The Dragon's Champion

by Sam Ferguson

  “No,” Lepkin corrected her. He grabbed the journal and laid it in her lap. “It was Orres who has betrayed us. Read this page.” Lepkin pointed to the page on the left and Dimwater silently read. Lepkin watched her eyes go wide, and then well with tears. Her bottom lip quivered. She closed the book and handed it back as she looked away.

  “This is his journal?” she asked.

  “Marlin helped me unlock the magic that sealed the words away, and Erik verified that Marlin did not tamper with it. I know from reading the journal that Orres sought only to protect Nagar’s Secret, and so in a way he has not betrayed us. But, the passage I just showed you…” Lepkin’s words caught in his throat.

  Lady Dimwater rose to her feet and walked to the middle of the room. She rubbed her arms as she walked with her head hung low. “What will you do?”

  “I will challenge him,” Lepkin said.

  “What of your current duties? You can not abandon them.” Dimwater kept her back to Lepkin so he could not see her face, or the tears that fell.

  “I will pick up Erik on my way to Kuldiga Academy. After I have dealt with Orres, I will resume Erik’s training.”

  “And what of us?” Dimwater asked.

  Lepkin sighed heavily. “After I have dealt with Orres, I will ask your hand.” Lepkin heard Dimwater sob. She turned and put a hand to her mouth and shook her head. “I know we have lost much time already, but if you would accept me-”

  “Don’t be a fool, Lepkin,” Dimwater said in a cracky voice. “What else have I ever wanted?”

  Lepkin nodded. A slight smile came over his face. “Marlin offered to officiate for us,” he said.

  Dimwater laughed and came to sit next to Lepkin again. She snuggled in close to him and laid her head on his shoulder as she brought her legs up under herself on the bed. “I don’t imagine that the other members of the order would like that very much, considering they think I defile their temple and all.”

  “Well, you are the daughter of a Shadowfiend, you know,” Lepkin said.

  “What a pair we make,” Dimwater said with a smile. “You are half dragon and I am half demon.”

  The two of them laughed for quite a while. They let the morning slip away from them as they enjoyed each other’s company. They ignored the bells for breakfast, and would have ignored lunch as well, if not for Marlin coming to Lepkin’s room to get them.

  Marlin looked at them both with sad eyes and a long, hanging frown on his face. His eyebrows were set in closer to his nose than normal, and he walked stiffly into the room. Lepkin thought at first that maybe Marlin was worried about the two of them in a room alone within the temple, but he realized very quickly that something else weighed on the new prelate’s mind.

  “What is it?” Lepkin asked. Dimwater pulled herself away from Lepkin and let her feet find the floor again. The two of them waited silently for Marlin’s answer.

  “Today, a red star rose in the east along with the sun,” Marlin said. Lepkin knew the sign to be an ill omen. “I saw a pair of visions as I meditated upon the meaning of the star. The first showed Erik slain at the hands of a crippled man. The man had a lame leg and a bent left hand.”

  “Janik,” Dimwater gasped.

  “What else did you see?” Lepkin asked.

  “I saw death riding upon a dark cloud. I saw this temple and all people in it, burned to ash.” Marlin drew his lips tight and frowned deeper. “The dark cloud of the vision flew away, carrying Nagar’s Secret within it. A great darkness fell upon the land and the sun no longer gave its light to our world.”

  “I have to go to Erik,” Lady Dimwater said. “Perhaps I can help him.”

  “Wait for the other vision,” Lepkin said, placing his right hand on Dimwater’s knee. She nodded and the two looked back to Marlin.

  “The other vision showed Erik alive. I saw the dwarf with him, though he looked old and gray. The two of them safely returned to Lokton Manor.” A tear slid down Marlin’s face. “The rest of the vision was the same as the first. I am afraid that death rides toward us this very hour.”

  “Then we have no time to spare,” Lepkin said. “We must protect the book.”

  *****

  Erik brought Goliath to the front of the manor. Al limply hung over the saddle, with Erik’s hand keeping him aright on the horse. As soon as the two stopped a pair of guards rushed out from the entryway, armed with halberds and fully dressed in armor. Erik could not see their faces, for their helmets covered them. He let his sword hand slide down to the hilt of his sword and he called upon his power to discern the intent of the two men. After Janik’s betrayal, Erik was not going to take any chances. He was relieved when his power confirmed that the two men intended only to help him.

  “Master Erik,” one of them called out. “We are glad you are alive. What news from the battlefield?”

  Erik shook his head. “I was unable to reach the battlefield,” he replied. “We were ambushed in the forest. If not for my friend, I would have died.” Erik motioned toward Al with a nod of his head. The two guards bowed their heads and lifted their visors to get a better look at the dwarf.

  “Is he hurt?” one of them asked.

  “He needs only rest,” Erik answered. “Please, be gentle with him, he is one of my truest friends.”

  The guards slapped a fist to their chests in salute and gently pulled the dwarf from the saddle. “He’s heavier than he looks,” the second guard grunted.

  “He is a dwarf,” the first guard replied. “He is hewn from the stone of the mountains, like the rest of his folk.” Erik smiled and followed them into the manor. Goliath pawed at the ground and gave a snort. Erik turned back to look at his horse.

  “I will send one of the others to take care of your horse, Master Erik,” the second guard said.

  Erik nodded and continued after them. The inside of the manor was cool. The morning breeze still lingered in the halls. Normally that would have been a comfort to Erik, but today it only accentuated the silence of the manor. Most of the people were gone, on the battlefield. Those who remained broke their silence only if necessary to complete their duties.

  Erik followed the guards to a guest chamber and watched as they removed Al’s armor and set it on a chair next to a grand, plush bed covered with ornate pillows. They inspected Al, probably looking to make sure there were no physical wounds on the dwarf, and then laid a blanket over him.

  “I will inform Braun that you are here, Master Erik,” the first guard said. “Hotak here,” the first guard pointed to the second guard, “will stand watch outside the door. If you need anything, anything at all, you just shout his name.”

  “Thank you,” Erik said with a nod of thanks to both of them. “I could use a messenger falcon,” Erik said. “I have urgent need to send word to Master Lepkin.”

  “As you command,” the first guard said, clapping his fist to his chest. They left quickly and Erik sat in his chair, looking at Al. He was only alone for a short while though, before Braun burst through the door.

  Erik smiled at the sight of his father’s most trusted man-at-arms. “Hello, Braun,” Erik greeted.

  “Gods be praised, I am happy to see you alive and well, Master Erik,” Braun said with a great smile.

  “Why are you not with my father?” Erik asked.

  Braun frowned bitterly. “Your father gave me strict instructions to stay behind, with Lady Lokton. He said if I let a hair of her head fall to the ground without chopping off some enemy’s head that I would be flayed twice as punishment.” Braun flashed a toothy grin. “He’ll be happy to see you though.”

  Erik laughed at the threat his father had given Braun. He remembered the threat his father had made when he charged Braun with helping him escape with Tukai attacked the manor. “I hope my father returns,” Erik said.

  “He will, Master Erik, he will,” Braun promised. Braun approached and his shoulders slumped noticeably. He knelt before Erik and bent his head low to the floor. “I want to apologize, for failing y
ou that night. I did not know that it was Tukai, and not Master Lepkin, who had found us in the briar patch.”

  Erik stood up quick and placed his hand on Braun’s shoulder. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. You fought valiantly. I will hear no more of this.” Erik patted Braun and then sat back down. Braun nodded silently and stood back to his feet. Erik could tell that Braun was still troubled by his self-perceived failing though. He knew that Braun would likely never forgive himself for it. All the better, Erik thought. It would make Braun more protective of House Lokton and Erik knew that now was the time to surround himself and his family with trustworthy friends.

  The door opened again and Hotak came in with a quill and paper in one hand, and a falcon on his other arm. “I have brought Master Erik the falcon he requested,” Hotak told Braun. Braun nodded.

  Erik took the quill and quickly wrote an update for Master Lepkin. He told him of the battle between the two houses, and he explained about Janik. He was sure to add that if not for Al’s sacrifice, he would surely have died. When he was done he sealed the message and tied it to the falcon’s leg.

  “Does this bird know the way to Valtuu Temple?” Erik asked. He wasn’t sure exactly how messenger birds worked or found their destinations.

  “He does, that is the same bird that your father and Sir Duvall have been sending for the past little while,” Braun replied with a nod. Erik felt a pang of guilt for being distrustful, but he had to be sure. He used his power to detect any lies. His power confirmed that Braun had told the truth. Erik smiled.

  “Hotak, send the falcon from this window here. I want to see it off with my own eyes,” Erik instructed.

  “As you command,” Hotak replied with a nod. Hotak took the bird to the window. He threw the latch open and pushed the glass pane out. As soon as his arm rose through the open window the falcon took flight, soaring high into the air. Hotak then turned and bowed to them before leaving the room.

  Erik walked over to the window. He watched the falcon cruise through the sky until the bird faded from his sight. He pondered all that he had learned in the past few weeks. Events had moved so quickly for him. It was difficult to wrap his head around any of it. It was especially hard to believe that he was the one man in the entire realm that could save the people from the power of Nagar’s Secret. He wasn't ready for this. He wasn’t even old enough to graduate from Kuldiga Academy, and yet all hope rested on him. He turned back and glanced over his shoulder at Al. It pained him that the dwarf had sacrificed so much to save him. He knew what he had to do. He had to go back to Valtuu Temple. It was time for him to train for the test. He owed at least that much to the people who had given so much to protect him. “I shall be leaving soon,” he told Braun.

  “But your father has not seen you yet,” Braun protested. “He will want to speak with you.”

  Erik nodded knowingly. “If the Gods deem it necessary for us to speak before I depart, then so be it. If I am unable to see him, you will tell him to take good care of Al for me?” Erik nodded toward the dwarf on the bed.

  “I will be sure that Al receives the honor he has earned,” Braun said. Erik nodded.

  Erik’s mind recalled Janik’s dying words. “I will solve the riddle of Tukai’s prophecy,” Erik vowed to himself in a whisper. “But, I will have to put that off for now.” He loved his father very much, but he now realized that he had to keep the proper perspective. The life of one, though it was his father, would have to wait until the lives of all were safe.

  *****

  Master Lepkin walked out onto the temple’s seventh floor balcony. It was the tallest lookout point for miles around. Marlin and Lady Dimwater accompanied him and also scanned the area. Marlin would likely be the first to spot the threat, Lepkin figured, as the prelate had the gift of True Sight. Lepkin looked to Dimwater and smiled longingly. He had wanted to set out this afternoon for Kuldiga Academy to deal with Orres. But that would have to wait for another day.

  Lepkin walked over and took Lady Dimwater’s hand in his own. “If we live through this,” he whispered. “I will go back to challenge Orres.” She squeezed his hand and gave him a reassuring smile.

  Marlin pointed out to the north. A dark cloud appeared on the horizon. It was sweeping in faster than any storm Lepkin had ever seen before in his life. Master Lepkin reached down for his sword, but Marlin turned, shaking his head.

  “It is not a cloud, as my vision showed me,” he said. “It is a nightwing.”

  Lepkin’s mouth dropped open. Dimwater paled and sucked in a gasp. “Are you certain?” Dimwater asked. Marlin nodded. They all knew that Marlin’s gift of True Sight would not make a mistake. It could only be a nightwing.

  Master Lepkin held his sword out to Marlin. “For whatever use it may be, I bequeath my sword to you.”

  “Lepkin, you can’t fight the nightwing,” Marlin warned. “The longer you take the form of a dragon, the more Nagar’s Secret will assault your mind. You could be turned.”

  “Then, watch me, dear friend, and if my aura shows that I am turning, slay me.” Lepkin let go of Dimwater’s hand and went to the railing of the balcony. He knew he would have to wait until the nightwing came closer. He didn’t want to be in dragon form any longer than was absolutely necessary.

  A bird’s fierce call turned their attentions. Marlin held out his hand and a falcon swooped down from the west, lighting on his outstretched arm. Marlin took the message and broke the seal. “It bears the seal of House Lokton,” he said as he unrolled the message. Lepkin and Dimwater both took in a deep breath and held it. “Erik is alive,” Marlin said with a smile.

  “That’s my boy,” Lepkin praised with a smile. “As long as he lives, there is a chance that we will yet win this.”

  “He wishes to return,” Marlin added. “He says he is ready for his training and will take the Exalted Test of Arophim as soon as Master Lepkin and I think he is ready.”

  Lepkin nodded and turned to Dimwater. She was already summoning her magic mirror. She looked back to Marlin. “Where is he?” she asked.

  “In Lokton Manor,” Marlin said with a smile. “He has given an explicit invitation for you to come straight into the main hall. He is waiting for you there with Braun, the captain of his father’s guard.”

  “What of Al?” Lepkin asked.

  “Al is well, but he had to cast the Stone Shell in order to save Erik from Janik,” Marlin replied. Dimwater nodded and went through the portal without waiting for the explanation.

  “Hold off the nightwing as long as you can,” she called from inside the portal.

  “Janik was a warlock,” Marlin told Lepkin. “Of the same order as Tukai.”

  Lepkin’s face grew sour. He held his sword out for Marlin. “Take it,” he said. Marlin reluctantly grabbed the hilt of the magical sword. “Does the nightwing come alone?”

  Marlin turned back to the north. He squinted a bit. His eyes scanned the skyline and the ground. Finally he shook his head.

  “No,” Marlin said. “There are shadows moving along the ground, I can only faintly see their auras; maybe a hundred or so of them.”

  “Blacktongues,” Lepkin guessed grimly. “Put your men on alert. Tell them to stay within the protection of the wall and the temple itself, if they can. Let the Blacktongues come to us.”

  “Walls will not shelter them from the nightwing’s wrath,” Marlin said.

  “No, but it may buy them some time, as a nightwing cannot see through solid objects. Its sight is no better than mine is while I am in dragon form. If the men can hide from it, they will stand a better chance. The nightwing will come for me, and the Blacktongues will surely be after the book. When Erik gets here, take him into your chamber and give him Nagar’s Secret. If the battle turns badly for us, then you and Erik should run and take the book with you.”

  Marlin nodded. He still looked out to the oncoming beast, and the warriors that followed on foot. “I can see someone riding atop the nightwing,” Marlin said. “It looks to be a wizard.
We only have a minute or two before they will arrive.”

  “Then pray that the Gods will be merciful to us, and that we will be blessed with the strength of the Ancients,” Lepkin replied. He climbed onto the railing, waiting for the correct moment to take the dragon form. Marlin ran inside and within a few moments gongs and bells sounded through the temple. Lepkin could see guards rushing out from below like ants coming out to attack an animal that had stepped in their hill.

  The nightwing was coming well into view now. Its dark, black wings left a trail of shadows behind as it coursed through the sky. It screeched loudly and let out a puff of fire and smoke. Lepkin could see a horde of men jumping up from hiding positions in the fields around the temple. The battle had begun.

  Master Lepkin closed his eyes and leapt from the balcony. He stretched his arms out to his sides and kept his legs close together as he fell. The wind rushed up to envelope him and the flaming sphere wrapped around him, as it had before. He managed to fully transform before he was halfway to the ground. He let out a mighty roar and dove for the field beyond the north wall. He spewed a stream of liquid fire that engulfed the oncoming Blacktongues. Their screams assaulted Lepkin’s ears, but they were drowned out by cheering from the temple guards along the wall.

  Upward he soared. He wanted to take the nightwing from below, but he was not fast enough. The wizard riding the great, black beast sent lightning down from the sky. Lepkin dodged the magical bolts, spinning and dashing through the air with the grace of a swallow. Lepkin launched a fireball that connected with the nightwing’s underbelly. He knew it wouldn’t take the beast down. It was as impervious to flame as he was in his dragon form, but it would at least distract the thing from reaching the temple.

  The nightwing screeched again and its eyes narrowed on Lepkin. The mighty beast was half again as big as he was, with a tail that ended in a mass of long, barbed spikes. Its fangs were dull in color, but sharp enough that they could tear right through bone. The beast turned in midflight and snapped its maw at Lepkin’s tail.