Elias nodded. “They've been out almost every night this month. I'm sure they'll find him eventually. The two of them make a good investigative team.”
Do you have a hunch? Who do you think is responsible for the storms?
“Honestly, I have no idea. It's probably more than one person. I can't imagine how a single spellcaster could sustain a spell like this for so long. Spells designed to influence the weather are difficult to execute.”
They sat quietly for a few minutes. Shall we do some exploring? asked Nydeired. His pebble-black eyes were wistful.
Elias chuckled, scratching underneath the dragon's massive chin. Nydeired purred in response. “Sure, why not? I'm enjoying this fresh air. I'll maintain the concealment spell around us so we won't be seen, but we have to return to Parthos soon. I don't want to risk getting caught out here by Tallin. Agreed?”
Agreed, said Nydeired, smiling. His red tongue flicked out.
Elias jumped on Nydeired's back and immediately saw a flash of silver in the distance. “What was that?”
What? What did you see? said Nydeired, his voice rising with alarm.
“I saw a glint of light-like the reflection off a sword's hilt. It's probably just my imagination, but even so, let's get out of here,” said Elias.
They took off into the sky. “Hud-leyna!” Elias said, casting a concealment spell as they left the ground.
Elias looked down and saw a number of sparkling lights a short distance away. Larger than fireflies, but smaller than a flare, they ranged in color and intensity, pulsing silently in the air. The lights trailed them, even though Elias had already cast his concealment spell.
“Nydeired, do you see those lights?” said Elias.
Yes. They're following us. And that's not all. I smell something, said Nydeired, his neck craning downward. His nostrils flared as he inhaled the desert air.
“What? Do you sense danger? Is it orcs?” asked Elias, his heart pounding in his chest.
No. I sense the fragrance of other dragons, both male and female. Nydeired sniffed deeply at the air. Their scents are unfamiliar. These dragons are unknown to me.
Elias' eyebrows shot up. “Are you sure?” No one had seen another dragon in a long time-the last wild dragon Tallin found was Nagendra, a young carnelian female that had accepted Duskeye as a mate, and that was over a year ago.
Elias opened his mouth to ask a question, but he felt a push. “Ugh! Nydeired!” said Elias frantically. “S-someone is trying to pierce my barrier. I feel like I'm getting punched in the stomach; my spell is weakening!”
What can I do? Nydeired asked, his voice anxious.
“I-I can't concentrate. We have to land,” said Elias. The dragon stone that Elias carried began to vibrate, as it always did when he was in danger.
Nydeired landed on a nearby hill, stumbling again as he did so. He tried to steady himself, but tripped on his massive tail. Nydeired swayed in place for a moment, and then toppled to the ground, his face planting in the dirt.
Elias jumped from the saddle, again landing on his feet. “Letta-hud-leyna!” he said, releasing the concealment spell, pulling his magic back. It was useless to try to hide; whoever was out there already knew their location.
Elias grabbed his boot knife and clutched the dragon stone around his neck. Magical energy surged into his body from the stone. This is my fault, he thought. We never should have come out here. I'm not certain if I'm strong enough to fight whatever this is.
A wave of nausea hit him, and Elias stumbled. He reached out to steady himself against a rock, but missed. Nydeired caught Elias as he fell, wrapping his tail around him before he hit the ground.
In the distance, the spheres began a slow ascension toward their location. The lights floated lazily, bobbing and weaving around each other. As the glowing orbs approached, they changed shape. A soft melody filled the air, like the sound of songbirds. It was hypnotic.
Not knowing what else to do, Nydeired maneuvered his enormous body in a protective position behind Elias.
Elias watched them, entranced by the movement. A tranquil feeling washed over him. The sensation was irresistible-he felt almost euphoric.
Nydeired wasn't affected, and he wrapped his body tighter around Elias, unsure of what to do next. A low growl rumbled in his throat, and he spread his wings in warning.
“Isn't it lovely?” said Elias, sagging against Nydeired's body. The lights stopped a few paces away from them, right at the rock's edge.
Elias! Elias, talk to me! said Nydeired, desperation in his voice. He struggled to understand what was happening. He was unprepared for something like this.
The globes paused, then expanded. They took different shapes: some larger, some smaller. One of the lights took the shape of a man, glowing rosy-white. It approached Elias, reaching out with luminous arms.
Elias reached out too, straining against Nydeired's protective grip. Nydeired growled again, jerking Elias back. Nydeired opened his jaws and roared, spewing dragon fire toward the glowing figure. The glowing man stopped and stood motionless, unaffected by the flame. Then other figures took shape: the outline of a female and a male.
The remaining globes grew larger and formed into the shape of dragons, all different colors. The figures stopped advancing and held their positions.
Nydeired roared again, not knowing what to do. Minutes ticked by. Elias yawned and then closed his eyes and fell asleep, overcome by drowsiness. Nydeired laid the limp body of his friend on the ground and straddled it, covering Elias' body with his own.
Stay back; do not come any closer! growled Nydeired. He was surprised when the figure responded in perfect dragon tongue.
“I am a friend, Nydeired. You need not be afraid of me,” said the glowing man.
How do you know my name? What are you? asked Nydeired.
“You are known throughout our kingdom, Nydeired. The first diamond dragon in generations. We are here to help you-we mean you no harm, chosen one,” said the figure, taking another step forward.
Stop! Do not come any closer! Nydeired inched back, dragging Elias' limp body with his leg. I won't warn you again!
“Calm yourself. You cannot harm me,” said the man. “It is useless to try.”
What have you done to Elias? said Nydeired.
“Nothing, really. Your friend has been charmed. Humans who are unused to our presence react oddly at times. Do not worry. The effect is only temporary. He shall recover shortly, my friend.”
Just then, the air shimmered, and the night sky filled with brilliant blue light. Nydeired looked up to see Tallin and Duskeye swooping down from the sky. Nydeired exhaled a sigh of relief. Thank goodness you're here, he said. He had never been so happy to see anyone in his life.
“Nydeired, move out of the way!” shouted Tallin as he and Duskeye landed. Nydeired hopped back, scooping up Elias and covering him with his right wing. Elias continued slumbering peacefully, oblivious to the commotion around him.
Tallin and Duskeye faced the glowing man. “That's far enough!” Tallin said, drawing his falchion. Duskeye opened his sapphire jaws, shooting a river of flame toward the figures. The strangers stepped back a few paces, but otherwise remained unaffected.
Duskeye swung his head back and addressed Nydeired angrily. Hatchling! You have put yourself and your rider in incredible danger. This little "excursion" of yours was as foolish as anything you've ever done. I'll deal with you when we get back to Parthos. Believe me, both of you will pay for this disobedience. But for now, step back and keep Elias safe.
Nydeired tucked his head down, chastised. He felt humiliated, but also incredibly relieved. Nydeired gathered Elias from the ground and dragged him back a safe distance while Tallin and Duskeye faced off against the shining figures.
Tallin pointed his sword and addressed the group. “I order you to drop your glamour, all of you!”
“Ha! Such boldness!” the glowing man chuckled. “It's unfortunate that your confidence is misplaced. Do not presume t
o bark orders at me, dwarf. I am not a common servant-you can't control me with your shouted commands.” The last sentence was tinged with ice.
“I recognize that voice,” said Tallin. “Reveal yourself, Carnesîr. I won't play glamour-games with you. Not here. This desert is my home, and it would be a mistake to test my mettle in this place.”
The man sighed. “Very well,” he said, waving his right hand in a high arc. Rose-colored sparkles filled the air, and the glamour dissipated, revealing three elves. Carnesîr was the eldest of the three, with gray hair that ran down the small of his back. The other male elf was younger, with blond hair cropped at the shoulder. The last elf was a young female with silver hair. Her skin was milky-white, but her eyes and eyebrows were the deepest shade of black.
To Tallin's surprise, the elves were accompanied by four dragons-three adults and one tiny green hatchling. The hatchling clung desperately to his mother, a carnelian dragon with familiar scars on one leg and one hand.
“By Baghra!” said Tallin. “Nagendra, is that you? And you have a hatchling!”
Nagendra raised her head proudly. Yes, it is I, she said. Tallin approached Nagendra slowly. She did not flinch as she had during their meeting in the desert over a year ago. “I see you have been bound to a rider,” said Tallin. “Congratulations, little sister.”
Thank you, fleshling, she said, staring at Duskeye intently. After our meeting in the desert, I traveled north, hoping to find Brighthollow, the enchanted land that you described. It was a very difficult journey, but worth it. Brighthollow is lovelier than I ever imagined. There are no humans, no orcs, and no dragon hunters there. It is a true paradise.
“Living among the elves has been a positive thing for you. How did you manage to find Brighthollow?”
The journey to Brighthollow was treacherous, and I encountered many dangers. It was difficult, but I persevered. Once I arrived in their enchanted land, I was welcomed by the elves and eventually matched with Amandila, my rider. We went through the binding ceremony mere weeks ago, right after my hatchling emerged from his egg.
Amandila bowed. The female elf carried her half of the dragon stone implanted in her chest. The stone gleamed blood-red in the moonlight.
The elf's dragon stone was set in gold, with a thin ring of the precious metal visible at the circumference of the implant. The other two elves had identical implants embedded in their chests, their onyx stones ringed by a circle of gold. The female elf did not speak, but she stared at Tallin and Duskeye with one raised eyebrow.
The little green hatchling played happily with Nagendra's tail, which swished back and forth in the sand. Amandila stroked Nagendra's neck, while staring intently at Tallin with her black eyes.
Duskeye knew instantly that he had sired Nagendra's fledgling. He did not approach his former mate or the hatchling-it would have been a breach of etiquette. Instead, he greeted her formally. Nagendra, it pleases me greatly to see you in such good health, said Duskeye. He bowed his head and purred.
Thank you, she nodded, acknowledging Duskeye's greeting. Her tongue flicked out demurely, then she wrapped her wing around her hatchling, lifting the tiny dragon off the ground. She flexed open her wing, displaying the hatchling for Duskeye to see. The little dragon was perfect-the color of an emerald. Duskeye's chest expanded with pride, but he said nothing.
The other two dragons present were both onyx males. They were larger than Duskeye, but smaller than Nydeired, who towered over all the others by at least a third. One of the males was very old; most of his teeth were missing, and one eye was whitish and cloudy, like it had a cataract. The old dragon's scales were lighter, more charcoal gray than black. The other onyx dragon was much younger-and paired with the other, younger male elf.
Tallin turned to Duskeye and asked quietly, “Did you know that Nagendra was living among the elves?”
Truthfully, I did not, answered Duskeye. But she asked me many questions about Brighthollow. I answered them to the best of my ability. I always suspected that some of our kin had escaped to Brighthollow to live in isolation with the elves. Nagendra must have risked the dangerous journey to Brighthollow in order to ensure the safety of her hatchling.
Carnesîr turned and introduced the others. He pointed to the female elf. “You've already met Amandila and her dragon, Nagendra. Fëanor and Blacktooth are behind me, and this is my dragon-companion, Poth.” Carnesîr pointed at the oldest dragon. Poth yawned, lifting one wing in greeting. All the other dragons on the plateau bowed their heads in a show of respect to the much older male.
“How many other dragons live in Brighthollow?” asked Tallin.
“We are not at liberty to disclose that information,” said Amandila. “Queen Xiiltharra has given specific orders to that effect.”
“Fine, don't tell us,” said Tallin, exasperated.
“You know I cannot disobey a direct order from my queen,” said Carnesîr.
“We can tell you that there are very few,” said Amandila, ignoring Carnesîr's angry glare. “The magic of Brighthollow hinders dragon fertility. Nagendra arrived at Brighthollow already bearing her egg. She would not have been able to have her hatchling otherwise.”
Carnesîr cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Master Tallin! I'm pleased to see that you were able to extricate yourself from the unfortunate… predicament that you were in.”
“What do you mean?”
Underneath the elf's tranquil expression, Carnesîr's steely blue eyes were cold. “I'm referring to your capture and subsequent incarceration. I'm pleased that you were able to escape Vosper's dungeons. How did you manage it?” The elf's voice lilted like birdsong; it was mesmerizing, even when the words cut like a knife.
“If you're referring to my months in captivity in Morholt, then yes, I escaped. Duskeye and I were very lucky.”
“Well, that's wonderful news,” said Carnesîr. There was no hint of sarcasm in the elf's voice, but Tallin knew Carnesîr was baiting him. Tallin bit back a reply. As always, it was the nature of the elves to play with mortal emotions.
Tallin reflected on the first time he met Carnesîr. It was during the last war. Carnesîr, along with a few other elves, arrived at Mount Velik to aid the dwarves against their battle with Vosper. The elves fought valiantly, and their powerful spellcasters saved many lives.
Although the dwarves were ultimately grateful for their aid, it was always difficult to be in their presence. Tallin remembered the elves as arrogant, callous, and cruel. The elves lacked empathy and remorse. Some of the elves fathered children with dwarf females, only to leave when the war was over. Now, as before, Tallin could feel his patience wearing thin.
“So you're here officially then?” said Tallin. “I must admit some surprise. Has your ice queen finally softened?”
“The official position of Queen Xiiltharra remains unchanged, rider. We are here against her advice.”
“I see,” said Tallin. “So Brighthollow remains neutral, as always?”
“Yes, and so it shall remain,” said Carnesîr. “But rest assured, Tallin. My queen is sympathetic to your cause. Brighthollow knows about the murder of the elf-rider, Riona, and her dragon, Stormshard. We also know about your traitor, Hanko, and how his shameful treachery directly led to Riona's death.”
Tallin's eyebrows shot up. “How do you know about Hanko? We never sent messengers to Xiiltharra.”
“Don't be naive,” said Carnesîr. “You have your informants, as do we. Is it not true that one of your riders turned traitor?”
“Unfortunately, yes… it is true,” said Tallin. “Hanko turned traitor for the empire last year. A Balborite assassin stole his dragon stone, and Vosper blackmailed him.”
“Is there any doubt to his guilt?”
“No. He confessed,” said Tallin.
“Where is your traitor now?”
“He's not in Parthos. Hanko is a prisoner of the High Council; he awaits trial in Miklagard. If your intent is to kill him, you won't satisfy your revenge
here.”
“Tsk! Tsk!” Carnesîr scoffed, waving his hand. “Don't be silly. Elves do not lust for vengeance. We are not prone to mortal weakness. It is against our nature.”
“Then why are you here?” asked Tallin, trying to keep his voice even.
“The queen recognizes that Parthos is experiencing certain difficulties. It would be remiss to ignore the implications of that. That is why we're here.”
“And just what ’difficulties’ would you be referring to?” said Tallin.
“Well, firstly, Mitca was killed, only to be replaced by a child-king. You have lost Riona, the only elf-rider on Durn. And one of your human riders turned traitor. You must admit that the situation is grave.”
“It's not as bad as all that. Parthos is strong. We have two new riders, Galti and Holf, who are training in Miklagard now. Sela and Rali are negotiating a treaty with the dwarves as we speak,” Tallin replied.
“And how are the treaty negotiations progressing?” asked Carnesîr.
“I don't see how that's any of your business,” said Tallin.
Carnesîr sighed. “Tallin… you don't realize the gravity of the situation. The emperor plans to conquer both Mount Velik and Parthos; his preparations are nearly complete.”
“Yes, we know," said Tallin. “This information is not news to us.”
“Then how can you ignore the danger? Vosper is the most power-hungry emperor in a millennium. It's tragic, really. The mortal races are prone to such feebleness of character… so much misery and suffering for nothing.”
“Is that a question, or a statement? I didn't ask for a history lesson, Carnesîr. Parthos has done a fine job defending itself so far, and without the elves' help. Speaking of which-are you causing the sandstorms?”
“Yes, it's our doing,” admitted Carnesîr. “We've been steadily increasing the frequency of the sandstorms for months. It's a protective measure. Parthos is safer during the storms. We've also been monitoring the desert for other dangers. Amandila and Nagendra captured a Balborite assassin just a few days ago.”
“What did you do with the assassin?” asked Tallin.
Vosper's Revenge Page 3
