Culmination

by Selena IR Drake

  “You two get all the more amazing the longer I am in your presence.”

  The dragon released an echoing laugh.

  Eager to return to my friends, and without a word to the ghostly dragon, I took off through the tangled vegetation. Abaddon said nothing as he walked behind me. Whenever the overgrowth grew too thick for him to pass through, he would take a bounding leap. And the ground would shake with the impact of his landing. I sort of wished that the miniature earthquakes would alert my teammates and they would all come running to investigate.

  Sadly, they never did.

  I couldn’t suppress the sudden, overwhelming fear that Vincent had rallied the remaining troops and the two Shadow Dragons and managed to capture – or kill – my teammates. Plagued by that very real possibility, I freed my tessens and bolted ahead. Abaddon was quick to speed up his pace.

  “Why so hasty?”

  “I have a bad feeling.” I said. I hurtled over the thick root that crossed the path, nearly tripping in the process. A moment later, I passed under the exit arch. The ground shook and the paving stones cracked as Abaddon leapt over the structure. His tail hit a portion of the remaining wall, causing several large chunks of mortar to crumble. The two of us ignored the rumbling debris in our rush to the Temple.

  I rounded the bend in the path as quickly as I could, but someone was blocking the route and I couldn’t stop in time. We collided so hard we knocked each other off our feet. I landed heavily and gasped as the wind was knocked out of me. My lungs burned as I tried to breathe again.

  “Xy!” Thera’s face loomed over me. She looked torn between absolute joy and guilt. “Xy, I’m so sorry.”

  I could only nod as I coughed and gasped for air. Before I had fully recovered, a streak of lavender and white scooped me up in a tight hug. I smiled in spite of myself and returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm.

  “You have no idea how worried I’ve been about you.” Kitfox kissed me over and over.

  “I would wager she does.” Abaddon replied, his voice echoing.

  Kitfox froze. Slowly, his amber gaze moved away from me, only to settle on the dragon. He blinked in surprise and his jaw dropped slightly.

  Thera muttered an oath in Kinös Elda. “That’s Abaddon?”

  “Not entirely.” Said the voice of Taypax.

  To which Abaddon added, “But that is a long story.”

  Kitfox and Thera gaped at the dragon. Their surprised gazes slowly shifted to me, silently begging for an explanation.

  “Where are Shazza and Pox? If I am to relate the story, I would like all of you to hear at once so as I won’t have to repeat myself.”

  “They’re in the Temple.” Thera managed to answer.

  “Who’s in the Temple?” called Shazza. I peered around Kitfox to see her and Pox strolling over the narrow bridge towards us. I smiled and waved in greeting. Pox happily returned the wave while Shazza merely quirked an eyebrow.

  “I’m glad to see you are all in one piece.” I said once Shazza and Pox joined the rest of us. “I was worried that Vincent had rallied Dimitri’s troops for another attack.”

  “Nah.” Kitfox grinned roguishly. “The dragons told me that what remained of the soldiers had retreated from the island, Shadow Dragons included.”

  “Good.” I breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Agreed.” Muttered the Dákun Daju as she scanned Abaddon up and down.

  “Okay, so spill,” Thera demanded, “how does Abaddon have two voices and that strange, ghostly exterior?”

  “I’m surprised your mother didn’t tell you that story.” I smirked. A mix of confusion and curiosity swept through the Feykin’s expression. I glanced up at the dragon as I began to retell the story he told me.

  ◆◆◆

  It took me just over an hour to tell my teammates about the story behind the black dragon’s ghostly appearance. They were as shocked to learn about Taypax’s and Abaddon’s fusion as I had been. Of course they had asked a few questions of the dragon, mostly regarding how they both managed to get along so well. Abaddon’s voice was a constant echo, so I knew both dragons were in agreement with the answer.

  Finally bored with the questions and loitering, Abaddon excused himself.

  I asked him where he was going.

  “I shall bathe in the sun on the beach with my brethren.”

  With that, he took a few bounding leaps and was off, gliding just over the tops of the white trees.

  Once the dragon vanished from sight, Shazza spoke. “Care to tell us what took you so long to get back?”

  I turned to face her. “What do you mean?”

  “Xy,” She sounded rather perturbed, “You have been gone for almost three days.”

  I gawked at her in disbelief.

  “We’ve been so worried about you.” Kitfox emphasized his point with a gentle kiss to my forehead.

  “It’s been three days?” My friends all nodded. “It felt like maybe a few hours.”

  “So what happened that took so long?”

  With a sigh, I began to regale them with the story of my time in Havel. I watched their faces as I described the crystalline and gold city, the thundering falls, and even Atlidmé Himself. Their eyes lit up almost as if they were small children being told a tale of the greatest heroes doing amazing deeds. I told them of my time with my father and Ríhan. A soft smile touched Kitfox’s lips as I spoke of my old friend. The Demon was extremely surprised to learn that it was Ríhan who had sent the ice nymph to warn us of his impending death.

  “If I had known that, I would have sent him a ‘thank you’ message.”

  I patted his arm as I said, “Ríhan already knows how grateful we all are that you are still here with us.”

  “He sounds like a really nice guy.” Said Pox. “I wish we had gotten the chance to meet him.”

  “Yeah.” I choked out.

  “Oh! That reminds me.” Thera exclaimed before she dug through the small sack on her hip. She muttered incoherently as she fished for whatever she was after. I could tell it was her way to change the subject of conversation and I was grateful.

  Finally, she pulled out the rolled up parchment that contained the copy of the Riddle of the Twelve. As she unrolled it she said, “Pox and I spent most of the last three days translating the riddle, but we can’t figure out what it means.”

  “What does it say?”

  “This is the clue to the dragon: ‘Dorman rests Zenith of the skies; Beneath Mirror’s surface he lies.’ But it goes on to say: ‘When the hearts of twelve beat as one; Evil far and wide shall be done. These sacred dragons now are yours; This diary you need no more.’”

  “‘Beneath Mirror’s surface?’” Kitfox muttered. He cupped his chin between his fingers to think.

  “How exactly does one fit a dragon in a mirror?” Demanded Shazza. She crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg as she awaited an answer.

  I slowly shook my head. “It feels familiar, but I can’t remember why.”

  “Well, I know of a scrying mirror in Thuraben, but I doubt that is the mirror the riddle referenced.” Said Pox.

  “What is a scrying mirror?” Kitfox asked.

  “Thuraben’s scrying mirror is basically a large bowl of obsidian polished so smooth it reflects anything that stands over it. To scry, we pour water into the bowl and wait for it to settle, then we–.”

  “That’s it!” I shouted. Everyone looked at me, wide eyed and confused. “The mirror in the riddle isn’t an actual mirror. It is a body of water so smooth it looks like a mirror!”

  Shazza snapped her fingers. “I’ve heard rumor of a lake in a mountain range that is so calm it is almost unseen.”

  “It is not just a rumor.” I smiled. “It is actually called Mirror Lake and it rests in the middle of the Eyes of the Ages almost due north of...” Dread suddenly took hold as I recalled the location. I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced the words, “It lies due north of Bakari-Tokai.”

  The expre
ssions of my teammates immediately turned sour. I could tell they were thinking the same thing as I; do we dare to venture so close to the center of Dimitri’s forces?

  Kitfox was the first to break the dreary silence. “We have no choice.” He sighed. “We’ll have to risk it.”

  Thera slowly nodded in agreement.

  Shazza unfolded her arms with a sigh. “Very well.”

  “We’ll rest here for the night.” I said. “During that time, I suggest we come up with a plan to outsmart Dimitri and remain unseen.”

  With that, the five of us retreated into the Temple of Arcadia. There was little talk that night around the fire as each of us dwelled on our own dark thoughts, devising some way to make it through the challenges that lie ahead.

  As I rested my head on the pillow that was Kitfox’s arm, I looked at the statues of the Five Souls looming over us. With a prayer for their help, I drifted off to sleep.

  I could only watch for a few moments as Dragon Keeper faced off against Dragon Keeper. This to the death battle would decide the fate of our entire world, and I prayed that Amorez would win. I heard their weapons meet with a resounding ring, even over the holler of the soldiers attacking me.

  – FROM “AN ONLOOKER’S JOURNAL” BY THERNU ONYX

  Godilai strode quickly through the marble halls, her footsteps nothing more than the ghosts of whispers. Her long, white hair flowed behind her like a silk scarf on a breeze. She kept her features emotionless, but her cyan eyes burned with a mix of worry and barely contained rage. She did not look forward to breaking the news to her husband.

  Less than an hour ago, she had been summoned from the royal suite she shared with Dimitri by a page reporting Vincent had returned. Godilai had rushed to meet the ugly and rotund Hume, eager to see if he and Pox met with success. Alas, when she had entered the main lobby of the palace, the old Judge stood alone, looking and reeking of fear.

  She had inquired about Pox.

  “The wretch’s Sorcerer freed her from Dimitri’s control.” He had answered.

  She struggled not to reveal any emotion at his words as she asked about the rest of the campaign.

  Vincent did not dare to look at her as he regaled her with the story. It had started out great, with the brat, Xyleena, getting swallowed up by Wyrd’s attack. After that, things went terribly wrong. The brat had somehow freed herself from wherever the dragon had sent her and went on to destroy all but thirty-two of the force Dimitri had sent against her. Godilai had resisted the urge to strike Vincent for his failure… barely. Without a word, she had turned away from him and strode from the room. Behind her, she heard the old Judge roaring at the servants in a mix of anger and fear. She silently hoped Dimitri would let her remove the useless bastard from their lives; Permanently.

  Godilai paused outside the double doors of her husband’s study. Two guards stood to either side, their halberds crossed over the doorway. She knew her husband was working on details to fortify the city against attackers and had asked not to be disturbed, but he had to know of Vincent’s failure. She only hoped the surprise she had in store for him helped soothe his anger.

  She growled, “Move.”

  Slowly, as if unsure if they should do as they were told, the guards uncrossed their halberds. Godilai wasted no time in shoving the double doors open and striding through. The oaken doors slammed against the marble walls of the book-lined study so loudly the sound echoed and they nearly closed themselves behind her. Dimitri sat at a long table with a map of the city spread out before him. The room was lit by a summoned orb that hovered over the table.

  Dimitri’s crimson gaze looked up from the map before him to settle on her. He knew something was wrong in an instant. “What happened?”

  Though she did not show it, Godilai was surprised by his friendly tone despite the interruption. After a moment to think of what she was going to say, she stepped closer to him. “Vincent –”

  “I know all about that.” He sighed and reclined back in the seat. “Wyrd and Nightshade reported the failure to me while they were still leagues away from the city.”

  “I was not aware they could do that.”

  “It’s not like I ever expected the fat bastard to win. What I didn’t count on was losing Pox in the process. Bah!” He waved his hand dismissively. “There was something else you wanted to tell me.” He noticed a quick flash of awkwardness cross her face before it was erased. Whatever she had been hiding from him for the past few weeks must be something that absolutely terrified her. Why else would she act this way?

  His dragons did not bother to answer.

  It took Godilai a few minutes to work up the nerve to finally tell him. Once she made up her mind, she slowly exhaled a deep breath. “Dimitri,” they locked gazes, “I am carrying your child.”

  For a long moment everything was silent, awkward; uncomfortable. Then Dimitri surprised her with a loud and joyous laugh. The chair he sat in fell backwards with a thump as he rushed towards her and hugged her tightly before pulling her down to his level to place a tender kiss on her lips. The guards outside rushed in to see what was wrong and Dimitri excused them with a wave of his hands and a threat.

  Finally he calmed down, but a big smile was plastered to his face. His expression changed in an instant when he noticed Godilai’s worried frown. “What’s wrong, Love?”

  “I fear for our child.” She said slowly. “I fear that when Xyleena and her dragons come – and I know they will – a battle will rage that will cost me dearly. I do not want to lose you or the child.”

  Her soft confession unnerved Dimitri. His once elated mood had suddenly turned somber, almost as if he were attending a funeral. Had this been the reason she was afraid to talk to me about it sooner?

  Dimitri shuddered as the bulk of Hyperion’s mind invaded his. Send her away, the dragon growled.

  How can you say that?

  Do you not wish to protect her and the child growing in her womb?

  Of course I do! Dimitri silently shouted at the dragon.

  Then send her away. With that, Hyperion’s presence vanished. Dimitri scowled and sat heavily on the edge of the table.

  “What did the dragon say?”

  Dimitri’s gaze slowly shifted to his wife’s face. He sighed and told her what Hyperion had suggested.

  “I would prefer not to leave.” Godilai said, honestly.

  “I know.” He muttered sadly. After a long moment, he stood up and embraced her. “All I want is for you and the baby to be safe.”

  She slowly and reluctantly agreed. “I know of a place where no Hume will ever find me. It is a small city inhabited only by Dákun Daju and hidden in the western Arctica Mountains. I will be safe there.”

  Dimitri nodded. After a moment’s consideration, he moved a hand to touch the Shadow Amulet resting above his heart. With a sigh, he removed it and placed it in her hand. “Take this with you so I will know where to find you when this is over.”

  Godilai donned the amulet and nodded once. “I shall leave at first light tomorrow.”

  “Come then, my love. We will bed together tonight, for tomorrow shall be a bitter sweet parting.”

  The duo strode from the room arm in arm. A long moment later, the orb of light that lingered over the table winked out of existence.

  ◆◆◆

  The next morning, Dimitri escorted Godilai slowly through the palace. They did not speak; there was no need to. Everything they felt for each other was shared the night before. All that remained to be spoken was a farewell.

  As they neared the gates leading to the courtyard, they drew to a stop. Dimitri embraced Godilai and, for once, she hugged him back. After a moment, she turned to leave.

  He stopped her. “Godilai,” She slowly turned to look at him. He smiled at her as he said, “name our child something bold and fierce.”

  Her brow creased and confusion flashed in her cyan eyes. “Why are you saying this?”

  “Just in case…” A wry smile touched his lips.r />
  She understood. “I promise to give our child a name that will make even the Gods quiver in fear.”

  He smiled at that, reassured.

  “Promise me something?” Her voice was soft, almost like that of a scared child.

  “Anything.”

  “Promise that you will come back to me.”

  He agreed and she claimed his lips with a passionate kiss. They released each other after a long moment, and she turned away. With one last look at him over her shoulder, Godilai walked away.

  It was weird to hear our beloved Taypax's voice coming from the body of the Shadow Dragon. Together, the two of them explained how they had merged to save each other's life. It was difficult for Amorez, who had become something of a mother to the dragons, to decide on the fate of the two.

  – FROM “CONVERSATIONS WITH DRAGONS” BY DJURDAK ZA’CAR

  “I still say we fly straight there!” Shouted Shazza.

  “Yeah, and pass within a league of Bakari-Tokai. Are you out of your mind?!” Kitfox shouted back, a fierce snarl lacing his words. “No way. We should skirt around the capitol as much as possible.”

  “And take even longer getting to this Mirror Lake? We don’t have the supplies for it! Much less the time!”

  “Enough, you two!” Thera tried to separate them, but the fight only continued, growing in volume. She sighed in defeat and plopped down between me and Pox to sulk.

  I paid little attention to the argument as I was in a silent conference with all eleven of my dragons. Kúskú, do you think your illusions can hide us all effectively enough to deceive Dimitri?

  I have done something similar in the past, his liquid voice echoed in my mind, but that was when I was accompanied by several hundred Feykin to feed me energy. By myself, I cannot cloak all eleven of us plus five riders at once. It would require more energy than I am capable of.

  How many do you think you can cloak?

  Kúskú was silent for a moment; calculating. Finally, he answered, I believe I can cloak all five riders and three of us at most.