Chapter Four

The following morning, Ralvania began to put things in order before leaving home. However this time was a bit more freeing for her soul. She wasn't going to help or save anyone. Then, arranging a few things to take along, grabbing her magick bag. It wasn't a journey or rescue quest, but it may serve a purpose. She was excited to go and meet with the Warlocks. Not long ago they'd dropped everything to help save the Fae Realm; had followed her on blind faith alone. The least she could do is accept an offer for drinks in their territory. Taking one last look around her sanctuary, then checked to make sure she'd not forgotten anything. Summoning the servants, she simply waited a few minutes.

Both Gina and Amberosia showed up at her door, Gina knocked.

"Come in."

"You rang for us, miss?" Ambrosia asked quickly.

"Yes, I must leave for a few days, you two are in charge until I return."

"Yes miss. We won't disappoint you... Safe travels."

"Good to hear, I have faith in you both," She said before nodding farewell and stepping out of the castle. Letting out a loud sharp whistle, then listen until he showed.

"Where to now?"

"The warlocks."

"Is anything wrong? Are those guys doing okay?"

"Everyone's fine. They asked that I come visit them at the pub."

Shaking his head, then kneeling down so she could climb up, he snickered. Once she was centered in the middle of his back, Soranto took off for the skies. He kept a steady pace, but not top speed. It wasn't an emergency. He knew it was far, but really had taken a liking to them. He usually didn't care for other magick mortals, it was a rare thing. Flying a swift normal pace over miles and miles of forest terrain as she enjoyed the freedom of the dragon's flight. It was a serene and peaceful way to travel, seeing the clouds so close you could touch them and watching the birds fly just below them. Peering down for a few minutes watching as they passed several small towns and villages scattering the landscape below. A few hours later, she tapped him lightly on the right ear.

"Yes Empress?" He replied, cocking his head to one side.

"Are you ready to stop and rest your wings?"

"I'd like to get a little further if you don't mind."

"That would be fine with me."

Picking up speed , wanting to get more than a few miles behind them, Soranto kept pushing on another forty minutes; until slowing down and dropping altitude with rapid precision, as only he could. Less than a few minutes passed when he landed then just outside of a forest with a dark stone castle several yards away. It was huge, beautiful and creepy all at the same time. Staring at it a long moment, as the dragon curled into a ball and went right to sleep. She sat down in the soft grass, a perfect time of reflection. The dragon never rested for too long on these trips an hour, two at the most. Over the years he'd been really good to her. Sitting there across from him; she watched him sleep. His rhythmic breathing pattern was relaxing.

Twenty minutes passed by when slowly the dragon opened one eye, then the other; glaring at her in annoyance.

"I do believe I have told you I do hate it when you watch me sleep.. I find it disturbing and rude."

"I'm sorry."

"No real harm is done."

"Where are we anyway?"

"About five miles west of Galderia." He said.