by E. W. SALOKA
Xandar snorted his disapproval but eventually nodded reluctantly “Go, I will wait here for your return.”
The wizard raised his arms and disappeared into the night. The dragon took position behind one of the icy drifts and kept watch.
Xandar-Sym heard a frozen tree branch crackle and looked to the right where he heard something moving towards him. It was silvery white in the moonlight and the battle dragon called out a low warning. “Go no further, until you identify yourself!”
“Xandar-Sym it is I, Varthon. No need for concern, I must ask you friend what are you doing here?”
“That is an interesting question Varthon. I am waiting for Faazen to return. Rianor has kidnapped Thomas and Zachary Wellington. We are trying to locate his ice prisons but to no avail my friend.”
“You are in luck battle dragon. I happen to know the locale quite well. Medrith was an unwilling guest as he held her and our small one captive. We will wait for Faazen and I will take you both there. We have no time to lose. “
Faazen arrived at the castle. Once there he went to the guest rooms. There he found what he was looking for. Amidst Zach’s clothing in a small box was half of the silver leaf on a thin chain. “Oh my, he did have it. No wonder I could not sleep. It was here under this roof the whole time.” He decided to leave it be. Within a minute, he transported himself back to Windsword. There where he left him was the battle dragon poised and ready for action. The ice dragon stood next to him and was quite majestic with his silver-tipped fur blowing in the cold winds.
“Varthon lead the way!” Faazen said patting the ice dragon’s neck.
“I do know the location of the ice prisons, follow me Xandar, it isn’t too far from here.”
The dragons soared over the snow- covered cliffs and there they landed amidst the rocky crags. Only a winged creature could land in such a precarious and narrow spot.
“Be careful this is quite treacherous.” Varthon instructed them as they were about to land. They dipped low and hovered over a particularly deep cliff, which seemed to have a side entrance. Looking down, Xandar-Sym nodded and both dragons descended to make their landing. Varthon stayed close to the path as he made his way over the snow embankment. It seemed to drop several hundred feet and was quite dizzying as the eye adjusted to the different heights.
“Thomas we’re here to get you and Zach out! We have no time to waste.” Faazen noticed that Thomas seemed to be in a daze. Zach was suspended on the ice pillars and his feet dangled above the sheet of ice. Both figures were motionless. Faazen could see Rianor had used a suspending spell, which kept them in a trance. Xandar and Varthon entered the prison, and with great breaths billows of fire and smoke tore into the frozen walls. With the ice melted, Both Thomas and Zach were jolted awake as heat started to warm their faces.
Faazen placed them one at a time on the dragons. They were still woozy and their balance was off. He tied the reins around them tightly. Amidst huge rings of fire and smoke, the dragons made their way out and were soon flying safely back to Dragmar. Both dragons landed smoothly at the castle gates.
Bergouhy was there waiting for them and he helped take Thomas and Zachary to their rooms. Thomas was groggy as he tried to form a few words and regain his stature. However, he was weak and could hardly stand. Zach wasn’t much better and they both walked as drunken men, stumbling and falling over. Faazen surveyed their condition as the small gnomlie tried his best to get them back on their feet. “Stay there my friend; I will get them to their rooms.
“All safe and sound in their beds now,” Faazen shook his head and smiled at his friend. “Thankfully, they might think this night was a dream or perhaps a nightmare.”
“After a good night’s sleep, maybe they won’t remember it at all sir.”
“Hopefully so Berge, wisdom sleep cannot come soon enough. This day has been most eventful and I have earned my rest tonight. It will be most welcome indeed.”
Twelve - Matters Of the Heart
Andi shook the clothes out of the wash basket and searched for the clothespins. Pushing a damp lock of hair back from her face she set about her task. There was another basket on the porch and it seemed she could hardly keep up with it by washday. The sun was pale orange in a marshmallow sky and she hummed a little tune as she skipped in step to the music in her head. “la la li” She turned around with a flushed face as she realized she had an audience. “Mr. Shaw” she stammered, “what brings you here this early in the morning? I wasn’t expecting any visitors.”
Colby Shaw tipped his hat and smiled. “Not to bother you Miss Andi, just enjoying the morning and saying hello to my neighbors.”
She flushed as her auburn tresses curled at her neck from the warmth of the sun. She was wearing a dotted apron and a pink dress. Looking like a breath of spring with her rosy cheeks and welcoming smile.
“Miss Andi you make washday look quite fetching indeed.”
“Oh, Mr. Shaw,” she couldn’t stop blushing.
Colby enjoyed talking to her. She made him smile with her sweet innocence and doe eyes. “Could I possibly be of assistance maybe carrying something?”
Andi put her hands on her hips. “Actually, I could use a wee bit of help. Could you carry out the second load of wash?” She gestured with her hand. “It’s up there on the porch.”
He leapt up and ran to the porch. He was cautious thinking her brother was lurking nearby to give him a hard time. He glared at Colby every chance he got. He shook his head as he picked up the basket and carried it down to her. “Here you are sweet miss; I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
She smiled and took the wash and started hanging up the clothing. He followed her and tried to help. The way he hung clothes was comical and Andi burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny? I think I am doing an excellent job. “
“Why don’t we take a rest now, I’ll make us a cool drink. The sun is becoming ever so warm.”
“I would love that Miss Andi, thank you.” The two walked to the kitchen and Andi started squeezing lemons into a glass pitcher. Colby was telling her stories and together they were soon laughing.
She poured the lemonade into two tall glasses and chipped some ice from a large block to chill their drinks. Andi brought over a small plate of fruit filled cookies she had made yesterday. She offered one to Colby and took one for herself. They were quiet as they sipped lemonade. Finally, Andi spoke. “How are you enjoying your stay Mr. Shaw?”
“It’s been fine Miss Andi. Angus Weller is a good man and he has paid decent wages for helping him with his tavern. I do a variety of tasks and it has kept me busy. Not only have I been able to earn my room and board, but I’ve also been able to set a little aside for a proper date with a certain miss.”
Andi smiled. She was hoping it was her.
Colby took her small hand in his. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a picnic?”
Andi nodded and smiled again.
“Well then it’s our first date and I will be here tomorrow around noon for our picnic. I will pack our lunch and beverages. You just bring your pretty smile.”
Andi hugged herself. Her eyes were bright and shining. Our first date, she thought.
“We best be drinking your fine lemonade before the sun melts the ice.” Colby gave her a gentle smile.
Andi lifted her drink to her lips and looked over the rim of the glass at Colby Shaw. He was quite handsome. His eyes were light green and he had a perfect smile. He was tall and she liked the way he walked, somewhat jaunty and then sauntering a bit too. He walked as if he owned the world. She could tell people responded to him in a positive manner. Well maybe not her brother, but Dredd was only trying to protect her and she understood that because she was always doing the same for him.
Colby finished his drink and slowly stood up. He kissed her hand and said goodbye. “I’ll see you tomorrow, no chores for my lady, just a fun filled day.”
Andi blushed. “Goodbye Mr. Shaw. Thank you for helping m
e, you are so kind.”
“It was my pleasure.” Colby said.
Andi jumped up and returned to her clothes washing. She wanted to finish all her work early so she could plan her outfit for their date tomorrow. She danced all around the wash line, humming happily to herself.
Thomas woke early, but it seemed late to him. He had a giant headache and his mouth felt like it was stuffed with cotton. He peered into a vanity mirror and washed up and dressed quickly. He then made his way to the courtyard where the wizard sat deep in thought. He slid into his seat and busied himself with picking out a large blueberry muffin. He was quite hungry, and proceeded to sink his teeth into the moist cake bursting with sweet berries.
Faazen blinked twice and seemed to be refreshed.
“Hello Tom , how are you today?”
“I don’t remember much from last night. Was I drinking?”
“No, you and young Zachary were kidnapped by Rianor. Actually I’m glad you don’t remember could be a good thing.”
“Why am I not surprised! I am not pleased how dangerous this is all becoming.”
“Yes, it can be, but much is at stake. We rescued you both with the help of Xandar-Sym and Varthon. So all is well for now,” he added.
“Let’s not tell Zachary, I don’t want him concerned. He does not need this on his already full plate.
“You are his grandfather. I respect your wishes on what concerns your grandson.” The wizard nodded respectfully.
Thomas just shrugged, he had been through so much, his body ached, and today he felt old. As if Faazen could hear his thoughts, he stood as if about to make a grand announcement.
“I have an idea. Why don’t you walk throughout the Seia Woods today and enjoy the peace and beauty. It will bring joy to your heart and nourish your soul. We all need to be alone at times, simply doing nothing, not even thinking.”
“Good thinking my man, I might do just that.” Thomas had to agree with Faazen that it would be nice to relax today.
They both agreed and returned to their breakfast.
Zach awoke to the sun streaming into his room. He covered his eyes with his hand. His head hurt, and there was a throbbing in his temple, he couldn’t seem to define. Zach didn’t remember what happened last night; everything was a blur in his mind. When he tried to piece it together, it was full of holes. He washed up and dressed for the day. In the courtyard, he spied Faazen and his grandfather. They had just finished breakfast; And Zach looked longingly at the empty plate with only a few muffin crumbs. Just then, Zach saw Bergouhy carrying in a platter of fresh fruit. Grabbing a ripe pear, he munched happily and listened to the two men discussing the up-coming challenge. To him it sounded difficult and well, challenging.
“Today is your riding lesson Zach” said Faazen. “You are going to the caverns with Dredd, he agreed to give you a few pointers.”
“Oh him,” Zach shook his head. “He can barely tolerate me, is he going to take off and lose me again?”
“No, he won’t do that, he promised.” Faazen assured the boy.
Zach stood up, “Why do I not feel so good about this Faazen?”
“I’m sure it will be fine, you’ll be with Xandar-Sym. He will watch out for you Zach.”
Dredd soon arrived and then Xandar landed.
“C’mon boys lets go!” Dredd’s dragon said. He dug his claws deep into the earth, and smoke billowed from his flared nostrils.
“Time to ride” Xandar said. The boys took off whooping and yelling. The dragons circled and were soon out of sight as they made their way toward the caverns.
“I’m ready to take that walk now,” Thomas said.
The wizard nodded. “One thing before you go. It would be wise to give you something that you could use to contact me.” Faazen paced back and forth a few minutes and said, “I have it!” He reached behind his back and pulled out a small marble. It was clear blue and it floated in the air. “Touch it,” he said. When Thomas touched the orb, it expanded to five times its size. “Take this Thomas and keep it with you. If you need me, touch the sphere and I will see you.” Faazen gave him a small velvet pouch. Thomas went to touch the sphere and it decreased to it’s original size. Thomas slipped the marble back in the pouch and then placed it in the breast pocket of his jacket.
“After two kidnap attempts, I will feel better knowing I can find you.”
Thomas smiled and patted his shoulder. “Thank you Faazen, I appreciate your concern.” He said brightly. “I’m ready to soak in Brandiss-Dor culture and be one with nature.”
Thomas whistled as he left the castle gates. He was eager to be alone as he made his way down the pathway that lead to the Seia Woods. It was a beautiful sunny day and the aches and pains he felt earlier seemed to melt away. Thomas filled his lungs with fresh air, and watched as the small creatures were scurrying about the trees. He laughed to himself at their silly antics. There was a faint breeze and the grass beneath his feet lay out as a rich carpet of green. There was a perfect spot on the tree stump to rest a bit and take in the scenery. As he sat down, he started thinking of Philip. Perhaps he walked these very grounds. He still felt strongly that his son was living here those years he was missing. Being in the same woods made him feel close to his boy. Once again, he thought of Tara too, Zachary’s mother. It was difficult for her after Philip disappeared all those years back. She was melancholy most of the time, but tried to hide it from her son. Thomas knew her heart was bleeding for the one she loved. Then one day she met someone new. He was a nice man with smiling eyes and an easy charm who made her forget her pain. Soon she was laughing and the light came back into her pretty eyes once more. Then a few years later, the light in her eyes dimmed forever. It seemed like a lifetime away but somehow even here the senseless tragedy of the accident still haunted him.
Thomas looked up for a minute. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? His gaze fell on a tiny winged creature. She was a little ballerina, leaping and pirouetting across a shimmering puddle, which had collected from yesterday’s rain shower. Her eyes were dark, almond shaped, and she wore miniature ballet shoes. She must be a faerie he thought, a tiny dancing faerie. She started singing in a sweet, melodic voice, as she seemed unaware of his presence. Then in a sparkling mist, his little rain faerie disappeared.
Thomas stood up, brushed the leaves from his pants, and continued walking. He didn’t go but a few yards when he came upon another winged creature, she seemed to be about a foot tall. She noticed him quickly and came over to say hello.
“My name is Starla,” she looked like a very small girl with golden hair and impish eyes. “I live over there,” she pointed to a large tree. “That’s my brother Fritch,” she said. “He lives there too.”
Thomas noticed a winged creature with red hair and freckles about the same size as her. He knelt down and said hello to the pair as they drew closer to inspect him. They looked him up and down from every angle and finally Fritch spoke.
“I don’t like you. Go away, you smell bad!” The little imp flew over and flicked Thomas’ ear.
He looked up startled. “You are a mean little thing, what a rude and obnoxious way to behave.”
Starla started crying. “Why did you say that mister? He didn’t mean anything by it. Fritch doesn’t like anybody. He’s just an old grouch.”
“Old?” Thomas said, “I thought you were children. “
“I don’t think so” Starla said. “I am eighty five years old and Fritch there is ninety six. Might you be a guest at Castle Dragmar?”
“Yes, my grandson and I are staying there with Faazen.”
“We saw your grandson trying to ride the dragon. He can’t ride for beans!” Fritch said.
Thomas shook his head. “He’ll need more lessons.”
Myloe the wee-bie was watching them form across the tree. He flew off and then whispered in Thomas’s ear.” Do not talk to them. They’ll cause trouble, trouble.”
“Stop that Myloe, we know you’re talking about us!” shriek
ed Starla.
“Yes we’ll cook you and have you for supper.” Fritch said rubbing his hands together. “Yes indeed, a fine recipe for roasted wee-bie with plum sauce.”
“Yum” they both said in unison dancing around Thomas and Myloe.
Myloe scratched his ear, “Told you they were trouble, trouble.”
Thomas had to agree, strange little faeries indeed. “It was nice meeting you both, but I’ll be going now.”
“Well sir, we wanted to show you where we live.” Starla said extending her chubby hand.
“not go, not go” Myloe whispered to Thomas before scampering off.
“Maybe another time” Thomas said politely.
“Just as well,” Fritch said. “Come on Starla, let’s go.” He took his sisters hand and the odd pair flew off towards the direction of the apple tree.
Thomas decided to continue on his days outing. “A strange morning indeed,” he mused aloud.” What can happen next?” He was beginning to wish he hadn’t said that when he saw what was up ahead blocking his path. His first response was to run and hide, which would come soon after running.
“Well, look at what we have here men, the fancy friend of the wizard.” Piggmordon spat the words out. “There’s no use to run, my orcs are all over these woods. You won’t get very far,” he said with a sinister laugh.
Thomas remembered the small globe inside his pocket and reached for it. When he did, it slipped out of his fingers and rolled out of reach into a hollowed out log. One of the orc -general’s men was standing guard on the other side and Thomas realized the foul group surrounded him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he shakily tried to formulate a plan.
“Listen fellows, I’m on my way back to Dragmar. Could you please let me pass through to continue on my way?” Thomas was trying to be logical but had a queasy feeling that was starting to form in the pit of his stomach.
