Defiance: Dragonics & Runics Part I

by A. Wrighton

  He laughed softly as if to admit guilt in his stare, but his smile revealed nothing more than amusement. “How is your studying?”

  She paused, opened her mouth to speak, and quickly thought better of it. Kalyna bit her lip as her cheeks flushed pink. She stirred faster. “Um…well... There’s not much Vee didn’t teach me from what I’ve read so far. But I’ll… keep trying to find something that will help your Cause.”

  “Our Cause…”

  “Right. Something that helps win battles.”

  “Just your being here helps us greatly.”

  “Yes, but Runics are made for more than just curiosity and wonderment, Alaister. We can contribute. I can help – physically.”

  “I know. I just need you safe, as well.”

  “One thing I have never been Alaister is safe. I’m the orphan who liked to climb up on the roof in the winter and the girl who liked to race the boars in the mud. I will help you all, as I know best, by doing. I won’t… I can’t sit idly by.”

  Alaister stared at Kalyna. She was stunningly beautiful and tragically dangerous. Her eyes glowed an odd iridescent shade of lavender when she talked with passion, and he felt unusually entertained by how her lips half-frowned when she thought he was demeaning her. He sipped his tavi and watched passion shimmer inside her anger. He had never dreamed, even as a wild young boy, he would ever see a Runic again. Or, that she would be as vitality-filled as Kalyna. She was going to be hard to contain.

  “Your abilities I have no doubt of Kal. I only insist upon safety because that is my charge. We cannot allow—”

  “And to think I thought the Chancellor was a vindictive dictator…”

  “I didn’t mean it—”

  She laughed loudly, bubbling into her tavi. “It was a joke, Alaister. Don’t be so severe. I know that isn’t so. I see how you act and how those who serve under you look up to you. And, I remember your father. I understand.”

  Alaister drew near, inhaling the spiced tavi scents that swirled around her. She smelled like wild flowers and summer rain. She was wild. Impossible.

  “You’ll always be safe.”

  “Thank you.”

  “My honor.”

  Kalyna stared into the gray-blue eyes and fought a frown. It nagged that people like Alaister, even though he too was now an outcast and renegade, could never socialize with someone like her. If her heritage was not enough of a stigma, her outward appearance and breeding was. She terrified most before they even knew she was a Runic. Alaister was no different, save for the lack of fear. Rogues were notorious for their industrious capability to lack any fragment of fear. They had to – it was their duty. And hers, for now at least, was to help with their Cause, even if under the binding constraints of safety.

  “What is it you were staring so hard at?”

  “Movement maps. Trying to figure out where to engage the Council in a bit of skirmish next.”

  “Isn’t it always Caldenon?”

  Alaister winced. Kalyna was adept and well versed in their activities and she had only just arrived. Perhaps, they had been that way for a while now. Perhaps, Synge was right in saying that Kalyna was there for more than her natural powers.

  “King Bedileon allows us to fly without reporting us, so usually, yes. But, we need to be more sporadic and spontaneous. We have to try something new. Different and—”

  “Then your decision is easy!” Kalyna eagerly slammed her mug down and spun Alaister to face her. She unwrapped the wide cloth from her hair that held back her unruly mane and bound Alaister’s eyes. She then spun him around three times and guided him towards the map.

  “Now point.”

  “Are you mad?”

  “It’s the Runic way to spontaneity and you did ask for my help, Commander. Just point!”

  “All right!” Alaister laughed and let his hand waiver in front of the map. Amid the darkness, he could feel her breath on his neck and her smile. He felt the shifting of Dragons outside and the coming winter that whipped through the Den. In that moment, Alaister felt calm.

  He punched his finger through the air until it met map. Alaister pulled off the blindfold and found Kalyna blocking the sight of his spot, her flaxen waves and pale orange dress squarely before him.

  Kalyna looked back over her shoulder at him and grimaced. “Terribly boring spot, if you ask me. Nothing happens at Deathwalker Cliffs except the occasional suicide and shipwreck.”

  “But, they do patrol there…”

  “Then my assistance here is complete.” Kalyna gulped the last of her tavi and met his steel blue eyes with a smile.

  “You should get some rest. I’ll have breakfast sent to you.”

  “I don’t think I could eat anything, Alaister. I’ll see you for mid-day fare, perhaps.”

  “Listener keep you, Kal.”

  “Watcher with you, Alaister.”

  THE UNDERBELLY

  THE DEN, NORTHERN SOLERAN MOUNTAINS

  Kalyna wandered down the stairwell, blue flame kindled in her hand. Her heart pounded as she neared the Underbelly, where Vylain would be. She felt his breath before she saw him. He smothered the flame with what she thought was a glimmer of a smile. The darkness swarmed her senses.

  “You’re going to get those ‘Lets to snack on us one day, Kaly.”

  “Not the way you Rogues feed them!”

  “What brings you down here this fine evening? Surely you cannot need my assistance in the bothering of Brother Feynt?”

  Kalyna laughed, covering her mouth to smother the joyous ring and quickly checking the snoozing 'Lets for stirring. Vylain frowned at her playfully and nodded, waiting for an answer.

  “No. I heard…. read something about the Dragons. It’s a theory, really… that their flames are just like mine. And their water, and their earth, and their air and, since you’re kind of the Dragon King, I was wondering if you knew?”

  “Shhh woman," Vylain said grabbing her elbow. He led her towards the Underbelly Ledge. It was the main landing point for the Rogues and was large enough to fit four Dragons uncomfortably. It faced the canyon rim and under the night sky looked far shorter in length than it was. The two moons lit his tan face and her wide curls. She smiled at Vylain's pleasant appearance struggling, lost in thought. He looked funny when he was thinking hard.

  "Well? she asked.

  “Dragon King?” Vylain pursed his smile into thoughtfulness.

  "The concept does makes sense… I guess.”

  Vylain looked to Kalyna. She stood before him like a child caught three bites into the freshly baked Cuggle pie. He knew the look far too well from his youth. Guilty. “What is it Kaly? Spit it out…”

  “I was wondering if we could test this theory… Nothing big.”

  “Test what theory?”

  Vylain and Kalyna jumped as Gage’s voice rose from the stairwell. His dark face was hard to find despite the movement spinning around him. Slowly, he stepped out onto the Ledge. His smile glistened, peaked with curiosity.

  “Startle easily?”

  “Let it be, Gage.”

  “Test what theory?” Gage asked.

  “That Dragon’s abilities are the same deep magic as Runic abilities.”

  “Follows the legend – makes sense.”

  “Right, but our local Runic here would like to test the theory... on our Dragons.”

  “Not on… with,” Kalyna corrected.

  Gage laughed at her passion. It was admirable and possibly foolish but well founded all the same. “Didn’t Alaister say to keep her away from the Beasts?”

  “No.” Kalyna's waves spun as she spoke. “He said to not go near them without their Riders being present. And, what do you know? Two Riders!”

  Gage smiled and looked at his closest friend. He shrugged. “I say we entertain her research, Vylain. Who knows, it might come in handy for the Cause.”

  “For once Gage, I actually agree with you.”

  “On your lead, Dragon King,” Gage said deadpan.


  Kalyna laughed as the two exchanged brotherly spats of fists. She looked from them to the rim where she knew the great Beasts rested. Her glee squealed inside her head. Her thoughts reeled. She wanted to start. Now.

  “Well?” she asked.

  “Well,” Vylain said, “we only have a little bit of time before the rest wake. So, we’ll have to make this a quick lesson. Gage?”

  Gage’s dark skin glistened in the two moons’ light. He nodded to Kalyna to stand back in the cavern, barely at the opening.

  “After you, brother.”

  Vylain nodded. He faced the rim and cupped his mouth to direct a shrill whistle. The air in the canyon stirred. A dark form rose and danced in the air before gliding down to the landing. Kalyna rushed forward, stopping behind the two men.

  In a rush of wind and damp air, Floxen swept down to the Ledge and settled. His teal body sparkled with an amazing sheen of emerald that made the blue swatch on his throat look translucent and deep. The giant Beast roared, flashing its teeth. His mint eyes tracked the girl.

  Vylain followed his Dragon’s gaze. “It’s fine, Kaly. Floxen won’t hurt you.”

  Kalyna exhaled sharply and stared at the thick teal scales that encompassed the giant body. They glimmered in the moonlight as the stars ricocheted off their smooth surface making the scales look wet. They beckoned to be touched, to feel the moisture of water on the smooth, slick surface. She took a deep breath, pushed through the men, and strode closer to the massive jaw filled with teeth.

  Floxen’s head did not move, but his eyes never left Kalyna’s small figure. He stared through her and for a moment, Vylain almost pulled Kalyna back. But, Floxen’s hesitation faded a moment before he shook off the night’s chill. Beads of dew slammed into Kalyna and she ducked to fend off the remaining surge of droplets.

  “He’s a Water Dragon,” Vylain said chuckling and wiping dry his face.

  “Beasts only master one Rune, right?"

  Vylain nodded. "That's how it's always been..."

  "And his skills?"

  "Some Water Dragons spray water, some cast rain from their bodies, all breathe deep underwater, and others – the rarer ones, like Floxen – can spew frost.”

  “Like my frost bolts but bigger?”

  “Significantly.”

  Gage exhaled. “In a word….”

  Kalyna cut Gage a glare before returning to Floxen. "What else?"

  “They’re one of two aerial Battle Dragons, and they prefer to fight at long distances from their opponent. They favor a fight against their polarity– Fire Dragons. Two Water Beasts in battle will do nothing but annoy each other.”

  “What about against Earth?”

  “Those Beasts are too massive and boring to be fought by a Water. Waters prefer the sky while the Earth Beasts prefer to land and fight.” Vylain turned to Gage with a slighting smile. “Though, the Earths are quite fun to shoot water at and see them wallow in annoyance.”

  “Ha," Gage said. "You make Earth Beasts sound lazy, Vylain.”

  “Perhaps that is what I am implying...”

  The two men exchanged glances before returning to Kalyna. By then, Kalyna had managed to get near Floxen’s flanks without any sign of feral distress, but she did not push any closer. Floxen kept a watchful eye on her as she stood transfixed by his scales and deep breath. Neither made a sound. They stared at each other, unnervingly so, in mutual admiration. It was as if Floxen wanted to speak with Kalyna or at least understand her – as if he knew what she was, who she was.

  “He’s beautiful.”

  “Don’t tell him that. He’ll get a head on him larger than the one he’s got already.” Vylain laughed as he patted the Beast’s snout. Floxen nuzzled his hand lost in the affection until Kalyna spoke. His mint eyes darted back to her then, flittering about her person.

  “Is he big for his Kind?”

  “Yes. One of the largest recorded of the Water males. How’d you know?”

  “He’s almost as big as Jaxin.”

  Vylain scoffed. “Yes, well Jaxin is a giant for his Kind too.”

  “Do they get along – being polar opposites and all?”

  “Well enough. Jaxin is an alpha male, so Floxen gets the Udlast out of his way anyhow.”

  “He’s a beta.”

  “And a great one at that; he just prefers to follow rather than lead. Can’t say that I blame him – Waters aren’t really made to be alphas, per se. They’re usually second seats.”

  “Like you.”

  Vylain smiled. “Yes.”

  “The Fires, what can they do?”

  Gage scoffed. “Annoy with a sting.”

  Vylain guided Kalyna to the Ledge, away from Gage, and pointed out the Beasts swarming the canyon in flight. “Ignore him – he’s bitter at the last duel between DeLorne and him.”

  “If he’d have had the courage to make his Beast land, it would’ve been over.”

  “Yes, yes, we know.”

  Kalyna cleared her throat and eyed the two men. “Fires?” she asked.

  “Right. They're fast and love battling up close.” Vylain sat, his legs dangling into the canyon. “They shoot fire in spurts or as a flame wall and some can shoot an acid that will burn and liquefy.” Vylain smiled at Kalyna’s widening eyes. “But, what makes them deadly is that they're deadly with their annoying ability to seek out heat when it is dark.”

  “What do you mean?” Kalyna asked, her lips twisting into a frown.

  “I mean that even if you run and you manage to get away and hide – they’ll find you.”

  Kalyna exhaled. “Lovely.”

  “Indeed,” Gage smiled.

  “Fun to play with, at least – most Water Dragons run cold enough to avoid their notice.”

  “Thus… their love of fighting each other.”

  “Yes. They’re the other class of aerial Battle Dragon.”

  “You’re leaving out the Air Dragons,” Kalyna said.

  Vylain’s laugh was cut short by a snarling look from Kalyna.

  “What’s so funny?” she asked. When Vylain’s giggle prone lips provided no answer, Kalyna looked to Gage.

  His dark hazel eyes danced with a tamed affection. “He laughs Kaly, because Air Dragons don’t like to fight. If they do fight, they just swat and run because of their small size – despite any agility or speed advantages – is their major weakness. It’s why they’re better suited to aid the Battle Dragons.”

  Vylain nodded, patting Kalyna’s arm as she sat between Gage and him, dangling her legs off the Ledge as well. "What can they do that’s so impressive?” she asked

  “Well, they can blast you with air –”

  “I thought only Soul…”

  “Yes. I don’t know the logistics of their Runes Kaly, but When the Dragonics first formed, Airs were used solely as scouts for their speed and illusiveness. But, when we found out that the strong gusts of air they emit can not only knock riders off and send massive Beasts tumbling, but also heal – we transformed their Riders into medics.”

  “How in Udlast did you find that out?”

  Gage smiled, a smile begging to break free from his lips. He spoke with his normally hidden hint of Pyranese accent. “Legend has it that a scouting party of three Airs got hit badly. Two of the Beasts were bonded and shortly after starting their patrol, the male of the pair was hit. The female went nuts and chased after him healing him with her breath.”

  Kalyna pointed at Vylain confused. “You said female Airs didn’t fight.”

  “That was the first and last time. It was only because she was abnormally massive and had the thick fighting-grade scales. Some Airs have the thick scales that can withstand battles – most don’t. It’s why Airs are so rare – they’re a dying breed really,” Vylain said his eyes transfixed on Floxen’s subtle movements and twitches.

  Kalyna shrugged her eyebrows. Vylain was so engrained with the Beasts that half of his explanations required that whoever listened needed to have a substantial understanding
. Kalyna did not. She only knew the Beasts as she knew her Runes. They shared that common bond and no other. They were as alien to her as the Den, as the Rogues, as men.

  Gage pointed to Vylain, commanding him to explain to Kalyna what he meant, but Vylain shirked, confused at Gage’s implication. It was all he knew and it had taken him cycles to understand the Beasts as he did. He could not force Kalyna to learn instantly nor could Gage force Vylain to explain the Beasts more simply. It was what it was. Gage exhaled and looked at Kalyna’s blank face. He fought the urge to smile at the fazed look plastered across her face.

  “Oh,” Kalyna said. She watched beyond Floxen as three Beasts wove a braid of air behind them. Her jaw loosened, hands tightened. “What about the Soul Dragons?” she asked.

  Vylain exhaled then brought his eyes to her gaze. “Kaly, we’ve never had a Rider on a Soul Dragon. Udlast, I don’t think anyone has ever seen one. They’re the Queens. We don’t even know what they look like, save the drawings of Ryxia creating the first Runic.”

  “That massive purple Beast in the books?”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s what the Soul Beasts all look like, but who knows really...”

  “So that leaves the Earth Dragons?”

  Gage knelt and wrapped an arm around Kalyna’s shoulder. He nudged her side and grinned. “I’d move back, if I were you,” Gage said. He waited until Kalyna had begun to withdraw to the Underbelly opening before he turned his head towards the canyon and released a shrill whistle. Eyes on the sky, Kalyna backed up slowly.

  Floxen shook the reverberation of the high pitch off his scales and scanned the sky.

  “Kaly, you’re going to want to move back more,” Vylain called after her.

  “Why—”

  The light blue of the starry sky was blacked out by solid darkness. A darkness that descended fast and steadily. Kalyna backed into the mouth of the Underbelly and clung to the stone opening as she watched the shadow land.

  Golden brown with flecks of peridot green, the Beast looked at Floxen and let out a low, guttural purr. She flapped her expansive wings twice to settle, but stopped mid-stretch at the sight of the Kalyna near the Ledge.

  Gage smiled. “This is Tiryne, Kaly. She’s an Earth Dragon.”