THE LETTER

FIVE YEARS LATER

Marin Mountains

Year 3080 After Doom

DAYNE FELT AS THOUGH he could hear every sound in the world as he sat on the edge of the cliff. The threads of Air and Spirit that weaved around him amplified every vibration that rippled through the air. He could hear each separate beat of the hummingbird's wings as it prowled a nearby tree for insects. The slow breaths of the fox and its cubs as they slept in their den nearby. The crunch of dirt beneath the feet of the goat who trotted along the path forty feet below. The sound of the animal's beating heart, a war drum. Its breathing like the rush of forge bellows. With every step, it drew nearer, the sounds of its existence growing louder and louder, until its footsteps were like claps of thunder in his mind.

Drawing in a deep breath, he opened his eyes and released the Spark, wincing as his eyes adjusted to the harsh light from the morning sun above.

Sighing, he looked at the letter that sat on his lap, sealed with blue wax stamped with the symbol of two crossed blades. He ran his fingers across the envelope's surface, the paper coarse against his fingertips. He was sure Belina would receive a similar letter soon, if she had not already. It had been weeks since Dayne had seen her. She had gone to resolve a 'family matter' in Argona and had asked him to stay put. He didn't like it, but he respected it. Besides, a few weeks without her incessant talking wasn't the worst thing he could think of.

Steadying himself for just a moment, Dayne broke the seal with his fingers and slipped the letter from the envelope. The moisture in his mouth evaporated, his throat growing tighter. He bit into his lip so hard the taste of blood coated his tongue. He peeled the letter open.

Dayne,

I asked you to give me time, and you did. For that, I thank you. I know the wait has not been easy.

I promised you Valtara would be free. I promised you I would light the spark of rebellion across the entire continent. I promised you hope.

It is time, Dayne. Not only have we succeeded in bringing the egg back from Valacia, but a new Draleid has already been bound. He is young, brash, and touched by pain. But he is also determined, loyal, and has a lot of potential. I see much of you in him. He is to be our symbol. Our hope. I have sent letters across the continent to those who would light the spark. To succeed, we will need Valtara.

There is a new dawn on the horizon, Dayne. We will break the empire's hold on the continent, and we will grind them to dust.

It's time for you to go home.

[ volume four end ]