Power of the Dragon (The Chronicles of Dragon, Series 2, Book 9 of 10): Dragon Fantasy Series (Tail of the Dragon)

by Craig Halloran

  “That is fantastic.” Sasha gave Inslay a slap on the knee. “I wish Bayzog would have shared more about his past with me. I so enjoy you, Inslay.”

  Inslay beamed. “I feel the same.”

  “It’s a fine idea up until the titan army spreads so vast that they can’t help but penetrate.” Brenwar chewed on a piece of stag jerky that he’d pestered the elves for endlessly. “Then what, magic twister? What do your people do then? Will they continue to bounce balls off the walls and their heads?”

  “When the time comes, we’ll fight,” Inslay said. “Or die. Either way, we won’t abandon our home.”

  “You value your precious cottages in the trees too much, Inslay,” Selene said. “That’s always been the folly of all the races. You can’t live without your precious achievements.”

  “Yes, what she said,” Brenwar agreed.

  “I could say the same in regards to the dwarves,” said Selene. “You’re as stubborn as the rocks you build in.”

  “I hardly think—”

  “No, you don’t. The dragons just abandoned their home and everything in it so that they could survive and fight again. Now the elves and dwarves stew in their homes, waiting for a better day. You hope and dream that this war will just end and you won’t have to lose anything. If you want freedom, then you need to be willing to give up everything. Instead, you’d rather die defending your precious baubles in the trees or the hot iron in your forge. What legacy is that? It’s a legacy of extermination and foolishness.”

  Brenwar’s lips opened then closed shut. The sanctuary hadn’t been so quiet since they’d been there.

  Nodding, Inslay gave Selene an easy smile. “The High Council will make the decisions, and we will follow them. I’m not saying I disagree with you, but the elves are quite particular about the order of things. I know, I’ve often struggled with those inflexible complications, but as it seems, the older we become, the more proud we are. But I have faith, Selene, and you should as well. Elome has stood for millennia.”

  “So had Dragon Home.”

  Nath crept into the room. “Perhaps the High Council should have had you and not me speak to them, Selene. That speech of yours was very convincing.” He walked up and put his arms around her. “Miss me?”

  She gave him a gentle shove. “Like a hang nail.”

  From the same seat he hadn’t moved from in two days, Brenwar said, “Well, what did they say?”

  At that moment, Rerry wandered into the room. His eyes lit up. He choked on a piece of fruit before calling out, “Ben! Ben! Dragon is back!”

  Ben sauntered in accompanied by Laylana. “I know. Great news. What did they say, Dragon?”

  “I asked that already,” Brenwar said.

  “As you know, it was a long talk. I emphatically expressed Selene’s same concerns. The High Council, however, didn’t see it that way. They are of the impression that the titan army is under control. We went back and forth on those points for hours.” Nath shook his head. “We had to move on. I shared everything I knew with them that they should absolutely know. For their own reasons, they seem to think this war is with the dragons, and they have a point—”

  “That’s ludicrous, Nath!” Ben said. His cheeks reddened. “How can they say it’s against the dragons when giants are stomping on their doorstep?”

  “Yes, I know, I wanted to pull out my locks too, Ben, but it’s their choice. Regardless, we came to an agreement on one thing. The wurmers are the biggest threat. They want the nests destroyed.”

  The end of Selene’s tail flapped impatiently on the floor. “We all want that. Anyone with sanity would want that.”

  “They are willing to equip us with whatever we need to finish off those hives. Any aid they can spare, they will. They are not so set in their ways as you would think.”

  “It certainly sounds like they are to me,” Brenwar said. “Pah, once an elf, always an overbearing, high-minded, skinny-boned elf.”

  “You forgot to mention pot-bellied.”

  Every head turned.

  Shum, Hoven, and Liam filled the doorway. Someone else filled the entirety of another.

  Inslay gasped, “Sansla Libor!”

  CHAPTER 14

  “What in the dim light is that?” Rip said to Bayzog. His eyes were glued to the shimmering shadow image of Gorn Grattack.

  Bayzog started to speak but caught himself. “I dare not speak its name.”

  Gorn Grattack let out an eerie combination of roar and moan. Without warning, he sucked many shades into his mouth and devoured them. His eyes became burning beams of light, searching the landscape.

  Bayzog and Rip burrowed deeper into their hiding spot. The beast’s shadow came over them and hung there for many long moments. Bayzog felt his heart in his throat. Beside him, Rip had his eyes squeezed shut. The light passed.

  Another disturbing growl followed. It echoed far and away.

  Together, Bayzog and Rip peeked over the top of the rocky threshold.

  Gorn Grattack vanished through another rip in the fabric of time and space. The remaining shades scattered.

  With his face painted in sweat, Rip said, “Whew. I really thought that was the end of us. Or me at least. I’ve never seen anything like that prowling around here before. What was it?”

  “I’m certain I know, but I dare not say.”

  “And you are wise for not doing so, Bayzog.”

  Bayzog turned and faced a vapor-like figure that boasted a subtle wreath of golden light around his face. There was warmth in the shadowy figure’s radiance. His voice was rich and gentle. “Balz—”

  “Hush now. There is a reason why our old enemy appeared so abruptly. He’s searching for me. He’s quite angry that he hasn’t caught up with me—or you. Of course, he’s always angry.”

  Rip took a knee. He bowed his head. Bayzog followed suit.

  Even in spirit form, Balzurth commanded a distinguished presence. He waved his ghostly hand. “Arise, my friends. In this world, we must be one to survive.”

  “You live. I’m so elated.” Bayzog lifted his head to find the stare of Balzurth’s eyes that were fathomless pools of wisdom. “How can I serve you?”

  “By getting out of this cursed worm hole. I’ve been on the run, much like you, since I’ve been here. Much like our enemy that appeared, I too must return to the Dark Realm. But I was searching whilst I ran, looking for the thread of light. Thankfully, I caught wind of you, fair Bayzog, and a more-than-suitable ally in Rip. How have you been, old friend?”

  Finally lifting his head, blinking, Rip said, “Barnabus?”

  “Of course.”

  “But how did you… how can you?” Rip stammered.

  “It’s a long story, and there is no time for it now. Now, you must listen. Bayzog, bury this information in your mind. Keep it safe until the time comes.”

  Bayzog felt the all-powerful presence enter him. His body juddered all over. The moment passed, leaving him trembling in a cold sweat, gasping.

  All of a sudden, Balzurth’s talon-like fingers took form. He pointed upward.

  A gap of daylight appeared in the sky. The howling began. The shades were coming.

  “Go now, Bayzog. Use your power. Flee to the light while you still have a chance!” Balzurth’s shadowy figure faded into a rift that sucked him in from behind.

  Bayzog locked his grip on Rip’s wrist. He drew forth all of his power, sprouted the wings of an eagle, and soared toward the skylight.

  The moaning shades converged on him.

  “Keep going, Bayzog! I can handle them!” Rip swung his long sword into the vapor-like spirits. The metal bit into them like flesh. At its touch, each howling shade burst into wisps of smoke.

  Bayzog felt the icy touch of bony hands tearing at his clothing and digging into his ribs. He channeled everything he had left into his wings and rocketed toward the skylight.

  Rip hacked and stabbed. A shade burst into smoke every time he hit.

  Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! Pff
t!

  Claws tore at Bayzog’s face and wrist.

  “Don’t you let go of me, Bayzog! Don’t you let go!” Rip stabbed another shade. “Ever!”

  Bayzog hit the light that shined in the bottom of a huge well. The shades screeched with fury and agony. They fell from his body, evaporating in the darkness below. With the wind in his ears, he emerged, flying out of the well into the rays of the bright orange sun and the gaping faces of the staagan. The brawny antler men bowed the moment Bayzog’s feet touched the ground.

  On his knees, Rip threw his arms up in triumph. Face to the sun, he screamed, “I’m out! I’m out! I can’t believe it!”

  Bayzog kissed the ground.

  Rip jumped to his feet and brandished his sword at the staagan. “You foolish men with the brains of chipmunks! You threw me in there. I swore if I ever got out, I’d turn you into venison!”

  The staagan reared up. With startling speed, each and every one vanished into the brightly colored folds of the forest. They left a bound-up man behind. The man wriggled in his bonds.

  Sheathing his sword, Rip said, “What’s this, another sacrifice?” Wary, he pushed the man over onto his back. “You’re awfully odd looking for a man.” He pulled the gag from the man’s mouth.

  The pie-faced man was older, with curly hair turning gray. He spat on the ground, “I’m not a man. I’m a halfling. My name’s Pepper.”

  CHAPTER 15

  “Sansla, all of you, it’s great to see you!” Nath went to each and every one of them, shaking hands and patting backs. The roamers showed the rugged appearance of the durable outdoorsmen they were. Not a one of them was unscathed. “It appears Nalzambor’s strikes have not been in vain.”

  “The peril is worth the price. We live.” Sansla gave a quick bow. “It does my heart well to see you among us, your majesty. As I understand it, your valiant efforts were costly.”

  “That’s an understatement. Please, roamers, sit and refresh yourselves. I must admit I am more than surprised to see you, here of all places.”

  “The Elven High Council and I have come to an agreement, given the circumstances. I’m a bit surprised myself, but here I am.” Sansla didn’t sit, but the others did. Liam started nibbling at the tray of food. “For the first time in decades, the roamers are welcome here.”

  “You seem confident of this. It does my heart well, Sansla. You were never deserving of the judgment you received,” Nath said, referring to Sansla’s past.

  Sansla was the roamer king and one of the rightful heirs to the throne of Elome. A curse had fallen upon him, turning him from elf to winged ape. Innocent blood had been shed by what was believed to have been his hands. There was still a lack of clarity about the incident to this day.

  “Since you and I parted ways, Nath, I’ve been on the same mission that Grahleyna sent me on. We’ve scoured the dying lands of Nalzambor searching out the wurmer nests. We’ve located them all. Two of them I’ve seen destroyed: one along with Selene and the other in the sea cliffs above the Dragon Pond. The other three—”

  “Two,” Selene corrected Sansla. “Nath and I were able to take down another when we escaped the Deep. It was in the mountains where the caps are covered in ice and snow to the west.”

  Sansla’s blue eyes widened. “This is wonderful news. That leaves only two. One is north of Thraag. It appears the entire degenerate race guards it.”

  “You can say that again,” Liam said, taking a bite of apple.

  “Hear, hear,” Brenwar agreed.

  “The last one is tucked in near the Ruins of Barnabus.”

  “Are you certain? We destroyed one in that very area,” Selene said.

  “Yes, but this one is another dark gem guarded by giants the likes of which I’ve never seen before.” Sansla’s wings expanded in and out a little. “The enemies in both locations are countless. The titan army continues to swell everywhere. Giant men now populate among the races. We need an army to greet them at every location. We don’t have as many bodies as they.”

  Rubbing his forehead, Nath said, “We’ll find a way. We don’t have a choice.”

  “The roamers are here to serve, as always,” Sansla said.

  “Perhaps we should focus our efforts on one nest at a time. A large force to distract them, while a smaller group slips through their ranks,” Nath said.

  Brenwar picked up his war hammer. “It sounds like a fine idea to me. Lead the way, pot bellies.”

  Liam glared at Brenwar.

  Clasped fingers resting on his stomach, Shum eyed his son. “Let it go. Brenwar is old and forgets himself. His insults, though at one time stinging, I now find refreshing.”

  “It builds thicker skin. Life’s hard. You need it,” Brenwar said to Liam.

  “Nath, I’d be willing to lead a force to destroy one of the lairs while you lead another,” Selene offered. “I feel that putting all of us in one place is a dangerous thing.”

  “The risk will be high no matter the path we take, but I concur, even though I hate to divide our forces.” He searched the faces in the room. “And I don’t believe all of us need to go. Some of us need to stay behind and assist the elves.”

  Rerry stood up. “I’m going. Don’t you dare think you’re leaving me behind. No offense, but this is not my home. My home is out there, among you.”

  Samaz stood up, staff in hand. “I agree.”

  Sasha joined them. “Where they go, I go.”

  “I take it everyone in the room, except our hosts, is determined to come? The problem is, with so many, it will be challenging to get us all out.” Nath tapped his claws on the table. “I’ll have to think on this. Laylana, Inslay, Selene, will you accompany me?”

  They briefly looked at each other and followed him out of the room.

  “What is it, your majesty?”

  “I’d like a full view from the top of the grand trees. I need to see what you’re seeing. I need perspective.”

  “Certainly.” Laylana led the way through the streets, which had quieted now that dusk had come and gone. They made it to the bottom of a white oak tree with cherry leaves, wider than a dam. They moved inside, where soldiers waited by a round platform built like a giant bird cage. Long ropes higher than the eye could see were attached to a network of pulleys. They all stepped inside. In Elven, Laylana said, “Upward.”

  Elven laborers dressed in sky-blue and light-brown clothing each grabbed a rope. Hand over hand they pulled. Up the cage went, toward the top of the tree. At the top, hundreds of feet high, they came to a stop. Stepping out on the platform among the branches, they made their way to a balcony. It gave them a full view of the lands beyond.

  Nath’s keen eyes made out hundreds of the titan army’s campfires. They had the entirety of Elome surrounded. “How did you see us when we came?”

  “I’ll show you.” Inslay waved over one of the lookout sentries posted on the balcony. The lookout had a huge spyglass crossed over his chest. “I’ll take that.” Inslay offered the spyglass to Nath.

  Nath put it to his eye. The magnification was unbelievable. Wherever he looked, the spyglass automatically focused. He could see the wart on a distant orc’s nose as easily as the scales on Selene, who stood next to him. He searched beyond. He could see west for leagues. “This is fantastic. It’s no wonder you saw us coming. It’s quite an enchantment.”

  “Even better so for you, I imagine, as it amplifies the sight of its bearer. With your dragon vision, I imagine you can see three times farther than the elves can.”

  “It’s probably ten times farther, but who’s really paying attention?”

  Selene gave him a slap. “Don’t be a braggart.”

  “I can’t help that I see well.” Nath’s smile faded. “Uh-oh.”

  “What?” Selene said

  “Blast my great sight, but more titan army troops are coming this way. Whoa, that’s a big force.”

  “How big?” Laylana asked. “May I see?”

  Nath handed her the spyglass. Wh
ile she looked, he rubbed his eyes. Squinting, he looked back the way he’d been watching before. He leaned outward on the rail. “I can’t see them now.”

  “I can’t see anyone at all either. Are you sure you saw them?”

  “Plain as day—and it’s night.”

  “I believe you, Nath Dragon,” Inslay said with excitement. “It’s possible you saw more than what can be seen.”

  “What do you mean?” Nath asked.

  Selene borrowed the spyglass from Laylana. “I don’t see anything either. If he can see it, I should be able to see it too. My vision is better than his.”

  “I doubt that,” Nath said. “May I see the glass again?”

  She handed it over.

  Nath gave another look. “They’re gone. I swear I saw them as plain as the nose on my face. This is troubling.”

  “My, the Eyes of Wolach have revealed their unique power,” Inslay said with glee. “I believe you’ve seen the future.”

  Nath closed the spyglass. “If that’s the case, I’ll tell you this much, the future is starkly grim for the elves.”

  CHAPTER 16

  In great detail, Nath described the oncoming army he’d seen to the Elven High Council. Shortly thereafter, he was dismissed and returned to his friends.

  The core of Elome buzzed with newly purposed activity. Elven soldiers armed with everything from spears to swords and long bows took to the expansive fields. Within a few hours, they’d completely surrounded the heart of Elome by the thousands.

  Nath waited in the fields where the dragons they had brought waited. He had Laylana and all of the others with him. Elven leather workers measured the dragons who were big enough to ride from head to tail with lengths of string.