Timeless Crusades Chapter Two/ Part One

“Are you two ready to leave?” Gavin interrupted. “We have no time to waste. Nora, thanks for dressing the wolves.”1

“It was mostly Jack.” I spoke. Gavin gratefully petted Jack on the head.2

“Let us prepare for departure.” Gavin nearly commanded as he his climbed aboard Timberon. Jasper and I both took that as the sign to mount up as well. I caressed his face as we parted, and then patted my dragons. Simon lifted me on to his back when I grabbed his tail. I slid into the saddle, and a smile crossed my face. I looked to see Jasper already on Sargon’s back. They were content. My dragons were growing excited. 3

“Calm down Blue, you’re acting like a crazy beast.” I teased. He snorted and rested his head in on Simon’s back so I could touch him. “We'll be fine,” I soothed. 4

“Jack, open the door.” Gavin asked. “Just so you know,” He started, turning in our direction, “your blood can only open the door on the way back. “Nora, it is only yours that can open this door. I am sorry Jasper, you cannot return this way unless you are with Nora. Your family has a door, but it leads to Europe and not Michigan. Our door is the only one located in the United States.”5

“What if we get separated?” Jasper pressed.6

“You cannot leave my sister. She will not leave you here.” Gavin threatened and then reassured. We watched Jack unlock the door with his tail which morphed into a key. Iron grapples lifted and iron shafts lifted out of the stone floor. Chains lifted them high and then to the left and right. The two portals slowly creaked open. Gavin’s pack raced through the door followed by my father’s reindeer herd. Ben’s tigers sprinted though the door. Jack looked up at me with an encouraging look. 7

“Simon, fly.” I whispered. Simon ran like a lizard until the door frame and then lifted into the air with a leap. His wings lifted us of the ground and with a few powerful strokes we were majestic in the clouds. Blue was right behind us. There eyes showed pure joy and they swooped down near to the ground and then back up. 8

“Beautiful aren’t they?” Gavin asked Jasper, who rode next to him. Jasper gazed upward and following the graceful drakes as they carried his beloved.9

“Yes, she is.” Jasper commented softly. 10

“My sister is too.” Gavin said as he gave a hearty laugh. He gave Jasper a smirk, who laughed in return. “Up ahead is the castle. You can see the spires through the trees.”11

“It’s beastly,” Jasper noted as they came closer. Gavin looked up to the sky and whistled. My dragons responded and we dove and then went into a glide above the trees and waited for the ground travelers. Simon roared and we landed outside the forest as Jasper and Gavin neared. I slid out of the saddle and jumped to the earth. I went over to Blue and rubbed his face. Both of them were being extremely protective right now.12

“What do you sense, Blue?” I asked. He whispered into my mind that war is close, and enemies are closer, and he doesn’t want to be away from me. “War is coming, I will be with you, dearheart.” I soothed to his fiery mind. They both stood close to me. 13

“Nora, mount a dragon and walk with us.” Gavin added as he passed, Jasper a couple feet behind him. I ran up Simon’s spine and sat in the saddle.14

“Follow them.” I softly spoke. Simon’s claws scraped against the stone path we were on, putting a few new ridges into the cobblestones. Blue whisper the locations of near camouflaged archers in my head and I passed them to Gavin. I tried to connect to Jasper, but there has not been blood sharing. “Tell the tigers to be alert,” I asked Simon. He snorted in obedience. Before we could pass through the outer gate we were stopped.15

“Name yourself and your purpose!” A gatekeeper shouted from the top. 16

“We are in the line of the Three Sons. We are here to pledge our fidelities to the Immortal King. I am Lord Gavin, Son of Martin. This is Lord Jasper, Son of Kradon, and my sister, Lady Eleanor, Daughter of Martin.”17

“A woman? A daughter?” The gatekeeper said softly, but not softly enough to keep me from getting flustered. The gates screeched slowly open and we led our animals in. Hushed voices sounded as we entered. They muttered their distaste for a female warrior. They muttered of conspiracy. They muttered that I was there to assisinate their immortal king. My dragons told me to be at ease; they would protect me against all costs. I relaxed in the saddle a little bit, but only to tense up again as we entered the main hall of the king. Advisors were more blunt and outspoken about their opinions.18

“My liege, she cannot be a son of a third son?”19

“My King, this is an outrage!”20

“This cannot be tolerated.”21

“She is an imposter and should be arrested.” A council man yelled out. My dragons roared and flared their wings in the great hall, setting a threatening display. 22

“Councilmen, be at peace.” The Immortal King soothed throughout his court. The advisors stopped all utterances of sound. “Please name yourselves.” The king spoke gently and grandfatherly. 23

“I am Lord Gavin, and this is my sister, Eleanor.”24

“They are my offspring,” my dad spoke up and he stood beside us and patted his deer. 25

“Lord Martin, I am pleased to meet your daughter and eldest son.” The king said, as I dismounted Simon and walked to where my father stood. I bowed respectfully to the Immortal King. “She is very beautiful. I am glad to see that you have had a daughter, she will be a legacy here.” The king smiled. “She is the only lady knight we have ever encountered. And you my Lad, who might you be?” 26

“I am Jasper, son of Lord Kradon,” Jasper said as he bowed to the King. 27

“Ahh, yes. I am glad you have come.” He began. “Your father is here already. He is training some of my people for the upcoming defensive campaign. The King smiled for a moment before continuing. “I have also been informed about a rumor that you have given Lady Nora your heart.”28

“She has given me hers as well.” Jasper smiled as he bowed. 29

“Splendid, I have had a joint room prepared for you. Just in case the rumor proved to be valid. Since you are all here, you have all day to get situated in your rooms and to calm your steeds. Tonight, as the second sun sets, there will be a campaign meeting and meal. I will see you all again then.” We were led away by chamber servants. 30

“Do our steeds come with us?” I asked her. I thought it would be more logical to get them cozy before ourselves. 31

“The stables for your sacred beasts are joined to your chamber, so you can access them whenever you need.” She said as she opened a great door and led us and our trailing creatures into a great room. “This first chamber is the stable. With her words, the dragons and tigers crawled into their stalls and waited for us to be ready for them. The chamber maid led us into the hallway that had a few rooms off of it. “In this closet, your armor and weapons can be stored. There are four armor racks and places for your arms. This room is a sitting room; food will be served here if you request it. We peeked in and then filed out after her. “This last room is the bed chamber. My mouth dropped for a moment as the massive bed, covered in crimson satin and down blankets took the stage of the room. “Your belongings have been unpacked into dressers. For your hygienic needs, there is a flight of stairs that leads down to your personal hot spring bath and toilet room. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call me. My name is Genevieve.” We thanked her as she left. 32

“Nora, this is unbelievable.” Jasper said astonished. I nodded, unable to say much besides a “yeah.” I walked out of the room and began stripping off my armor. Jasper must have heard the clanging around because he joined me shortly. I had my breastplate off by the time he had come in. I placed in on the rack and removed my leg coverings and greeves. My gauntlets were next and then my gloves. Jasper’s fingers quickly unlaced the corset from the back. His arms snaked around my waist and then handed me the leather clothing. After I set it down, I rotated in his arms and kissed him. He kissed me again.33

“Jasper, the lovelies are still battle clad. They shouldn’t have to wait any longer to be comfy.” I said, reluctantly pulling away. He sighed and nodded. “There will be a time, my love, but not in this moment. It’s weird, because you usually have to tell me to slow down.” I laughed softly.34

“Yes, that is true. I'm going to be frank, this new place makes me feel a tiny bit venerable, and I feel that I need to be close to you.”35

“I am right here.” I said as I led him back into the stable chamber. My dragons stood up and greeted us as we entered. I patted their shoulders, which were above my head, as I passed by. They purred which caused Jasper’s cats to purr. I laughed. “You sillies.” I removed my weaponry from their bodies put it in the arms room. I removed their armor and stacked it in the closet next to Simon’s stall. I turned to see Jasper rubbing Blue’s forehead. I smiled. 36

“Are your cats all settled in?” He nodded. “We should order them some food. How much do your cats eat.” 37

“Three or four large fish. Should be enough.” 38

“Ok.” I called for Genevieve, who arrived within a few seconds. 39

“Yes, My Lady?”40

“Please call me Nora,” I began. “Could we get eight large fish for his tigers and two skinned elk for my dragons?”41

“Oh of course. It should be up within ten minutes. The cook’s lads will bring them up to you.” She said as she briskly left. I went to the sitting room and noticed that there were plates of fruit and cheeses. Small baguettes were in a basket, next to a bottle of wine. I munched a piece of cheese. It's deliciousness melted in my mouth. 42

“Jasper, come taste this.” I said as I turned to see him next to me. I popped a cheese morsel into his mouth and he nearly drooled at its savory flavor. I ate a morsel of bread with smooth creamy butter, followed by a pear. Jasper poured me a cool goblet of milk after he took a sip from the canteen itself. 43

“It’s so frothy and creamy.” Jasper sighed as he licked his lips and handed me the goblet. 44

“Hehe, probably because its not pasteurized and loaded with extras. It’s real.” I said taking a swig. I downed the glass. The outer doors creaked open.45

“My Good Sir and Lady, we have your meats.” The lads said, as we entered the room. “Where would you like them?”46

“The fish can be divided among the tigers, and the elk among the dragons.” 47

“Yes, my Lord.” they said nearly in unison and then scampered quickly out of the room. As soon as we were alone again, Jasper scooped me up in his arms and dashed gleefully to the bed and I laughed as he tossed me into its puffy down folds. He climbed up from the foot of the bed and crawled toward me as if he planned on pouncing at the last minute. He smirked and then crawled above me and lowered his face until our lips touched. Each lingering touch intensified the kisses. My fingers wove around his neck and then held his face. One of Jasper's hands rested on my hip bone, and the other held me softly from behind my neck. He turned my head and tasted my savory neck and I could not control how my spine arched towards him, and at that moment his hands crept up my back, leading to a deep embrace. We rolled over, and from the top I probed his inner hips with my thumbs, and caused him to stifle a moan. His hand pulled my head toward him from the back of my neck for tender kisses that morphed into sweet kisses with an angry intensity. He slowed the kisses, until they were each a perfect soothing, loving sanctuary. Every kiss was made into a utopia. I glanced out the window to see it getting darker. 48

"We should ready for court tonight. I am sorry to end this bliss so abruptly." I apologized. He nodded.49

"We should indeed." Jasper replied. We peeled ourselves out of the bed and went to our dressers. I was glad to see that mine had a changing sheet suspended from the ceiling for a bit of privacy. I went into the closet and pulled out the wine gown. It slipped over my smooth skin easily and perfectly fell into place. One strap connected to the low cut back in an intricate cord pattern. It trailed behind me a foot or so; I didn't want the train to be a tripping hazard. The skirt was breezy, the satin was covered with sheer fabric, making it almost petal-like. I put on my crested necklace and soft black suede slippers and walked out from behind the screen. Jasper was dressed in charcoal grey breeches tucked into tall black boots. His shirt had a tie ruffle and a jacket that appeared to have coat tails was worn over that. He put a crest broach where the ruffled tie of his shirt met. My hair and makeup were fine still. I made sure they would be awesome all day long. I whispered at Jasper as he walked towards me. He laughed.50

"You, my darling, look lovely as well." He commented. I blushed. As soon as we were to the door, Genevieve was there to escort us to the main hall. We entered a chandelier, candle lit room. The ambiance was mystifying. “Nora, your skin is glowing. I think your entrance has caught the eye of everyone here.” Jasper whispered into my ear. I looked around and noticed he was right. Someone came and seated us, one on each side of the king. The king himself stood up and kissed my hand and then seated me next to him. I was a little surprised at the gesture. 51

“My dear Nora, I am glad you are here.” The king began. My dad whispered the customary gesture for the newest Three Son offspring to sit next to the king on the night of their arrival. “How did you manage to be bonded to dragons?” 52

“As embryos in their eggs, my King, Simon and Blue have been in my family for over 400 years. They were held in the caverns as my family waited patiently to hatch. When I was born, the hearts of the two dragons started beating. When I was four, they hatched into my small arms. We were bonded. They waited for me for over 400 years.”53

“Unbelievable. That almost sounds prophetic.” The king laughed a bit. “In the modern realm, are you in school?”54

“Yes, I am in the first year of university.”55

“Excellent,” the king beamed. “When it comes to battle, what is your specialty?”56

“My lord, since I fly with the dragons, I am foremost an archer. However, if dismounted, I have dual long white knives and punching blades. I am proficient in both.”57

“I am impressed.” The king flattered. “There will be practice this week I believe, or until we battle. I will have an eye on you I’m sure.” He laughed. He turned his attentions to Jasper and asked him the same questions.58

“My tiger’s mother watched me when I was little, and they are my brothers and sisters because I did everything with them from infancy to now. It could be said to be compared to the story of Moaglie, but my story has no jungle. My parents both worked all the time, and Nara was the perfect nurse.” Jasper concluded. The king laughed and then asked about Jasper’s school progress. Jasper replied that he was in his second year of university and shared the experience with me once a week. Then, he explained the king about his skill with his Morning star and spear and pike combat after the king asked. My eyes wandering the room and then the King stood and announced that the meal was over that the campaign meeting will begin.59

“As you know, Durtheron forces march against us. Within a month, battle will be on the fields not far from here. I have sent our offensive legions to break up their army formation, but to no avail. They have gathered forces that are not human. General Larmacin, you had news about this?” The king’s eyes went to a rugged soldier not to far from him. The general stood up.60

“My king,” the general began, “they have recruited the Scarlet Crow and her minions.” He paused and allowed the gasps to silence. “She has been created her evil pulsing creatures for months now. They are creatures that resemble the mythical fanged goblins and spiny ogres. Men riding serpents have been seen. Disgusting man-beast hybrids, raging chaotic barbarians and the dark amazons of the west have been found. There are rumors of stealthy of blood-lusting assassins and darklings as well. I have not seen these.” 61

“How many,” the king pressed. 62

“From last I know, at least ten thousand.” The General sighed. 63

“Don’t fret General, Evil will not prevail. Even if the immortal king dies, evil will not prevail. As for the time being, continue east and gather those loyal. The remaining Three Sons will be here within good time. Lord Martin still has a brother and his children who are not here. The Ivory Ships are coming to with a thousand soldiers. We may be outnumbered, but we will not be undone. We are masters of our skill, they are hoards. Until we meet their blood eyes in battle, ready yourselves, practice, and prepare. Battle is on the horizon. You are all dismissed.” With the king’s word, the people fanned out and returned to their rooms. Once in our room, we changed into pajamas.64

“Hey Nora?” Jasper whispered into my ear, as he pushed the hair away from my neck. I melted and leaned back into him. “Did you bring a bathing suit by any chance?” He whispered and smirked when I turned around. I shook my head. “Do you have anything to act as one?” I nodded. He gently pushed me back behind my screen, and I changed into something more suitable for swimming. When I came out, he was already in a pair of gym shorts. He grabbed my hand and led me down a pair of cold stone stairs that led to the hot spring bath. 65

“Jasper, did you have this set up?” He blushed and then picked me up and carried me the rest of the way down. I leaned my head against his shoulder. The room dimly lit with two sconces that casted a bluish light against the stone walls. He set me down at the base of the stairs. He reached for my hand and led me towards the water and I followed in after him. The water swirled around our waists when we closed in for a kiss. He sat me on the rock beneath his feet and massaged my scalp with shampoo and then rinsed my hair with the warm spring water. I climbed onto his lap, facing him. I took his lips with mine and broke to return the cleansing scalp massage. I smirked and playfully dunked him and it turned into a water fight. The hot spring sloshed onto the cobblestone floor and the suds painted the walls. We finally stopped, took a breath, and then cuddled in a bubbly embrace. 66

“I’m pretty tired, are you?”67

“I would have to agree.” I said as I climbed out of the spring. I grabbed a towel and handed Jasper one as he climbed out. I walked up the stairs and changed into pajamas and then collapsed into the fluffy bed. I snuggled beneath the blankets. It was odd at first to feel Jasper climb in next to me, but then once his arms pulled me towards him, I melted into content. He buried his nose into my neck and hair. 68

“I love you Nora”69

“I love you too, Jasper. Goodnight Scoundrel”70

“No, you may not go to sleep unless you kiss me at least 7 or 29 times as you say.” Jasper laughed. I turned to face his smiling lips and kissed him deeply. His lips aggressively owned mine and his arms contracted and pulled me closer. His hands crawled up the back of my shirt and caressed my warm skin. My cold fingertips traced his neck and softly held his face. The kisses grew tender, softer, and gentler. He kissed my forehead and then my lips one more time. “Goodnight, my darling.”71

“Goodnight,” I whispered and I buried my face into his chest. Soon his breathing slowed and so did his heart beat. His gentle snores joined my sleepy sighs and we both drifted into slumber relatively at the same time. 72