryaunna reached up to brace her hand
against the stone wall as the incline became steeper.
    His
talons reached out and took hold of her left arm, keeping her steady. “Well?”
he inquired as they continued on.
    “I
prayed to the Guardians, casting a spell with my mother’s stones. That night
they came to me and granted me release of my pain, my scars given to me by the
Church. I felt them come to me. They walked upon my flesh. I could feel them
tear away my pain, devouring it, scar by scar.” Her hand took hold of his
outstretched hand, avoiding his deadly talons as if holding a Dragon’s claw was
nothing new. Clutching onto him she pulled herself up the slick slope. It felt
like she was climbing a slide of ice.
    His
clawed feet dug in and allowed him purchase far better than she’d been able on
her own. “That’s how I knew