The Dragons Return

by J. J. Thompson

  As he left the study, Aeris flitted by him like a miniature tornado, complete with the sound of spinning winds. Simon heard Kronk jump off of the table and hurry to catch up with him.

  Back downstairs, Simon set the kettle over the fire to boil and sliced some bread off of a loaf he'd baked the day before. He drizzled honey over it, added some to his tea once the water was hot and sat down to eat.

  “I think Aeris might be right,” he said once he had finished and sat sipping a second cup of tea.

  Aeris was hovering by the open door, staring out at the field beyond, while Kronk stood on the table next to Simon. Both turned to watch him quietly.

  “I'm going to try summoning the elementals tomorrow morning. If I do it, and there's no guarantee that I can, they can start the wall immediately.” He looked at Kronk. “Can I count on you to explain things to them? Let them know that they are only here for that one task and then they can leave?”

  “Certainly, master,” Kronk said proudly. “I will make things clear for them. I think that they will work harder knowing that you will not be keeping them against their will.” He paused. “And they will like being useful for a change, unlike the old days when they were only summoned by practicing young wizards.”

  “That's what I hope anyway,” Simon said with a smile.

  “Very clever, wizard,” Aeris said as he flitted over to the table top from the door. “They will work all the harder knowing that they are not to be chained to your side. You are smarter than you look,” he added with a smile.

  Kronk bristled at that but Simon just laughed.

  “Thanks. People used to be surprised that a hulking man like the one I used to be could be so good at writing computer code. Don't judge a book by its cover.”

  “Hmm, interesting saying,” the air elemental said. “So, if we are done for now, I think I'll go and reconnoiter for a bit.”

  “What?” Simon looked at him in confusion. “Didn't you cover enough territory over the last few days?”

  “Oh yes. But since your revelation that the elves have paid you a visit, I think I'll see if I can find the entrance to their realm. It could come in handy in the future.”

  “Huh. I don't see how, but have fun.”

  “Thank you, I will.”

  And with a nod, Aeris wavered and disappeared with a muted popping sound.

  “That really is amazing,” Simon muttered.

  Kronk just gave a little sniff and Simon looked at him with a grin.

  “Not impressed by our new friend?”

  The elemental shrugged. “The airy ones are known to be unreliable, master. Always darting here and there, poking into this, investigating that. Not very useful except as scouts.”

  Simon was a little concerned by Kronk's assessment.

  “Are you saying that we can't trust him when it comes to his knowledge of magic?”

  “No, that much is true,” Kronk said reluctantly. “But they are easily distracted. Look at what just happened. He was telling you how much you needed to learn and hinting that he could help you and now he just flies off on a whim to see where the elf maiden entered this world. What possible use will that knowledge be?”

  Simon shook his head. “I have no idea. He seems interested in the elves though. Maybe he thinks they can help us one day.”

  Something occurred to him then.

  “Kronk, is it possible for humans to visit the elvish world, wherever that world is?”

  The elemental appeared to think deeply before replying.

  “I'm not sure, master. The few things I remember hearing about their realm makes it sound perilous. I recall a story of a young wizard who somehow gained entrance to their lands. He was only there for a short time, but when he returned he was an old man, aged beyond his years.”

  “Really? Wow. That's a scary thought.”

  “Yes it is. Elves are immortal, master. That maiden that we saw may have appeared young, but she could be thousands of mortal years old.” Kronk grinned. “Don't judge a book by its cover,” he added.

  Simon laughed. “Nice one, my friend. So,” he said as he stood up and started to clear the table, ”I think I'll go over my notes again on that summoning spell. I want to make sure I get it right, especially if I have to cast it five times in a row.” He sighed as he thought of how exhausted he would be when he was done.

  “You will do fine, master,” Kronk said encouragingly. “Get a lot of sleep tonight if you can, and eat a big meal in the morning before you begin, to keep up your strength. Once my brethren arrive and we begin building the wall, you will be able to rest.”

  “Thanks. That sounds like a good idea.”

  Simon finished washing his dishes in the sink that he had filled with the remaining water in the kettle. He dried them off and put them away.

  The rest of the afternoon saw Simon going over his summoning spells. He knew that each spell could only be cast once and then he'd have to reread and memorize it again. When he asked Kronk in frustration why magic worked that way, the little guy had only shrugged.

  “Those are the rules, master,” he said.

  Just so, Simon thought with a resigned sigh and carried on.

  At sunset, he climbed the steep steps leading to the trapdoor that opened on to the roof. He slipped the locking bolt aside and heaved the thick wooden door open, being careful not to push it so far that it flipped all the way over. Kronk followed him up and he closed the door after himself.

  Simon walked to the parapet that circled the edge of the roof. It was four feet high and along the base were several holes that allowed rain water to run off instead of pooling in the middle.

  He leaned over and looked at the surrounding forest. The sky was still pink with the last light of day and a soft breeze blew by, thick with the smell of growing things. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes a moment, feeling content.

  Kronk climbed up and stood on the parapet next to Simon. The protective wall was two feet thick and Simon wasn't too worried that the little guy would fall. But he kept an eye on him anyway. Just in case.

  “It's hard to believe that the night holds the kinds of dangers that Aeris mentioned, isn't it?” Simon asked him as he scanned the land around the tower.

  “True, master. And I do not believe it does, yet. But one day, I fear that he will be proven right.”

  Kronk began to walk along the parapet and Simon followed him, lost in thought. When they stopped, Kronk pointed to the north and Simon looked in that direction.

  In the lingering light, he could just see the line of far-off hills, past the shimmering line of the river.

  “A dragon dwells beyond those hills, master,” the elemental said soberly.

  “How do you know that?” Simon asked incredulously.

  “I just know, master. The earth groans beneath its cursed weight. Nature cries out at its tainted touch.” He looked out at the night thoughtfully. “One day it will turn on us. One day, perhaps soon, perhaps years from now, its kind will remove the last of the old world, the remaining true humans, and it will come for you and those like you.”

  The elemental sounded unusually sober as he spoke and Simon felt a chill run down his spine.

  “So what can we do?” he asked quietly.

  “Do?” Kronk looked up at Simon. “There is only one thing to do, master. The dragons must be stopped before they finish their task.”

  A gust of wind suddenly whipped Simon's hair around his face and he blinked his eyes to clear them of tears. The last light of day drained from the sky.

  Kronk's statement had made his heart beat quickly and now he felt a surge of excitement at the thought of destroying the monsters that had torn his world apart.

  But the feeling passed and his shoulders slumped. He rested his forearms on the low stone wall.

  “The dragons can't be destroyed, my friend,” he murmured. “You saw that thing when it flew over. It was massive. I mean, the damned thing destroyed a city in one night, and everyone in it. There
is no army anymore. No troops or weapons.” He shook his head at the idea of confronting a dragon. It was ludicrous.

  “Somehow, we'll have to find a way to hide from them, that dragon and the rest.”

  Kronk stared up through the darkness at him. His little eyes glowed like red sparks. He didn't blink.

  “Master, I know that you will one day be a great wizard. But the dragons are agents for the evil gods. They are empowered by them. You may be able to hide from them for a time, but not forever.”

  Simon growled with frustration and stood up, stretching his back. He winced. Too much time hunched over reading spells, he thought.

  “I can't battle a dragon. I can barely cast a spell without immolating myself! How am I supposed to kill something like that?”

  “You can't,” an amused voice said from behind him.

  Simon spun around with a yelp of surprise.

  Aeris was hovering at eye level in the middle of the roof. He was glowing faintly.

  “Damn, Aeris, don't do that,” Simon said faintly. “You scared the crap out of me.”

  “Sorry about that,” the air elemental said insincerely. He floated over and settled on the parapet next to Kronk. The earth elemental looked at him coolly.

  “You certainly can't attack a dragon. The greatest wizards in history would never have attempted such a thing.”

  “Yeah, I thought so,” Simon replied morosely. “So why am I even wasting my time learning more magic? Sooner or later that monster is going to come for me. I should just enjoy what life I have until then.” He looked up at the cool stars. “It's been a good run, after all. I survived while most people in the world were killed. It may take years for the dragons to destroy the last remnants of humanity. Why not just wait?”

  “Giving up without a fight, wizard?” Aeris asked with a touch of contempt.

  “Hang on. You're the one who just said I couldn't kill a dragon.”

  “And you can't...alone. But there are others in this world like you. Scattered alone or in small groups. All have some power. I would guess that all hate the dragons. By yourself, you are weak. But in a group of magic-users? Ah, perhaps then you'd have a chance.”

  A piercing cry startled Simon and he looked overhead. Some sort of night-flying bird flitted past the tower and was lost in the night.

  “A group of us. Hmm.” He considered that idea. He only knew the herb witch, Heather. She knew plants and growing things but he couldn't see her being useful in a battle against a dragon. For that matter, he couldn't imagine any spell he could cast, now or in the future, that could harm a monster like that.

  There were the Changlings from Ottawa, but even if they had survived the creatures that were hunting them, how could they be of any use against dragons? No, it was a fool's hope.

  “I don't see that happening,” he told Aeris with a slow shake of his head. “Except for Heather, I don't know any others who survived. And even if I did, wouldn't they all be learning to use their new powers, just like I am?”

  “True enough,” Aeris answered. “But the dragon won't be coming for any of you for quite some time. They hunt for the last of the humans. I would guess that there are still many pockets of survivors in the world, like that sad settlement across the river. And as large and powerful as they are, even with their minions, it will take them some time to destroy all of the remnants of humanity. The five prime dragons must direct their brood in the search and the dragons that serve them aren't very bright.”

  Simon shivered as the evening air began to cool off, but he didn't notice. He stared at Aeris.

  “Five? Did you just say there are five prime dragons?”

  Aeris looked at Kronk and then up at Simon.

  “Yes, five. Why?”

  “Because I didn't know that the dragons worked like that. These five leaders direct the dragons that follow them?” Aeris nodded. “So what would happen if these five prime dragons were destroyed?”

  “Their brood would fall as well.” Aeris frowned as he spoke, as if he was drawing out long forgotten memories.

  “It is only legend, but a dragon's brood is connected to their leader in some way. Spiritual? Magical? I really don't know. No one has ever known. But it was believed that if a prime were to be destroyed, then all of the dragons that were descended from it would fall as well.”

  “Now that is...fascinating,” Simon said faintly as he stared out into the night. Ideas flitted through his head, thoughts of vengeance.

  “Master, you are getting a chill,” Kronk cut in. “You should go inside before you become ill.”

  Simon realized that he was actually shuddering with cold and, even in the darkness, he could feel the steam of his breath as it escaped his lips.

  “Yeah, maybe you're right. Why is it so cold suddenly?”

  He turned as he spoke and almost lost his footing on a small patch of ice. He looked down and ran his shoe over the slippery spot.

  “Ice? It's early summer. What's going on?”

  Aeris shot by him suddenly and grabbed the handle of the trapdoor. He yanked it up and for a brief moment Simon marveled at his strength.

  “Kronk is right. You need to get indoors. Right now. This cold is unnatural. Something is coming.”

  “What? What could be...”

  “Get inside, master. Now!” Kronk bellowed and literally shoved Simon toward the opening on the roof.

  “Cripes, guys! I'm going, I'm going. Sheesh.”

  He quickly got to the open trapdoor and stumbled inside, almost slipping on the stairs on his way down.

  Kronk jumped in after him and Aeris slammed the trapdoor after them, throwing the bolt home firmly.

  “I'll seal the front door,” the air elemental said and disappeared with a pop.

  Simon got to the bottom of the stairs and looked back at Kronk as he hopped down each step.

  “What did he mean, something is coming?” he asked the little guy.

  Kronk shook his head. “Close the shutters on the windows first, master. Talk after.”

  He would say no more, so Simon shrugged and went to the windows in the study and his bedroom and pulled the shutters closed and bolted them. Then he headed downstairs to find several candles lit on his table and on the mantle above his fireplace. The fire had been built up and was now blazing merrily.

  After the cold air outside, the warmth was a welcome relief.

  “Make some tea, wizard. It will warm you,” Aeris suggested.

  “Okay,” Simon replied, bemused by the elemental's sudden concern.

  He set the kettle over the fire and took the tea down from the cupboard. While the water was warming, he looked at the two elementals who were now on the tabletop, almost side-by-side, staring at him.

  “Now, would someone please tell me what is going on?”

  “Remember when I told you about night creatures?” Aeris asked. Simon nodded. “Well, some of them cause a disturbance in nature. They are anathema to life and suck the heat from the air around them. This has always been a sign of their presence. I believe that is what is happening now.”

  Simon poured boiling water into his cup, added some honey and sat down at the table. He sipped the tea and felt the liquid warm him from the inside out. Then he put down the cup and wrapped both of his hands around it. They were still icy cold.

  “Okay, supposing that's true; what kind of thing could cause it?”

  “Unfortunately, many things.” Aeris held up his small, semi-transparent hand and ticked off his list on his fingers.

  “A wight chills the air around it. A wraith even more so. Pray it isn't one of those, by the way. Your wards would not keep something like that out. Let's see now,” the air elemental paused for thought.

  “Spectres.”

  Both Simon and Aeris looked over at Kronk in surprise.

  “What?” he asked with a trace of irritation in his voice. “I remember hearing of them once, in a conversation between clerics. They were visiting with a wizard's family while I
was there, summoned by her son for practice.”

  “A spectre,” Aeris muttered. “That's certainly possible. But oh my, I hope you're wrong, Kronk. That could be very bad.”

  Simon sipped more tea and he realized that his hands were shaking again. But this time it was fear, not cold, that was causing it.

  “Guys? I recognize the names from some old fantasy games I used to play. But aren't these things supposed to be undead? I mean, come on. Fantastic creatures I can believe in. After all,” he glanced down at himself, “I've sort of turned into something like that myself. But undead? That's ridiculous.”

  “Yes, master. I agree,” Kronk said with a nod. “As ridiculous as dragons.”

  That statement caught Simon off-guard and he swallowed noisily.

  “So there are such things?” he asked them both.

  The elementals looked at each other.

  “There were such things, once upon a time,” Aeris answered. “And if the world is being remade in its old image, then there will have to be again. These creatures were servants of the evil gods, wizard. And make no mistake about it. They were the absolute essence of evil. No conscience. No fear or hesitation. They were monsters. And to continue to exist, they had to devour the life force of the living. Humans preferably,” he added dryly.

  Simon got up and made more tea. He looked around the room at the door and windows. All were closed and sealed, but could they hold back something like that?

  He sat down again, set his cup down and leaned on his elbows.

  “So if these things are back, roaming the night again, how can they be fought? Do they have any weaknesses? At all?”

  Aeris chuckled. Kronk stared at him, obviously waiting for an answer.

  “Sorry,” the air elemental said, not sounding very sorry at all. “But yes, of course they do. Usually it takes a cleric to destroy any of the undead. Barring that, blessed weapons are very effective.”

  “Yeah well, in case you hadn't noticed, we don't have a cleric or any holy swords just lying around,” Simon said causticly.

  “True. There is always fire. That usually works quite well.”

  “Really?”

  Simon thought about that. Fire. Hmm.