November

Queen November

Queen Of Autumn

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

The mages huddled together beneath an overhang. They knew they had to move soon, despite being exhausted — night had fallen, and those who pursued them had powers multiplied tenfold by darkness.

The two Skydancers trembled with fatigue. Their eyes were bleary from weeping and lack of sleep. It had been hours since they’d had to flee their home; they had not had more than a few minutes’ rest since then.

They wore nondescript cloaks now, but normally they would’ve been garbed in fine silk and brocade, with jewels as badges of office. They had both served under Embernaught as clan mages. November hailed from the Sunbeam Ruins; Espella was a dragoness of the Plague Flight. Despite their different backgrounds, the two Skydancers had become firm friends.

Life in Embernaught’s domain was good. Embernaught was a fair ruler, much loved by the clan — there were those who still fearfully recalled the disease-racked rule of Zarphos. The former leader had been cast into the Wyrmwound for his crimes; he was long gone....He couldn’t hurt anyone again.

Sadly, this was untrue. Embernaught’s apprentice, Kest, rebelled against her. With his dark magic, he was able to bring back Zarphos; the clan imploded as Embernaught was deposed and Zarphos was restored to leadership, with Kest effectively pulling the strings.

Those loyal to Embernaught fought back, particularly the mages. Kest’s and Zarphos’ strength increased as the sun began to sink. Before the last light faded from the sky, the mages saw the dark Imperial’s dagger-sharp smile.

A split-second later, there was a roar, a blast of virulent heat. The mages’ powers were crushed by Zarphos’ terrible magic. Most of them died on the spot; some lingered longer, crying for help before being silenced under Zarphos’ paw. The remaining few broke and fled into the darkness.

November felt someone grab her. She recognized the voice telling her to be quiet; it was Espella. The two Skydancers cowered beside a broken-down wall, listening in silent horror as their enemies began their dreadful feast. Crunching bones, cries that were choked off...Under the cover of these sounds, Espella led November away. She was a Plague dragoness; she knew that their chances of survival were nonexistent here. They both had to make it. They were the only hope left for their broken clan.

~ ~ ~
“We’ve lingered long enough. We should go now...before they find us.”

Espella nodded bleakly. She accepted November’s helping paw, and they prepared to leave.

And then the darkness exploded into chaos. With a sound like a thunderclap, Zarphos dropped out of the sky, landing on the ledge above them. Another eye-blink, and Kest slithered out of the shadows. “Found you,” he whispered. He smiled hideously, his teeth still gleaming with the remains of his victims.

The Skydancers couldn’t even scream. Drained of magic and energy, they huddled together against the rock face. Zarphos’ head came closer, and he opened his merciless jaws....They hoped it would be quick, at least.

And then there was a mighty flash, and the two twisted drakes flinched, bellowing in pain. November and Espella stared in shock as their own leader, Embernaught, appeared before them.

“Back, you wretches! Back to the Wyrmwound with you!”

As the drakes shrank back, the Pearlcatcher whirled. She grabbed her mages’ wrists and fled with them towards the Arcane border.

“Embernaught! You’re here!” November nearly laughed with relief. Espella was also smiling — but any joy they might’ve felt was drowned out by a sky-shattering roar from behind them. They felt the air move as it was stirred by massive wings: Kest and Zarphos were on the move again.

Embernaught stopped beneath a great, spreading tree. “Listen closely,” she whispered, “there isn’t much time.” She was smiling bravely under the grime and blood, but her eyes were bleak. “You’ve been doing very well; I’m glad you remembered to head in this direction. The Hidden Valley...Do you recall it? The Sectonians there are our allies. Empress Mirage and her warriors will protect you.”

“That’s it; we can go together! We’ll appeal for aid.”

Embernaught’s ears quivered. “You’ll have to go by yourselves. I’m the only one strong enough to hold those beasts at bay. If we go together, they’ll catch all of us, and we can’t let that happen.”

Espella had grown very still. November’s heart dropped as she understood what was happening. “No...No, Embernaught—”

“Invoke our alliance with the Sectonians, November and Espella. This is my last order as Clan Leader.” And the Pearlcatcher lifted her head proudly. “Do not disobey me.”

Espella dropped into a low curtsey. So did November, but her eyes remained fixed on their beloved friend. “We’ll come back for you,” she vowed; and then they were gone, flying faster than before, given strength by their leader’s courage.

~ ~ ~
That was how November and Espella came to the Hidden Valley. With the alliance invoked, aid was extended to them, and Empress Mirage accorded them sanctuary. The two mages were able to recuperate in safety. November in particular found her gifts well-restored; when winter came to the Valley, she invoked her magic, and the frost stopped at the Valley’s borders. There, the plants remained clothed in fiery splendor, and the Sectonians rejoiced in a second harvest season. In gratitude, Mirage appointed November to the Council of Crowns and dubbed her the Queen of Autumn.

Most dragons would be overjoyed to receive this honor, but the crown sits heavily on November’s head. She recalls another leader she had to leave behind.

The Sectonians had gone to rescue Embernaught, but they had found the ravine empty. Kest, Zarphos, Embernaught...All had vanished. November does not know what became of her friend, and she fears the worst. The Valley is well-defended, but Kest is still active, hatching further machinations. Even now, the Queen of Autumn lives in fear for her new clan. She recalls all too well what the necromancer did to her old one.

~ written by Disillusionist (254672)
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