by LeRoy Clary
“I don’t know,” Raymer admitted. He felt a slight tingle on his back and at the awareness his heart began beating faster. The dragon had responded. It was coming.
“What are you two ladies discussing?” Quint asked when he noticed the expressions on their faces.
“Feel it?” Raymer asked Dancer. Then he directed a thought to the dragon. Land on the ground nearby and rest. Wait for me to speak to you later.
Raymer turned to Quint. “Three days for us to get to Castle Warrington is too late to warn the Earl. The battle will be under way, or maybe already decided.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Quint snapped, and then drained another mug of ale. “I intend to make it in two. I’ll ride with spare mounts.”
Raymer noticed the dice game had come to a halt, and as he glanced at the soldiers who were also trying to listen. “Innkeeper, come here.”
“Sir?”
“We have important business to discuss. I want you to ask everyone to leave, including yourself and anyone else in the kitchen. We may ask you to return in a short while, so remain close.” Raymer expected resistance but instead received instant cooperation. The innkeeper leaped to notify the occupants of the other tables, and all quickly left, knowing they would eat and drink for free upon their return.
The innkeeper shut the front door, then rushed to leave by the rear, all to the astonished expressions of Fleet, Dancer, Ander, and Quint.
When they were alone Raymer said softly, “What I am about to tell you is only for your ears, and I am only going to tell you because I trust you, and it may save many lives.”
Quint set his ale aside and leaned closer.
“I do not know how this is going to work, or if it actually is. You all need to help me with my idea.”
All nodded.
Raymer waited, uncertain of how to begin, or how much to share. Finally, he decided to tell all. “Dancer and I believe that I have ‘bonded’ with that dragon that came to us in the night. We don’t know exactly what ‘bonded’ means, but to some extent I can order the dragon to do things, and it seems to obey.”
A soft silence fell upon the room. Even the crackling fire grew softer. They looked from one to another, but nobody spoke, and none challenged his statements.
Raymer continued, “My point is that a dragon can fly much faster than we can walk or ride a horse.”
“A message,” Quint said, seeing where Raymer was going.
“Dragons don’t speak, so even if I can make it fly to Castle Warrington, which is still not certain, how will it warn them of King Ember’s betrayal?”
They sat and looked at each other again, each waiting for another to come up with a good idea. None came forward.
A small smile twitched on Quint’s face and then grew. “What if it attacks the castle?”
Raymer said, “Is this another of your jokes?”
“Not at all! Listen, the army of Northwood is spread out over all of the kingdom in peace times, but Fairwinds Provence has, at least, four training centers for recruits and one for officers, along with two other fortresses, one inland and one just outside the castle on the edge of the sea.”
Raymer waited, and watched the smile grow on Quint’s face.
Quint said, pounding a fist on the table top, “If your dragon attacks Castle Warrington the palace guards will be prepared for another attack.”
“They will be there to fight the dragon, but when King Ember’s soldiers arrive they will find your palace guards ready to defend the castle from dragons, or invaders,” Raymer said. “But palace guards are not the army.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The five of them looked from one to the other.
Quint said, “It’ll work. I think. The dragon attack might pull some of the armies in from the field to fight for the castle, and when old King Ember’s troops show up, they’ll already be there, armed and in full fighting mode.”
“If I can make the dragon attack. But I still need help.” Raymer said.
“Help?” Quint repeated, the puzzlement clear on his face.
“I can’t just touch minds with the dragon and tell it to fly to Castle Warrington. Dragons are basically stupid creatures and can’t read maps, even if we had one. It will not know where to go or how to get there.”
“Landmarks,” Dancer said, looking to Quint for confirmation.
Quint blanched and then shrugged. “It seemed like a good idea, but I’ve never been this far south, so I don’t know any landmarks.”
The mood of the room descended as if all had learned their best friend recently died. Raymer lifted his mug with the intention of seeing the bottom of it and many others. Quint sat near him, his focus on the worn wooden planks of the floor.
Ander said, “The man who was rolling dice has been there. Remember he used the loaf of bread to represent Bear Mountain?”
Raymer slapped the top of the table with his palm, drawing surprised reactions from the others as he half-stood. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have eaten the bread, I guess.”
Ander stood, turned, and headed for the door. “I’ll go find him.”
“Will that work?” Quint asked. “Can you direct a flying dragon by describing landmarks you’ve never seen?”
“This is all new to me,” Raymer said. “I can’t even tell you for sure if I can make the dragon fly in that direction, let alone attack the castle.”
Fleet, who had said little since beginning the trip with them, leaned forward to catch their attention. “I have some concerns, too. The dragon attacking the castle is not going to help the reputation of the Dragon Clan. People, there will remember the attack, especially the families of those it kills.”
Dancer nodded in agreement. He faced Quint and waited before speaking. “This thing we are doing will carry implications that will last for years or generations for our people. Do you have any concept of the sacrifice we are making?”
Quint listened and inhaled a deep breath before answering. “No, I do not understand, but I’m beginning to. Right now I’m worried about my own family, but I will make you one promise. Should we survive King Ember’s treachery, I will make my parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, and every person living in Warrington Castle aware of your sacrifice.”
“You will make them understand?” Dancer asked.
Quint nodded.
Dancer said, “I appreciate your efforts and will hold you to your word, but there is more. With your explanation, there will be more fear of what our powers can do. How dangerous we can be. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Before he could answer, Raymer added, “Before you make any statements to them, I think you should consult with an elder about what to say. Perhaps Myron could visit you?”
“He would be welcomed as a hero!” Quint paused, then said, “However, I see what you’re telling me. You want no more rumors spread about you and Myron could tell me what to say and how much.”
Ander opened the front door of the inn and escorted a nervous looking old man inside. “This is Henry. He says he knows every hill and building between here and Castle Warrington.”
As they settled at the table, both realized they had interrupted a serious conversation. Henry reached for an empty mug and poured himself a generous amount of ale from the pitcher. Ander looked from one to another as he waited for an explanation.
Raymer took the lead. “We can settle all this later. Right now we’re wasting valuable time. For all we know, King Ember’s army may attack in the morning, although I think it will be the day after at the earliest. But the Northwood army needs time to prepare a defense.”
They all turned to Raymer, silently waiting for him to continue.
Ander said, “Attacking the castle is not a friendly move. Are you sure there isn’t a way to send a message?”
Raymer said, “Whatever we do, it has to be done now, or we fail. I don’t like attacking the castle, but it will draw all the attention of the whole kingdom. Understand one thing, first
. This is new to all of us, and if I can ask a dragon to fly all the way there and attack, fine. But think of how silly that sounds.”
He paused and allowed each of them to consider his words. When they all seemed to understand, including the old man, Henry, he went on. “I propose that Quint and Dancer take some of the army horses and a few supplies and ride as fast as possible. Buy fresh mounts along the way if you can. We have the coin, and you two are the best to carry word of the attack.”
“In case, your dragon revolts or refuses to obey?” Quint asked.
“Yes. We can’t risk lives something I’ve never done.”
Dancer stood. “He makes sense. I’m ready. But I also have a suggestion. The officer and his troops are standing guard outside. At least one of them should escort us. If nothing else, it will prevent other units of the Northwood army from taking us prisoner, or detaining us.”
“Excellent idea,” Quint said, who appeared ready to leave that instant. His eyes flicked to each of them, and then to the door. He edged closer.
Ander tossed his purse to Quint, keeping only a few small coins to pay for food and lodging. Raymer handed his own purse to Dancer, saying, “Never keep all the coin in one place. Use it well.”
Quint hesitated. “This is strange. If I arrive home and find it in flames, I will know we have been successful, or that King Ember has. Raymer, it’s hard for me to wish you well when attacking my home is your objective.”
Dancer took Fleet aside and muttered a few words, then followed Quint outside.
Raymer looked at Ander. “I guess we should begin.”
“Not yet. You can’t do much out here in the eating room with no privacy,” Ander nodded to the stairs and doors at the top.
Raymer said, “Henry, you and Ander come with me. Fleet, you can let the innkeeper and others back in here, but tell them to keep the noise down. I want you stationed at the top of the stairs. Nobody goes up there unless you allow it.”
Fleet had looked disappointed at first, but quickly understood his duties were important. He grinned and stood.
Raymer said, “Tell the innkeeper I have rented all the rooms for tonight and will pay him later.”
He went up the stairs first, opening the door to the first room. It was tiny with a slanted roof, obviously too small for three people. The second room was filled with the leavings of the officer. The third had an enormously fat man sleeping in a very small bed, his snores like a pride of lions occupied the room.
After telling Fleet to wake the man and send him away, Raymer tried the next door and found a large space. A neatly made bed with a small sitting, or dressing area. Obviously the largest and most expensive room at the inn. He nodded in satisfaction.
Henry and Ander followed him inside. Raymer motioned to a chair and called for Fleet to bring another. He sat on the bed and looked at the old man. “We need to talk.”
“That we do,” Henry said.
“I assume you know the basics of what we’re going to try.”
“And I know why. How do you want to do this thing?”
Raymer closed his eyes and considered. It was a good question. How did he wish to proceed? “What I need you to do is to realize dragons are not very smart. I need landmarks he can see from above, like rivers to follow. Or fly directly at an oddly shaped mountain, but you have to tell me what the mountain looks like so he can know what I mean.”
Henry said, “Relax a bit, I see your intention and think I have the answer.”
“Tell me.”
Henry leaned back and examined the ceiling as he thought. “The main thing is to know where the dragon is, not to tell it where to go. We just have to know its location, and only for a while. Beyond this valley is another. At the far end of that are two great hills, almost mountains, and the only road passes between them.”
“Can you draw me a picture?”
“Get me pen and paper and I will.”
Ander said, “I’ll tell Fleet to get them.”
Henry continued speaking as if picturing everything in his mind. “Beyond that pass is the beginnings of a river, just a large stream at that point, but it’s the landmark I think you need. It winds and turns, and others join it, but my point is that it eventually becomes a large river that flows right pass Castle Warrington before it finds the sea.”
Raymer said, “That sounds perfect. If I can get it by the second valley and to the smaller river, it will be easy.”
“Just have to know when to stop at the castle, but even that is not hard. If it goes too far, it reaches the sea, and you turn it back.”
Fleet returned with ink, pen, and paper.
“While I try to communicate with the dragon, can you and Ander draw a picture of what the mountain pass will look like? Any large structures before it gets there? And then draw the outside of Castle Warrington?”
Ander reached for the pen.
Henry said, “I can draw for myself. Make letters, too.”
Raymer laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. He put everything around himself out of his mind until he ignored their murmurs and the human sounds creeping up from the dining room as people ate and talked. He heard the door close softly.
Then he reached out to the mind of the dragon. At first, he felt nothing and almost panicked, but it was there. He relaxed and allowed the balminess and security the dragon projected to wash over him like warm summer rain after a drought.
He’d expected the mind of a dragon to be evil and harsh. Maybe stupid and vengeful. Instead, he felt an organized, understanding, and completely relaxed mind, more of what he’d expect if he could touch minds with a milk cow or family dog.
Hello, my friend. The words didn’t seem to translate, but the dragon seemed pleased and understood the intent. It shivered in anticipation.
How am I going to convince it to fly? He knew nothing of how to continue or how to manage the dragon. He had a flash of the dragon raising up, flying to the inn and destroying it with flames. He quickly tried to put that image out of his thoughts before it came true.
He wished again that an elder, like his father or Myron, could advise him. Instead, he would make his own rules. I want you to fly. I want you to fly where I tell you.
Raymer waited. How would he know the beast did as he requested?
Joy filled his mind. A sense like a dog might feel when anticipating chasing and returning a stick to its master. There were no words, but the dragon projected the same sort of response, a mental equivalent to a puppy; I can do it, I can do it.
For the first time, Raymer believed he could actually direct the dragon.
Fly to me and then continue flying in the same direction. Do not land. Raymer waited for some sort of confirmation from the dragon.
A flash of joy filled his mind, then dissipated, leaving him with the same sort of feeling when he watched one of his brothers wrestle one of the other boys and win. Joy followed by satisfaction.
It might take a while, but Raymer believed he may have the confirmation he desired. If the dragon emitted that sort of response each time it did as he asked, he’d know what was happening far away.
The ambient noise from the eating room changed. It grew louder . . . Then softened into silence. Raymer sat up on the bed.
Ander said, “Listen.”
At first, Raymer didn’t hear it, but soon the rustle of the dragon’s great wings approaching drew his attention. Those on the floor below had heard it long before he did. Not here, keep going. Fly. The wings beat faster and louder. It passed directly over the inn, exactly as he’d instructed. It kept flying.
Henry, the old man, said, as he held up a sketch. “Is this picture detailed enough?”
The drawing was crisp and without adornment. It displayed a valley. Ahead lay a row of smaller mountains. Directly in front of them stood two much larger mountains, separated by a gap. A road wound through the valley and into the gap.
Smiling, Raymer took the paper and closed his eyes again. When he felt the touch of t
he dragon’s mind, he opened his eyes long enough to see the map and then closed them again. He did that three times. If he understood the mind of the dragon well enough, it understood.
Not long after, the feeling of joy returned. With that, he felt confident the dragon had spotted the two peaks. “Quick, draw me what you think the river might look like from up high.”
Henry bent his head and went to work. Soon he held up another sheet. It looked more like a wriggling worm than a river. Raymer tried to imagine how to pass on to the dragon the idea of a river and settled on water instead. Could he project the feeling of water? No, he couldn’t. Well, perhaps he could project the color. No, he had never seen the river, and they ranged from dark brown to green and blue.
He reached out to the dragon again and thought about ducks. Then he changed to imagine what a river might look like from above. He’d seen them from hills and actually seen the one down the center of the deep valley during their escape.
“Does the river have fields and pastures alongside it?”
Henry said, “No. It is mostly forest on both sides, but the road travels beside it.”
Raymer pictured the tops of trees, with the river snaking through it, and a road alongside. He tried to hold that image in his mind. He wished he could see what the dragon did.
An image formed in his mind. Two mountains, the one of the right taller and the top flatter. “Are the two mountains the same size and shape?”
“Not really, although people usually talk like they are because they are like a gateway to the valley,” Henry said. “One is taller.”
“What about the shapes?”
“No, not the same. One is more pointed at the top.”
Raymer kept the information to himself. He was not sure if what he experienced was the dragon responding to him, or coincidence. He looked at the paper for the river and the road alongside. Mentally he added ducks and rowboats on the river to explain that it was water. On the road, he placed people walking and a wagon pulled by a mule.
Communicating with a dragon required more than words or mental pictures. He needed to include items the dragon could relate to. Basics like food or things it recognized from seeing daily. Simple concepts such as come here or go home. However, the communication was more like dealing with a dog than a person.
