The Dragons Return

by J. J. Thompson

  And the world around Simon faded into darkness.

  Chapter 19

  Simon dragged himself from sleep to a loud pounding in his head. The steady thud-thud shot through his temples and he sat up slowly, the pink of the pre-dawn light shining tentatively through the lace curtains on the window.

  He was alone. The elementals had left him to sleep and Simon guessed that they had both decided to patrol the new wall, like they did at home. It was a comforting thought.

  As he sat on the edge of the bed, Simon recalled his dream. He remembered all of it and the sense of urgency from the god that had spoken to him remained. A multitude of spells, incantations and runes crowded into his mind and he knew, somehow, that it was this sudden knowledge that had brought on his massive headache.

  Well, Simon thought as he glanced down at the saddlebags that lay next to the bed, I'll never have to write out another spell. They're all in here. He rubbed his head delicately, and wished he knew a spell that acted like an aspirin.

  He sat in the pre-dawn light and analyzed his new knowledge. That nameless god was right. He could feel the various levels of power from each spell and knew what they would cost him in terms of energy. He saw them in his mind like little bombs just waiting for him to set them off. Explode one or two and he'd be okay. Use too many in a row and they would kill him. It was as simple and as frightening as that.

  Simon raised his young, unlined hands before his face and stared at them.

  Still weak and frail, he thought with a wry grin. That being was right. He was not suddenly all powerful. He would have to apportion out his powers with great care. He couldn't just pound his enemies with power until they were destroyed. He'd have to think strategically and use his power like a surgeon using a scalpel instead of a brute swinging a club.

  He rubbed his temples until the pounding began to subside. The sun was just peeking over the horizon but Simon couldn't sleep any longer. He stood up, changed into fresh clothes and headed into Clara's main room carrying his saddlebags.

  To his surprise, Simon found Clara sitting in the chair he had used the previous evening, a candle on the table next to her and a heavy book open on her lap. She was reading intently and looked up at his entrance with surprise.

  “Simon! Good morning. You're up early.”

  He grinned and settled into a chair at her dining table, setting his bags nearby.

  “Morning, Clara. I'm not usually an early riser, but something happened overnight that interrupted my sleep.”

  He wasted no time in telling the cleric about his dream. Her eyes widened but she listened attentively while he spoke and smiled appreciatively when he passed on the god's compliments.

  “Yes, I've had such dreams, my friend,” she told Simon when he'd finished. “It's comforting to know that the gods of Light are still watching over us.”

  “I don't think that they have much choice,” Simon said a bit harshly. “It seems their fortunes rise and fall with ours. If we succeed, they do as well. And if we fall, well then apparently they will be barred from this universe forever.”

  Clara excused herself for a moment and left the room. Simon waited, his mind wandering across the memory of his dream until she returned, a tray loaded down with a pot of tea, a crock of honey, and cups and spoons in her hands.

  She remained silent until the tea was served and then sat next to Simon at the table.

  “Don't be bitter, Simon. What choice do they have? The dark gods are stronger than them. The gods of Light are channeling a tiny portion of their power into this world in the faint hope that we, you and I and the other Changlings, can stop the dragons from opening the way for their masters.” She smiled sadly. “It's a desperate hope at best. You must see that.”

  Simon sipped his tea and then nodded and sighed.

  “You're right, of course. I should be grateful for everything they've done. After all, I'd be dead now if it wasn't for their Changing me into the person that I am.” He hesitated and a thought made him sit up straighter. “Part of the lesson I was taught in that dream, now that I think of it.”

  “Perhaps so, Simon. The gods can be subtle.”

  She tilted her head slightly and looked at him in a calculating way.

  “So now what? We've been warned by your visitation. Bad things are coming. We have to prepare, but what do we do?”

  Simon stood up and looked down at the cleric.

  “Our best. What else can we do? If you want my advice, for what little it's worth, speak to our group of four Changlings. They need to practice using the powers they have. They, and you, are the only ones who can use the magic directly. Oh and your warriors should hone their skills as well. And if any others in your community want to join their ranks, let them.”

  He picked up his saddlebags and Clara arose and joined him.

  “And what about you? What will you do now?”

  Simon led the way to the door and entered the darkened main hall. He walked across it slowly, thinking through his answer.

  “I need to get home immediately. I may know these spells now but I want to practice some of the more complicated ones and see how draining they are. If I didn't need to get Chief back, I'd Gate straight there. I can apparently do that now without breaking a leg.”

  Clara laughed gently and they exited the building together. The early morning air was crisp with a hint of the autumn to come. Simon smelled woodsmoke and saw a few people moving through the streets in the distance.

  A wicker to his left caught his attention and Simon turned to see Chief being led around the corner of the hall by Kronk. The horse was saddled and ready to go and Simon chuckled at the sight of the big stallion following obediently behind the little elemental.

  “Good morning, master,” Kronk said brightly as he approached. “Sleep well?”

  “Morning, Kronk. I wish I knew how you can tell what I want before I do.”

  Kronk smiled with satisfaction.

  “I just do, master.”

  He held Chief steady while Simon tied his bags behind the saddle. Aeris floated silently up the street from the direction of the main gate.

  “Morning Simon,” he said and nodded at Clara. “Good morning, lady. The gate is open now. It was a quiet night.”

  “Good to know,” Clara said.

  She watched as Simon took the reins from Kronk and slipped on to Chief's back.

  “Call me when you get home, Simon. We'd better stay more closely in touch from now on. I'll have a town meeting and let everyone know what's happening.”

  Simon looked down at her.

  “Good idea. How will they respond?”

  “Oh, they're steady enough, I think. They know how dangerous things are now. And your suggestions are good ones. I'll speak with the magical quartet,” and she smiled as she said that, “and have them begin practicing right away.”

  “Okay then.” Simon reached down and Clara took his hand. “Be safe, watch the skies and signal me with the lodestone if you need me. I'll be here for you if you call.”

  She squeezed his hand in response.

  “I will. Safe trip, my friend.”

  Simon waved and turned Chief toward the gate. Kronk bowed to the cleric and slipped silently into the ground, while Aeris nodded and floated up to follow Simon.

  Chief trotted calmly down the main street and Simon exchanged waves with some of the early-rising townsfolk. He passed through the gate, nodded at the guard there, someone he hadn't seen before, and then cantered up the low hill.

  Just before he entered the forest, Simon pulled Chief to a halt and turned to look down at the little town. The new wall gleamed in the morning sunlight, wrapping the settlement in a smooth stone embrace. He felt a sense of wonder and reassurance as he gazed at the structure and then, with a smile, he chirped at the horse and Chief trotted into the woods.

  The journey home was calming and gave Simon a chance to replay the events of his visit to Nottinghill in his mind. He told Aeris about his dream and the
elemental was visibly impressed.

  “All the spells?” the hovering figure had asked. “All of them? But Simon, that's amazing! In one night, you've graduated from novice to master wizard.” After a moment of silence, he added, “I've never worked for a master wizard before.”

  Simon had to laugh at the touch of awe in Aeris' voice.

  “Hang on there, my friend,” he said as Chief walked briskly between the towering trees. The air had warmed up nicely and the ride was, as usual, making Simon feel invigorated.

  “I'm nowhere near a master-class wizard. I have the knowledge, true, but I still need practice. As that unnamed god said, using spells excessively could prove fatal.”

  “Yes. Good point.”

  Aeris floated next to Simon for a few minutes, frowning at the path ahead.

  “What is it?” Simon finally asked him. “Why the face?”

  Aeris looked at him in surprise.

  “Oh, I was just remembering the old days. I saw a wizard once who had overextended herself. She was a pitiful figure, actually.”

  “Really?”

  Simon let Chief find his own path and watched Aeris closely.

  “Why do you say she was pitiful?”

  “Because she was. A wizard in the prime of life reduced to a shell. She was dried up and wizened like the cast-off skin of a snake. She barely had the energy to move from place to place. And she had lost the ability to cast spells. As I said, pitiful.”

  Simon's stomach did a flip-flop as he listened to Aeris.

  “My God, is that the result of using up too much of your life-force?”

  “That's the best result, Simon,” Aeris told him and his expression was deadly serious. “She was lucky to have lived at all. I'm not trying to discourage you, far from it, but you must feel your way through this new knowledge of yours. Know your limitations. The god was right. You are not all powerful.”

  “Yeah, I'm starting to get that.”

  The rest of the ride passed silently and, when Simon finally emerged from the forest and saw his tower across the field, he had never felt so glad to be home.

  Kronk was standing next to the open gate and waved at him when Simon came into view.

  He returned the wave and Chief broke into a run, obviously eager to return to his stable-mates.

  When they got to the gate, Simon dismounted, untied his saddlebags and slung them over his shoulder.

  “Welcome home, master,” Kronk said happily. “Give me the reins and I'll take Chief to the stable. He needs a good rubdown and deserves some treats for his hard work.”

  “Thanks, Kronk.” Simon patted Chief on the shoulder several times and the big guy rubbed his head across Simon's chest, almost knocking him off his feet.

  “Easy there, big boy. You did good, Chief. Go get some well-earned rest.”

  He watched as Kronk led the stallion away and then looked at Aeris.

  “Help me with the gates, would you?” he asked and went to one of the large doors and pushed it closed.

  Aeris closed the other one and Simon sealed the gate.

  “You don't usually close the gate during the day,” Aeris observed as they headed toward the tower.

  “Dangerous times, Aeris. I'm not taking any chances from now on. Once I get cleaned up and eat something, I'm going to go up to the top of the wall and recast the runes. I think I can increase their power a bit, and any advantage we can get over what may be coming will be to the good.”

  Simon walked through the open door of the tower and just stood there a moment, enjoying the feeling.

  “Home,” he said and looked around the place affectionately. “I think, for the first time, this place really does feel like home.”

  He put his bags on the kitchen table, placed some logs in the fireplace and lit them with a thought. Aeris hovered on the table.

  “I agree,” the elemental said as he floated there, his head turning from side to side. “I too am becoming rather fond of this tower.”

  “You?” Simon said as he unpacked the saddlebags. “Are you sure you're feeling all right?”

  “Funny, wizard,” Aeris said sarcastically. “Yes, even we elementals can feel affection for places sometimes. I know that Kronk feels the same way.”

  “Good.”

  Simon set the kettle over the fire and sat down with a sigh. He rested his elbows on the table and supported his chin on his hands.

  He looked sightlessly across the room through the open door, his mind drifting randomly from thought to thought.

  Finally, he looked at the air elemental.

  “I'd like to ask a favor, Aeris. Feel free to say no. This isn't an order.”

  “A favor? What is it?” Aeris sounded intrigued.

  “We have to be a bit proactive from now on. So, if you're willing, I'd like you to travel north across the river to the hills. See if there is any activity coming from that direction.”

  “Ah, you want me to spy on the dragon, don't you?” Aeris said wisely.

  “No, not really. I'm not about to send you into that kind of danger. But if you spot any encroachment by the drakes, I'd like to know about it.”

  “Yes, not a bad idea,” Aeris said, sounding thoughtful. “Certainly I'll go. It should only take a few hours.”

  “But don't take any chances,” Simon said sharply. “I want you back in one piece. If you are in danger, any danger at all, get your ass out of there and come home.”

  “Home.” Aeris looked around again. “Yes. Don't worry. Air elementals are hard to hit and harder to kill. I'll be fine. See you soon.”

  And with a quiet pop of air, Aeris disappeared.

  Even though it was his idea, Simon was worried that he'd sent the elemental into harm's way. He hoped he wouldn't regret it.

  But in the meantime, he decided to get washed up and changed and get to work on those wards. Time was definitely not on their side anymore.

  The day flew by. Simon called Clara to reassure her that he'd made it home in one piece. She let him know that the town had been warned about a possible impending attack. She also told him that Eric, Virginia and the others had agreed to practice using their powers. In fact, she'd said with some satisfaction, they had seemed grateful that they were being asked to contribute to the town's defense.

  Simon then walked the circumference of the wall and recast all of his runes. The warding on the wall was noticeably stronger to his wizard's sight and he felt some relief when he was done.

  After dinner, as the sky darkened, Simon and Kronk sat near the fire and the wizard told the little guy about his dream and what the god had said about the threats to come.

  Predictably, Kronk took it all in calmly and expressed his confidence in Simon and his abilities.

  “You will find a way to beat the dragon, master,” he told Simon with unshakable assurance.

  “I wish I had your faith, my friend,” Simon said quietly, the snap and hiss of the fire sounding louder than usual in the room.

  “Master, you have the gods on your side. You have the knowledge now to fight evil. And you have something that most wizards have never had.”

  “And what's that?” Simon asked a little desperately.

  “Me, master,” Kronk told him with a wide smile. “Me and my people. When you face the dragon, remember the earthen. They will come at your call now, because they, like me, respect you.”

  Simon had almost laughed at the little guy's remark but then the true meaning of what Kronk was saying filtered through to him.

  “Wait. Are you saying that your more powerful brethren would come to my aid if I summoned them?”

  “Oh yes, master. I am quite sure that they would.” Kronk sounded convinced of what he was saying.

  “Wow, that's...that would be an immense help to us. But facing a dragon, Kronk; it isn't like building a wall. Anyone fighting a monster like that could very well die.”

  Kronk simply shrugged.

  “Earth elementals do not feel fear, master. It is not an emot
ion that we know. It serves no purpose.”

  “Really? But, Aeris was afraid, or seemed to be, when I threatened to banish him back to his home realm.”

  “The airy ones are...different, master.”

  Kronk seemed to be trying to avoid insulting Aeris and his people. Simon had to smile at his obvious attempt at being diplomatic.

  “They are great scouts and their elders are very powerful indeed. But the small ones are better suited for spying and tasks like that. I think that their caution serves them well in the roles they play.”

  “Hmm, good point. Caution is best when scouting, I'd say.”

  As if their mention of his name had summoned him, Aeris suddenly popped into view inside the closed door and flew slowly across the room to hover between Simon and Kronk.

  “Welcome back,” Simon said as he watched the elemental come to a floating stop. Kronk gave Aeris a little wave and the little misty figure returned it faintly.

  Simon had never seen a tired elemental before, but Aeris looked absolutely exhausted.

  “What is it?” he asked him. “What's happened?”

  “I would not have believed it possible, if I hadn't seen it for myself,” Aeris replied weakly.

  He slowly descended until he was resting on the floor in front of the fireplace. He sat down and pulled up his knees to his chest.

  “Believe what?”

  “Drakes, my dear wizard,” Aeris sighed. He shook his head wearily. “Hundreds of the monsters. I did not believe that they could see those like myself when we are invisible.” He paused and looked up at Simon. Even that small movement seemed to be an effort. “I was wrong.”

  “You ran into those creatures?” Simon's heart began to beat faster as he felt a hot flush of fear make his skin tingle.

  “You could say that.” Aeris laughed flatly. “I was scouting from the ruined village toward the range of hills to the north, following the trail of smashed trees and torn underbrush that the drakes had left behind them when they attacked the last time. They do seem to revel in trampling everything underfoot. I had just reached the base of those hills when I ran into a lone drake.” He frowned. “I believe it was a scout. Fortunately it did not see me, at least not then, and I decided to follow it, see what it was up to.”