The Endless Forest

Aluin shook his head in defeat and sighed. “I’m sorry about Eri. She has…a troubled past.”

“I see…” He said, trailing off. In truth, everything that had happened so far just added to his ever present anxiety.

No memories, kobolds that think I’m their new master, an elf that is clearly hiding something, and now another elf who absolutely hates me. What have I done to deserve any of this? What is even happening right now?

Unfortunately he didn’t know, and no information was brought to him. Worse still, that tugging sensation had come back. It begged and pleaded with him to get a move on, to go and discover whatever it wanted him to find.

Unable to stop it, he began to pick up his legs and move. In a weird way, this is much more preferable than having to dwell on all…this.

Aluin watched him quietly, as he began to climb the steps. The elf only spoke up as he began to pass him.

“What you are looking for is on the writing desk. First room on the right.”

He nodded, finding it was the only thing he could do at that moment.

Entering into the manor, he found the elf’s instructions unnecessary. The compulsion he was feeling drove him right to the desk, and before he knew it, he was staring down at a sealed letter.

Picking it up, he had only a moment to note the wax seal was in the shape of a dragon’s head. There was no time to ponder it, though, because the urge to open it took over. In a quick swipe, he did just that.

With the letter opened, he unfolded it and began to read.

Dear Felix,

I know you are confused, scared, and most likely angry. I know your memories are gone, and I know you have no idea who I am. But I feel I should tell you, that you once sacrificed your life for all of us to live, and it is now time I pay you back.

In the Master’s chambers, there is my journal. In it, is everything I could recall about the time before the forest. However, I have sealed it with magic and have instructed Aluin and the other Sages not to inform you about what happened. Not until you are ready.

Still, I beg of you to not go seeking the past. Let it stay forgotten, please.

I wish I could meet you one last time, to see your face. But alas, it is too late. My time and reign as the Dragon Queen is coming to an end. I must use what little is left of my life to bring you back.

Regrettably, I must leave you with a request, a plea. The world is a dangerous place, and we, dragons, have given everything we could to keep the forest safe. It has cost us dearly, and now we are left with too many orphaned eggs.

Please, bring my people back from the brink of extinction. Protect them, guide them, and let us finally rebuild.

I’ll miss you.

I love you.

Sincerely,

Fea Scaleheart, The Last Dragon Queen

He– No, Felix, blinked. His vision blurred, the letter was suddenly no longer in his hands. Staring at them, he felt something wet streak down his face. Guilt and sorrow hit him right in the gut, his knees gave out and he found himself sitting on them.

I-I can’t… Not a-any longer! A rush of emotions barreled through him, raging and swirling like a storm. Everything that he desperately tried to bottle up, all the confusion, the desperation…

”I JUST WANT MY MEMORIES BACK!” He yelled at the top of his lungs. “I WANT TO REMEMBER! I WANT TO KNOW!” He buried his head into his hands.

He cried for his lost memories.

He grieved for the woman he no longer remembered.

He lost control.

A hand touched his shoulder, but it was too late. He was already delving deep into his own mind, desperately searching for something, anything that he could cling on to.

Felix…

There! He had heard something, it was faint and far away. He dove towards it.

Felix.

It was closer now and sounded just as pained as he felt.

Felix!

It was right in front of him, he just need to reach out and–

“Felix! Listen to me! You need to wake up!”

His eyes shot open as he gasped for air. A deafening crash sounded as furniture fell to the ground around him. Startled, he quickly sat up and surveyed the room.

It was a complete disaster. Furniture laid in a pile a few feet away, completely mangled. Torn sheets of cloth, broken wood and glass, littered the floor. The desk he was next to was nothing but splinters and twisted metal.

Aluin was kneeling beside him, supporting him with a hand.

Seeing the elf, Felix stammered out a response. “D-did I– I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to–I don’t know what happened!”

“Easy now,” the elf said, patting his back. “You’re still on a mana high, you need to take deep breaths and try and calm down.”

Listening to him, Felix took a deep breath before slowly releasing it. Already, he could feel the rush of…something in him dying down. That is, until his eyes landed onto a crumpled piece of paper.

“No!” He dove for it, and pried it from the debris that partially covered it.

Shakely, he began to smooth it out, praying that it hadn’t been damaged too badly. Only then, did he breathe a sigh of relief as it looked relatively unharmed. With it safely in his hands, he carefully folded it up and slipped it into a pocket.

“I’m so sorry… I don’t know how this could have happened.” He said, looking back to the elf.

“Mana high, that’s what happened.” Aluin said, standing back up. “But don’t worry, everything here is enchanted. It will only take a moment to fix it all.”

Getting back onto his own feet, he asked, “Mana high?”

“Yes, it’s when someone’s emotions get so volatile that it starts to mix with their mana.” Aluin gestured to the room. “Usually it’s rather explosive, we’re lucky that wasn’t the case here.”

“M-mana? I-I have mana? Does that mean I can use magic?” Again, the knowledge was ‘given’ to him, though it was a rather basic understanding.

“Indeed, though I would ask that you refrain from using it. At least until I can properly teach you how to manage it.”

“I see… Uh, I’ll look forward to your teachings.” Felix said, feeling sheepish until what Aluin said caught up with him. “Wait, how will any of this be easy to fix?”

“It’ll probably be easier to show you instead of explaining it.” The elf gestured towards the doorway, “Please wait outside. You can safely watch from there.”

Curious, he did as instructed and waited just outside the room. “Alright, then… I guess I’m ready,” he said, not sure what to expect.

Actually, this could be pretty interesting– He immediately felt terrible, realizing this whole situation was his fault. I’m making him clean up this mess, not to mention I just barged in here… I’m a terrible guest.

He pondered that thought for a moment. Maybe this is why Eri hates humans…or specifically me? I wish I had my memories…

Aluin said something, but he missed it.

“Huh? Sorry, what did you say?” He asked, forcefully pulling himself from his thoughts.

The elf gave a smirk. “I said, don’t blink.” With that, he snapped his fingers and instantly, he and the room became a blur.

Felix stumbled backwards as a rush of energy and wind buffeted him. He threw his hands up in front of his face and squinted. But it was too late, the rush of power ended as soon as it began.

Slowly bringing his hands back down, he found the room in perfect condition. In the center, Aluin was standing there looking quite pleased. Meanwhile, Felix just stood there, jaw hanging open.

“Wha…” It was all he could say.

“I told you, don’t blink.”

He snapped himself out of his daze and slowly reentered the room. “Wow. That was–”

“Intense? Sorry about that,” Aluin covered his mouth and coughed. “I must admit, I sometimes forget how my magic affects others.”

“What do you mean?” He asked, closely studying the room. Now that I think about it, I don’t even remember what it looked like before…

To the left of the doorway, in the corner, was a fireplace surrounded by a couch and a couple of chairs. A red rug with golden embroidery laid underneath a small table that sat in the middle.

The opposite wall from him had a large cabinet with the writing desk to its right. Windows covered the entire right side of the wall, including next to the desk.

Sitting room…

Aluin spoke. “I’m a Sage, I spend a large part of my time studying and training in magic.”

“I thought a Sage would spend most of their time being…” He looked for the word before it was given to him. “Philosophical.”

The elf winced and looked away. “That was…a long time ago. Now, we Sages must be prepared. Still, back then I spent my time pondering the future, trying to come up with solutions. Even now, I find myself doing that. But I’ve become more...present.”

Felix wanted to ask him to elaborate, but Aluin decided to change the subject.

“It’s started to get late, but…” He looked out of one of the windows. “I think we have enough time to see the hatchery.”

“Hatchery?” Felix asked, confused, before it dawned on him. “Dragon eggs?!”

“Indeed,” Aluin said.

He felt his emotions get swept up by excitement, however, before he could get carried away, he remembered the kobolds. Where are they? Weren’t they heading this direction? They should’ve been here by now, I hope they’re okay…

He would soon find out…

Aluin led him back out into the hall, just on the opposite side from the sitting room was the– Library. He didn’t get a good look, but from what he saw, there were shelves upon shelves filled with books.

In the hall, was a staircase on the right that went up to the second story. They passed it, with Aluin only saying that’s where the bedrooms were.

They continued down, passing by two more rooms. The one on the left was clearly a dining room, with a dark wooden table and matching chairs. It looked like someone had already set it, as there were three plates with silverware for each.

On the right, was a rather large room filled with couches, chairs, and sofas. It also was unique in that it actually had decorations, though they passed by it too quickly for him to study them.

Drawing room…

Finally, they arrived at a closed door. Felix could hear the sound of metal clinking, but before he could guess what was going on, Aluin opened the door.

They stepped into the kitchen, and found Eri hard at work mixing something in a large metal pot. Fire leapt up from underneath, yet it produced no sound. The elven woman didn’t seem fazed to be standing above it.

Magical fire? He wanted to go over and inspect it, but as they walked in he received an icy glare from the elven woman. M-maybe later…

“Oh good, you’ve already started on dinner. Thank you kindly, Eri.” Aluin gave a polite nod before continuing. “I was going to show Felix the hatchery, we shouldn’t be gone long.”

She stopped stirring and whipped around to properly face them. “Master,” she said icily. “Why him?”

And suddenly it feels like there is a real raging fire in here… He carefully backed away.

“Eri, I’ve already told you. It was her decision, she had her reasons.”

“I know, but why?” It was clear she wasn’t going to back down.

Aluin let out a sigh and gave Felix an apologetic look before turning back to Eri.

“Eri… Felix and Fea– The Queen, they were in love.”

The elven woman went wide-eyed and dropped a large spoon she was holding. It clattered onto the ground.

The room went silent for several agonizing seconds. Even though he already knew that, Felix was left just as stunned as Eri. I guess that I just hadn’t fully processed that…

Aluin finally broke the silence. “Come, Felix.” With that, the elf made his way to a second door.

Felix came to his senses and quickly followed after the elf. He did everything he could to avoid looking up to the woman, preferring to keep his head down. Still, he could feel her watchful eyes on him as the door opened and they stepped outside.

“I’m terribly sorry about that,” the elf said as he closed the door. “I…Shouldn’t have said anything. I’m supposed to be better than this, it's why I am a Sage. But things are too different now…”

Felix tried to think of something to say, but his head just felt empty. Hah, ironic…

A familiar voice called out to him. “Master!”

He shook his head, trying to get it working again and looked up. Approaching, rather quickly, was Uzreg.

“Master!” The old gray kobold came to a stop near them and struggled into a bow.

Felix watched him curiously as he greeted the kobold. “H-hello Uzreg, what’s got you– Oh, right…”

Uzreg slowly stood up, and tilted his head. “What Master mean? Uzreg come tell Master that kobold set camp.”

Huh?

“Uh, what do you mean you set camp…” Felix trailed off as he only now properly looked out past the kobold.

A large open area made up the ‘backyard,’ the trees of the forest had clearly been culled back. However, while the field was barren, there were, in fact, several smaller buildings scattered around.

Sheds, for storage…

Closer to them, but still a good hundred yards away, was a larger structure. Two massive wooden doors faced them, while the rest of the structure looked like it was built from cobblestone.

“The hatchery…” He muttered to himself.

He didn’t stare too long, as it became hard to miss the ‘camp’ being set up further into the field. Kobolds of all kinds worked together, setting up tents, building fire pits, and corralling various animals, of which some were bigger than them.

Kinda makes for a humorous sight… He thought, as one boar headbutted one of them, sending them flying. Felix winced, but watched as the poor kobold got back up and pounced onto the furious pig.

I have to admit though, they apparently work fast… He cleared his throat, trying desperately to regain his composure.

“Well…done?”

Uzreg beamed, something that was actually kinda creepy. “Kobold must serve Master… Old Master no let kobold near. Uzreg like new Master, kobold like new Master.”

Felix turned to Aluin with a desperate look.

“The Queen never allowed the kobolds to set up near the manor for,” he nodded towards the hatchery, “obvious reasons.”

He gulped before leaning over to whisper to the elf. “Should I get them to leave?”

“Not my decision,” Aluin shrugged.

“Huh? Wait, what do you mean by that? Isn’t this your home?”

“Hmm? It’s not my home…”

Felix looked baffled. “It isn’t? Then whose is it?”

Aluin tried to remain stoic, but an amused smile managed to break through his facade.

“Yours.”

“What?” Felix asked, not registering what the elf just said.

Uzreg chose this moment to speak up. “Master home.”

Again, he stood there slack jawed. My…home? Wait a second, was this Fea’s home? His eyes widened and he quickly pulled out the note. Reading it again, he realized what he missed.

‘In the Master’s chambers, there is my journal.’

I’m such an idiot! Why would her journal be here if this wasn’t her home?! He couldn’t help it, he facepalmed. Aluin and Uzreg looked at him with concern, but he ignored them.

He took a deep breath and calmed down. Still, that doesn’t make it mine… He groaned internally before speaking up again.

“This isn’t my home, it’s Fea– The Queen's home. I’m just a guest…” Honestly, it doesn’t feel right. I can’t remember her, no matter how much it pains me. It's just not right.

Aluin actually looked somber, meanwhile Uzreg was clearly struggling with the logic.

“Felix… She wanted you to have it. I helped her in her final days.” The elf pointed to the letter. “I even helped her write that.”

“Wha…” He shook his head. “No, it doesn’t matter. This isn’t my home, it belongs to her. If I have too, I will take care of it in her stead…but it isn't mine.”

Felix put the letter back up as he felt a curious stare from Aluin. A quick glance to Uzreg told him that the kobold had no clue what was going on.

He let out a sigh. “Can we just go see this hatchery?”

“Hmm? Oh, certainly.” The elf began walking, leading their tiny procession.

Waiting a few moments, he began to follow a few feet behind. Meanwhile, Uzreg took this opportunity to join them.

“Master hatch eggs?” The kobold asked, clearly trying to mask his excitement.

Still dwelling on what Aluin had said, it took Felix a few moments to respond. “Probably not… I don’t know anything about hatching or raising dragons.”

“Kobold know. Kobold instinct to raise eggs.”

“There is some truth in that,” Aluin commented. “Back before–” The elf cut himself off. “There are records from long ago that said how kobolds would sometimes steal a dragon egg. Apparently, if they lose their…Master they can become rather manic.”

“Does Master want kobold become m-man-ic?” The old gray kobold asked, doing his best to enunciate ‘manic.’

Do you even know what that word means? He let a small smile cross his face. But she did want me to do this, to bring back the dragons…

“We shouldn’t rush this. I need to learn about them.” He said.

Uzreg didn’t say anything, instead the kobold was staring up at the hatchery.

“We’re here,” Aluin said with a little excitement in his own voice. “Now, all you have to do is walk up and touch the doors. Should open up.”

I want to ask, but at this point I’m just going to have to go with it…

Stepping past the elf, Felix came in front of the dark wooden doors. Putting his hands on both, he could immediately feel powerful magic radiating out from them.

They reacted to him almost instantly and began to slide apart slowly. Nervously, he stepped back and waited. Already, he could just peak through the crack and see inside.

His curiosity was not disappointed.

As the doors opened more and more, Felix gasped at the sight. The first thing he noticed was the ceiling– Or rather, the lack thereof. Instead, a bright blue sky hung above. For a brief moment, he thought it was real until he saw a slight shimmer of light that rippled across it.

A surge of energy rushed through him causing him to blink. He hadn’t realized he’d crossed over the threshold and was now inside. He brought his gaze downwards and took in the rest of the room.

Dozens of dens, or small rooms, lined the surprisingly large walls. In fact, the walls themselves seemed to fade into the sky. But that wasn’t all, murals, painted in exquisite detail, lined them and looked to be telling a story. He wasn’t sure what the story was about, but it definitely had to do with dragons…

The dens were mostly constructed out of stone and stood at least twenty feet high. The stones that made up their construction were carved to look like scales, like those of a massive dragon.

He stopped before one and stared inside. There, lying on a mountain of cloth, leather, and padding, was an egg. It was nearly two feet tall and half that wide, its colors were a swirl of a brilliant amethyst purple and a deep obsidian black.

“Incredible,” He gasped out, forgetting that he had to breathe.

“Isn’t it?” Aluin said from somewhere behind him. The elf did not bother to hide the amusement in his voice. “This isn’t even all of them, there are even more lying…somewhere.”

“How many are in here?”

“Hmm? I’m not entirely sure. I do know the Queen had made a tally, but she never told anyone. I know there are roughly four or five hundred in all. Though, there might be more.”

That many?! Where could they even possibly be stored?!

“Master! Can Uzreg come in?” The kobold asked, standing in front of the door. He sounded surprisingly nervous.

Felix was only half listening, still taking in the wonderment of the place. “I guess so–”

Before he could finish speaking, the ancient kobold sped past him.

Aluin cleared his throat. “That was a bad idea.”

Turning to face the elf, Felix gave him a confused look.

“No one is allowed in here without permission, especially kobolds, there’s even enchantments to prevent them from entering.” Aluin paused, as if waiting for him to figure something out. When he didn’t, the elf continued. “Remember what I said about kobolds stealing eggs?”

“Yeah?” Felix said, unsure where this was going.

Aluin shook his head, and gestured. “Look around you, where do you think we are?”

He pondered it for a moment before his eyes slowly grew with realization.

Oh… “Oh…”

Oh no, no, no… “Oh no, no, no…”

Aluin smiled, dropping his arms. “He’s not going to leave here without an egg.”

Shit!