United Dragons

by Calista Lambrechts

  “It was the only way I could get your attention! We… We need to talk.” Momentarily I sounded like a parent ready to discuss something big and extremely important with their child.

  “If this is about my income taxes…”

  “No, no!” I denied rapidly, “This has nothing to do with income taxes.”

  For a moment there was only silence as Gravis raised an eyebrow, finally asking, “How can you understand me?”

  I was caught up in the moment.

  “Why do all you dragons have such profound lives?”

  That really was a good question! For instance Marinius’ wife is off on political business and she’s a dragon! Now you want to tell me that dragons have economical and possible financial problems? I waited for an answer, but Gravis killed me with that narrowed eye look of his. Those emerald green eyes of his stared right through my soul and beat me. I sighed.

  “Drachem.”

  “About time!” Gravis pulled his head up.

  “What do you mean ‘About time’?”

  “You haven’t gone completely unnoticed trying to gather our fire. Dragons talk. Dragons gossip, though we don’t get together much these days. There are these rumblings you know… Rumblings in the mountains, in the void, the sea… Catch my point?”

  “You gossip by listening to hungry stomachs,” I guessed completely monotonous.

  “What? No! No! Absolutely not! My. My. This went wrong so fast! Never the worry, care to open a jar?”

  First I thought he meant beer or wine, but I soon realized what he really meant in just a matter of seconds.

  “Sure, here.”

  I dug into my satchel and opened the jar. With a single blow Gravis blew his fire into the jar. It looked like swirling earth when I studied the glass jar up close.

  “Hey, thanks!”

  “You better use it well and I hope to goodness you know what you’re doing.”

  “Relax. I have this under control… kind of.”

  “Oi, you’re giving me a massive headache, aren’t you?”

  I didn’t quite know how to reply. My words were stuck in the back of my throat.

  I merely gave Gravis a moment’s silence and a nonchalant stare before he found it wise to send me off.

  “Go, go. I have an entire book left unfinished. Better pop up a bottle of whiskey and light the hearth…” His voice trailed off as he turned around to go deeper into his cave. The last thing I saw was a swinging tail dragging off into the dark. I smiled and turned around to go, but Gravis stopped me as he reappeared from the vegetation.

  “Oh, and do be careful with those traps the Mesoamericans set up! I would hate to see the walls painted red. It will ruin the superb décor completely!”

  “Mesoamericans? Come again?” I said with a raised eyebrow.

  “The former and first inhabitants and builders of this temple before some bloke pulled the wrong lever and sent them all disappearing through a portal to another dimension. I tried to warn them, but they just wouldn’t listen.”

  “Thanks for the warning all the same.”

  “You should think of reading more books. It can only be good for the old noggin. Now… Where did I put that bottle?”

  Yet again, his words trailed off as he swung around and walked away. My job was done here anyways. I decided to go back through the tunnel I had come from, but firstly I had to quickly recap the direction before stumbling off. Down the cave-like corridor I finally went before the loud cries of the wind burrowed in my ears once more.

  I took a deep breath and gave a grin. No rope arrow will help here. All I needed was pure elemental magic… and I knew exactly which power to use. Without warning I dove right into the wind tunnel before pushing both my hands down to bend the air to my will and act as a quick boost upwards. I shot myself upwards before landing on one of the many platforms. Off I jumped and up I shot once again and so it went on at an incredible speed. It was most probably some of the most fun I have ever had in all my life!

  This method took me all the way to another edge. I started making my way down a different slope as before, but the sudden sight of Brendwinian soldiers caught my eye.

  I was caught by surprise. What are Brendwinian soldiers doing here? No doubt they must be after me. Perhaps even trying to stop me before I can get away with the last fire… Or, second last to be precise. I still had to find a way to get my hands on the Dragon of Life’s fire.

  Nevertheless, I was tempted to give these Brendwinian soldiers a good reason not to come back here ever again. This was my turf, and my element, not theirs…

  The moment they spotted me they tried to attack, but I was too fast for them. I jumped and shot a flood of water towards them. The flood washed across the earth and turned it even muddier and more slippery than before.

  The rest of the soldiers were washed away or slid off, but some still remained. I slid downwards and withdrew my crossbow while I was at it.

  I shot them one by one as I slid by before pushing myself into the air by use of the remains of a stone stair amongst the mud. Whilst in the air I aimed down and shot one in the head and air kicked the last one right before turning off into a different lane. That arrow cut through the man’s skin as though it were paper.

  That’s it. Time to name this valiant hero. This dragonbone crossbow. I dub thee – roll the drums – Cutter!

  I ran at the speed of lightning. The corridor was a bit darker than the last and its walls were fairly tall. Of course, like the rest of the temple, this corridor was made of cut stone. Only difference was that these walls had been painted with colourful pictures of strange men, women and possible gods like that feline-troll fella.

  Further down the corridor these paintings turned into carved images. I would absolutely love to stay and look at these paintings and ancient carvings for a little while longer – thought Terrowin would actually be the one to properly examine and study them more closely – but now wasn’t the time.

  I ran and ran until I realized that I had just made a gigantic mistake.

  The earth shook with immense force. Of course, I was shocked and froze in my tracks for the moment being, quickly looking behind me as I heard a large crash. My eyes widened at the sight of a massive and perfectly round boulder slowly starting to roll down the slope. I yelped and instantly started running, now for an even better reason.

  Maybe I was just a bit of a coward, but I didn’t fancy being crushed and run over. The boulder’s speed increased with every second until it came storming towards me. I, too, picked up the pace and ran as fast as my legs would allow me.

  Yet, of course, these so-called Mesoamericans were a bit more creative than this. The floor collapsed underneath my feet. Were it not for my quick reflexes and long distance jumps, numerous spikes would have pierced me.

  Another was your typical trap where arrows or something would shoot out on either sides of the wall. I went for it, because frankly, I had little choice at the matter.

  This was a one-way lane!

  Instead of random small arrows, these ancient people went full-on psycho and replaced arrows with obsidian spikes only a little bit bigger than thorns.

  I foresaw pain. A lot of pain, because it was an open secret that once they pierce your skin, they might go in deep and be nearly impossible to remove. We’re talking about pins and needles for a month!

  I ran and prepared myself for the oncoming trap. There were more than enough holes in the walls to rip me to shreds. I tried to think of a quick solution under the pressure of both the boulder and the obsidian thorns, alas the pressure left my mind blank and I approached the holes at the speed of lightning. All I could do was raise my arms to my head in order to protect myself, but my earthen magic kicked in and sent a wave of earthen rock to follow me and block off the thorns. I looked back and smiled in both awe and instant shock. That was… awesome!

  But it still didn’t stop the rolling rock. It crashed right through my masterpiece. At least, looking on the bright side,
I didn’t have to worry about thousands of tiny thorns pinching the hell out of me.

  Out front I could see a small twinkle of light. As it grew bigger I noticed it to be the exit of this goddamned tunnel. It led to the outside and I laughed with pure joy, because another minute of this and my legs would surely give out.

  It was only a matter of time before I leapt out of the large stone doorway and threw myself to the left. The last thing I saw was the boulder crashing through the doorway since it was too big to properly fit and flew off the cliff-like patio, taking the chunks of stone with it. It plunged into the water below. By now I was beyond exhausted.

  It looked as if I had reached the outside of the temple, but still not quite. The area was filled with complicated structures leading downwards towards yet another waterhole. The water seemed pretty deep and quite clear, but I couldn’t see what resided within since the waters were continuously rocked and disturbed by the waterfalls. The structures and walls of Garna surrounded this waterhole. Garna half-and-half enclosed this area. The only way out appeared to be through the water down below.

  I wasn’t scared to try and jump. It was a long fall, but worth it when I found myself underwater. I held my breath. There was an underwater tunnel up ahead through which the water flowed. There was a slight currant tugging at me.

  From here I could see the boulder clearly. I was directly above it. It appeared to be resting in a bed of earthen gravel and debris. I only had so much breath left and decided to make for the tunnel and off I went, swimming as fast as I could, being aided by the currant. The tunnel stretched quite the way, but it didn’t take me long before the currant died down and led me to a cave I was able to surface in.

  I gasped for air the moment I emerged from the water. The cave was pretty dark, but a slight glimmer of daylight broke through somewhere on my left-hand side. The cave was silent and echoed with the sound of dripping water.

  I pulled myself onto the rocky surface and tipped my chin in the direction of the shining light. It was the clear opening of the cave, overhung by foliage. I could see the break of daylight through that vegetated area.

  I smiled and made for the exit, exiting into the mildly warm air of the outside once again. Scouting the temple was great and all, but I was just as glad to be out again. Too much traps and skeletal bones, you know?

  Out here I could hear the waterfall once again. It fell nearby and I could feel the cool sprays of water caressing my skin. It was probably the best thing I felt in forever.

  Drops of water dripped off the dampened flora and the smell of wet earth hung in the air. The scenery never failed to impress.

  I journeyed a bit deeper into the forestry until my eyes caught sight of a big wooden carriage. A few Brendwinian soldiers stood around and enjoined in a bit of conversation whilst the coachman fed and combed the two horses.

  Another horse stood alone and ate some of that nice greenery. Crates and supplies stood about and a few other soldiers enjoyed themselves with some beer and meat. If anything, the term ‘off-guard’ would be the best word to describe this. After all, they just stood around and awaited the boss’ return before they would get going again.

  I sneaked closer and hid myself behind a rock, still rather wet. I could see Thomason lost in deep discussion with one of his men further away from here, though I wasn’t close enough to eavesdrop. To be frank, I would give anything to assassinate him right where he stood, but there were too many men to deal with. Perhaps next time… Not now.

  My plan? Hijack the straying horse.

  First of all, I knelt down to see if all my stuff was still alright. The map was drenched and close to tearing, but the jars were all fine. I twisted the water out of my hair and closed the satchel. I withdrew my dagger and sneaked even closer to the horse.

  It was a beautiful brown one. I took a deep breath and ran towards the horse. I jumped onto its back and cut the rope that bound it to a makeshift wooden pole.

  From there on I was graced with a new sense of freedom.

  Even though the men shouted and called out behind me in a fury, I was free and long gone.

  CHAPTER 37

  FORGOTTEN MISTS

  CARLAYLIN

  TO ME THE WORLD HAD turned to no more than grey. A gathering of thick clouds that tore and wept upon the earth blanketed the sky. The sun was blocked out completely and the trees were now no more than black silhouettes stretching out into the farthest reaches. The ground was layered in a thin blanket of haunting mist that crawled up the stems of the towering trees.

  The forest was silent – deeply silent. There was no sound but for the pair of hooves trampling the earth – the muddy earth of rock and gravel.

  The wind pushed against me as my horse speeded through the grey forest. The light rain pressed against my skin. It was nothing compared to the storm I had encountered earlier the day.

  Now was late evening.

  The storm had hit about an hour or two ago. And yes, my clothes were still quite damp.

  It was a smooth ride. I was in no hurry, but I knew it would be for the best if I reached my destination swiftly. I was eager to see Terrowin and my companions again. I could only think of the five valiant guardians of Elimor and my own little gang, consisting of that special little hermit grandfather of mine, my beloved Ramses, my most loyal and greatest apprentice, Justin, my brave and loved Terrowin and… Nemtris. Please do understand if I left anyone out.

  It had been a long day and it was starting to take its toll on me. At least for now I had no worries. My mind was silent and I could only enjoy the wind in my face and the light drops of rain on my skin as my horse dashed onward.

  Suddenly, an arrow flew into my horse and pierced its skin. The abrupt shock left it traumatized and with a loud neigh it plummeted to the ground. I was shot off during the fall and rolled in the mud, slowly picking myself up, trying to catch my lost breath.

  I was just as startled as my horse, only I felt sorry for the poor guy. The horse tried to get up, but its injured leg left it planted to the ground. Small wailing sounds escaped its mouth.

  I swallowed that marble stuck in my throat. My heart had sunk down to my very boots as I faced my fallen companion, still on the ground myself, coated in mud.

  The sound of hurrying hooves approached me like a hailstorm. I swung around and saw four pitch-black horses appearing from beyond the mist. They came to me like demons from hell, eyes red with fury.

  One came to a stop near me and reared in a spine-curdling whinny. I thought for sure I would be killed by the hooves of the horse and gasped, but by sheer luck they landed next to me.

  With knitted eyebrows, I looked up to face the rider. Never before had I felt so helpless against a higher power with a bigger advantage.

  The rider’s identity was masked by his dark hood. He was dressed in no more than a black robe and a black hood. These men looked as sinister and mysterious as they came. I was completely unaware of who they were, but guessed them to have nothing to do with Brendwin and its war against Ysellian.

  The rider looked down on me. I gulped. A rat gnawed at my stomach as the man dismounted. He withdrew a dagger and looked nowhere in the mood for a bit of conversation. He approached.

  No, no I won’t allow myself to simply stand by and watch as he kills me. Not now. Not ever. I scrambled to my feet and made a run for it. I dashed through the forest in a great hurry, but the others – still mounted to the backs of their trusty steeds – effortlessly passed me by and blocked my path before I could reach very far.

  For a moment my eyes dwelled to the dark riders looking down at me. I gave a step back in panic.

  There was an ominous silence before I could hear a faint scream. It wasn’t long before I noticed it to be me as a piercing pain shot through my back. I bit down on my teeth in agony before falling forward to the ground, cheek pressed against the wet earth. I felt motionless. My entire body was riddled in agony the moment I even tried to move. All men dismounted. The chief rider approache
d and pulled the dagger out of my back. I could feel it slipping out of my spine. I was breathless. A tear left my eye.

  Two of the other riders knelt down beside me and pinned by arms to the ground. They made absolutely sure that I wasn’t about to jump up and Kung Fu their behinds straight into oblivion, but in this horrible state, I highly doubted it.

  The lead rider knelt down over me and held his dagger ready. Slowly the blade pierced through the skin of my arm until a streak of warm blood welled from the wound and flowed down my arm.

  The cut stung and burned like hell. He used his index finger to wipe the blood from my skin and study it up close. After a moment of deep thought, he slowly licked it from his finger and looked up to the sky. I didn’t quite know what to think of this. It was as unnerving and terrifying as it was absolute madness!

  The rider looked at his cohorts and gave a single nod as he stood, returning to his horse. All three stood and lifted me onto my feet, but they weren’t gentle and the pain in my back stung like a million dragonflies.

  I yelped, wincing in endless agony. My face screwed up with pain. The one tied my hands behind my back and blindfolded me with a piece of white cloth. They had no reason to bind my feet. I clearly wasn’t going anywhere. I couldn’t even walk.

  Why was my body so… numb?

  They dragged me toward one of the horses and threw me onto its saddle before mounting themselves. One was sure to sit in front of me.

  I could feel as the blood flowed down my back. My breathing turned heavy by just the thought. For once in a very long time I felt… scared, hopeless, unable to do anything. I felt a tug as the horse finally sprinted away to join the rest. My heart skipped a beat as I suddenly felt lost, blinded. It only took a dagger and I was gone. I had been doomed from the start. The moment I had set foot in these woods, I was already dead.

  CHAPTER 38