Dragons of Draegonia

by Michael Libra

  Dragon Red looked on, his head moving side to side watching with interest and without comment. Then it was time. George stood on the spot, 20 Joel paces from the fire, with Dragon Red and the three children behind him. Red not liking loud noises had his paws covering his ears, whilst Grace held onto Zach’s and Joel’s hands.

  “Ready?” George cried. “Yes,” came back the reply. “FIRE.”

  George pulled the trigger but instead of a device being exploded out of a gun hitting the Great Hall fire stones and the heat generated making them glow, there was nothing. George pulled the firing mechanism back for a second go. Dragon Red repositioned his paws on his ears and Grace firmly held onto her two brothers.

  “FIRE.” George shouted for the second time but still nothing. Zach and Joel rushed forward grabbed the gun and removed the cartridge. “I think the explosive is wet, damp or just too old to fire” he said unscrewing the metal case from the upper cartridge that had been earlier cut down to size.

  Joel peering over Zach’s shoulders saw something. “Look!” he cried. “The powder that’s supposed to ignite and propel the explosive charge is a sticky mess. No wonder it didn’t work! I think it must have got damaged in the storm, even though it looked as though the packing was OK.”

  Grace shouted above the noise, as the Great Hall again was consumed with the growls and barks of Dragon Black. “We need to get back and check the other two cartridges and hope that at least one of them is good enough to do the job!” Zach and Joel handed the bits and gun back to George as he urged them to be quick. “Look we need to hurry and work on a solution or we could be too late.”

  “Too late for what,” Grace retorted. She could not quite see why George was in such a hurry or what difference of a couple of days would make. George could see that the other two boys and Dragon Red were staring at him wanting an answer too.

  George waited for another of Dragon Black’s outbursts to subside and explained. “Look guys, I know that Dragon Black is a tyrant and probably deserves the worst but I cannot get my head round the fact that he may get the death penalty and,” George took a deep breath, “and I for one don’t wish to see anyone or any dragon thrown into the volcano and hear the screams we heard when Dragon Green went in.”

  Dragon Red on hearing George’s explanation came closer and said: “I am not a lover of Dragon Black but do agree we have had too many deaths. But how will getting a remedy as you call it, to reignite ‘Dragon Flames’ prevent the death sentence?”

  George shook his head, “I don’t know but if we can find a way, before the trial is concluded and sentenced passed, to cure the ‘Flame Out’ problem, then I am sure we will have a bargaining power.” George paused again, and then in an urgent tone made the three children understand the importance of Dragon Black’s survival. “Dragon Pink has very small wings that were not clipped but she is too young and unable to fly, well for at least a couple of years.” George continued. “No other dragon on the island can fly, that is with the exception of Dragon Black. If Dragon Black is sentenced to death and the sentence carried out, we will lose our one main hope of leaving the island.” George did not wait for an answer but led them all back to where the red truck was parked and returned to their temporary workshop for a second go.

  Dragon Red so impressed by the determination of the little ones, agreed he would stay with them and would be on hand for the second attempt at firing the charge. Two more hours had passed and the five were hurtling back to the Hall of Dragons with the third of four cartridges. This test was going to be crucial for it would determine if the plan would work and importantly finalise the size of the final attempt to restore ‘Dragon Flames’. The number three cartridge had been reduced to 2/3rds of its original size. The ignition charge essential to propel the explosive had this time been double checked. It had been contaminated and it had been lumpy but Joel had carefully crushed all the lumps making a smooth fine powder again and had tightly repacked the base of the charge with the powder and hemp. Joel’s mark was still to be seen on the floor, exactly 20 paces from the great fire place.

  Dragon Red once again placed his paws over his ears and Grace held tightly to the hands of her two brothers. All faces showed the stress of the occasion. Was it going to work? Would the explosive charge, be too little, or too great?

  George took up his position. He outstretched his right arm holding the gun, took aim and as he shouted “FIRE!” there was an almighty flash followed by an ear piercing screech as the ballistic cartridge containing its explosive charge shot across the room into the fireplace and with a deafening roar exploded. What followed next was both frightening and hilariously funny. The explosive detonated at the base, but in between the cracks of two of the largest boulders. There was a split-second pause and almost a slow motion effect as all 22 rocks propelled up the vast chimney were replaced by copious amounts of soot.

  The fireplace was illuminated with reds, white, orange and blue flames causing immense heat. The thunderous noise and hot blasts of air knocked the children off their feet and as they picked themselves up they looked at Dragon Red who, covered in soot, was running for the fire extinguisher. Then there was silence.

  However this did not last. A rumbling, a thudding and crashing could be heard as one by one the enormous boulders came crashing down into and across the Great Hall, all rolling in different directions. The four children had quickly turned on their heels and ran out of the Hall and peering back over their shoulders, they saw Dragon Red, skidding across the floor on his behind, having been bowled over by several of the round and very hot rocks.

  Once again the children mounted the red truck and within a few minutes were joined by a very sooty Dragon Red who was vigorously brushing himself down.

  “Come on everyone we must get back to work we only have one cartridge left to work with and definitely cannot make any mistakes next time.” Grace replying to George’s directive looked worried saying, “Do you really think we can take a chance using one of the dragons for the final charge based upon what we have just seen?”

  Dragon Red interrupted, “Look of course I want us to get our flames back but really the risk is far too high to use that weapon of yours by firing it into one of our mouths. I for one would not volunteer.” As the truck, with the children on board and deep in conversation, headed back to Dragon Pink’s, the sky’s blackness was starting to break as rays of light appeared from an early rising sun.

  Once inside their makeshift workshop the children told Dragon Pink of their fraught attempt to get the balance right of having sufficient explosive and magnesium to create enough heat to re-ignite a dragons’ flame. They told her that the first test failed because the powder required to project the missile was damaged, they explained that the second test actually went very well but proved that if the shot exploded in such a small confined place as a dragon’s mouth, it would or could be fatal.

  “I have an idea.” It was Zach who spoke. “Why not remove as much of the powder so that the speed of the missile is substantially reduced and remove more of the explosive?”

  George thought for a moment, “Ummm, I am not sure” he said, “the charge needs speed to detonate the explosive and if it does not detonate, it would be useless. And” he continued, “If we reduce the powder content that actually fires the projectile then it may also alter the accuracy of hitting the precise target.”

  “I can sort that out” piped in Joel, “All we have to do is put an extension tube on the muzzle of the gun. Making it longer will help to keep the explosive charge projection with greater accuracy.”

  “You know” Grace interjected, “that’s a great idea Joel and I have an idea regarding the amount of explosive needed and how it can be used.”

  The three boys all looked at Grace quizzically, waiting for her to explain further. “Look” she said picking up the remaining complete charge, “we are trying to reduce the amount of powder necessary to fire the projectile but still make it explode by detonation through impact. T
his is still going to increase the explosion at considerable risk to those closes by.” She continued: “What if we reduce the ignition powder and the explosive charge down to one third in other words half of what we used in our last test.”

  George, shaking his head, informed them all it wouldn’t work. “You see,” he said, “reducing the speed or, using its technical term, the velocity…” They all raised their eyebrows. This was not the time for talking too technical. “Keep it simple George” said Grace with a smile. “OK, if the speed is reduced there will be insufficient force of impact to detonate the charge.”

  “But George” Grace retorted, “There is another way to detonate. We can use fire.” The other three children laughed with Joel speaking out aloud, “I suppose you’re saying we should first light a fire in a dragon’s mouth and fire the charge into it. But that wouldn’t work as a small fire would not generate sufficient heat and anyway it would be very uncomfortable for any volunteering dragon.”

  “I could do it,” Dragon Pink had been looking on and listening with interest, she continued in a very calm and decisive voice. “I am the only dragon on Draegonia that still has ‘Dragon Flame’. I know it is not hot enough to ignite other dragon flames, as you know I have tried with several, BUT my small flame would definitely ignite any explosive charge.

  The four children first looked at each other, this solution had not crossed their minds. The plan was still untried and known to be dangerous and Dragon Pink was their true friend they did not wish to hurt. After some discussion they all agreed the risk was too great. “We don’t know if one third of the charge would be good enough to make your flame hot enough to ignite others,” said George. Zach in a more worried tone said, “We don’t want to put your life at risk.” Joel just stood quietly, thinking of the harm another failed attempt would cause. Before Grace had any time to make her opinion known, Pink in a rather loud voice for her, spoke. “Enough, I have every confidence in you, I know that you will do nothing to deliberately harm me and that you will take every care. But without ‘Dragon Flame’ all dragons on Draegonia will eventually die, and I will not let that happen, without giving my all.”

  The four did not argue, but with greater urgency set about making for the last time a device that with Dragon Pink’s brave involvement could well work and restore ‘Dragon Flames’.

  CHAPTER 21

  Dragon Black on Trial

  Within the Great Hall there was much chatter as the time was fast approaching when Dragon Black would be brought from his cell and placed in the prisoner’s dock. He would be anchored to the floor by chains to each of his hind legs and his wings strapped to prevent him from expanding them. His gigantic tail would also be tied to his back to prevent him from whipping those nearby. Dragon Black’s throne had now been converted to a judge’s bench, where Dragon Gold in all his splendour would take charge of proceedings supported either side by legal advisors.

  In front of him were two separate blocks, each supported on either side by two rectangular plinths. Standing behind these, to the right, was Dragon Mauve for the prosecution and on the left Dragon Purple for the defence. Both Mauve and Purple sported the customary legal silk gowns. High on both sides of the hall were two spectator galleries, full to capacity with dragons, who had scores to settle with Black and were delighted at his predicament.

  A hush settled over the Hall as Dragon Onyx, the clerk to the court entered. He stood immediately under where Dragon Gold would preside and in an emphatic legal voice proclaimed: “Be all upstanding for the Judge. The court is in session Draegonia vs. Dragon Black.” As Onyx spoke the doors at the rear of the hall opened and in walked Dragon Gold with his legal advisors who took up their places. “All be seated” Onyx ordered. All dragons including those in the gallery sat down, many started to chat noisily. Onyx, without looking to where the chatter was coming from was heard to cry “Silence in the Court” and if one had dropped you could have heard a ‘Dragon Pin’.

  The Clerk of the Court then picked up his charge sheet, prepared by the ‘Draegonian Prosecution’, instructed Dragon Black to rise and then read out the crimes and charges made against him. On completion, Onyx looked squarely at Dragon Black and asked “How do you plead, Guilty or Not Guilty?”

  Unsurprisingly Dragon Black just growled: “Not guilty of all charges.” He was then told to sit down as Dragon Mauve stood up and presented the case for the prosecution. The trial was now in full swing.

  Meanwhile inside the makeshift workshop the four children had been working furiously to change the barrel of the Flare Gun and to modify the last remaining cartridge. It was once more necessary to remove the cartridge’s lumpy ignition powder and grind it down to a fine black dust. Joel then weighed it and removed 60%, mixing the remainder with some hemp and tightly packing it into the base of the shell.

  Zach had been busy cutting the explosive charge down to a third of its original size. Grace placed the remaining two thirds with that left over from the previous failed test in one of Dragon Pink’s smaller wooden chests, for safe keeping.

  George supervised, clearing away the mess caused by so much activity. Both the gun and cartridge had been modified, they were ready. It was lunchtime and everyone, especially Joel, was very hungry. They had only had a snack at breakfast and now their stomachs were making gurgling noises.

  Dragon Pink brought in some coconut milk, fresh orange juice and cold water on a tray that also had two plates of ‘Dragon Sandwiches’ containing an assortment of fillings. “You must eat,” she said placing the tray on the bench table, moving tools and old cartridge casings. “Be careful” Joel exclaimed. “We don’t want to lose anything, you never know if these will be needed again.”

  Dragon Pink was only interested in feeding the four, she smiled and asked what time would they be ready and where was the experiment to take place. “At the Dragon Hall about”…George looking at his watch paused. “Oh!” He exclaimed. “The court of course is in session and we cannot use it.”

  Grace responded. “George it does not matter where we do the deed so long as we have Dragon Red and perhaps a dragon doctor standing by, I do not want to take any chances.”

  Dragon Pink laughed, “You’re worrying too much and anyway apart from Dragon Red, who has agreed to help, all other dragons are cramped up in the Great Hall listening to the case against Dragon Black. In fact, I believe the defence is so weak that sentencing could well be given this afternoon.”

  “Well that’s it.” George hurriedly said.”Zach, you go and alert Dragon Red we are ready and that we will carry out the firing outside the Fire Station.” Looking at Dragon Pink, and in a softer voice, George asked. “Are you ready, Pink?” Pink just nodded and moved towards the door. “Let’s get it over with.” She said.

  The four joined Zach and the Fire Chief outside his premises where he had cordoned off a section. Although all other dragons were busy elsewhere, he was not going to take any chances. “Is this going to work?” he said looking hard at George and Grace. “I don’t much care for the idea of you shooting into Dragon Pink those explosives especially after last night’s fiasco.”

  The children did not speak. They were also worried, but now was not the time to voice their real concerns for Dragon Pink’s safety.

  CHAPTER 22

  Justice

  Back at the Great Hall the day had been gruelling for Black. He was made to listen to all his alleged crimes as one by one witnesses came forward to give their account of Black’s involvement in the disappearance of their relatives or friends. Dragon Black just scowled and through his defence argued that no one had actually witnessed any deaths and it was shear speculation that he, Dragon Black, had murdered any of them.

  The prosecution counter argued that it was not a Draegonian legal point to present a body and that it was a fact that the last dragon to see all of the 172 missing ones was in fact Dragon Black and that this could not just be coincidence. Dragon Black looked on, murmuring that he would get even, as charges, ac
cusations and counter arguments were tossed from prosecution to defence and back.

  The court had adjourned for lunch and had returned to hear final arguments and the findings that were to be summed up by Dragon Gold, The Judge.

  Draegonian legal system (in this case) did not call for a jury and relied solely on the findings of the presiding judge. Once sentence was passed there was no right of appeal and Black looked on in horror as he knew his time was almost up. Black was told by Onyx to stand.

  Dragon Gold spoke; there was a hush throughout the court;

  “This is a complex case in part, yet has some components that are very straightforward to deal with and I shall focus on these first.

  The Charges brought against you Dragon Black have been well argued by your defence and you have been given every opportunity to put your views across. I shall now deal with the charges made against you one by one.

  1)  The Attempted Murder of Dragon Brown.

  The evidence is overwhelming and has been proved conclusively that you did with intent use your powers and the Draegonia legal system to falsify evidence in collusion with Dragon Green to falsely pass a death sentence on Dragon Brown. To this charge I find you guilty and sentence you to 10 Years Hard Labour.