by Mike Shelton
“You?” Alli pointed at Mericus.
“Why not me?” Mericus pushed his smooth black hair back from his angular face. He stood battle ready in front of Alli. Even though he was powerful, his main discipline was as a counselor, not as a battle wizard. “I am a perfect alternative to both the Chief Judge and the High Wizard. If the Chief Judge sides with me, then together we can vanquish Kanzar’s quest for power.”
Alli’s mind raced. Mericus might be a better option than Kanzar, but she had little faith that Mericus would be a king who would rule fairly and equitably. “How do we know you are not playing us, Mericus? Maybe you are part of Kanzar’s plans.”
The judge’s face grew red, and his lips tightened. “Let me tell you, Apprentice, Kanzar has humiliated me for the last time. Yes, I was one of his men and took advantage of his naming me a judge—legally, I might add, in times of war. But I do not want to live under his rule. The man is a bully,” Mericus said with apparent rage.
Alli took a step back, but she couldn’t help saying, “I’m not an apprentice, sir. I passed the wizard test.” She was proud of this fact and was tired of being underestimated for her youth.
Mericus blurted out a laugh. “You? You are only a girl. How did you pass the test?”
“It was administered to me at the Citadel. I can assure you I am more than able. In fact, I am a level three wizard.” Alli smirked sweetly.
Tension built in the room, and the governor appeared uneasy to be in the line of fire between two obviously powerful wizards. He took a step back.
“Under whose authority?” Mericus took a step closer to Alli, his tall frame dwarfing hers.
“Roland Tyre’s. He runs the Citadel now.”
Mericus blanched and opened his mouth but, apparently, didn’t know what to say. Then sounds of fighting erupted outside. All three moved to look out the windows, though Alli was the first to reach them.
Looking down over the town, toward the rivers, she saw two dozen boats, landing along the docks, and armed men jumping out. A few remaining dockworkers tried to fight, but they were subdued without any other loss of life.
Alli turned to Mericus. “This is the way you propose to take over for Kanzar?”
The governor turned to Alli. “It’s not what you think. Kanzar sent Mericus here to take the city under his control; however, Mericus has promised me there will be no violence, if the people don’t fight back. The city will be on lock-down and this will be his base, until all of this is settled.”
Alli frowned. Oh, she could leave anytime she wanted to. That wasn’t the worry. But, now there appeared to be at least three people vying for the leadership of Alaris. She hoped Roland wouldn’t get greedy and jump in to the race.
Turning to Mericus, Alli studied his face for signs of deception. “Mericus, for now, I will let you and your men stay. However, if I see any trouble, you will see my fighting skills firsthand. Also, Judge Azeem will be allowed to leave with his battalion, to aid the Chief Judge against a potential attack from Kanzar.”
Mericus, seeming to now recognize Alli as his equal, as a level three wizard, gave her a slight bow. “You have my word, young lady. But I must ask you to make sure you do not leave the city yourself.”
Alli ground her teeth in frustration and then agreed, “I will be glad to stay by your side, sir, and make sure you stay out of any trouble.”
“Good then. Now that we are all friends, let’s go and eat dinner.” The governor clapped his hands and motioned his arm toward the door. “A fine meal is being prepared for us.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“We are sorry you need to leave so soon, Dragon Rider.” Regent Nagasi stood in front of Bakari. The regent’s long braids reminded Bakari of how short his own dark hair still was. Though, in the two months since leaving Cassian, his hair had grown bushier, and he was sure he could get a few inches out of it if he straightened it. The regent gave a grave look toward his son, Kolo. “I also ask forgiveness on behalf of our kingdom for the way your dragon was treated.”
Bakari nodded his acceptance of the apology as Kolo’s eyes continued to shoot mighty daggers into his own. No matter where Bakari looked, whenever he turned back, Kolo remained staring hard at him.
“I truly don’t know if I am an answer to your prophecy,” Bakari said. “But I do have a dragon that says he will help me find the other dragon riders. With their help, hopefully I can help my friends in Alaris and, in turn, save the neighboring kingdoms from Kanzar’s apparent greed.”
Nagasi patted him hard on the back with his heavy hand. “Well, my boy, it seems you carry a good head on your shoulders. I wish your visit to your homeland would have been longer and less dangerous. My ancestral regents and I have waited for over one hundred and fifty years for the return of our king. A few more months or years will not matter.”
Bakari’s eyes opened wide at this mention of their prophesied king. It was hard not to wonder if it would be him or not. He couldn’t deny that he was one of the famed dragon riders, but he was also young and untested in the things of the world. He recognized his weaknesses.
Abylar, flying overhead, landed near the group. He kept a wary and ferocious eye on Kolo and his men. I can still eat them, he voiced to Bakari’s mind.
Bakari coughed to cover up his surprise. No, you can’t do that, Abylar, he said back to his dragon.
In response, Bakari felt, rather than heard, Abylar sigh his disappointment. The young dragon knelt down, and Bakari mounted up.
A new saddle was on Abylar, which had been made especially for Bakari. A leather harness wrapped around him and extended down over one of Abylar’s scales in the front. In addition, Zaire stepped forward and handed him a few bags the town’s leather man had made for Bakari. These fastened to hooks on the sides of the saddle. One bag held the wooden discs, and the other, a few days’ rations and some new clothes. Bakari also regarded the newly made robes he was wearing, which consisted of bright green and blue layers of cotton and silk. They were some of the finest clothes he had ever owned.
“Farewell.” Bakari nodded his head to the gathering. “I have enjoyed my visit to my homeland.” Well, he mostly had, outside of the incident with Kolo. The people were very kind and accepting of Bakari—even with the surprise of him showing up on the back of a dragon. A sight not seen in many generations.
Abylar lifted up into the air amid cheers from the gathering. Children jumped up and down and waved. So Bakari broke into a generous smile and waved back. Turning in a circle, as he flapped his wings a few times, Abylar then shot straight up into the sky. Bakari let out a yell, and the crowd clapped and screamed in delight.
“Return to us, Dragon Rider,” Nagasi called out.
Abylar gained some height and then turned southwest, toward Elvyn, flying even higher. Bakari closed his eyes and merged with Abylar. He peered down and ahead at the receding countryside and toward the looming mountains. More peaks sat covered in snow than when they had first arrived, almost two weeks previous—a reminder that fall in the Mahli Mountains would turn into winter here sooner than in Alaris.
On the way to Lor’l, the capital city of Elvyn, Bak would first return to Celestar, a city that, historically, had sat on Elvyn lands. But, when the barrier came up, Celestar was caught on the side with Alaris. Then it became the home of the guardians, who had given their life energy throughout the years to the Orb. The Orb was also Abylar’s egg and—unknown to most people—it was what had supplied the barrier its power for one hundred and fifty years.
Bakari realized he would never tire of riding on the back of Abylar. With a few graceful flaps of the dragon’s wings, they coasted on the wind’s currents for miles before having to flap again.
Does it bother you to have me on your back? Bakari asked Abylar.
To be the carrier of a dragon rider is a grand honor. Abylar puffed out his chest as they flew. I’ve never known anything different.
Bakari sighed and decided to admit his apprehensions to Abylar. I just
don’t know what is expected of me, Abylar. Two months ago, I was a scholar sitting in a library, researching, studying, and preparing to pass on my knowledge to others. How can I be a dragon rider?
Look down, Bakari, Abylar instructed.
Bakari did as his dragon requested and focused his eyes down at the astonishing sight. Flying over the peaks of the mountains, he spotted a few animals just below the snow line.
How many other people do you know who have seen these mountains from this perspective? Abylar asked, his voice deep and smooth in Bakari’s mind.
No one, Bakari said.
How many have ridden on a dragon?
Only Alli, besides me.
How many have bonded with a dragon?
No one, Bakari said again. What are you getting at, Abylar? Why so many questions? You are beginning to sound like Erryl.
Abylar gave a deep laugh. Now, that boy I like. He was the only one to hear me when I needed to find you.
The questions, Abylar?
For one with such a scholarly mind, you are becoming quite impatient, Dragon Rider.
Bakari sighed and kept his response to himself.
What I meant, by all these questions, is to point out that you are already a dragon rider, one who has done things greater than any other wizard in Alaris or in her neighboring lands, Abylar boasted. Together, you and I will do great things. Don’t fear anything. I am here to protect you.
Bakari laughed. I’m glad you think so highly of us, Abylar.
Crossing over the mountain range and then down over the edge of the Elvyn Forest, Bakari soon spotted the gleaming white city of Celestar. Circling the city twice, they then landed out on a sizable field north of the city, between the inner and the outer walls. They were met by a stream of people, guardians and protectors, with Erryl and Wizard Gorn leading the charge.
Bakari climbed down from Abylar and was instantly taken into a warm embrace from Erryl, a young guardian. The boy, hardly younger than Bakari, had an innocent curiosity about the world.
“Erryl, it’s nice to see you again,” Bakari said.
Looking at Abylar, Erryl exclaimed, “He has grown so big! What does he eat? Where have you been?”
The last time Erryl had seen the dragon was right after the beautiful beast had hatched. Erryl had been instrumental in that event: leaving Celestar and finding Bakari and leading him to the Orb—which happened to be Abylar’s egg.
Bakari grinned at the sheltered young man. “Still full of questions, I see.”
Erryl’s fair face blushed, and he rubbed his hand over his short-cropped hair in embarrassment.
“Keep it up. That’s what will make you a valued scholar one day,” Bakari remarked before turning to Gorn. “How are things here, Wizard?”
“Some elves stationed southeast of here, in a border village, provided a few men to help us. But I fear we don’t have enough if Kanzar attacks.” The large battle wizard lowered his voice as he added, “Breelyn and Alair left over ten days ago, and we haven’t heard anything from them or from the help they promised to send from Silla, the closest Elvyn city of any size.”
Gorn, an elderly and powerful battle wizard, had broken ranks with Kanzar and his wizards and had guided Alli to Celestar at about the same time that Bakari had arrived to study the barrier and the Orb. Bakari still didn’t know him too well, but Gorn remained a formidable level four wizard and seemed to know how to fortify the city.
“Breelyn mentioned that Silla was only a few days away,” Bakari said. “Help should have arrived by now. Make sure all the guardians are trained.” Bakari furrowed his eyebrows.
Gorn nodded his head.
Then Bakari continued, “Kanzar has taken Cassian, and the Chief Judge is in Orr. Also, Roland is now running the Citadel.”
The broad-shouldered wizard laughed at that. “The boy sure does have aspirations, doesn’t he?”
Bakari smiled and inwardly hoped that Roland’s aspirations wouldn’t run too high before the political climate of the land was figured out. “I am going to Lor’l to meet with the king and to search for the next egg and its dragon rider.”
“That’s a tall order, Bak.” Gorn smiled and gave him a look of warning. “But, remember, not everyone will be happy to see a dragon rider.”
“Don’t I know it?” Bakari laughed and then told Gorn and Erryl about his greeting in Mahli and the situation with Kolo.
Someone called to Gorn, and he dismissed himself for a moment. Bakari pulled Erryl to the side. After taking a few steps away, he spoke to his friend.
“Erryl, while Abylar is growing, he still uses the life force of those that gave of it so freely here in Celestar. So he still has a connection to you. Once he grows more, he won’t need it. But, please, in the meantime—keep everyone safe.”
Erryl nodded his head.
“Also,” Bakari continued, “I brought you something.” He dug into his robes and pulled out a small book. The leather cover was worn and ancient.
Erryl’s eyes lit up. “What is that, Bak?”
“I know you have been schooled in many languages, Erryl. The knowledge you possess made your life force stronger.” Bakari ran his hands over the smooth leather cover of the book. “This book holds a prophecy—a special prophecy of the Mahli people, but one that might affect us all. Can you study it? When I return, let me know what you understand from it.”
Bakari handed the small book to Erryl, who held it reverently. “Oh, thank you!” His light blue eyes widened. His uncorrupted smile was all the thanks Bakari needed.
“I will also want you to tell me who you think the prophecy is about,” Bakari said. Then, pulling himself back on top of Abylar, he waved at the gathering. “I will be back soon.”
Lifting back up into the sky, they took off over the Elvyn Forest to resume their journey. Bakari watched in amazement, noticing how incredibly huge the trees grew as they moved deeper into Elvyn.
That evening, they landed on the western banks of Emerald Lake. There was a small patch of land without any trees, just big enough for Abylar to land in. Beside that, the forest stood thick with trees as big around as a small cabin and reaching hundreds of feet into the air. Their branches intermixed, letting very little light down to the ground. The lake itself felt cool to the touch and reflected shades of bright green and orange as the sun slid behind the trees to the west. There was also plenty of water and food here for Abylar.
From a distance, Bakari saw a group of elves, but they refrained from coming closer. He bet that, by the next day, news of the sighting of a dragon would be all over the land.
Settling down on a blanket next to Abylar, Bakari leaned against his immense head. The dragon’s yellow eyes peered at him with intelligence and interest. Without thinking, Bak ran his hands back and forth over the dragon’s thick blue hide. Then, staring off over the lake as darkness settled in, he let out a great sigh.
What is it, Dragon Rider? Abylar asked.
This is the most peaceful place I have been in since leaving Cassian, almost two months ago. I had thought I was going on a short trip with the Chief Judge to the Citadel and was excited to dig into the books there and find out more about the barrier.
And now, you know more about the barrier than most do, Abylar said, his voice deep and full of understanding.
But, the more I know, the less I feel like I know what to do. Bakari closed his eyes and tried to relax.
Abylar shifted, bringing his tail up around Bakari. That’s how it is with knowledge. The more we know, the more we realize there is so much more to still learn about. Alaris may seem big to you, but think of all the kingdoms in the West, then those in the East, then in the entire world. We could spend a lifetime studying and still not scratch the surface.
Bakari yawned. How do you know so much, Abylar? You are barely more than a baby.
Abylar growled, low and deep. I am not a baby.
I didn’t mean it like that. Bakari chuckled. You are less than a month old.
That is where you are mistaken, young wizard, Abylar said. I have been out of my shell for only a month, yes. But I was a dragon embryo for much longer. One hundred and fifty years ago, I was placed in Celestar to power the barrier. But, even before then, I was a young, dormant egg. It has been hundreds of years since I first came into being.
Bakari sat up straighter and opened his eyes. And all that time you were learning? But how?
Not all learning is through reading, Scholar.
Abylar had taught Bakari things he had never supposed.
I learn through my spirit. I feel what others around me know, take it in, and remember it. I remember all I see and hear. Much like you, Bakari.
Bakari nodded his head. Ever since he was young, anything he read or saw or heard he could remember clearly. Sometimes it took him a while to access things from his mind. But they were always there. This was the way he had first found out that he could bond with other animals.
We dragons contain the power of the spirit, the power to bind, Abylar continued.
The fourth power? Bakari jumped up off the ground. I know there were rumors of a fourth power. The power of a dragon is the power of the spirit!
Yes. It binds all other powers. Using the power of the spirit with earth, mind, and heart together can bring about incredible spells. Abylar stretched his neck up into the air and glanced down at Bakari. That is how the barrier was created.
This information was incredible. Is it only dragons that hold this rare power?
No. Many other magical creatures hold it. The Cremelino horse and the phoenix are two such other creatures with this power.
Bakari gazed up at the star-filled night. There is so much to learn.
Ah, yes, there is. And, as a wizard—and now a dragon rider—you will have many, many years to learn it.
Bakari walked closer to Abylar, lay down, and put his hand on the dragon’s giant leg. This touch instantly strengthened the bond, and communicating with the dragon felt like Bakari was having a conversation with himself.
You mean, as a dragon rider, I will live even longer than a normal wizard? Wizards tended to live over a hundred years. There were a few still alive who remembered Alaris before the barrier. And now I might live even longer than they have.
