the inn at the crossroads

15 Years Pre-Sealing

It was meant to be a celebration. That’s what Kiel kept reminding himself as, hand in hand, they darted between shadows cast by buildings bathed in moonlight.

Mattie had just gotten the letter. The one adorned with that honored seal of the Dragonguard. The one that made her run to him with a victorious grin and shaking limbs. She had swiftly risen through the ranks of the Order guard and, despite her mere seventeen years of age, gained the attention of one of the founding members of the Dragonguard. It was him that made the recommendation, a great honor.

To celebrate she suggested a midnight picnic beside their favorite pond out in the woods. The same one they would jump into from the rope Mattie haphazardly tied to the bough of a tree about five years ago. Kiliaen would be lying if he didn’t like the idea of a picnic very much. His heart jumped at the idea of sharing one with her in particular, a treacherous response it repeatedly had as of late. One that he chose not to dwell on.

Ahead of him, Mattie giggled and squeezed his hand. “Reminds me of when we first would sneak out, doesn’t it?”

He hummed in agreement, nervous to make more noise than that. “I thought we were meant to be quiet. The night guard might hear us.”

She shook her head but let her voice drop to a whisper as she pulled him closer. Heat radiated off of her, a stark contrast to the cool night air. The world was turning to autumn, bringing with it the chilly bite of changing seasons. “I’m not worried about them. They, I can deal with. But last thing we need is word to get back to either of our parents.”

“My parents, you mean.”

Undaunted, she forged ahead, her firm grip on his hand persisting. “My parents will kill me, too. Don’t you fear.”

He grimaced at that. “I’m not afraid that you wouldn’t get in trouble alongside me. I know you would but… shouldn’t we, I don’t know. Maybe celebrate differently?”

“Are you losing your sense of adventure in your old age?”

“You’re barely younger than me!”

“That’s what makes this a greater tragedy.” She pouted. “I’m only a few months younger than you and you’re already losing it.”

“That’s what you’re worried about right now?” He adjusted the strap of the bag trying to escape his shoulder. “Our age difference?”

Kiel watched as she stared ahead, still pouting for a moment before her facade broke and she laughed. “Nah. But it’s fun to rile you up.”

By then, they’d reached the wall. Their usual spot to climb up and over was just a little bit away. On the inside was a tree that had branches that were perfect to get to the top and then drop down on the other side. Kiel never enjoyed this part. As much as he liked going on excursions at Mattie’s side, climbing trees was definitely not his forte. He much preferred both feet on the ground whenever possible. But sometimes he wondered what it would be like to fly at Mattie’s side without such reservations. Perhaps that was why he kept letting her guide him like this. Perhaps he was always chasing for that taste of freedom, her hand pulling him into the plunge.

Mathilda went first, sliding her sword into her sheathe. The sword that he eyed when they met up just outside her parents’ property. At the time she shrugged it off, explaining she’d rather be safe than sorry. That was a sentiment he understood, even if he sorely hoped they wouldn’t need it.

With practiced hands and strong grip, Mattie lept and took hold of the first branch, beginning her ascent. Kiel continued to be in awe of her physical prowess and dexterity. Skills that only seemed to improve at an alarming pace over her time with the temple guard. In no time at all, she had scaled the tree and the wall. After a moment where she peered over the other side, she gave the signal for him to follow—a whistle like a robin. Something that was out of place at night, but otherwise innocuous to most that don’t pay much attention to the daily patterns of the local birds.

It was his turn to climb now. Wiping his hands on his pants, he took a deep breath then dutifully followed. He huffed with each exertion, his heart pounding from effort and excitement. The blood coursed through his veins as he defied his parents’ wishes that he remained secreted away within the temple. Their admonitions that the Oracle must stay safe at all costs, fading to barely a whisper in the back of his mind. Certainly his duties mattered, but to him Mattie was more important.

For tonight, at least, he could prove that to her.

And so, he climbed. He was certain his efforts were far less elegant as curses that would have at best gotten him dirty looks at him slipped past his lips. He even slipped once, heart frantically beating as he caught himself and waited to see if anyone had spotted him. Then, finally, he’d reached the top and crawled beside Mattie that had watched it all, an amused smile and arms ready to catch him, just in case.

“We’ll make a climber out of you, yet.” She whispered, tone kind and conspiratorial. Her lips curled into a smile, and he found his gaze dip to them and back up to her eyes, so bright they appeared almost luminescent in the dark. The ivory of her skin reflected the moonlight. If she didn’t have dirt smudged on her face and a sword on her hip, he’d swear she was a mythical creature. His heart raced and he forced his gaze away and down the wall.

Kiel shook his head. Those thoughts did not serve anyone well.

She spoke again. “Ready?”

He nodded. He wasn’t. Not really. But he never enjoyed this next bit; sliding down the wall. Not that it was a particularly tall wall. They could pretty easily lower themselves down. It was less of a defense and more of a delineation of borders. The defenses came from the guards that patrolled.

Next to him, Mattie shifted and swung her legs over and began her descent. Her raven locks caught in the breeze and shoved out of her face before she took the drop. He watched as she absorbed the shock, stayed crouched as she looked around, then stood and beckoned him down with an open hand and wide grin. This time his heart raced for an entirely different reason. Before he could talk himself out of it, he followed.

His climb was far less graceful. Fingers fumbled and hesitated, slipping against the stone wall. His heart pounded the whole while. His knees ached and the pack thumped hard against his back when his feet touched the ground. Wincing, he straightened out and grabbed hold of the straps of the backpack.

As he caught his breath, Mattie looked over. “You alright?”

Taking a deep breath first, he shrugged. “As much as any other time.” Then he smiled softly. “The hard part is over though.”

To his relief, she returned his smile tenfold. “That it is.” Extending a hand, she wiggled her fingers, waiting for him to take it. “Come, we’ve got places to be.”

And just like when they were children, he let her pull him along in the woods. This time their shadows were cast by the light of the moon that filtered through the branches of the great evergreens, their footfalls landing heavy in the dewy grass. Crickets chirped all around them as they sang their evening song.

His hand was clasped in hers. The night was ephemeral. It was a dream. Not like those of his visions, but of the kind that led to longing and the ache in his chest which as the years went by had blossomed into something harder and harder to ignore. But he could do it, he could ignore it for longer if it meant more times like this. More memories to look back on fondly.

Together, they weaved their way through the trees, ducking under branches. His hair threatened to let loose from its tie much as hers tore free from her pony tail. Kiel didn’t have the opportunity to try to fix it as his hand that wasn’t captive in hers was necessary to make sure the bag did not slide off his shoulder. The disorder was different. It was freeing. Their ventures like this always felt like a shedding of clothes, removing the layers of expectation until all that was left was who he wanted to be. He never felt it more than when they arrived at their favorite spot. The one that suddenly appeared as the tree line broke and the pond appeared.

Mathilda’s grip on his hand loosened as they approached. She let loose a long sigh and stretched out her arms, basking in the moonlight. He fell back as she continued, taking in her visage for just a moment.

“This is exactly what we needed.” She spoke after dropping her arms back to her sides. “We’ve both been working entirely too hard.” Immediately, she shucked off her shoes and dug her toes into the grass before turning to look over her shoulder. “You coming?”

With a start, he joined her side and tried to ignore the rushing warmth in his cheeks. “Impatient as always, Mattie.”

“Hungry, more like. I didn’t eat dinner.”

“That’s your own fault.” Hiding his smile, he slung his pack off his back and dug into its main pocket and pulling out the carefully wrapped sandwiches.

“I was very excited. Couldn’t eat.” Grinning, she took the offering from his hand and unwrapped it greedily. “Besides, a meal is better shared in good company.”

“I’m sure your family is plenty good company.”

“They are but I can think of better.”

It was stated so plainly that he was sure he was truly blushing now. He knew why he felt that way towards her. His parents, while caring in their own way, had a rigid grip on his life. To him, his friendship with Mattie was freedom and felicity both. He imagined that for her, he was simply a good friend. Not necessarily a reprieve from home life. Unsure of how to respond without revealing more than he was ready, he chose to hum and take a bite of his own food.

Together they sat and watched the surface of the water. Observed the pond skippers skate along and the fireflies light up the tall grasses at its edge. The cat tails bobbed in the wind as it whistled through the trees. It was idyllic. He could feel the way her knee bounced beside his, ever incapable of keeping still. He could hear the pounding of his heart and he wondered if she could too. He chewed on his lip between bites, resisting the urge to shift his attentions from the pond to her.

“How are you feeling about the offer from the Dragonguard?”

She shrugged as if it were a simple thing. “Excited, I suppose. I’ve worked so hard that it’s nice to be appreciated. As soon as I got it, I knew what my answer would be.”

“To decline?” He teased, earning him a nudge of her elbow into his side.

“Of course not.” She took another bite of her sandwich, chewed, then swallowed. “I expected something like this to happen after they took me along to handle the troublesome fools that had camped outside town. We chased them off successfully. I just figured it’d be more responsibility or trust in patrols. Not… this.”

He nodded. “Understandable.”

“But don’t take that as meaning I am not excited. I am. It’s incredible. I’ve worked so hard for this and to finally achieve a step towards my dreams? It’s… surreal.”

“I’m sure you’ll perform admirably.”

“What a pretty way to say I’ll do my job.” She laughed.

“I mean it, though.”

Reaching out a hand, she cupped his knee with a soft squeeze. “I know.”

“So that mission went well? The bandits are gone?”

It was her turn to nod. “A few stood their ground unsuccessfully and a couple ran to save their skin.”

“And you had to…”

“Yes. They were not willing to join the town properly. They simply wanted to steal and pillage from the outskirts.” She paused. “I’m lucky they hadn’t gotten to my parents’ home yet.”

“I’m sorry.”

A shrug. “It’s the nature of things sometimes I suppose. I don’t have to like it but at least I was able to protect those I care about.”

“See? Admirable.”

Mathilda pressed her lips together to suppress another laugh. “Whatever you say, Kiel. You’re biased.”

“And in this instance, correct.”

He had finished his sandwich by this point and leaned back to look at the sky, immediately spotting the constellation of the dragon. It felt like a sign. A positive one indicating that they were both on the right path. As he watched the stars, he heard Mattie dig in his pack and grab the bottle he’d filled with water before they left. She took a few long sips then sighed and leaned back herself, lying completely on the grass. Giving his elbows a break, he chose to join her.

“The stars are beautiful tonight.” Her voice was soft.

Chancing a look in her direction, he took in her profile then back to the night sky. “They are.”

She shifted her weight and her finger tips brushed against his. At first, he flinched back but then he chanced at deepening the connection, drawing nearer and letting it linger.

“Thank you for coming with me tonight.” This time her voice was louder but no less vulnerable. There was an undertone of insecurity he was not accustomed to hearing from her. One he couldn’t quite parse.

Rather than dwell on it, he chose to reassure. “It’s my pleasure. Every time.”

She huffed a short laugh. “I can always count on you, can’t I.” It was stated, not questioned. A mere fact of life. One he could not and would not refute.

“Always.”

He wanted to say more. To say anything. His heart yearned to explain how much he truly meant it but the moment was fractured by the stirring of the grass behind them and Mattie instantly sitting up, fully alert. Her hand reached for the hilt of her sword as she pushed herself to her feet, eyes scanning the area.

“It might just be an animal—“

She firmly shushed him and he complied, slowly standing up himself. The hand not on her pommel pushed him behind her as she looked around. Under her breath she muttered, “Two ran away. It might only be two.”

His mind returned to her earlier recounting of the mission she’d been on and he realized she meant bandits. This was bad. Very bad. “Maybe we should—“

Suddenly there was shouting and a pair of figures burst from behind a nearby tree. Mattie immediately reacted turning and keeping him behind her, pushing him away. “Go. Hide.” She unsheathed her sword. When he didn’t immediately comply, she spit out. “Now, Kiel. Please.” Then turned her attention back to their attackers.

If he ever questioned her prowess in combat before, he could do so no longer. He’d seen her in sparring practice before. Seen how comfortable she was with a sword in her hand but this? This was entirely different beast. One that he knew could perform even better if he were not such a burden. It pained him to do as asked, to hide in the shadows but he could not argue it was not the correct course of action.

So instead he watched as she parried blows and swung her sword in measured arcs, her focus entirely on the two foes before her. Her feet were quick, her mind was quicker. It was artistry, the way she anticipated their attacks, even at a disadvantage and without armor. For a shining moment, he honestly thought they’d get out of this unscathed and then it was dashed away with the flashing slash of metal across her torso.

His blood ran cold.

Mattie hesitated.

He feared the worst.

But then her face transformed, lips curling into a snarl as she spit out. “Oh, no you don’t.”

She pushed the offensive, taking their momentum and spinning it back at them. It made everything before appear as child’s play. This was a dance, a vicious one.

There was no hesitation when she saw the opening to down the first one. His cry rang out into the night and his companion flinched, but Mathilda gave no quarter. She pressed the advantage, her face bloodied and clothing torn. The sole opponent took one step back, then another.

“Give it up.” Mattie called out, her voice husky from effort. Her chest heaved.

The bandit took it as a taunt though and stood up straighter, acting brave. His arm quivered though, betraying his confidence. “Never.”

She loosed a sad sigh. “So be it.”

It was swift, the end. She struck once, deflected. Again, deflected. Each attack weakening the bandit’s stance until it landed and there was no fight left to give.

He watched as she stared down at the remnants of battle. Her hair had fallen from her pony tail, strands of it floating loose in the air, the rest masking her face. Her free hand went to her upper abdomen, pressing tightly. She hissed once.

“Mattie, are you—“ She did not react when he spoke. She must not have heard him. He took a step forward, meaning to help. To do anything he could. But then, to his horror, she fell to her knees and his heart stopped.

•☽────────✧⋆⋅☆⋅⋆✧────────☾•

The wound was far deeper than Mattie thought. When she was still fending off the bandits, her only thought was to make sure Kiel was safe. No energy was spared towards the gash in her upper abdomen.

That all changed as soon as the last one fell.

Breathing was hard. She gulped for air but she felt like she was drowning. The surge of battle frenzy left her body and she was on her knees, leaning on her blade, its point in the dirt. She squeezed her eyes shut and willed her lungs to work, then called out.

“You alright, Kiel?” Her voice was mostly a wheeze. She chose to ignore it, waiting for him to respond. Begging for him to respond.

Then, quietly, she heard him. “I’m fine, but…” A pair of hands were on her back, reaching for her arms as if to try to lift her to standing but she resisted. She couldn’t stand again. Not yet.

“I’ll be okay.” The smile on her face wasn’t convincing, she knew it. Still, she tried. She needed to get him back to town safe and it would be easier if he wasn’t worrying about her the entire way back.

“This is not okay. You’re bleeding out.”

Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to stand too soon and the world spun. “I’m fine. I’m…" She winced as she moved. “I’ll be okay. I’ll get help at the barracks. C’mon, let’s just…”

Then a great gust picked up in the forest. Mattie braced for what was to come, reaching an arm out for Kiel and shoving him behind her, ignoring the wave of pain and nausea that swelled. The night flashed darker for a split second as the moon was hidden by a large mass in the sky, masking the stars. Her heart pounded. Her senses were on full alert.

“Kiel, get ready to run.” She hissed out, feeling him tense behind her.

“Not without you.”

“You will leave me here if it means you’ll be safe.” Her eyes stayed trained on the sky, looking for what had just arrived.

He wrapped a hand around her wrist, his fingers digging into her skin. A warning that he did not like the orders given. His voice was small when he protested. “Don’t ask me to do that, Mattie.”

“It’ll be easier for me if I’m not worried about you.” Harsh, but true. Gently, she shoved him further back and lifted her sword with shaking arms.

The trees bowed beneath another rush of wind, a mighty pulse beat out as she watched in awe. A dragon landed before her, his head lowered so his eyes were in line with hers.

Be at peace, mortal.

The voice that rumbled had no physical manifestation, it was only in her mind. Based on the way Kiel flinched as he finally scurried away as she had asked. She clenched her hand around the hilt of her sword and with pursed lips, stared down the dragon, taking in his visage. The limestone colored scales and sweeping turquoise crowned points along his spine. The amber eyes. Dropping her arms, the sword bounced in the grass.

“Caldarus.”

The great Dragon let out a long exhale, the warmth of his breath sweeping over her. He blinked once, then extended his head further in her direction. Her heart pounded, her pulse raced.

Mortal, I’ve been watching you.

“W-why?” Her words stumbled in part from surprise and also the darkening corners of her vision.

I have long sought a companion. None seemed worthy. None seemed fit… Until you. I can help you. Together… we can be something greater.

Biting her lip, she took a step forward. Confused by his phrasing. Coercion did not match with what the temple preached of their Lord. Gathering what little courage—or perhaps recklessness—she had, she stepped forward. “What? You’re using my life as a bargaining chip? I didn’t think you’d stoop so low.”

To her dismay, He seemed to laugh. You will live. I will see to it regardless of your choice. He breathed out again, this time his breath was a steam that enveloped her body and sent soothing waves of warmth curling against her skin. The pain throbbed once, twice, then began to recede. Her hand went to her cut but found it gone. She looked down, then back up, eyes wide. Unperturbed, Caldarus continued. However, the offer stands. I’ve observed you. Seen your courage. Seen your heart.

She bit her lip. “I already have a pending job offer.”

One better than Dragonsworn?

“Dragonsworn?” She echoed. She knew what that meant. Knew it was her childhood dream, the one that she never really admitted to, instead settling on the guard. Standing straighter, she cursed how stupid she must sound, but to her surprise, somehow, she got the sense that Caldarus was merely amused. “I—what does that mean for me?”

He tilted his head just a fraction. I knew I picked well. You would be my vassal. My sword in the mortal world and assist me in maintaining balance. You would see things no other mortal would. You would share in my might and magic. Together, we will protect this land.

“But I can…” Her eyes shifted to Kiel who had heeded her orders and hidden at the edge of the grove to her left. “I can still live here, right?”

Blinking once, Caldarus dipped his head. Of course. We will primarily be within the temple’s lands.

“And my focus is to keep everyone safe? Be a protector?”

Another nod.

Slowly she lifted her hand to her chest, feeling the rhythm of her heart, the rushing of her blood. She glanced at Kiel once more who had gone pale, one hand clenched into a fist in front of his chest, the other gripping a branch of the tree he stood behind. She tried to tell him with her eyes that everything would be okay. To let him know that whatever happened here, nothing would change between them. If anything, this was the best way she could get closer to accomplishing their dream.

Biting her lip, she turned to Caldarus. “I’ll do it.”

Are you certain?

Mattie’s eyes flicked back to Kiel for a split second before meeting Caldarus’ gaze. “Absolutely.”

The great Dragon closed his eyes and released a lengthy exhale. So be it. Reach out a hand.

Heart pounding, she did as asked. She resisted the urge to recoil back as Caldarus extended his neck, bringing his head closer and closer until his nose met her palm. From this moment forward, you and I are bound. A pact is forged, souls intertwined. I gift you power and you promise protection. Together, we will forge a prosperous path.

With each word, a heat spread throughout her body. A force settled in, seeping into her bones. Her mind raced as she felt a weight added somewhere in the back of her skull. The world spun. A light seemed to flash. Her fingers curled against the cool scales on Caldarus’ face as she tried to process the physical affects of their deal until, suddenly, it stopped.

Pulling back just slightly. Caldarus spoke again, this time the voice stronger in her mind and she got the sense that Kiliaen no longer could hear it. It is done, my Dragonsworn.

“My name is Mathilda.”

Mathilda.

“I suppose you can call me Mattie, though. Considering.” She hated how childish she sounded. How unsure. But that unease was shed as she felt his amusement over that weight in the back of her mind, that weight that must be the bond of the Dragonsworn. He wasn’t annoyed or upset. He enjoyed this. He found it charming.

Caldarus nodded again and she got the sense that if a dragon could smile, he would have been. Mattie.

Hesitantly, this time she approached him and reached out a hand again, this time towards his neck. She waited a second for permission, granted through a slow blink before she rested it against his scales, gliding it down his side. She wanted to say something poignant. Something befit a Dragonsworn but suddenly her body rebelled. Whatever healing spell Caldarus had cast before must have just stopped her from dying because the edges of her vision grew black again and her knees buckled as she fell to the ground.

“Mattie!”

Mattie!