The Legend of the Dragon Child

by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait

  “Fly Fast! Fly Direct!” With her shout, the Mursei and Allies took to the air. The Queen and King of Mursei led them in a circle above Zelspar and Galdean--a Warriors’ honor. Then they took leave towards the sun, the tails of many flashing colors waved in the sky.

  Zelspar and Galdean looked on, filled with the pride. It was a mighty sight. They followed with their eyes until they could only see specks, rapidly disappearing. Zelspar then assessed Galdean’s condition.

  “Galdean, let me see if you can sit upright,” he said. He placed his arm behind Galdean’s neck.

  With concentration, Galdean lifted up. He still clutched at his ribcage, which had met with the main force of the impact from the explosion. Or was it from the slamming of Dragon bodies against him? He could not remember.

  “You are mending well, Galdean. Here, drink some water from my bag. I have mixed the roots of bone mending plants into it. It will help you.”

  Galdean drank. He had conversations with the wise old Dragon and broached the subject of the battle and portals. “Do you think we have eliminated the threat of the Jodrugs and De Dezertico Hails? And what happened to the King of Viephan and his Hail? Do you think the Viephan Hail was obliterated?”

  “Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!” Zelspar spouted out. “That is hard to say, Galdean. You didn’t see any of the Viephan Hail during battle?”

  “Not that I can remember. It only occurred to me now. They were demanding we join in battle against the Jodrugs or they would come and attack us. We did not come when asked but later as part of the mission to shut down the portal. Let me ask you, do you believe there are more portals?”

  “Galdean, Galdean,” the old Dragon sighed, “so many good questions. Now, it is true that the Viephan Hail could have met their demise before we came to battle, however...” Zelspar said as his heavy browed eyes scanned the area around them, “I think those slippery slimy excuses for Dragons went into hiding. They have no bravery! They rely on great numbers. The proof of that is they came to us. They wanted us to battle for them. Their greatest weakness in battle are those small ridiculous wings.” He let loose a deep belly laugh. “By all that is Dragon, I should think I would hide too if my wings looked like two pair of flapping leaves on my sides!”

  Galdean could not help but burst out in a huge laugh before saying, “That is, by far the best description I have heard of the Viephans.”

  Zelspar grinned. “I’ve never had much use for them. They live by separate rules. They take what they want, when able. They are wily though and must always be watched. They are conniving, deceitful beasts.”

  “I mention them because, well, we are rather exposed out here,” Galdean said.

  “You are quite wise,” Zelspar replied. “I’m going to attempt to stand you up, are you ready?”

  “Yes, the stench of dead Dragons has made it where I could do anything, just to leave their decaying carcasses behind.”

  “All right then. Let’s try this slowly. I don’t want any of the mended bones splitting again.” Zelspar lent his arms as support as he cautiously lifted Galdean.

  “It hurts like a fresh fire bath but I’m standing.”

  “Good! This next part will take the longest time. I will levitate you slightly over the ground and towards our temporary cave. Flying is out and walking is worse.” He eyed Galdean sternly. “We will talk more once we are in the cave. This requires my full concentration. Agreed?”

  Galdean nodded. He put his trust in Zelspar. And then slowly, his body rose. He looked down to find himself above the ground by about two hands high and slowly headed towards the cave.

  Once they made it to the foot of the cave, Zelspar slowly lowered Galdean to the ground. The intense concentration to levitate Galdean so long had left him spent. He wiped the sweat from his scraggly brows. Almost there.

  He checked with Galdean. “Are you doing well?”

  “Yes, my fine friend. I have never experienced such a thing. To move without flexing a muscle, extraordinary!”

  Zelspar reacted with a slight chuckle, “It is said, where there is a will, the way will present itself. You, my friend, are the heaviest object I have levitated. I am only grateful I did not drop you mid-way.”

  “As am I, Zelspar,” Galdean replied smiling.

  “Now, I will levitate you to the cave’s landing and bring you to rest there. Then I will fly up to join you. Are you ready?”

  “Ready!” Galdean replied with a fascinated look usually reserved to that for a young hatchling making a new discovery. “Lift off!”

  Zelspar's laughter roared. “I’m pleased you are enjoying this feat. Your eyes are as large as Dragon eggs. If I didn’t know any better, I would believe I am entertaining a hatchling.”

  “Good description. This does make me feel like one. I’m experiencing your magic first-hand!”

  Zelspar winked. “This should give your hatchling heart a lift,” he said chuckling. “We are ready. Silence and hold steady.”

  Galdean watched as his feet left the dirt. He watched the rocks disappear underneath him. He was enthralled by seeing things as he slowly lifted up. What a perspective, he thought. He was accustomed to flight and moving so quickly, there was no time to appreciate the passing of objects below. Yes indeed, he thought, he did feel like a young hatchling again. He slowly came to rest on the outer shelf of the cave. He shouted below, “Safe as a hatchling in its nest!”

  Zelspar shook his head and smiled. What an experience, he thought, watching this fierce Warrior turn into a hatchling. “Hold on, I am on the way.”

  Zelspar sprang up to the ledge and asked Galdean to wait as he looked inside. He returned to help Galdean in and placed him on a well-matted ledge that made for a perfect sleeping place.

  “The moons shall soon appear. I’ll prepare some food while we still have the light of the sun coming in. I would prefer not having a fire after the light fades. We do not want to invite any hiding Dragons to our whereabouts,” he remarked as he busily made preparations for their evening meal.

  Chapter 7

  The Mursei and Allies arrived home tired but feeling accomplished. A swarm of Dragons suddenly appeared from every nook, cave and perch, cheering. By all that is Dragon, it is good to see them all, thought Queen Mursei.

  They hadn’t a moment to rest when they were surrounded by those that had stayed behind.

  Thunderous roars of congratulations, welcomes and conversations consumed the air.

  The Queen of Mursei gave a brief update. “We were successful in destroying the portal as well as the hordes of De Dezertico’s and Jodrugs which had accumulated there. We greatly appreciate your welcome and yes, there will be stories to share. Later. I’m sure you will want to be with your Hails and rest. Tomorrow is time enough for the stories of battle. My deepest thanks to all, but most of all to our combined brave Warriors. We will share food and stories tomorrow, for now most of us prefer a good night of rest.”

  The large assembly of Dragons began to break apart and wander off to their separate caves as the Queen and King of Mursei slowly made their way to their lair.

  Zlemtec was finally able to wiggle through the Dragons and catch up to the Queen and King. “Wait,” he cried out. “Queen, King!”

  The King turned towards Zlemtec and replied, “Zlemtec, there you are.”

  “I’m sorry to trouble you when you’ve just returned but I have to, Zelspar has not returned! I have been watching and waiting …”

  “All is well, Zlemtec,” the King replied. “He is caring for Galdean. He became badly injured in battle.”

  “I don’t understand, he was supposed to be with Kaida,” Zlemtec gushed out.

  “Oh, Zlemtec, I’m sorry. I’m not thinking clearly,” replied King Mursei. “He was there and when he left to come home, he had a Calling to come to, well, to find Galdean. He stayed behind to help Galdean until he gets strong enough to come home.”

  “What did he tell you about Kaida?”

  “I’m afr
aid we didn’t have time to discuss it, Zlemtec. We had just come from battle and then we rested. While returning we saw Zelspar was there, helping Galdean. He was very badly injured. We didn’t get back to discuss Kaida when we had to leave them to return home.”

  Zlemtec’s face showed his complete shock. “Then you are telling me, no one knows if she is doing well?”

  “No, not all at, Zlemtec. Zelspar did have a moment to say he gave her the special magic of hiding her memories. He simply didn’t have time to fill us in on how he accomplished it. Rest well, Zlemtec. All is well with Kaida,” the King said as he squeezed on his shoulder.

  “I…” started Zlemtec, “I don’t know what to say. I wish Zelspar was here so I could hear all about him seeing her and if...”

  “I’m sure he will tell us all about it when he returns,” the Queen gently added.

  “Thank you for telling me. You’re right. I’m sure Zelspar will tell us more when he gets back home. I’ll go now so you might rest up,” Zlemtec managed to say before he turned to leave.

  “Zlemtec?” The Queen called after him, but he had already disappeared.

  He made his way quickly out of the cave and stood upon the ledge. His mind raced with thoughts and aggravation. They don’t know? Was he the only Dragon that cared whether Kaida was managing living with the Urthe peoples? They had to fly past where she is living on their way home and no one thought to look in on her? How can that be, he wondered?

  Then, he looked around and noticed how most all of the Dragons had retired to their caves. It had grown quiet in the early evening. Very quiet. Most of the Dragons had been off on the mission and returned exhausted. It is still fairly light out, with both moons’ light glowing full. His eyes flashed with an idea.

  He thought, I don’t think they’ll even know I am gone if I hurry. I will check on Kaida myself! His reasoning seemed sound enough, and so, he lightly pushed off the ledge and caught the air that would guide him to the land where Kaida now lived. He should be back by early daybreak, or so he thought.

  Zlemtec flew high over the mountains, calculating the quickest way to reach Kaida. His flight well-lit by the glow of the two moons both in their full glory. After some time, he began seeing small glows of light down below. Scattered out-dwellings of the Urthe peoples dotted along the surface. The closer he got to the place of Kaida, the more concentrated the lights became. He decided to hide his colors, so he could come in closer.

  He perched on a jutting ledge near a group of out-dwellings. His interest was heightened due to the amount of activity he saw. Why, he wondered, were they so busy? Do they sleep in the day and stay awake in the night? He had thought he could easily sneak into the area and, just perhaps, find where Kaida slept. Now there was too much activity. Disappointment filled him. A wasted trip, he thought.

  As he watched, the peoples made a large pit with dead branches. Then they carried fire on sticks and lit the branches, throwing off odd shadows around the fire pit. Next, their elder females circled the fire, tossing handfuls of some powder into it, making it suddenly blaze in colors of purple like the sky before the sun hides, and white, the color of the sun when directly overhead. What odd magic they use. Their voices cried out in a rhythm as a line of women formed around the fire, all moving around the circle, their arms flying up into the air.

  The circle of the females spun around and turned and changed from the eldest in front of the fire pit to the youngest. In their hands were objects that they threw into the fire, making it soar higher into the sky. It looked to be Dragon scales. By all that is Dragon, what were they doing?

  A commotion broke out as one young female started to toss a large object into the flames. Another female pushed her down and took it away yelling, “No! Mine!” As the fire’s light was cast against the female and the object, Zlemtec caught his breath. Kaida-- And she was fighting over his missing scale of Blue and Gold.

  The Elder females came to Kaida trying to take the scale away in the scuffle, but she held onto it fast and wriggled away from them. An Elder, an old male known as Molakei, broke through the disrupted circle of females and placed his hand on Kaida’s shoulders. He loudly addressed his peoples.

  “You may continue your Celebration of the Moons. You may bring your offerings for protection from the Dragons, but you will not take the piece she has. It came with her and remains with her. It is for her protection only. She, I believe, was delivered to us. I also believe in time; we will know her as the child of the Legend I have told you from our stories of old. For her to live amongst us brings us protection, for the Dragons will protect her.”

  Kaida looked up at the old man, with her eyes large with wonder. She did not know why he was protecting her, but she was relieved. This place was strange to her. She didn’t understand why. It seemed to her that she had been born at this size, instead of like the tiny, wrinkled ones she saw around her.

  Mouthing their sounds had been difficult in the beginning, but she studied the way their mouths moved and watched what happened when they made the sounds. It was made easier because of the way they moved their hands while talking. It seemed to fill in the spaces left open between the sounds.

  Zlemtec looked on, and when she turned sideways by the fire’s light, he saw it. Zelspar did give his present to Kaida. He sighed with thankfulness. He noticed she was wearing it over her neck. His heart leapt. It beat so fast, his scales moved at his chest. He forgot himself in the moment as yelled out, “Kaida!”

  The scene below him quickly grew silent with faces twisting in every direction, trying to pinpoint where the thunderous sound came from. Many began to shriek, run and hide in their dwellings, causing a loud ruckus.

  Zlemtec noticed it didn’t scare Kaida, nor the Elder standing next to her. He saw Kaida reach down and clutch the necklace he had made for her. She knows, she remembers. At least, I think she does. She didn’t run but she did not call out to me either. He had to know.

  He lifted off the perch and flew his colors brightly, making a circle over Kaida. He longed to talk to her again, to spend his days with her. His heart cried out for her. He became aware of shouting and the peoples pointing up towards him. Some ran inside again and returned with arrows! Oh Kaida, I only wanted to be next to you, his lonely heart thought.

  Then, the air rang with a beautiful sound. She said, “Lift me higher.” She was beginning to levitate to the utter disbelief and shock of the peoples. Fear showed in their eyes as they watched the child come away from the ground and move up to the sky, little by little.

  She must remember. She only did this when she wanted to fly with me! Zlemtec did not miss the opportunity. He dove down and quickly flew under her, allowing her to sit on his back. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn’t call out his name, but she did say, “You came,” as she placed her head against his scales. They circled, lost in their own world.

  The Urthe peoples could only watch and point. Several fell to the ground in fear, both from the Dragon and the strange girl who sat upon his back. They heard the child’s laughter as it sprinkled the night air.

  Zlemtec flew higher and off towards the moonbeams, casting their shadows down below. They flew, as one again. A joy he had thought was forever lost, returned. Zlemtec wanted to talk to her but held back, afraid to break this magic of the moment.

  Kaida offered up no more words, she only held him tightly and gave the Urthe a gentle rain of her soft laughter. It was more than enough for his soul. He flew on, zigzagging over the landscape, soaring with a freedom and passion he hadn’t felt since he lost Kaida.

  He felt her arms around him loosen as the hint of sunlight was seen off to the east. Oh, they had flown through the night! He had lost all concept of time as they flew. Kaida must have fallen asleep.

  He longed to turn homeward with Kaida. The thought of taking her back to the peoples made him ache inside, but he knew it that could not be. He made his way back over the rocks which looked like a Sea Dragon, over the trees a
nd to the area where he had placed Kaida before the Urthe peoples found her.

  He softly landed and crouched down low and gently rolled her to the soft grass. She was fast asleep with a smile fixed on her face. He stayed a moment longer looking down at her, filling all of his senses with her. He took a deep breath, hid his colors and took to the sky, headed home.

  On and on he flew. His jubilation glinted off of him with the early morning sunrise as he soared and dipped and sailed through the air. His wings grew stronger with each beat, as did his heart. For the first time for many such sunrises, all was well within him. He spun in the air as the thoughts of the last night flashed through his memories. Kaida… She remembered him. His special necklace infused with his magic had worked. His smile made the sun pale in comparison.

  He recalled with pure joy; we flew as one again! It felt empty when they didn’t fly as one. He tried to rationalize why it felt that way. It was just after his first flight when Kaida used her magic to lift off the ground, to join him. It seemed normal to fly with her, even though the other Dragons thought otherwise.

  But there was something else. He felt stronger with her flying with him. He wondered, did Kaida feel the same? The more he thought about the idea, the more he felt it was surely something more. When they flew as one, it was as if they fused together and became one. He felt sure of it. He couldn’t wait to ask Kaida what she thought.

  His eyes closed tightly as he realized that may not be soon. Reality had risen its ugly head. He had stolen their time together, against the wishes of the others. The sudden thought sparked a fresh fire under his wings as he flew as fast as the wind and his wings could take him. He had to make it home before he was caught.

  The sun had just climbed up the mountain walls as Zlemtec landed below. He was ravenous and began foraging for a belly full when the King of Mursei appeared on the ledge above.

  “Zlemtec! There you are, I was looking for you,” King Mursei shouted below.

  “You were? I’m gathering food,” he shrugged, which was true, his mind whispered to him.