Something Wyverian This Way Comes

by Jeffrey M. Poole

  “Ooomph, what’s this thing made of? How are you supposed to wield this thing?”

  Breslin easily took the hammer from Steve’s hand and spun the handle in his grip, as though it weighed no more than a claw hammer from back home. He handed it to Maelnar, who did the same thing. Maelnar then handed it to Kasnar, his father. The ancient and fragile dwarf took the hammer in his hands and easily held it up to his eye level and looked hard at the ruby. Then he grasped the hammer by the head and held it out, handle first, to Steve.

  Thinking someone was playing a trick on him; Steve quickly took the hammer and grunted with surprise as his arm was forcefully yanked down.

  “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s with this thing? How are you guys able to hold it?”

  “What if they’re just stronger than you?” Sarah asked in all seriousness.

  Steve spun in place and frowned at his wife. “Really. Even Kasnar?”

  All three dwarves burst out laughing.

  “I’m sorry, Sir Steve,” Maelnar was saying as he wiped his eyes, “the hammer can only be wielded by one who possesses Narian blood in their veins. We are all of Narian descent, so the hammer is active for us but inert for anyone else.”

  Kri’Entu approached Kasnar and bowed. Kasnar returned the bow moments later.

  “Master Kasnar. You found the components to this hammer, including the ruby, correct?”

  Kasnar nodded. “Aye.”

  “Do you think you can find another one?”

  “Not without a spell. The spell necessary to find all the pieces took me several years to write.”

  “What if you’re searching for just one piece?” the queen asked. “Like another ruby? Is that possible?”

  “You really intend on returning the ruby to this wretched dragon?” Kasnar angrily exclaimed. “How do you know he didn’t steal it from someone else?”

  “We don’t,” Steve told him. “Where he got it or how he got it is irrelevant. The fact that he wants it in exchange for helping us is what is important.”

  “What’s going on?” Maelnar demanded as he turned to look at the king. “What’s with all this secrecy? Can you not tell us? Are we not allies?”

  “Very well,” Pryllan’s voice spoke, startling everyone into silence. “I will tell you. Do not blame the humans. This is our problem and Rinbok Intherer wants it to remain that way; however, that is no longer possible. A solution to break the curse is now available.”

  Maelnar looked at his son, who shrugged. “Curse? What curse?”

  “The wyverians have been struck down by a curse brought on by someone we have wronged. We can no longer spit fire. We have lost our Collective. Many of us have lost the ability of flight.”

  Kri’Entu snapped to attention.

  “This is the dilemma that the dragons are facing? Why did you not say something before? We are allies! We are willing to help!”

  “Rinbok Intherer knows this,” Pryllan explained. “The problem is he is proud. Too proud, if you ask me. He doesn’t want our problems becoming known, so he swore us to secrecy.”

  “What does the ruby have to do with it?” Breslin asked as he stared at his hammer.

  “This curse came into being through the direct actions of those we wronged: the Zweigelans.”

  Everyone turned to stared at Syrreth and Ferreth, who once again decided to count the many bumps on the floor.

  “There are three Zweigelan,” Pryllan continued. “Syrreth and Ferreth here are only somewhat responsible. They have already accepted responsibility for their role and are now helping us rectify this atrocity. The second Zweigelan has informed us they know more about the curse than Syrreth and Ferreth and will reveal what they know if, and only if, a certain gem is returned to them. As you might have guessed, it’s a spiraled ruby.

  “We have also learned that this ruby was stolen from the second Zweigelan by Syrreth and Ferreth a long time ago. That is the gem presently embedded within the power hammer. It must be returned to Dirgath and Tirgath or else the dragons are doomed.”

  Silence ensued as everyone, including Maelnar and Kasnar, looked at Breslin then down at the hammer still resting on the floor. Breslin retrieved the hammer and turned to face his father.

  “How do we get this thing apart? We have to give the ruby back.”

  Maelnar laid a hand on his son’s shoulder. “You’re talking about the only Narian power hammer in existence, my son. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “The dragons are our allies, too. This hammer is just a thing, father. The dragons need our help. I will not turn my back on them.”

  Gratitude swelled within Pryllan’s chest as she listened to Breslin speak about upholding the pact between dragons and dwarves. He was willing to sacrifice his priceless relic in order to return Dirgath and Tirgath’s prized jewel. She didn’t know how, but she vowed she would repay Breslin and the dwarves for their kindness and generosity.

  As she sat silently in the dark, contemplating what words she could say that would adequately express her gratitude, she saw Sarah tap Kasnar on the shoulder. When the ancient fellow turned, Sarah squatted down low and smiled at him. Kasnar returned the smile.

  “Ah. Lady Sarah, is it? What can I do for you?”

  Sarah looked over at Breslin, Maelnar, Steve, and the king, who were all huddled together to see about disassembling the hammer. The queen, not wanting to be left out, joined Sarah just as she looked back at the dwarf’s wrinkled face.

  “How difficult would it be to find another one?”

  Kasnar blinked with surprise. “Another hammer? Incredibly difficult.”

  “No, not the entire hammer. Just the jewel.”

  “The spell itself wouldn’t be too terribly difficult, my dear, as I have long ago memorized the spell I wrote to locate an inanimate object. I don’t have a suitable map to reference, however. I cannot ask the spell to pinpoint the location of another ruby without having a point of reference to draw upon.”

  “We have many maps,” Kri’Entu hastily added as he looked up. “You are more than welcome to use any of them.”

  “Do you have a quiet place where I can work?”

  The king smiled. “I do, indeed. Please follow me.”

  Shardwyn suddenly held up a hand.

  “Master Kasnar?”

  Kasnar and the king both stopped to turn and look at the wizard.

  “My apologies, your majesty,” Shardwyn began, “but I was wondering if I might be able to watch Master Kasnar at work. I am fascinated by layered spells and would love to watch an expert at work.”

  A huge smile split Maelnar’s face.

  “Never once have I heard him call anyone expert, father. You should let him tag along.”

  “An audience matters not,” Kasnar told them. “If I allow you to remain by my side you must promise to keep silent unless spoken to, is that understood?”

  Shardwyn refused to look at Maelnar.

  “Perfectly.”

  “Why don’t we call it a night here?” Steve suggested. He took Sarah’s hand in his own and pulled her close. “I think we could all do with a rest.”

  Pryllan shook her head and clicked her fangs angrily. “I cannot. Kahvel has informed me that Rinbok has summoned him yet again. I know not why he is always called away. I assure you, I will find out why the Dragon Lord has taken such an interest in him.”

  Steve’s eyes traveled up Pryllan’s long curved neck and he studied her reptilian face. She looked exhausted.

  “So you need to take care of Pravara, is that it? That’s a long flight for you back up there. You wouldn’t make it back until the middle of the night.”

  Pryllan sighed and looked down at her rider.

  “Agreed; however, there is no alternative. The journey must be made.”

  Pryllan watched Steve pull his baldric around until he could reach his sword’s scabbard and the many small pouches sewn onto the leather surface. He pulled two crystal discs from separate pockets and handed them to Sarah.
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br />   “Think you can do it?”

  Sarah took the proffered disks.

  “Yes. I’ll go get her. Wait for me.”

  Steve nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Sarah vanished. Kri’Entu stared at him.

  “Where did she go?”

  “To bring Pravara here.”

  Surprised, Pryllan looked down at Steve.

  “Sarah is bringing Pravara here? That would… That means…”

  “That means it’ll save you a trip north,” Steve finished for her.

  For the second time that night a strong sense of gratitude washed through her. Pryllan felt her already tired wing muscles on her back go limp as parts of her overtaxed body began to shut down.

  Moments later Sarah and Pravara appeared. Sarah had wrapped her arms around Pravara’s abdomen, something she had been wanting to do for a while now, and was gently whispering words of encouragement to the young dragon. Pravara’s golden eyes were closed.

  “You can open your eyes now,” she gently told the dragonlet. “We’re here.”

  Pravara cracked an eye open and scanned the area. She saw her mother nearby and rushed to her side.

  “Mother! I was just teleported!”

  Pryllan smiled down at her offspring.

  “Aye, you were, young one. Did you find the experience agreeable?”

  Pravara nodded her head enthusiastically. She sniffed the air as several unknown scents were detected. She saw Steve and Sarah, and then saw three more humans standing nearby.

  “More humans!”

  Pravara bounded over to the king and brought her nose to within inches of his face. She inhaled his scent and then moved to the queen, followed shortly thereafter by an inspection of Shardwyn.

  Pryllan was mortified. “Pravara! Respect the humans’ privacy! You don’t need to get so close. You could detect their scent from where you were.”

  Crestfallen, Pravara slunk back towards her mother.

  “No harm done, I’m sure,” Shardwyn assured the mother dragon. “I am quite sure young Pravara will find many different scents on me.”

  “As for us,” Kri’Entu added, “you shouldn’t find any scents at all.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Ny’Callé chided, eliciting snickers and giggles from the others present.

  Kri’Entu’s face colored as he suffered from a rare bout of embarrassment. He cleared his throat.

  “That is not what I meant. I mean…”

  The queen put a finger on his lips.

  “We are all tired, Entu. Let us do as Sir Steve suggests and retire for the day. We will reconvene tomorrow morning.”

  Shardwyn bowed. “By your leave, your majesty, I will accompany Master Kasnar and see if I can be of any help.”

  “I doubt it,” Maelnar muttered.

  “I heard that, dwarf,” Shardwyn accused.

  “As you were meant to, wizard,” the dwarf returned.

  “I will have provisions sent down here for everyone,” Kri’Entu assured the dragons. “Be comfortable. Let us know if there’s anything you require.”

  “How?” the queen asked, turning to her husband.

  Kri’Entu nodded. “As I was saying, if there’s anything you need, inform Sir Steve and he can inform us.”

  “Would you like me to take the two of you back?” Sarah asked Maelnar and Breslin.

  Maelnar shook his head. “If my father stays, then I will stay, too.”

  Breslin nodded. “That goes for me, too.”

  The queen smiled at the two dwarves. “We will assign guest quarters for each of you. Come with us. Lady Sarah, I assume you and Steve will return to your house?”

  Husband and wife both nodded.

  King and queen started walking towards the mouth of the cavern.

  “Until tomorrow.”

  When the following morning came, Sarah returned the two of them to the cave to check on the dragons. Pryllan was curled up, still asleep. Syrreth and Ferreth were also asleep. Pravara, of course, wasn’t. Her head perked up at the appearance of the two humans and she came bounding over to them. Steve chuckled. He wasn’t sure a dragon could hop like a gazelle but Pravara certainly gave it a good try. The dragonlet had apparently been awake for some time and was eager for some company.

  “Hello!”

  Sarah smiled at the little dragon.

  “Good morning, Pravara. How are you today?”

  Pravara’s tail swished noisily back and forth over the rough surface of the stony floor.

  “I am well. And you?”

  Pryllan cracked an eye and pinned her offspring with her gaze. Pravara froze as she looked up at the still form of her mother. Thankfully for Pravara, Sarah came to her aid.

  “Pryllan, try to get some more sleep. We’ll watch Pravara for you.”

  I am grateful.

  Pryllan’s eye closed and she went still.

  Steve tapped her shoulder. “She said she was –”

  “Grateful, I know. I heard her, too. Come on, let’s let her sleep.”

  Walking up the steep slope of the tunnel, followed closely by the strikingly dark green dragonlet, Steve and Sarah emerged out into the bright sunshine. A gentle breeze was blowing from the northwest, causing the nearby fruit trees to rustle lightly. Steve looked at the nearby castle.

  “What do we do now?”

  “Let’s go check on Kasnar,” Sarah suggested. “I’d like to get an idea how long this is going to take.”

  Steve nodded. “Sounds good.”

  They headed south, towards the castle, with the young dragon in tow. They had just stepped foot onto the drawbridge leading through the north gate and into the main part of R’Tal when half a dozen guards burst through a nearby door and blocked their progress. Several of the guards were still scrambling to put on their armor.

  Steve ignited a hand and held it up.

  “Relax guys. Pravara is with us.”

  “You will vouch for this dragon, Sir Steve?”

  “Yep. She’s harmless. We’re keeping an eye on her.”

  The guards hastily stepped aside, but watched, thunderstruck, as the small procession walked by. None of them had ever been this close to a live dragon. Too tempting to resist, one guard reached out to gently touch the passing dragonlet.

  Navigating their way through the labyrinth of passages and corridors inside the castle and drawing gaping stares from everyone they passed, they finally approached the Antechamber. Two sets of eyes bulged as the two guards standing on either side of the Antechamber’s door snapped to attention. They nervously eyed each other and then pulled the doors open. However, there wasn’t any way Pravara was going to fit through those doors.

  Sarah glanced inside and saw Shardwyn and Kasnar sitting in two of the plush armchairs laughing and smoking. Both had long elaborate pipes packed full of tobacco and were lazily puffing away. Kasnar was blowing perfect smoke rings while Shardwyn’s were slightly elliptical in shape and appearance. Seeing no one else in the room Sarah teleported Pravara to the other side of the door.

  Shardwyn squawked with surprise at the sudden appearance of the dragon and jerked backwards so violently that he tipped over his armchair with a loud thunk. Kasnar stared at the young dragon and held out a hand, to which Pravara inched closer to sniff.

  “Greetings, young one,” Kasnar said with a smile. “What are you doing in here?”

  Sarah and Steve walked through the open doors.

  “She’s with us,” Sarah informed the dwarf. “Sorry, we should have given a warning or something.”

  “Nonsense,” Kasnar told her. “I love dragons! I said this to my son last night and will do so again: this has to be one of the prettiest dragons I have ever seen!”

  Pravara perked up and gazed adoringly at the ancient little dwarf.

  “Looks like you just made a friend,” Steve commented.

  He walked over and held out his hand to help Shardwyn to his feet.

  “You okay there, buddy?”

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nbsp; “What is a dragon doing in here?” the wizard sputtered, staring disbelievingly at Pravara.

  “We’re babysitting. We wanted to see how Kasnar was doing, so we stopped by for a visit. Is there a problem?”

  There was a commotion at the door as Kri’Entu strode into the room.

  “Good morning to all. Pravara, it is nice to see you again. Have you and your mother breakfasted?”

  Pravara nodded her head. “Aye. Mother awoke once the meat was delivered. It was good! Mother went back to sleep, but I didn’t. I wanted to explore, but she told me I had to stay in the cavern. That’s when Steve and Sarah arrived.”

  Smiling, the king gave Pravara a friendly pat on her head and then turned to Kasnar.

  “I have news, my friend.”

  Kasnar, and everyone else in the room, turned their full attention on the king.

  “The Kla Guur have located the vein of silver that contains the first gem and are rapidly closing in on it. The Kla Chanus are searching for the second but with no luck so far. However, they tell me that they feel they are close and should have it by the end of the day.”

  Steve stared incredulously at the king and then back at Kasnar.

  “You found another gem? Already?”

  Kasnar smiled. “I remembered a great deal more than I thought I had. The difficulty was modifying the spell to use a different map. Thankfully that didn’t take long, either. As it turns out, there are three more rubies out there. Two are subterranean. As you have just heard, one is in Kla Guur territory, and they are actively tunneling towards it as we speak. The second is somewhere within Kla Chanus territory and while progress there is slow, it is progress.”

  “And the third?” Steve prompted.

  “The third is Topside,” Kasnar told him. “It’s near the human village of Verdayn.”

  “Verdayn’s constable is searching for it now with a team of men,” Kri’Entu reported. “All we have to do now is wait to see who finds it first.”

  Sarah smiled at Kasnar. “You’ve been busy. Did you work all night?”

  Smiling profusely, Kasnar nodded.

  “You poor thing. You must be exhausted.”

  “On the contrary, Lady Sarah,” Kasnar contradicted, “the satisfaction of knowing I have been useful again is all the energy I need to stay awake.”