Rolling Thunder

by A. R. LEOPARD

  Thus far, he’d already addressed most of the basic topics, things like this lovely morning, the sturdy condition of the road, the sweet rest he'd had (however short), and other such small topics of interest.

  But now, as they walked on, the sun awakening all the birds into jubilant song, James decided to bring up some of his more substantial questions.

  “This surely is a lovely bit of land. What do you call it? I’m sure it must have a nice name.” He tried to sound as natural as possible.

  “No, I don't believe they do have a name for the land, though it is most beautiful this time of year.”

  James shrugged like it didn’t really matter, “Ah, well, it ought to have a name. Does this country as a whole have a name by any chance, or does it also go nameless?” Blast it, if he couldn’t ask a question without sounding stupid.

  Helix grinned, “This is the country of Gailli, though it surprises me that you don't know of it. If I may ask, you say you’re not from around here, and I believe you, but where do you come from?”

  This was exactly the question James had wished to avoid and he very much wanted to tell Helix that it wasn’t any of his business. However, James felt indebted to the elf after last night and thought it a poor return for his chivalry to be so sharp.

  He cleared is throat, “Well, I told Daisy yesterday and she got very confused by it. It's just the kind a tale which does confuse one.”

  Helix laughed outright, “I have heard many a strange tale, my friend. Trust me, I have seen a good deal more of the world than a simple fairy shepherdess. However, if you'd rather not explain, for whatever reason, I will respect that and not press further.”

  Now James felt like he was being rude again, “I didn't mean that you wouldn’t understand, it's just…well…I don't really come from this world and I got here by…well by magic I guess, or ill fortune. Or perhaps it was good fortune. Whatever it was, I woke up in a strange forest, wandered out of said forest, and eventually met up with Daisy who said I could have dinner with her family. And I met you and then I fainted and here we are now. Odd isn't it?”

  Helix was looking off into the distance, a complex expression etched on his usually smooth face. James began to fear this would become one of those very awkward silences, but he also wasn't sure if it was appropriate to speak yet.

  He was just about to risk it when Helix looked down at him and said distantly, “Really?”

  James had a lovely answer to this, which he considered to be really quite brilliant. “I wouldn't lie.” he said, chest ever so slightly puffed, “I'm a 'trustworthy type'.” and he laughed quietly at his own wit.

  He’d assumed Helix would make the connection from when they met, and was quite disappointed when the elf merely smiled lightly and said in a more serious tone, “I believe you.”

  James didn't know whether to be pleased or pouty, so he just kept walking instead. He wondered what Helix thought of his story. The elf had gone quiet, when one would expect a torrent of questions, as if something about this information was puzzling in a completely different way than you would think. James decided to ask about this.

  “This is not the first time something like this has happened in our world.” Helix said, “It has been many ages to be sure, but someone from another world once crossed over, much like you are saying you did.”

  Now James was the one with the questions. It was intriguing, to realize that people from one world could pop up in another with no way of saying why or how. And that he was not the first occurrence of that in this world was equally interesting.

  “It is a very old tale and has been subject to change with all the retellings. Many believe it to be only a tale of fantasy, an attempt to make sense of a strange time in this land’s history. Those of us with long memories and who were more closely tied to the story however know that it was all true, though even some details are shrouded by time. I can tell you what I know unless you would rather speak of other things.”

  “No, I’m fascinated. Do tell all.” James was captured by the thought of another man in a predicament like his, particularly as he began to wonder what exactly he was supposed to do here.

  Helix nodded and readjusted his pack before beginning.

  “The stranger appeared nearly two thousand years ago, back when all the lands had very different names and histories of their own. He first appeared stumbling into a small village frightened and very confused. People found him more than a bit crazy and wondered if perhaps he was mad or insane. After speaking with him further they began to think he’d been poisoned or cursed somehow. As the days went by he gradually got calmer and more in control of himself. He seemed to be able to reason normally and yet he still had no idea where he was or how he got there. Under the advice of some of the villagers he went to see both a physician and a wizard. The man of medicine conducted an examination of him and declared that he was free of any toxins or poison, and that he was of sound mind. He was then examined by a wizard who tested him extensively, for any curse or spell that might have tampered with his memory. But the man of magic found nothing. The only conclusion then to the whole situation, was that the story the stranger told must be true. He had somehow jumped worlds, universes even. In that life he had been a fine gentlemen of high society. Dances and hunting and politics had been his life. He had a mother back there, and a brother. But of all his former acquaintances, he worried most about his sweetheart, the darling of his life. They were to have been married, but what now?

  On that fateful day, he had ridden out to their country estate to visit his father’s grave, when a rabbit darted across his path causing his horse to rear up suddenly, throwing him into a hedge on the wayside. He had blacked out and when he awoke again, he found he was no longer in his world.”

  James squinted in concentration as he asked thoughtfully, “So what happened after all that? Did he try to get back or did he just accept that he was here for good? And if he did stay here, what did he do with his life?”

  Helix put his hand on James’ shoulder and laughed, “Patience, my friend. I will tell you in time, for his story is bound up in a very long tale. And I think now you must answer a question of mine.”

  James gulped nervously, “Okay.”

  “Do you have family back home?”

  James felt a sliver of guilt slide through him. He had not thought about his family hardly at all since coming, and in truth, he was in no hurry to return to the life they had made for him.

  “Yes I do. I have a daughter. I live with her and her husband and their two children. There’s not much I miss about home though, if I’m honest. I suppose that’s horrible, but it’s true.”

  Helix was silent again for a moment, and James wondered if he thought him very awful for not much caring about leaving his family. The silence was increasingly awkward, so James decided to ask Helix the same question.

  “Yes, elven families are all quite large and spread out, but I have a wife and several brothers who still live in the Rose Mountains.”

  “Do you have any children?”

  Helix shook his head somewhat sadly, “Alas, no. Our only son died in childbirth and I am fortunate that my wife didn't perish in the ordeal as well.”

  James felt a sharp pang of guilt for having brought up such a tender subject, “I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked.”

  Helix smiled sadly at James, “It's all right you didn't know and it’s been several hundred years since the tragedy.”

  James nodded in understanding and then stopped in his tracks, “I'm sorry, how long ago did you say?”

  “My son died almost three hundred years ago. Of course there will always be a hole, but it was a long time ago and the sting has passed.”

  James couldn’t help but stare, “How old does that make you?”

  “Do you really think I'd own it?” The merry grin was back on the elf's face.

  “That makes you quite old though. How come you look so young?”

  The elf burst out in a hearty lau
gh, “I am an elf. Elves are immortal and they don't age beyond their prime.”

  “You mean you'll never die?” James was awestruck.

  “Of course I'll die someday of something or other, but it won't be old age. No elf dies of old age.” Helix continued to chuckle to himself.

  “Well, imagine that?” was all James could find to say as he finally found his feet and continued walking, “So were you alive when that other man showed up?”

  Helix shook his head, “No, but my father was. Unfortunately there was a great war that followed the stranger’s appearing and many elves were killed. As far as I know, there are but half a dozen elves left now who were alive during that time.”

  “But there are still actual people living who were alive all those years ago?” James couldn’t even begin to wrap his head around how it would feel to be that old.

  “I suppose you don’t have elves in your world, do you?”

  James shook his head mutely.

  Helix smiled at his companion as he watched the various expressions sweep across his face. He had lived a long time and he wondered very greatly about this man whose fate was so similar to that of his kinsman. What did it mean? And why had this strange old man come now? Was there something pivotal about to happen in this world?

  —————

  “So, how much farther until we get where we're going?” James kicked at the road, sending dirt flying, “Where even are we going?”

  “I am returning to my home in the Rose Mountains. It is a five days journey from the fairy village. You are welcome to go all the way with me, meet Livastle, and stay with us for a while, but you are also free to go your own way. And there is no rush for you to choose yet. We still have another day or so of walking before we reach a small town where the road splits off and you will have your choice of directions. They will have horses too, so any further travels need not be on foot.”

  James' eyes followed a rabbit as it skittered across the road and into the tall grass. “I think I might try and find those old elves. Maybe see what they have to say about my situation.”

  Helix laughed, “That is a long way west, but I understand your interest.”

  “Then could you tell me more about that man from my world while I get out something to eat?” and James sat down, sliding his pack off and reaching in it for some cheese or bread.

  “Alright. I believe you asked earlier if he ever tried to get back to his world. They say he did try, but never found a way. He talked to many wise and learned people and creatures but to no avail. So he settled in western Gailli, at the foot of the Jagged Mountains. But as I said, war broke out soon after his arrival so he was not to have a peaceful life here. Some said the war was because of his arrival, others believed he mysteriously arrived in order to help, though still others declared one had nothing to do with the other. However it was, war broke out and for the next three to four years the countries were ravaged by that war. Two wars really, the Great War was the worst of the two, but the War of Shadows came so closely after it that nearly just as much damage was done. The stranger took part in both wars and fought valiantly. It was a great mystery to many of the elders why he risked his life so many numberless times to save a country that wasn’t his own. He had a heart of rarest gold and the soul of a Sapphira.”

  Here Helix fell into a silent train of thought. James waited for him to resume, maybe explain what exactly a sapphira was, but Helix had become pensive and thoughtful. After ten minutes of James patiently chewing on his lunch, he finally had to break the silence.

  “So, how did he die?” James was naturally curious if it might give him any insights as to how he might pass.

  Helix looked down at James and said very solemnly, “He didn't. One day, after the wars had ended and peace was almost universal, the world woke up to a new day and he was gone. No sign of where he'd gone or why. Some said they saw him walk up into the mountains very early that morning, but no one found anything when they went looking. No trace of his being either alive or dead. Nothing. No notes of explanation or signs of why he had left without a word, just gone. They searched the mountains tirelessly for months, trying to solve the mystery, but without success. And they still don't know. Are his bones somewhere in this world or did he somehow get back to his own world? Nobody knows.”

  A chill ran down James’ spine. It was all so odd and mystical.

  Helix again lapsed into thoughtful silence and this time James felt he should be reverently silent in memory of the departed. He resumed chewing quietly, even though the lull made him feel uncomfortable.

  Then a question came to his mind that seemed fitting given the mood, so he swallowed. “What was his name? I don't think you ever said.”

  Helix smiled slightly at his own neglect to mention it earlier, “His name was Cliff.”

  6

  It Isn’t a Proper Story Without Dragons

  Not all dragons are equal. There are some dragons that are depicted as being these green, fire-breathing beasts who steal princesses and hoard gold. These are the dragons of fairytales. The dragons of reality are a bit more diverse and a bit less scheming. These dragons can be of any color or size. They might breathe fire or they might breathe ice or they might breathe nothing but air like most creatures. These dragons can be the pets of princesses, if there are princesses brave enough, and they care nothing for gold or treasure. Once caught and trained, they can be quite docile and gentle, making loyal and useful companions. Otherwise, they roam the world innocently enough, living by instinct as most animals do. Some can be aggressive and dangerous, but in general, they have no schemes or designs of their own against the race of royal girls or royal gold. They will eat what they can find to eat and fight only what would threaten them.

  One such young dragon was found crying of hunger and dying of thirst in a high mountain pass. The friendly fellow who found her had the heart to take the little mite home with him. He fed her, warmed her, cared for her, and eventually trained her as his own. The little dragon grew to be quite a large dragon with a gorgeous coat of mail that shone silvery white. The dragon could breathe fire and had deadly sharp teeth and claws, but she was devoted to the one who rescued her and obeyed his every command and wish. Dragons are a lot like dogs in that they are very intelligent creatures who can be taught quite a lot and pick up on language very quickly, not of course speaking it, but in understanding it.

  The man who rescued and raised the dragon was a fairy named Crispin. He lived very far south and west of where our other fairy friends lived, in a land far from the sea. In fact, this fairy lived very near the Jagged Mountains on the far side of the great river Ruid. The land here was flat and brown, with rough shaggy trees sparsely scattered about. Far in the distance the majestic and monstrous aforesaid mountains cut across the sky, mists obscuring some of the highest peaks from sight. This was the homeland of a more hardy and rough breed of fairy, a breed that had to struggle to survive, unlike the fairies who lived by the sea. Danger and threat were always lurking in the mountains and often would trouble the inhabitants of the plains below. These fierce fairies were familiar with hardships and challenges that would be totally foreign to their more peaceful eastern relatives.

  So it was that such a fairy as might acquire such a creature as a dragon was considered a lucky fellow indeed, and Crispin knew it. A dragon in such a volatile environment was an incredible asset both for safety and for fighting off danger. With the help of his uncle and cousin Blacky, Crispin had trained Iron Wing to the very highest of standards. She was now the perfect companion and weapon, and they both were very happy.

  —————

  There was a small lake in the arid wasteland of western Gailli. One of the very few bodies of water that sat above ground and that usually lasted all throughout the dry summers. It was wonderfully still and its surface reflected perfectly the sky overhead. And currently, it also reflected the figure of a carefree fairy doing reckless stunts on his silver dragon. Of course, Crispin could
himself fly so there was little real danger, but it was a daring show just the same. On the banks of the lake, belly down and book in hand, was the imperturbable Blacky who would glance every now and then at the reflection of his cousin on the water.

  “I hope he knows how to swim.” Blacky murmured to no one in particular as he watched Iron Wing and Crispin come drop-diving down from a great height and at a great speed, “Not that he doesn't know what he's doing, but, if something were to go amiss it would be dreadful to have to watch him drown.”

  Blacky tilted his head up to casually observe the rapid descent of his relative. It could result in quite a tragic accident but that Crispin had Iron Wing well under control and turned her up sharp but a few feet from the surface of the water. From there they glided across the lake, straight toward Blacky.

  “Oh look, he's going to try to scare me. My, but he's determined.”

  With this Blacky turned back to his book and completely ignored the fast approach of his cousin. Iron Wing was getting quite close now and her hot breath was coming to Blacky like a desert wind, but he chose not to notice. Then, all of a sudden, when they were nearly upon him, Iron Wing made a neat ninety degree turn and soared spiraling upwards again. Blacky snorted softly and continued to read.

  After a few minutes Crispin finally decided to land and was shouting over to his cousin, “Were you worried we’d barrel into you?”

  Blacky was not one for shouting and so feigned not to have heard.

  Crispin could be heard laughing and talking to his dragon as he slowly walked over.