BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 1 OfDragon'sFate

Book2

Silvercrest

Afantasynovel SequeltoEmergence

By:BreedheenO'Rilley

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 2 Part1Chapter1

Atnimerastoodaloneintheclearing,andbeingthatitwasherfirsttrip outsidetheconfinesofeternalstone,shefeltoddbeingoutside.Growingup undergroundhadleftherillpreparedforlifeonthesurface.Thelandscapewasbright likethousandsofcandleshadbeenlitonlytheselampswereontheceilinginsteadofon thewalls.Ofcoursetherewerenowallsofsafetyhere.Shelookedupatallthebright lightsandthoughtabouthowshe'dtriedtoescapeherfatethattheDanementianshad forcedonher.Shewasbowatthesurfacedespiteherbesteffortstoavoidit.She wonderedatitallasshestaggeredattheopennessofitall. Shewasoutsidetheprotectionoftheearthandshedidn'tknowwhichway togo.Thoughthemoonandstarsgavehermorethanenoughlighttonavigatewith,she pulledouthershiningstonecontaininghergrandfather'sspiritfromherpouchtobaskin thecomfortofitsglow. Atnimeradecidedthatshewastoouncomfortableunderthebroadskiesand soonlongedforthesafetyofaclosedspace.Shebegantomakeherwayintothewoods, notknowingwhereitwasshewasgoing,butwithhopeinherheartthatshewouldfind theancientcityherethatBarzanhadknown.ShethoughtofusinghergiftfromEarh,the

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 3 mazemaster.Itwasamagicalcompass,butwhatgoodisittoknowwhichwaynorthis whenyoudon'tknowwhereyouaregoing?Sosheleftitinherpouchandcontinuedon withoutspecificdirection. Onceunderthearmsofthetrees,herheartwascalmedandshefeltalittle betterasshebegantomakeherwaythroughtheforest.ShefeltthatBarzanwasn'tfar away,butshecouldn'thelpbutwonderhowfaroffhewasandwherehewaswatching herfrom. SoonAtnimerawasfarfromtheclearingwheretheyhadlandedandalready directionwaslosttoher.Shewasunsureofthelengthofthenightanddayonthesurface andwhichitwasrightnow.Barzanhadsaiditwasnight,butthelightwasmagnificent, perhapsthiswasday.Shewasconfused.Shecertainlythoughtitbrightenoughtobe daytime,butifthiswasnight,shecouldtellbythelightofthediskintheskythatshe'd beblindedandhelplessassoonasthesunhungitselfinthesky. Sheimmediatelybegansearchingforaplacetowaitoutthedarkofnightor brightofday.Everythinginthislandwasforeigntoher.Thetreesseemedtoherlike greatstonepillarsinthecaveswhereshewasraised,settheretoholduptheceiling.She indeedwonderedifthetreesheldupthesky,butshealreadyknewthiswasfalse.Barzan hadalreadyflownherhighabovetheircanopy.Strangethingsgrewallaroundher.They

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 4 weresoftandsubtleunlikethefungusandmineralsfoundunderground.Notonlywere thegrowthssoft,shehadneverseensomuchgreeninallherlife.Everythingseemedto begreensomewhere. Atnimerahadtraveledsuccessfullyenoughinthepastandshehadbegunto trustherowninstinctsaboutthisnewworldshefoundherselfincontentionwith.This wasaworldfullofnewsightsandsmellstodelightandconfusehersenses.Atnimera noticedthatshewaslowonwaterandwasbeginningtogetthirsty.Thoughshe'dnever knowntheselands,shecaughtthescentoffreshwateronthebreezeandimmediately movedtowardsthesmell.Shefollowedhersensesandsoonfoundherselfatthecenter ofagroveoftreeswithredfruitonthemandwithaspringdirectlyinthecenterofthe treesprotection.Stoneshadbeensetaboutthespringtoformashallowpool. Atnimerawasverythirsty.Shehadhadnonewwatersinceshehadleftthe horrorsofMoloch'sisland.Shesavedthelastofhermineralwaterfromtheislandina smallskinnotknowingifitmightbevaluabletoherlater.Shedrankgreedilyandfilled theremainderofherskinswiththecoolclearwaterfromthepool.Thewaterwasfree fromtheheavymineraltasteshehadbecomeaccustomedtoduringherimprisonmenton Moloch'sisland. Thegroveseemedsafeenough,sosheundressedandbegantocleanherself

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 5 up.Shewasoutgrowingthedressshehadbeenwearing,butshehadsomeshorttrousers andablousereadyinherpack.Shewashedherlonghairinthespringandputitupina bun.Seemingtohavenothingfurthertoofferher,shegrabbedafewunripeapplesthat shedidn'tknowthatsheshouldn'teat.Shemovedawayfromthespringandbackinto thebodyofthewoods.Asshewalkedalong,shebegantoeatthefruitshe'dtakenfrom thegrove,realizingthatshewasashungryasshehadbeenthirsty. Shehadnottraveledfatonthesourfruitwhenherstomachbegantocramp andache.Whatwasworse,anunbelievablybrightlightbegantocomeupoverthe horizon.Sheknewthatitcouldonlymeanthatdawnanddaylightwasapproachingand withitblindness.Shemovedmorequicklydespiteherprotestingguts,searching ferventlyforasafeplacetohide.Shesoughtsomesortofsafetyfromthelight,butshe foundnone. Thelightcontinuedtocomeoverthehorizonandgrewinbrightnessand warmth.Atnimeracontinuedonhopingforsafety,untilthesunwassohighthatshe couldseeitnomore.Shestubbornlystumbledforwarduntilshefellonherface. Thoughshehadlostthestrengthtostand,shewasdeterminedtofindsafetyand continuedon.Shewascrawlingthroughthelowlyingplantsontheforestfloor.Finally thepainfromtheheatandthebrightnesswassogreatthatshecouldgonotfurtherand

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 6 lostconsciousness. Atnimeralaytherefloatinginherownmindwherethelightswerenotquite sobright.Somewhereavoiceinhersoulwhispered,WhereisBarzan?Hesaidhe wouldprotectme!Thequestionhungunansweredintheairofhermind.Therewas onlythesinkingfeelingofalltheknowledgethathewasnotcomingtosaveher.Shefelt herstomachcrampandachefromtheapplesshehadrelishedeatingjusthoursbefore. Shecouldfeelthewarmthandbrightnessofthesunbeatingdownonherdelicatepale skin.Herfacelayinthedirtandshewasunabletoraiseherselffromit. Thestonesinthesoilcutintoherskin,likethejewelsofMoloch'sisland had,andsuddenlyshewastrappedlyinginthepressingdarknessamongthetreasureon Moloch'sisland.Hermindbegantoswim,andconfusionpoundedinhermind.She floatedsomewherebetweentheworldofsuffocatingdarkness,thedarknesssheknew, andaworldintheheatandglareofthesunwhichwasalientoher,andneverknowing whichwasworse.Shedidn'tknowwhatlaybetweenthem.Shefeltdrawnintothearms ofthebrightlightandherwholebodywaslulledintoawarmworldintheutte4rdarkness ofhermind.Shebecamelostinitanddreamednomore. Hoursordayspassedwithherfaceunconsciousinthedirt,andAtnimera begantodreamagain.ShehadreturnedtothegreatchamberwhereshehadmetBarzan

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 7 andfoundherselfsuspendedovertheheatofthemagicblueflames.Shecouldfeelthe heatofitsinkingdeeperanddeeperintoherskin.Suspendedtheresheenduredthe burningheat. Fromnowhere,sheheardtheendlessdroningofthemidgesonMoloch's island.Asshelistenedmorecarefully,sherealizedthatwhatsheheardwasn'tthe meaninglessbuzzingofinsects,butthehighpitchedvoiceshushedandwhisperingtoone anotherandyet,shecouldheartheincessantflappingofwings.Shewasstilldeeply unconscious,butshebegantofeelcoolairflowingoverherhotskin,coolingitbriefly andthendisappearingasquicklyasithadcome.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 8 Part1Chapter2

Lilenlookedoutherwindowtothefullmoonoutside.Itwaslowonthe horizonandreadytoset.Sheneededtogetsomesleep,butwasn'tsatisfiedyetwithher abilitytochangethegreenoftheforesttobrown,red,orange,andgold.Hergreeneyes werewearyandherwingshunglowfromexhaustionanddespair.Sheknewsheneeded morepracticetoparticipatetomorrow,butifshedidn'tgetsomesleepshewouldn'tbe changinganythinganycolor. Shepulledherselfawayfromthewindownotknowingifshewasauseful forceintheforestornot.Hermotherhadheldherbackfromtheritesofspring,themost importanttimeoftheyearforafairy.Nowitwastimetochangetheforestforfall.She wenttobedandfellintoadeepsleep.DawncameearlyforLilenwhoneededmore sleepthanshe'dgotten,butshepreparedherselfandheadedforthefairyglade.Lilen's motherhadalreadyleft.Shewasprobablyatthegladealready.Lilenwasyoungand curiousandlovedthewaythewindsoundedonherwings.She'dtakenthelongway fromherhometothefairygladewheretheotherswerealreadyplanningthefallcolor changeoftheforest.Themorningwascrisp,brightandwonderfuluntilshecameupona sicklywhitecreaturewithitsfaceinthedirt.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 9 Lilenflewdowntoinvestigate.Shebuzzedcarefullyaroundthebeing, warythatitmaybetryingtotrapher,butthestrangebeingmadenosoundormovement. Shedecideditmustbeinsomesortoftroubletobelyingaloneinthewoodssodeeply unconscious.Lilenexaminedherfindabitmoreclosely.Thoughtitwasdressedin trousersmadeofoldmaterial,mostcertainlysomeone'sscrapcloth,likeaman,shehad longhairbraidedandputupinabun.Onfurtherinvestigation,Lilencouldseethatithad thebodyofawomanaswell,apregnantwoman.Shecouldseethatthiswomanwas remarkablyfairskinned,sofairthatLilencouldseeherveinsbeneaththeskin,butmany placestheskinwasangryredwherethesunhadalreadyburnedher. Lilenknewthatshemusthelpthecreaturewhatevershewas.However,the creaturewasmuchlargerthanLilenandshedidn'tknowexactlywhatkindofbeingshe was.Shewasthesizeofadwarf,butshelackedtheirears.Shewasfartoosmalltobe andelf,andyetstilltolargetobeanymphordryad.Lilengrewboldandflewcloseto theexposedredcheekofthewoman.AsLilentouchedtheskin,shewasforcedtodraw herhandawayfromtheheatitradiated.Sheflewfranticallyaroundthemysteriousbeing tryingtouseherwingstocoolsomeoftheheataway. Sheneededtobemovedoutofthesun,butLilendidn'tknowwhatshe coulddoaboutthat.Shewasonlyonefairyandthisnewbeing;wellshewasagiantby

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 10 comparison.Lilenwastoosmalltomoveheroutofthesun.Thesunhadonlybeenup forashorttimeandalreadyithadburnedherskinbadly.Lilenknewthatsheneededto goforhelp,butshewantedtoensurethebeing'ssurvivalfirst.Lilendecidedthatifshe couldnotbringthewomantotheshade,shewouldbringtheshadetoher.Shegathered leavesfromtheforestfloorandcarefullytriedtocoverasmuchoftheexposedskinas shecould.Knowingthattherewasnothingmoreforhertodohere,Lilenflewofftothe gladeforhelp. Takingthelongroutetothegladehadwastedalotoftime,butifshe'dgone straighttheresheneverwouldhavecomeacrossthestrangewomaninneedofhelp. Whenshereachedtheclearing,themeetingwasalreadyunderway.Theolderfairies wereindeepconversationandLilenknewthattheywouldn'tlistentoherevenifshe screamedatthetopofherlungs.Lilenwasyoungandfickle.Shehadyettocomeinto herresponsibilitiesasanadultfairy.Hermotherhadalreadyheldherbacktwoseasons fromparticipatingintheritesofspringsayingthatLilenwasunreadytoparticipate. Lilenwasterrifiedtospeakup,butthewomanshehadfoundwasingravedangerand Lilenwastheonlyonewhocouldsaveher.Toonervoustospeakboldly,shequietly madeherwaytotheseatofElina,thequeenofthefairieswhopresidedoverallthingsin herrealm.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 11 WhenLilenflewtoherthrone,shelandedatthefootofit,bowedlow,and saidwithaconfidenceshedidn'tknowthatshehad,GreatQueenElina,Iregret interruptingthemeetingforthefallcolors,butIcomebearingillnews. Whatnewsdoyouhavelittleone?IamnotsogreatthatIcannothearthe newsoftheyoungestamongus.Elinaansweredregally. Lilenwassotakenabackbythequeen'sresponsethatitwashardforherto speakfurther.Lilenhadexpectedtoheshovedawayfromthequeenimmediately,butto hersurpriseshehadbeengiventherespectofthequeen'searandthisstunnedher temporarily.Shestoodbeforehermonarchinadazewithhermouthagape. Speakchild,orhaveyouinterruptedyourqueenfornothing?Elina prodded. Ihavefoundsomeoneinthewoodslyingthereunconscious.Lilen suddenlyfoundthestrengthtoblurtout. Tellmemorechild.Wewillhelpallthatwecan.Youhavemyword. Whatdidyoufind?Questionedthequeen. IDonotknowwhatsheis.Butsheisaliveandwithchildlyingfacedown ontheforestfloor.Herskinisallburntwherethesunhastoucheditanditisghostly whiteeverywhereelse.Sheisthesizeofadwarfbutwithoutdwarvenears.Shewears

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 12 trouserslikeamanbuthasthehairandbodyofawomanwithchild.Itouchedherand sheiswrackedwithfeverandheat.Whateversheis,wemusthelpherlestsheandthe childdie. Youneedsaynomore.Leadustoherandwewillseewhatcanbedone forher. AtthatLilentookoffintotheskywithElinaandherentirecourtfollowing closebehind.Wordspreadlikewildfirethroughthegladeandsoonawholeswarmof fairieswerefollowingtheyoungfairytoherfind.Theswarmdescendedonthewoman whoLilenhadfound.Shewasstilldeeplyunconsciousandthefairiesfearedherdead. WhileLilenhadbeengone,thebreezehadblownthemeagerprotectionthatLilenhad placedonheraway.Herskinnowgreetedthemwithangryrednessandmanyblisters. Theyspokeinhushedvoices,notwantingtowakeher.Theyknewshemust bemovedtocoverlestherburnstakeherskincompletelyandforever.However,they hadnowwaytodoit.Inshiftstheyflappedtheirwingsfuriouslynearherskinwhile otherssetouttoenlistthehelpofsomelargerbeingsintheforest.Withthehelpoffour healthynymphsandastrongdryad,theybegantomovethelifelesswoman'sbody.Their journey'sendcameastheynearedtheenormouseldertreewheretheoldmotherlived. Astheydrewclosertotheoldmother'shome,theycouldhearhersweet

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 13 songwhistlingthroughhollowfingersbeckoningthemevercloserwithherhauntingly beautifulsong.Bentwithage,theoldmotherstoodbeforeherhome,brighteyesshining liketwopiecesofcoal,alertedtotheirpresencebysomeancientmagicasoldasshe. Herwoodenfacetwistedintoafrailsmile,asshelookeduponthegifttheforestparty hadbroughther. Theoldmotherbeckonedtheminsideandbidthemlaythegirlinthebedof theoldwoman.Themattressandblanketsweremadefromthesamemossthatgrewall abouttheoldwomanandherhome.Astheoldwomanexaminedherbeforetheylayher intothebed,shenoticedherpaleskinandblisters,Shenoticedtoothatshewasbarelya womanatall,sheseemedtobemoreofayounggirlreally.Assoonasthegirlwaslaid softlyandsafelyinthebed,theoldwomanchasedalltheothersaway,makingthemwait outside. Insidehertreehome,theoldmotherstrippedthegirlnakedtoassessthe extentofthegirl'sinjuries.Belowherclotheslaythepurest,whitestskinthattheold motherhadeverseen.Itwaslikelivingporcelainwithdeepblueveinsbeneathnearly transparentskin.Itwasalsomarredwithscars;shehadbeentreatedbadlybysomeone. Theoldmotherworriedforthesafetyofthebabybutwonderedifperhapsthechildcame fromthosewhohadsavagedherbeautifulskin.Theoldmotherwassaidtobetheoldest

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 14 livingthinginSilvercrestandyetshehadneverseenthelikeofthisgirl.Burnsextended whereverherskinhadbeentouchedbythesun.Evenonherfacethathadbeenlyingin thedirt.Thegirlwasclosetodeathandyettheoldmotherknewthatthiswasaspecial woman. Shebathedtheunconsciousgirlwithacoolsponge,appliedbalmtoherskin andbandagedher.Thenshewenttothedoorwheremuchofthepartystillwaitedthough somehadlefttobeginthefallcolorchange. Sheopenedthedoorandsaid,Sheisinabadway.Idonotknowifsheor thechildwillliveornot,butifshehadlaidoutthereanylongershewouldbedeadfor certain.Youcannotseehernow.Thankyouforhelpingher.Nowgoaway!she grumbledtothecrowd. Andeveryoneleft;everyoneexceptLilenwhowasdeterminedtoseethe thatthegirlshe'dfoundwasingoodcare.Theoldmothershutthedoorinherfaceand yetsheremained. Theoldmothertriedtogetthegirltotakesomewaterinhersleep,butshe waslargelyunsuccessfulatfirst.Sheworkedonthegirlforhourstryingtogetmedicine downherthroat,butwasunsatisfiedwithherresultsanditwasgettingdark.Theold motherwenttoclosetheshuttersfrothenightandfoundthefairyLilenstillwaiting.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 15 Youstillhere?Gohome!theoldmotherbellowedather. PleasecanIseeher?Lilenaskedboldly. No!Sheneedsnovisitors! Pleaseletmeseeher.IfoundherandIfeelresponsibleforher.Justfora moment.Please!Lilenbrokedownandbegged. Verywellchild,cometothedoor.theoldwomanrelented. Theoldmotherletherin.Lilenhadneverbeeninsidetheoldmother's homeandintruthshehadfearedtheoldmotherherwholelife.Unlikefairies,theold motherdidn'tjustliveinsideandwiththeplantsaroundher.SheWAStheplantsaround her.Shewasthespiritoftheancientelderthathadgrownhereintotimelongforgotten. Herspiritpulledhertogetherfromtheplantsindigenoustoherland/However,Lilen walkedintotheoldmother'sdwellingasifshehadknownitherwholelife.Itwasrude anddangeroustoshowindecisionwheninthepresenceofonesooldandpowerful.The oldmotherledLilentothegirl'sbedside.Lilencouldtellthatshewasveryillindeed. Willshelive?Lilenaskedtimidly,Whataboutthebaby? Idonotknow.Wewillsee.Nowgohome.Youcanseeheragain tomorrow. Lilencameeveryday,butthegirllayinacomaformanydays,keptalive

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 16 onlybywhattheoldmothercouldforcedownherthroat.Inthebeginningshehadmany visitorseachday,keptatbaybytheoldmother,butgraduallytheythinnedoutandonly Lilenwasleft. TwoweekspassedandthewomanLilenhadfoundstilllayunconsciousand inbed.Withherfacebandagedandburnscoveredshecouldseethattheunaffectedside ofherfacewasbeautiful.Shehadbeenradiantonce,butsheneverwouldbeagain,not unlesstheoldmotherknewsomemiracletohealsuchawfulscars. Willshelive?Lilenaskedasthoughshehadn'taskedthesamequestion everydaysincethegirlhadbeenintheoldmother'scare,buttodayshegotadifferent answer. Sheisastubbornone.Nowshefloatsbetweenlifeanddeathandherchild withher.Iamafraidthatsheismuchclosertodeaththanlife.Ifshewishestolive,she willlive,butifsheclingstoherselfalone,shewillbetemptedintothearmsofdeath.I amsorrychild,Ijustdon'tknowissheisgoingtowakeever.Iwillhelpherliveuntil shedecideswhatshewilldo.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 17 Part1Chapter3

TheperpetualhumofwingsechoedinAtnimera'searsasshefeltherself beingmoved.Alongwiththetinyvoicesshehadheardearlier,buthadbeenunableto makeouttheirwords,therewerenewvoices.Thenewvoicesseemedtobespeakingin song,yetshestillwasunabletomakeouttheirwords.Foramoment,Atnimeraopened hereyesandsawaluminescentfaceaboveher.Thelightcomingfromthefacewas kinderthantheraysofthesun,yetitwastoomuchforhereyes,andtheyclosedtight. Shedriftedbackintothedarknessofhercoma.Soontheswayingofherbodysubsided andwiththestillness,shesunkeverdeeperintotheabyss. AtnimerafoundherselfbackinthechamberthathadbeenBarzan's sepultureforsolong.Themagicblueflameswerestokedhighandtheheatwas unbearable.Barzanwastherewithher,butonlyassmokeandashesfloatingintheair. Heappearedtoherthiswayjustashehadwhenshewaslivingamongthedwarveswho livedbytheblacklake,thesamewayhehadappearedtoherwhenheentreatedherto bringhimbacktolife.Hewasherewithher,butsheknewthatatthesametimehewas notwithher.Sheseemedtoknowthatthiswasn'treality.Itwasmerelyavisioninher mind.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 18 Barzan!Whydidyouleavemetoburnblindlyinthesunlight!?Myheart calledforyouandyounevercame!YousaidyouwouldcomeandhelpmeifIwasin danger.Youleftmetoburn!sheshouted,cryingwithhottearsburningtheblackened fleshonherface. Mera,heanswered,Ihadtothrowyouonthemerciesoftheforestso thatyoucouldfindthewaytofulfillyourdestiny.Youwillsurviveifyouwishto. ThentheflamesburnedhotterandAtnimeracouldn'tkeepholdofthevision anylonger.Shepassedbackintothedarknessthatshewasbecomingusedto,but somethingdidn'tallowhertorestthereorstaythereverylong. Shesawvisionaftervisionandcouldmakenosenseofanyofthem.The visionspassedbeforehereyessoquicklythatshewasunsureofwhatshewasseeing. Therewassomuchthatseemedtobetryingtomakeitselfknown.Therewasnothing shecoulddo.Someofthevisionsseemedtobefromthepast,shesawhermother, Alsadera,andherfather,Dranlory,bothheadsoftheMysticsandSeersCouncilin Danementianlands.O'TashaandPranium,othermysticsinthecouncilwerethereas well,butthatwasnotall.Therewasacouplewithcrownsontheirheadsandababein thewoman'sarms.Couldthisbehertruemothershewondered? Atnimerasawsamethewomanwaitingontheedgeofthesubterraneanriver

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 19 thatflowedthroughDanementianlands.Aboatrowedbyabentandwrinkledoldman cametoher.Hebeckonedherintotheboatwithaslow,deep,drawlingvoice.The womancameaboardtheboat.Hehelpedherintoaseatandcoveredherwithathick blanket.Heputhispaddleinthewaterandstartedinadirectiontotallyunknown. ThewomanspoketotherowmanthoughAtnimeracouldn'tunderstandher words.Themankepthispieceandnavigatedthecrafttowardssomeunknown destination.Theboatmovedswiftlythroughthecoldwater.Soontherowmanwasin sightoftheshore.Therestoodaman.Hewasameresevenfeettall,buthewasstrong andstalky.Hishairwasamassofgoldencurlsthatseemedtobelikeahalo.Hiseyes weresparklinganddeepgreen.Atnimeracouldn'texplaintoherselfexactlywhatwasso remarkableaboutthisman,butheenchantedbothherandthewomanintheboat. Atnimeraseemedtoknowthisman,butshecouldn'ttellfromwhere.Therowman beganpullingtheboatontoshore.Therowmanhelpedthestatelyladyoutoftheboat andthenshovedoffintothedarkness. Thestrangewomanspoketotheman,butagain,Atnimeracouldn'tmakeout theirwords.Atnimerasoonrealizedthatthismanwasherfather,Dranlory,onlymuch youngerandmorehandsomethanshehadeverseenhim.Thewomanseemedtoseek advisefromhim,thoughshewasunsureofthesubject.Shesawthestrangewoman

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 20 returntohimtimeaftertime,butAtnimerawasstillunsureofthesignificanceofthe vision.AsAtnimeratriedtounderstandwhatitmeant,itpassedawayandshesawthem nomore. Thevisionsswirlingaroundherexhaustedhermindandshepassedback intothedarknessoncemore,onlythistime,theheatsubsidedsomeandshewasableto rest.Shelayinherdarknessthatsomehowseemedtofeelmoreandmorelikesleep.She floatedthereanddreamednomore.Afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,Atnimeraopened hereyesandfoundherselfinstrangesurroundings. Atnimeraknewthatshehadlostconsciousnessoutdoorsandexpectedshe shouldbetherestill.Butwhensheawoke,insteadfoundherselfunderaroofandina bed.Shewascleanandherburnshadbeenbandaged.Theroomwasdarkenoughthat herweakeyescouldseehersurroundings.Theonlylightcamefromtheyellowblazein thehearth. Hereyessearchedtheroomaroundher.Therewereshelvespackedwith books,jars,andbottles.Atnimeranoticedthattheshelvingseemedtobeapartofthe wall,justlikethedwarveshadcarvedshelvesoutoflivingstone,thewoodofthetree grewtomeedtheneedsofwhomeverlivedhere.Manycontainerslookedliketheyhad oncebeenknotsonthetree.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 21 Inthecenteroftheroomstoodatablewithfourchairs,andsittinginoneof themwasabizarrewoman.Atfirst,Atnimerathoughtthatshewasmerelysomething thatthetreehadgrown.Shelookedlikeajumbleofsticksandmossdressedinagreen gownwithalongblackandpurpleapronthatmatchedtheberriesgrowingabundantlyin hermossyhair.Herskinallseemedtobewood.Acrosshershoulderswasapurewhite shawlthatseemedtobemadeofflowers.Andyet,despitethefactthatthewoman lookedlikeatangledmassofplants,Atnimerabegantowonderifthiswasherhost. Atnimeraliftedherheadtogetabetterviewofthisoddwomanandwas startledwhensheheardhersay,IamNelda,everyoneknowsmeastheoldmother. Youhavebeenasleepforalongtimechild,andIhavemanyquestionsforyou.You willbetooweaktotravelforsometimenow,soIinviteyoutostayherewithmeand allowmetotreatyourinjuries. Atnimerawasweakandittookheramomenttoanswer.Thenshesaid,I amAtnimera.Icamefromthecaves Haveyoulivedundergroundyourwholelife?Nowonderyourskinburned whereverthesuntouchedyou. HowisitthatIcamehere?Iknownooneherewhowouldhavebrought mehere.Atnimeraaskedgently.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 22 Afairyoftheforestfoundyouandenlistedthehelpofotherforest creaturestobringyouhere.Thefairythatfoundyouhadcomeeverydaytocheckon yourprogress.Shereportsittotheirqueen.WithouttheyoungfairyLilenandQueen Elina,yousurelywouldhavediedandyourchildwithyou.Youowethemalifepledge foryourselfandyourchildifitlives.Theysavedyouandyourchild'slifeandyouwill beindebtedtothemuntilyousavetheirlifeandreturnthefavorortheyreleaseyoufrom thepledge.Neldaexplainedsoftly. IhamanhonorablepersonandIwishtomeetmybenefactorssothatIcan offerthemmypledge. Thesunhasnotyetrisenonthisday,perhapsLilenwillcometoseeyou. Whenshecomes,I'llhavehersendforQueenElinathatyoumayhonorthosewhosaved you. Whenthesunrises,I'llbeblindedagain. Yes,child,Isupposeyouwillhavinglivedunderground,butIwilldarken thewindowssonosunwillfallonyourface. WillIeverbeablertoseethisnewworld? Idonotknow.Imaybeabletomakeasalvethat,intime,mayhelpyou havesight.Untilthenyouwillbeforcedundercoverofdarknessinthehourswhenthe

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 23 sunreigns. Howlongbeforethesunrises? Anotherhourorso.Youwishtoventureoutintothenight?Youarestill weak.Idoubtyoucanwalk.Youhadbettereatbeforeyoutrytogetup.Ihavebeen feedingyoutea,brothandmedicinestokeepyoufromstarving.Ihavesomesoupready. Areyouhungry? Yes,I'dliketoeat.Atnimeraansweredasshetriedtositallthewayup, butshefoundherlimbstooweaktosupporther. Neldarosefromherseat.Shewalkedbentandcrookedtowardsthehearth. Shefilledawoodenbowlfromthecauldrononthefire,theonlyobjectofmetalvisiblein theroom.ShebroughtitovertoAtnimera.Shesetitonthetablenexttothebedandsat inasmallchairstandingbesideit.Atnimeratriedtoreachforit. Quietnowchild,youareweak.Letmehelpyou. NeldaslippedherwoodenhandunderAtnimera'sheadandpiledmoremoss behindherheadtohelphersitup.Theoldmotherpickedupawoodenspoonfromthe tablewithherotherhandandbegantospoonfeedAtnimerathefragrantmeal.Ittasted unlikeanythingAtnimerahadevereatenbefore. Itpromptedhertoask,Whatisthismadeof?Itissosweet.Allthesoup

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 24 I'veevereatenwasmadesavory.Thisisverygood. Itismadefromtheberriesthatgrowwildalloverhere,eveninmyown mossyhair.Itwillhelpmepurifythepoisontheburnshaveleftinyourbody. Aretheseberriesallthatyoueat?Theyaretasty,butdon'tyougetbored ofthem? Therearemanyotherthingsthatgrowherethatcanbeeaten.However,if youareaskingifIwillhuntmeatforyou,noIwillnot.Iamtheguardianofthisancient eldertreeanditprovidesmewitheverythingIneedtosurviveandlivecomfortably.All thatyouseeherethespiritofthetreehasprovidedme. Atnimeraslurpedthesoupfromthespoongreedily,andNeldainstructed kindlyinamotherlytone,Slowlychild,yourstomachhadlongbeenempty.Youmust fillitslowly. ObedientlyAtnimeraatemoreslowly.Thesoupwarmedherstomachand soonshefoundherselffeelingquitedrowsyagain.Thefeelingterrifiedher.Atnimera wasafraidshe'dfallbackintothedarknessthathadheldherprisonerforsolong.She struggledtositupfurtherwaryoffallingasleep. Areyouahealer?Atnimeraaskedsuddenlyanddrowsily. No,justanoldwomanwithknowledgeofherbsandplantsinthewoods.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 25 However,Iamtheclosestthingtoahealerformanyinhabitantshere.Neldareplied. Shepausedandthencontinued,Youshouldsleepnow.Iaddedsomeroot ofindolencetoyoursoup.Itwillhelpyourest. Atnimeracouldn'tfighttheurgetosleepanylonger.Shelaydownandsoon waslostinthearmsofsleepagain.Herfeartraveledwithherintothedarkness,yetshe didn'tdescendasdeeplyorsurrenderasfullytothedarknessthistime. Atnimerafloated,stillawareofhersurroundingsandthemovementsofher strangehost.Shesilentlymarveledatthebeingthatwatchedoverherandhowshe seemedsoclosetobeingaplant.NothinglikethislivedinAtnimera'sworld underground,butsheremindedherselfthatthiswasnolongerherworld.Thiswasthe surface,fullofalienpeopleandunfamiliarsurroundings.Shewasn'tsureshewasready forchange. Assheslept,Atnimeragraduallybecamepainfullyawareofherinjuries. Herlefteyewasburnedsobadlythatshehadn'tbeenabletoopenitwhenshewas awake,thoughshehadn'tnoticeditatthetime.Shesearchedouttheextremitiesofher bodyandfoundthatonherleftsideherskinwasbadlyburnedanywherethesunhad touchedher.Herleftcalfwasgnarledandblisteredbytheheat.Sheheldherleft shoulderupfromthebed,toosoretoallowanythingtotouchit.Butworstofallwasher

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 26 face.Shedidn'thavetoseeherreflectiontoknowthatthesunhadmauledherwithits lightandseverelydeformedher.Infacttheonlypartofherbodythatfeltnormalwasher wombcarryingthechild. AtnimerafeltNeldarollingheroveronherside.Thoughshecouldn'tmove herselfclosertoconsciousness,shefeltpainasNeldaunbandagedherwounds.She begantodraintheblistersonebyone.ThesharpthornNeldausedplungedintoeach blisterandthenNeldaheldwadsofdrymosstothepunctureassheremovedthethorn andwaitedforthemosstoabsorbthepoisonousfluidthatlaybeneathAtnimera'sskin. Eachblisterwassystematicallypierced,drained,washed,coveredinsalve,andre bandaged.NeldaworkedherwayfromthebottomofAtnimera'sleganduptoherarm andshoulder. ThedruggedsoupkeptAtnimeraasleep,butinherslumber,shewrithed withthepainofhertreatment.Sherestedsomewherebetweenthedarknessthatheldher prisonerandthepainlikinghertotheworldoftheliving.AtnimeracouldhearNelda hummingsoftlyassheworkedherwaycloserandclosertoAtnimera'sface. SlowlyNeldaremovedthebandagescoveringthesideofAtnimera'sface andneck.Thecoolnessoftheairwasuncomfortableagainsttheheatdwellinginher flesh.Theotherwoundshadfeltgoodwhenexposedtotheair,buttheheatinherface

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 27 wasmoreintense.Herburnsthereweremuchworseforsomereason.Atnimeraendured thepainasNeldatendedtoherwounds.Onlyshedidn'tdraintheblistersthere.She onlycleansedthewounds,cutthedeadskinawaywithawoodenknifeassharpasany borninaforge.Neldacoveredthewoundsinafoulsmellingointment,thenwipedit backoff,takingmoredeadskinwithit.Thenshecoveredthewoundswiththesame salveshehadusedfortheotherwoundsbeforegentlybandagingthembackup.She burnedsomethingandheldthesmokeunderAtnimera'snose.ImmediatelyAtnimerafell intoadeepanddreamlesssleepwherethepaincouldnolongertouchher.Thesleepwas goodandrefreshing,deepandlong.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 28 Part1Chapter4

NeldatouchedAtnimera'ssmoothcheekgentlyandsaid,Wakechild, QueenElinaisonherwaytoseeyou.Youmustletmedressyoubeforeshearrives. Atnimerapulledherselfawayfromthepeaceshehadonlyjustwon.She founditmucheasierthistimewhenshetriedtositup.Neldagentlyhelpedherswingher legsoverthesideofthebed.NeldasupportedAtnimera'sleftsideoverhershoulderands pulledtheclothesonfromherrightside.Eversogently,Neldaremovedtheclothfrom Atnimera'sleftside.Itcameoffeasilythoughdrainagehadbondedthenightgowntoher bandagesinplaces.NeldahelpedAtnimeraintoalooseblackgownandaveiltocover herface. Theveilwillservetwopurposes,firstitwillhelpprotectyoureyesfrom thelightthatwillstreaminwhenIopenthedoorforthem.Secondlyitwillhidethe horrorofyourinjuriesfromthequeen.Itwouldbedisrespectfultosubjecthertosucha disturbingsight.Neldasaidandmanagednottosoundcallousedsayingit. IwillneverbeabletoshowmyfacetotheworldagainwillI? Iknowitisdifficulttolooseyourbeauty,especiallyawomanwiththe beautythatIseewhereyourskinisleftuntouched.Youneverknowwhatfatehasin

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 29 storeforyou.Ihaveknownstrangerthingsthanforwoundslikeyourstohealperfectly howeverrarethatpossibilitymaybe.Thereisalwayshope. Atnimeracoveredherfacewiththeveilandlethertearsfallfromheropen eye.Shelaybackonthebedandcriedbitterlyasshewaitedforhervisitfromthe monarchwhosavedherlife,thoughnowshewasfeelinglikethemonarchhaddoneher nofavoratallbysparingherlifeifshehadtolivelifelikethisbehindaveil.Herheart ached.Shewishedshehaddied.Shehadalwaysbeenawarethatshewaspretty,butshe neverthoughtthatitmatteredmuchtoher,butsheknewthehorrorofhereyes.Shehad enduredyearsofherownpeoplestaringatherandavoidingherbecauseofherlavender eyesandnowshewasnotonlycursedwithhereyesthatpeoplefeared,butshewas hideousaswell.Whointhisnewworldwouldbefriendhernow? NeldaseemedfriendlyenoughbutAtnimeraknewthatshewasawoman wholikedtolivealone.Howlongwoulditbebeforetheoldwomanwantedher peaceful,iflonelylifeback.SurelyNeldawouldsendherawayassoonasshewaswell enoughtogo.SomecharmeddestinyAtnimerahadcometoknow.Sheseemedtobe destinedtobeanoutcastdependentonthecharityofpeoplewhowerenotherown. Thechildwouldbecomingsoonandwhatwouldshedothen?Spawnof thedarknessorno,shelovedthechildandwasanxioustoseeitborn.Butchildrenneed

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 30 stabilitysomethingshedidn'thavetheluxuryofatthemoment.Perhapsshewouldget lostinthewoodsandmakeherownsettlement,justherandthebaby.Thenshecould raisethechildtoservethelightandspiteitsfather. Atnimerahadsomuchtoworryaboutandnowshehadtomeether benefactorwhohadsavedherlifeandshenowowedalifedebttothefairiesforboth herselfandherchild.Shewonderedwhattheywouldaskofherandiftheyhad propheciesabouthereyestoo.Everyoneshehadcomeacrosssofarhadhadaprophecy aboutherandhereyes.TheDanementiansbelievedthatshewoulddeliverthemfroma lifelivedunderground,thetrollsthoughthertobethelegendarymotherofsomekindof supertroll,theVhuensalsobelievedinareturntothesurface,thedwarvesthoughtshe couldbringthetheirsacredIolitebacktothem,Earhhadthoughtherfatespecialenough thathehadpartedwithhisbelovedcompassthatguidedhimthroughhislabyrinth,and Molochbelievedshewasthebrideprophesiedintimeforgottenandhismasterthe embodimentofthedarknessitselfhadrapedherandgottenherwiththechildwithinher womb.Whatwouldthefairieswantfromher? Therewassomuchuncertaintyandshedidn'tknowwheretoturnexceptto thelightinherheart.Shereachedforanswerstherebutfoundnoneatthistime,stillshe continuedtoaskthelightwhatsheshoulddo.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 31 Inthemidstofhertearsandbrooding,sherealizedthatNeldahadn'tseemed shockedbyhereyes.Infact,shehadn'tevenseemedinterestedinthem.Usuallypeople askedheraboutherdeformityassoonastheynoticedit.Atnimeraclosedhereyeand wonderedwhatNelda'sstrangebehaviormeant.Shehadquitcrying,butthoughof Neldanotnoticinghereyesmadeasingletearofjoyrolldownherveiledcheek.Shefelt somehowsaferbehindtheconcealingrespiteoftheveil.Atleastthemonarchwouldn't seetheoldbaneofherexistence.Inhidinghernewdisfigurement,shehadsparedherself fromtheoldone.MoretearsfellassheopenedhereyesandrealizedthatNeldawas lookingatherasifshecouldseethroughtheveilandknewexactlywhatshewas thinking. Theyhavecausedyoumuchsorrow. Whatwasthat?Atnimeraretorteddefensively. Youreyes.Theyhavemarkedyouhaven'tthey?Peoplehaveheldyouas anoutcastallofyourlifebecauseofyoureyes.Neldaprodded. Atnimeralookedatherandthoughtthisnewunsightlinesswouldbeno hardertobearthanthefirstonehadbeen,andshewasalreadyusedtotheloneliness. Ihavelivedherealongtime.I'msureyoutoohavelearnedthejoyof beingbyyourself.Lonelinessonlyhappensifyoulongforsomeoneelse.Ifyouare

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 32 completewithinyourself,youneednooneelse.AmIright?Ofcoarse,Ihavethespirit ofthetree. AtnimerahadnoanswerforherNeldaseemedtobeseeingintoherand promptinghertospeakofherdeepestpain.Howmuchmoreofanoutcastwouldshebe herewhereshewasbothafreakandaforeigner,apersonofstrangeraceandunknown origins?Aprofoundsadnesshadfollowedherthisfarinlifeandshewascertainitwould followhertherestofherdays,butshedidn'treallywanttoshareanyofthiswithNelda. Fewwillpityyouhere,butIthinkyouareusedtothat.Neldasaid matteroffactly. Asilencefelloverthemlikeachokingfog.Atnimeracouldn'tbringherself tosayanything.Shewantedtheconversationover,butshewantedtospeakjustasmuch. TheylookedateachotherheldbythewordsNeldahadspokenandtheonesthat Atnimerawishedtosay.AtnimerahadonlybeenspokentosofranklytobyTorunda,the dwarfwhohadbeenherbestfriendandhadgivenhislifetosaveherwhenthetrolls camehuntingafterhertomakeherthemotheroftheirwarrior. EveryoneAtnimerahadmetsinceshehadlefthomehadwantedsomething fromher.Thetrollswantedhertomothertheirwarriorandreturntheirlegendtolife,the Vhuenswantedtopreventthatfromhappening,thedwarveswantedIolite,Moloch

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 33 wantedherforawife,theembodimentofthedarknesswantedhertobearhischildand Barzanwantedhertobehisambassadortototheancientforestandsavehiskind.Now sheowedalifedebt.Whatwouldthefairiesrequire?WhatwouldNeldarequire?And whatwouldtheotherforestcreatureswhohadhelpedwant?

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 34 Part1Chapter5

Stillheldinsilence,Atnimeraknewitwouldnotbeeasy.Thestillnesswas deafeningandwasonlybrokenbyaknockatthelargedoorinthetree. QueenElinaishere.SitupwhileIletherin. NeldamovedmorequicklythanAtnimerathoughtherwoodenbodywould go.Thedoorswungopenandablindingethereallightstreamedinthroughthedoorway. Atnimerawasoncemoregladfrotheheavyveilcoveringherface.Shecouldseenoone inthedoorway,butstillNeldabeckonedtheminside. Comeinyourhighness,sogoodtoseeyouagain.Iseethatyouhave broughtLilenwithyou.Sheisagoodgirl.Shehascomeeverydaytocheckonour visitor.Comeinsheiswaitingtomeetyouboth. ThedoorbegantocloseanditwasthenthatAtnimerasawthenewcomers. Theyweretinyballsoflightglowinginthehalflightoftheroom.Shecouldhearthe flutteringofwingsthatshevaguelyremembered,butrememberedfondly.Neldahad spokenasiftherewereonlytwoofthem,butasNeldaclosedthedoorfully,Atnimera couldseethatthereweremanymanymorethanthat,maybefiftyormore.Theywere betweenthreeandfiveinchestallandthequeenwasclosetoseveninchestallinallher

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 35 royalgarb.Theylandedonperchesallaroundthehomeandtheroomwasutterly populatedwiththem.ElinaandLilenlandedonthebedsidetableclosesttoAtnimera eagertobeclosetothisstrangenewcomertheyhadsuchinterestinandnowhada chancetofinallyquestion. Atnimerastaredindisbeliefatallofhervisitors.Thequeenwasdressedso delicatelythatAtnimerawonderedifshewasdreamingagain.Shesoakedintheirlight likeaflowersoakinginthemidafternoonsun.Shesaidnothingbecauseshedidn'tknow whattosayandfearedoffendingherbenefactor. Thequeenwasgownedinthesplendorofthefallcoloroftheforest.Her gownwasmadeofredtintedleavesmasterfullysewntogethersotheyappearedtohave grownintotheshapeofhergown.QueenElina'shairwaslongandgoldenandatopher headwasacrownofgoldandorangeandbrown.Hercrownsethighonherheadadding toheractualheight.Theotherfairieswerealsodressedinfallcolorbutnonewereas beautifullyandmasterfullymadeasthequeen's.Atnimeraknewnothingofthefallcolor anddidn'tknowthattheclothingwasmadefromleaves.Shewasunsurewhatmadeup theirclothingbutwasinaweofthecolorandcraftsmanship. Atnimerawatchedthroughherveilastheoldmotherapproachedthequeen andsatintheseatbesidethebed.Itwasthenthatthequeenspokesaying,Dearold

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 36 mother,itissonicetoseeyouagain.Thankyouforallyourhelp.Iseethatyourpatient hasfinallywakedfromherslumber.Lilentellsmethatshewillliveifshewishesto. Yes,theoldmotherreplied,Sheisdoingmuchbetternow,butherlife maystillbeindanger.Shecouldstilldiefromherwounds.Iamstillworriedforher childaswell.Perhapsonemustgivetheirlifetosavetheother.Wewillsee. Wheredidshecomefrom?askedElinaasifAtnimerawerenotthereto answerforherself. Underground.Smallwonderthesunburnedhersobadlyasitdid. ElinafinallydirectedaquestiontoAtnimera,Whatisyourname? Atnimeragasped,terrifiedtospeak,thoughthequestionwaseasyenough. Shefinallysputtered,IamcalledAtnimera.IamthedaughterofDranlory,jointheadof theMysticsandSeersCounciloftheDanementians. Danementians?!Theoldmotherexclaimed,Ididn'tknowthattherewere anyleftalive.Ithoughttheyalldiedofflongago.TheBrentanianslivewherethe Danementiansusedtolive. Theyweredrivenunderground.Thereisahealthypopulationdeepwithin theearth.Thoughtheyneverventureouttoseethelightofday. YoucannotbeDanementian.theoldmotherprotested,Danementiansare

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 37 giantsbycomparisontoyou. Iamhalfdanementian.Mymother....Well,Ineverknewmymother,only thatshecamefromthesurfaceandleftmewithDranloryafterIwasborn.Iwasasickly childandnoonethoughtIwouldlive,sotheyfedmeonsacredwatersusedtosustainthe seersofprophecywholiveinthechamberoftheMysticsandSeersCouncil.Thewater sustainedmeandIsurvived,thoughIammanytimessmallerthanmysiblings. Howisitthatyoucametothesurfaceifnoneofyourpeopleventureout uponthesurface?Elinaasked. Thatisalongstory,buttobebrief,Iranaway.Faraway.Icameoutofa caveinthemountains.Shelied,wantingtoprotectBarzan,ThenIcameintotheforest underthecoverofnight.ButIfoundnoshelterbeforedawn.IwentasfarasiCould lookingforhelp,butIfoundnoneuntilyoufoundmeLilen,youhavesavedmylifeandI amgrateful.Ioweyouandyourpeoplealifedebt.WhenIamwell,askwhatyouwill ofmeandIwilldoitforyou. Wewillworryaboutyourdebtlater.Iwantyoutoconcentrateon survivinganddeliveringyouchildfirst. Atnimerawasterrifiedthattheywouldaskafterthechild'sfather'sidentity. Whatwouldshetellthemiftheyasked?Thatshe'dcoupledwiththeembodimentofthe

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 38 darknessandthatherchildwasofhisevilseed?No.Theywouldinsistthatthechilddie atbirthandperhapsthatwouldbeforthebest,butAtnimerahadgrowntolovethelife withinherandwasunwillingandunabletoviewitasanabomination.Atnimerawas gladshewashiddenbehindtheveilandherguestscouldnotseeherfacefrosheknewit showedconcernforthebaby. TherewasanduncomfortablepauseafterwhichAtnimeraasked,Whatof thosewhocarriedmehere?Iowethemalifedebtaswell. Theywillarrivesoon.IsentservantstogetthemwhenIheardyouwere awake.Theyhavefarthertocomethanwedoandtheyhavenowings.repliedElina. Justastheyspoke,therewasaknockatthedoor.Theoldmotherlimped overtothedoorandopenedit.Thefiguresthatenteredwerefourwomenwithblueskin andweredressedinwhitethatseemedtohaveitscolorlenttoitbythefoamofrunning water.Whentheymoved,theyseemedtobemoredancingthanmoving.Thesun streamedinfromthedoorhurtingAtnimera'seyes,butshecouldseethathersewvisitor's skinseemedtoshimmerlikewaterinthelight. Theoldmotherhadjustclosedthedoorwhenanotherknockcame.She openedthedooroncemoreandthenshesaidinasomewhatdisgruntledvoice,OH!It's you.Sheishereandawake,butyoumustbebrief.SheneedsherrestandIwon'thave

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 39 thelikesofyoumakinghermoresickthanshealreadyis. Withoutonewordofreply,onewomanenteredtheroom.Herskinwasfull ofcolor.Shewasgreen,yellow,orange,red,gold,andbrown.Sheworeatopmadeof gatheredforestleavesandaskirtmadeofmoss.Herhairwaslongandbraidedintoit weregoldleavesandflowersfromtheforest. Atnimeramarveledathernewguests.Theyweresocolorfulandbeautiful comparedtothecolorsoneseesunderground.Thecolorsonthesurfacewerebrilliant andsomuchricherthanthecolorsshewasusedtoseeing. HelloQueenElina.YourcourtgetsbiggereverytimeIseeyou.Youmust beastrongruler.Anddearoldmother,howareyou?Howisyourpatient?askedthe firstnymphwhosenamewasGessicaofthequeenandtheoldmother. Thankyouforthecompliment.Itrytodomybest.repliedQueenElina. WellGessica,Iamwellandmypatientisdoingmuchbetter.Ibelieveshe willliveifshewishesto.Iamstillconcernedforthebabythough. Whatishername?Gessicaasked SheiscalledAtnimera.Shecamefromunderground. Nowondersheburnedsobadly.repliedGessica. FinallyanotherquestionwasaddresseddirectlytoAtnimera.Gessicaasked,

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 40 Howareyoufeelingdear?IamGessicaandthesearemysistersMuelanie,Ambir,and Milodie.WearenymphsandthedryadisMaepul.Wecarriedyouhereforthefairies. Hello.allthenewcomerssaidbeforeAtnimeracouldanswer. Hello.Iamfeelingmuchbetter,thankstoyou.Thankyousomuchfor bringingmehere.Ioweeachofyoualifedebt.AskanythingofmeandIwilldomy besttofulfillyourrequest. Don'tworryaboutthedebtjustnow.Youmustrestforyourbabyandthen wewillchatwhenyouarefeelingbetter.GessicasaidashersistersandMaepulsmiled andnodded. Alrighteveryone,theoldmothersaidauthoritatively,you'veallseenher butnowImustputherbacktobed.Thisisthefirsttimeshe'ssatupsinceshewoke. Shemustrest.Youmayallgonow. Withthatsheopenedthedoorandallthevisitorswentstreamingout withoutawordofprotest.Atnimeramarveledattherespectthepeoplesoftheforest gavetoNelda,Theyneverreferredtoherbyhername,onlyastheoldmother. NeldaclosedthedoorandturnedherattentionbacktoAtnimera.She helpedherremovetheveilandstripbackdowntoherbandagesandalightnightdress thatsmelledlikeitwasmadeofflowerpetalssewncarefullytogether.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 41 IwantyoutotryandeatsomemoreandthenIwantyoutogobackto sleep.saidNeldagentlyasshelayanotherbowlofsouponthetablebesidethebed. Aremysupplieshere?askedAtnimerahopefully,Thereareitemsinmy packthatwillhelpmeheal. Yesyoursuppliesarehere.Iwillbringyouyourpack,butyoumusteat first.Neldareplied. Alright,I'lleat,butdon'tletmefallasleepbeforeIhaverefreshed,myself withsomeofmyownmedicine. Agreed.Noweat.Neldasaid. AtnimerabegantoeatthesweetstewthatNeldahadpreparedfroher.It wasgoodandwarmanditmadeAtnimerasleepy,stillshewasdeterminedtofinishitand havesomewaterfromMoloch'sspringsandsomeeniwig.Shealsoplannedtohaveher sackoftreasuresinthebedalongwithher.NotspoilsfromMoloch'sislandmindyou, butthetreasuresshehadaccumulatedsinceshewasachild. Whenshehadfinishedeating,Neldatookthebowlandspoonawayand broughtAtnimerahertatteredpackwithallofherprovisionsonandinit.Shesatthe packonthebedbesideAtnimera.Atnimeraimmediatelyfoundherpouchfullofher treasuresandsatitonthebedbesideher.Thenshegotthesmallskinsofeniwigandthe

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 42 springwaterfromMoloch'sisland. Thensheaskedforacup,saying,Imustmixthesetwofluids.Doyou haveacupthatIcanusetodothis? Yesdear.Neldasaidasshealmostimmediatelyhadthecupinherhands andintoAtnimera's. Atnimerapouredasmallamountofwaterandeniwigintothecup,andthen sheaddedafungusgrownbythedwarvesmeanttohelphealingmovefaster.Thenshe assesafungusthatwouldhelphersleepmoredeeplyandfeellesspain. Whatareyoumakingchild?Ordoyouevenknow?Neldaasked disgusted,beingthatshewasasclosetobeingahealerasanyonecouldgetandthought sheneedednohelpfromherpatientinhealingwounds. Thewaterisfromaspringdeepwithintheplanetwithhealingproperties. IthashealingandsustainingabilitiesmuchlikethosethatsavedmylifewhenIwasa baby.ThewineiscalledeniwiganditismadebythegiantraceofVhuenwhoalsolive deepwithintheplanet.Theymakethewineforhealingpurposes.Amasterhealer amongtheVhuensmadethis.ThisfirstfungusisgrownbytheIolitedwarves.Ithelps thehealingprocessmovefaster,andthelastingredientisafungithatwillhelpmesleep andnotfeelpainorthoseawfulnightmares.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 43 NeldahadnochoicebuttoconcedethatAtnimeraknewwhatshewas doing,butgruntedather,Alright,thisIwillallow. Atnimerafinishedmakingherconcoctionanddrankitdownimmediately. Thensheaskedforanotherbowlofstew,whichNeldaproudlyprovidedher,pleasedthat herfoodtastedgoodenoughforhertowantsecondsandthatNeldahadhealedherbetter thanshethoughtwaspossiblethisearlyintohertreatment.Shewaseatingandthatwas wonderful.Atnimerawasshowingsignsthatshewantedtolive. Atnimeraateherstewandthenshesettledintthebedtosleep.Shelayher headdownandclosedhereyes,butdespitethemedicineandthestew,shewaswide awakeandterrifiedtogotosleepforfearofwhatmaybewaitingforherinthedream world. Atnimera'sheadbegantoswimwitheuphoriaasthemedicinebegantosink in.Shewasquicklyasleepandwasscaredevenasthemedicinemaskedthepainand madehernearlycalm.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 44 Part1Chapter6

Atnimerawaswalkingthroughthemistofthedawnintheforest.Shewas awarethatshewasdreaming,eventhoughshecouldfeelthemoistureofthemistonher skin.ThesilvermossthatcoveredthetreesgavetheforestthenameSilvercrestswayed inthebreezeominously.Atnimeraknewshehadtofindawaytokillthemosstobreak thespellheldoverallthatlivedintheforest. Themistclosedinaroundherandshewaslost.Shecouldseenothing aheadofherorbehindher.Shewasterrifiedtomoveforfearofbecomingmorelost thanshealreadywas.Dawnwascomingandsheknewsheneededtofindherwayback totheoldmother'streeforsafety,butshedidn'tknowwhichwaytogo.Thesunlight begantoburnoffthemistsandburnAtnimera'sskin.Atnimerapassedoutinherdream andmovedintoadarkerregionofhermind. ShefellbackintoMoloch'sislandwhereshedreamedofherassaultthat causedherpregnancy.Sheawoketodarkness.Notthesoft,quietdarknessshehad knownhewholelife,butathicker,heavierdarknessthathungoverherlikeafuneral shroud.Shereachedforherpouchwithhershiningstoneintobutwasunabletolocate it.Shebegantopanicasthefeelingthatshewasnotalonepermeatedherskinlikethe

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 45 darknessthatheldhertight.Herbreathquickened,hereyeswidesearchingforanysign oflightormovement.Shecrouchedclosetothegroundandheldherbreath,tryingto hearwhatitwasthatwaswithher.Theroomgrewhot,makinghersweatandher clothingsticktohernubilebody. Moloch?Moloch!Areyouthere?shegaspedintotheairbittherewasno replyhewaseithergoneorhewasplayingwithher,shedidn'tknowwhich. MaybeI'mdreaming?shethought,Maybethisisalladream,allmy fearscomingtothesurface.Perhapsnoneofthisisrealatall. However,almostinresponsetoherthought,thewallsofthecaverngrew redderandredderuntiltheirglowilluminatedtheroomaroundher.Herfather'sstone hadgrownhotandhadburnedthroughthefabricofthesackitwasin.Itconsumedthe wholebagandhertreasures,includingtheshiningstonewereexposed;yettheshining stonedidnotglow,butherfather'sstoneburnedbrightred.Shelookedalloverandher eyesweredrawntoanemergingshapedirectlybeforeher.Sheknewitwasaspirit, althoughtheonlyspiritshe'severseeninlifewasthespiritofSilton,hergrandfather,and hewasgonefromthisplace. Thespiritappearedblackwithabloodredauraaroundit.Itwastalland slim.Itappearedtobeashadowagainstthelightandthefigurewasdecidedlymale.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 46 Thespiritgrewclearerandclearerbeforeherandshewasentrancedbyitsdeveloping form. FromnowhereMolochappearedcryingout,Master!Master!Iamhere Master! AtnimeraturnedtolookatMolochandfoundhisskinluminescentinthered light.Hewascrimsoninsteadofthedullgraysheusuallysawhisskin.Moloch'seyes hadlongsincegrownoverwithskin,butlightcamefromthemintherednessofthe room.Atnimerawasterrified.Shehadneverfeltsomuchfearasthefiguresolidified beforeher. Hewastall,thinandhandsome.Hishairwasblackandhisskinwasstarkly whiteagainstthebackgroundofhisblackclothingandhair.Theredlightilluminated himandhewasgreatandterrible.Hehadagoateeofblackhaironhischinandhiseyes weresharpandbrown.Atnimeracouldnotlookaway,andthenhespoke. Atnimera,wemeetatlast.Hesaidceremoniously. Whoareyouandwhyareyouhere?sheaskedtimidly. IamNosaj,andIhavecometohelpyou.Herepliedcalmly. AreyouheretotakemetothesurfacesoIcanfulfillmydestiny? No.Iamheretosaveyoufromtheprophecy.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 47 IthinkIhavesavedmyselffromtheprophecy.AslongasIamdownhere, Iamnotonthesurfacefulfillinganyprophecies.Granted,Ihavenochoicetoleaveand fulfillit,bitIamsafehereintheheartoftheearth. Andwherewouldyougoifyoucouldleave?Icantakeyouthere. Idonotknow. Comewithme,bemybrideandIwillsetyouasqueenofmyminions. YouwillneverseethesurfaceandIwilltreatyoumuchbetterthanMoloch.Youwillbe free. MasteryoupromisedIcouldhaveher!Youcannottakeherfromme.She ismine!Molochscreechedinhorror. QuietyoubeforeIcutyourtonguefromyourhead.Youhavehadherand lookatwhatstatesheisin.Couldyounothavehelpedherbuildashelter?Doyounot seethatsheisweakandpale?Youshouldhavetakenbettercareofher.Sheismine. Nosajscolded. WhydoIgetthefeelingthatthereismoretothisthanyousay.Why wouldyouwantmeafterMolochhashadme?Ordidyouusehimtotrapme?Thereis somethingyouarenottellingme. Ohdarling,whyareyousobitterandjaded.Ionlywanttohelpyou.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 48 Iamnotasnaiveasyouthink.YouarefromTheDarkness.Myfather servesTheDarkness.Ihavehisstone.Itburnedoutofitsbagwhenyouappeared.You wantsomethingfromme.Whatisit? True,mydear,IdoserveTheDarkness.Iam,infact,theembodimentof TheDarkness,andIdowantsomethingfromyou.Iwantyoutobearmyson.Youhave alreadyturnedfromTheLight.WoulditbesohardtoturntowardsTheDarkness? IwillneverserveTheDarkness.Youhavedriventhespiritofmy grandfatherawayandforthatIcannotforgiveyou.LeavemeherewithMoloch.Iwill notserveyou. Nosajmovedtowardherandtookholdofherbodyandsaid,Youmaynot serveme,butyouwillbearmyson,Iwillseetothat. NosajhadherupperbodyandMolochgrabbedherlegs.Togetherthey shreddedherclothingandstrippedhernaked.MolochheldherwhileNosajgropedher youngbody.Whenevershecriedoutinpainhebeather.Hegrabbedholdofhernippled andpinchedthemhardbetweenhisfingers.Hisnailswerelikebladesandhecuther bodywiththem.Onherupperthighhedrewastrangesymbolinherflesh.Firsthedrew anarrowpointingup.Thenhedrewalineatthebaseofthearrowhorizontally.Nexthe drewatriangleontheshaftofthearrowfacingright.Histouchburnedaswellascuther

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 49 skin.Shescreamedinagony,butherassailantsweretheonlyoneswhoheardher. Nowyouaremineforalltime.HehissedinherearasMolochheldherby herhairandaboutthewaistandhisforkedtonguelickedatthebloodonherface. Withthathethrewhertothesharpfloorandspreadherwide.Nosaj's memberwasreadyforherandhepusheditintoherbowelsandrammedhard.Shebled profuselyandthebloodlubricatedher.Hepulledoutofherbowelsandthrustintoher vagina.HewasmuchlargerthanMolochandshescreamedinterrorashehadhisway withher.Hetookhistimeintakinghispleasurefromher,wantinghertoremember everymomentandeverythrust.Moloch'shandswerealloverherashismasterworked, andwhenhismemberwashardenedheshoveditintoAtnimera'sscreamingmouthnearly chokingheranddefinitelygaggingher.Thetwobeingsofdarknessfinishedwithherand spilledtheirevilseedatthesametime. Asredasthechamberwas,itwasplungedbackintodarknessasquicklyas ithadbeenilluminatedandherattackersweregone.Forthefirsttimesinceshehadbeen downhereinthesulfurcave,itwassilent.Thewatersofthelakewerecalmandthe midgeswerequiet,therewasnodistantsoundofbats,nolittletrickleofwateratthe springs.Allwasdarkandsilent.Shehuggedherselfinthedarknessandwasatonewith thesilence.Shedarenotbreakit.Whereherscreamshadfallenondeafearsnowher

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 50 painwasheldinherchest.Shethoughtthatshehadbroughtallofthisonherself.Itwas asNosajhadsaid,shehadturnedherfaceawayfromthelightbyembarkingonthis journeyintotheheartoftheearthratherthangoingtothesurfaceandfulfillingthe prophecythathadforetoldherbirthinsomanydifferentcultures. Whathadshethoughtshewouldfindsodeepinthedarkness?Didshe thinkshecouldrunawayfromsomethingaspowerfulasherdestinyandifshecould wouldtherebenoconsequences?Wellshehadrun,andnowshewaslikelyimpregnate bytheembodimentofthedarknessandwhatcouldshedonow?Evenhershiningstone hadgoneoutandmadethedarknesscomplete.Shewasalonenow,noSilton,no Snooter.TherewasonlyabloodyAtnimerawithnothinglefttoholdonto. Butherheartwasnotsilenced.Herheartcriedthetearsshewasintoo muchshocktoshed.Herheartlongedfortheupperchamberswhereherfamily,if somewhathatefuldwelled.Shelongedfrothelightofherpeopleandthepeoplesshehad befriendedasshehadtraveled.WherewereKonandhisbrothersnow?Couldtheyhave knownhowmuchshewouldmissthemorhowdangerousherpathwouldbeoncesheleft theirprotection?Andthedwarveswhohadheldherinsuchesteem...Torundahadgiven hislifetosavehersandforwhat?Soshecouldbecomethemotherofaminionforthe darkness?Soshecouldendurethesexualtortureshehadalmostgrownnumbtonowthat

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 51 Nosajhasworkedherover?No.Therewassomethingmore.Butwhatwasit? Shesprangtoherfeetandmadeherwaycarefully,yesskillfullytothehot springinthedarkness.Maybeitwasn'ttoolatetopreventtheimpregnation?Andshe reallyneededtocleanup.Everyscrapofclothinghadbeentornfromherbodyandshe easedherselfintothehotwater.Shehadneverbathedinthehotspringbefore.Shehad alwaysthoughtittoohot,butthiswasimportant,andsheknewthatthewaterfromthat springhadhealingqualities.Herskinwasscaldedbytheheatinthewater,buther woundswereseriousandneededcleansingdesperately.Thehandofdarknesshadcarved herupanditseemedtherewaspoisononhisfingernailsforherwoundsswelledangrily withinfection.Shecouldn'tseeherwounds,butshecouldfeelthemalltoreal.She carefullyandsilentlycleansedherbodyinthewater. Nowthewoundswerecleanonherbody,butthewoundsinsideherheart festeredandboiledinherchest.Shereturnedtothesiteandtriedtosummonthemagic tolightthebluedwarvenflamethatsheusedtocookwith.Shecouldnotbringforththe energyneededtolightevenasmallflame.Herheartwasfeelingdowncastathermany failuresandshebegantocryandthrewherselfonthepointyfloor.Sheweptheartilyans thrashedagainstthedarknessutterlyaloneandyet....Yetsheonceagainbegantofeelas ifshewerenotalone.Shesmelledfamiliarsmokeandonthefloorbeforeherglowedthe

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 52 wordsthatshehadfoundinthescrollsbothintheDanementianlibraryrunbythescribes andthedwarvenlibrarywhereshehadalsospentsomuchtime.Shehadbeenunableto readthewordsbefore,butnowthewordswereclearandshecouldunderstandthemall toowell.

Ohwhatjoyforthosewhoserebellionisforgiven,whosesinisputoutofsight!Yes, whatjoyforthosewhoserecordTheLighthasclearedofsin,whoselivesarelivedincomplete honesty! WhenIrefusedtoconfessmysin,Iwasweakandmiserable,andIgroanedallday long.Dayandnightyourhandofdisciplinewasheavyonme.<ystrengthevaporatedlikewaterin thesummerheat. Finally,Iconfessedallmysinstoyouandstoppedtryingtohidethem.Isaidto myself,IwillconfessmyrebelliontoTheLight.AndTheLightforgaveme!Allmyguiltisgone. ThereforeletallthosewhoserveTheLightconfesstheirrebelliontoTheLightwhile thereisstilltime,thattheymaynotdrowninthefloodwatersofjudgment. ForTheLightismyhidingplace;TheLightprotectsmefromtrouble,TheLight surroundsmewithsongsofvictory. TheLightsays,Iwillguideyoualongthebestpathwayforyourlife.Iwilladvise youandwatchoveryou.Donotbelikesenselesslivestockthatneedsbitandbridletokeepitunder

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 53
control. ManysorrowscometothewickedbutunfailinglovesurroundsthosewhotrustinThe Light.SorejoiceinTheLightandbeglad,allyouwhoobeyTheLight!Shoutforjoy,allwhose heartsarepure!psa32

Shehadhadtheanswerallalong;shejusthadbeenunabletoseeituntil now.Shehadtorepentandturnherfacebacktothelightevenifthatmeantgoingtothe surfaceandfulfillingherdestiny.Fromsomewhereinherblackenedandbruisedhearta sparkofjoywasalight.Shethrewherselfonherfacebeforethedarknessandbeganto confesshersins.Shetoldall,beginningwithremainingsilentwhenSiltonhaddiedand goingthroughoutherjourneywhereshehadbeenwickedandwillfulturningherface everawayfromthelight.NowsheunderstoodLut'sfascinationswiththesunrise.Itwas TheLight.HewantedtobeclosetoTheLight.Whenshehadfinishedbearinghersoul, sheaskedforforgivenessandsuddenlyhershiningstonelitupjustinchesfromherhand. Sherealized,Iwasneveralone...SiltonandTheLightwereherewithme allalong.TheywerejustwaitingformetoinvokethepowerofTheLight. HerheartwaswashedwiththepowerofTheLight,andalthoughherheart wasnowpureitwasstilldamaged,butsheknewthatTheLightcouldhealthattooas longassheconfessedhersinsandinvitedTheLightintoherlife.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 54 Sheheldhershiningstoneinherhandandfelttheloveandcompassionof hergrandfatherwashoverher.TheLightwasusinghisspirittocoveythelovethrough SiltonandtoAtnimera. Inthelightshecouldseethestateofherbodyandwasabletofindclothing tocoverherselfwith.SheateandmeditatedontheconceptofTheLight.Butone questioncametohermindthatshehadnoanswertoandTheLightdidn'tseemto answer.Thequestionwaswhattodonow.Howcouldsheescapethisdismalandhorrid place?Shebroodedtryingtofindtheanswer,andlaydownonherbed.Shedidn'tknow whattodo,onlythatshedidn'thavetodoitalone.Shefinallyfellasleepandpassed backintotherealmofunconsciousnessforgettingtherealmwherehermemorieswere relivedandintoaplacewheresherestedwelldreamingofnothingtroubledbynothing.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 55 Part1Chapter7

Atnimeragaspedassheawokeinthenightfrightenedbyherdream,but renewedaswell.Herdreamhadreopenedthewoundinherheart,butrememberingher confessiontoTheLight,sherememberedthatshewasunderTheLight'sloveandcareas well.Shewasnolongerafraidofdying,onlyafraidofherchilddyingorworseyet, someonefindingoutwhoitsfatherwasandmurderingitforthesakeofthegreatergood. ThouAtnimeraknewthatherchildwastobeachildofdarkness,shefeltacompassion ofamotherforthechildandamother'slove.Sheknewshewoulddoanythingshecould toteachherchildtoserveTheLight.Shewonderedifitwastherightthingtodo,buther heartledherthereandshehadaheartforTheLight.ShefeltthatTheLightwantedher tosavethelifeofherchildaswell. Shelayinthedarklookingupattheshelvesfilledwithstrangeobjects,and beforesheknewthattheoldmotherwasawake,shewasstandingoverherlookingright intohereyes. Youareawake.IthoughtIhadlostyouagain.Youhavebeenoutforfour days.Ithoughtthatyourmedicinehadmixedwithmineandhadhadabadreaction;but youlookmorewellnowthanyouhaveinsometime.Areyouhungry?'Neldaasked.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 56 "Areyougoingtofeedmethatsoupthatputsmetosleepagain?" "Yes,Imust.Icouldn'tdoanyfurtherworkonyourburnsuntilIknewthat youwouldwakeup.Icouldnotriskdamagingyoumorewhenyouweresocloseto death'sdoor.NowImustdrugyousoyouwillnotfeelitwhenIworkmymagiconyour wounds.Youmayhavesomemoreofyourownmedicinetooifyoulike." "Alright,bringmesomesoup,butIamsothirsty,canyoubringme somethingtodrink?Doyouhaveanytea?" "Yesdear,Ihavetea.Iwillbringyousometeathatwillhelpyouheal.I amgladthatyouaskedforit." Nelda,theoldmother,busiedherselfatthehearthandAtnimeraslowlytried toinchherselfintoapositionwhereshecouldeat.Herbodywasstiffandsoreandher fleshstillfeltlikeitwasonfire.Shewasstillbandaged,butshecouldseethather bandagesneededtobechangedalso.Theywerefullofyellowdrainageandredblood fromherwounds.Shewonderedhowtheoldmotherwouldgetthebandagesoffwithout takingmoreskinwithit. Neldabroughthersomesweetsoupandacupofbittertea.Atnimeraate greedily.Shewashungrierthanshehadknown.Quicklysheaskedforanotherbowlof soup,andNeldagaveittohergladly,happytoseeherpatientawakeandhungry.This

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 57 wasagoodsign. "Ihaveneverseeneyeslikeyours."Neldasaidsuddenly,thencontinued, "Theypuzzleme.Whatisthestoryyouarehidingbehindthem?Youmusthavebeen veryspecialtoyourownpeople.Whydidtheyletyourunaway?"Neldawasvery seriousinherquestions.Shewantedanswersandshewantedthemnow. "Well,"beganAtnimera,"Ineverknewmymother,Itoldyouthat,butIwas veryimportanttomyfatherandsurrogatemotherwhenIwasveryyoung.Butmy siblingshatedmebecausemotherandfatherheldmesoclosetothem.SoAlsadera,my surrogatemother,sentmetolivewithmygrandmotherandgrandfatherAhtramaraand Silton.Ilovedthereformanyyearsandcovertlyfoundoutthattheybelieveditwasmy dutytoreturntothesurfaceandfreethemfromtheirstoneprisonsothattheycould returntothesurfaceaswell.Ididnotwanttoreturntothesurface,soIwroteanote sayingI'dbeendrawntothesurface,andIsetoffforthecenteroftheplanet.Iguess theyneverlookedfrometogodown,andassumedIwastellingthetruthwhenIsaidI wasgoingtothesurface,andtomakealongstoryshort,Iendeduphereonthesurface anyway." "Isee.Werethereothersyoumetwhohadplansforyoutoo?'sheaskedas ifsheknewsomethingthatAtnimerahadnotyettoldher.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 58 "Yes,thereweremanyothers.Thetrollkingwantedmeforamatetibring somegreatevilforthupontheearth,somesortofsupertrolltowreakhavoconthe world.Inarrowlyescapedtheirclutches.TheVhuenswantedtokillmetopreventthe trollprophecyfromcomingtrue,buttheirheartsareasbigastheirbodiesarelargeand theyletmelivebecausetheyknewwhattheDanementiansthoughtIwasdestinedtodo andtheywantedtoreturntothesurfaceaswell.Thedwarveswantedmetobringback theirsacredIoliteforthem,asacredstonetheyfindholy."shehadspokentruthfullythus far,butdecidedtolieaboutMolochandNosajsaying,"Andstillotherraceswantedme asabrideaswell.ItwasbytherapeofoneofthemthatIfoundmyselfpregnantandI knewIhadtorunfromthereformysakeandthesakeofmybaby,soIheadedforthe surfacewhereIknewthechild'sfatherwouldnotfollow." "Haveyoueverthoughtthatmaybeitisyourdestinytodothesethings, perhapsthereareseveralforkstoyourprophecy.ButImustaskyou,whereisthedragon thatbroughtyouhere?" Atnimerawasshockedbyherquestion.ShehadsaidnothingofBarzanand thoughtthatperhapsshehadcalledforhiminherdreams,ormaybetheoldmotherhad somemagictoreadhermind.Thatcouldbedangerous,perhapssheknewwhothechild's fatherwastoo.Shefinallyanswered,"Howdoyouknowanythingaboutadragon?Did

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 59 Ibetrayhiminmysleep?" "No.Youjustbetrayedhimnow.Iwasnotsureuntilwhatyoujustsaid.I foundadragon'sscaleclingingtoyourpacks.So,adragonbroughtyoutotheforestand youdidn'tjustwalkdownfromthehillsunderthecoverofdarkness.Nowwhereishe?I needtoknowbeforehecursestheforestagain." "Youdon'tunderstand.Hewon'tcursetheforestagain.Hebroughtme heretoliftthecurse.HesaidthatonlyIcouldbreakit,butwouldn'ttellmehowtodo it." JustthenAtnimeraaskedformoreteaandsoup.Neldagaveittoher,but knewthatthestewandteawouldsoontakeeffectandshewouldlooseherchancefor informationsoon. "Whereisthedragonhiding?" "Idonotknow.Hesaidthathewouldneverbetoofar,butyousawwhathe lethappentomewhenthesunrose.Hecaresnothingformenow.Hehasabandoned metothemerciesoftheforestcreatureslikeyouandthefairies,thenymphsandthat dryad.Iwouldbedeadiftheyhadn'tfoundmeandbroughtmehere.Thedragonwould haveletmedie." "Thenyouwouldnotobjecttomesendingsomefriendsouttofindhim

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 60 wouldyou?"Neldaaskedpersuasively. "Yes,Iwouldmind.Iwouldstillbetrappeddeepintheearthifthedragon hadn'thelpedme.Iowehimadebtaswellyouseeforbothmyselfandmychild." "Idoseeyourpoint,butwesimplycannothaveadragonlurkingaboutthe forest." "Please,don'tsendthemouttofindhim...Heisprobablylonggoneby now." "No.Ifhesaidtoyouthathewouldbenear,heisnear." Atnimerahadgrowntoodrowsytoargueanymoreandinsteadasked,"Can Ihavesomewine,waterandherbsfrommybagplease.Ineedtotakesomebeforeyou changemybandages." "Verywell,butwewilltalkmoreaboutyourdragon.Iwillnotsendthem now,Iwillgiveyouachancetogetbetterandproveyourself.Ifthedragonbroughtyou heretoliftthespell,thenyouaremorevaluabletomethanyouknow." Atnimeramixedherdrinkanddrankitdown,knowingthatpainwascoming whenNeldarebandagedherwounds.Shewassoonasleep,andNeldawassoonatwork. Shehadbeenunabletochangeherbandagesfordaysbecauseofthegirl'scoma.She wasafraidthatAtnimerawouldloosetoomuchbloodandfluidswhileshesleptandtook

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 61 nothingin. Neldastartedwithtakingthebandagesoffherlegsfirst.Theywerematted withpusandblood,andtheydidn'treallywanttocomeoff.Theyhadgrownintoher newskin.Still,Neldahadtochangethemandtookthemofftakingalotofburntskin andmusclewiththem.Shecleanedthewoundswellandlayeredanewsalveshehad brewedupinthedayswhileAtnimerahadsleptmadeespeciallyforthesevereburnsthat Atnimerahad. ThesalvewaslefttohardenbeforeNeldacoveredthembackupwith bandages.Neldausedthedragonscalealongwithhoneyandotherherbsandplantsto makethesalve.Thissalveoncehardenedwouldkillinfectioninthewoundandkeepit frompullingtheskinoffagain.Neldarepeatedthisprocessofunbandaging,cleaning, andputtingsalveonherwoundsallthewayupuntilshereachedAtnimera'sfaceand neck.Thereshecleanedthewoundandcutdeadskinawayandspreadthefoulsmelling ointmentonherfaceandwipeditbackofftakingmoreskinwithit.Thensheletthe woundairandthenplacedthesalveonitandletitharden.SoonAtnimerawasall bandagedbackupandrestingquietlyinherbed. Theoldmotherthengatheredupsomethingsandheadedforthedoorwith herstoopedgaitundertheweightofherpack.Sheopenedthedoorandletthenightair

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 62 in.SoonsheexitedandclosedthedoorbehindherknowingthatAtnimerawouldsleep formanyhoursifshewokeatallinthenextfewdays.Neldawasgoinginsearchofthe dragon.Shehadwordstospeaktohim. Shewalkedthroughthewoodssilentlytakingnoteofeverysoundandevery scentontheair.Sheknewthisforestbetterthansheknewherself.Shehadlivedhere formanycenturies.Shemovedslowly,butsoonshewasinthemiddleofaclearing elevatedabithigherthanherhome.Shestoodinthecenterofthegladeanddrewher powersclosetoherheart.Shecalledthedragontoherwithherpower. "Barzan!Iknowyouarenear.Showyourself!"shedemandedinhermind. Theairgrewdeathlycalmforamomentandthenitwasfullofwindbrought downbythedragon'swingsashissilverbodycircledthegladeandfinallylandedbefore Nelda.Hisscalesshoneinthemoonlightandreflectedthelightofthemoonbackonto Nelda'ssmilingface. "Barzan!Ithoughtyouhadtakeneternalslumberinsteadofbeingmurdered bythepeopleoftheforest.Areyoutryingtogetyourselfkilled?Youcannotjust wanderabouttheforestwaitingforAtnimeratogetwellenoughtodoyourbidding.You almostkilledherandherbabybyleavingherinthesuntoburn.Ifsheissoimportantto youandyouwanthertoliftthecurseonthewoods,whydidyoulethercomesocloseto

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 63 death?" "Icannothelpherwithherdestiny.Icanonlystandbackandobserve.Iam sorryshewasburntsobadly,butIhadtogetherinthecareoftheforestsoshecould befriendsomepeopleandlearnhowtobreakthespell.IloveAtnimerawithallmy heart,butImustdowhatImustdotoletherbreakthespell." "Youcouldatleastgivehersomesortofclue.Shereallyhasnoideaatall whattodoorwhotoseetofindouttheanswer." "Icangivehernohelp,orthespellwillneverbebroken.Shemustdiscover theanswerwithinherself.ThereisnothingmoreIcandoforherexceptwatchher lovinglyfromtheshadows."Barzanrepliedsadly. Withthat,heopenedhiswingsandtookflight.Neldastaredupatthesky andwatchedhimuntilhewasoutofsight.Herheartwastoosaddenedbythenewsthat therewouldbenohelpfromthedragon.Yet,thegirl,Atnimera,hadtoldherthetruth. Thedragondidintendforhertoreleasethewoodsfromitsspell. Neldacarefullysearchedthedragon'slandingsiteforbitsofscalesand maybeaclawbladethathadgrownandwasshedoffnaturallywherehehadlanded.She rarelygottosearchfortheseimportantandnecessarybitsforherpotionsandspells. Perhapsshecouldlurethedragonbackinafewdaystimeandgethimtogivehersome

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 64 scalesandclawclippingswillingly,perhapsshecouldevenaskforawhiskerthatgrew proudlyoutofitsface.Shefoundfourscales,andadiscardedclaw,butnothingmore. Neldawassoononherwayhome,butshehadchilledinthenightairand herjointscreakedloudlyasshemoved.Gettinghomewouldtakelongerthancomingout hadtakenher.Neldawasbreathingheavilyandhobblingalongwhenthewoodsgotvery quiet.Neldasenseddanger,butwastootiredtoevenbringforthhermagic.Shehurried fasterthroughthetrees,butsheknewshewasbeingchased;thoughshedidnotknowby whomorbywhat.SuddenlyanarmreachedoutfrombehindatreeandgrabbedNelda abouttheshouldersshovinghertotheground. Neldalookedupatherattackerandhissed,"Maepul.Ishouldhaveknown itwouldbeyou.Youwerealwaysnosyandgettinginthemiddleofthingsyoudon't belonginorunderstandatall." "Youhaveseenadragonandyoudidn'talertyourfellowsthathewashere. Howarewetoprotectourselveswithadragonroamingthecountryside?Thedragonhas somethingtodowiththatstrangegirlIhelpedrescuedoesn'tit?ANSWERMEYOU OLDHAG!"MaepulshoutedassheslappedNeldaoverandoverintheface,breaking thepieceofwoodthatservedashercheek. "Ihavenothingtosaytothelikesofyouwhodoesn'tevencarefrothetree

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 65 thatbelongstoyouandwhatisworseyouhavenorespectfrothetreethatgaveyouyour birthinseed.Youaredespicable.Youmaybreakeverypartofmybody.Iwillnottell youanything.Iamastrongspirit,entangledinmyowntreetothepointthatthetreewill gathermebacktogetherifyoustrikemedown." Maepulknewthattheoldmotherwasspeakingthetruthandletherupand thendisappearedintotheforest.Theforestwasstilldeathlyquiet,andthebatteredold mothercontinuedherjourneyhomehopingthatnoothertroublewouldbefallherwhile shewasinabrokenanddefenselessstate.Oneofherlegshadbrokeninthefallaswell causingherhobbletobemorepronouncedandherpacetoslowdramatically.Yettheold mothercontinuedwithoutstoppinguntilshereachedherhome. Shewentquicklythroughthedoorwayandsatbythehearth.Sheremoved herbrokenlegandthrewitintothefire.Thenshetookbothpanelsofwoodmakingher faceandthrewtheminthefiretoo.Shewentintoatrancewhereshecommunedwiththe tree.Thetreebegantovibratebackasshemumbledherprayertoherbenefactor.Soon thetreevibratedandopeneditsfleshtoNelda.Firstalengthofwoodappearedthatwas theexactlengthandthicknessofhermissingleg.Neldacrawledovertowherethetree wasgivingitselftoherandgrabbedthelegfromthewall.Shethenfitteditintoplace withoutthebenefitsofhereyes,butnomatter,sheknewwhereallherpartswenteven

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 66 withouttheconsciousnessofthesensesthatherfacegaveher. Atnimerawokeandsawtheoldmotherfacelessandwonderedifshenow livedwithaheadlessdemon.However,Atnimerastayedstillandwatchedtheoldmother callafacefromthewood,firstonesideofherface,whichshefittedimmediately,but wasstilltooinvolvedwiththetreetonoticehervoyeur.Shepulledtheotherpieceofher facefromthewoodandfitteditinplacebecomingwholeoncemore.Shelookedupand noticedthatAtnimerawaswatchingher. "Whathappenedtoyou?"Atnimeraaskedinsimplewonder. "Justsometroubleinthewoods...Nothingforyoutoworryabout.Iamfine now."repliedNeldasternly.Thenshesaid,"Wouldyoulikesomemoretoeat?You needfueltomakeyourrecoverymovefaster." "Yes,ifyouarenottootiredfromyourordeal,Icouldeatanotherbowlof soupandcouldhavesomemoreofthatbittertea.IfeelmuchbetternowthanIdidwhen Ifellasleep.Iseethatyouhavechangedmybandages.Howmuchmorefleshdidyou havetocutawaytohelpthehealing?" "Quiteabit,butnowyouwillhavebloodonthebandagesinsteadofthe sicklypus.Ihavecutallthedeadskinandfleshawayyoushouldbebetterinafewdays now."

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 67 "Thatwillbenice,butIfearIwillneverhealmyfacebacktothewayit was.Iwillhavetoappearveiledallthetime.Nomatter,ifIamveiled,noonewillsee mylavendereyes.Maybethenpeoplewillexpectlessofme."Atnimerarepliedsadly.

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 68 Part1Chapter8

Maepulranthroughtheforestatgreatspeedaimingdirectlyforherown tree.Therewasadragonaboutandtheoldmotherwasprotectingit.Thiscouldnotdo. Shemustreportthisillfatednewstoherfellowswhoalsohatedtheoldmother,spiritof thetreewhoseseedhadproducedthemall.Neldawasinasensetheirmother,butthey musthavebeentaintedseedtohateherso.Somehowallthebadseedhadtakenrootin oneareaandtheyallhadtreesclosetooneanother.Neldawasoneofthefewwhodidso manythingsforthecommunityofSilvercrest. Maepulhadbeenclosetotheoldmotheronce,afavoritechildoftheold motherifyouwill.ThenonedayMaepul'sheartchangedandshecaredfordifferent thingsthantheoldmother.Itcamethedayshestoppedtryingtofindwisdomfromthe oldmotherandstartedlisteningtotheothersinhergrove.Thingswiththeoldmother wereneverthesameafterthatday.NowMaepulhatedtheoldmotherwithallherheart, evenwiththeknowledgeofhowpowerfulhermotherwas. Maepulwasnearinghergroveandhopedtorunintosomeonesoonwho hadn'talreadygonetosleepintheirtree.Sheranoninthenightfindingnoone,butsoon shecameuponalightedclearing,theirclearingandfoundthateveryonewasawakeand

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 69 apparentlywaitingforher.Shehadsentherthoughtsonaheadtoherfamilygrovewhere shelivedwithherbrothersandsistersthatallhatedtheoldmotherasmuchasshedid. Thelargestdryadinhergroup,Klondy,wasatthecenteroftheclearing speakingtotheotherswhenhelookedupandsawMaepulcomingforthem. "Ah!Maepulisherenowandwewillgetsomeinformationfirsthand." Maepulsteppedinthecenterofthelightandsaid,"Isawtheoldmother cominghomefromaclearingupthehillfromhertree.Shehaddragonscalesandaclaw withher.Shehadseenthedragonandtalkedwithhim.Icouldnotgethertosaywhat theyhadtalkedaboutthoughIbrokeherlegandfracturedherface.Nodoubtshehasa newonealready.Sheintendstodonothingaboutthedragonandwillleavehimto destroytheforestonceandforall." Theothersgaspedasshefinishedbreathlessly.Theywereallscaredofthe dragon,afraidofbeinghuntedandiftheydied,theirtreesdiedalongwiththem.The dragonhadplacedtheenchantmentontheforestandtheyweresurethathehadplansto finishthemallinwrathforthedeathofhispeople.Thedragonhadcursedtheirtreesto alwaysgrowthesilvermossthathungheavyontheirbranchesandconfoundedtheir abilitytotravelveryfarfromtheirhometree. "PlusitallhassomethingtodowiththatgirlIhelpedthenymphsandfairies

BreedheenO'Rilley2003 OfDragon'sFate:Book2:Silvercrest 70 rescue.Idon'tknowhowIgotropedintothatone...Thefairiescamelookingforanyone biggerthanthemtohelpmovethegirl.Sheiswithchildaswell.Iwonderwhat treacherytheoldmotherisunleashinguponus.Wemustwatchherverycarefullyand seewherethegirlgoesoncesheishealedenoughtoventureoutintotheday.Ihearthe sunlightblindsherbecauseshecamefromdeepwithintheplanet.Whatcouldbemore evilthansomethingthatemergesoutofthedarknesstodescenduponuswithadragon?" Maepulspokeboldly. "Maepulisright."Klondysaid,"Thereisnotellingwhatthethreeofthem areplanningallaloneinhertree.Sheismuchstrongerthananyofus,wecannot possiblyfightherwithallheralliesintheforest.Wemustkeepquietaboutanyplansto anyoneoutsidethegrove.Wewillfindawaytosavetheforestandourhomes."