The Dragons Return

by J. J. Thompson

  “I'm going to check the front gate and then enchant it, and this door.”

  Simon went through the doorway and checked the back of the door. As Aeris had said, there were brackets for two bars to secure the door from the inside. Leaning against the wall next to it were two metal beams, waiting to be slid into place.

  He left the door open for the horses to return to the stable when they got tired and walked toward the front of the tower, Aeris trailing along behind him.

  The front gates were as impressive as the wall itself. Simon found Kronk standing in front of them, waiting for his approval. The other elementals were gone.

  “Have your people left?” he asked the little rocky figure.

  “Yes, master. They were pleased with the results. They wanted me to tell you that they would be happy to serve you again.”

  “Yeah, Chakka said the same. I'm glad that they enjoyed helping me.” He winked at Kronk. “You guys were wasted by those old wizards, you know. Summoned for practice? That's ridiculous.”

  Kronk actually laughed, something he rarely did. It sounded like someone shaking a handful of gravel.

  “Thank you, master. We do our best.” He pointed at the gates. “Please try the locking mechanism. If it needs to be adjusted, I would like to do it now so that the gates can be firmly locked by sundown.”

  Simon checked out the gates. Like the back door, they were constructed of hard, thick planks of wood reinforced by metal strapping. The hinges holding up the gates baffled him. They seemed to be made of an amalgam of rock and wood, but how they worked was beyond him. When he asked Kronk, the little guy just shrugged.

  “That is the way we do it, master,” he said and left it at that.

  However it was done, the gates moved at a touch, opening inward quietly and then closing just as smoothly. An intricate system of levers on the back of the gates slid two bars across it and two deeply into the ground behind it to lock it securely.

  When he had tested the locking mechanism, Simon stood back and stared. He felt like he could withstand just about anything once the gates were secure.

  After opening the gates again, he looked at Kronk, who was waiting patiently.

  “Amazing is the only word I can use, my friend. You and your people have done an amazing job.”

  “Thank you, master,” the elemental replied with a bow. “We enjoyed the challenge.”

  “Now it's your turn, wizard,” Aeris said. He'd been hanging back, watching while the gate was tested. “You have only a few hours until sunset. The runes should be in place.”

  “Oh right. The runes.”

  All at once, the exhaustion that Simon had ignored in his excitement over the new wall came crashing down on him. He swayed and stumbled a bit before catching his balance.

  “Master, are you all right?” Kronk asked anxiously.

  “I'm fine,” he answered and shook his head to clear it. “Just tired from all the summoning this morning.”

  Kronk gave Aeris an angry look.

  “He is too tired to cast any more spells today. He should rest.”

  “I agree,” Aeris said surprisingly. “But the wall has to be secured. Once that's done, the wizard can sleep as long as he likes, in a lot more safety.”

  Before a full-blown argument ensued, Simon held up a hand.

  “I can do it, guys. The rune spells aren't like other spells. I've always got them memorized. For some reason, they don't vanish from my mind after I cast them.”

  “Yes, spells that are cast on objects are like that,” Aeris said.

  Simon looked at him, feeling a bit hazy.

  “They are? I didn't know that.”

  “Well, now you do. But you would be wise to get the task done quickly. Your strength is failing.”

  “I can do it,” Simon said stubbornly. “Do you know where I should put the runes?”

  Aeris pointed. “One on each side of the gate, beside the hinges. Then every twenty yards or so right around the circumference of the wall.” He frowned and looked at Kronk. “Did your people build a ladder?”

  Kronk glowering expression changed to one of surprise.

  “Oh yes. It is near the back of the tower. I'll fetch it.”

  And he trundled off quickly.

  “Why do we need a ladder?” Simon asked as he approached the side of the gate.

  Aeris pointed at the walkway over their heads.

  “To reach that. The runes should be inscribed on the top of the wall. That way they imbue the entire structure.”

  “Huh. Hadn't thought of that.”

  Once Kronk had returned, dragging the ladder behind him, Simon climbed up to the walkway and moved to stand next to the gate. He planted his palms on the stone beside the hinges, took a deep breath and got started.

  The sun was just turning the sky into a quilt of red and yellow when he inscribed the final rune on to the wall. He wasn't sure how long it had taken, but his legs were trembling and he was covered with a thin sheen of sweat.

  A little puff of smoke, scented with the smell of burnt stone, rose from the symbols on the wall and they began to glow with a faint, silvery light.

  Aeris had accompanied him as he gone from one section of the wall to the next, pointing out the proper spots to cast his runes. Kronk had followed them down on the ground. He'd watched Simon with concern.

  Nice to know someone cares, Simon had thought with a trace of humor.

  Now the little guy lugged the ladder over and set it against the walkway next to Simon.

  “Come down, master. Carefully! You need to eat and rest.”

  “Coming mother,” Aeris called out in a mocking tone.”

  “Knock it off,” Simon growled. “You may not appreciate Kronk, but I do.”

  “Yes, well, to each his own, wizard.”

  Simon climbed down the ladder slowly, his hands shaking and weaker than usual. Once on the ground, he made his way back into the tower.

  Kronk had lit all of the candles and set the kettle to boil over the fire and Simon smiled as the earth elemental rushed over to pull back his chair.

  “Sit, master,” he said firmly. “Catch your breath for a moment.”

  Simon collapsed into the chair. His back ached and his legs were throbbing, but sitting down was such a relief that he groaned aloud with pleasure.

  “That was well done, wizard,” Aeris said with rare approval.

  “Really? Thanks.” Simon looked at both little figures who were now standing side-by-side on the table. “But it was a group effort. I just hope it was worth it.”

  “I am quite sure that it was,” the air elemental replied.

  Simon watched, bemused, as Aeris floated to the fireplace, easily lifted the kettle and carried it to the counter, where he poured hot water into Simon's cup.

  In short order, he returned and set the tea he had made in front of Simon.

  “Hey, thanks Aeris,” he said as he picked up the cup. Tea had never tasted so good.

  “You are welcome. Call it your reward for a job well done.” Aeris shook a little finger at him. “Don't get used to it though. I am a scout, not a servant.”

  Simon had to laugh.

  “I won't. And as a scout, maybe tonight you can check out the wall once in a while and make sure the runes are doing their job.”

  Aeris headed for the door.

  “An excellent idea. I will do that. Sleep well, wizard.”

  And with that, the little figure floated out the door.

  Simon sighed and slumped in his chair.

  “You should get some sleep, master,” Kronk told him.

  “I know. I'm hungry but I think it can wait.”

  He stood up slowly and then looked at his little friend.

  “Crazy day, eh Kronk?”

  “A good day, master. A very good day.”

  “Yeah, I suppose,” Simon mumbled as he headed for the stairs. “I suppose it was a good day at that.”

  Chapter 10

  When Simon swam
back to consciousness from a deep ocean of sleep, the first thing he saw was Kronk standing on the pillow staring down at him.

  He was still too tired to do more than twitch with surprise and the little elemental smiled at him.

  “Good afternoon, master. I am pleased to see you awake.”

  “Afternoon?” Simon muttered, his brain still fogged with sleep. “How long did I sleep?”

  “Perhaps sixteen hours. It is past noon now.”

  Kronk hopped on to the floor as Simon dragged back the covers and slowly got out of bed, feeling as crusty and worn out as an old shoe.

  He stretched and yawned hugely, then made his way to the window. He unlocked it and opened the double panes wide, the smell of sun-touched grass and pine sap wafting past his puffy face. He breathed deeply and smiled through his exhaustion.

  The wall stretched out and around the tower and Simon stared at it speculatively. It would take some time to get used to the sight of the high, sturdy barrier but he felt more secure just looking at it.

  He turned and glanced down at Kronk who was standing behind him.

  “Any sign of night creatures last night?” he asked.

  “No master. Luckily we saw and heard nothing. Both the air elemental and I patrolled the perimeter but it was quiet all night.”

  “Lucky, yeah,” Simon said under his breath. Something that had been nagging at him as he'd fallen asleep struggled to surface in his mind, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

  Well, it will come to me, he thought with a mental shrug, and turned away from the window to grab a towel for his trip to the lake.

  After a quick visit to the outhouse, which fortunately was still inside the wall, Simon unlocked the back gate and made his way to the shoreline. The lake glittered in the afternoon sun and he slipped into its warm embrace, the last of his sleepiness washing away.

  After his bath, Simon let the horses out to graze along the lake, then walked back into the tower. He had a few slices of toast and took his second cup of tea up to his study. He'd finally remembered what had been twitching at the edge of his mind and he examined his extensive library of reference books looking for some information. He grabbed two heavy books and took them over to his desk to study them.

  Lost in thought, he didn't even notice Kronk wandering into the room until the little guy jumped up on to the desk to stare at him curiously.

  “Are you studying new spells, master?” he wondered as he looked down at the book Simon was examining closely.

  “No, nothing like that, my friend,” Simon replied absently. “This book was one that I collected back in the old days.” He sat back and tapped the page he'd been staring at. “It's full of myths about fantastic creatures. Mostly speculative nonsense about fairies and dragons and sprites, but there are references to elementals that I find interesting.”

  “About us?” Kronk sounded both surprised and intrigued and stared at the page, clearly fascinated.

  “Yeah. The writer was actually quite close to the truth. I'm not sure how. Maybe some sort of racial memory? Or hidden knowledge from God only knows what source, but it's almost eerie in its accuracy. Here, listen to this.”

  Simon skimmed over the page until he found the right paragraph.

  “Earth elementals are made from the bones of the world. Strong as mountains, solid as stone, they are difficult to injure in battle. Poison cannot harm them, nor can fire or frost. Not known to be quick of thought, still they are unshakably loyal and dedicated to those who summon them.”

  He grinned at Kronk.

  “Sound familiar?” he teased the little guy, who looked astonished.

  “That is amazing, master.” He hesitated. “I do not know if I agree that we are not quick of thought, but the rest is true.”

  Simon laughed lightly.

  “I don't think you're slow either, my friend. But I agree; the facts are very close to the truth.”

  “What wizard wrote this book, master?” Kronk asked curiously.

  “It wasn't a wizard. Actually,” Simon closed the book and checked the cover, “there's a list of contributors here. I have no idea who wrote what, but they were bang on, at least when it came to the powers of elementals.”

  Kronk moved to stand in the middle of the desk.

  “So why the interest in us, master? I could have told you all you wanted to know about us. You didn't need to read a book to discover those facts.”

  Simon sat back in the leather chair, rested his elbows on its arms and his chin on his clasped hands.

  “I wasn't researching you and your fellow earth elementals. I was curious about something else. Tell me, where's Aeris today?”

  “That one?” Kronk frowned slightly. “I have no idea, master. He comes and goes like the wind that he is. When the sun rose this morning, he flitted off 'to scout' he said. I have not seen him since.”

  “Hmm. If I called him, would he come?”

  “Of course, master. You summoned him to this world. I know you allowed him his freedom, but he must still answer your call, no matter where he is.”

  Simon nodded. “Good,” he said.

  He finished the dregs of his tea and took a deep breath.

  “Aeris!” he said loudly. “I need to speak to you.”

  There was a moment of stillness and then with a little pop, the air elemental appeared next to Kronk, who took two steps to the side to give him some room.

  Aeris looked around and then frowned up at Simon.

  “What's this, wizard? I was scouting up north when you pulled me back here. I thought I was a free agent.”

  He sounded annoyed.

  “You are, Aeris. But I wanted to speak with you for a moment. It's kind of important.”

  “I see.”

  Aeris folded his arms and floated up to eye level.

  “Very well. If it is so important, then I am at your command,” and he gave Simon a mocking little bow.

  “We'll see about that,” Simon muttered. He cleared his throat.

  “Okay, I have a few questions for you. Do you remember back a few days to when you mentioned the fact that creatures such as wights and wraiths haunted the night back in the old days of magic?”

  “Yes, of course I do. My memory is quite good.”

  “I'm sure. And then that night, when we were up on the roof, the air became icy cold and you told me that there was some sort of monster near the tower. It was then that you encouraged me to quickly build a wall around the tower.”

  “Naturally.” Aeris seemed a bit puzzled by Simon's line of thought. “I'm sure you are grateful for the added protection.”

  “Oh, of course. It certainly eases my mind in this new world of ours.”

  “Then what is the problem?” Aeris asked impatiently. “You are merely restating things that have already happened. Surely this wasn't worth dragging me back here, was it?”

  “We'll see.” Simon reached out and tapped the closed book on the desk.

  “I've been doing some research on elementals and found out some fascinating things about them; about air elementals in particular.”

  “Really?” Aeris floated over to the book and looked at it with barely concealed contempt. “A book written by true humans? What did they know about elementals?”

  “Strangely enough, quite a bit.” Simon fixed Aeris with a piercing look. “For example. I didn't know that air elementals could control their environment. They can heat the air hot enough to boil water. Conversely, they can drop the air temperature enough to freeze water. Isn't that interesting?”

  Aeris shrugged. “Common knowledge, wizard. At least it used to be.”

  “Maybe once, but not now. Not to me anyway. I was a bit puzzled at the coincidence of you mentioning these night haunts only to have one seemingly appear only a few hours later.” He leaned forward and Aeris floated back a few inches. “Now, how do you explain that?”

  Kronk was staring at the air elemental, his eyes suddenly glowing red. Aeris glanced at him and t
hen back at Simon.

  “As you said, coincidence. A happy one, don't you think? You have a wall to protect you now.”

  “And you've proven your usefulness, haven't you?” Simon stated dryly.

  Aeris shrugged. “As you say,” he replied.

  “Yes, well...” Simon stared at the air elemental for a long, slow moment and Aeris began to bob up and down like a cork floating on turbulent seas. Then the wizard sat up abruptly and both little figures jumped slightly.

  “Well, thank you for coming back when I called. Aeris. And thank you for all your help, both with your scouting and your insights that led to my wall being built.”

  Aeris looked a bit relieved and bowed once more.

  “I am at your service, wizard,” he said with a touch of sarcasm.

  “Yes. You are. And as I am the one who summoned you, then I am also the only one who can dismiss you back to your own realm. And that is what I am going to do.”

  The smirk on Aeris' face faded to a gape of shock.

  “What?” he asked faintly.

  “I think you are lying to me, Aeris. I think you have been for some time now. The coincidence of the unseen creatures lurking in the dark. The sudden appearance of a cleric just when you assured me that I needed to know my 'true name' and only a cleric could help me. A host of other things.” He tapped the book again.

  “Another interesting fact about air elementals I learned today. They are not known for their loyalty. In fact, of all the elementals, air is the one that resents being summoned the most. Only when a wizard has locked them in magical bonds can they be trusted to perform their duties honestly. And even if I knew how to do that, I wouldn't. As I told you the day I called you from your own world, I'm not looking for servants or slaves. Apparently that wasn't good enough for you.”

  Now he allowed his anger to color his voice.

  “Freedom wasn't good enough for you, Aeris. My trust wasn't either. Well, this world is dangerous enough without me associating with a creature that seems bent on manipulating me. So you are going home. Have a good laugh with your fellows when you get back. I'm sure that pulling the wool over the eyes of a stupid young wizard will be good for a story or two.”