Dragons of Draegonia

by Michael Libra

  2)  The Attempted Murder of George Slayer.

  The facts have been evaluated and it is unclear as to whether or not you were in league or not in league with Dragon Green, specifically in the attempted murder plot. But the court does find you Guilty of perverting Dragon justice and believe that you failed deliberately to take every opportunity to allow him to prove his innocence. Thus on this account I do find you GUILTY and sentence you to a further 10 Years Hard labour.

  3) The Attempted Murder of Grace Garond.

  4) The Attempted Murder of Joel Garond.

  5) The Attempted Murder of Zach Garond.

  On these three accounts my findings are no different from those surrounding George Slayer. It is fortunate that visitors to our island did not die and I treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.

  Dragon Judge Gold was just about to pass another sentence when there was a loud gun fire, a scream and ear piercing screech, then silence. Everyone in the court room started to ask and discuss what the noise was, where it was coming from and who had caused it? Unknown to them all George had fired the last of the home made explosive devices straight into the mouth of Dragon Pink, the screams were hers.

  Dragon Onyx, clearing his throat shouted twice, “Silence in The Court.” The second much louder shout brought immediate silence and Judge Gold continued his summing up and sentencing.

  “As I said before the interruption, I treat these offences with the seriousness they deserve and sentence you Dragon Black to a further Thirty Years Hard Labour.

  Now to Charge 6.

  The Aiding and abetting the death of Dragon Green.

  Dragon Green’s death I believe was more of his own making and as a key player in the intrigue of a fictitious invading force, the cohersion and persuasion of Dragon Yellow to lie, I feel met an untimely death that I will record as misadventure. In doing so Dragon Black I cannot find you Guilty of his death, thus on this charge, I find you NOT GUILTY.”

  There was a loud exclamation from the audience of on looking dragons who expected at least a guilty sentence and a greater expectation that Black would have faced the death penalty.

  “Quiet in the Court,” Onyx called once more.

  Judge Dragon Gold again paused, looked at Dragon Black and this time the Judge’s face twitched as he held back some considerable anger.

  “I will now move onto the more serious charge that I tell the court and especially you Dragon Black that carries an automatic death penalty. I refer to the charge of:

  172 cases of suspected murder in the First Degree

  The court was so silent that as the Judge clearly spoke you could hear his voice echoing throughout the chambers.

  “Dragon Black we have heard witness after witness implicate you in the disappearances of 172 dragons over the past one thousand Dragon Years. I have heard all the evidence.”

  Pausing for breath Dragon Judge Gold stretched out his claws, pulled from beneath his table top a black cap and placed it upon his judicial head.

  The entire court knew that this was the moment. Dragon Black was about to be sentenced to death.

  CHAPTER 23

  Intervention

  George took aim, Dragon Pink stood twenty Joel paces from where she was about to receive a missile, fired from the extended barrel of a gun, now held and ready to fire in the hands of George.

  “Good luck,” said Dragon Red, hardly bearing to look with his paws held tightly protecting his ears. Dragon Pink opened her dainty little mouth, this time with no smile. She shut her eyes and braced herself. Grace instructed her to take a deep breath and blow a flame out of her mouth and that would indicate to George she was ready. It was also necessary for her flames to be strong and hot enough to ignite the incoming explosive charge.

  “I’m ready,” she nervously said and with that took a deep breath and spat a white hot fire streak from her open mouth. George instantaneously squeezed the trigger and fired the projectile in a thunderous bang. The missile entered Dragon Pink’s mouth with her white hot breath exploding the reduced charge, but still knocking her off balance with such force, she let out a mighty screech.

  There was a minute that seemed an eternity of silence. Dragon Pink’s eyes were spinning counter clock wise as she staggered to her feet. Dragon Red and the children rushed to her aid but before they could reach her she bellowed out a roar and with it out shot flames several feet high of reds, oranges, and blues. Her Dragon Flame was even stronger than Dragon Black’s had been in the past.

  “Quick” said Grace, “try to ignite Dragon Red’s flame!” Dragon Red opened his mouth and Pink fired into it a terrific red and blue flame that gave off tremendous heat. Immediately Dragon Red’s Flame was restored… A Success.

  The three boys cheered. Grace hugged Dragon Pink with affection, “Well done,” she said, as Dragon Red was opening and closing his mouth, exercising his restored flame.

  George looking at his watch exclaimed. “Quick, we have no time to lose. If they sentence Black to death we will lose what chance we have of getting off this island.” Dragon Red led the four racing towards the Hall of Dragons, closely followed by Dragon Pink.

  It was both Grace and George who reached the main entrance first. They had run their hearts out and on entering the Court Room spied Dragon Judge Gold placing a black cap on his head, just about to pass sentence of death. The two, in one voice shouted out as loud as they could “WAIT, WE HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION!”

  Every dragon turned their heads, some stretching to see the two children and the others now appearing in the court room behind them. Dragon Onyx was not amused. He shouted the familiar “Silence in court,” but this time no one took any notice.

  Judge Gold banged on his desk furiously “Order, Order. Order!” he demanded. Gradually, silence returned. George stepped forward for all to hear. In a firm voice he said. “May I have your permission to address the court, Sir?” Dragon Judge Gold quite liked George and bending a rule that he would not have bent for anyone else, responded. “I will let you speak but if you waste the courts time, I will hold you in contempt, do you understand?” George moved closer still with his three companions joining his side. Once more, with supreme confidence, in a clear voice, he said.

  “Sir, I see that we may be just in time to prevent you passing the death penalty on Dragon Black.”

  The galleries of dragons came alive with chatter, Dragon Black’s ears pricked up, his glazed eyes becoming sharper, his jaw dropping. “What?” demanded Dragon Judge Gold, “Do you really understand what you are saying? The conviction of 172 dragon murders must carry the deserved and ultimate penalty.”

  George stood his ground, “Sir, of course Dragon Black should be given the full penalty for the crimes he has committed, I cannot argue with that, but by killing Dragon Black you may well inadvertently kill us too.” George pointed to each of his cousins. “You see Sir, Dragon Black is really the only one who can get us home. Kill him and we are left stranded and cannot survive on Draegonia for long. Dragons are unable to survive for too long without ‘Dragon Flames’ as are we unable to survive on Draegonia for any length of time.”

  There was an agreement by various nods of dragon heads to George’s argument. “But Dragon Black has to face punishment for his crimes.” Gold responded. “Or have you got a viable solution.”

  Grace interjected, “Sir let us inform you of some tremendous and welcome news. We have found an antidote for your ‘Flame Outs’ and Dragon Red here will confirm that we now have a cure.” Dragon Red bellowed out a burst of flame that tore across the court room floor from his mouth. Dragon Pink laughed at this and in so doing also bellowed out huge bluish hot flames taking Dragon Onyx by such surprise he dropped all his notes. “That is indeed very good and most welcome news.” Gold applauded, “how long will it take to cure every dragon?”

  George laughed. “It will be far quicker if we start right away rather than waste valuable time in attending the death of this miserable creature and we
have a plan for him that we believe you will approve of.”

  Dragon Judge Gold roared for silence and in a stern authoritative voice, his eyes piercing through Dragon Black, passed judgement. “You have thus far been sentenced to 50 years hard labour. This judgement will stand. You will be immediately taken to the north of the island under close guard where on bread and water you will serve time with hard labour and once we have reviewed further sentencing you will return for final judgement, take him down.”

  Dragon Black was unchained and escorted away by several guards. Gold adjourned the court and requested the children to meet with him and Dragon Brown in his chambers. He also ordered Dragons Pink and Red to start the re-ignition of all dragon flames.

  CHAPTER 24

  The Way Home

  Dragon Gold entered the inner chamber situated within the Hall of Dragons. This room was very regal as it represented the highest legal rank of Draegonia, The Judge. One wall contained stone shelves of ‘Dragon Reference Books’. On another wall were paintings of previous Judges dating back some hundreds of years. The paintings were not in frames of any kind but had been drawn and coloured straight onto the wall, leaving very little space for further additions.

  Close to the third wall stood a large round table and of course no chairs. The table was made out of jet black granite that had been highly polished, the edges of which displayed many layers, indicating its very old age.

  Dragon Brown and the four children now stood in front of Dragon Gold who had sat down on his haunches, his upper body straight and looking very severe spoke. “Now then, I am of course pleased and all Draegonia is indebted to you for the return of our flames.” Dragon Brown nodded and made noises of agreement. Clearing his throat the Judge continued. “Huh-herrr, we do have a problem though and that is we must impose a sentence on Dragon Black that meets the severity of his crimes. The death penalty I am afraid is the ultimate price he must pay.”

  Joel sighed and looked very unhappy as Zach very pointedly spoke out. “So, what about us, we did nothing to harm you, we’ve been locked up, chained up, tried for crimes we have not committed, almost killed and yet still helped you lot?”

  “Shush,” exclaimed Grace, “don’t be so rude to the Judge he is only explaining things as he sees it.” Judge Gold smiled lowered his shoulders and whispered to Grace, “He’s a fiery little chap isn’t he?”

  At this point George who had been preparing himself spoke up. “If we showed you a way whereby Draegonia Justice was seen to be done and that Dragon Black was given an appropriate sentence befitting his crimes” George paused, “would you consider a slightly amended form of punishment?”

  Dragon Judge Gold pondered on these words. “I am not sure what you mean George. The problem as I see it is that Dragon Black has to be sentenced to death for the crimes he has committed.”

  George spoke quickly in reply, “Yes we know that but there is of course the factor of timing. Look, Draegonia law can still apply the death penalty but in a new form.”

  “Explain” The Judge said looking at Dragon Brown who shrugged his shoulders, wondering what the four had cooked up.

  “Well,” continued George, “dragons do not live very long without their ‘Dragon Flame’ do they?” George continued with both dragons listening intently to his every word. “The Court can still find Dragon Black Guilty of the murders and still sentence him to death, but use a different method than the throwing him into the Volcano.”

  “Go on,” Dragon Gold gestured.

  “You see Sir,” George continued, “you will still find Dragon Black Guilty and you will still sentence him to death but a far worse death than the quick death of the volcano. You will first banish Dragon Black from ever returning to Draegonia. Next you will stipulate that his ‘Dragon Flame’ will not be ignited, it will mean a sentence of slow death.”

  Dragon Gold pondered on what he had heard and then asked. “But how does this help you?”

  Grace piped up. “That’s easy. You command Dragon Black that he will serve a period of hard labour working an 18 hour day and being fed only on bread and water until he has shed enough weight to enable him to once more fly and carry us back home.”

  “I still do not see how this helps the four of you,” Gold exclaimed, “especially if Dragon Black agrees but whilst flying you out of Draegonia drops you all from a great height to your own deaths.”

  “We’ve thought of that” it was Joel’s turn to speak. “You see, we have enough explosive material left over from the charges we adapted to cure the ‘Flame Outs’ to make a special collar for Dragon Black. A collar that he would be unable to remove without a special electronic key that we will make using the hand held emergency radio we still have from the life raft.”

  Zach not to be out done with the exciting revelations interrupted. “And we can control Dragon Black by letting him know that we can detonate his collar using the transmitter within a 25 mile radius, so any slight hint that he was to double cross us…” Zach paused, smiled, outstretched his arms and bringing his hands together in an almighty clap shouted “BOOM, no more Dragon Black!”

  Dragons Gold and Brown looked at each other and nodded. “The proposal is acceptable.” Dragon Gold chanted thrashing his tail in a poor imitation of how Dragon Black used to do it. “But how long will it take for you to make the explosive collar and transmitting device?” Dragon Brown enquired.

  George finalised everything and gained complete approval from Dragon Gold. It was agreed that Dragon Black would the very next day be brought back for sentencing. His 50 Years Hard Labour sentence would still apply but he would be informed that if he agreed to safely fly the four back to their homes, the 50 year Hard Labour sentence already imposed would be deferred or held over provided Dragon Black committed no more future crimes.

  That very next day Black was in front of Dragon Judge Gold, listening to the conditions of his sentence. Black thought they were soft, had lost their senses, he certainly had no intentions of flying the kids back home. No, he was thinking how he could drop them from a great height and return to Draegonia and teach everyone a bitter lesson. His thoughts were broken by Dragon Gold dropping a bombshell on him.

  “Yes Dragon Black,” Gold coldly stated. “You may well think we are being soft.” Dragon Black shook his head showing some false humility. “But,” he continued. “You are definitely not to be trusted. Firstly, we are imposing a death penalty for your heinous crimes of murder. Volcanic death is too good for you and far too swift.”

  Dragon Black was not sure where all this was leading and with eyes narrowing, glared first at the children, who were high up in the Gallery, then at Dragon Gold who had placed upon his head the traditional death cap. “Dragon Black” the Judge said, “your flame will not and never will be re-ignited. You will suffer a painful death overtime associated with ‘Flame Out’. You will be fitted with a special explosive device, the collar of which will be electronically locked around your neck.”

  The on-looking dragons gasped and murmurs reverberated around the Great Hall. “Silence in Court” Dragon Onyx shouted. Dragon Gold continued. “Furthermore, it is estimated that two weeks further hard labour, working 18 hours per day and fed only on bread and water will have you fit to fly.”

  More murmurs filtered into the silence broken only by Dragon Gold’s sentencing voice. “Once you have lost that fat and become fitter to fly the banishment order will take effect. It is a condition of sentencing that you agree, without reservation, to return the four children back to their homes safely.” Dragon Judge Gold stood up and with a dominant gesture and cold hard voice spoke directly to Dragon Black. “DO YOU AGREE TO SAFELY RETURN THE CHILDREN HOME AND ACCEPT THE TERMS OF YOUR SENTENCE?”

  Dragon Black who was thinking furiously of a way out realised that if he did not agree then he would without any doubt, be sentenced to immediate death by Volcanic Action, a death he fervently wished to avoid.

  Black moved his head from side to side, his steely eyes taki
ng note of each of his accusers. A hush fell around the court as he spoke, his voice cold without feeling, dragons listening to his every word. “I still profess my innocence and will prove this to you all.” Black was a cunning old and very devious dragon even at a time of facing death, “I of course will be pleased,” he licked his lips and with grinding sounds of teeth gnashing together, continued “and it will be my pleasure to assist the children every way I can. I of course accept the judgement of the court.” Dragon Gold thrashed his tail three times indicating the Court had made its final and binding judgement.

  CHAPTER 25

  Home at Last

  The furthest most part of Draegonia, to the north, is rugged and bleak, facing usually rough seas. Dragon Black’s sentence of hard labour sees him under tight guard, moving large boulders of heavy volcanic rock 200 metres into the sea. His task has been to form a breakwater that eventually will be joined either side to make a lagoon. He has sweated and toiled nonstop for 18 hours a day and the diet regime imposed on him, together with the hard work, has made him fitter, slimmer and even more formidable looking than when two weeks earlier he was sentenced.