“Ah, young Darek,” said Zarnak in a falsely sweet voice. “We’ve been waiting for you. Do sit down.”
Darek slid into a chair across from Rowena. What is this all about? he asked her with his eyes.
I have no idea, her eyes replied.
A glance from Pola told Darek he was equally puzzled.
“I suppose you’re all wondering why you’re here,” said Zarnak.
Darek, Pola, and Rowena said nothing.
“Come, come now,” said Zarnak. “This hostility will get us nowhere.” He smiled wickedly. “Can’t we all be friends?”
The three glared at him in silence.
“All right, then,” Zarnak snapped. “Have it your way. But you will cooperate, like it or not! We are going to Krad and you are coming with us. And we are not coming home without the prisoners. So wipe those scowls off your faces and let’s get down to business.”
Darek, Pola, and Rowena glared on.
“Horek,” boomed Zarnak. “The wretches need convincing. Get the prisoners—”
“No!” Darek leaned forward. “No,” he said. “Leave the prisoners alone. We’ll cooperate.”
Zarnak arched a brow, then looked at Rowena and Pola. They both nodded.
“All right, then. Your fathers have told us much about Krad. We need to know if they are speaking the truth.”
Rowena frowned. “My father wouldn’t lie,” she snapped. “Do you think he would mislead his own people? Even to get back at you?”
“That remains to be seen,” said Zarnak. “Now, tell me all you know of Krad.”
Pola and Rowena turned to Darek. He took a deep breath and began. “Krad is a great basin,” he said, “ringed on all sides by mountains. A thick mist of dragonsbreath clings to the mountains. This mist is deadly to Kradens and addles the minds of Zorians. Harmless little creatures called Zynots live in the mountains. They are descended from Zorians whose minds were addled long ago.”
“Yes, yes,” said Zarnak impatiently. “We know all that. The mist is of no concern as long as we wear our battle masks. I want to know about the Kraden forces. How strong are they?”
Darek and his friends exchanged glances.
“We have no idea how many men they have,” he said. “Enough, to be sure. And we know nothing of the Southern Kingdom—the one Rebbe rules. There are prisoners there, too. But we have only seen the Northern Kingdom—Zahr’s.”
“We will worry about the Northern Kingdom first,” Zarnak said. “Once we have conquered Zahr, we will turn our attention to Rebbe.”
Darek’s eyes widened. “Conquer?” he said. “You plan to conquer Zahr?”
“Of course,” said Zarnak. “How else would we free the prisoners?”
“There may be another way,” Rowena put in.
Zarnak narrowed his eyes. “And what might that be?”
“If we could just wait for Spirit season…,” she began.
“No waiting!” Zarnak boomed. “We leave as soon as possible.” He turned back to Darek. “They say you’re a natural-born leader,” he said. “Tell me. How would you conquer Zahr?”
Darek shook his head. “I don’t see any way,” he said. “The Kradens are bigger and stronger than we are. And they have a powerful weapon—the Red Fanged dragons. We have but three fighting dragons in all Zoriak. Our Great Blues. One-on-one a Blue might be able to defeat a Red. But the Kradens have a herd of hundreds…. We don’t stand a chance. Unless…”
Zarnak leaned forward eagerly. “Unless what?”
Darek sat back and chewed his lip thoughtfully. “Unless we capture the Red Fangs,” he said.
Zarnak sat back too. A slow smile curled his lips. “Horek,” he said, “prepare our departure.”
6
IN TWO DAYS’ TIME ALL was in readiness. A battle force of over a thousand men was outfitted and eager to move out. The day of departure dawned bright and clear. Darek was to lead the way, on Zantor. Zarnak and Horek followed on Pola and Rowena’s dragons, Drizba and Typra.
Pola, Rowena, and the rest of the men were to follow on yukes. Darek glanced at his two friends, beside their yukes, and saw the anger smoldering in their eyes. At least Darek was being allowed to ride Zantor. That was something to be grateful for.
“All mount!” came Horek’s shouted command at last. Darek kissed his mother good-bye, and she clung to him tightly for a moment. When she drew away, there were tears in her eyes.
“Stay well,” she said softly.
“I will,” Darek promised her. Then he grabbed the mounting rope that hung from Zantor’s saddle and climbed up onto the dragon’s back. He lowered his battle mask and patted Zantor’s neck. “Well, old friend,” he said, “as Pola always says, ‘An adventure’s an adventure, all the way to the end.’ Looks like we’re on our way again.”
* * *
The dragons flew slowly, keeping just ahead of the yukes. By late afternoon they had gained the mountain peak and begun their descent. “I’d suggest making camp here,” Darek called out at dusk. “The lower we go, the thinner the mist. Soon the Kraden guards will be able to see us.”
Zarnak nodded and gave the signal to land.
“Pass the word to your men,” Darek told Horek. “Tell them to take their masks off only long enough to eat. The mist sneaks up on you.”
A guard brought Pola and Rowena forward.
“You’ll camp with us,” Zarnak told them. “I want the three of you where I can keep my eye on you.”
Rowena snorted. “Aren’t we lucky,” she said. She yanked her arm out of the guard’s grip and sat down on a log. “When do we eat?” she asked. “I’m starving.”
Zarnak chuckled, then handed her a pot and a plucked zok. “Just as soon as you cook,” he said. “I do so enjoy food prepared with a woman’s touch.”
“Really?” said Rowena. She flung the zok back in Zarnak’s face. “There, I touched it. Enjoy!”
Zarnak lunged and grabbed her arm. “Look, you little wench,” he said. “You may be used to getting your own way. But those days are over. I’m Chief Elder now.”
“No, you’re not,” snapped Rowena. “Not as long as my father lives.”
Zarnak chuckled. “You’d best behave,” he said in a low voice. “Or that may not be very long.” Then he jerked her to her feet and handed her the zok again. “Make a stew,” he said. “And don’t get any funny ideas. We’ll all be eating out of the same pot.”
Then he turned and pointed to Darek and Pola. “Make a campfire!” he bellowed.
Under the watchful eye of a guard, Darek and Pola set about gathering sticks. Then Darek called Zantor to breathe on the pile. Soon Rowena’s stew was bubbling. She ladled it into bowls and passed it around, and they all began to eat.
“What was that?” Zarnak suddenly asked.
“What?” asked Darek.
“I thought I heard something.” Zarnak looked around warily. “I get the feeling something is watching us.”
“Something is,” said Darek. “Lots of somethings. The Zynots. They’re wondering who you are and what you want.”
“Why don’t they show themselves?” asked Zarnak.
“They don’t trust you,” said Darek.
“They’re good judges of character,” Rowena added.
Pola and Darek smiled into their bowls.
Zarnak snorted and went back to his meal. “Well, if they know what’s good for them, they’ll stay out of my way,” he said.
“They will,” boomed a sudden loud voice. “But I won’t!”
Zarnak dropped his plate and stared up at the huge masked figure that had just emerged from the mist.
7
“AZZON!” CRIED DAREK, POLA, AND Rowena at once. They all jumped up.
Zarnak jumped up too.
“You know this creature?” he demanded of Darek and his friends.
“Yes. He’s the rightful King of Krad,” said Darek.
Zarnak’s eyes widened. “Take him prisoner!” he shouted to the guards. They clos
ed in with spears raised. Suddenly out of the shadows leaped dozens of small gray-scaled creatures. With loud shrieks and howls they started kicking the guards and throwing rocks at them. The guards began to thrust back at the creatures with their spears.
“STOP!” bellowed Azzon. He eyed the creatures angrily, but when he spoke, there was a note of fondness in his voice. “Out of here, now!” he commanded. “Before you get hurt.”
Reluctantly the creatures slipped back into the shadows. The guards closed in on Azzon again.
“No!” Rowena came forward and grabbed the nearest spear. “Azzon is a friend.”
“Was a friend,” said Azzon. He looked hard at Darek, Pola, and Rowena. Then he looked around him at the camp and the regiments that stretched back into the hills. “Friends don’t break promises,” he added quietly.
Darek’s cheeks grew hot. Azzon had helped them many times. In return, they had promised never to bring harm to his sons.
“I’m sorry, Azzon,” he said. “This is not our doing.”
“Silence!” Zarnak interrupted. “What are you talking about? How do you know this Kraden?”
“If you’ll allow Azzon to sit and eat with us,” said Rowena, “I’ll explain.”
Zarnak pondered a moment, then nodded. The guards backed off enough for Azzon to sit down. Rowena then launched into the story of Azzon and his sons, and how Azzon came to be living beneath the mountain.
“Where did he get that battle mask?” Zarnak demanded.
“We gave it to him on our last trip,” said Pola. “To thank him for his help. It allows him to spend time up here with the Zynots.”
“That was foolish,” said Zarnak. “What if he gave it to his sons? What if they—”
“As you have been told,” Azzon interrupted, “I am estranged from my sons. They don’t know I’m alive. If they did, they would kill me first chance they got.”
Zarnak stared at Azzon and pulled at his chin thoughtfully. “In that case,” he said, “perhaps you can be of use to us. You could help—”
“No,” Azzon snapped. “I am to blame for what my sons are. I hold no anger toward them. I love them, and I will not be a party to your plans.”
Zarnak frowned. “Chain him, then!” he shouted to the guards.
Darek, Pola, and Rowena watched helplessly as Azzon’s hands and feet were locked into irons. Azzon would not even meet their eyes.
Scuffling and mumbling sounds were heard in the bushes.
Zarnak turned toward the sounds. “As for all of you!” he shouted.
“Sire,” said Darek loudly.
Zarnak whirled. “What?”
Darek walked over to Zarnak and spoke quietly. “You’d be wise not to send the Zynots away,” he said. “They know these hills better than anyone.”
Zarnak stared at him thoughtfully. “Yes,” he said. “You have a point.” He turned toward the mist again. “Zynots!” he shouted. “If you don’t wish to see your friend Azzon harmed, then I expect your full cooperation. Come forth now.”
There was only silence. Zarnak pulled a dagger from his belt and walked over to Azzon. He put it to the big man’s throat.
“NOW!” he bellowed.
Slowly the Zynots began to emerge. A very small one sidled up to Darek and grabbed his hand. Darek looked down and smiled.
“Hello, Mizzle,” he said.
8
DAREK FOLLOWED HIS OLD FRIEND Mizzle down the dark mountainside. Zantor had been left behind, much to his dismay. His scent would have warned the Red Fangs of their approach. Following close behind Darek came Zarnak, Horek, and a couple dozen of their best warriors. Mizzle watched over his shoulder. Each time Zarnak dropped back out of earshot, he spoke.
“Mizzle no like Zarnak,” he said quietly.
Darek smiled. “Me neither,” he said. “But he’s got all the power right now.”
“What be power?” asked Mizzle.
“It’s how people make others do things,” said Darek.
“Power bad,” said Mizzle.
“Not always,” said Darek. “But it’s bad if a cruel person has it.”
“Like Zahr?” said Mizzle.
“Yes. Like Zahr, and Rebbe, and Zarnak. I’m beginning to think they’re all cut from the same mold.”
“But Zarnak not be Kraden,” said Mizzle.
Darek nodded. “I know. But it seems that perhaps Kradens and Zorians aren’t so…”
“So what?” asked Mizzle.
“So different,” Darek added thoughtfully. “So different after all.”
“How close are we?” came a loud whisper.
“Be close,” Mizzle called to Zarnak. “Be very close.”
They began to hear the rustlings of the sleeping dragons. An occasional belch of flame brightened the night. At last the great cage loomed before them. Darek’s heart thumped. The Reds were beautiful, their scales glowing pure white in the moonlight. They looked peaceful in sleep. Only their bloodred fangs gave away their fierce nature.
Mizzle coughed. “Guards be there, there, and there.” He pointed, then coughed again.
“Thanks, little friend,” said Darek. “You’d better get back now. The mist isn’t thick enough for you here.”
“Good luck, Dragon Boy,” said Mizzle. “Be ye careful.”
“I will,” said Darek. But inside he was frightened. He knew he’d be lucky to get through this night alive.
Mizzle scurried away into the darkness, just as Zarnak and Horek came up.
“Where are they?” Zarnak asked.
Darek pointed out the guard positions. Zarnak nodded, then sent Horek and the men forward. Zarnak and Darek watched as the men slipped through the shadows toward the unsuspecting guards.
“They’ll never know what hit them,” Zarnak said with a chuckle.
Darek swallowed hard. He should be glad. The Kradens had been cruel to him and to the other prisoners. But his own words kept echoing in his ears.
Perhaps Kradens and Zorians aren’t so different after all. Maybe there were good Kradens and bad Kradens, just like there were good and bad Zorians. What if some of these men were the good ones? What if they were fathers, with children waiting at home? What if
Darek heard a gasp and a strangled cry. Then another. One by one the dark shapes of the Kradens slumped to the ground. Darek swallowed again and looked away.
* * *
Horek scrambled back up the hill. “The guards are taken care of, Sire,” he said. “But we’d better move fast. No telling when the watch changes.” Zarnak nodded. The plan was to get the dragons out of the cage and up into the mountains where the Kradens couldn’t follow. Darek, who had a way with dragons, was to go in first and try to get a harness on the lead male. If he was successful, the other dragons would follow. If he failed… Darek sucked in a deep breath. No sense dwelling on what would happen if he failed.
“Ready, Dragon Boy?” Zarnak asked sarcastically.
Darek didn’t smile. He followed Horek down the hill to the cage. The Reds were waking up, aroused by the scuffle with the guards, no doubt. They paced fretfully in their cage, sniffing the air, bellowing their anger at being disturbed. Soon their roars would be heard in town. Then Zahr’s men would ride out to investigate. Time was growing short.
Horek handed Darek a harness. “When we pull the doors open,” he said, “you go in. The lead male will be the first to approach.”
Darek nodded, then slung the harness over his shoulder.
“Open the doors,” he said.
9
DAREK WILLED HIS HEART TO stop pounding. The dragons would sense his fear. He had to remain calm. The herd had backed off upon his entrance. They milled fretfully, tossing their heads, snorting an occasional blast of flame. Darek watched, trying to pick out the lead male, trying to be ready when the beast made its move. Just then one of the largest males locked eyes with him. Darek stared back, trying not to flinch. He attempted to send a mind message, the way he did with Zantor, a calm, soothing mind message
.
The male moved toward him, slowly. Easy, Darek said with his mind. Easy. I won’t hurt you. The beast came on, head down, eyes fixed on Darek’s. Slowly Darek slid the harness off his shoulder and held it out.
“Easy,” he said softly. “We’re just going to take a little ride.”
Then, without warning, the dragon reared! When it crashed down again, flames shot from its mouth. Its eyes blazed. Darek froze.
“GRRAWWWK!” screamed the beast. Then it charged!
It all happened so fast, Darek couldn’t think. First the blast of flame. Then he was hurled into the air. His head hit the roof of the cage. But before he fell to the ground, he was caught and whipped around once more. His neck snapped painfully. He saw claws slashing, fangs flashing. He flailed with his arms, kicked with his legs. But it was no use. His body was launched into the air again. This time he hit the side of the cage and crashed to the ground in a crumpled heap.
“GRRAWWWK!” Another earsplitting scream. Darek looked up but couldn’t see. Blood ran in his eyes. With a trembling hand he wiped it away, waiting to see the Red bearing down again. Instead he saw a blur of white and red… and blue!
“Zantor!” he cried.
If Zantor heard him, he gave no sign. He couldn’t. He was locked in a battle for his life. Darek watched with a pounding heart as the dragons reared and charged, then reared and charged again. The other dragons watched too, in hushed silence. This was a duel of kings. Bursts of fire flashed in the night. Screams of fury echoed off the mountains. The two clashed again, and when they came apart, both were bloodied.
Darek winced. Strange and terrible thoughts raced through his mind. Zantor’s thoughts. Thoughts he’d never known the gentle creature capable of. The battle raged on. Both beasts were wounded. Both were tiring. Darek closed his eyes and prayed, prayed for the life of his beloved friend. At last there came a piteous scream and Darek bit his lip. Slowly he opened his eyes.
There on the ground lay the Red. His neck was pinned to the earth by Zantor’s great jaws. His body was slack, but his great sides still heaved.
Dragons and Kings Page 2
