Zelspar and the Magicians

by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait

  “I know I have most likely, spoken too long.” Chuckles made their way through the gathering but smiles urged Zelspar on. “It was important for me to share this with you. Far more important than the discussion of what Magic I found. The real Magic my friends, is what I have already shared with you. What cannot be forgotten. The very thing which gives existence meaning. Hope. Love. Friendship. With the small seed of hope, comes change.”

  He let out an audible sigh and shuffled on his feet. “Friends.” He paused and cleared his throat. The words he had to say did not come easily. “We are about to start a new chapter in our History.” He fidgeted awkwardly. “You have everything you need to continue this chosen path and the great leadership of the Queen and King of Mursei. Let us not forget Kaida and Zlemtec, who against remarkable odds, brought the prophecy of the Legend to fulfillment. In our lifetime!” Boisterous roars filled the room giving Zelspar time to prepare his final thoughts and words.

  Again, he flagged down the commotion and waited for the noise to drift away. “I mentioned this is a new chapter. This is a chapter where I leave you for a greater good.”

  Gasps of shock moved like a storm through all those assembled. Starleira sprung to her feet. She clutched at her chest where her heart raced. Jaws became slack, unprepared for his announcement.

  “Please, my friends, let me continue.”

  The drone of mumbles buzzed in his ears. He met Starleira’s tear laden eyes and ran his hand down his face.

  “As I said, I was shown much more than I bargained for as I sought an answer to our current dilemma. I not only saw though our past but saw our Future, one that awaits us. It is a Future you cannot begin to imagine. But, with a new hope comes a change. I was shown the change. I am about to embark on a journey to be taken with the two Magicians known as Perthorn and Kiel.”

  Kiel blinked with sudden surprise. Perthorn only nodded as he ran his hand down his mustache.

  “The coming battle against Flegmorr depends on us. I am to give all my learning to Flegmorr and Kiel, to prepare them against what is coming, and my friends, what is coming is not good. Now, having shared that with you, I want to assure you of the outcome. We will succeed.”

  Rounds of bellows rang loudly except from the table shared with his closest friends.

  “The power given to the Dark Magician is great. Have no doubt about it. But what we can do is greater, but it requires a sacrifice.” A wall of groans crumbled around him, yet he continued over the noise.

  “We will leave this place to draw Flegmorr away. The new Magic I have learned isn’t a Magic to share close to home. Because of that, we will need to leave. When we leave, you will be able to remove the dome of protection from Dark Magic. We will lead Flegmorr away. There is a portal I have been shown which leads to a world where our battle will not bring harm to others, this is where we will lead Flegmorr.”

  Kaida’s voice interrupted, “We don’t want you to leave us! Why can’t we go too?”

  His lips trembled. It was difficult meeting her tear-filled eyes. He forced a soft smile. “Kaida. Friends, all. We have gone over this time and again. We are not allowed to fight the battle for Perthorn. I am allowed to give him the gifts of Dragon Magic. Everything I have learned. And, it will be enough.”

  “Will you come back?” Kaida voiced the question all must have been thinking, as he was greeted with nods and nudges as he looked at those around him.

  He smiled reassuringly. “Of course, I will, we will,” he said giving Perthorn and Kiel a wink of confidence. “You should know, it is impossible to rid yourselves of this old Dragon.” He chuckled and added with a raised brow, “As much as you might wish otherwise.”

  He felt sure he had pacified their concerns when he saw them relax and begin the journey of acceptance. He finally could expel a deep long breath.

  Galdean brought up a new subject. “Who will heal us? Who can we turn to now for guidance and answers? You may be an old and surly Dragon, but I depend on you to keep me well.”

  Zelspar smirked. “If you and Rynik would stop acting like hatchlings so often, you wouldn’t require healing.”

  Laughter broke out. It lightened the mood.

  “I leave you in the very capable hands of Treylethon. He has studied and learned all I have to offer him, even though I have not told him near often enough.”

  Treylethon was nonplussed and gaped at Zelspar.

  “He has earned his right to be your Healer, your Teacher and your Counselor. I am happy to know he is most capable of the task.”

  The room filled with the sound of well wishes and shoulders being slapped on the shocked Dragon, Treylethon. He was still trying to comprehend what Zelspar had said.

  “Now, having talked more than my years,” he laughed, “let’s do what we came here to do. Eat and share our time together.”

  Most of the Dragons roared in delight. His group, however, was subdued. He knew by their eyes and quietness they fought to accept his words.

  He spoke in soft tones to his friends. “I know this came as a shock to you, but it is a decision in which I am steadfast. Know what I tell you is true. I have seen the journey. I have seen the Future. I know what it takes to get there…and I know you cannot follow. Just as we wanted to follow Kaida but could not. The Rules of Balance, my friends. In the Law of Balance there are rules in which we abide. It governs all things, in all worlds. Any deviation of the rules would threaten the Future I have seen. Please come to understand this is a journey I willingly take, more than that, I happily and wholeheartedly take.”

  The King of Mursei glanced at his Bonded, then said, “We know there is no amount of persuading we could do to change your mind. We also know, you have our best interest in mind in all decisions you make. I feel your confidence in this new chapter, this journey you take with the Magicians and the outcome you have seen. We may not be excited for the start, but we look forward to your return. May it be swift!”

  The group could all agree with Rynik’s sentiments and roared their approval. Zelspar nodded and then added, “Now, can we finally eat?”

  His friends laughed and started all talking, sharing food, drink, and conversations as they normally would. Except this night was far from normal.

  Zelspar took a moment to simply listen to the chattering noise around him. He would long remember this evening spent amongst his friends. It was only in the first light of day that those who had gathered slowly made their way to their individual lairs. They were full of the joy that comes from companionship.

  Emotionally exhausted, Zelspar passed through the cave’s opening into his own lair. He spent several minutes pacing it, looking over each nook and cranny. His knees buckled. He sat on his bed plumped with grasses, feathers, furs, and he wept. He silently cried for the anticipated loss, for the journey ahead, and for the next chapter of his life.

  In his private confines he could finally let his emotions escape. When his tears had emptied his internal well, he curled up for sleep. He asked the Ancestors to fill his mind of the glorious Future he had once glimpsed. Sleep blanketed him softly, and his dreams allowed his journey to continue. A smile creased his face.

  Chapter 11

  It was past midday when he stirred. Visions retreated to the hazy edges of his mind, yet he felt the fingers of them still stretching, electric pulses in a symphony of stardust and dreams. Zelspar’s hand tried to scrape away the last cobwebs of sleep. He had many plans to make, bundles and bags to fill, organize and remove. He stared across his expansive lair and was flooded with memories. It had been the place of new beginnings on Urthe, fraught with self-doubt and discoveries.

  Reflection made him realize there was still so much more he wanted to contribute here. He wanted to be a part of the ongoing transformation, to feel the joy of his fading years in the companionship of his dear friends. A slow hush of breath pushed through his snout. Contentment is the bane of discovery, he thought. The new journey will give up its many secrets, its discoveries, and so he hel
d on to the Visions and pushed away the memories.

  His load was heavy. It was filled with the necessities for the journey plus a few of his rarest treasures. He made the lair ready for its new inhabitants. He had chosen to make it a gift to Kaida and Zlemtec. The thought made his heart leap. He knew the walls would hear their laughter and hold their joy. It made the space brighten in anticipation. They will bring forth a new generation, a new breed, birthed in a Legend. He rumbled a low chuckle and left his lair behind him.

  Perthorn and Kiel were also preparing to leave. Their possessions were already gathered and stowed by the cave’s entrance. He tried to quell his stomach. It continued to churn and felt as if he swallowed burning embers that even his cup of steaming brew could not douse.

  Kiel had the duty of cataloging their items, making sure to collect enough roots and flowers of the pale blue flowered plant Perthorn enjoyed drinking, especially upon waking.

  While he was kept busy, Perthorn took out his Book of Days. Lately it gave him great cause for the churning he now felt. The first changes had occurred after the Uplanders had showed up in the Inner World, the changes that linked him and Kiel with the Dragons, while the latest changes only occurred after Zelspar’s absence.

  The Future, their Future, was rewriting itself. He snuck a glance at Kiel, still a bit wet behind the ears, he thought, but still pliable. He had to be ready but there is still time...

  The words swirled and danced before his eyes, mystifying and surreal, painting images that could not gain a foothold of reference in his mindscape. All he could comprehend was the Future he saw began with them. If, he thought, they defeated Flegmorr. He put away the book with a shudder. He did not want to see what changes would write itself in the book if Flegmorr gained control.

  Zelspar stopped by the home of Molakei and heard the space already filled with voices, so he leaned his head into the opening.

  “Zelspar! Friend, come in.” Molakei greeting was warm and inviting as he already was rising from his place by the fire pit.

  He heard his name echoed by Kaida, Zlemtec and the lovely Flower Bird. His heart was full to overflowing and his eyes threatened to leak. “Good Day, all.” His face crinkled up with joy.

  “We did not think you would be awake this early after we stayed up until the new sun rose,” said Molakei and added, “we made plans to come to your lair.”

  “I’m such an old creature of habit. I rose and packed and cleaned out my lair early. I’ve dropped off my things outside. I’ll pick them up after I get Perthorn and Kiel.”

  Flower Bird glanced at her father and then to Zelspar. “I would come too, if you would have me.” Her large brown eyes peeked up into Zelspar’s.

  Surprise had registered on both Zlemtec’s and Kaida’s faces. Molakei did not know his daughter would ask Zelspar to join in his travels but his heart was not surprised. Flower Bird talked often of Zelspar, with her words coming out in sing-song ways, the very same way her mother once talked to me, he reminisced.

  Zelspar felt the warmth of his belly-fires rush and heat up his insides, which flushed his face with a warm glow. His eyes glistened as he looked into her eyes. He placed his arm on her shoulder and pulled her to the side. “It cannot be dear Flower Bird. This journey will be difficult. I could not risk taking you and losing you in such a manner.”

  Her eyes filled up with pools that broke their banks and ran wild. “I would rather go and stare at Death’s face than stay and never see you again.”

  One talon lifted her trembling chin. “I am an old Dragon with unruly ways. My heart feels its wishes, as does yours, but this journey can only be for the Magicians and myself.”

  Her chin quivered under his talon and her eyes became two dark fallen leaves submerged into a sea. He held her close for a moment, and in that moment lived a lifetime allowing his unfulfilled dreams to blend with hers, washing down his face. He let her go and she made her way to her father’s outstretched arms.

  Molakei said, “You will always be welcomed at our fires. As an old Warrior too, I understand your journey. It is the journey you must take.”

  Zelspar nodded. The words he had prepared for his leaving had flown away. He had expected to feel loss but had not expected to feel the loss of a feeling he had never known. He made his way to Kaida and Zlemtec, embracing them.

  His words finally tumbled out, not dressed in the dappled sunshine he had imagined. “Zlemtec, Kaida, I have prepared my lair for you. It will give you much space to live.”

  “No!” Kaida thundered, trembling. “You have to come back…”

  “Little Dragon, I do not give it away because I plan not to return. I give it to you because I will be gone, and you need a place. This lair is filled with my thoughts of you, a place where your laughter will decorate the walls.”

  “But where will you live when you return?” Kaida choked out.

  “Here.” Flower Bird and Molakei said in unison.

  “There it is, Kaida. Now, you have no worries. I would be a happy old Dragon to live with Flower Bird and Molakei, sharing our tales by the fire’s side.” He gave a treasured wink to Flower Bird and a deep bow to Molakei. “Don’t disappoint this old Dragon. I need to know you will take my lair as your own.”

  Kaida could only hug the breath out of Zelspar for her answer.

  “Now,” he said, “I will go to bring Kiel and Perthorn over, so we can leave from here.”

  “Today? You mean to leave today? But I have to get the Queen and King and…” Zlemtec had tried to say before Zelspar cut him off.

  “Yes, today. And no, do not go for the others. We said our farewells last eve. We must start our journey today, as you know, it is too easy not to,” Zelspar said. His head dropped to stare at the ground. He turned and left the cave, his heart heavier than anything he could remember.

  Perthorn and Kiel had just brought all their things out when Zelspar arrived. They made short work of strapping everything on tight before climbing up on his massive shoulders and finding their seat. Within a few wing beats, they returned to get Zelspar’s things. Perthorn and Kiel added the bulk to his sides and secured them, then made their way to say goodbye to all gathered before getting up onto Zelspar’s back.

  Zelspar looked at those he was leaving behind. He turned his head, lifted it to the sky and burst a fiery flame to the sky and roared.

  They rapidly ascended and flew out to the east. Their journey had begun.

  Chapter 12

  The hollows around his eyes gathered the shadows as he crept through the brush, his cloak leaving soul-black threads snagged onto the thorns. He was too delighted in himself to care, after all, he had rid himself of the Master Magician and that meddling White Dragon. Every time he thought about it, he smirked, and it was practically all he thought about. That, and returning home as the rightful designated Master Magician.

  Flegmorr and his companion Flaptail, Glik, were within reach of the far end of the collapsed tunnel. The light they followed was much brighter, breaking through the shafts of dislodged boulders. A glint flashed from his dark eyes, swallowing up the light. His arms moved forward as he effortlessly rose from the clutter of ground debris. Levitating, he moved over the last huge boulder and with the lightness of a whisper, landed. Jagged shards narrowed the opening overhead. Flegmorr’s hand faced the opening, palm side exposed. He cast his spell as he thrust his hand, exploding the rocks outward in a booming explosion, leaving an opening twice the size of his shoulders width. Once more he levitated, this time his feet touching the ground of Inner Urthe. He was home.

  Glik scuttled close to Flegmorr’s neck, clicking noises into his ear.

  “We are on home territory, my friend. It will not be long before we reach the Vale of Valdross, the land of my heritage, the true lineage of the rightful line of Master Magicians. I will now be able to restore my family’s name, a continuing legacy in the Great Halls of Magic.” A sickly laugh burst out from his lips causing even the buzzing of the gnats around his feet to mo
mentarily collapse their wings.

  “Yes,” hissed Glik, “we go home. Now they sees.”

  Another laugh ruptured the tranquility surrounding them. “Oh yes, they will see. They will see I have taken back what should have been mine from the beginning. I can only imagine what illusive Magic Perthorn used to secure his title, but it did him no good. I have found a more powerful Magic. I will amaze those in Valdross! Every student will clamor at my feet, begging to become my initiate. I will make my father’s eyes sparkle with pride again.”

  “Yes, pride. Mindful things. Legacy. Yours.” Glik continued to feed Flegmorr the fruits of Darkness and the strengths of the Dark Magic he offered. The clicking continued and filled Flegmorr’s ears. It was a hunger that was never satiated.