by Sam Ferguson
“Have any of you ever heard of a dragon that could escape Nagar’s Blight?” Kathair called out when it seemed there was a lull in their conversation. “I mean, I know that we have to hunt the dangerous ones, but are they all dangerous? Is the curse really so powerful?”
“It is here,” Dengar said. “There is no dragon in the Middle Kingdom that can ever escape the curse forever. Sure, the stronger ones take longer to turn, but they all fall in the end. That’s why we hunt them.”
Kathair nodded. “What about other lands? Are dragons all over Terramyr affected by the curse? Surely there have to be some that are friendly somewhere.”
“Dragons are a terrible lot,” Britner spat. “Even in other lands they cause problems.”
“Tell him about Alerik,” Dengar put in. “That’s a good campfire tale anyway, and he needs to learn that dragons can’t be trusted.”
Britner nodded and put his plate of beans to the side. “Do you know where Almandoor is?”
Kathair nodded. “It is in the country to the north, beyond the mountains and the sea.”
Britner nodded and took a swig from his canteen. “Right, it’s up in the area we call Landale. It’s far enough away that the curse never touched it, but this story will show the terrible reality of dragons.”
The man stood up and moved close to the fire so that the flames played upon his face and cast great shadows over him. “In Almandoor there was thirty years of peace since fang and fire were quenched from the skies above the fertile plains. Ne’er a dragon was heard, nor sign found of the volatile beasts that once plagued the land. Yet there was always rumor, suspicion, and superstition. The king commissioned patrols and warriors to protect his lands and people from all threats. For decades, men rode atop valiant steeds with no enemy to face, and no threat to quell. The people rejoiced and prospered, and the king spent his days relaxing in his court and seeing to trivial affairs of trade and commerce.”
Dengar slapped his knee and then elbowed Foman in the side. “I love it when he gets in his story-telling mode.”
Britner glanced back at them, and then continued to stare at Kathair while he spoke. “Yet, every king knows, there is no such thing as an everlasting peace in the world of mortals. As the king waxed old and his brow grew heavy with age, his nightmares returned to plague him once more.
“A dragon, or perhaps some other fiendish beast, had found its way to the mountains along the kingdom’s borders to the east. Farmers reported missing sheep, and fields smothered in smoldering ash and bubbling blood. So, one night, the king called forth his patrols and commissioned a party of men to hunt down the dragon.
“As the men filtered into the court, the king eyed each of them carefully. The shining armor, the sharp swords, and the grim faces were almost enough to rekindle the king’s hope. But he knew better than to put his confidence in men when faced with such a beast. As the last of the men entered the chamber and knelt, the king sighed heavily. ‘There are only eighty-five of you,’ the king said.”
Dengar stood up and marched up beside Britner. ‘“We are more than a match for any dragon!’ claimed Captain Terrelius as he stood and waved an arm toward his men.”
Britner turned and his face grew sour. “Oi! Are you telling it, or am I?”
Dengar sniggered and returned to his seat, forking a bite of beans into his mouth as he continued to laugh at himself.
Britner shook his head. “As I was about to say, a great man named Captain Terrelius stood and answered the king saying, ‘We are more than a match for any dragon that might be foolish enough to return to these parts.’
“But the king shook his head and explained that decades before, when the first dragon appeared, there were more than twice their number, and all but one of them died. Captain Terrelius claimed that his men had better training and equipment, but the king was not convinced. The king held up his old, leathery hand and shook his head, asking if there were any additional warriors to be found.
“Captain Terrelius folded his arms and shook his head. There were no others to call on such short notice. Even if they summoned the men from the nearby villages, they would not have the same training that Captain Terrelius and his men had. Captain Terrelius said, ‘Fear not, we are prepared for this.’ His men all echoed his response to their king.
“Still the king was not convinced. ‘Have you ever seen a dragon?’ the king asked. He rose from his golden throne and pointed to the group, staring at each of the men with his icy blue eyes.” Britner pointed across the flames at Kathair and glared at him, as though he were the king. Kathair couldn’t help but notice Dengar behind Britner, laughing quietly while Foman tried to shush the man. Britner continued despite Dengar’s mocking. “The king pressed the question again. ‘Have any of you ever seen a dragon?’ But, no one answered him. His questions were met with silence. Not even Captain Terrelius spoke. The king knew that the men would need help from someone who had not only seen a dragon, but fought one and lived to tell the tale. He told the men to go and find Alerik.
“The king, knowing that Alerik was not located in or near the capitol city, explained that he had given Alerik a bastion in the woods after he returned from the first dragon’s nest those many years ago. He also said that Alerik now commanded a mighty cohort of men as well.
“Captain Terrelius nodded dutifully and turned to his men, informing them they would leave at once. Waves of clanking armor and boots filled the court, echoing off the granite walls and marble pillars. After the men had all exited, save for Captain Terrelius, the king cleared his throat and beckoned for Terrelius to come closer to him.
“The king said, ‘Our kingdom has grown rich in these years of peace. Perhaps it is the gold that brings the new serpent near, I do not know. Or perhaps it is our flocks and herds that whet its beastly appetite. Either way, I promised to grant five hundred thousand gold pieces to all survivors of the first army that faced the dragon. I offer the same reward now. Send word of the reward and see if we might gain additional recruits.”
Kathair nodded. “So, even without the curse you are saying they would terrorize humans for gold and food?”
“The gold calls to them,” Dengar said, the levity gone from his voice. “And, once they have grown to their full size, hunting shepherds’ flocks is easier than tracking herds of elk or deer.”
Kathair nodded.
Britner cleared his throat, calling Kathair’s attention back to him. “Captain Terrelius nodded and left the court without another word. When he reached the courtyard in front of the palace he saw his men waiting for him. With a simple whirl of his hand in the air, all of the men fell into line. Some sat atop horses while others formed marching ranks. Captain Terrelius mounted his horse and led the men out from the city and to the north east, to the Gray Wood.
“They travelled for three days and two nights before arriving at the edge of the wood. Even though they were still several days west of the mountains, they occasionally heard the unmistakable shriek of a dragon coming from the horizon. They never saw it, but that didn’t stop the men from nervously looking over their shoulders or to the skies.
“Captain Terrelius pushed on through the overgrown road in the Gray Wood, showing no sign of fear to his men. He stopped only when the road opened up into a large field of grass and poppy flowers. In the middle of the field stood a tall, crenelated wall of black stone. Beyond the wall rose a great bastion, round in construction and easily twice as tall as the wall, granting a vantage over the tree tops. A golden flag flapped in the breeze from the top of the sturdy tower.
“They had arrived at Alerik’s Bastion, a veritable fortress in the middle of the Gray Wood. Captain Terrelius advanced toward the gate and had no sooner come within twenty yards of the portcullis than the iron barrier was lifted and out came an old man on horseback. He wore brown trousers tucked into black, knee-high leather riding boots, a tunic of forest green hemmed with golden embroidery and a tan cloak that lazily flittered in the wind behind him as he tro
tted his horse out to greet them. A thick, gray and copper beard covered his face, and a mat of neatly brushed, sand colored hair sat atop his head. The man smiled and waved a gloved hand at Captain Terrelius.
“The man was Alerik, and he welcomed the party in and offered to feed them and house them. Captain Terrelius refused, saying they were not come as guests, but on a mission from the king. Alerik nodded and smiled wider, a furry brow arching up over his green eyes. He explained that he knew why they had come, but insisted they could not fight a dragon without a full night’s rest and food in their stomachs. Alerik looked up to the sky and said, ‘The sun will descend in the west long before you can exit the Gray Wood again. It is best if you stay with me now, and then depart in the morning.’
“Captain Terrelius nodded and trotted his horse up to Alerik. ‘We have come to ask for your support,’ he said frankly, but Alerik shook his head and explained that he was beyond his sixtieth year and not one able to fight dragons anymore. He then said that whatever he had to offer, he would do so freely and gladly.”
“Captain Terrelius didn’t let Alerik off easily, though. He explained that the king had ordered Alerik’s compliance and then said, ‘We need your wisdom, and the strength of your company.’ Alerik smirked and brought a hand up to stroke his beard. Finally, he agreed to help by giving his wisdom, but he cautioned Captain Terrelius that his house was lacking in strength. ‘I have only a handful of servants in my home of fighting age. Most of the rest are far beyond their prime,’ Alerik explained.
‘“What of the men who built your bastion?’ Captain Terrelius probed. ‘I heard there were hundreds of workers who came to you throughout the years, and that none of them ever returned. Where did they go?’
“Alerik looked to the ground and the twinkle in his eye vanished, replaced by a grim longing and a rigid frown. ‘The Gray Wood was not always the safe place it is now,’ Alerik said. ‘Many died trying to clear the forest of scamps and savage beasts brought by the dragon’s presence. Many more died erecting the great defense you see before you now. It seems even the land of this forest fought against us. Those who lived remain with me still.’ Alerik took in a deep breath and put his smile back on his face, albeit not as large as the one before, and then he beckoned them to come inside the bastion.
“Captain Terrelius signaled for his men to advance, and the troop followed into the keep through the portcullis. The Captain noted only a handful of guards along the walls. Most of them looked to be well into their forties, if not in their fifties. Gray hair and wrinkled faces seemed to be as common as swords among Alerik’s guards. Disturbed by this, Captain Terrelius called out to Alerik, saying, ‘The king said you had a mighty host at your command.’
‘“Mighty in valor and honor, yes,’ Alerik replied swiftly. ‘We rely more on tactics and strategy than upon our numbers.’ Alerik showed the guests into the main hall of his bastion, allowing them to rest their legs and remove their armor. Many sat along the fur rugs lining the walls, while others went immediately to the several long tables in the middle that had already been set with food enough for a king’s feast. Three hearths glowed brightly with lively fires that spread warmth throughout the hall. A few maidens continued to bring out bread and cakes to set before all of the men while Alerik invited everyone to the table to feast upon duck and roast pig. ‘I have only one rule,’ Alerik said as he sat at the table and beckoned for Captain Terrelius to sit at his right. ‘No one leaves the bastion at night.’ Captain Terrelius turned a quizzical gaze at Alerik. ‘The Gray Wood may be safer now than before, but it is still not the place one should go traipsing around after dark. There are creatures out there that are unpredictable, and I am not talking about the great serpent that plagues the eastern mountains.’
Britner turned from the fire then and reached down for his canteen. He took a long drink before continuing with the story. “Captain Terrelius agreed to the rule and insisted that they would leave at first light. Alerik nodded, seeming to agree with the idea, and. then he signaled for his piper and fifer to play music for them as the men all ate their fill. It was not long before the hall echoed with laughter and loud, merry conversation. As the night wore on and the food was picked clean from the table, one of the men finished his fourth cup of wine and stood to address Alerik.
“The man demanded to hear the story of Alerik slaying the first dragon. Many of the warriors rapped their knuckles on the table and voiced their agreement. Captain Terrelius watched as Alerik’s jovial expression again melted away and became distant and melancholy. Alerik the Dragonslayer rose up from his wooden chair and shook his head. He said, ‘That is not a tale I enjoy telling.’ His raucous guests were quick to boo and jeer him, but he remained steadfast. ‘I lost many friends, and all of my brothers,’ he continued. ‘But if you must hear it, then I will send my bard out to tell the tale. I shall retire for the night.’
“Captain Terrelius watched as Alerik promptly left the chamber through a door off to the side. A moment later a middle-aged man came out with a lute. The man introduced himself as Thoron Derinis, son of Master Jofar Derinis. He spoke in a loud voice and jumped onto one of the tables amidst the warriors’ thunderous applause. He began, saying, ‘I will tell the tale of how Alerik slew the great dragon, as it was passed on to me by my father. Listen well and keep ye still, for the tale is one of horror, of fright, and hell. I will show you the valor of my lord, the great Alerik, and the swiftness of his blade to end the plague that haunted this fair land some thirty years ago.”
“Let me tell this part, Brit,” Dengar pleaded as he stood up again.
Britner was obviously annoyed, but motioned for Dengar to proceed. Kathair laughed as he watched Dengar jump up on a log and get into character, clearing his throat and grabbing at his collars as if he truly were a bard.
Dengar’s hand swept out over the air in front of him and he smiled wildly at Kathair. His voice was deep, but not entirely unpleasant as he sang the tale. “Black was the night, and red was the morn, when dragon appeared with white fang and red horn. Maidens did faint and strong men did lose heart, as beast slew all life with its fiery darts. Down from the mountains it flew to our land, our flocks, knights, and wizards struck down by clawed hand.
“Consumed most by grief, king did see from his throne, ‘spite of tears as kingdom fell to ash and to bone. At once he did summon the most skilled of warriors, but none were a match for the foul beast’s furor.
“Lands ravished, laid waste, o’er the land blood was let, a great price of gold and of glory king had set. To him who could slay the draconian bane, would go title, lands, a fortune and fame. Thus into our story of woe and of grief, comes our marvelous savior and surest relief.
“A band of heroes two hundred men strong, approached the good king with boast and a song. ‘The foul dragon’s head we surely will take,’ cried the heroes as a solemn oath they did make.
“So, horde of champions set out to the Gray Wood, jaws set as behind steel shield they stood. The great dragon reared its horned, ugly head, a bright flash of hellfire and scores lay there dead. Onward with boldness our heroes did press, stabbing and slashing the beast’s stony breast.
“Though valiant as friends did fall in the fight, not one could withstand dragon fire or bite. A few of the heroes attempted to flee, but were felled as a woodsman does strike down a tree.
“Flames and fangs, tail and claws did strike them each down, and it seemed none was left to protect king and crown. Embattled ‘til all knights were dead save just one, sweet Alerik the Great, a good nobleman’s son. Into the fire with sword and with spear, the young man did charge, with no thought for fear.
“Through the wood rang the echoing clang and roar, as the dragon was pressed back more and more. The battle rolled on to the southern plane, engulfing all life in the dragon’s flame. Battered and worn, he was yet still alive, Alerik the Bold would not give up the prize.
“For the glory was great, and the gold was better, if the hero could free our
land from this fetter. None quite knows how, there were none left to see, by dawn the next day, he did claim victory.
“Songs of joy and of praise, with alms and thanks, were offered at sight of the dragon’s bloody shanks. The demon, consumed, it is said, by his fire, proved no match for him who my lute did inspire.”
Dengar then bowed as Kathair clapped.
“Yes, jolly good there, Thoron the Bard,” Britner teased. “Now go sit back down.”
Dengar bowed repeatedly while backing away to his seat. Foman raised his canteen to salute Dengar’s performance and then took a drink.
Britner turned back to Kathair and continued his tale. “As the bard struck the last chord on his lute and let the note hang in the hall. No one moved, each lost in his own thoughts. Even the bard fell into silence at the song’s conclusion. As the minutes dragged into hours, one by one the men would move off to find a place in the hall to lie down and sleep.
“Captain Terrelius was the last to leave the table. He waited until all had found places to rest and then he went to the door at the end of the hall. His hand reached out for the door tentatively, but he paused when he saw someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see the bard. ‘The master has instructed we are not to go out at night,’ Thoron the Bard said flatly. He reached up and pulled down a beam into its metal brackets, effectively barricading the door. ‘What’s out there?’ Captain Terrelius asked. Thoron sniggered. ‘You mean besides the dragon?’ the bard said. ‘Is that not enough?’ The bard then nodded to someone else who quickly came to the door and inserted a large iron key, turning it several times to lock the portal closed. The bard and the servant left without another word, but Captain Terrelius stood near the door, wondering what might have the entire house so scared when they all slept under the watch of Alerik the Great.
