by Carl Cupper
In addition to the many obstacles and dangers that the mission presented, Califax would have to deal with plots and traps as traitors schemed behind the palace walls.
As always, these sinister conspirators had only their own selfish interests at heart, without caring for the needs of the greater cause of their nation; therefore, they routineed the legitimate aspiration of those nations who wished to live and prosper peacefully. Despite these evildoers, Califax would have to overcome it all in order to save Dragonia from the wrath of Helion, and from the greed of those who would interfere in the success of his mission.
***
2
The Grand Dragon of the Chalice
It took califax several days to think upon and analyze the mission which he had been offered, and he spent a few sleepless nights with the specter of uncertainty.
After listening to his father’s numerous experiences, advice and warnings, Califax, gathering courage and filled with a sense of duty, was named as Grand Dragon of the Order of the Sacred Chalice in a secret meeting inside the vast and cold cave of the Royal Palace.
Novax, Filox, Rhudex, and other noble dragons met in the cavern for this sacred and memorable celebration, and witnessed the solemn ceremony.
During the ceremony, Califax received a double edged sword. This same sword had been given to his father, Novax, who received it from the hands of a man on the legendary island of Avalon.[10] It was said to have magic powers and was made of a hard material which was unknown to the dragons.
Califax was presented with a golden medal with the emblem of Dragonia inscribed on it.[11] He wore it along with the locket that his mother had given him on his most recent birthday. In addition, he wore a purple cape, embroidered with the royal insignia.
After that, he was given a red sack that contained a copy of the map on papyrus which would lead him to the Sacred Key. Califax knelt with one knee on the ground, and then, the King, declared:
“To you, Califax, son of Novax of the ancestry of Novalux, I name you Grand Dragon of the Order of the Sacred Chalice.” said Rasux, solemnly touching the young dragon’s head with the royal sword
As far as the rest of Dragonia’s inhabitants were concerned, Califax had been invited to travel to Amerux to finish his studies at their academy. This story would save his mother from unnecessary worry, as well keeping the general population from panicking.
Thus, Califax, who had never left the Region of Fire, took flight on the dusk of that memorable day at the end of summer, on a course over the mysterious seas and the remote Britannic territories.
After a few hours, Califax could barely make out the island that he called home. A feeling of sadness swept through him. Califax controlled his fears by singing a song that he had learned once at the academy.
The sea was calm and the sun was warm on his back, and then he remembered the Viking ships which Filox had mentioned. For that reason he decided to search the ocean far and wide to find some of those mysterious ships.
He arrived in the northern part of the Shetland Islands[12] and flew down to look for shelter where he could spend the night.
The wind blew softly as a beautiful full moon rose shyly, but the strange sounds of the animals of the region preyed on his young imagination. However, he knew that he was a strong and well-educated dragon, and for that reason it would not be easy for an animal to intimidate him.
Sheltered from the soft wind of the forest, he slept through the night without any other fear, and when the smooth dawn broke, he left his refuge to look for something to calm the rumblings of his stomach.
In a nearby brook, hidden by the bushes, he found a large variety of tasty fish. Using his sword, he skillfully caught several succulent carp. He roasted them with the fire from his snout, and devoured them, enjoying each delicious morsel.
After his large and tasty breakfast, he prepared to continue his trip across the Shetland Islands to reach the Orkney Isles. Perhaps it was luck, or the Law of Probability, but, just before reaching the Fair Isles, he observed an impressive sight in the ocean below. At first, it seemed that Califax’s imagination as playing tricks to him, but no, they were real; seven Viking ships sailed in perfect formation filling cold seascape of the North Sea with the wakes of their scarlet hulls traced. Monumental white sails billowed from the masts, challenging the strong gusts of wind. The sails were bright against the blueness of the ocean, and the back and forth movement of the oars, quickly propelled the ships onward across the icy water. Then, he saw the dragon’s head that decorated the bows of the ships. Just as Filox had done years back, Califax flew close to the ships. When the Vikings saw him, they dropped their oars, pointed their swords at him, and greeted him in chorus with a thunderous cry: Thor! Thor! They revered the young dragon enthusiastically.
Califax then took out his sword and let out a great blaze from his snout in return for the effusive greeting. While he flew in circles over those beautiful ships, he savored the taste which is usually reserved absolutely for the goods, when he listening, from the heights, the greeting that those faithful subjects offered him with such respect and admiration.
After his fortunate encounter with the Vikings, Califax continued to fly for a few hours until he arrived to the southern part of the Orkney Isles. It was a place called Ronaldsay, located on the edge of the Straits of Pentland. From there, he could observe Cape Duncansby on the opposite shore, which constitutes the northern portion of the great isles of Briton.
Up to that moment, he had suffered no misfortune but when he looked at the land he was leaving behind, birthplace of his parents and grandparents, a feeling of fear and doubt nagged at him. He wondered what kind of strange beings and men could inhabit that mysterious region that he was about to enter, and what dangers awaited him.
Califax searched the forest for something to eat, and managed to cash some fish in a small brook near the place where he had landed. He caught some carps with his very sharp and brilliant sword.
Night fell in the forest, and the moon filtered through the thick canopy of imposing Royal Pines.[13]
The nighttime song of the forest creatures began, and Califax readied himself to sleep after first emotional and exciting journey.
After a while, he found a cozy place in a bend near to the sea, which provided a smooth fresh bed of sweet smelling grassy herbs. He lay down in his improvised bed and slept like a log.
Califax was walking inside a cold and scary cave, and upon reaching the end, a gigantic man offered him a golden cup that, after drinking from it, he savored a horrible taste of blood on his lips, and he felt an intense heat inside that burned. Then, the man guffawed while asking him: “Would you drink of my blood, Califax?”
The young dragon awoke in the middle of the night, frightened, with sweat dripping from his one and only horn. Perhaps his unconscious mind was worrying over his important mission, causing his horrible nightmare. “What type of man will I have to give the chalice to? What will the Chalice look like?” he asked himself.
The dawn came early and Califax woke with hunger pangs in his stomach. Tired of the taste of fish, he looked for something else to eat. He missed his mother’s delicious smoked turkey, roasted potatoes and blackberry sauce. She was an expert in cooking it just right, not too rare and not too well done. “Maybe with some luck I will find some on the way.” he thought, optimistically.
He walked through the forest looking for a bird, preferably a large bird. He would even have been satisfied with something with four feet to eat. Then, with his sharp ears, he heard something moving in the shrubs. It was an enormous and tasty hare.
Quickly, he cut the rodent’ when the hare saw the enormous jaws of the dragon, he stood petrified for a moment with his ears up high. Califax roared ferociously and showed his sharp claws, and unfolded his enormous wings. Then he rushed at the unfortunate animal, whose ears seemed to wilt like flowers in autumn after seeing the ferocious demonstration.
On seeing the frightened eyes of his victim,
Califax remembered that he had never killed or cooked any animal that was not a fish. He did not even know how to skin it once it was dead. Dismayed by this fact, he turned his back and let it go, only to eat some fish from the brook, again.
After a few seconds, the hare fell faint on its back, his eyes still frightened from the terror that the dragon caused her.
Once eating his usual, fishy breakfast, Califax took the air once more. First, he followed along the western coast of the island towards Duncansby until reaching the Gulf of Dornoch. Passing by there, he reached the Gulf of Moray, further to the south of Briton, and then he flew toward the Caledonian strait, which narrowed until almost disappearing and then he turned to the southwest.
After a few minutes, he found a great lake surrounded by beautiful mountains covered with enormous trees.[14] He stopped for a moment to admire the stunning landscape and afterwards strolled down to the lake to drink a little water, which tasted fresh and sweet to the dragon.
Despite what could be thought, dragons from Dragonia did not lap water directly with their tongues, instead they cupped their claws and brought it to their mouths, as any well-educated dragon would do when he has not a cup or glass.
After removing his cape, he drank eagerly from those waters when, suddenly, some bubbling caught his attention and he fixed his eyes on the disturbance. The water from the lake was cloudy and he could not see more than a few inches below the surface. He leaned closer in order to see what was making the bubbles. Nevertheless, he had to wait to find out. Seconds later, a gigantic head, followed by a long neck, emerged from the water, like the birth of an enormous island.
The young dragon’s first thought was to flee when he saw the monster, but his sheer size hypnotized Califax, and the impression left him frozen at the edge of the lake.
A deep, friendly voice boomed from that enormous throat.
“Who are you, my friend?”
“My name is Califax.” he stammered, still astonished.
“Very nice to meet you Califax. My name is Nessux.” the immense being said, making a friendly gesture with his head. With his claws still cupped and dripping water, Califax replied;
“The pleasure is mine.”
“I see that you wear a royal seal around your neck. Where do you come from? Which is your kingdom, my friend?” he inquired.
“I am an envoy of Rasux, King of the Helenex; a nation of the Region of Fire.” the young dragon explained, rubbing his claws, nervously.
“Ah, I see.” murmured the monster. “My father told me about other members of your kingdom who passed by this lake.” mentioned the monster.
“Really?” said Califax, surprised by that amazing revelation. Nessux, glancing to the sky, continued.
“I was barely a tadpole, when my father told me the story of how, many years ago, he saw a dragon with an insignia like the one you wear. The dragon was being chased by a group of men and was caught not far from here. He could not fly because of the wounds inflicted upon his wings, but he made a noble stand and fought a brave battle before succumbing to the weapons of the men. Years later,” he continued, “another young one like you came to the same misfortune at the hands of the humans. According to what my father’s story, in both cases, the men called the dragon Lucifer while they were being chased and attacked without mercy.”
The story from his new friend filled Califax with great pain and sadness. Surely, Nessux’s father witnessed the ill-fated end of his grandparents.
“Who is this Lucifer that the men hate so much that they took the lives of my ancestors?” he inquired, with tears brimming in his eyes.
“I do not know, Califax. My father did not know either, but we believe that they confused your ancestors with that Lucifer. Be very careful since you could have the same ill-luck,” he warned.
“I will,” he agreed. “Man is very strange, Nessux.” he said, while playing with the sand on the beach with one of his paws.
“And dangerous!” exclaimed Nessux. “Once, a man who was fishing in the lake saw me come up to the surface for air and a little sun. Then, just a few days later, the lake was infested with them! They came armed with the intention of trapping one of use. Fortunately, these waters are cloudy and they could not find us.
“Us...?” asked Califax, with surprise.
“I am the father of a family of eight.” he said proudly. “We are the descendants of a very old race, the brachiopterix.[15] In ancient times, we had the ability to fly, but once our ancestors took to the water, we lost that ability. Our wings then changed to these powerful fins which now allow us to swim.” he explained, showing his large and powerful extremities.
“I thought the only swimming dragons were the Vikings.” said Califax to himself.
“What brings you to this land, Califax?” asked Nessux, with curiosity.
“I am here to continue with the mission that my ancestors could not complete.”
“What type of mission is it that you must risk your life?” amazed, Nessux asked.
“I must find the Sacred Chalice so that my people will not fall victim to the wrath of Helion, our god.”
“Where do you think you will find the chalice?”
“I do not know. I must first find the Sacred Key that guards it.”
“It seems like an extremely difficult mission, my friend,” Nessux said rolling his eyes. “It would better for you to be on your way before the men find you,” he advised. “I wish you good luck, Califax, and if you need anything, you have friends here who will be glad to help.” offered the friendly big saurian.
“Thank you, Nessux. I wish you good luck too, my friend.” he said, taking his leave from the gentle monster.
Califax wrapped his cloak about him and took flight toward the southwest, on a course to the Gulf of Lorne. Once he arrived, the beautiful Grampian Mountains rose on his left. There, the imposing Ben Nevis Pike protrudes above the rest of the mountains at a height of 3,900 feet.
The winds of the north blew softly, allowing him to enjoy the beautiful and enigmatic landscape of that golden earth, and he was glad then, that he had accepted the mission since it presented the opportunity to see other territories and nations beyond Dragonia and the Region of Fire.
After flying a little more than 60 miles, he arrived at a small town called Oban. There, he began to search for a safe place where he could rest and spend another night, far away from his home.
The moon shone through the dense and dark forest of Briton, and the soft twinkle of the stars lulled the exhausted traveler who, in just a few minutes, gave in to a deep and recuperating sleep.
Califax cautiously entered the dark and gloomy cave where the gigantic man offered him his cup. After drinking its’ contents, the coppery taste of blood caused an intense heat inside which burned his insides. The horrible outbursts of laughter that emanated from the giant sounded like a terrible omen. Then, with a grave voice, the man asked: “Would you drink of my blood, Califax?”
Califax awoke suddenly, frightened, with sweat soaking his horn, and, looking at the thick forest that protected him, he felt the melancholic company of solitude.
At dawn, the first rays of light from the sun invaded the young dragon’s refuge. He awoke with a big yawn and still feeling tired. He groomed himself as best he could, and got ready to resume his journey.
Flying near Lake Fyne, he happened upon a flock of geese flying in a V formation. As he fell in behind them, the geese at the rear saw him, and each one of them a touched the wing of the one ahead, warning them of the presence of the dragon. After the warning was passed to the others, the geese beat their wings desperately, increasing their speed in an effort to get away from the young dragon. With a mischievous smile, Califax blew a large smoke ring around the tail of two geese in the rear of the formation and laughingly watched the panicked geese scatter, honking insistently in fright.
After the amusement that the geese afforded him, he arrived at the delta of the Clyde River and observed the town of Glas Gh
u in the distance. The Saint Mungo monastery dominated the dispersed houses made of straw, wood, and large blocks of mud and stone. His anguish grew as he neared that place where men lived, and he remembered the violence with which his grandparents were treated after they were confused with that Lucifer. He decided that he would avoid entering the town, so would not to be seen by them.
Looking for something to eat, he entered the forest avoiding the riverbanks, since many humans lived there. Suddenly, a mysterious sound in the forest thicket captured his attention. Curiously, he approached a tree from where the sounds were coming. He looked and saw a strange creature whose back was to him, chewing on something with delight. The stranger turned suddenly, and when they saw each other, they exclaimed in unison:
“Mother was right! Gargoyles do exist!”
“Mother was right! Dragons do exist!”
Horrified, they fled in opposite directions: each trying to escape their respective childhood monsters. Nevertheless, a few yards from their encounter, they stopped.
Peeking from behind the shrubs, the gargoyle and the dragon watched with mutual distrustful glances. Once Califax realized that he had scared that frightful being, he slowly crept out of his hiding place.
“Who are you?” he asked with softly.
“Are you not going to harm me?” maintaining a prudent distance, asked the gargoyle with distrust.
“I will not harm you. I give you my word as a Dragon!” Califax e assured, bringing his claw to his chest.
“Word as a Dragon. Humph! What does he think that means?” he mumbled with doubt. “I had only imagined them in the horrible stories that my mother told me, and now, this one is giving me his word. Well, we’ll see.”
“I assure you that I will not do you any harm, friend.” insisted the young dragon, spreading his claws and wings wide, as if to show that he had no concealed weapon.
