The Unborn Hero of Dragon Village

by Ronesa Aveela

  Clanging bells announced the two younger Kukeri’s arrival before they stepped out of the cave. Spears at their sides, tall, and with serious expressions, they looked like warriors. But then with an uncharacteristic gesture, like flowers seeking light, they both turned their heads toward the horizon. The sun’s rays burned a small path through the gloom clinging over Dragon Village.

  Jega raised his hands heavenward. “Great giver of life and light, we haven’t glimpsed your glorious face for so long. You’re almost as beautiful as your sister the moon, who aids a man in wooing a maiden.”

  Zima snorted and rolled his eyes. “Maiden wooer, we should leave soon so we can put an end to Lamia, unless you plan to kill her with your poetry.”

  “I’ll scare her with my costume like this.” Dressed in animal skins and his scary mask, Jega hopped from foot to foot the way he had the night before when he danced around the fire. The bells strung on the belt around his waist made a loud clatter.

  Glaring at Jega, Zima yelled above the noise, “Didn’t I say not to put on the ritual attire? Why can’t you wear a simple tunic and leggings like me?”

  Jega stopped jumping and stilled the bells. “We may need these for protection where we’re going. There’s still a lot of evil out there.”

  Zima turned his icy stare from Jega to Theo. “Where’s your friend? We’re ready to go whenever you are.”

  “He was sleeping when I came out this morning. I’ll go get him and fill my water bottle, so we can leave.”

  ***

  Theo’s legs ached from walking by the time they arrived at a field filled with a vast sea of red poppies. Long, thin stems swayed in the breeze as if beckoning the travelers to enter.

  Pavel plucked one and sniffed the center. “If Diva were here, I could give her this. It doesn’t smell as nice as a rose, but it would look lovely in her hair.”

  Zima snatched the flower and tossed it into the field. “What are you doing? This is one of Lamia’s treacheries. It’ll make you feel nothing but happiness so you’ll lower your guard. That’s when the creatures she commands, like the Harpies, will swoop in to kill you. If you pick enough of them, they’ll make you sleepy and easy prey.”

  “Like in the Wizard of Oz?” Pavel asked.

  Zima rubbed his chin. “Oz? No such wizard or place here.”

  “Don’t be so hard on him, brother.” Jega caressed the silky red petals of a poppy. “Love can make a man overcome many obstacles.”

  “Love?” Pavel sputtered. “No. I just think she’s fascinating.”

  Jega grinned. “Ah, my friend, when you’re a few years older like me, you’ll think differently.”

  Theo cleared his throat to stifle his laughter, but his gut ached wondering about Diva. “Where to now? Do we have to go through the forest, or is there a way around it to get to Lamia’s castle?”

  “It’s best to skirt Tililei Forest,” Zima said. “It’s the evilest place in Dragon Village, filled with demons.”

  Pavel gulped and rummaged in his bag, pulling out his Pavel-dome. He turned the dial on the bottom of the silver baton to activate the electricity.

  Zima shrugged. “I won’t even ask what that is.”

  “It protects me, like the bells protect you,” Pavel said. “Maybe more so.”

  “Hey, guys.” Theo pointed at the forest. “The trees aren’t burned or covered with moss and vines the way they are everywhere else. Do you think the curse is lifting?”

  The dark green leaves flickered to black, then back to green.

  “How’d they do that?” Pavel asked.

  The tree branches shook, and shrieking spewed from the forest. Boo flew onto Theo’s shoulder and pressed close.

  Zima paled. “They’re not leaves. They’re dragons! Run!”

  One by one the trees became black and bare as a horde of green dragons the size of collies lifted from the branches. The creatures covered the sky like an umbrella.

  Pavel stared at the mass of wings and muzzles with his mouth agape while Theo nocked an arrow in his bow.

  Jega grabbed Theo’s wrist and dragged him away. “It’s impossible to fight them. We’d need a thousand more archers. Even the magic from my bells won’t protect us.”

  “Wait. I have an idea.” Pavel held the silver baton toward Zima. “You’re the tallest. Hold this.”

  He slapped Pavel’s hand away. “I’m not touching that contraption.”

  “Pavel’s right, Zima.” Theo took the device from Pavel and handed it to Zima. “It’ll work better than hiding in the forest.”

  “This is suicide.” Zima snatched it from Theo’s hand. “Now what?”

  “Everyone, huddle around Zima,” Pavel instructed as he fiddled with the dial at the bottom. “I’ll make the electricity as strong as possible to protect us all. It’ll fry those critters.”

  Back to back, Zima and Jega pointed their spears at the cloud of screeching dragons descending upon them. The first dragon slammed into an invisible wall a foot from the group. Its wings sizzled as it bounced backward with the same speed it had struck the barrier.

  Pavel stared with his mouth open. “Wow! How’d that happen?”

  “What do you mean?” Theo said. “You said it’d protect us.”

  “Yah, but it must be working with the magic here to make it more powerful. Maybe because Zima’s grounding it, and he has magic,” Pavel said. “It’s only supposed to electrocute them like it did to the Harpy, not create a force field.”

  Zima looked like he wanted to strangle Pavel. “We could have all been killed. Still could be.”

  Jega touched his brother’s arm. “It’s working. That’s what matters. We must be prepared to fight. Save your anger for the dragons.”

  Crackling and the stench of burned wings filled the air as one dragon after another contacted the electrical charges. Dragons piled up three high in all directions. Each time a dragon beat against the electrical field, the gap around Theo and the others grew smaller.

  Pavel screamed, “I’m not sure how much longer this can hold them back.”

  Another dragon flew around the group in wider circles. Its beating wings blew the stench of burned flesh toward Theo. He had thought the vulture’s pit was foul, but this reeked of a bad chemical experiment.

  “Do something, Pavel,” Theo yelled back. “Can’t you adjust the dials some more?”

  “I’m trying!” Pavel stood close to Zima, turning knobs one way and the other.

  The circling dragon dove, breathing fire as it smashed into the force field. The flames bounced back, striking the creature. Static in the air vibrated through Theo’s body. Again and again, the creature lunged, ghastly holes burning in its flesh. With one last thrust, it broke through. Sparks ignited the field around them, mingled with a final gust of fire from the dragon. It crashed to the ground inches in front of Theo’s feet.

  Theo kicked the dead dragon away. The screeching above them ceased, and the few remaining dragons streaked away.

  “Why are they leaving?” Theo glanced at the sky, but couldn’t see anything more fearsome chasing the dragons.

  “Who cares? At least we survived them.” Zima shoved the device at Pavel. “Next time, make Jega hold it.”

  Pavel turned the baton around in his hands and groaned. “I think it’s broken beyond repair.”

  “I guess it’s safe to leave the circle now,” Theo said.

  “If you can find a path to walk through these dead dragons,” a feminine voice said behind him.

  Zima and Jega thrust their spears at the intruder, but then Jega lowered his.

  “Diva, you’re okay!” Pavel stepped around dragon carcasses and gave her a quick hug, then blushed as he pulled away.

  Theo wrapped his arms around her, squeezing tight. “How’d you escape?”

  “The Youdi didn’t realize I could shape-shift yet.” She grinned. “They didn’t like my wolf form. I learned—”

  “You can change into a wolf, too?” Pavel said. “I have to s
ee that. But what about their wolves? Didn’t they fight you?”

  “The blonde took Youda Stana in their carriage to Lamia’s castle. So it was me against the brunette. And I won.” Diva looked around at all the dead dragons. “I changed into a falcon and started to fly back to Rusalki Bay. When I saw dragons gathering from a distance, I figured they were after you guys. I wasn’t able to get here in time to help, but it looks like you handled them on your own.”

  “With my invention.” Beaming, Pavel ran his thumb along the electric baton.

  “Impressive.” Diva turned to look at Jega and Zima. “I see you’ve multiplied. Twice as much trouble now.”

  Jega removed his mask, stepped forward, and bowed. “I’m Jega, and the surly one is my brother Zima. You must be the maiden fair whom Pavel wishes to adorn with flowers.”

  “What? Ah ... well ... I ...” Pavel spluttered.

  Diva shook her head, but smiled at Pavel.

  “I admit he has chosen well,” Jega added.

  “A Kuker with a silver tongue,” Diva said. “I didn’t think that was possible. You’re known for acting like the animals you cover yourselves with.”

  Zima dragged Jega back. “A lady with a bitter tongue. How charming.”

  “Zima and Jega are here to help us defeat Lamia,” Theo said.

  “You’ll need all the help you can get.” Diva stepped closer to Theo, worry creasing her brow. “I heard the Youdi talking when they thought I was asleep. They said Lamia’s planning to sacrifice your sister tomorrow.”

  Theo stared at her in disbelief until the words sank in. He grabbed Diva’s shoulder, his fingers digging into her skin. “We have to leave now and save her. We can’t wait to get the rest of the souls.”

  “The dragon will be nearly impossible to kill unless she’s weakened,” Zima said.

  “Do you still have Lamia’s second soul?” Diva asked as she removed Theo’s hold on her. “If we destroy that, we’ll have a better chance.”

  Theo nodded, his heart aching. “I tried to open the box, but couldn’t without the—”

  “Then you’ll need this.” Diva slid her hand into her boot and pulled out the golden key. “I didn’t trust the Rusalki, so I kept it with me.”

  “You did have it! Thank you.” Theo hugged her so tight she coughed. Nia still had a chance to live. He took the key and retrieved the box from his backpack.

  Hissing came from within. He set the box aside and kneeled beside it, with everyone else behind him. His hands trembled as he inserted and turned the key. The box unlocked with a click. He opened the lid, ready to snatch the creature inside.

  Pavel sat next to Theo and peered closer. “It’s only a bottle of ... pink perfume?”

  “Why did it hiss, then?” Theo shook the small glass container, but it made no sound.

  “Be careful,” Zima said. “Lamia’s clever at disguises. It could be poison.”

  “Or a magical love potion,” Jega countered.

  “The only way to find out is to open it.” Theo pulled at the cork stopper, but it wouldn’t budge.

  “I’ll hold the bottom to give you more leverage,” Pavel said.

  “Thanks.” Theo pointed it toward Pavel. “Okay. On the count of three.”

  “One ... two ... three.” Theo tugged on the cork and pulled out the stopper.

  Pink steam hissed as it floated from the bottle’s neck. It morphed into a snarling dog’s head and made a beeline toward Theo.

  Pavel dove toward Theo and knocked him aside. The bottle shattered, scattering the pink liquid over the mossy ground. As the mist dissipated, it funneled into a mini whirlwind, digging a hole where the soil had absorbed the liquid. Grass and pink flowers sprouted along the perimeter of the hole. When the whirlwind stopped, a crystal dagger shaped like a lightning bolt stuck up from the ground. Its silver handle sparkled with pink flecks.

  A roar thundered, and bolts of light flashed across the sky around Cherna Mountain.

  “Lamia’s second head must have been blinded,” Diva said. “She knows you’ve destroyed her soul. She’ll be sending other creatures to attack us to make sure you don’t get the last one.”

  Zima crossed his arms over his chest. “And she’ll know exactly where we are. Those green dragons will report back to her.”

  “We have to get to Nia.” Theo looked in the direction of the mountain. “We don’t have time to get the last one.”

  “We have to, Theo,” Diva said. “Lamia’s too powerful, even with one soul.”

  Theo clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. “We better find the last one soon, then.”

  “You had a clue where to find it before.” Pavel parted the flowers. “It doesn’t look like Nature gave you one this time. How will you find it?”

  “Here.” Theo pulled the dagger from the hole. “It has something engraved on both sides of the blade, but I can’t read it.”

  Jega held his hand out. “May I have a look?”

  Theo handed him the dagger.

  “She’s a beauty. Ah, to own such a treasure.” Jega’s fingers lingered on the weapon. “Interesting clue. ‘Lightning light to guide and pierce.’ The other side says, ‘He wails within a darkened womb.’ Zima, what do you make of that?”

  Zima scratched his head. “Can’t think of anything at the moment.”

  “Do you know what the message means?” Pavel asked Diva.

  “Light is essential for life, so things can grow,” she said. “The ‘lightning’ part probably refers to the dagger shape, but it could mean more. I can’t piece together where it should guide us, though.”

  “It could be telling us how to find the next soul with the speed of lightning.” Theo circled the dagger’s handle with both hands and thrust, parried, and jabbed at imaginary enemies, wanting to cause Lamia pain.

  A beam of light shot out the tip of the blade.

  “Theo, stop,” Diva said. “Did you see that?”

  “Yah!” He stabbed the air with the dagger again, but nothing happened.

  “Hold it out straight and walk in a circle,” Diva instructed.

  Theo did. When the dagger pointed at the trees, a steady stream of light beamed straight into the heart of Tililei Forest, where the demons lived.

  Chapter 18

  Demon Forest

  His bow readied, Theo patrolled the darkness of Tililei Forest, only the light from the dagger guiding them. Diva walked beside him, while Jega and Zima guarded the rear with their spears. Without a weapon, Pavel huddled between both groups, with Boo on his shoulder. Glowing red eyes and panting creatures stalked them, but none came close enough to see. Theo remained alert, feeling every rapid beat of his heart.

  “Diva,” he whispered, “do you think Nia’s okay right now?”

  “I’m sure she’s fine.” Diva kept her eyes on the forest. “Don’t think about things that worry you. The creatures in the forest will feed off your emotions.”

  Tree branches swayed in the howling wind, like hands begging in supplication. Gusts swirled sand into small vortices, stinging Theo’s eyes. Groans resounded throughout the treetops.

  “Theo, save me,” a voice whispered.

  “Did you hear that?” He stepped toward the sound.

  Immediately, the light from the dagger dimmed. Snarling and crackling of sticks grew louder as creatures approached.

  Diva grabbed Theo’s arm, pulled him back, and pointed the dagger where they had been going. The beam of light shone full force again. The creatures retreated.

  “I didn’t hear anything,” she said. “It’s a trick.”

  Theo focused on the light, trying to block out the pleas and screams from deep within the forest, but they tormented his mind.

  “Please help, Theo,” a girl’s voice wailed. “I’m so afraid. It’s coming to get me.”

  He craned his neck, looking among the trees. There. Something white flitted behind a bush. A scream split the air.

  “I have to help her!” He darted away before Diva cou
ld stop him again.

  The beam of light flickered out, leaving him blind in the dense forest. His feet felt like they moved in slow motion, and his thoughts jumbled. Who was he? Why was he standing in the dark?

  A girl shouted behind him, telling him to return before it was too late. He couldn’t remember who she was, so he didn’t turn back. Someone out here was in danger. Who? He shook his head. His sister? Yes! That was it. The girl in trouble was Nia. He started remembering. He had a father, Zmey, who wouldn’t leave anyone to suffer. Theo had to be brave like him.

  Except for the crunching of sticks beneath his feet, the forest remained quiet. No creatures stalked him.

  But where was Nia?

  A white garment flashed far ahead, followed by a blood-curdling shriek.

  “I’m coming!” Theo dashed toward the sound.

  The white object fluttered ahead. He pushed his way through a thicket to reach it and gagged. A bloodied, white strip of cloth clung to a prickly vine.

  “Where are you?” he shouted.

  “Over here,” Nia whispered. “Hurry. I’m dying.”

  A hooded person wearing a tattered, white garment crawled toward him and looked up. Deep gouges raked down her cheeks, the flesh hanging loose, exposing her teeth.

  “Nia!” He dashed forward, but she remained out of reach, always the same distance from him like a mirage.

  Whispers and muted laughter circled him, goading him. “Failure, loser. Leave now.”

  “No!” He pushed away the taunts.

  “Help me.” The voice weakened.

  There she was. Just ahead. He rushed forward, this time reaching her. Kneeling, he cradled her in his arms. “Nia, I’m so sorry I failed you.”

  Her breathing shallow, she said, “You came for me. That’s what matters. Tell Mom I love her.”

  Coughing overtook her, and she spat out a congealed lump of blood before she closed her eyes. Death’s rattle echoed in her chest.

  “No, Nia!” Weeping, Theo hugged her close.

  The body in his arms writhed, and a stream of maggots fell out of her mouth, dropping onto his hands. He slapped them away and vomited to the side. Something wasn’t right, but his mind felt muddled. The jeering began again, “You killed her. Your fault. They’ll all die because of you.”