Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One)

by E. W. SALOKA

  Zach went first into the bedroom and found Thomas sitting on the bed. He was holding his head and moaning.

  “I feel like a freight train has exploded in my brain. What happened last night? Oh, wait a minute its all coming back to me now.” He shook his head and smiled. “I am starving though. Did I miss the morning meal?”

  “Hey that’s my line grandfather,” Zach said.

  “I know it is, but now my stomach is growling.”

  The wizard reached in his pocket and brought out the salve he had made earlier. “This should take some of the sting out of those bruises, fix you up right nicely I would say.” He tossed Thomas the jar. “We’ll let you finish dressing now. Breakfast will be ready when you come down, but please take your time.

  Come on Zach, let’s give your grandfather some privacy. Cook may need our help choosing which fruit topping we would like for our waffles.”

  Thomas applied the mixture to his bruised face and body. He opened the jar and sniffed deeply. It smelled of fresh herbs and aloes. quite soothing he said applying the mixture liberally.

  Bergouhy was spooning fresh blackberries on warm golden waffles as Thomas joined them at the table and Zach was having blackberries and cream in a small dish as he waited.

  Faazen poured steaming dark coffee into earthen mugs. The steam rose from the cups as the wizard stopped and sprinkled something in the cups.

  Thomas looked over the wizard’s shoulder. What’s that you’re doing he said?

  Don’t worry I’m not poisoning you yet, maybe sometime later when you least expect it. The wizard said laughing .

  Thanks I feel so much better now Thomas said reaching for his coffee.

  It’s my own blend of spices, great addition to strong dark beverages the wizard added smiling.

  Hmm I taste cinnamon and maybe vanilla Thomas inhaled and then sipped slowly.

  Yes that and some other spices too.. Faazen said mysteriously.

  Well it’s delicious and I’m starting to feel better already. As far as he was concerned everything about the wizard was unusual, what could a few otherworldly spices in his coffee do to him that hadn’t already been done.

  Ten - Learning To Fly

  “Well gentlemen I have some exciting news to share. What do you think about Zachary entering the Dragon Masters Competition? The race counsel has informed me that Zachary has been invited to compete. It is quite an honor; however, we must start his training immediately. “Are you up to the challenge Zach?”

  “Training sounds cool. What dragon am I riding?” Zach’s interest piqued and his eyes lit up as his mind painted a picture of soaring in the clouds with the wind at his back.

  The wizard looked up and pointed to the sky. “I think the best dragon for you will be Xandar-Sym. He is a battle dragon, but a skillful, sleek creature with a sharp mind. We will go and see him later after breakfast, first things first. We need to ask your grandfather’s permission.” All eyes looked at Thomas expectantly.

  “You are both making plans I see, for something that sounds quite dangerous to me. Faazen what does Zach know of dragon riding? I mean really.” He was becoming a little agitated as he spoke.

  “You are right he does not know how to ride, but I believe he has the Race Rider in his soul. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

  The wizard had a twinkle in his eye.

  “I will listen to you on this matter and allow Zach to compete. It does sound quite thrilling indeed. I know Faazen that you will ensure his safety and take precautions with his training.”

  “You are correct Thomas. Zach has a challenge ahead of him and I think he has the character and fortitude needed to be successful. Now let us go and call our friend Xandar-Sym. He should be back from the hunting grounds soon. The old boy owes me a favor. Time to pay up I’d say.” The wizard added with a wink.

  “I’ll have you know I was pretty good with a snowmobile back home. I could maneuver it around some tight turns. Some of the snow drifts were this high,” Zach said placing his hand at his chest level.

  “You were confident that’s for sure” Thomas smiled, “except when you ran over that poor defenseless rabbit.”

  “Oh I can’t forget that little guy. I stayed up with him half the night so he wouldn’t remove that bandage from his hind leg. He was good as new after a few weeks though.”

  “You took good care of him right well Zach. So at least we know if you injure any dragons, you can nurse them back to health.” Thomas broke into laughter, as did Faazen and Zach. They were starting to share an easy camaraderie, that was becoming more so with each passing day.

  The wizard paused and seemed to be listening to something. “Xandar-Sym is approaching, I know he’s here. Neither one of them heard the dragon; but they nodded and followed Faazen as he went further out into a clearing. Coming in for a landing was a sleek, armored dragon. He wore metal meshing on his face and legs. Zach could tell he was fierce and proud from his imposing stance.

  Faazen brought forth a finely crafted saddle and handed it to Zach. “I’m going to show you how to prepare for your ride.” Zach climbed on Xandar’s back and Faazen helped him adjust his seating.

  “Hang on young man, were heading out now “said the dragon to a wide-eyed Zachary. They took to the skies skimming past the trees and forests, and then soaring up toward the clouds. Xandar-Sym’s golden tail rings glistened in the azure skies as they dipped up and down.

  Zach was anxious to try a few moves of his own and tried to nudge Xandar. He leaned forward and this did not work very well. Both almost came crashing down a few times.

  Finally the wise creature spoke. “Zachary you need to let me lead you! Do not be so anxious to do it all at once. Time will serve you well young man; you must learn to work with me.”

  Below, outside the castle gates, Faazen was watching Zach’s progress. Thomas started making long furrows in the ground as he paced nervously. Every now and then, he would look up to the sky and scratch his forehead. Finally, he relaxed and a smile creased his face.

  Soon they landed and Thomas ran over to his grandson laughing and out of breath from the excitement.

  “Was it great fun? You seemed happy up there, I could tell from all the whoops and hollers.”

  Zach was glowing,” it was incredible! “

  The dragon spoke. “Farewell rider Zachary, good wizard and Sir Thomas. We shall meet again.” With a flourish of his wings, he climbed up over the mountains and disappeared behind the clouds.

  Faazen was quick to speak. “Let us all go back to Dragmar. I need to assign some duties to Berge in preparation for the evening meal. We are having guests.”

  They both looked at one another. “Who will be joining us for dinner Faazen?” Thomas asked.

  “You many remember, I introduced you to them at Blackshire Village, it’s Andi and her brother Dredd.”

  “Oh him, the girls seemed to like him though.” Zach had his hands in his pockets looking at the ground.” His sister was nice and pretty,” he added.

  The wizard smiled. “Andi is lovely indeed and like a daughter to me. Dredd has many young ladies swooning over him. He is usually quite unaware of all the attention. He would rather be riding his dragon with the wind in his face, or in the forest reading a book. He is a bit of a loner, but has a kind heart. It’s good for you to know some lads near your age Zach. You will find him intelligent and at times even humorous. We’ll have a great evening.”

  Zach shrugged his shoulders and mumbled to himself as he walked away.

  Thomas was quick to interject.” I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

  Faazen motioned to Thomas.” I was rather hoping Dredd could help Zach with some riding techniques. He still has much to learn.” They both nodded.

  “I think Zach would like to do well, but he can barely ride. Won’t the whole thing be quite amateur? I do not want my grandson to look foolish out there. It could be dangerous and embarrassing for him.”

  “You’re right at that, danger is a co
ncern. However many things are dangerous when you think about it. Rising in the morning has its pitfalls at times, especially at our age,” quipped a light-hearted Faazen.

  “Indeed, you are correct with that statement.” Thomas had to chuckle.

  “Don’t worry my friend; I’m certain that he will do well with his new task. I can see the determination in his eyes.”

  Thomas found comfort in Faazen’s words and firmly clasped his hand. “You have been not only a gracious host, but a friend to us both. I believe our paths were meant to cross in our two very different worlds.”

  The wizard slowly spoke; “your words are steeped in wisdom and born of a knowledge you have yet to define. You have a great understanding” He paused thoughtfully. “I have been to your world and it is a most amazing and wonderful place. You were very ill Thomas, and unable to leave your home. Fallicon brought you here so that you could live. There your life would have surely ended, and very soon.” Faazen put his finger to his lips. “Be careful of what you wish for”

  Thomas’s face turned white and his eyes glistened. Trembling, he spoke. “I saw you Faazen, I thought it was a dream. You were at my window seat watching me sleep, wearing a velvet robe. The color was the deepest crimson and your eyes burned as fire. I had a very high fever and could not speak. I thought I would die that night. Soon after, I came here wanting to find out what happened to my son Philip and how he met such a tragic end.”

  The wizard put his arm around Thomas.” I cannot divulge any more. I just wanted to ease your worried mind. Let us go and partake of some peach berry tea. I am parched my friend, and in need of refreshment.”

  Dredd was not looking forward to having supper at Castle Dragmar. He was sulking around the farm. Andi was humming as she fastened a lace collar to her dress. Running a round brush through her shining hair, she pulled out a particularly lovely blue ribbon to match her outfit. “Come now Dredd or we’ll be late. I do so like when Faazen entertains. The meals are ever so scrumptious.”

  “Whatever” Dredd called as he stomped around the kitchen, still in a foul mood. “I don’t care about his stupid dinners.” He was acting like a child and Andi chided him in her sisterly way.

  “Come on brother, we will have a wonderful time if you get a better attitude.”

  “Too bad, this is the only one I have at the moment” Dredd growled, “Take it or leave it!”

  Shaking her head, she latched the windows and untied the sashes. Just in case it rains, she thought. Andi reached for her cloak.” I’m leaving Dredd.”

  “Hold on sis, I’ll be there.”

  Zach was doing a bit of sulking too. He followed Bergouhy around the dining table watching him put out the place settings. There were golden runners on the long table and it all looked very festive when they were finished.

  “I believe we are ready for a party now. What do you think Zachary?”

  “I would rather be somewhere else, like back home!” He pulled at the collar of his shirt and muttered something about feeling as if he was choking.

  The gnomlie could not help but laugh. “I’m thinking you will be fine. Don’t over think it so much my young friend.”

  “Whatever you say Bergouhy, I’ll try. Oh, something smells good, Let me go and see what Cook has prepared.” Zach sniffed his way back to the kitchen. He lifted the lids off almost everything as he had his nose in just about every pot and saucepan. Cook was getting frustrated as the sauce was not quite to her liking, and she was sure it needed more salt. The boy was clearly in her way, although she liked Zachary, he needed to leave her kitchen now. Bergouhy gently moved Zach out of the kitchen and back to the dining hall. Zach helped him with the glassware, they were rounded goblets tinged in amber.

  Faazen entered the room resplendent in his purple ceremonial robes. He had a small cap that fit tightly on his head. “Gentlemen everything looks wonderful.”

  Zach smiled, “he did everything “pointing to Bergouhy.” I just followed him around and bothered Cook.”

  “You were quite good at it Zachary.” The gnomlie said laughing.

  A few minutes later Thomas entered the room. He had also dressed for the occasion and was elegant in tweed. He was smoking a pipe; the aroma was a faint mixture of cherry and vanilla. Zach was still fumbling with the collar of his shirt and now his legs itched from the trousers. He was sure he would have a horrible rash the next day.

  There was a sound of chimes, and then Bergouhy led in their guests. “Follow me,” he said as they made their way down the very long hall. “Master Faazen is expecting you.”

  Andi gasped as she always did upon entering Dragmar. It was such a beautiful castle with all the tapestries and dark polished wood. There was literally a forest, as they passed tall and willowy plants. Small dragons and other creatures had free run of the castle. It wasn’t unusual to find a tiny dragon alight on your shoulder, or see them flying along the high ledges. Dredd looked bored as he had his head down and was not saying anything. Andi was chattering like a magpie and the little gnomlie was doing his best to keep up with her conversation.

  Upon entering the dining area, the guests were standing off to the side with drinks in their hand. Zach had his arms folded and was eyeing Dredd suspiciously. Dredd was nonchalant as he slouched down on one of the plush velvet chairs oblivious to the boy’s stare.

  “Come, my friends lift your glasses and join me in a celebratory toast. We are grateful for friendship, laughter, and the joy that it brings” Andi smiled as she tasted the sweet drink that warmed her heart and lifted her spirits. It was a wonderful toast and she sighed happily.

  Faazen tapped his goblet with a long handled spoon, “friends we now present our banquet.” He clapped his hands and a flurry of servers appeared one by one with a stack of silver trays. They started with steaming bowls of a creamy mushroom and dill soup. Thomas passed the large plate of buttery rolls. Just on cue, the servers reappeared with more trays. This time there were roasted meats and rich sauces to accompany them. Everyone waited in anticipation for the first bite. The meal lasted for another hour. A selection of aged cheeses and ripe fruit prepared the palette for the desserts that followed. From the dessert cart, Zach cut himself a large piece of the apple crumb cake. Andi went for a sliver of mocha almond torte, and Dredd had a thick chunk of chocolate and walnut cake. Thomas and Faazen passed on the elaborate desserts and were content to pick at a cluster of red and green grapes.

  Faazen then motioned for his guests to join him in the parlor for hot drinks.

  Dredd ducked out a side door as the others followed the wizard. Zach spun around and saw him leave in a flash. Wondering what he was up to, he decided to follow Dredd.

  The moon was bright and full and enough stars lit the sky to keep his path easy to see. Dredd went to the stables, took one of Faazen’s horses and galloped off. Zach, who was a little further behind not to arouse suspicion, jumped on another horse and followed him. He was unsure of his way around, but logic did not figure into it because if it did he would not have ventured out.

  Dredd knew the kid was behind him as he heard another pair of hoof beats. He certainly was not in the mood to babysit, and wished Zach would just get lost. He had a few plans of his own and did not want the nosy kid messing things up. The dinner tonight was good enough, but hanging around while the older folks bored him to tears was a little too much.

  “Whoa Boy, that’s it” he said as the horse slowed down to a trot and then stopped at the side of the tavern. Dredd dismounted and carefully secured the horse with the others there. He liked going in and watching the antics of that shifty lout, Colby Shaw. He usually was around going on and on about one thing or another. He could practically talk the bar patrons out of their life savings without batting an eye. This man certainly was not good for Andi. If someone was going to come into his sister’s life, he had to be worthy of her, Not the likes of Colby Shaw. Dredd would see to it that his sister’s virtue would stay intact. Someday she would thank him. After all, they w
ere family and family looks out for one another.

  Zach was out of breath when he pulled into the tavern. His face flushed and ears burning. The horse seemed to know the way because it led him there and then galloped off. “Great!” now how would he get back to the castle. This was slowly turning into a bad idea. His granddad would be upset, and Faazen would lose trust in him. Zach was starting to become more apprehensive and stood in front of the door not sure what to do.

  Someone sneaked up behind him and pulled him off to the side. “What are you doing here kid? You look too young to be hanging out in a tavern. Go home to your mother and play with your blocks!”

  Zach looked up in the dark and saw the man was snarling, and had a few teeth missing still he spoke. “My mother has been dead for several years now; let me go about my business.”

  This surprised the man because the kid was confident. He let him go for a moment. “What are you here for anyway then?”

  “Well if you must know, I am following someone who is quite mysterious and ducked out of the castle rather quickly after our evening meal.”

  Now the hulk was interested. “What castle, where do you stay boy?”

  “My grandfather and I are guests at Dragmar,” Zach said, “Faazen the wizard lives there. Do you possibly know of him?”

  The big man let him go. “Well that’s a different story then. The wizard Faazen is respected in these parts. If you are his kin, we best leave you alone.” He looked at Zach again.” Well who are you following?”

  Zach spoke quietly. “His name is Dredd Domino.”

  The man nodded. “Oh him, yeah he sits in the back spying on the stranger, most nights anyway.” He shook his head. “That kid is a strange one too. I Don’t want nothing to do with either one of ya.”

  Zach turned and walked quickly into the tavern, making his way to the back where Dredd was sitting in the shadows.

  “Why did you leave so fast back there? And aren’t you too young to hang out in a bar?”

  Dredd eyed him curiously. “You’re only allowed one question and then get out of here.”