The Dream of Shadows

by Nicholas Clausen

  “What about her?” Hayden asked. His question was more abrasive then he had intended it to be.

  “She rides a golden dragon,” Kirin stated. As if it was a new piece of information that Hayden hadn’t known before.

  “Yes, and her dragon’s name is Shaylin,” Hayden replied, still wondering what Kirin was getting at.

  “I know that Hayden. That’s not what I am trying to say.” Kirin fought for the words that she wanted to tell Hayden.

  “Cassidy was being trained to take over after Elizabeth died or stepped down,” Kirin spoke carefully.

  “We still want her to take Elizabeth’s throne.” Kirin’s words struck Hayden in the chest like a hammer striking an anvil.

  “You want her to what?” Hayden asked, not trusting himself to say anything else.

  “We want to her to take Elizabeth’s throne and rule over the Metallic Nation.” Kirin locked eyes with Hayden as she spoke.

  “Does Cass know….?” Hayden couldn’t finish the words.

  “She does. She has already agreed to it. I am not telling you this to seek your permission; we are seeking your submission.” Kirin said.

  “I don’t understand, why do you need me to submit?” Hayden had never thought about what he was going to do after the war was over. He knew that he didn’t want to stay in Celestial City.

  “We need you to submit because both the elves and the Sea Serpents look up to you. You led the fight to the Light House and sent the Metallic Riders fleeing. You avenged my father’s death on top of the Outpost. You brought the Sea Serpents here and joined the fight when we thought all was lost. Like it or not you are a hero, and word will spread of your deeds here.” Hayden’s face turned red as Kirin called out his deeds, he didn’t like the idea of being called a hero.

  “With your support, everyone will look to Cassidy for leadership, and we need her to take over after Elizabeth is killed or the Metallic Nation will fall to the hands of someone possibly worse than Elizabeth.” Kirin’s words landed on Hayden as if she was implying that Hayden would be worse than Elizabeth.

  They are afraid that we would take over and that their armies will follow us. Draek’s voice echoed in Hayden’s mind.

  I don’t want to rule over them but are they afraid that I will be that bad as a leader? Hayden felt like he was a small child and was being told that he was not big enough to do something.

  Being a ruler and leader are two different things. If you do not want to rule, then you will make a bad ruler. They do not doubt your ability as a leader, you have proven that on many occasions. Draek’s words stilled the anger and hurt that was forming in his heart.

  “Of course, I will support her. It was never my intention to rule.” Hayden said, sure of his decision.

  Chapter Two

  “Thank you, Hayden.” Kirin’s shoulders relaxed.

  “Cass would make a great queen, she will rule well,” Hayden said. He believed the words that he was saying were true.

  “That she will.” Kirin looked back, at the map and became lost in her thoughts. Hayden remained quiet as well and waited for her to speak first.

  “When would you be ready to leave?” Kirin asked. She kept her eyes on the map while she spoke.

  “Draek and I could both use a day or two to rest, but after that, we will be ready,” Hayden replied. He would rather head out as soon as possible, but he knew that it wasn’t a good idea.

  “Hmm.” Kirin scrunched her lips together. “You can have the remainder of today and tomorrow to rest. The groups will leave the following morning before the sun rises.” Hayden nodded his head and turned to leave.

  “I feel that every time we meet I am asking you to leave on some dangerous quest.” Kirin looked up from the map as she spoke.

  “We do what we must,” Hayden replied. It was the only thing he could think of to say. He turned and made his way out of the map room and back into the throne room.

  Cass was standing in front of the throne, looking at the tree that was growing around the wooden chair.

  “Hayden,” Cass said, hardly louder than a whisper.

  “Cassidy.” Hayden acknowledged. He had not anticipated the hurt he felt when he saw her. Why did she not tell me what was going on? Hayden thought.

  She may have wanted to wait until they knew for sure that they were going to choose this path. Said Draek.

  “I take it that you have heard the plan?” Cass asked. She turned her head to face him.

  “Kirin just told me. Before you ask, I have agreed with it.” Hayden saw the question forming on her lips before she gave voice to the words.

  “Everything?” She asked.

  “Everything,” Hayden confirmed.

  “I am sorry Hayden. I wish that we could have spoken sooner but so much has happened over the last few days. Everything is different.” Cass started to explain.

  “There is no need to apologize to me. I would expect the future ruler of the Metallic Nation to be busy.” Hayden said mockingly. His anger had boiled over inside of him.

  “Don’t Hayden. Please don’t. The moment Shaylin had hatched for me we knew that I would one day take Elizabeth’s place.” Cass pleaded with Hayden.

  “That was before everything happened,” Hayden complained. So much had changed over the last few days and Cass hadn’t spoken more than a few words to him since the battle had finished. Hayden had thrown himself into his work while Cass had stayed locked away with Kirin, the elf elders, and the Sea Serpent captains.

  “What do you want Hayden?” Cass shouted. “We are in a war now; we can’t just run away and hide.”

  “I know, but after all this is done I thought…” Hayden couldn’t finish his words.

  “You thought what Hayden?” Cass pleaded. “What is it?”

  A loud thump caused them both to turn and find Shane walking through one of the side rooms, the door swinging closed behind him.

  “Ah good, you’re both here. I take it you're up to speed with Cass’s big plan?” Shane asked.

  “I didn’t have a choice. Especially since I was the last to be informed.” Hayden turned and stormed out of the room before either of them had a chance to call his name. Hayden took the stairs two at a time as he summoned Draek to the landing pad.

  The trap door swung open and cracked as it smashed into the landing pad while Hayden climbed onto the platform.

  Draek was landing as Hayden emerged and he quickly ran to his dragon’s side. Hayden climbed onto his back, grabbing the neck spike in front of him just before Draek launched himself into the air. The further away from everyone Hayden got the better he felt. He felt as if he was leaving his problems behind as they flew away.

  Do you want to talk? Draek asked.

  No. Hayden replied shortly, ending the conversation.

  Draek flew over Eytherka until the trees beneath them turned green. Draek landed in a clearing without a word, and Hayden slid off his back and walked into the forest alone. Hayden took a few deep breaths of the clean forest air. The smells seemed strange not to be tainted by the smell of smoke and ash.

  Are you ready to talk now? Draek asked as he made himself comfortable in the clearing. Hayden wanted to be alone, but he knew that with a dragon around he would never be alone.

  Why didn’t they talk to us earlier? Hayden finally asked after a few more minutes of silence.

  I am sure they had their reasons, and they would tell us if we asked. Draek’s reasoning made sense which oddly enough angered Hayden more.

  They sent us on our own to the Sea Serpents with an almost impossible task of convincing them to join us. We made it back in time for the battle and helped defeat the Metallic Nation’s army, and since then we have worked nonstop where ever we could to help rebuild. Hayden’s heart was pounding out of his chest.

  I know these things Hayden, I was there with you. Draek replied, remaining calm.

  “Then why, after all that, do they not tell us what is going on? Why are we the last to know? Why don�
�t they trust us?” Hayden shouted out loud.

  “Do you think that we don’t trust you?” Cass asked. Hayden spun around at the sound of her voice. Shaylin had already landed silently in the clearing while Rilora circled overhead, waiting to land.

  “What are you doing here?” Hayden asked as the copper dragon lowered herself to the ground.

  “After you left we were worried, so we followed you,” Cass answered. “Hayden please talk to us.” Cass pleaded while Shane dismounted Rilora.

  Draek lets go. Hayden thought as he made his way back to the clearing.

  No, you three need to work this out. Draek replied. As soon as Shane was clear Rilora jumped back into the air. Shaylin followed Rilora with Draek taking off last. In just a few seconds all three dragons were gone, and their riders were left alone.

  Draek! Draek get back here! Hayden shouted with his mind, but Draek ignored his commands.

  “Hayden, what’s going on?” Shane asked.

  “Nothing. I just want to be alone right now.” Hayden said.

  “Hayden, how could you think that we don’t trust you?” Cass said. “We wanted to tell you everything sooner but the elves needed you, and you needed them.”

  “What are you talking about?” Hayden asked.

  “After the battle, you jumped into helping everywhere you could.” Shane started. “We didn’t want to take you away from however you needed to process everything. We each had to deal with the aftermath of the battle in our own ways, and we couldn’t deprive you of yours.”

  “Not to mention that the elves needed to see you working with them, helping them. It showed them that they were not alone and that we really did win the battle even though we lost so much.” Cass walked over to Hayden as she spoke.

  Hayden didn’t know how to respond. His emotions and thoughts were scattered since the battle, and he still hadn’t been able to pick up all of the pieces.

  Before Hayden could respond, Cass reached out and gently pulled Hayden into her arms. Hayden felt like his body was pouring out everything that he had bottled up since the battle. Every bad thought, image, and feeling that had plagued him seemed to wash off of him.

  Hayden felt his eyes tear up as Shane came and put his arm around Hayden’s shoulder, but no tears fell down his face.

  “Are we ok?” Cass asked as she pulled herself away from Hayden. Hayden wanted to keep her in his arms for a little longer, but he knew it wasn’t the time.

  “We are,” Hayden replied and smiled at his friends.

  “Good, because if not then this upcoming trip would have been awkward,” Shane said with a short laugh.

  “Trip? Are you two going on a mission for Kirin as well?” Hayden asked.

  “You didn’t think that we were going to let you go out on your own again and have all the fun twice in one war, did you?” Shane teased jokingly.

  “Well Kirin didn’t tell me who would all be going with me, but I didn’t think she would let you go as well, Shane.” Hayden was glad to have Shane with him. Draek was great company, but Hayden enjoyed being around people too.

  “Not just Shane,” Cass said with a grin. “I will be joining you as well as a few elves and Sea Serpents.”

  “We thought that it would be best if all races were represented when we contacted the Frost Fangs, Bone Thieves and dwarves.” Cass continued.

  “But what about the elves and Sea Serpents? I thought that you were going to stay here to help lead them and prepare them for the next battle.” Hayden asked. He liked the idea of his friends coming with him, especially Cass, but he was unsure how good of an idea it was.

  “I have given Kirin instructions on what to do until we join with them with the Frost Fangs and what to do if we do not join them,” Cass said. “They have a lot of work to do until that point, and they won’t need me around for any of it. I would be able to do more good if I was with the group.” Cass sounded as if she had rehearsed this conversation before.

  “Makes sense,” Hayden said as he thought about it for a few seconds. “It’s also not a bad idea to have you meet all the other races leaders so when you take the throne, they won’t doubt your abilities.” Cass’s face and ears turned red when Hayden spoke.

  “We had thought about that as well,” Cass admitted without making eye contact with Hayden.

  “I know that we will leave the day after tomorrow at first light. Do we have a plan yet?” Hayden asked, changing the subject.

  “Yes, we do.” Cass started.

  “Kind of.” Shane interrupted.

  “Kind of?” Hayden asked while Cass glared at Shane. Shane shrugged his shoulders and continued talking.

  “They have the start of a good, simple plan. Fly to the Frozen Tundra, find the Frost Fangs and convince them to join us. Take down the Ice Keep and meet up with the elves and Sea Serpents.” Shane said while Cass stayed quiet.

  “Ok, that does sound simple, what’s the problem then?” Hayden almost regretted asking.

  “The problem is they don’t know where the Frost Fangs are. They are hoping that while we are flying, we will come across them.” Shane said.

  “Well, that’s not the worst problem to have.” Hayden started.

  “That’s because that’s not the worst part. The worst part is the Frost Fangs are nomadic. They don’t stay in groups that are larger than a hundred or so people and only a small handful of dragons per group. We could have to fly around the entire Frozen Tundra and find all the tribes before we could take on the Ice Keep.” Hayden’s heart sank at the thought of flying around a frozen wasteland searching for small tribes.

  “That could take forever,” Hayden said, more to himself then his friends. “If we were able to find them all there is no telling where the elves and Sea Serpents might be.”

  “We know, but it is our best shot. It has to be the Frost Fangs, and we have to find them, fast.” Cass said.

  Chapter Three

  Hayden watched as Draek stretched out his wings on a hill to let the sun warm him up. Draek looked like a sheet of silver laid over the hill and reflected the sun all around the surrounding trees. Hayden was trying to make the best of their last day before they were going to have to leave for the Frozen Tundra.

  Hayden had found a supply room in Out Post filled with oil and wire brushes to clean a dragon’s hide. Draek had been more than eager to get a good cleaning when Hayden had lumbered to the landing platform of Out Post with his arms full of cleaning supplies.

  It took all morning to properly clean, and oil Draek’s scales and joints but afterward Draek shinned like a true silver dragon.

  When Hayden had finished cleaning Draek, he took all the scales that Draek had shed to the nearest blacksmith and asked if they could repair his armor with new scales. The battle had taken its toll on his armor, and it needed repairing before they left. The blacksmith was excited when Hayden told him that they could have all the leftover scales.

  Afterwards, Draek and Hayden had flown together to find a place to rest and sunbathe. Hayden sat against a tree and listened to the rustling of the trees as the wind coursed through the forest.

  I am getting restless awaiting our next journey, but I am also nervous about leaving this place. Hayden said as he watched two birds dart across the clearing, chirping as they flew after each other. It is so peaceful here.

  It is a false peace, Hayden. Draek reminded Hayden. This is just the calm before the storm, but we might as well enjoy it while it is here. Hayden couldn’t help but agree with Draek, but soon his mind began to wonder about the storm that was coming.

  The storm that would decide the fate of Arvain.

  Hayden yawned as he tried to work the knots on Draek’s saddle. He shook his head trying to wake himself up before returning to his work.

  “Do you have everything?” An elf walked over to Hayden with a torch in his hand.

  Hayden looked over the bulging saddle trying to think if he had forgotten anything.

  “I believe so.” The elves had
stitched leather bags onto all the dragon’s saddles to allow them more room for their gear. They were able to pack large quantities of salted meat and water skins as well as warm clothes and other survival gear.

  “Wait, silver rider!” A voice rang out from the trap door beneath the landing platform. Hayden turned and watched as an elf carrying large bundles emerged from the trap door and ran over to him.

  At first, Hayden did not recognize the elf in the predawn darkness, but as the elf got closer, Hayden recognized him as the blacksmith he had entrusted his armor too.

  “Did I forget a piece of my armor at your shop?” Hayden asked as the elf neared. The blacksmith lowered the bundles to the floor, and Hayden heard the clink of metal.

  “Sir, you forgot all of your armor.” The elf said. The elf wasn’t even out of breath from the run. Hayden’s face began to turn red, but he hoped that no one else heard the blacksmith.

  “Have you become so powerful that you no longer require armor, Hayden?” Rimney Sky, the Sea Serpent captain of the ship The Misty Maiden and rider of the blue dragon Farius the Sunken Death, laughed as she approached Hayden.

  “I see that you are still packing food though, so I assume that you still have to eat like us lowly mortals?” Rimney continued joking.

  Hayden felt his ears turn red as he helped the blacksmith unwrap his armor and add it to the saddlebags. The silver scales on his armor shined in the torchlight just as it had the day he had gotten it. Even his eagle helmet was as good as new. None of his armor showed any wear from the battle he had just been through.

  The last piece of armor the blacksmith pulled out was his breastplate. Hayden looked at the green and blue dragon scales that rested on either side of his breastplate.

  Hayden ran his hand across the different scales. “Everyone will see these scales and know that I am a friend of elves and Sea Serpents.” Hayden nodded his thanks to the blacksmith before taking the breastplate and adding it to the full saddle bags.