“I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s coming straight at us!” The two scrambled to retrieve the weapons they had scavenged from the wreckage and prepared to receive their nocturnal visitor. They did not have long to wait before the speck of light came crashing down into their fire, sending sparks flying across the clearing and lighting up the waterfall beside their camp. Krystelle and Sebastian leapt back from the fire, weapons at the ready. There, in the center, they could see a rounded stone glowing with an internal fire of orange and red. As they watched, the heat in the stone dimmed. Within minutes it had faded to a dark black.
Sebastian reached out with his staff and nudged the rock. With a sharp crack that echoed from the stone wall of the cave behind them, the rock split down the center and the two halves fell away to reveal a living creature curled up inside. The reptilian form unfurled itself and coughed weakly. Clawing its way out of the fire, the little dragon made its way to Sebastian’s feet and let out a pathetic keening cry as it collapsed. “Is that?” he whispered reverently, not able to complete his thought.
“Yes. That’s a baby dragon.” She motioned him back. “It could be dangerous.”
He knelt down to take a closer look. “Dangerous? It’s not any bigger than a cat.”
“Yes, but even a cat can have claws,” she said as he reached out to pick it up. “That is not a very good idea.”
Ignoring her, Sebastian picked up the creature, “Come on, what harm can it do just to see the little guy through the night?” The dragon burrowed into his shoulder. “See, it’s just glad to have found someone. Hand me that piece of cloth there.” Shaking her head, Krystelle picked up the cloth and held it out to him, keeping a safe distance between herself and the reptile.
“I wonder how it came to be here,” she said. “There has not been a dragon this far south since the Dragon Wars, and I do not know of any records of a baby dragon appearing like this.”
Sebastian shrugged, “I think he’s cold. I’m going to lay him here by the fire to keep him warm. I’ll stay up a while with him.”
#
Sebastian woke the next morning with the dawn, dreams of life on his uncle’s farm fresh on his mind. He had not had a dream about his father since Ha’vehl’on. At times he mourned the loss of those dreams as the last connection to his dead father. “No time for that now. I’ve a raft to finish today,” he whispered to himself to keep from waking Krystelle. Growing up in a castle with torches and fireplaces meant she was not fond of mornings. He stretched his arms to work out some of the kinks from sleeping on the ground.
Sebastian crouched down next to the little dragon that had fallen into their laps the night before to see how it had faired. In the daylight, he could see that its scales were more greenish in color than the black they had appeared to be the previous night. Not an emerald green, but rather a grayish green with a hint of red. A row of thicker scales formed a ridge down the back of its spine and he supposed it would be about two feet long if you stretched it out from head to the tip of its spiky tail. Not that he had any intention of trying that!
There was an ashen pallor to the little beast this morning and Sebastian realized that it wasn’t moving. “Did it die?” he wondered aloud. Grabbing a stick, he poked the creature in its side. Its eye popped open, sending Sebastian falling backward. It raised its head and stretched out those leathery wings, fluttering them like Sebastian had his own arms.
“I think I’ll call you Stretch,” he said to the creature as it crawled its way over to him. Now that the dragon was awake, the pallor he had noticed seemed to fade. “Looks like you made it through the night little Stretch.” Sebastian froze as the dragon reached him and clawed onto the boy’s shoulder, draping his tail down Sebastian’s chest, and letting out a croak.
Not knowing what else to do, Sebastian reached for the extra rat he’d caught the day before and offered it to Stretch. With great care, the dragon picked the rat out from between Sebastian’s fingers and gulped it down. His tail curled up in satisfaction at the treat.
“What do you think you are doing?” whispered Krystelle, drawing back from Sebastian and the dragon. Stretch hissed at her movement.
“Well I thought he might be hungry.”
“Hungry? Of course he is hungry. In case you hadn’t noticed, you have a dragon draped around your neck. They are ALWAYS hungry. You will become the main course if you’re not careful.” Picking up on the mood, Stretch narrowed his eyes at the girl and tightened his grip on Sebastian.
“Would you stop! You are making him nervous. He is just a baby, what harm can come of it?”
Krystelle tried to keep her tone even, “A baby dragon. Baby dragons grow up to be big dragons,” she said. “And then they burn down villages and eat people.”
“He wouldn’t do that. Would you, Stretch?” the dragon eased his grip and nuzzled in closer. “Yeah, that’s better.”
“You are insane. A dragon is not a pet!”
“I know I can’t keep him. For now, it’s nice to have a companion that seems to appreciate me.” Rising he set off for the beach, leaving Krystelle fuming in his wake.
Sebastian spent that day with only Stretch for company. Periodically, he saw Krystelle in the distance going about her normal search for new building materials. It was apparent she wanted nothing to do with the dragon, regardless of how small he was. As for Stretch, he spent the day sunning himself in the sand. Occasionally he would dart off into the nearby forest and come back with some prize to gulp down. He offered none of his game to Sebastian, who was content with that. It made him happy to see the dragon faring so well.
Sebastian felt an affinity for the dragon that grew stronger the more time he spent with Stretch. It was nothing Sebastian could define, but it was there nonetheless. Even with his back turned, he sensed what Stretch was doing and even how the dragon was feeling.
At mid-day, Sebastian made his way over to a bit of shade and watched as Stretch frolicked in the surf. The dragon was careful not to get more than his claws and the tip of his tail wet, but seemed to enjoy his game. Sebastian could see that the tide was coming in and watched as a higher than normal wave threatened to wash over the dragon. Rather than calling out, he waited to see what Stretch would do if the wave crashed over him.
Stretch was drenched. Extending his wings, he shook his whole body and looked back at Sebastian, reproach evident in his glare. Then, the little dragon’s entire body convulsed. Sebastian bolted up in alarm. Before he took two steps, Stretch started hacking and coughing, and moved off away from Sebastian in fits and starts, disappearing into the forest.
Sebastian tried to follow the creature, but for all his lurching around Stretch was moving fast. The sound of his coughing fit faded into the distance and Sebastian turned back to the beach when it became clear he could not keep up with his dragon. “That’s that I suppose. Krystelle will be happy,” he said as he slinked back to the beach. Sebastian mourned the departure of his friend the rest of the afternoon, hoping the creature was all right and that the wave had triggered some dragonish aversion to water. Perhaps the little guy would be back in the morning. In the back of his mind he continued to feel a bond with Stretch, but it was distant, more like an itch in the back of his awareness.
Putting the dragon out of his mind, he took a step back to evaluate the progress he had made. Looking over all he had accomplished, Sebastian realized that the raft was nearly finished. They could leave the island the next day if they got an early start. Hopefully, that news would smooth the waters with Krystelle when he got back to camp.
Wiping his brow, he looked up at the setting sun. “Stretch!” he shouted. The little dragon was there, flying toward him. As the dragon grew closer, Sebastian realized that he had doubled in size in just a single day. He was not so little anymore. Apprehensive, Sebastian took a harder look. It was Stretch all right. The markings and coloring were the same. The dragon’s presence flooded back into Sebastian’s awareness through the bond between them. In moments
the dragon crashed onto the shore, flopping around Sebastian. He might have learned to fly, but the dragon still had work to do on his landings.
Thrilled that the dragon had survived his dousing, Sebastian was wary of the sudden increase in size. Dragon-lore had not been part of his education on the farm. The dragon seemed very interested in the raft and walked over to it, investigating it from every side. “Stretch?” Sebastian said after a time.
Hearing his name the dragon perked his head up, looking over at the boy. He ruffled his wings and then returned to his assessment of the raft. Apparently satisfied, he turned back to Sebastian. “I suppose that raft has your approval then?” he asked, not expecting any response.
Even though he didn’t expect a response, he got one. Stretch’s eyes squinched for a moment and then the dragon let out what could only be described as a sneeze. What does one say to a sneezing dragon? That thought set Sebastian to laughing. Walking over to where the dragon sat, he was glad his friend had returned.
Stretch sneezed again. This time a little burst of flame came out of both nostrils, stopping Sebastian in his tracks. Then another sneeze, larger this time and with more flame. The dragon’s body shook once more and Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief. Drawing near, Sebastian realized that Stretch was still quivering from his bout of sneezes. “You all right?” he wondered.
The dragon just looked at him, head cocked, body continuing to vibrate. Sebastian watched as the creatures nostrils clenched and his head reared back. Realizing what was coming, he threw himself to one side as the dragon let out a sneeze that dwarfed all the rest, and with it a flame that extended twice the length of the dragon himself.
Unfortunately, just at that moment the dragon was facing the raft Sebastian had worked so hard to build over the last three days. With the intensity of the dragon fire, the raft was caught up immediately. Surprised by that last sneeze, Stretch shook his head side to side and looked from the burning raft to Sebastian and back again. With no further warning, the dragon stretched out his wings again and flew off out across the ocean, leaving Sebastian standing there with the smoking remains of their escape.
Krystelle would not be happy.
Sebastian stood there for a while just watching the raft burn. There was nothing he could do. He didn’t have a bucket to collect sand or water, and there was so much flame that trying to throw sand on it would have little effect. All he could do was watch his raft burn. Dejected, he turned to head back to their camp, wondering what he would say to Krystelle.
She was standing there at the tree-line, watching with arms folded across her chest. She did not have to say a single word. It was all there, in her glare. I told you so. Krystelle pivoted away from the burning raft and stalked off into the woods. Sebastian trailed after her, struggling to come up with something to say when he reached the camp. He suspected that “You were right” was not going to appease her. Even at twilight it was simple to find his way back to their waterfall. Traversing back and forth over the last few days had left a clear pathway to follow. He wished that the trail was not so clear. Anything to avoid what was coming next.
Entering the clearing he found that Krystelle had already cleared his traps and was busy cleaning the day’s catch. “What’s on the menu? More rat?” he said to bypass the inevitable tension. She skewered him with her glare for a moment and resumed her work. It would be even worse than he had expected. Taking up position next to his favorite rock, he considered his options. He wished he could get inside her head and know what she was thinking. His optimism from the previous day that he was about to get them off this island seemed foolish in light of today’s misstep. In his own defense, how was he to know the dragon would sneeze fire?
That was the point wasn’t it? The fact was he should have known something would happen and Krystelle had tried to tell him that. Now, things were worse. He wondered if maybe they were cursed. Opening his mouth to apologize, he stopped, thinking better of what he had been about to say. Yes, he made a mistake, and he had to own up to that, but he had learned over the past months that mistakes were not a reflection of his character. He had resolved to learn every time he stumbled. Groveling in front of this woman would not make things better. In fact, if history was any indicator, it would only make things worse. Much worse, most likely.
He chose his every word with care. “Krystelle, I know my actions in harboring that dragon were ill-advised…” he began.
“Ill-advised?” mere ice would have been warm and comforting compared to her tone.
“It was a disaster.”
“At least we can agree on that.”
“I will find us a way off this island. I promise you that.”
She held up a hand to stop him. “Do not make promises you have no ability to keep, Sebastian. It is a sign of weakness and is beneath you. I do not have the strength to discuss it tonight. I will eat my dinner and retire. I suggest you do the same.” She turned back to her rat and skewered it with a thin branch. It was clear to Sebastian that their conversation was over.
Feeling better that he had at least said his peace, Sebastian busied himself with preparing his own dinner. Once they escaped their island prison, he swore to himself that he would never eat rat again. It was far from appetizing.
Sitting back against his rock he chewed the leathery meat and ruminated on the day’s events. He had to admit, Krystelle was right. He had no idea of how they would get off this island now. With their building supplies dwindling it was not likely they would find enough new scraps. Finished with his meager rations, he stoked the fire, adding several scraps of wood to ensure it lasted the night and laid himself in the nook he’d burrowed for himself. Within moments he was fast asleep.
#
As was his custom, Sterling Lex rose with the dawn and brewed the potion of herbs and spices he had discovered in his travels, speaking the associated spell over the brew that enhanced its natural efficacy in extending life. Settling into his chair he sipped the steaming liquid, allowing it warm his bowels. He could feel the restorative effects of the herbs as his system absorbed the tea. This day would see the culmination of his efforts with the boy, Cenric. All the training and testing came down to one final test. Should Cenric be successful, Sterling Lex would send him on his way to Cale Uriasz. Radomil and the boy would recover the Chronicles and cripple the wizards for decades to come. Time enough for him to establish his power and rule.
Unfurling a crude map of Cynneweald, Sterling Lex placed weights at each of the four corners. The map itself had no magical properties, but would serve as a focus for his working. Chanting an ancient spell, he placed himself into a partial trance, allowing himself to open to the vision of his spell. Once during his travels he had sent his consciousness away from his body to spy on his enemies, but it had been at great cost. This spell would suffice for the present need.
The vision carried him away from Cinaeth and he noted landmarks along the way that would serve as a guide to find what he sought. Swooping over one last ridge-line the tableau of the vision froze. A soldier’s camp lay before him in the valley and he drifted closer to learn more. There were no banners flying, but by their armaments and gear, he knew this was no mercenary camp or merchant caravan. A shield lay near one tent, the symbol of two swords crossed emblazoned on the front. They were from Gabirel. No doubt sent to spy upon him. This would do. Releasing the spell, he came back to his chambers. Rolling the map he placed it back within his chest.
Looking out at the sun he saw that the working had taken the greater part of the day and it had begun its journey down toward the horizon. Sterling Lex set down his now empty mug and rose from his chair. Entering the hallway outside his chambers, he crossed over to the rooms he had given over to the boy and rapped on the door. “One moment,” came a voice from inside the room. A moment later, the door open to reveal Cenric standing in a grey cloak, leather belt tying it closed at the waist. He held an iron chain in his hand, with the red Dragonstone dangling from the end.
> “Put that around your neck,” said Sterling Lex, turning to stride down the hall. Hanging the stone as instructed, Cenric hurried after him. Catching up, the boy kept pace with the sorcerer, careful to stay half a step behind as the two of them exited into the bailey where a stable-boy waited with a pair of horses. Mounting up, they rode out the gates of the Cinaeth and Sterling Lex led them out across the valley and into the foothills overlooking the fortress.
It was nearing dusk when Sterling Lex called a halt. Dismounting, Lex motioned for Cenric to follow him on foot. Leaving their horses, they climbed up to the top of the ridge-line. “We are here,” said the sorcerer.
“Where is here?” asked Cenric. “Why have we come so far from Cinaeth?”
Sterling Lex turned to look at the boy, “This is where we shall see if you have gained mastery of the stone.”
Cenric looked down at the red stone hanging from his neck. “Do you think I am ready?”
“We shall know soon,” said Sterling Lex. “Look down into the valley below. What do you see there?”
Gazing down, Cenric saw immediately what the sorcerer intended. “There is an encampment in the valley. Who are they?”
“They are spies,” said Sterling Lex. He needed to push Cenric over a certain line before he could place greater trust in the boy. “Rather than make some attempt to rescue you, your so-called friends at Gabirel are more concerned with preserving their own power. You are nothing to them. They must be stopped. That presence you feel within the stone? I want you to connect with that presence and summon it here.” He reached out through the threads connecting him with the boy and touched Cenric’s mind, prodding him in the correct direction.
Closing his eyes, Cenric lifted the Dragonstone between his hands. Glowing with an inner fire that grew in intensity with each passing moment, the stone came alive in his hands. Sterling Lex felt the power growing and withdrew his presence to prevent what was coming from discovering him.
Eligium- The Complete Series Page 24
