The Captive

by Paul Lauritsen

  I . . . will get stronger, Zanove grunted. You will see.

  Garnuk nodded gravely. You did well this night, Zanove. Tomorrow and the next day we rest. Then, we set out again. The best way to get stronger, is to practice.

  Chapter 20:

  Island of the Keepers

  Khollo stood at the prow of the Southern Star, his ribs still bound, the bandage over his eye covering what was left of his head wound, protecting it from the salty sea spray. He had risen early this morning, the morning of their fifteenth day at sea.

  Behind him, the crew were going about their daily tasks, inspecting the rigging, tending to the sails, and scrubbing the decks, among other things. Eralm occupied his usual position at the stern, one hand on the tiller, making constant, small adjustments to the ship’s course. It seemed to be almost an unconscious act for him, something he could do in his sleep or without any real effort.

  Jorgen stepped up beside Khollo on the right, where the young Keeper could actually see him. “No sign of him yet?”

  “Not yet,” Khollo said. “Kanin will be here soon though.”

  “And then you’re just going to fly off and leave us?” the first mate asked indignantly.

  Khollo turned and grinned at him. “I’m not abandoning you,” he promised, “But there are some things Kanin and I need to prepare on the island, and I’ve taught the others everything I can for the time being.”

  Jorgen blinked in surprise. “Is being a Keeper that simple?”

  “In some ways,” Khollo laughed, “But we’ve only covered the basics, and they don’t have dragons yet. So, I can’t teach them much more at this point. That’s why I’m flying ahead, to prepare for the next phase of their training.”

  “Which is?”

  Khollo frowned at Jorgen with mock severity. “I’m not giving away my secrets. They’ll find out when the time comes, and no sooner.”

  Jorgen shrugged. “Fine by me. I was just curious is all. Seems like there ought to be a pretty extensive training program for people who will have so much power.”

  “We don’t rule over anyone.”

  “No, but one full-grown, fire-breathing dragon can do a lot of damage,” Jorgen observed. “If one were to get loose or some Keeper got the idea in his head that he should be lord over all the world, well, there could be trouble.”

  “I see your concern,” Khollo said, “But think about this: one full-grown, fire-breathing dragon is nothing next to five of them.”

  “That’s not much more comforting,” Jorgen said, shaking his head. “If the whole Order turned – ”

  “It won’t.”

  “Not under you, I’m sure, but what about your successor? Or the one after them? An Order of humans and dragons is a powerful thing, useful in some cases, I agree, but also dangerous.”

  “There is a reason I have been so careful with the candidates I selected,” Khollo said quietly. “Each of the four has proven themselves in some way, and they have the hearts to be true Keepers and bear their responsibilities without succumbing to the lure of power.”

  “People change, Keeper,” Jorgen reminded him gruffly. “Don’t forget that.” He turned away, looking out over the sea. “I just wanted to get those thoughts out before you left us,” he muttered. “Just in case it helped keep this whole thing from becoming a disaster.”

  “Thank you, Jorgen,” Khollo said, clapping the other man on the shoulder. “I understand your concern. It’s something that kept me from expanding the Order for months. But we’re taking precautions against something like a rogue Keeper, and there’s a long way to go yet before the world is full of dragons.”

  “Good to know,” Jorgen said. “Good luck to ye, Keeper.”

  The first mate ambled back across the deck. In moments, he was back to normal, shouting orders at every sailor within earshot. Khollo grinned at the display, then froze as a strange feeling crept over him. His mind felt . . . stretched. Open. Vulnerable.

  Look up.

  Khollo’s head jerked back in time to catch a flash of emerald light as Kanin circled the ship at top speed. Behind him, the sailors shouted with surprise, some diving for cover. The other Keepers, summoned by the noise, came tumbling out of the hatch that led below deck, grinning at the sight of the soaring dragon. Khollo ran to the starboard rail, his injuries all but forgotten, and Kanin pulled up alongside the ship, skimming just above the waves.

  You are hurt! The dragon observed, startled, his eyes whirling with confusion. What has happened?

  “We were caught in a storm,” Khollo explained aloud, glancing back at the others. “I was a little slow getting below deck.”

  Sven opened his mouth to say something, but Halena elbowed him sharply and the northman fell silent. Aralye, standing a little in front of them, didn’t notice the exchange. But she did look away guiltily when Khollo glanced her direction.

  Hmm, Kanin mused. You are not being entirely truthful.

  Let it go, Khollo said quietly.

  Kanin snorted, and continued scanning the others, trying to tease out the answer to his questions. L’tel, Sven, and Halena didn’t seem fazed by the dragon’s scrutiny. Aralye on the other hand flinched, then looked at Kanin directly. Her lips parted slightly as though she were trying to speak. Finally, she gasped softly and looked away.

  I see, Kanin said slowly. You acted well, Khollo. Aralye would be dead if not for you.

  She was scared, Khollo explained. It’s not really her fault I was hurt.

  No, it is not, Kanin agreed, humming to himself. You acted with courage and honor. Well done.

  It was nothing.

  It was most certainly something, Kanin countered. Rescuing Aralye, putting yourself at risk, it shows you will fight for these four. That you will protect them. Such a demonstration goes a long way towards building loyalty and respect.

  I thought it was just that they found out I survived being ripped in half by a vertag.

  What?

  Nothing, Khollo said quickly. That’s an old story, remember? The first battle at the West Bank?

  I was not there.

  You spoke to me.

  Because I sensed you fading and your guard was down. I did not know you were ripped in half.

  Almost, Khollo corrected.

  Doesn’t make much of a difference.

  Actually –

  “Care to let us in on the secret?”

  Khollo jumped in surprise and turned to face Sven, who was grinning impudently. Behind the northerner, L’tel was shaking his head in disgust at his lack of tact.

  “What?” Khollo asked, confused.

  “You’re just standing there,” Sven explained, “Staring at Kanin, all distracted. It’s like you’re not even here. Or we’re not even here,” he added pointedly.

  Khollo winced. “Sorry. When I’m talking to Kanin, everything else tends to get shut out. It’s not easy to communicate with him and do other things at the same time.”

  “Then how do you fight?”

  “Like I said, it’s not easy,” Khollo replied, “But it is possible. Speaking mind to mind during a battle, keeping track of the enemy, making sure neither you nor your dragon are in harm’s way . . . it’s complicated, and dangerous.”

  “And it takes practice?” Halena guessed with a slight smile.

  “Yes,” Khollo agreed, “Which you will be getting a lot of once we get to Ethgalin.”

  “Which is in three days,” L’tel rumbled. “Three days, then we are done with this tub.”

  “It’s a nice enough ship,” Halena countered.

  Sven grinned. “L’tel still hasn’t forgiven the captain for his comments about vengeful storms. Even though there’s no denying that southern gale had it in for us.”

  “The sea did,” L’tel allowed, “But the rains did not. They were gentle and life-giving as always.”

  “Live-giving? Look at Khollo!” Sven said, pointing.

  “Oh, don’t start,” Halena pleaded. But the two boys were soon embroi
led in the argument once more.

  “Too late,” Khollo observed, grinning. “Since they’re otherwise occupied, I’ll leave instructions with the two of you if it’s all right.”

  “No problem,” Halena promised. “Aralye and I can handle it, right Aralye?”

  “Of course,” the huntress said dully. “We’ll manage, Khollo.”

  Halena shot the other girl a worried glance, then quickly refocused. “You had instructions for us?”

  “Yes. When you land, start building a large signal fire if Kanin and I aren’t already there. We’ll see the smoke and come get you. Then, help Eralm unload and sort the supplies. He has instructions on that front. Until I get back, you all follow his orders, understood?”

  “Got it,” Halena replied. “Anything else?”

  Khollo hesitated, then glanced at Aralye. “That’s all, Halena. Aralye, could I have a word?”

  Aralye bit her lip, but stepped up to the ship’s rail beside Khollo. Halena meanwhile went to break up the argument between Sven and L’tel. Khollo noted that, while L’tel actually seemed to believe his own arguments and was shouting vehemently, Sven was almost laughing throughout the whole exchange.

  “You wanted to talk?” Aralye asked quietly. “Is this about what happened during the storm?”

  “Indirectly,” Khollo replied, lowering his voice. “I know being on a ship this long without land in sight has been rough on you.”

  Aralye scowled. “I’m fine.”

  Khollo grinned. “You’re not fine, but you are tough and stubborn, so you’ve been putting up with it. But if you want, you can fly ahead to Ethgalin with me and Kanin. It will get you off the sea a lot faster.”

  “Can Kanin carry two that far?”

  Of course.

  “He says he can.”

  “I know, I heard,” Aralye said, smiling at the dragon. Kanin rumbled happily in reply.

  Khollo nodded, making a mental note to keep better track of who Kanin could speak to easily. “Right. Well, Kanin is willing. Do you want to come along?”

  Aralye hesitated, looking back at the other three young Keepers. “No,” she said finally.

  “What?” Khollo asked, not sure he had heard right.

  “No,” she repeated, turning to face him again. “I don’t want special treatment, and I don’t need to be offered a way out. I’ve survived fifteen days. I can survive three more.”

  “You’re sure?” Khollo asked.

  “Positive,” Aralye replied firmly, eyes flashing. “Besides,” she added with a short laugh, “Someone has to help Halena keep those two in line while you’re gone.”

  Khollo laughed, looking back at Halena, Sven, and L’tel. The argument had faded somewhat, but there was still a lot of hand waving and intense discussion.

  “You’re sure?” Khollo asked, one more time. “Once you make this decision, it can’t be undone.”

  “I’m sure,” Aralye repeated. “And, just so you’re aware, there are a lot of decisions that can’t be undone. Like traveling across the known world to learn how to ride dragons.”

  Khollo grinned at this, and Kanin gave a deep rumble, the dragon equivalent of quiet laughter.

  “I do appreciate you offering though,” the girl said grudgingly. “You’re . . . you do a good job of looking after us. All of us.”

  “I try,” Khollo replied. “It’s the least I can do, after uprooting all of you and dragging you across the world. And knowing the dangers you might face someday.”

  “By which time we’ll be prepared to face them,” Aralye replied, “I trust you, Khollo. I originally came here because I trusted Kanin, and wanted to learn more about the dragons, but I’ve learned that both of you Keepers are good. That’s rare in this world.”

  “It’s also why it took us so long to find four new Keepers,” Khollo said wryly. “And why we had to search everywhere from the cities along the Furnier to the Aswul Marshlands in the north.”

  Aralye smiled, then pushed off of the rail and took a step back. “Go,” she said, “I’ll be fine. We’ll see you at Ethgalin.”

  The other three, noticing their quiet conversation had ended, moved closer to the rail as well.

  “Don’t have too much fun without us!” Sven called cheerfully. “And watch out for those vengeful southern – ”

  “For the last time!” L’tel roared, “Rains are not vengeful!”

  “Well, not unless they’re trying to drown you or sink your boat, or wash away – ”

  “We are not on a boat. This is a ship.”

  “Fine, add sinking your ship to the list of nefarious crimes. But I still say they’re – ”

  Khollo glanced at Halena and Aralye, then shook his head slowly. “I don’t envy the two of you for the next few days.”

  “We’ll be fine,” Aralye said shortly. “We have our own cabin, after all, away from these two.”

  They all laughed, then Khollo vaulted over the rail of the ship and onto Kanin’s back, deftly settling himself in the saddle and securing his legs.

  “Three days,” he said again. “Wait for me on the beach. Don’t explore too far, when Kanin and I were there last there were animals dangerous even to us.”

  “We’ll be careful,” Halena promised.

  Khollo nodded, then raised a hand in farewell. Kanin immediately ascended, putting distance between them and the ship. Khollo looked back and saw nearly everyone had turned to watch the dragon take flight, the pale circles of their faces looking up at him.

  Finally, Kanin grumbled. You humans take a long time to say goodbye, even temporarily.

  Well, I had to be sure they knew what to do without me.

  You should have done that before I got there.

  I did!

  Then what was the conversation just now all about?

  I was just reminding them.

  They could not remember?

  Halena and Aralye probably could, yes, Khollo replied. Sven and L’tel on the other hand . . .

  Questionable, Kanin finished. So why did you remind the girls and not Sven and L’tel?

  Because the girls will have to remind them constantly.

  Kanin considered this for a long moment. I do not think that makes sense, he mused.

  It doesn’t sound great when I spell it out like that, Khollo admitted. But everything should be fine.

  If it’s not, I blame you.

  Hey!

  What? Kanin demanded. You’re in charge of them. High Keeper and all of that, yes?

  You’re the master of dragons.

  Yes, but they are not dragons. Therefore, their mistakes and shortcomings are not my fault.

  They’re mine?

  Yes, but I will do my best to help you rectify those issues when I can, Kanin assured him.

  Thank you for that, Khollo grumbled, more than a little sarcastically.

  You’re very welcome.

  They flew in silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other’s company. The fifteen days they had spent apart had felt wrong somehow. Like something was missing. Of course, Khollo thought, scratching at his side, he’d been distracted most of that time with his injuries. But now that Kanin was back, there was a sense of completeness about everything.

  We are one, Kanin rumbled in response to Khollo’s thoughts. We are Keepers, and we are together. Human and dragon, bonded for life. Neither of us can do what we are meant to without the other. Without each other, we are shadows of what we can be.

  Khollo nodded wordlessly, deep in thought.

  It took several hours to return to Ethgalin. During this time, little changed except for the pattern of the waves below. Occasionally, a cloud would cross their path or briefly block the sun, but other than those minor distractions the day remained still, bright, and clear.

  When at last Ethgalin did come into sight, it was as a vague smudge on the southern horizon. Kanin recognized it before Khollo did, the slight change in their course as Kanin corrected alerting Khollo to the island’s proxi
mity. Over the next few minutes, the smudge became an indistinct shape, then the vibrant and impressive landscape of the mountainous island. A few minutes more and Khollo could make out the shoreline, waves crashing on the beach, and the mouth of the wide river that ran from the stronghold to the sea. The forests surrounding the northern side of the mountains were still hazy and indistinct, but the mountains themselves loomed large.

  We’re back, Kanin said, unnecessarily.

  Yes, Khollo agreed. We’re home. Something stirred in him, and he felt, as he always did, a connection to this place. Here was his legacy and his future. Here, he had finally become what he was born to be. And now, it was time to take the next step.

  The shoreline passed beneath them, and they swooped over a large herd of cattle moments later. Other herds could be seen in the distance, making their way to the river to drink. Khollo watched the animals for a time, then returned his gaze to the mountains and the sporadic ruined watchtowers that stood on their shoulders.

  The Keepers soared over the forests as well, right up to the mountains. Kanin beat his wings strongly and they gained altitude, racing up into the air. Khollo’s breath caught in his throat for a moment with excitement, then they crested the mountains and the whole of the Keeper’s stronghold was laid out before them.

  The jungle still claimed most of the buildings, but there were wide scars in the greenery where he and Kanin had worked to clear the growth. There were the dragon holds to the east, row upon row rising in semicircles, the open mouths of the caves leading deeper into the mountain. To the west, the library, the courtyard it was hidden beneath just visible. Below them was the great hall, the first of the buildings they had discovered, the place where Khollo had met his father and learned of the Keepers. And to the south, the hatchery, still mostly hidden to keep it safe, the hope for the future. Connecting them all were the main roads, north to south and east to west, wide, rectangular slices in the jungle.

  Home, Kanin rumbled contentedly. He continued gliding south, past the dragon holds, making for the hatchery instead. Khollo let him, since he was curious as to the mood of the unborn dragons as well.