by Sam Ferguson
Herion slammed a hand on the table and walked away from his chair for a moment. He was facing the other wall and shaking a hand out to the side as if arguing with himself. Then he turned and spoke again. “Leatherback lived too close to the school. Tillamon will figure it out. It will gnaw at him until he starts a full investigation. He’ll realize that a dragon large enough to slay three of his men is one that could not hide in the Middle Kingdom without help. He will be looking for someone to blame.” Herion threw his hands in the air dismissively. “You all know the story of Yageston. They had a juvenile dragon there for several years. They hid him in the mountains in the east. Then, when the dragon turned evil it wiped out three villages to the north before the dragon slayers put it down. There was no evidence pointing to Yageston then, but Tillamon figured it out. He led an inquisition and rounded up every single citizen involved and had them put to death for treason.” Herion shook his head and moved back to his seat, flopping down angrily. “I don’t have to remind you that harboring a dragon is illegal, do I?”
Mindaugas sighed impatiently. “This group here, sitting around the table, is a special unit run by the king. You act in his name. Send to him for help. Surely he could intervene.”
“Not without divulging the existence of the group,” Herion said. “Between that revelation and the fact that we as a group would be seen as harboring a dragon, it would be enough for Tillamon to charge us with treason. He would launch an investigation like the one in Yageston. The dragon slayers will come and demand full control of Kuldiga Academy. They will not stop until the dragon is found.”
“I have seen their inquisitions before,” the blond woman said. “A village far to the south was once rumored to have harbored a dragon egg. The dragon slayers found out about their involvement and they put every man, woman, and child into stocks and chains until they had gotten their confessions. They punished everyone who had knowledge of the egg, either by execution or sending them to work in the mines, and then they slew the dragon egg as well.”
“Yes, I am familiar with the history of Oridell,” Mindaugas said flatly. “Surely, you cannot believe they will interrogate everyone in the school. That is madness.”
“Those who join the order are not known for forgiveness,” Herion said. “We played a dangerous game, and now we have lost. The best we can do now is plan how to handle it, and make a pact between those of us present today to take the truth to our graves.”
Master Fenn rose from his chair and took in a breath. “It gives me no pleasure to say this,” he began, “but I must formally demand that Headmaster Herion step down from his position as headmaster.”
“Now hold on a minute!” Feberik bellowed. “We can beat this, but we all have to stick together.”
“No, Feberik,” Herion said. “Master Fenn is correct. The only way we have a chance at appeasing the dragon slayers is if I resign from Kuldiga Academy.”
Feberik slammed a fist on the table and started to say something, but Mindaugas silenced the man with his own booming voice. “Be silent!” he thundered.
Feberik bristled, but settled into his chair with his arms folded and no more than an angry huff coming out of him.
“What we must remember is that the dragon slayers will come to us for answers. They will want to know how this could have happened. Tillamon will want to know who is responsible. If I play the part well, then my punishment will likely be an early retirement in the countryside and a private stripping of my title. But if we do not unite on this, and make sure there are no loose ends for Tillamon to pull at, then we could risk much more than our school. If the full extent of our covert activities come to light, then there are nobles now who would use that information to revolt against the king. Worse than that, if Tillamon suspected this group of treason for harboring the dragon, then he might side with the dissenting nobles.” Headmaster Herion stammered then and shook his head. He sighed and his chin quavered. After a moment, he cleared his throat and began to speak again. “When the dragon slayers come to you and want to know what has transpired here, I expect you to tell them the truth.”
“I am not telling them anything,” Feberik snarled.
Mindaugas shot him a disapproving look, but Feberik only shrugged and shook his head.
“The truth,” Herion started, “is that I am a bungling old fool past my prime. While I have helped the dragon slayers to the best of my abilities, including hunting monsters such as the wylkins and the fire drakes. I was unable to find the dragon’s lair, despite the fact that it was so close to the school. Because I was not vigilant enough to spot the danger so close to our doors, I am unfit for the office I hold. Therefore, I must step down, for I am no longer competent enough to be the headmaster.” Herion pointed to Master Fenn.
Master Fenn nodded and held up a brown leather book. “I am holding Headmaster Herion’s journal. This book, written in his own hand, details the investigations into the many reports about mysterious creatures in the surrounding countryside. It outlines his plans, and what he and the dragon slayers did to find the reported dragon. While it shows he meant well, it also displays his lack of competent strategy, and his slothfulness in doing all he could have done to have the countryside searched. It shows where he directed the dragon slayers to, which conveniently leaves out the area where the dragon was ultimately found. The journal also explains how the headmaster defeated the shade, and the fire drakes.”
“This is ludicrous; you can’t take the blame for any of these things, you will be entirely discredited!” Feberik said.
Herion sighed loudly and shook his head. “Sometimes a leader must fall upon his sword in order to preserve the plans already put into motion. If we all stick to this plan, then this group can carry on its work and Tillamon will not see a need to press an investigation. The task you will be charged with is securing Kuldiga Academy. Whatever happens to me, the vampire must never be permitted to enter these walls and attack our students. Feberik, I will expect you to protect Kyra Dimwater.”
“You know you don’t have to ask me to do that,” Feberik said.
Herion nodded. “Lady Arkyn, I will need you to keep an eye on the dragon slayers. We must ensure they never get wind of Kyra’s involvement. She has already done so much, and may yet do many more great things.”
The blond woman nodded. “I have always wanted to spy on the dragon slayers, it will be an honor.”
Herion gestured to Mindaugas. “You will take her after the vampire is dealt with.”
Mindaugas nodded. “She has agreed to come with me afterward.”
Herion shook his head. “No, I want you to listen. I am telling you to take her as soon as the vampire is dealt with. I do not want the dragon slayers to be around her any longer than necessary.”
Mindaugas frowned, but nodded his agreement. “What of the boy?” he asked. “I had intended to ask him as well.”
Herion shook his head. “Kathair will need to go with the dragon slayers. He has already been formally apprenticed to their order, and their commander will want to bring him back to their headquarters for debriefing. If you have further interest in the boy, I’m afraid you will need to make arrangements with Commander Tillamon. If you were to pull him right away it might raise questions. Besides, Kyra is the better of the two candidates.”
“I thought you didn’t believe in the prophecy,” Mindaugas said.
Herion frowned and sat down. “I don’t, but if you are looking for the best, then Kyra is the one you want.”
“I will not be able to lie to my brothers,” Warty said. “Even if I were to try, they will see the truth in my aura. I will not be able to hide it.”
Mindaugas cut in. “I will send them back to Valtuu Temple,” he said. “They will obey my command.”
“What of Leatherback?” Warty asked.
Herion shrugged. “Let us hope that he stays away from the Middle Kingdom. We can no longer offer him any amount of protection. To do so would risk the wrath of the dragon slayers. It has t
o end here.” Herion then pointed to Master Fenn. “Master Fenn is the senior most instructor of sorcery at Kuldiga Academy. I believe it only right that you should declare him the new headmaster.”
Fenn nodded. “We will convene a proper meeting of all the instructors after the dragon slayers have accepted Headmaster Herion’s resignation. As protocol dictates, I will be the interim headmaster until that meeting. Even with the investigation that is sure to come, I’m certain the appointment process can be successfully concluded before the upcoming academic year.”
“It is imperative that Fenn become the headmaster,” Herion said. “The headmaster has always traditionally been responsible for leading not only the school, but these meetings as well. Fenn is close to the king, and will not lead you astray. Put your trust in him, and serve as faithfully for him as you would for me.”
Kyra was having a hard time absorbing everything she was seeing and hearing. To think that Herion was willing to sacrifice so much in order to protect her. Now she understood his anger from earlier. She felt ashamed for failing him.
Just then Linny screamed so loudly that she jumped up from her spot.
A pair of imps had descended upon her, clawing and biting at her face. They were slightly larger than the ones Cyrus had summoned to train Kyra with. They were maybe two feet tall, with leathery wings as wide as the imps were tall. They had fiery red eyes and sharp fangs and claws. Linny was on her back, swatting helplessly at the creatures.
Before Kyra could think through the ramifications of her actions, she sent a pair of lightning bolts out to strike the imps. One was hit in the chest and flew into the wall. The second dodged easily.
Lepkin was up in an instant, punching the second imp and knocking it to the floor. He then tried to stomp on it, but the imp launched a fireball at Lepkin that set his shoe ablaze and caused him to stagger backward into the wall.
Kyra moved in, but then the entire wall facing the secret room came crumbling down.
The imps were seized by purple cords of magic and pulled into the meeting room, where Master Fenn quickly banished them to a different plane.
Kyra looked to each of the stern sets of eyes in the room and her stomach hit the floor.
“It would appear that we have guests,” Mindaugas said with a grimace on his face.
Herion stood nearest to them, jaw clenched and body trembling with rage.
The only sound any of them could hear was Linny’s soft sobs as she picked herself up with Lepkin’s help and began to dust herself off.
“I’m sorry,” Linny said. “I don’t know where they came from. I’m so sorry.”
Herion shook his head. “You think you’re sorry now? Just wait. I will show you the meaning of the word sorry.” He turned to Master Fenn. “You will come with me. The rest of you are dismissed.” He turned back to Kyra then and glared at her. “You three are coming with me.”
Kyra shook her head. She turned and summoned her portal. “Come on,” she shouted to Lepkin and Linny as she leapt through. A magical cord wrapped around her right ankle. She struggled to reach the other side of her portal as Herion shouted at her and angrily tugged on the magical cord.
Kyra turned to see Lepkin running forward. He pulled his sword and came down hard on the magical cord. There was an explosion of light, and Kyra went hurtling through the portal to land on the grass in the aspen grove. The portal closed before she could see what had happened to Lepkin. She had intended for all of them to escape, but now she was here and they were back at the academy.
She pushed up to her feet and a familiar voice called out to her.
“Difficult day?” Cyrus asked.
She poised herself, ready to fight back if he tried anything, but he simply held his hands up in the air and shook his head.
“I am not here to trouble you,” he said. “I am here to help.”
“How could you help?”
Cyrus smiled. “The dagger,” he said. “With the grove partially destroyed, and the dragon slayers that are soon to come looking to avenge their fallen, there is only one option to save your friend.”
“He is safe,” Kyra said as she shook her head. “He is in Viverandon.”
Cyrus sighed. “That will not keep him safe forever. Nagar’s Blight can still reach him there, and you know it.”
“We’ll fly to the north!” Kyra shouted.
“He is injured,” Cyrus said. “I heard what you told Headmaster Herion about the dragon’s wounds. He will not have the strength to cross an ocean for some time.”
Kyra tried to think of something else, but her mind was blank. She didn’t have any other ideas.
“Don’t fret,” Cyrus said in a smooth tone. “Listen. If we get the dagger, we can help him.”
“How can the dagger help?”
Cyrus smiled. “I told you, the dagger has powers. What we need to do is get Leatherback to a different plane of existence. We have to move him out of the Blight’s reach.”
“Another plane of existence? Like the astral plane? Can you do that?” Kyra asked.
Cyrus frowned. “No.”
“But the dagger can?”
Cyrus shook his head. “The dagger has its power based in Hammenfein. It can’t open the way to the astral plane, as it is beyond its grasp, but it could open one of the lesser dominions of Hammenfein.”
“That would send him to Khefir and Hatmul,” Kyra argued. “I can’t do that.”
“There are many dominions of Hammenfein,” Cyrus said. “We can find one wherein he can hide. Then, when he is strong enough, we can open the way and you can fly to the north.”
Kyra shook her head. “But doesn’t Hatmul despise dragons? I have read that ever since the first Great War, he has blamed all dragons for his father’s downfall. It is in the histories of Roegudok Hall. Hatmul is the reason the first dragon prince became the One who could enter the mountain. He attacked the nest of the Ancients. If we send Leatherback into Hammenfein, then we are sealing his doom.”
Cyrus shook his head emphatically. “We will have to figure that out as we go,” he said. “But it is the only plane we might be able to access that can save him. First, we need that dagger.”
“I don’t know where it is,” Kyra said honestly.
“Let’s go back to the academy. We’ll sleep on it for tonight, and then you and I can resume our search in the morning.”
Kyra nodded. “I shouldn’t have run away like that, I was just…”
Cyrus moved to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It’s all right, I am sure we can smooth this over.”
“Wait, how did you know I would be here?” Kyra asked.
Cyrus looked down and gave her a wink. “Herion had ordered me to watch your room, but you never came back. I figured you had come here. I was almost about to give up when I saw your portal.” He smiled and gave her a light squeeze on the shoulder. “Come, let’s get you back to your room.”
Chapter 14
Cyrus was all too eager to be awake the following day. He stood in an upper floor window overlooking the courtyard. The way things were falling out was simply delicious. When he had returned to the school with Kyra, Janik had been positively gushing with information.
The first thing that he told him was that Linny was being expelled. In addition to being caught snooping in the school, but Herion had taken a closer look at her registration documents in order to prepare to send her home and found them to be forgeries.
When he confronted her with the discovery, Linny had confessed to being a low-born girl and told Herion where she had obtained the papers.
The second bit of information was that Lady Priscilla was arriving today to see her husband, along with their newborn. Cyrus had heard plenty about the imps that had attacked Linny. Even more fortunately, Headmaster Herion had found Linny tainted with dark magic, apparently the work of Severin according to Herion. The imps had been a pair of the vampire’s familiars. It set the stage perfectly.
Feberik Orres was
escorting Linny out that morning. She was to use the carriage that Lady Priscilla was arriving in. Cyrus couldn’t have been more pleased with things had he planned the events himself.
He watched and waited as the morning dew burned away under the increasing gaze of the watchful sun. Feberik and Linny came out into the courtyard and walked to the middle of the round, dirt drive in front of the stables. Cyrus studied the girl. Even from this distance, he could see her hanging head and almost taste her sadness.
Janik had been all too happy about finally ridding the school of his illegitimate half-sister, but Cyrus saw great potential in the young lady. All he had to do was play the next few minutes just right.
He prepared the summoning spell and then waited for Lady Priscilla’s carriage to arrive. It was drawn in quickly by two gray draught horses, bouncing and bumping over the dips and holes and splashing in puddles left by the brief storm last night.
Then, just as the carriage circled around to a stop and the doors were opened to allow Lady Priscilla and her baby to exit, Cyrus finished casting his summoning spell.
Two wylkins appeared in a puff of black smoke, snarling and growling ferociously.
Cyrus laughed to himself as Linny screamed and ran away.
Lady Priscilla quickly reached around her baby with one arm to retrieve her wand, but Cyrus quickly cast a dispel charm that rendered her magic useless.
Feberik predictably rose to the occasion like the noble gentleman he was. He had not been carrying his sword, for he had carried Linny’s trunk out to the carriage, but that did not stop him from jumping into action. Improvising in a most dashing way, he used the luggage in his arms to intercept the first beast. Cyrus smiled as the first wylkin was slammed to the ground with a massive blow to the head that splintered the trunk apart and sprayed clothes all over the monster and the grass and dirt nearby.
Lady Priscilla shrieked and cried out for help as the second wylkin came for her.
Feberik was there in an instant, drawing the beast’s attention. Despite his large size, the warrior was surprisingly spry and agile on his feet. He ducked under a hooked swipe, then leapt to the side as the wylkin came in with his three tails. The spikes missed the large warrior who was quick to answer the monster with a savage left hook to its face. The wylkin stumbled backward and crashed into the carriage.
