บท 3: Chapter 3

Lyra took her time getting to the door. Ty was leaned up against the wall opposite from her door looking at the ground. He looked up once Lyra opened the door. His deep green eyes locking onto hers.

"Hello, Lyra." Ty said.

Lyra gave him a small smile And nodded, "Ty. Lead the way."

Ty returned the smile and pushed himself off the wall. He lead the way down the hallway.

"You are now in Ventera. It is our new headquarters since we moved from Luxium. Which is near the City of Light. This actual building was built about a five thousand years ago by the elves. You will remain here until your training is completed, after that you may leave for trips but," Ty stopped and turned to face her, looking right into her eyes, "This will always remain your home," He turned back around and continued walking down the hall, "Unless of course you get banished, but that is most unlikely." He said with a hint of sarcasm. Lyra could tell he was smiling.

Ty stopped at a door, "This is my room, you probably remember what it looks like. If you opened your window and looked to your left, you'd see mine. Nice huh." He finished with a wink. Lyra took a mental note to not change by the window. Ever.

"What is to the left of my room,Ty?" Lyra asked, trying to change the subject.

"We will get there, hold your horses." Ty replied, sounding slightly annoyed.

Ty turned and continued going right. The hallway curved and continued to a larger room. The wall to the right of them opened to a large balcony, which Lyra assumed was for dragons to land and take off. Ty turned and walked out onto the balcony.

"This is the Drakereach. Where all of the dragons can land to drop off their riders. If you look up, you will see where the dragons sleep."

Lyra looked up and realized she had seen this place before. From Cedric's memory. Lyra walked out to the edge of the balcony. There was no railing or barrier that protected her from falling. She hadn't realized how high up she was. The balcony had to be at least 20 floors up and the building was already built on a cliff. It was magnificent. Plains stretched out all around the stone structure. She could see for miles on miles. She could understand why this was a prime place for a hold. Any armies could be seen days away and the building was well protected by the hill it was built on. Lyra stood there for a couple more minutes, just allowing her mind to take it all in and then turned around, ready to be lead around again. Ty was sitting on the ground, leaning on his hands with his legs crossed, watching her and the surroundings.

"Ready?" He asked, as he jumped up.

Lyra smiled a little and motioned with her hand to lead on. Ty lead her to the kitchen, mess hall, library and showed her where Cedric's study was. He then showed her the gardens. They were beautiful. They were on top of the tower above the dragon's nest. How they both got there amazed Lyra almost as much as the gardens themselves. The elves had built a contraption of some sort that Ty called a elevator. It operated in the middle of the tower, which they called The Hollow. The middle of the tower was hollow all the way to the top, hence the name. Stairs spiraled to the top but the elevator was there too. The hallowed tower was large enough for a couple of dragons to fly all the way to the top. The elevator was round and filled the towers hollow area but it too had a large hole in the middle, allowing a dragon to pass through while it was moving or remaining in one place. A fence was placed along the inside of the elevator so that no poor soul fell off it as it moved. How the elevator worked, Lyra did not know. It had no pulleys or gears, it just rose up or went down. Ty lastly would bring her to the training grounds. They did not take the elevator this time. Ty took her to the dragons nesting area where he introduced her to his dragon. The dragon was a male.

"Lyra, this is Tharos. He has been anxious to meet you." Ty said, gesturing to the green dragon.

Lyra smiled, bowed slightly and reached out her mind.

"Hello Tharos, it is a honor to meet you."

"It is an honor to meet you too, Lyra the elf." Tharos responded.

Lyra looked back at Ty. His face displayed that he was confused.

"You hear and talk to my dragon through the mind too? How?"

Lyra shrugged, "I do not know. You cannot with all dragons? Cedric did not seem confused when I spoke to Terrus. Maybe it is because I am an elf. I don't know… So many things are a mystery to me." Lyra looked down, her voice getting quieter, "That's what happens when you are the last of your race."

Lyra could tell that Ty knew he upset her. He looked at her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Lyra. You won't be and aren't alone anymore." He looked at her more intensity, forcing her to look him in the eyes, "There are more elves out there, you must believe that. Also, once you become a dragonwoman, we dragonmen will all become your family. You won't just be Lyra the elf, for you will also be Lyra the dragonwoman. You will not be alone."

Lyra smiled a little and leaned her forehead on his chest. She then pulled away.

"Thank you,Ty." Lyra said, "Shall we be off to the training grounds?" A weak smile grew across her face.

Ty grinned and said, "Of course!"

Ty placed a saddle on Tharos and made sure all the straps were secure. Once he seemed satisfied, he climbed up and then reached out to Lyra. Lyra grabbed his arm and he hoisted her up as if she weighed nothing.

"I'm sorry but you'll just have to put your arms around me if you don't want to fall off." Ty said, with a daring tone.

Lyra rolled her eyes and placed her arms around Ty's waist. Tharos then unfurled his wings and leapt off the dragon nest's platform. Lyra gasped and tightened her grip around Ty. He let out a laugh and put his hand over hers. Tharos started to glide down to the base of the tower. Lyra looked out around her, watching the floors pass by her. She saw people going around their normal life, not realizing that the last elf was gliding down right beside them.

"I wonder if I will ever meet all of them… I cannot even imagine remembering all of their names." Lyra thought to herself.

Tharos finally reached the ground. Ty jumped off and reached out his arms, offering to help her down. Lyra laughed and jumped down on her own. Lyra flipped her hair out of her face and smiled at Ty. He grinned back at her and started to lead the way to the training grounds.

"So, I will be showing you the basic forms of swordplay today. You will be using a practice sword which won't be as nice as your stolen sword but it will do." Ty informed her.

"Where is your sword? Technically, I stole it from someone who stole it, so negatives cancel out negatives. I also treated it better and loved it more than that merchant ever could, it was better off with me." Lyra replied defensively.

"Hey, take no offense, I was just informing you about today. My sword is in my saddle bag with Tharos. I tend to keep it there a lot." Ty responded, looking back at her.

Ty led her through a main tunnel that led under the cliff the tower sat on. The tunnel widened to a large courtyard, open so the training men's dragons could land and train with them. Everything in this tower completely amazed her and she knew Ty knew it and that he was enjoying it. Ty showed Lyra where the practice swords were. They were all very similar. Same in length and double sided blades. Only one or two were different. One was almost as long as Lyra body and another one's blade was as very thin.

The biggest blade intrigued her. Maybe after mastering a regular blade, she would attempt wielding the largest. Lyra picked up one of the smaller blades, passing it from hand to hand. She put it back and grabbed a slightly longer one. Satisfied with the weight. She turned to Ty and found him leaning on his practice sword. Attempting to look like he hadn't just been watching her.

She walked towards him and said, "Are you ready?"

He looked at her with a devilish grin. "Are you ready?"

Lyra rolled her eyes and knocked his sword out from under him with hers, cracking a smile when he fell. He stumbled his way up and lunged at Lyra. She parried his sword aside and cut at his legs. Before she knew it, his sword was next to her neck. She scowled at his smug smile.

"Are you actually going to teach me or mock me?" Lyra said cooly, pushing the blade away with her hand.

"Aye, if you are ready to begin." Ty retorted.

"Where is Cedric? He said he would meet us here." Lyra asked, getting annoyed.

"I am right here." Lyra heard coming from behind her. Cedric strolled up from the practice fields. "I've been here since I left your room. Sorry I did not come looking for you sooner. Ty, why don't you take Lyra over to the 3rd training field. It is less crowded and there are plenty of training exercises you can start drilling. I would recommend retiring in about two hours so that you both can eat and rest up for tomorrow." Cedric looked at both Lyra then Ty and then continued, "I must be off. Ty, remember, you are her teacher. Do not fool around. Lyra, humor him, you are his first trainee. I will see you both tomorrow."

Lyra sighed and looked at Ty. He stuck his tongue out at her and directed her to the 3rd field. He set Lyra up in an empty part of the field.

"Now, show me how you hold your sword." Ty said, as he took his place in front of her.

Lyra shifted her stance and held her sword in the way she felt most comfortable, letting it balance easily. Ty started to walk around her, judging her stance.

"Not bad, just remember to keep your legs a good distance apart so you remain grounded to the ground."

Ty showed her a couple of forms and had her repeat them over and over. After she felt she could remember them well, Ty dueled her again. The match lasted longer than the first but it ended in the same way. Daryn drilled her on similar forms and continued to duel her after each forms were complete. The two hours flew by for Lyra. She could barely believe it when Ty called for them to stop.

"Are you ready to eat?" Ty asked after they put their practice swords away.

Lyra then realized she was starving. She nodded and let Ty lead her to the kitchen. They both opted to take the elevator because they were both tired out from the training. Lyra smiled when she realized that Ty looked more worn than her.

Must be the elf thing. I seem to be more athletic, have better reflexes and strength than most humans.

Lyra sat with Ty for dinner and he walked with her to her room.

"Goodnight Ty, thank you for the tour and the training. I know you were sort of forced into it but I mostly enjoyed the day." Lyra started as they reached her door.

Ty nodded and smiled a little. "You were good company too. I was not forced, I could have said no. If you need anything, I'm right down the hall."

He started down the hallway and then stopped and turned around.

"By the way, that one night you appeared in my room, one of the best surprises in my life. You may want to forget it but I don't and won't. I'm glad I got to finally meet you and have a chance you get to know you more. I had a really great day today. I look forward to you being in my life" he said, adding on something a little quieter, "Even if it's just as fellow dragon men."

He turned back around a walked to his door. He did not wait for a reply. Lyra entered her room and closed her eyes. An image flashed in her mind. She couldn't interpret it in time before it disappeared. She shook her head and walked to her wardrobe. She grabbed some night clothes and went and took a bath, longer than she had originally planned but she needed it. She reflected on what Ty had said. She didn't know what to think. Once Lyra finished bathing. She got dressed and got into bed, Ty still on her mind.

"He is 22 years older than me. It's not possible he could like me… and he barely knows me. How do I feel about him. I did kiss him… he is attractive and he seems like a good man. I wonder what will happen." Lyra thought to herself.

Her thoughts slowed and she drifted off into a deep sleep. Her dreams were full of confusion.

Lyra woke up to a knock on her door.

"Hey, you awake yet?"

It was Ty's voice. Lyra sighed and rolled out of bed. She glanced at her time tracker. It was about six in the morning. She knocked on the door once informing she was up and then she got dressed, combed out her hair and pulled it into a half up, half down style. Once her shoes were on, she walked to the door and opened it up. Ty was leaning on the wall next to her door. He pushed himself off it once the door opened and started to lead the way to the mess hall.

"Ty." Lyra started.

Ty just waved his hand, silencing her.

"We are just working on swordwork today. It will be longer and harder than yesterday. So, we both must eat a good breakfast. We will stop for a 2 hour break around midday. We can get lunch then and then we will continue practicing till dinner. We will have 10 minute breaks between each hour." Ty informed her. He then remained silent for the rest of the walk to the mess hall. Once they reached the mess hall, Ty continued to remain silent. They sat down with their food. Lyra looked at Ty and noticed he was obviously avoiding eye contact. She started to get irritated.

"Ty, what is the matter?" Lyra asked impatiently.

He looked up and shrugged. "Nothing's wrong." When he looked up, he didn't completely look her in the eye.

"Obviously there is something wrong. What did I do? This isn't going to affect my training, right?" Lyra said.

This time, he looked her right in the eyes. "Your training. Ha, no. You did nothing. Nothing you have to worry about." He replied bitterly and then went back to eating.

"Is this about what you said yesterday?" Lyra asked quietly.

Ty looked her in the eyes, then looked back down and refused to answer. She knew from what she saw in his eye. She had been correct.

"I'm only 19 years old… doesn't that bother you?"

Ty gave her a confused look then just moved some food around on his plate and still refused to answer. They ate the rest of breakfast in silence.

They reached the training grounds by means of the elevator. After finding their practice swords, Ty set Lyra up on a different field than the day before. He spent about twenty minutes reviewing the forms he had taught her before and then began drilling her on new material. The first break came sooner than Lyra expected. She sat down and stretched. She was already getting sore and it had only been an hour. She knew her ten minute break was coming to an end and got up and got a drink of water. By the time she got back. Ty stood, waiting for her. Lyra tired much faster than she liked. It was just about time for the lunch break and she was exhausted. Lyra stumbled as Ty dueled her. He took her weakness as an advantage and taped her on the ribs, then knocked her off her feet.

"Too slow. You are an elf, am I correct? You should be faster, have more endurance. Faster next time."

Lyra got up, frustrated by Ty's impatience. She raised her sword and attacked. Ty managed to touch her three more times. Each time, heightening Lyra's frustration and anger. He hit her calf once more and she erupted with anger. Something awoke in her. She let out a shout and pressed harder and harder. She could see that Ty had seen the change as well. In less than ten seconds. Lyra stood with her sword resting next to Ty's neck. A smile slowly appeared on his face.

"Lunch time." He said.

A second later, a bell rang, confirming his statement. Lyra rolled her eyes and dropped her sword, and left for the mess hall. She got her lunch and considered going to her room. Instead, she walked out to the Drakereach. It was beautiful out and the steady warm breeze calmed her mind. She set her lunch in a sunny spot on the balcony. Once she was finished, she sat at the edge of the large balcony, allowing her legs to hang off of the edge. She heard a bell ring in the distance. She knew she had about thirty minutes left.

I do not want to go back. Ty's been so brutal. I know he is hurting but I do not know what to do.

She heard footsteps approaching and she knew who it was. Ty sat down next to her. They sat there for a few minutes silently until Ty broke the silence.

"I didn't know where you went. I'm sorry I upset you." Ty said quietly.

Lyra sat in silence for a few minutes and then responded.

"I'm just… confused. I am only 19 years old." Lyra whispered.

"And I am only 21." He said, looking at her.

Lyra turned her head quickly, locking eyes with him.

"Cedric said you were 41. You were 21 when you became a Dragonman. That is why you can teach me." Lyra responded quickly.

Ty looked back to the plains ahead of them, a thoughtful look on his face.

"I am not 41, I do not know why he told you that. I was 11 when I became a Dragonman, the youngest recorded. I had been abandoned when I was a child, left at the Dragonmen's hold by someone unknown. I have been a Dragonman for only ten years but I have trained for closer to eighteen. Cedric can choose anyone to train someone if he believes he is ready, there is no age requirement."

Lyra looked out to the plains as well and let everything Ty said sink in. She then looked back at Ty and studied him closely. His blonde short hair followed the winds movements. She also noticed his ears were scarred, as if cut to be made round.

"Ty, are you completely human?"

He looked at her and shook his head. A small smile formed on his face.

"You… You are partly an elf?" Lyra asked, her eyes growing wider. Ty looked back at the plains and shook his head.

"I am fully an elf, like yourself." He responded.

Lyra placed her hand over her mouth and could feel emotions coming over her.

"Oh my gosh." She looked at him again and then leapt up and ran to her room.

Once she was in her room. She ran and jumped in her bed, allowing the door to close itself. Lyra could not believe what Ty had just told her. She wasn't the last elf. If he was here, there must be others. Tears started pouring from her eyes and she wept. Lyra heard a knock on her door and then footsteps approaching her bed. She looked up to see Ty looking down on her, obviously wanting to comfort her. She covered her face with her blanket and kept crying. She felt the bed shift as Ty sat down and she then felt him combing through her hair with his fingers.

"I'm sorry I upset you again. I… I really didn't mean to. You have understand, that is also why I was and am so attracted to you. When I found out you existed, I was so happy. I thought I was the last of our race. You're not alone, not anymore."

Lyra moved towards him and pulled him to her, wanting him to embrace her and never, ever, leave her.