by Phil Stern
Yanking the sword free, the Haven witch instantly pumped the screaming blade full of earth fire. Then, ordering Saja to a sudden halt still well clear of the melee, Caylee catapulted out of the saddle and through the air, landing on her feet some ten feet ahead.
Sweeping her hand from left to right, the sorceress easily burned away the close vegetation with a light coating of earth fire. This, in of itself, would have sent most creatures scurrying for safety. Yet the monster thus revealed, eagerly turning to engage her, was unlike anything Caylee could have imagined.
It might best be described as a wingless, muscular land dragon. Clearly a magical beast, the creature veritably glowed with evil power. Indeed, blackish-purple sparks shot from it’s enraged eyes, while a puff of oily smoke burst from flaring, noxious nostrils. Two saber-tooth type fangs curled down from it’s head, while a huge, spiked tail swished back and forth.
Instantly, Caylee recognized her opponent for what it was. The king of this particular jungle, ready to fight for ultimate supremacy. Pure malevolence pulsed outward from the horrible beast, forestalling any thought of rational conversation. Obviously, this thing was all about killing and death, with Caylee now squarely in it’s sights.
As she’d suspected, Lewn had clearly gotten the worst of it. Hopping about, the battle hawk was holding a wing out at an odd angle, while her chest was oozing blood from a deep rake. Caylee doubted she could either fly off or continue to fight effectively. Had the sorceress not immediately interceded, the native predator would surely have closed in for the kill.
But instead, the evil beast stomped about to face this new challenger. Then, with a tremendous roar, it sprang right at her.
However, Caylee was prepared. Swinging her blade up and out, she lashed virulent earth fire directly into the beast’s chest. Fully arresting it’s charge, the vile monster was blasted up and back into the tall grass, well beyond Lewn out of sight. Instantly, the sickly smell of burning skin saturated the area.
Dropping her guard momentarily, Caylee concentrated on the wounded bird. Despite Lewn’s squawk of protest, she magically lifted the battle hawk up from the combat scene, carefully swung her through the air, then placed the woozy bird about twenty feet behind.
In the process, several drops of avian blood landed on Caylee’s head. Wow, she must really be hurt. Battle hawks didn’t normally bleed like…
However, another roar refocused her on the scene of combat. In a blur, the beast was charging out of the grass once more, it’s alien face the very image of malicious, uncontrollable rage.
Another blast of earth fire had minimal effect, the damn thing having erected some type of magical shield. Dodging a great paw strike aimed at her head, Caylee then slashed down onto it’s back. This was more effective. Earth fire poured directly into the beast, it’s shield evaporating with an audible pop.
Yet the creature was very limber, it’s sinewy neck curling back around. Barely escaping the huge, closing jaws, Caylee swung at the exposed head with all her might. A quick spell, prepared just for this type of occasion, gave her blade the striking power of a small bomb.
Indeed, the attendant magical explosion sent the awful thing tumbling off through the grass. It also knocked Caylee herself down to one knee. Taking a deep breath, she then leapt up again, sword at the ready. Now some thirty feet away, the monster’s pungent, noxious magic discolored the ground between them.
But any hope of having delivered a kill shot were soon disabused. Almost instantly slithering up on all fours again, the beast seemed virtually uninjured! Sporting a mild burn mark, it instantly focused on Caylee once more, a disgusting tongue flicking out to clean it’s long fangs. If anything, the savage creature seemed elated at discovering a worthy opponent, tail again lashing back and forth in anticipation of more combat.
Though bravely standing her ground, a hint of doubt now flickered across Caylee’s mind. Even with all her power and knowledge, was this thing too strong for her?
At this point, Jarob entered the fray. With a cry of rage, the male battle hawk slashed down at the predator’s head. Momentarily distracted, the land dragon looked up, stretching out it’s neck to snap at this new aerial target.
Seizing her opportunity, Caylee reached out her left hand and magically “grabbed” the creatures exposed throat. Locked in the thrall of combat, earth stone pulsing nearly out-of-control, she squeezed as hard as she possibly could. Held up in this vulnerable position, the creature swatted feebly at the choking, invisible fetters. Sensing her own ascendance, the sorceress reveled in the sensation of crushing it’s hard, sinewy neck.
This was the moment. Grabbing her sword upside down, on the blunt side of the long blade, the enraged witch flung it, spear-style, right into the creature’s belly. Instantly, the conflicting magical signatures detonated, ripping the beast apart.
A disgusting wave of gore splattered heavily about, covering her in putrid magic and lizard guts. One of the awful fangs even banged up against Caylee’s head, lashing her brain with vile energy. Momentarily blinded and stunned, body covered in hideous slime, she helplessly fell backwards into the grass.
The young witch’s clothes now felt itchy and hot, the fabric constricting and choking her of it’s own accord. Instinctively trying to access her magic, the terrified enchantress found her earth stone saturated in thick, magically-tinged lizard blood. For the moment, her power was temporarily fouled. Flat on her back, unable to see, screaming in growing terror, Caylee’s skin now began to overheat and burn.
Then, in the midst of this horror, another roar came rolling across the savannah! What was this? Without question, a second creature was approaching! From behind, maybe? Over and beyond her head? Still magically hobbled, Caylee tried to clear her vision with a bare hand.
But time was clearly very short. The very ground reverberating with it’s great leaps, enraged bellows washing over her with almost physical force, the new predator roared in for the kill. Desperately rolling around to face this second monster, ignoring the pain as best she could, Caylee somehow rose to her knees.
In sheer panic, she tried to rub the lizard blood and guts from her earth stone. But it was no good. Receiving only a spare spurt of magical output in reply, her magic was still hopelessly clogged.
A vile drop of the dragon’s potent power hissed into the ground to one side, singeing her skin anew. By the stone, this new beast was even stronger than the first one!
If she could only see! Now using a ripped sleeve, the sorceress desperately wiped the grime and gore from her face. Yet another roar seemingly burst forth from mere feet away, malicious breath now rolling up against her very face. Obviously, she had only moments left.
Well, if this was the end, Caylee at least wanted to openly face it. Steeling herself, still kneeling in the grass, she took a quick breath. Then, the teenager manually lifted up a still-grimy eyelid, focusing blurry, painful vision on this second beast’s angle of attack. What she saw took her breath away.
The second beast was rapidly sweeping down on her, head lowered, horrific fangs orienting on Caylee’s neck. By now some twenty feet away, only a moment remained before it was upon the neophyte sorceress. Purplish-black eyes blazing pure hate, the loathsome lizard was already reveling in Caylee’s impending death and dismemberment. Still powerless, she could do nothing.
Then, out of nowhere, a unicorn charged in at a ninety degree angle from the right.
Timing his attack to perfection, Tornado’s lowered horn slammed into the beast’s unprotected side. Easily piercing the layered, armored scales, the entire three feet of hardened magical weapon penetrated deep into the Lysandy predator. Eyes going almost comically wide, it’s attack on Caylee instantly forgotten, the detestable brute was fully lifted up off the ground by the force of Tornado’s flank assault.
Regally raising it’s head, still in full gallop, the unicorn actually carried Caylee’s would-be assailant aloft for about twenty feet. Then, rocking to a sudden halt, all four legs spread
apart, the unicorn flung the awful lizard to one side. Sailing through the air, black and purple blood spouting from it’s horrific wound, the dragon landed in a stunned heap some distance off.
But Tornado was taking no chances. Before the repugnant creature could even think of reacting, the unicorn charged over and trampled it. Hard hoofs crashed down onto ribs and legs, a final, sparking strike catching it flush on the head.
Yet even in extremis, the brute was dangerous. It’s long, pointed tail flared up to catch Tornado in the hip, raking through skin and muscle. Crying out in pain, the unicorn continued his charge away from the flailing lizard. Trotting well clear, his side was coated with blood and grime.
A moment went by, then two, the normal sounds of the savannah now taking on more focus. Wind whistled over the landscape, with the faint bay of some zebra-like creature carrying from some distance. Several native scavenger birds now circled warily high to one side, clearly hoping to eventually feast on the succulent carrion of whoever was killed this day.
Stunned to still be alive, weak and dizzy from both combat and her befouled earth stone, Caylee somehow struggled to her feet. Vision now somewhat cleared, she anxiously peered over to where the second mauled creature lay. It couldn’t possibly still be alive, could it? Tornado’s initial strike must have pierced some vital…
Yet even as she watched, the tail flicked up once more, followed by movement from it’s bloody, battered head. Horrified, Caylee could only watch as the badly wounded, still dangerous beast somehow struggled up onto it’s two unbroken legs. Panicking, the teenager was frozen in place, transfixed anew by it’s powerful, malefic gaze. If it somehow had the strength to charge again, she wasn’t sure…
But even as the beast reoriented itself for another attack, Jarob plummeted straight down from the sky, wings tightly folded. Missile-like, the battle hawk’s beak plunged straight into the back of the monster’s neck. Slammed face first into the dirt, the magical brute let out a final roar of defiance. Impossible amounts of blood cascaded from this latest wound.
But this last strike was too much. Swirling eyes slowly going dark, malignant sparks now sputtering before ceasing completely, the dragon finally lay still.
*****
Later on, Caylee barely even remembered collapsing back down to the grass in shock and pain. Nearly overwhelmed by the first creature’s hostile magic, the sorceress felt her own will to live ebbing away. Everything was so violent and dreary! The world wasn’t supposed to be this way. But if she could just go to sleep, maybe for a long time, then she might…
Even as she tried to drift off, however, a sharp jerk on a leg brought her back to partial consciousness. Saja then urgently pulled on her other foot, partially ripping a half-dissolved boot in half. Get up! You have to clean off, and fast!
Oddly surprised by the horse’s immense bulk and impetuous tone, Caylee looked down at herself. Indeed, she was still covered in purplish-black gore, the smell of burning cloth, and even skin, now assailing her nostrils.
Suddenly Tornado was there as well, anxiously peering down into his sorceress’ face. Even more assertive than the horse, he promptly yanked up on her arm with carefully teeth, hauling Caylee to her feet.
Impulsively throwing her arms around the unicorn’s neck, Caylee felt his natural magic begin flowing through her own mind and body. Yet this renewed awareness initially made the pain even worse. Her breath now coming in hard, ragged gasps, the witch could only hold on for dear life.
Tornado carefully carried the clinging young woman over to a small, muddy stream. Unceremoniously shaking her off, Caylee was dumped into the amazingly cool, invigorating water.
Normally, one was wary of streams and lakes even in the safer magical dimensions, where hostile creatures or spells could lurk. But in this case the dirty, brackish liquid was an almost perfect elixir. Plunging her head beneath it’s shallow surface, she immediately felt a little better. Letting the gentle currents clean her face, she then rolled around in the calming water, methodically pulling off her burning and ruined clothes.
At this point her earth stone began reasserting itself. Cleared of the dragon’s malignant gore, green earth fire began saturating the shallow water both up and down stream. Before long, the last vestiges of hostile power had been burned away.
Finally sitting up, Caylee felt her strength begin to return. Still a bit shaky, she then stood and walked out onto the soft grass. First conjuring a towel, she then summoned a simple tee shirt and sweats. A full set of clothes would have to wait.
Indeed, the sorceress needed all her magic for other things. Hopping about a short distance off, Lewn was in a bad way. Stabilizing the battle hawk as best she could, Caylee at least stemmed her bleeding and helped set the broken wing.
Tornado’s rump was also becoming infected, the dragon’s hostile residue potent enough to counteract even a unicorn’s natural healing powers. It took almost thirty menlars of full magical concentration, along with nearly half of her first aid kit’s special healing salve, before the red, pulsing skin returned to normal. Exhausted anew, the sorceress collapsed down in the grass for a brief respite.
Well, Tornado would be okay, she decided, but Lewn definitely couldn’t fly. So another fifteen menlars was spent crafting a crude, supported perch on Saja’s rump so the wounded battle hawk could ride behind her. It wasn’t perfect, by any means, but under the circumstances would have to do.
During this time Jarob had to fight off several of the airborne carrion hunters, while Saja helpfully stomped on a snake slithering up in the long grass. A half-dozen jackel-type creatures also now dotted the landscape a short distance off, waiting for nightfall. Whether they intended to merely feast on the dead dragons, or renew the predators’ assault on her own party, Caylee wasn’t sure.
But she didn’t intend to find out. As the receding daylight began casting longer shadows from the low ridges and grass, the sorceress was finally ready to leave the scene of battle. They desperately needed a safe place to spend the night, and didn’t have long to find it.
Before leaving, though, she tracked down the dragon fang that had impacted her own head. Obviously, the Coven would want a full report on the monsters lurking in the Lysandy grass, and the fang might help unlock their immense power.
First ensuring the trophy was fully inert, she then carefully placed it in a special container designed to suppress even the strongest magic. (Thank goodness Saja’s saddle bags were fully stocked. If Caylee ever got out of Lysandy alive, she intended to give the stable woman back in Haven a very nice present.) Grimly screwing the top back on, the magical warrior slammed the specimen container back into the saddle bag and mounted up.
Yet there was one final act to perform. First, from horseback, Caylee caused a flat, roundish rock a foot in diameter to fly up into her hand. Then, using her finger, she blazed the initials CPN deep onto it’s surface with scorching, vibrant earth fire. Admiring her rough handiwork for a moment, she then ambled over and casually dropped her calling card near the second dead dragon.
Yes, she was marking her kill, but for a very good reason. If Caylee failed to return, a new, stronger mission from Haven would surely be sent after her. With this, at least her Coven-mates would learn of the dangers she’d faced, along with something of Lysandy’s inherent perils.
They’d also know that Caylee herself, blithely ordered into a brutally hostile dimension with virtually no information and even less help, hadn’t gone down without a fight. That was something too.
From behind, Lewn squawked her grim approval. Absently reaching around, Caylee thoughtfully stroked the wounded bird’s head. Of course, a battle hawk would understand.
However, anger and self-pity were indulgences she couldn’t afford right now. Calmly ordering Saja off at a mild trot, the young sorceress left the battle scene without a backwards glance.
*****
Just as it was getting dark they came upon a larger-than-average tree oasis. Some two hundred feet across, it c
ompletely covered the top of a mild rise. If nothing else, the topography pointed to a clean water source not too far down, and there was enough stout vegetation to support wards. It wasn’t much, but under the circumstances would have to do.
While Jarob anxiously circled overhead, Tornado was sent in to scout about. The unicorn peremptorily sent a few small deer-type creatures scurrying from the sparse mini-forest, soon reporting the all clear. Idly rubbing a throbbing cheek, Caylee then leapt down from Saja to lead her little party into their makeshift retreat.
Fifty menlars later she’d erected strong magical barriers around their entire wooded glen. Then, with Lewn anxious to get up off the ground but unable to fly, the exhausted sorceress crafted a nest large enough for two battle hawks. Climbing a tree in the middle of their make-shift fortress, she magically anchored the nest in a limb crook about twenty feet up.
Only now taking Lewn down from the saddle, Caylee saw that the birds wounds were again infected. Obviously, there was a latent aspect to the dragon’s power that festered long after the beast itself was dead. Using almost all the remaining magical salve, she soothed the battle hawk’s injuries as best she could, then gently tossed the squawking bird up into her nest. Magically guiding Lewn to a soft landing, she was gratified to see the almost-maniacal whirling of her eyes finally begin to slow.
By the time the sorceress pitched her tent it was pitch black. Tornado offered to take the first shift, which she gratefully accepted. Saja would take the next shift, with Caylee herself then rested and alert for the dawn hours. The battle hawks would be left to themselves overnight, with Jarob sent out to scout and hunt at first light.
