The Elphame Chronicles: Part 3 - The Winged Unicorn
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A scintillating epic fantasy ...
There are myths and there are legends, but none compare to those of the land of Elphamia...
Fleeing from the Self Appointed One, many settled in The Realm of the Dragons. Initially the subterranean paradise offered an idyllic sanctuary. However, a mystery illness began to strike the Dragons, who lost their ability to fly.
This was very serious, as if they could not breathe fire on the inner sun, then all life within the vast cavern would slowly die. The only solution was to find the Winged Unicorn, whose horn offered the only cure...
Adrian Holland
Adrian is primarily known for his artwork and book cover designs, although he is also an author. Originally, from Solihull, West Midlands, England, he now lives in Rural Cheshire.Adrian has now written over 40 books mostly Science Fiction, although he has also written in other genres including Spiritually Influenced, Mystery, and Fantasy.All of his work can be viewed on his website: www.amazola.co.uk
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The Elphame Chronicles - Adrian Holland
The Elphame Chronicles
Part 3
The Winged Unicorn
Adrian Holland
Published by AMAZOLA
The right of Adrian Holland to be identified as the Author of the work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988.
Copyright © Adrian Holland 2014
ISBN 978-1-909466-34-0
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.
For further information, please contact the official website at
www.amazolapublishing.com
A copy of this book is held at the British Library.
Cover design and illustrations by Adrian Holland
I was very close to both of my parents who were my best friends, and I have lost count of the number of happy times we shared, and all of the creativity and laughter. Like my beloved father Joe, my mother Margaret was so special, and my total inspiration. I would therefore like to dedicate this book to their memory.
Contents
Introduction
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty One
Twenty Two
Twenty Three
Introduction
Who would have believed that a simple Elphin Rabbit from a little village tucked into a distant hillside, would have had such an amazing adventure?
For Roggie, it was surreal, as he had experienced so much over a relatively short space of time, that it was difficult for him to comprehend just what had happened to him.
His destiny had been to become a King, and now that he was one, his life would never be the same again!
The ancient kingdom of Elphamia, which lay on the surface, was now ruled over by the Self Appointed One. He was a very unpleasant character, and there had been no alternative but to flee from him and his forces, and seek sanctuary below ground.
The Realm of the Dragons, as it was referred to, was ruled over by the kindly Dragon King, and there were not only Dragons here, but also a variety of other creatures too, who now lived under his protection. Amongst them, were the descendants of the survivors of the terrible battle fought so long ago by the Great King and his brother, which had left the kingdom in ruin.
To his surprise, Roggie had discovered that he was a direct descendant of the Great King, and ironically they looked so alike, that everyone had assumed that he was in fact, the Great King returned to fulfil an ancient prophesy.
Now that the prophesy had been fulfilled, he hoped that he could settle down into a life of contemplation, spending a majority of his time in his burrow, tucked into his warm comfortable bed.
However, Roggie’s destiny had other ideas…
One
The precious stones embedded in the roof of the cavern sparkled like stars, reflecting on the waters of the great lake, like a sea of diamonds. It was a very beautiful sight, enhanced by the gentle mist which had now descended over the land, making everything glisten.
The Realm of the Dragons was truly a magical place at night, although being as it was deep within the ground; it was not really a true night. The Fire Lighter had ignited the strange substance which lay embedded in the roof, creating an inner sun, which had shone down brightly throughout the artificial day. Now that it had cooled, everywhere had descended into darkness, as the precious stones shone in all of their glory.
That however, was not the only light, as a fire burned giving off warmth to the three figures who sat around it.
Roggie relaxed into the comforting wings of the Dragon, as George slumped against a nearby tree. The other occupant was Kavisar, Roggie’s friend and mentor. It was remarkable, that all three of them were settled around the dancing flames, when for a time, it had looked as though none of them would have made it.
Kavisar had been rescued from the gold mines, and George had been stunned by a strange weapon hurled at him by an Ogre. That was the first time that either of them had ever seen such a creature, which had been carrying the Self Appointed One on its shoulders.
Roggie had also been knocked unconscious, and if it had not been for the Bears, then he doubted whether he would have made it either.
If all of that had not been enough, when he had entered The Realm of the Dragons, he had been presented with a golden crown, adorned with precious stones, which shone almost as brightly as those embedded in the roof of the cavern.
What do you think about this?
He held it out towards Kavisar, who raised his eyebrows.
Well you are King Elphin Rabbit!
Roggie had mixed feelings about it. He had seen what effect gold had on the Self Appointed One, whose total obsession with the yellow substance had caused everyone so much grief.
I am not sure about it.
Roggie could just not see the attraction. He would rather have had a large succulent juicy pie in his hand, which in his opinion, had a far greater value.
It comes with the job!
Kavisar was philosophical.
Roggie put it down on the ground next to the sceptre. That had also caused him nothing but pain - quite literally as it had turned out!
The viscous spikes which had shot out of the ball, had poisoned him, and if he had not found some Dragon’s Blood, then he would not have been sitting here now. Fortunately, it had been in the form of berries, taken from the Dragon Tree, and not from a real Dragon, much to George’s relief.
George however, was still quite poorly, and his wings ached as never before. The strange substance in the incense burner, which had been hurled at him by the Ogre, had struck him on the hind quarters, and ever since then, he had been suffering.
Roggie was really concerned about him, as his health had begun to deteriorate.
I don’t feel well!
He groaned, holding his head down.
I’ve eaten too much!
That was certainly the case, as the celebrations had lasted well into the night. When they had arrived, a party had been held in their honour, which was when the crown had been presented to Roggie. He was now officially the leader of all those he had helped to escape the evil clutches of the Self Appointed One, and had also been granted a seat at Council.
In times of old, the Great King ruled over the ancient kingdom of Elphamia, which was divided into various lands. Each land had its own ruler, who formed part of the Great Council, headed by the Great King himself. That honour now fell to his direct descendant Queen Afliae, Roggie’s mother. However, the Dragon King was the absolute ruler over The Realm of the Dragons, which was where they were all living.
There had always been a strong bond between the Dragons and the Elves, particularly the Elphin Rabbits. A Dragon and the Dragon Rider shared a sacred bond, where they merge thoughts in a type of telepathy that only the worthy could attain. This bond had great powers, which the Self Appointed One envied, hence his distaste for Dragons. He knew that the Great King’s true power lay in the bond between his people and the Dragons, and by breaking that bond, there would be nothing to stop him taking control.
Roggie felt the comfort of George’s body as he thought about the celebrations, and the other item that he had been given. On a cord around his neck, there hung a plain gold band, which denoted his status as ruler. It was a symbol chosen because it was said to have no beginning or end, and signified eternal justice. He had been proved worthy, although he did not feel as though he really deserved to be ruler.
According to legend, there had been three rings cast long ago and given to the Great King, and his brother and sister by their father. Roggie had been presented with the one given to the Great King, which his sister had taken from him before she fled to the vast cavern. Roggie’s mother had the one handed down from the Great King’s sister, and the other one had gone missing many years ago.
Roggie now had the sacred spear, crown and band, and the sceptre, which had measured his worthiness. He even looked just like the Great King, although none of it meant anything to him. He was just a simple Elphin Rabbit who wanted nothing more than his burrow, warm comfortable bed, and the odd succulent pie!
Rolling the band around his finger, he thought of Kavisar’s words, telling him that over time, they had been supplemented by a more elaborate version worn around the head as a crown.
That was something else which he did not like wearing, and he looked at it, as it sparkled. Roggie had only worn it briefly, and had taken it off when he had danced around a pole, holding a streamer, winding in and out of the other dancers. That marked the end of the ceremony, and the beginning of the festivities.
The food and ale had flowed, and music and dance followed, until everyone was exhausted. George had really enjoyed himself, but now he was starting to pay the price.
Roggie was so pleased to see him so happy, although he knew that there was far more to his illness than mere exuberance.
Why not try and get some sleep?
He was trying to be positive, as the Dragon groaned again.
George looked at him with heavy eyes, and settled down by the fire. He knew that Roggie was right, and it did not take long for the bellowing rumbles of his snoring to vibrate the ground that they were all sitting upon.
He is not at all well!
Kavisar nodded, sharing Roggie’s concern.
Maybe we should ask the Elphin Princess for some of her medicine?
Roggie had been thinking the same thought, and they would do so in the morning.
There was still some ale left, and he filled their tankards, as they both enjoyed spending time together, as they had done on countless occasions in the past. He had lost count of the tales told around the fire in the village they had both inhabited, before the arrival of the Friar and the Men. They were indeed happy times, when he had learnt so many things from the elderly Elphin Rabbit, who had taken care of him ever since he had been found wandering by the wooden bridge near Kavisar's village.
Roggie’s past had been obscured from his mind by the weapon, which had knocked him and George out of the sky when he had been a youngster. Roggie was now an adult, although he was still young, particularly for an Elphin Rabbit.
Fortunately he had now regained all of his memories, as the effect of the Self Appointed One’s weapon had evaporated just like the strange incense contained within it. The Dragon on the other hand, was still suffering, and his symptoms were getting worse.
I am worried about him.
Kavisar nodded.
So am I.
George looked far from well, and he appeared to have a fever. That was something which was hard to tell, as Dragons were always as warm as a proverbial slice of toast.
I am sure that the Princess will be able to help.
Kavisar's words were not as comforting as he had tried to make them sound, for underneath there was a worried tone. They had all been able to leave far too easily for his liking, as the Self Appointed One was not one