A Dragonrider

Chapter One 506 Moon Era Territory of Keldergate, Land of Octivia The Lords of the Territories were called to a meeting by Lord Bryce Andem, Lord of Keldergate and keeper of the West. He had thought about this meeting for a long time. Especially because of why it needed to happen. "All of you know why I have called you here. The way the world is needs to change. The way this land is ruled, needs to change. And we all know, who must be the one to make that change." Bryce told them. His steward, Lyman, poured mead for all the Lords, before standing off to the side behind Bryce. The Lords exchanged looks, "It's too risky, Lord Bryce. And it's treason." Lord Dorin Wyner of Samavia, pointed out, shifting in his chair, uncomfortable at the thought of what happens to traitors. "It is. It's a great risk, but we have no other choice." Bryce replied, making a point. If they all weren't willing too, the meeting was all for nothing. "Is she our only hope?" Rowan Dekvan of Coucy, inquired. "Yes. She has the blood of the Dragonriders. Her ancestors ruled long before the Relnen family overthrew them. And slaughtered all of them." Bryce replied. "What of Xavier?" Doran inquired. "He's captain of my household guard. And he's been watching over her, since he arrived as a small boy, she still a babe. He's been her guardian and protector for twenty-four seasons. I don't doubt he'll remain by her side until death." Lord Ronald Nalden informed them. He was Lord of Dormermin, only a fortnight from Stonegate. "And Adam, our kennelmaster, agreed to adopt her. He knows her history, but has sworn to stay silent. He would give his life, before revealing who she is. He told me himself and I believe and trust him." Ronald added. "Is it agreed then? Regardless of what will ensue?" Rowan asked, looking at the four Lords. They all exchanged looks, before nodding in agreement. As reluctant as the five Lords were to agree to treason, they knew it was the only way to save the land from their King. "Write to your sons then, My Lords. Call the banners." Bryce smirked. ************ Territory of Domnermeir, 400 miles. NW of Keldergate A woman of twenty-four years left a small shack, in the front yard of Castle Elyn, and made her was to the kennels. Adelaide Morntenya was the kennelmasters daughter and adored everything to do with her responsibilities over the hounds. Of all the hounds, Gregory's wolf was her favorite. Found abandoned when Gregory was on a hunt, he adopted the wolf. It grew into a large beast, but the hounds were like her family. A bluish grey coat and red eyes, she towered over the hounds and was alpha of them. Gregory named her autumn, the season he knew she was born in. "Hello, loves." Adelaide greeted the hounds, as she closed the kennel gate. They all barked, wagging their tales to show their excitement, knowing she had their breakfast. Ade set down her bucket; She grabbed a big piece of mutton and threw it in one of the cages. The hound immediately went after it, tearing the skin from the muscle, quickly chewing and swallowing it, before continuing on the feast. She gave the rest of the hounds a piece of mutton, all devoring it within minutes. As for Autumn, she got a big peice of bloody venison. Ade paid no mind to the blood as she tossed it to the wolf, before wiping her hands on the cloth apron she wore. The gate to the kennel opened, Ade looked over her shoulder to see Gregory walk in. "Good morning, My Lord." She greeted with a gentle smile, as she filled bowls with water for the hounds. Gregory watched her in admiration. Adelaide was good with the hounds; She loved them as much as they loved her. Autumn most of all. The two had a connection, ever since Gregory brought Autumn home. As for Gregory, he adored Adelaide. "My father will be returning with the Lords of the Territories. I would guess, something important is happening." He informed her. "I hope the King isn't planning a war. Too many died in the last one." Ade sighed, grabbing the food bucket. "I agree, Ade. Let's pray that's not what it is, father didn't specify why their all coming." He said. "Well, my job for the day is done. Do you need help with anything?" She curiously inquired. Gregory grew a smirk, he couldn't help but think of something he wanted to do with her, but he knew it wouldn't be wise. "Well, there's much to prepare for the Lords arrival. They will stay at least a week before traveling home. Would you help the chambermaids get things ready?" "Of course, My Lord." She smiled, giving a small curtesy. "Riders coming!" A guard on the battlements announced as the portcullis rose. Gregory and Adelaide walked out of the Kennels to see Lords Aurthur Andem, Christofer Wymer and Benedict Dekvan. Behind them, were the carriages of the families. "Arthur? What are you all doing here?" Gregory asked with surprise. His father didn't say anything about the sons of the Lords showing up. "Our fathers' wrote us, telling us all to ride here." Arthur replied, getting off his horse. He then noticed Adelaide, "Hello, Ade." He smirked, "My Lord." She curtsied. Gregory's mother, Aleida, walked out of the castle, to see what the commotion was. "Jasmine? What are you doing here?" She approached her friend, "Forgive the sudden arrival, my friend. It's time." Was all Jasmine needed to say. Aleida looked at Adelaide beside her, who looked at everyone in confusion. She had no idea what was to happen. Then again, she had no idea who she really was. "Would you help me, my dear?" Aleida asked, wrapping her arm around Ade's, "Of course, My Lady." "Mother, is there something I should know?" Gregory inquired. Aleida glanced at Arthur, "You will." She replied, knowing Arthur would tell him. She headed inside with the Ladies of the Territories and their daughters. "Did your father not tell you?" Arthur asked. Gregory thought a moment, before realizing why everyone had come. "So it's true then? Everything we were told as children?" Gregory asked, looking at Arthur, Benedict and Christofer. "Yes. All of us had to be told." Benedict put in. ******** Eight Years Ago Xavier Alton made his way through the castle to Gregory's bed chamber; He knocked on the door, hearing Gregory reply with a "Come." Xavier walked in, seeing Gregory reading. "Your father wishes to speak with you, My Lord." Xavier informed him. Gregory closed his book and stood, "Is everything alright?" "As far as I know, My Lord. He didn't tell me anything. Just asked me to inform you. He is in the War Room." Xavier replied. Gregory and Xavier headed to the war room. Ronald read over the parchment he received from Lord Andem. He read it three times over already. He had to make sure he was reading it right. Lord Andem had already informed his own son, the truth of a dear friend of theirs. She was the one to save all of Octivia. Ronald knew, his own son was to know the truth as well. Xavier and Gregory walked into the War Room. "Hello father. You wanted to see me?" "Yes." Ronald stood up, "Thank you, Ser Xavier." He politely thanked him. Ronald, however stopped Xavier before he left, "You can stay, Ser. What I have to tell him, you already know." Xavier looked curiously at Ronald, before realizing what he was referring to. Xavier nodded, before closing the door and standing just beside it. "What's going on, father?" Gregory asked, a little worried. "Please sit, Gregory." Ron told him, before walking to the wine table and pouring mead for both of them. "Do you remember the stories of the Morntenya family?" Ron asked, before walking back to the table, setting a goblet before Gregory and sitting down. "Of course. I love those stories. Mother Angeleena would tell me those stories everynight. Even the not so nice ones." Greg replied. "Those stories told truths of what happened. The King's first grandfather was the first one to overthrow the Morntenya family. What wasn't told, was the battle fought for the throne. The stories were twisted to favor the Relnan family, but the Morntenya's won most of the battles. "Not only because of their bravery and courage, but their dragons as well. It wasn't until the final battle, that the Relnen's found a way to kill the dragons. After that, they took control-" "And slaughtered the entire Morntenya family." Gregory put in. "Not all of them." Ronald grew a smirk. "What do you mean?" "A dear friend of yours is the last of the Morntenya's. And when the time comes, she'll save us from a tyrannical King. When they ruled, the families of the Territories, swore an oath to the Morntenya's. We swore loyalty to them and fealty. We swore... To protect them with our very lives. And in the end... We failed. This time, we won't." Ronald explained. "Why are you telling me this, father?" "Because, I need to know, you are with us in this. That you will remain loyal to her." "I will father. I swear it." ***** Adelaide had given the hounds their supper, before returning to the castle to help clean up, after a welcoming feast. Xavier walked into the hall, seeing Ade gathering plates and goblets. She handed them to a chambermaid before gathering more. Xavier smirked at her, admiring her kindness. She had always wanted to help, ever since she was old enough to know the world. He approached her, "Hello, Ser." She greeted with a sweet smile. "Hello, Adelaide. I have to say, since I could remember, you've always helped people. No matter who it is." He told her. She looked at him, softly laughing, "There's so much hate and death in the world. Even if it's in this small corner of the world, kindness can go a long way." She replied, handing more plates to the chambermaid. She stopped gathering plates, "I... Don't know why I do. I just... Like to help others. To do what I can." She confined in him. "Forgive me, Ser. I should go help in the kitchen." She started for the kitchen, "Adelaide." Xavier stopped her. "The Lords have requested your presence in the war room." He told her. "They have? What for?" She chuckled in disbelief. What could the Lords want with the kennelmasters daughter? She thought, "Please." He gave a small smile, motioning to the door. Xavier opened the door to the War Room, Adelaide walked in. The four lords were standing around the map table; This consisted of the entire land of Octivia, the Territories and towns in each. The map was carved into the oakwood table, the underside painted black. "Thank you for coming, Adelaide." Ronald gave a small smile. All the eyes of the lords were upon her now. She was nervous, as though about to be told bad news. "There's something we have to tell you. And... It's going to be hard to believe." "Is it my father? Did something happen?" "No. Your father is fine. It's... About you, Adelaide." Ronald preceeded to explain why exactly she was. A dragonrider. A descendant of the Morntenya family. Having ruled for hundreds of years, they were respected and feared. They were what Octivia needed. With them, dragons ruled alongside them. The dragons saw potential in the humans they ruled beside. The Morntenya's were justly rulers, they were impervious to corruption. Of all the Morntenya's to rule, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, ect., none were corrupted by the power they had. And Adelaide was the last of all of them. Saved by Lord Nalden and adopted by Francis; He swore to never reveal who Ade was to anyone. Even if it meant giving his life, to keep her hidden. He was loyal and trustworthy, as was everyone Adelaide knew. "Queen? I can't be a queen. I'm--" "A Morntenya. The ruler this land needs. And a Queen we ask for." Bryce put in. Adelaide couldn't believe it. She was a Morntenya. She knew all the stories. The good and bad. And the ones that were turned to the favor of the Relnens. "My family.... Was slaughtered by the Kings kin. How am I take take back my throne? I'm a thousand miles from my kingdom. I have no armies and no support of the people. I don't doubt they even know I exist." Adelaide doubted, looking to the Lords for answers. "We made sure all that support your name listened to the whispers that a Morntenya lives. Even after the slaughter, your name still had support. Over half of the country, support you, Adelaide. All of us here, stand with you. We will help you take back your throne." Rowan gave a small smile. Adelaide sighed, before walking over to the small wine table by the window. She poured mead for herself, before drinking it all. She then poured more, taking a few sips. "Why wait to tell me? That land is falling apart. The people are starving. Taxes are higher than they have ever been. The people in the capital are killing each other over scraps of food." She pointed out. Adelaide payed attention. Living in the shadows of the Nalden family, she listened and learned. She heard the news of all that the King was responsible for not doing. She hated having no power or voice to do anything. Her opinion didn't matter, But now, she could do something. "Honestly, you weren't ready to know. You had to grow and learn. See the world as it really is. Learn what you can change and what you can't." Ronald replied. And that's exactly what she did. She was intelligent, clever, knew what was wrong and what wasn't. She's more than proven she was ready to rule. "There is someone here that has been watching over you since you were a babe. He's protected you and made sure you were ready to take on your responsibilities." Ronald told her, looking at Xavier, who stood just behind Benedict and Christofer. Ade looked at Xavier as well; Her worried look changed to a gentle smile. "I have sworn to protect you, Adelaide. My father, uncles grandfathers have protected the Morntenya's from the beginning. I will continue to protect you until my last day, My Queen." Xavier told her. Adelaide could hear the love in his voice for her. She never knew he loved her. Adelaide walked up to him, taking his hand. "I have known you all my life, Ser. You are my closest friend. I am honored to have you by my side." She sweetly said. "And I am honored to be your guardian, My Queen." He replied. The doors to the room opened, Aleida and Jasmine walked in carrying a dress for Adelaide. She was in awe looking at the dark blue, long sleeved cotten dress. It had gold designs on the trim of the dress at the bottom and on the cuffs of the sleeves. It was beautiful, she'd never had such a nice dress before. She grew custom to the grey wool dresses she wore, thanks to working in the kennels. "I had this dress made for you. Fit for a Queen." Aleida told her. "Thank you, My Lady." She smiled taking the dress. She then noticed a young woman walk in, standing beside Aleida, "This is your handmaiden, Maria." Jasmine introduced her. "It is an honor to serve you, Your Grace. Since I can remember, I have always wanted to serve your family." Maria curtsied. Adelaide looked at everyone. She still couldn't believe these were her people. "Thank you all, truly. Is there... Somewhere I can change?" Adelaide asked Aleida. "Yes. I've had a room prepared for you. Maria would you show her?" She politely asked. "Of course, My Lady. Follow me, Your Grace." Maria waited by the door. Adelaide followed, Xavier did as well. "She still doubts herself. And all we told her." Bryce noticed, finally being able to say it. "Wouldn't you? She woke up today and told something that will change her life forever. If I were in her shoes, I would doubt myself as well. She will accept it, sooner rather than later. Give her time." Ronald replied. Maria helped Adelaide to dress. She also braided Adelaide's long strawberry blonde hair and wrapped it into a bun on her head. Adelaide looked at herself in the mirror, "Gods... I look like a completely different person. This is all... So unreal. I feel like I'm dreaming." She chuckled. "I know the feeling, Your Grace." Maria said. "I guess neither of us expected to wake up to a different life, did we?" Ade smiled. "No, Your Grace." Maria smiled as well. Xavier had knocked, Ade allowed him in. Xavier looked at her in awe, she was so beautiful. And now, she seemed to have a glow about her. "Your father is waiting in the Main Hall, Your Grace." "My father. I'd almost forgotten about him." She replied, before leaving her chambers and heading to the hall. Francis patiently waited in the Hall, leaning against the long wooden table. "Father." Ade got his attention. They hugged one another, "You weren't gone long. How was the trade?" She inquired. "It faired well. We have enough food and supplies for a few years. I was able to get more to prepare for winter." He told her. "Good idea, father. The winters are always so harsh, I worry about others not able to get as much as us." "Well, you have the power to do something about it now, Adelaide. If you want to help those with less than us, then do it." Francis told his daughter. "You swore to keep my identity hidden. Why did you?" She curiously inquired. "Your Grandmother had helped my father once. Without her, I wouldn't be serving under the Nalden family. And you, would be a Lady of the Nalden family. And already known by King Relnen. He isn't to know about you quite yet." "King Relnen will find out about me sooner or later." She replied.