by Sam Ferguson
“Captain Terrelius pulled his horse up along that of his lieutenant and watched his men break ranks and make for the cave. ‘I am starting to have my doubts,’ he said to his lieutenant. The lieutenant turned and offered a curt nod. ‘Three days in the bastion and now he slows us down and instills fear in the men,’ he said. ‘Makes me wonder if he slew the dragon, or if he ran and the dragon just happened to succumb to its wounds.’ Captain Terrelius nodded his agreement with the lieutenant’s sentiments.
“Terrelius spat on the ground and turned a sour face to the cave. ‘I suppose we will uncover the truth soon enough.’ Just then, Alerik shouted from up the hill. ‘Come, Captain Terrelius, you will not want to be outside of the cave when night falls.’
‘“Again with his ghosts of the night!’ Terrelius grumbled.
‘“Permit me to take a few men and camp out in front of the cave,’ the lieutenant requested. ‘Let me show the men there is nothing to fear from Alerik’s monster stories.’
“Captain Terrelius sighed and shook his head at first, but upon the lieutenant’s insistence, Terrelius gave permission for a few of them to camp outside. The lieutenant quickly rode off and selected a few men to join him. Then they returned to make camp. Alerik saw them and came down the hill from the cave. He walked up to Captain Terrelius with a most disapproving frown.
‘“The men should come into the cave,’ Alerik said. ‘It is not safe out there.’
‘“If the dragon comes, we will spot it, and retreat to the cave,’ the lieutenant said. ‘Then we can rouse the others and emerge to fight it.’ Alerik shook his head. ‘You cannot fight a dragon at night,’ he said. ‘They can see clearly as day, but we cannot cut the darkness with our eyes.’
‘“We have fire,’ the lieutenant said. Alerik smirked. ‘So does the dragon.’
‘“We are staying,’ the lieutenant said defiantly. Alerik shook his head and waved a dismissive hand at him. ‘It is not the dragon that should worry you here at any rate,’ he said. ‘Then what?’ Captain Terrelius asked pointedly. ‘We are no longer in the Gray Wood, what monster roams the valleys out here?’
“‘I can’t say,’ Alerik replied. ‘Because you don’t know,’ the lieutenant stated. ‘Are you Alerik the Great, or are you a coward?’
“Alerik arched an eyebrow and slowly folded his arms across his chest. He then decided to let the men seal their own fate. He denounced them as fools who sought glory and riches but lacked the brains or courage to find either.
“Captain Terrelius grew enraged and told Alerik, ‘You have proven neither brave, nor wise so far along this venture of ours, and you have offered only one feeble old man when we asked for the strength of your warriors.’
‘“My men have spent their lives for the last thirty years battling the dangers of the gray wood. They have faced danger enough to earn them the right to live out the remainder of their lives with their families,’ Alerik replied. ‘They will not now walk into the fire. That is for me to do, and me alone. In fact, all of you should turn back. Let me face the dragon alone. You can even keep the riches if you like.’
‘“What game are you playing at?’ Captain Terrelius asked.
“Alerik shook his head again and walked away. ‘Wouldn’t believe me even if I did tell you,’ he mumbled into the wind.
Kathair rubbed his shoulders and then drew his knees up to his chest as he watched Britner continue the tale. It was longer than he had expected, but now his mind was captivated by the riddle. What was Alerik hiding?
Britner took another drink from his canteen and then moved to the other side of the fire where the smoke was a bit thicker and lowered his voice before continuing the tale. “A couple of hours after the group had eaten their supper, they went about dousing the fires and preparing for sleep. They were going to rise early, so they laid down before dusk had fully faded into the black of night. The night was peaceful, calm, and cool. Only the wind howled against the mouth of the open cave. The stars were out, and the half-moon provided a bit of light with which to see. Captain Terrelius leaned back against the wall of the cave’s opening. He knew he should sleep, but he kept watch on his men in the valley. The lieutenant and another warrior stood watch, each trading places and pacing around as they normally did to avoid exhaustion as the night wore on.
“It proved unnecessary, as there was nothing to be seen. No beast had followed them from the Gray Wood, no dragon dropped down from the skies, not even a bear roamed the area. All was tranquil. As the lieutenant woke another warrior to take his place in the rotation, Captain Terrelius allowed himself to drift into sleep. His eyes grew heavy, and his breathing slowed. He pulled his thin blanket up to his shoulders and tucked into the wall as best he could, turning his head into a small curve in the rock. A horrid scream jolted him from his slumber not more than a few seconds after he had closed his eyes. He looked out and saw a flash of darkness swirling about the men and his lieutenant.
‘“To arms!’ Terrelius cried. He jumped to his feet and pulled his sword. He took one step out of the cave and then a hefty arm wrapped around his chest and yanked him back. A second hand clasped over his mouth, tight as a vice.
‘“Keep still!’ Alerik whispered harshly. ‘To venture out is to die!’ Captain Terrelius struggled against him, but Alerik was much stronger, despite his age. ‘Order your men to stay here. I will go,’ Alerik said.
“Alerik released Terrelius and ran out into the night, fast as a fox. Terrelius ran out a few paces after him, as did several of his men. Others were clambering about deeper in the cave, but they were too far away to lend any immediate support.
“Another cry rent the air and a warm liquid splattered across Terrelius’ face and neck. He stopped and looked to his right, but nothing was there. A moment later something heavy and scaly slammed into his chest, hurling him to the ground. It was all he could do to maintain consciousness. He heard snarls and screams all around him. Occasionally someone would shout, but Terrelius could not make out the words.
“A terrible roar shook the valley and then all went utterly quiet.
“Terrelius fought against his burning lungs and throbbing torso, struggling to rise. A hand slipped in under his armpit and hoisted him up the rest of the way to his feet.
‘“I told you to stay in the cave!’ Alerik shouted. The old warrior yanked Terrelius up, half dragging him back to the shelter of the cave. As soon as they crossed into the opening, Alerik threw Terrelius down. ‘All of you back into the cave. From here on out, you listen to me. I am in command, unless you prefer to die by this idiot’s strategy.’ Terrelius didn’t argue this time. Alerik left the cave once more and strange sounds could be heard in the darkness. Terrelius peered out into the darkness beyond the cave, trying to see what had become of his men, but the moon hidden her light behind a cloud. It was many hours after silence had fallen over the area and Alerik had still not returned. Terrelius could no longer bear the wait and gave in to exhaustion and sleep.
“In the morning, Terrelius was the first to wake. He rose to his feet, dreading what he would find. His heart nearly stopped as he surveyed the scene. A bloody hand lay on the ground, still clenching a spear near the spot where he had fallen in the night. Flies lighted on the grotesque smear of blood on the ground. He stepped out, knowing there would be no survivors left outside the cave. He found only a boot, foot and ankle still inside, a helmet with large claw marks through it, and the tattered remains of blankets and armor scattered along the ground. Some of the armor was slick not only with blood, but also a thick, yellowy slime that smelled of sulfur and refuse. Captain Terrelius bent over and vomited, his stomach heaving only burning acid, and cramping violently in protest to the sights and smells he had taken in.
‘“I told you to stay in the cave,’ Alerik said as he came up slowly from behind.
“Captain Terrelius turned to see his men still hovering near the entrance to the cave. ‘What evil have you wrought upon my men?’ Terrelius demanded.
“‘I
f I tell you, I will need a blood oath that you will keep my secret, on pain of death, and that you will follow my orders without hesitation from here on out.’
“Terrelius straightened himself and nodded his head, giving Alerik his word. Alerik leaned in and whispered to Terrelius. The man’s eyes went wide as he listened carefully. Suddenly he pulled away. ‘You should have told me the first night!’ Terrelius shouted.”
“Told him what?” Kathair asked eagerly, leaning in anxiously.
Britner smiled wide, teeth illuminated by the fire’s orange glow. He continued the tale without answering the question. “Alerik shook his head slowly, explaining that he had needed to know he could trust Terrelius. Terrelius shook his head and protested, ‘You cannot expect us to go on like this!’ Alerik placed a hand on Terrelius’ shoulder and squeezed hard.
“‘You must,’ Alerik said. ‘If you do not, then my secret will be exposed and the dragon will have the advantage.’ Alerik sighed and looked up to the cave, then back to Terrelius. ‘Let us fight as comrades. They are the other edge of the single sword we wield against our foe. Fight with me, and we can succeed. Desert now, and all is lost.’
“Terrelius asked Alerik to tell him how he had accomplished his secret feat, but Alerik would only agree to tell if they survived their encounter with the dragon.
“What secret?” Kathair shouted. “What did Alerik tell Terrelius?”
“Pipe down and let him finish,” Foman called out.
Kathair blushed as he realized how silly his excitement must have made him look to them. He settled in and listened to Britner, biting his tongue and waiting as patiently as he could for the story to unfold and reveal its secrets.
“Alerik went for his horse. The entire group was quick to fall into place, often glancing around them and behind them at the grotesque scene left from the previous night. They moved along at a grueling pace. The men on foot almost had to jog to keep up with Alerik as he led them through the winding valley, across streams and around the thick brush and birch trees flanking the mighty river that had been siphoned off in places to make beaver ponds. The going was tough, pushing through sticky branches and grabby vines, but they made it to a small, rock outcropping that jutted out from the base of a large hillock.
‘“We sleep under this tonight. Then, just after dawn, we will go for the dragon,’ Alerik said.
‘“It is still mid-afternoon,’ Terrelius protested. ‘Why not go for the dragon now?’
“As if the beast could hear them, a mighty roar shook the valley. All of the horses, except for Alerik’s, bucked and shied away. Two threw their riders to the ground and ran off, but the others were soon calmed. Alerik turned a wicked grin at Terrelius and glanced down to his horse. Then he pointed back to the clumps of birch trees they had just emerged from. ‘Have your men cut down enough lumber to create pikes and poles. We will ring the rock outcropping with a palisade of birch wood. That will keep us for the night. We can fit our entire group under the rocky overhang, so the dragon will not spy us from above. The pikes will keep out other unwanted guests.’
“Terrelius clenched his jaw and his nostrils flared. ‘It had better,’ he growled before turning to relay the orders to the men. Alerik dismounted and went under the rocky structure. As he went farther back and the ground rose up slightly closer to the rock, he put his hand up and let it slide along the smooth, black surface. As he felt the pits and bumps in the rock he recalled the previous night he had spent here. The men had been strong, valiant warriors all. There had been no singing, no games, and no story telling among them. They had all sat quietly, each pondering fires within their own souls while watching the orange flames from the campfires around them.
“After a few minutes, Alerik found the very spot where he had slept. He remembered it clearly because there was a dip in the ground, with a large gray stone covered with orange lichen half buried in the dirt. He set his sword and over cloak down near the rock and slowly turned to slide into the depression in the dirt. No sooner did he lie back, than he could see the faint images of his past comrades - those who had depended upon each other, upon him, to fight the dragon. Here he was again, lying in the same dirty hole, preparing to march against a dragon. Only this time, he had fewer men at his side, and none of them seemed to match the prowess of their predecessors who had perished in those earlier hot, white flames. He could still hear their screams and cries, and he could still smell their burning flesh. A shiver ran up his spine and then down his forearms. He flexed his fingers, trying to break free from the memory. He leaned his head back on the rock, adjusting around until the smooth, convex curve fit the groove of his neck, and then he closed his eyes, meditating upon the morrow until sleep overtook him.
“When his eyes opened again, it was night. A couple of camp fires smoldered nearby, with the smell of roasted meat still lingering in the air. He sat up and bumped a small, wooden plate with a bit of meat and beans on it. He took the food up and tore off one bite, but the meat had no flavor to him. Perhaps on another day he would have enjoyed the meal, but not on this night. His stomach protested and his mouth refused to produce any saliva. It was as if his entire body was revolting against the morsel, so he spit it out.
“He crawled up from his spot and picked his way through the men, careful not to wake them. He made his way to the north, heading for the same small crevice that he had used on that night so many years ago to escape from the camp unseen.
“Unbeknownst to Alerik, Terrelius only feigned sleep. He was watching Alerik through half-closed eyes from a spot only a few yards away. When the large man disappeared from the camp, leaving his sword and over cloak behind, Terrelius felt a sour, gripping ache tear at his stomach. He sat up slowly, looking around at his men, and offered a prayer to the old gods for help. Just as he finished his prayer, that same, strange growl erupted in the night from somewhere beyond the outcropping. Unlike other nights though, the sound only was heard once. Terrelius stayed awake, listening carefully for any sign of the beast that had attacked his men the night before, but if it was nearby, he was not for knowing.
“He soon rose to his feet and spent the rest of the night pacing about the camp under the rocky overhang, half dreading and half longing for the golden dawn. When Alerik had told Terrelius of a plan as he had whispered his secret to the captain the day before, he had also explained where the beast would be. Alerik was to sneak out during the night, undetected, and then Terrelius was to march to the agreed upon spot in the morning. He struck a fist into his open palm and hoped to the gods that he had made the right decision in trusting the old man.
When the first rays of light finally broke the darkness, he began rousing his men and getting them ready. There was no breakfast this day. The men just donned their armor, checked their swords, and fell into lines under the rock. It wasn’t long before they noticed Alerik had disappeared, but none of them mentioned it. Terrelius paced before them, waiting for the last of them to be ready, and then he addressed his men briefly.
‘“I know we are fewer now than when we began, and I know we face something that a force twice our size barely beat. However, do not fret, we have Alerik, the Dragonslayer. He left in the night so that he might get close to the beast. While we attack from the front, he will sneak to its rear. We will be like a mighty hammer, and he will be our anvil as we strike the dragon down!’ Terrelius shouted.
“A cheer broke out among the men and then Terrelius gave the signal to march out. They ran out from under the rock and turned down to the south, toward the dragon’s last known location. Terrelius shouted at them as they passed by, swearing at some, encouraging others. This was no time to let his men have doubts, even if he still did.
“With the last of the men on the road, Terrelius quickly mounted his horse and tore off to lead the group. They marched for just over an hour before they came upon a blackened, charred land filled with scraggly, ashen tree stumps and covered in embers and soot. The normal smells of the forest were replaced by a thi
ck, heavy sulfuric odor that made the men cough and hack. They slowed their pace as they approached a large, black hill. This was where Alerik had said the dragon would be, lying in slumber on the other side of a hill, nestled in his bed of coal and ash. The troop moved up, swords slowly sliding out of their sheaths and spears leveling with their points facing forward.
“Terrelius’ heart skipped a few beats and his throat clogged when he caught sight of the massive beast. The head was easily twenty feet long, covered in scales the size of bronze shields and armed with fangs the size of a man. The nostrils flared lazily as the beast slumbered heavily. Its eyes were closed tight. The dragons brown, leathery wings were tucked in tight against its back, revealing its heaving belly as it breathed. Terrelius pointed to the underbelly and his men nodded. Despite the fact that even this area looked strong as steel, it was their best hope of slaying the beast. Across the dragon’s back stood plates and horns made of bone, ending in a tri-tipped spiked tail. Each of the dragon’s feet also bore claws at least as long as the dragon’s fangs.
‘“We do not fight a beast,’ said one of the men. ‘We are fighting an army, at least a thousand strong. We are no more able to slay it than we could break down a castle with a hammer and chisel.’
‘“Be silent,’ Terrelius reprimanded. ‘We strike while the beast is asleep. Onward!’
