by M. L. Forman
It was a spell meant to change him. Once again Alex felt like laughing; the thunderbird was trying to change him into something he was not. He was a dragon, a dragon with impenetrable true-silver armor, claws that could crush the hardest stone like soft dirt, and a whiplike tail that could shatter the best defenses of any enemy he faced. This was the only form he needed, and the only one he wanted.
“You waste your time,” Alex said to the thunderbird. “This is my natural form.”
“You are two,” the bird said in surprise. “You are both man and dragon.”
“Dragon is enough,” Alex answered.
“No, you must be both or neither,” answered the bird. “You cannot be whole unless you accept both of your true shapes.”
The bird’s words reminded Alex of Salinor’s words. The dragon’s voice suddenly filled his mind, telling him that the bird spoke the truth. He was confused and hesitated, trying to understand, trying to remember what he was before he had become a dragon. The sunlight sparkled on the waves around him, and in an instant, he remembered everything.
“Yes, I must be both or neither,” said Alex.
“Will you destroy me now, dragon?” the thunderbird questioned.
“I do not wish to,” Alex answered. “But I can’t allow you to attack my friends.”
“You attacked me. You tried to bind me to the earth,” the bird said in a fierce tone.
“And you destroyed the city of dwarfs that once lived in the mountain,” Alex answered.
“Only for food,” said the thunderbird. “I killed only for food, not for sport.”
“Was there nothing else for you to eat? Nothing but dwarfs?”
“At first the sea was full and many wild herds of animals covered the plain. But soon the sea grew empty, and the herds fled from the plain.”
“And you had to feed your young,” Alex said, noticing for the first time the baby thunderbird tucked under its mother’s wing.
“The dwarfs were nearly gone when the egg hatched. I’ve had to hunt farther and farther away, and my child is always hungry.”
“Perhaps I can help you,” said Alex. “I can fill the sea with life once more, but I will require a price.”
“What price?” the thunderbird questioned. “Why would you help me? You have nearly destroyed me.”
“You are not evil—you did only what you had to do,” Alex said. “I will change the rocks into great fish and seals and whales. But you must promise never to fly north of this place again. Neither you nor any member of your race must ever fly north.”
“You would fill the seas for me?”
“Do you promise?”
“Yes, I give my sacred word that it shall be as you ask,” the thunderbird answered.
“Very well, I accept,” said Alex.
The thunderbird bowed its golden head, and Alex turned to look out at the sea. He took a deep breath of the salty air and considered what he would do. He moved to the shore of the island, looking for what he needed as he went. The shore was rocky, and there were dozens of large, broken boulders just offshore. He thought about what would be needed, then he magically looked into the sea and saw that everything was already there. The thunderbird had eaten the large fish—the whales and the sea mammals—but nothing smaller.
Focusing his thoughts, Alex worked the magic, changing the dozens of offshore rocks into great whales. He knew that many of them would die to feed the thunderbird and its chick, but some would live, enough to ensure that there would always be whales here. Pleased with his work, he changed the rocks along the shore into a vast herd of sea lions. Their noise filled the air as they scattered into the sea. Finally, he changed another group of rocks into giant sea turtles—bigger than any sea turtles he had ever seen—and the last group of rocks into large fish. When he was done working his magic, he turned back to the thunderbird.
“You are more than I imagined, and for your kindness, my clan will always be in your debt,” the thunderbird said, bowing its head again. “You have my promise, great one.”
“Live well,” said Alex. “Take what is needed and nothing more. Remember your promise, and warn your clan not to go north of this place or I will return and destroy them.”
“It will be as you say,” the thunderbird answered.
Alex rose from the island and skimmed across the sea, looking down at his own reflection in the waters. It was both strange and wonderful to see his own blue-green eyes looking back at him from the face of an enormous dragon of true silver. The dragon form was truly his own now, and he laughed at the thought that he had been so afraid to take such a wondrous shape.
Thank you, Salinor, Alex thought as he flew back toward the mountain. Thank you for explaining what I am.
I didn’t do that, Salinor’s voice replied inside his mind. I only showed you what you might become.
Alex laughed at Salinor’s words, and he could hear Salinor laughing as well. He knew that Salinor understood exactly what he was feeling, so he simply flew on, enjoying himself as any dragon would.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Dragon Returns
When Alex returned to the ruined gates of the dwarf city, his friends were nowhere to be seen. He dropped down to the ground and changed back into his human form. He felt wonderful—better than he could ever remember—and he knew the power of the dragon would be with him always.
Alex wondered why he had been so afraid to take the dragon form, but then he heard his friends talking in the darkness. It was obvious they hadn’t heard him return, and he paused to listen to them.
“He is a danger to himself and to us,” Barnabus said.
“He did not attack us when he returned with Thrain,” said Arconn in a reasonable tone. “He brought Thrain back, shaken but unhurt.”
“Yet he did not reply to our calls,” Nellus countered. “He acted as if he couldn’t hear us at all.”
“And then he flew off after the thunderbird,” Thrang added. “He was hot to continue the battle.”
“You’re sure that thing was Alex?” Thrain questioned in a shaky voice.
“It was Alex,” Kat said calmly.
“Was,” Barnabus said loudly. “The longer he remains a dragon, the less of our friend will remain. Arconn, you know more about such things than any of us. How long can Alex keep that shape and not lose himself?”
“That depends on how strong he is,” Arconn answered. “I’ve known wizards to take different shapes for days and even weeks, but I must admit, it is often difficult for them to return to themselves. And the dragon shape is the most dangerous form there is for a wizard.”
“Alex has been gone for almost an hour,” Barnabus said. “I begin to doubt he will ever return to us.”
“He will return,” Kat said in a confident tone.
“You seem so sure,” Thrang said to Kat, his own voice shaking slightly. “Did you foresee this change? Do you know why he chose to become a dragon?”
“I am not an oracle,” said Kat. “And now I may never be one.”
“But you know something,” Arconn said.
“I guess at many things, but I do not know,” Kat said softly. “I believe Alex is safe, and that he will return to us as himself.”
“More like the dragon—ready to destroy us when we step out of this cave,” Barnabus said.
“No, I don’t believe that,” said Arconn.
“Perhaps the person we have traveled with isn’t really Alex,” Thrain said softly. “Maybe he’s still on the Isle of Bones, and the dragon there took his place with us.”
“Don’t say such things,” Thrang snapped angrily. “We’ll wait until morning. If Alex has not returned by then—”
“Why wait until morning?” questioned Alex, moving forward toward his friends.
Alex could see his friends were both relieved and afraid. He understood their fear, because it was something he had also felt.
“You have no need to fear,” Alex said. “I am your friend, not the dragon from t
he Isle of Bones.”
“I didn’t mean—” Thrain began.
“No harm is done,” Alex interrupted. “I repeat, I am myself. And we are free to leave whenever we like.”
“So you destroyed the thunderbird?” Arconn questioned.
“No, I did not,” said Alex. “I struck a bargain with it. No thunderbird will ever trouble this land again.”
“You were in the dragon form for a long time,” Thrang said slowly. “Are you sure you’re all right? Perhaps you would like to rest awhile.”
“I’m fine,” said Alex. He turned to Arconn. “You are right to say that changing one’s own shape is dangerous, but the dragon shape holds no danger for me.”
“Then,” Barnabus began and paused, “then are you a dragon? Pretending to be a man?”
“No.” Alex laughed. “I am a man and a dragon. I am both, and I can take either shape without fear of losing myself.”
“That is not possible,” Nellus said.
“And how would you know what is and is not possible?” Alex questioned. “You cannot see far enough into the past to know the truth. Not even Arconn can see that far into the past.”
“No, I can’t,” agreed Arconn. “But I have heard legends, stories of ancient times that suggested men and dragons were once the same race. We elves never believed them.”
“Yes, some men were once dragons,” Alex said. “But that was long ago, and almost no one remembers that time now.”
“I suspect the dragon on the Isle of Bones remembers,” Arconn said, nodding his understanding.
“Yes, he remembers,” said Alex. “He is the oldest living thing in the known lands. He is the guardian of the past, and he remembers.”
“So you are both man and dragon?” Thrang repeated, shaking his head as he tried to understand.
“I am,” said Alex. “And I must ask that none of you share this information with anyone. I doubt anyone would believe such a story, but it would be best if few people knew the truth.”
“Yes, of course,” said Thrang. “I, for one, will never tell this tale.”
Alex looked at each of his companions one at a time, and they all swore in turn that they would keep Alex’s secret. Alex turned to Kat last, but even as she promised not to tell what she knew, Alex saw a great sorrow inside her. He remembered Kat saying that it was too late—but too late for what?
“Kat,” Alex said softly. “What did you mean when you said that you may never become an oracle?”
“Can’t you guess?” Kat answered, tears filling her eyes. “The empty tower by the sea.”
“The tower you once tried to enter, but I stopped you,” said Alex.
“It will vanish into the evening mist in three days’ time,” Kat said sadly. “It is too late for me to enter. Too late to find out if I was meant to be the Oracle of the Empty Tower.”
“It’s too late when you are dead and not before,” said Alex, his mind racing for some way to get Kat back to the tower in less than three days. It came to him so suddenly that he started to laugh.
“What?” Thrang questioned. “What’s so funny?”
“The prophesy,” Alex answered. “The dragon will bring the oracle—it is so simple.”
“Of course,” said Arconn. “As the dragon, you can reach the tower in a day or less. Then Kat can become the oracle before the tower vanishes.”
“You would do that for me?” Kat questioned, a look of disbelief on her face.
“I told you that once we’d found what we were looking for I would help you any way I could,” said Alex. “We have the Ring of Searching, so now we must get you back to the tower before it’s too late.”
“What about the rest of us?” Thrang questioned. “You can’t carry all of us and our horses.”
“Turn the horses loose on the plain; they will be safe there. The rest of you can all ride on my back,” Alex answered.
“You will need to travel very fast,” Arconn said. “We may not be able to hold on.”
“Tie ropes to me and to yourselves,” said Alex. “Then none of you will fall off, and we can move as fast as possible.”
“Can’t we ride?” Thrain asked in a shaky voice. “Can’t you take Kat to the tower while the rest of us ride north again? I mean, well, I did promise Fivra that I’d try to go with him to see an oracle when we got back.”
“Would you miss what is coming?” Alex questioned. “Oracles are not made every day. This will be something worth seeing, even if you have to ride on a dragon’s back to get there.”
“Besides, you can’t go running off to an oracle with Fivra until you are released from this adventure,” Thrang said sternly to Thrain. “It was a foolish promise, and one you’ll find hard to keep.”
“What about the treasure we left in Kazad-Syn?” Nellus asked.
“We can collect that on the way,” Alex said with a wave of his hand. “I can take us close to the city and then change from a dragon into a bird to reach Thorson and collect our treasure. If you like, Thrang, I can even change you into a bird and you can go with me.”
“But—” Thrain began, a look of fear on his face.
“No buts,” Thrang said firmly. “Alex’s plan is a good one. We will ride the dragon to the tower.”
“As you wish,” said Thrain in a dejected tone.
“There is no need to fear,” Alex said, putting his hand on Thrain’s shoulder. “I did not let you fall when the thunderbird dropped you, and I will not let you fall now.”
“I know,” said Thrain, his voice shaking. “It’s just that . . .”
“I know,” said Alex before Thrain could go on. “I have felt the fear as well. But there is nothing to fear now. Trust me, you will be safe.”
Thrain nodded and slowly looked up into Alex’s face. Alex gave him an encouraging smile. Thrain smiled back weakly and then hurried to collect his gear from the tunnel floor.
It was well after noon by the time they were ready to go. Their freed horses wandered across the grassy plain, and all of Alex’s friends had strong ropes tied around them that they would attach to Alex once he had changed.
“With your permission,” Alex said to Thrang, with a bow.
“Yes, of course,” Thrang answered, returning the bow.
The change, now that Alex had time to think about it, was incredible. It didn’t require any great magical effort, only a simple acceptance of what he was. He let his mind reach out, and felt the magic filling him, almost flooding into the space around him and connecting him with everything that made the land of Thraxon. His heart raced with simple joy as once again he became the dragon.
He lowered himself to the ground and stretched out his massive true-silver leg to form a step so his friends could climb onto his back, and then waited for Thrang to call out that they were ready. At Thrang’s call, he leaped into the air, circling the mountain as he climbed into the afternoon sky. When he was as high as the highest peak of the mountain, he turned north and shot back across the plain that had taken them weeks to cross.
The sun sank in the west and the first stars came out, and still Alex flew north. His dragon eyes could see everything below him clearly, and he changed his course slightly as they approached Neplee. He didn’t want to be seen by the dwarfs, because he knew the sight of a dragon would terrify them for days to come.
They flew through the night, and though they were still miles from Kazad-Syn, Alex could clearly see the city in the darkness. Once again he changed direction slightly and flew lower so the mountains would hide him from any dwarfs who might be watching the sky. He flew as close to the city as he dared, looking for a spot to land. High on the mountainside, he found a hidden valley and quietly glided down into it. There was still snow on the ground, but the air was warm, and they were well hidden from the city below.
Once his friends had climbed off his back, Alex returned to his own shape. He felt wonderful, rested, and ready for anything. His friends, however, looked tired and worn-out, ready for sleep. Even Arco
nn looked tired, which was odd for the elf. Alex let them rest while he gathered wood for a fire. After he had stacked a large pile of wood and started a fire, he turned to Thrang.
“Do you wish to come with me?” Alex questioned.
“I think I should,” said Thrang. “I doubt Thorson would let you take the treasure if you simply turned up asking for it. And I know he wouldn’t be able to stop you from taking it if your mind was set on it.”
“Then I should ask, which bird is the most loved in Kazad-Syn?”
“Many birds are loved, but the raven is the most respected.”
“Very well, we will travel as ravens. I should warn you that taking the shape of a bird is thrilling. You will keep your mind, but you will be tempted by the freedom of flight. Try to stay focused on our task. I will not let you fly too far from me, and I will change you back to your natural shape when we reach Thorson.”
“Very well,” Thrang agreed. “The rest of you should rest and eat. We shouldn’t be gone too long.”
The others nodded, and Alex tapped Thrang once on the shoulder with his staff. Thrang immediately changed into a raven. He croaked loudly and took flight. Smiling at Thrang’s sudden energy, Alex changed himself and flew quickly after his friend. He wasn’t worried about Thrang flying away, because he had magically bound Thrang to him when he’d changed him.
The night air was refreshing as they traveled down the side of the mountain toward Kazad-Syn. Alex could smell the city as he flew, but he could see very little. Raven eyes were not as keen as dragon eyes, and he had to concentrate to find his way to Thorson’s house.
Thrang seemed to know exactly where he was going, however, and when Alex saw him dive into Thorson’s garden he followed close behind.
“What is this?” Thorson questioned, looking puzzled as a raven landed on his table. “No raven is so friendly with a stranger.”
“He is no stranger,” said Alex, taking his own shape as he touched down beside the table.
“By the ancients, Alex! How did you get here?” Thorson jumped up, knocking over his chair. His eyes were wide with wonder as he looked from Alex to the raven on the table and back again.
