Tales of the Lorekeepers 01 - Rise of the Red Dragon

go.”
    Samuel sat down on a rock. Angeline landed on his right knee. She weighed no more than a swan feather.
    “Listen,” she continued, “I can’t tell you the story, because it might make you take a decision that will change the outcome. If you know in advance the fate of those involved, for example, you might try to change it. Even though your intentions would be noble, we have to make sure you are not in a position to influence the story. It is not your place, nor mine, to judge whether the story is morally acceptable or not. I know it can be difficult, but we must limit ourselves to keeping the myths intact, even if sometimes the ending does not look right to us.”
    “So, what should I do for now then? And don’t tell me to go back to chopping wood. I can’t feel a single muscle in my body anymore.”
    “Unfortunately, Sammy, you don’t have any other choice. The Yfel’s man has a plan that he follows—they always do. Before we do anything, and before I can give you more detail, we have to find out who the agent is and what is his plan. Does that make sense?”
    “I suppose it does, yes.”
    “Good,” continued the little fairy. “I feel the time is near when his plan will be revealed to us, so we can put an end to it. For the time being, though, keep your head down and your eyes open, follow orders and blend in with the rest of the men. You have to be very careful not to be spotted by anyone who might be working with the Yfel side.”
    “How will I know that the time has come? And how am I supposed to know what to do when it does?”
    “By the Light! You have to start believing in yourself, Samuel. Look how you’ve managed to survive these past days. You will know when the time comes. Trust your instincts, and know that I will be by your side at all times, even when you do not see me. You’re under Angeline’s protection, my dear boy, and there is nothing to worry about!”
    Samuel smiled a little at the idea of being protected by such a tiny being. However, he guessed that the little fata had more power than she had shown so far.
    “There is one more thing I need to ask you, Angeline.”
    “What is it?”
    “Since we’re in a world where legends are real, is every creature populating the different mythologies also alive and walking around freely? Are monsters and the other nightmarish creatures I read about in books real in this world?”
    Angeline smiled warmly, as a mother would at her youngest son.
    “I can tell you this much,” she said. “Tonight will not be as quiet as the previous ones. King Vortigern has chosen this spot without knowing what lurks underneath the hill. But know that you are not in any danger, even if it feels as if the world is falling apart. You will be safe at all times if you keep your cool and your head straight.”
    “Now I’m officially scared,” Samuel told her.
    “Well, don’t be. You will have nothing to worry about. But I want you to stay close to your friend Malloy. Don’t let him out of your sight. Wherever he goes, follow him without question. That is very important!”
    “Okay.”
    Before he could ask the other questions burning his lips, he heard a branch cracking under the foot of someone approaching.
    “I have to go,” said Angeline. “Remember, stay close to Malloy! And watch out for Morghan.”
    “Of course I will,” replied Samuel. “Wait! What? Who is Morghan?”
    But Angeline had already vanished. Samuel quickly turned, his hand ready to unsheathe his sword to confront whoever was approaching.
    “Samuel?” asked Malloy as he lifted a branch out of the way. “What are you doing here?”
    “Nothing,” mumbled the younger boy. “I had to pee.”
    “I thought I heard you talking to someone.”
    Samuel walked passed his friend, going in the direction he had come from.
    “You must have heard the wind. I’m all alone.”
    Malloy remained still for a moment and looked around him, studying every space between the trees and inspecting the leaves on the ground.
    “I could have sworn I heard you talk out loud.”
    He ran quickly after Samuel and grabbed him by the arms.
    “You’re not mad possessed, are you, Sam?”
    Samuel tried to quell the fear that was battling to gain control of his body. “Let go of me, Malloy. I am alone and you heard the wind. I’m no more crazy than you are.”
    Malloy studied the eyes of the younger boy. There was something about him, something unusual, but he could not put his finger on it