Chapter Seventeen

Once he'd done yet another landing of perfection; she and the gremlin slid down from Soranto's back. She then motioned for the gremlin to come and sit with her. He simply nodded yes, as not to disturb the poor over worked dragon.

"Does this area look familiar to you?" She asked as he sat down next to her.

"Yes we're getting close to my home."

"Oh good, I'd like to get there and save as many people as I can."

He stared at her for a long moment, after some hesitation, spoke again.

"I know I can't read souls like you do, but I know your heart is pure."

She responded by blushing a nice rose color flushed her cheeks; feeling an odd fondness for the little gremlin. It was ironic, months ago she'd been scared of all gremlin kind, as if they were dwarven grim reapers, not just like any other enchanted being. She didn't get close to others this easily, not in mere days. Perhaps they were kindred or soul mates in another lifetime. Goddess only knows, the empress thought.

"Even though it's under horrid circumstances, I'm glad to have met you."

"Me too. When this is all over with, I'll miss you." He told her with intense sincerity.

"I have a feeling that I'll miss you as well." She said.

"We're not that far away, but I'd like to let the dragon rest longer than twenty minutes, he needs it."

"Thank you for being understanding."

The little guy scooted closer; then leaned over and hugged her for a long moment. The two sat there talking for the next hour and a half, until the dragon had risen. After the usual cat like stretching and focusing his eyes to the light he glared at the two of them.

"I'm ready to get going, how much further is it?"

"At the rate you've been going, a few hours, maybe less." Vamier answered.

Soranto nodded, the two climbed onto the back, in their usual spot. Taking his stance, opened up his wings and leaped into the awaiting skies. Bolting through the air at top speed, ready to get this journey to the finish line. It had only been days, but felt so much longer. Going onward, determined to reach the gremlin's homeland before the dawning of nightfall. He went into a sort of tunnel vision, he didn't even plan to slow down, until the gremlin spoke over forty-seven minutes later.

"We need to land the city coming up ahead is my home."

Soranto slowed gradually, lowering altitude, fifteen minutes later; landing them just outside of Delpheria. Once both of his enchanted passengers had climbed down; the gremlin looked at him.

''Thank you Soranto, and welcome to my home.'

The empress stood on tiptoes, trying to get a better peek at the city. She could see huts and shops lining the main part, with a golden tower right in the middle of it. The gremlin tapped her hand.

"Come with me, I'll show you my home."

"Sure, I'd love that."

The two walked together into the city, she saw gnomes, gremlins and gargoyles roaming the streets, then a few hybrids, too. They all nodded or said hello; it seemed a friendly place.

"So what do you do here for a living?' She asked, curious.

He was reluctant for just a few long minutes before finally answering the question.

"I'm the prince of Delpheria.... I didn't tell you because It's not to be revealed to outsiders... There have been reports of greed demons going after royal creatures.'

"You're a prince?! I never would have guessed it.'

"Good, I didn't want anyone to figure it out.'

"I guess I can understand that one."

"Come then, I'll show you my home." He responded.

"What one is yours?"

"The gold one."

"Oh, I guess I should have figured that out on my own," She joked.

They stepped at the front door of the golden tower and rang the bell. After a few minutes, the door opened slowly and there stood the butler; a half sized dark green gnome.

"Oh sire, you're home."

"Phil, it's good to see you too. This is Ralvania, the empress."

"It's wonderful to meet you, miss." Phil said.

"And it's good to meet you as well sir."

"Where's the queen?"

"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, sire she has fallen ill, right after you left."

"Is she... Dying?" He was horrified at the thought of his mother acquiring such a terrible fate.

"Not yet. She's putting up a tremendous fight, sir."

"Where is she now?"

'The royal bedchambers."

"Empress please excuse me," He said, worry in his eyes.

"Oh don't worry, go to her. She needs you."