Epilogue: Realization of a Tragedy

Three days later Lykhara awoke from her despair trodden dreams. She squinted at the sunlight filled room, her vision blurred with tears. She felt a hand take hers gently and looked to the source of it. The familiar face of one of her maids sat there, smiling gently.

“Lykhara… the spell has finally worn off. We were concerned for you, Lykhara. Ever since that traitor Roldigan cast that awful spell on you we could not awaken you. Some of us worried you’d never wake up again and lay forever in slumber,” the maid said in a soft whisper. Lykhara felt confused. A spell was cast on her? Her memories of that fateful night began circling in her mind.

“Roldigan…? Roldi… ROLDIGAN? Where is he!?” Lykhara demanded, coming to a realization it was not all just a dream. The maid just squeezed her hand.

“Hush, child. He was executed as he refused to lift his spell off of you. He even dared deny it…” she said soothingly. Lykhara almost felt as though she were falling, though she could feel her mattress beneath her.

“Executed?” she exclaimed. How could they execute Roldigan? She knew no spell was cast on her. She knew the only target of his casting was Draegus. Draegus, who she never will see or hear his gentle, cold voice again.

“Yes you have no need to worry. I’ll go tell the King you are well and then get you some food…” the maid said. She rose and gave Lykhara a bow and slipped out of the room. Lykhara hugged herself, choking back tears. Everyone was gone. Her father, Roldigan, and Draegus were gone forever. There were no answers left for her.

Lykhara sat up suddenly. She got to her feet, throwing on a robe and crept out of her room. She headed for Roldigan’s old room. Sure enough there were sentries there.

“Lady Lykhara! You are awake!” they exclaimed, giving her a very subtle bow. She nodded to them, holding her robe shut with one hand.

“Do you know what happened to Roldigan’s belongings after his execution? There was something I meant to question him about his dealing with dragons,” Lykhara said. The men shook they’re heads.

“Sorry, m’lady, Lokkingan took most of that fraud’s possessions. But if you wish to see what was left behind, go ahead. Just don’t tell anyone we let you in…” they said, having been given strict orders not to let anyone enter. Lykhara smiled, having always gained favor with the sentries. She slipped in. The room was almost entirely bare. Nonetheless she searched every nook and cranny. Finally, she found what she was looking for. Roldigan’s journal. Pleased she slipped out, thanked the sentries and ran back to her room before a servant with food arrived.

Lykhara read through Roldigan’s journal. She spent many hours reading and seldom saw anyone. She was drawn into his journal about the truth about dragons. She learned about Draegus and his family whom Roldigan promised to protect. They did not wish to leave their home and wished not to be a part of the blood shed. Many entries talking of the kindness and gentleness of the Draegus’ mother who found him wounded. Taking pity on the helpless man she took him in and licked his wounds clean. He in turn swore to use his magic to protect these dragons. However, her father Hureth was lead to them by this Lokkingan who wanted nothing more than to bathe in dragon’s blood to gain immortality. She felt hurt that her father was used like that, but more hurt that all her life she’d hated such gentle creatures. Lykhara felt herself being further lost in the truth, and though it hurt her, she always continued searching.

The death of the only person she could turn to for answers, and the transformation and absence of Draegus crushed her. Lykhara fell into a dark mood. She knew now, that the slaughter of dragons was unjust. Like people, not all of them were the same. The impact of this bitter truth caused Lykhara to flee into the mountains. She wanted to find any dragons that may still be there and make peace, like Roldigan did. All she wanted was to correct the wrongs her father encouraged her to follow. Correct all the wrongs her King committed. More than anything, Lykhara wanted to see Draegus again, even if he were now a dragon. She wanted him to know that she wasn’t one of them anymore and would never hurt him or his kind. Lykhara was never seen nor heard from again. Life went on in the Kingdom, and tales of the terrors and monstrosity of the dragon continued forth, perverting the majesty of once noble creatures.