Dragons Shining

by Michael Sperry

  "If they wait that long" Owen said. "Evil approaches like black smoke at the fringes of my outermost senses. It comes and goes. I sense Dragons as well. They come too."

  "How can you sense these things so far, Owen?" asked Barlow suspiciously. "There is more here than meets the eye. This boy professes more than even Baird would dare."

  "The Mother senses them, and so do I sense many things in her forest even from here."

  "Yes, Barlow. This is beyond even me. It may be time we tell you the truth" Baird alluded.

  "Please do" Collin said. It was the first time he had spoken to Baird.

  "Owen will be a Dragon Lord, among the first since Kragon. Show them your eyes, Owen. They have a right to know."

  Owen released the glimmer and the startled magi stepped back.

  "Dragon" said Barlow in shock. "No wonder he can sense them. But Kragon and the Dragon Lords became tools of evil men in the end, and were cast down, so the tales say."

  "The records are true, Barlow. I wrote them. But tales tend to bend over time by word of mouth and copied record." Baird said. "Kragon helped beat the dark forces back into their blasted lands, yet after a hundred years of human bickering he used his power most unwisely. He paid dearly for that in Hell."

  Owen replaced the glimmer and stepped away to the gunwale and off onto the dock as the boat touched in.

  "He is a good boy" said Baird. "Yet I do not envy him the choices he will be forced to make as the Dragon King. Already he has sanctioned his Queen's alliance with the Ogres. The first since even before my time, thirteen thousand years ago - I think."

  "The King no less" said Barlow. "That means we are in far more danger than I had feared, doesn't it Baird. The Dragon King always had more enemies than friends, by your own accord."

  "His closest friends outside of the other Dragon Lords are called the Toss, as they were ages ago. People who would die for him. I am one, Barlow. These men with him are Toss, though they don't know the name. Think about it. It might get you killed yes, but if he fails we may all die."

  "Owen is not the only one who can see the coming darkness, Baird", Whistle said. She was a petite, dark haired girl, thin and quite pretty with startling grey eyes.

  "Eye. That's why we call her Whistle, an early alert system", said Barlow.

  "Do you see those coming our way as does Owen?" Baird asked.

  "I do not sense as he does, Baird. I get flashes sometimes of what may be. I know there will be a battle at the end of the Bayou, and I am afraid. There are flames and lightning everywhere in the sky and the Hills are burning. The sky burns. Fey creatures from the Forest come to our aid, and Dragons. There the pathway splits into possibilities, including my death I presume. The darkness is deep and unyielding along that path. Again the vision swirled when I said this to you. I see nothing now."

  "Perhaps that means we turn back" Collin said.

  "No. We cannot turn back" Baird replied. "I would rather fight in the Hills than on this boat or that field behind Last Stop Inn. You can remain here if you wish. We must press on. As you said, Whistle, there are things in the Forest that will help the Dragon Lord. He must call them, for I cannot."

  "Collin, Thomas said to stay with the boats until Baird returns. We will do as he says and a little more. We brought horses too as you know, the only four in town, actually. They are mine, needed in our trips to gather. We cannot let the new Dragon King be killed because we are afraid to die, yet you may remain here Collin if you wish, to also make Thomas happy. Let's be as ready as we can be. Lightning and flame can be warded against. The ship's crew are all expert bowmen. I will speak to them. It's ok to tell them what's really going on I hope, Baird?"

  "Well I guess Owen will shift after he wards the crew, because he fights best as a Dragon. That will be a hard thing to hide, so go ahead and tell them."

  While Barlow gathered the crew on the larger boats, Owen lead the horses over the gangplank and along the path past the Inn and the other buildings to a fenced off field of oats, wheat and clover. When he returned to get his things off the boat for the stay at the Inn, a reception committee awaited that also included many from the small town. From the way everyone was looking at him he knew the secret was out. They stood watching, waiting for him to speak. His friends moved to his side; Barlow, Collin and Whistle too. So he let the shimmer fall from his eyes and spoke.

  "I realize this is unexpected and frightening in a way even for me. Here I stand to be a lord of dragons. In truth I am a dragon as much as an elf, yet a true dragon I have not yet met. From the time I was too young to remember I grew up on a farm, part of and loved by a family of humans. Until only days ago in fact, these people had no clue they raised a Dragon Lord, a new and different breed in fact. It has become clear to me in the last few weeks that we have an enemy unlike any seen before on this world. He has already sent armies to destroy me and my kind. My kind, the Dragon Lords, are returned to fight this enemy, Satan's Son, Vampire and Demon, escaped from Hell with an army of souls now inhabiting bodies of this world. His undead hoard includes those of all races. He will try to capture me as he already tried to capture my Queen, Briana. I cannot comprehend his dark motive, and can only shudder to think of what it might be. He failed with her by sending Ogres to take her to him. Instead she has made the Ogres our allies for the first time in many thousands of years. They have joined the Elves, the Dwarves, the Fairies, the Dragons and the Humans. The dwarves are killing vampires in the deep tunnels, already. We, the Dragon Lords will spearhead the coming battles against darkness. Your King has agreed to this alliance, and I have papers to prove it. When we reach the Hills, we will be attacked. I expect a formidable force of Wyrms and fell wizards perhaps, the enemy's most mobile force. Our allies, the Dragons are on the way, and I will call the Fairies from the Dragon Forest."

  There were murmurs at this news. The fairies were a dangerous and unpredictable breed, as likely to smite men and orc alike.

  Owen continued. "I can ward you against fire and lightning. I can magic your arrows to turn dark blood into powder. I will fight in the sky and then heal your wounds if you and I survive. Even so, if you join us in this battle there will be death among you. Are you good archers?"

  “YES!”

  "Will you fight with us on the forest’s edge?"

  “YES!”

  "Then I hope there is good ale in the Inn here. Enjoy as much food and beer as you feel safe before risking your life tomorrow, on me. Beware that when I contact the fairies I will learn more exactly where our enemies are at this time. We do not want to meet them while on the water. We may need to depart tonight at some time instead. That risk is less with the wizards among you. Wizard light will aid us in the darkness."

  That night there was much brave talk among the townsmen and the crew. More and more came to meet Owen and stare at his dragon eyes, women too. Several of the women claimed to be better archers than their husbands and had decided to join the battle. Owen had removed Gandor's glamour as well, and there were many questions about the Dragon King's great Unicorn.

  "I did not expect this, Baird" said Owen. He was sitting at a large table with Baird, Purdy, Rolph, Ender, Tamaris, Barlow and his apprentices. The group Baird was calling Toss, Guardians of the Dragon King.

  "Neither did I, Owen. These are a hardy people, living off of the swamp land as they do. Perhaps you should get some privacy upstairs and contact the fairies", said Baird. "You remember my lesson I hope."

  "Yes Baird. Somehow I remember all of your many hard to learn wizard spells and incantations. Everything you wished to share with me and everything in that big black spell book you thought you had so well protected. It's what's in your head I can't get at since I let you out of that ring!"

  Instead of being angry, Baird said "That book contained dark spells also, those which Kragon learned from the dark lords and the records they left behind. Those who would walk in the light should stay away from them, or use them only in the direst of circumstance, because t
hey can stain the user. The book burned in the fire at Fable’s Arch. If you do remember all of those spells then you must write them anew. I want a copy when you do, since you burned my priceless manuscript."

  Owen laughed as he stood to make his way to his room. "Surely if I survive, Baird, I shall have the time, a pen and a blank tome to fill. There will be additions to pen by then, I'll warrant."

  Several young ladies watched him curiously as he climbed the stairs. He was wary of them, with no real interest. He could feel Briana now, always. How far apart? Perhaps forty leagues, and he could feel her still. The pull was there and so very strong. He wanted to seek her. Wanted to see what she saw, feel what she felt, but no. Not yet. Such temptation in itself was a warning. "My past dalliance seems so shallow compared to this", he thought as he felt a pang of conscience.

  No-one followed him to his room.

  Owen filled the wash basin from a large pitcher of water and set it on the floor where he sat cross legged facing it. He calmed himself and concentrated on the Forest Mother many leagues inside her forest. He perceived the Heart Tree in the forest center, and an image appeared in the water. He guarded his thoughts with a powerful incantation, daring anyone or anything to enter by force on pain of death. In the forest, a pool of water in the roots of the great tree sparkled brightly, spewing sparks into the air. He was calling the fairies in a place they could not ignore. Before long, Owen could see movement around the edges of the pool. He felt his wards tested so gently, they did not trigger. Then he was looking into the pixie eyes of a Forest Fairy. An old female if he was any judge, with a crown. There was laughter like a tinkling chime.

  "I know you, Owen. I saw you with the Archangel that night in the glade, just a babe then. I see sadness in your eyes now, and caring. That is good, the caring. But sadness over things that must be has no place in your heart. I am Delishaterina, Queen of the fairies in Mother's Forest. I think I know why you disturb us, Dragon King."

  "I seek your aid by the alliance you have sworn repeatedly in the ages past, Delishaterina. I am traveling the waterway to the Hills under Dragon Forest, heading to Dragon Mount. I am traveling with the Toss and a few of the human swamp people. Baird is with me as well as Barlow. We expect to be attacked in force as soon as we reach the Hills. I believe there will be Wyrms with wizard riders, many perhaps also carrying Orcs and Trolls. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter so close to your doorstep."

  "They are closer than you think, young one; as you have surmised, eleveb dark Wizards on their Back Wyrms, and more with Orcs and four Trolls. They dare to camp this night in a forest clearing. One or two shall not leave that place. They have transgressed, and even the Demon knows better. There are many Dragons on the mountainside watching the dark ones. They are cloaked in Dragon Magic, but we know they are there brooding upon the slaughter to come. The dark ones do not see them. The Wyrms can reach the Hills in half a day from there, and must be planning to attack you in the Bayou. We will wait until just before dawn to strike them in the forest. If we help you on the Hill, we will greatly anger the Demon by assisting you directly, Dragon King. What protection will you offer against his vengeance?"

  "You know, Majesty, why you agreed to the alliance. For the same reason as that of the ogres who joined us just yesterday, I believe. You know the Demon despises fairies and ogres. His kind hates the Forest Mother as she hates them. Whether or not you help us, he will strike at you because he fears you. The dragons though, will always watch over your forest, Delishaterina. They love it as much as you."

  "The Ogres have agreed to an alliance, you say? Tell them not to cut our trees and we will honor it! So that was the reason for your song. Yes we heard it as did the Mother. She wakes, slowly. The forest is crackling with new life and energy. Our magic waxes. Soon the Demon would attack, before she wakes fully. We will show our strength to him on the Hills tomorrow where our magic cannot hurt the forest. Mayhap he will have second thoughts and offer more time while pondering a nasty defeat. We will be there tomorrow, Owen. Tell your archers to be careful with those arrows I expect you to curse. You don't want them shooting the dragons, and especially not us fairies!"

  She reached down chuckling, and splashed the pool of water from the root bed. The connection was lost.

  Owen left his room and looked down on the throng of people below. "Hear me friends."

  The mental message got everyone's attention, most having never experienced such a thing.

  "I have spoken with the fairy queen, Delishaterina." There were exclamations of surprise. "There are eleven Wyrm riding wizards, four trolls and many orcs at rest in a Dragon Forest meadow, six hours from the Hills. They will be attacked by the fairies just before dawn. No doubt those enemies that survive will fly on to attack us at that time, from only half a day’s flight. That means unless we sail tonight, in the next hour, we could be caught on the water. So make ready to depart in one hour. The fairies will aid us on the Hills, where their magic will be unfettered. May the Maker watch over us. That is all."

  After returning to his room, there came a knock at Owen's door. When he opened it there were three lovely ladies carrying large pitchers of warm water for his bath. He thanked them and ushered them back out again after they filled the small tub near one of the tall windows. The quick bath felt very good. Then he dressed and went to fetch Gander and the horses.

  This time when Owen returned to the boats with the horses there was no crowd of people waiting to speak with him. The hustle and bustle of small sail craft being launched, the clanging of steel reinforced armor and the clomping of steel shod boots rang in the air. A surprising number of combatants emerged from the swamp all around to fill the boats before they cast off the ropes and began sailing down the bayou.

  Baird and the other magi shouted "illumus" and cast a dozen brilliant wizard lights all around and in front of the boats. Alligators and other night roving denizens of the water recoiled, their wakes splashing back into the swamp on both sides.

  "This is quite a spectacle" said Rolph. He, Purdy, Tamaris, and Ender had moved to Owen's side.

  "It’s something to tell our grandchildren. How can such a dreadful swamp produce such feisty and healthy a people?" asked Tamaris.

  "I have seen the whole of it", said Owen. "This swamp is teeming with life, even more so than the forests I know of. Most is in and under the water, yet there is much that can survive in or out of the water. There are fat, juicy turkeys that live in the swamp trees above. It is dangerous, old and primal, as old as the eldest forest, and I believe it does have a keeper. I have seen a glimmer, a cold and implacable something that slips from my most careful seeking. This is a place where the fittest survive and the rest perish, by this entity's law."

  "So it's good that Tamaris is leaving as quickly as possible", said Purdy.

  "Hey, what's so fit about being a huge slab of slow witted muscle?" replied Tamaris with a smile.

  Purdy swung to give Tamaris a clout, but only swung on air as Tamaris ducked, laughing and scampered away into the crowd of swamp people.

  "I wonder if these people can shoot as well as they claim", said Ender.

  Baird had approached and overheard. "I have seen them shoot a gator in the eye and take fish with an arrow as they dart through the water and birds in the air as they fly by. Try shooting one of those trout sometime, Ender."

  "What would be so hard about that, Baird?"

  "Well the water disguises the true position of the fish, which is always really below where it appears. How much below depends on the depth and distance from you. This takes quick and instinctive shooting that no mere practice can perfect. It is bred into these people for thousands of years. They shoot entirely from instinct, and can hit at any speed or direction their prey cares to take. Even the elves give due credit to these people and their skill."

  "I hope they can shoot the dark ones as well", Owen said. "It's time for me to spell those arrows."

  For several hours Owen made
his way around the boat and quivers were passed to him from the other boats. He gathered as many as he could at one time and said the words that helped him focus his blood magic on every shaft and head coated in alligator blood. By the time he was done, he had to don the harness with the blood stones to aid his flagging strength. "At least this spell will make those killed by it give up their life energy back to the stones without my asking", he thought. He had thought on this spell ever since learning that he was a blood mage, yet he had not actually used it. The spell would first detect the kind of blood that he had sampled from the various dark ones he had killed. If detected, the spell would release and start a chain reaction in the target's blood. He made certain to warn the archers that although the spell would not affect them the same way, they might be stung worse than by a snake bite for a time if they were cut by an arrow head, as the spell dissipated.

  Owen went below and found a hammock to rest. On the way he met with Barlow and suggested everyone take shifts through the night. "Everyone needs some rest, whether or not they can actually sleep." Owen didn't have any problem sleeping because he was very tired. He had not wanted to drain the Blood Stones, so bore the brunt of his spell casting himself.