Wayne Batson - The Final Storm

Aidan grinned. It was so strange to see both Grampin and Captain Valithor in his grandfather’s gaze… strange and wonderful.

The meal ended, and King Eliam signaled it was time to depart. Aidan hugged his mother and father one more time-as did Grampin. And then, together, they left Guard’s Keep.

Antoinette sat on a white dragon steed next to Aidan’s on the great balcony over Guard’s Keep. As soon as he was in the saddle, she leaned over and asked, “Ready?”

Aidan didn’t answer. He looked out past the thousands of other dragon riders preparing for the journey to the Sacred Realm. He looked over the flourishing Seven Fountains of Alleble, out beyond the walls, and into The Realm. The memories came flooding in. “Do you remember when we slid out of that mountain tunnel and landed in the-?”

“Yes, Sir Aidan. I remember it well,” she replied. “Do you remember zooming down the cable in Yewland and falling into the-?”

“Yes!” Aidan laughed. Aidan remembered every detail of all his journeys, both as Aidan and as Aelic.

At last, they maneuvered their dragon steeds to the edge of the ramp. King Eliam and his proud mount were to Aidan’s left. Robby and Trenna were giggling to his right. The mighty King of Alleble was about to snap the reins when he felt Aidan’s stare.

“King Eliam?” Aidan asked

“Yes, lad?”

“Are there adventures in the Sacred Realm?”

King Eliam’s deep blue eyes twinkled, and he looked on Aidan kindly. He saw that Antoinette, Robby, Trenna, and many of the other knights waited to hear his answer. His snowy white mustache curled into a playful smile, and he said, “Beyond your wildest dreams.”