by Mike Shelton
In the rising cacophony, Onius heard a familiar woman’s voice.
“Onius, drop to the ground.”
He spun around.
“Now!” Alli said.
Onius obeyed and went down on all fours, almost falling to the ground as the pain flared in his arm. With wizard robes swirling around her and a sword in her hand, Alli ran at full speed toward Onius and jumped up on Onius’s back, using it as a springboard to launch herself ten feet into the air. Flipping twice in the air, she came back down, her sword in front of her, and landed on Kanzar, bashing his head with her sword hilt, and he collapsed to the ground.
Mericus rode up next to Alli. “You took all the fun out of it.” He smiled wickedly at Alli.
As Onius saw their eyes lock on to each other, he wondered what sort of relationship Alli and Mericus held there.
“I wanted to put the other end of the sword in him,” Alli said, a grim look on her face, “but I am tired of all the violence. This needs to stop.”
Mericus nodded as if he understood her frustration. Turning to the crowd, he waved his sword in the air and yelled, “This battle is over! Round up Kanzar’s troops. We march back to Cassian.”
The Chief Judge limped over to join the two wizards, his sword hanging down in his right hand. “Who put you in charge, Mericus?”
The two men glared at each other for a moment.
Then the two dragons flew overhead once again, and Breelyn called down to the group, “Settle your differences later, men. Mericus is right; we must march back to Cassian. Bakari will meet us there.”
The Chief Judge signaled to his troops, and Mericus rode out in front of his own.
“Alli,” Onius said, coming forward, “Gorn would be pleased with you.”
The young battle wizard smiled back and took a deep breath. “I was just getting started.”
Onius laughed. “Speaking of Gorn, do you know where he is?”
“Last time I saw him, he was still in Celestar, but…” Alli grew serious. “Bakari said many of the guardians were killed, and I don’t know if Gorn has survived or not.”
“He is a tough old wizard,” Onius said.
Soon Kanzar’s soldiers and wizards were rounded up, and Onius found himself standing alone for a strange moment, wondering what would happen now. Kanzar was caught, but the decision of who would be the leader of Alaris had still not been made. As Onius surveyed the field of battle and picked out the grave faces of both Mericus and Daymian, a deep sigh escaped his lips. His greatest work as counselor may just be beginning.
“Daymian,” Onius called to his old friend, “we have much to talk about.”
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Bakari and Kharlia flew on Abylar over the western fields and farms of Alaris, seeing the sprawling city of Cassian in the distance. The beginning of winter was just around the corner, and acres of dried cornstalks and hay lay across the land.
Through the bond, Bakari communicated with Breelyn and Miriel and learned what had occurred between the armies of Cassian and Orr. The first of those armies would be arriving soon in Cassian.
What should I do? he asked Abylar.
What you must do, Bakari, Abylar answered. It is your responsibility to establish peace.
But how? I am just a boy. Bakari was feeling the weight of the day begin to settle on his shoulders.
You are not a boy. You are a dragon rider! Abylar roared and then dove down closer to the ground.
Just north of Cassian, Bakari spied a large group approaching the city. He bonded closer with Abylar to see through the dragon’s eyes. It was Roland, riding with a group of wizards, and a trail of apprentices behind him. Abylar circled twice, and then Bakari directed Abylar lower.
“Roland!” Bakari yelled down toward the ground.
Roland’s face split into a grin. Pushing the hair out of his eyes, he turned his neck up at his friend. “Bak!”
“What are you doing here?” Bakari asked.
“I was convinced by members of the Council that I shouldn’t miss the party.” He laughed. “Why don’t you come down here so we can talk like normal men? It’s quite intimidating to have you up on that dragon of yours.”
Abylar roared, and Bakari saw fear cross the faces of those on the ground.
“See you in Cassian, Roland.” Bakari waved, and Abylar flew back up higher in the air, resuming their short flight toward the capital city. Looking south, Bakari glimpsed the first line of soldiers approaching in the distance. Those on horses were riding in front, while the soldiers on foot dragged endlessly into the distance. In the air above the soldiers flew Breelyn and Jaimon on their dragons. Bakari grinned, and Abylar flew to join them.
To the apparent amazement of all those on the ground, the three dragons—blue, yellow, and green—circled around and greeted one another, playing in the air. Cholena and Miriel both seemed to vie for Abylar’s attention.
“Abylar!” shrieked Kharlia, holding on tightly behind Bakari as the dragon made a high loop into the sky. “I’m going to fall off,” she told Bakari.
Bakari patted his dragon on the side and asked him to settle down.
You’re no fun! Abylar said.
You can play after we land.
Excitement grew through the bond. It was hard for Bakari to remember sometimes how young their dragons were. Highly intelligent and powerful with their minds, their bodies were only like children’s, and each dragon still held the appetite and playfulness of a child.
“Bakari,” Jaimon called to him through the air, his ponytail blowing in the wind behind him. “This is so wonderful.” Jaimon spread his arms to either side, only holding on with his knees and then added, “I’m actually flying.”
Bakari heard Kharlia laughing behind him. What a joyous sound it was. But now he had to concentrate on the task at hand.
Soon the dragons reached Cassian, and they landed outside of the city gates. Bakari had Kharlia move off to the side to a spot of relative safety. He didn’t know how this would play out, and he didn’t want Kharlia in any crossfire.
As the army approached, Bakari stood at the opening of the gate, with Breelyn and Jaimon on either side. Bakari realized that they were three people with no outward similarities—one, a blond elf woman; one, a dark-skinned young man from Alaris, with Mahli heritage; and one, a young man from Quentis, with a dark ponytail hanging down to his waist. Their three dragons stood next to each of them—their connection to each other.
“Dragon Riders.” Bakari grabbed the others' attention with a soft voice and a nod of his head. “Be ready.”
Bakari stood up straighter, brushing his colorful robes with his hands and drew additional confidence from Abylar’s strength. When he looked at Breelyn and Jaimon, to either side of himself, they both smiled and gave a slight nod of their heads back to him. He was their master, and they would follow his lead.
The first group to approach consisted of the Chief Judge, Onius, Mericus, Alli, and Azeem. The Chief Judge’s face was hard for Bakari to read, but Onius appeared exhausted. Mericus, in his usual black robes, held an air of confidence. Alli smiled at Bak and seemed ready to fight, as always, and Azeem, a gentleman Bakari had never met but knew by reputation, appeared nervous.
Then Bakari saw Kanzar, chained up tight, standing behind the first group, his eyes blazing with hatred for everyone.
“Dragon Rider,” Kanzar spat. “So you are behind my defeat, it seems.”
Bakari held back a stronger retort and only said, “We come in peace.”
“The soldiers lying on the ground,” Kanzar said, “and their families might think otherwise.” Kanzar flexed his muscles against his bonds.
Bakari knew Kanzar could use his power to break free, but Kanzar seemed to understand that, with all the other wizards’ power around him, he would not get far. Bakari guessed, however, that at some point, it would come down to that.
“Their blood is on your hands, Kanzar,” Bakari said. “From the moment you tried to usurp t
he authority of the rightful government of Alaris, all these deaths became your doing. That is why you are not fit to be king.”
“And you are?” Kanzar pushed against his captors, but they held him tight. “Is that your game, Dragon Rider, to become the Dragon King?”
Bakari’s mind reeled and he tried not to stumble backward. Kanzar’s accusation had hit closer to home than he realized. Was Bakari the prophesied one? The Dragon King? Bakari knew that he may be, but not right now, and definitely not the King of Alaris.
Before Bakari could say anything more, another group of people approached from inside the city, behind him and the dragon riders.
“Roland Tyre.” Kanzar saw the young man in the lead and then laughed. “I have heard—and now see—you have made quite the name for yourself.” Kanzar’s former council members stood with Roland, as well as a group of apprentices, all looking ready to fight.
“I tried to stay out of these affairs, Kanzar,” Roland said. “I have been quite clear that I don’t care whether we have a king or a chief judge.” He turned his attention to Daymian and nodded his head at the Chief Judge as he said, “No offense to your leadership, sir.”
The Chief Judge nodded back, a slight smile cracking his otherwise stoic expression. “So,” the Chief Judge said, “what is your intention here?”
“Yes,” Kanzar said. “What is your intention here, young wizard? Have you had a change of mind? Or, do you want to rule Alaris, also, along with Bakari, Onius, and Mericus? The list is growing longer.”
Roland shook his head. “I represent the Citadel.”
“How dare you?” Kanzar’s eyes bulged.
Roland stepped forward, and a glow surrounded him. “You have no idea what I would dare do, Kanzar. Once you declared your intent to be a king, you forfeited your authority as the High Wizard. The leadership of the Citadel must be separate from the government of Alaris. The Citadel is bigger than Alaris; we represent many lands.”
Bakari wondered what Roland was saying.
“In front of all these witnesses,” Roland continued in a strong voice, “I declare myself now the High Wizard and ruler of the Citadel.” Roland stood forth with power, his golden wizard robes swaying around him in the breeze. Looking young but regal, he continued, “I further declare the Citadel to be separate from Alaris—open to wizards and apprentices of all lands, wherever they may be from.”
The crowd was quiet, as if no one knew who should speak, but Bakari suspected they were all thinking the same. Suddenly, the Chief Judge, Mericus, and Onius all spoke at once. But Onius’s voice prevailed as the loudest.
“You have no right to declare yourself as being above the law of the land, Roland,” Onius said, his voice growing louder. “Gosh, boy, you were only an apprentice a few months ago. What makes you think you can lead the Citadel?”
Roland looked over at Bakari, who had stayed silent so far during Roland’s declaration. To Bakari, something in all of this seemed right.
“In the past,” Roland continued, as if teaching all present, “the leader of the Citadel was someone that was not from any one discipline of magic, but from all three. A leader who not only held magical power but was magic itself. That is how they always recognized who their leader should be. I declare today, in front of the Wizard Council and all other wizards and apprentices present, that I AM MAGIC.” He paused to let the fact sink in. “And, by virtue of that fact, I do officially declare myself the High Wizard.”
Onius held his hand up, to speak again, but Roland overrode him.
“I know your worries,” Roland continued, “about me not being beholden to the laws of this land or to—what I surmise will soon be—a king of Alaris.” He gazed at them, one at a time, Onius, Daymian, and Mericus, and then actually winked at Alli, who jumped in surprise. Then Roland said, “But, with my authority, I will bow to one man.”
Roland turned toward Bakari and knelt down on one knee, staring up into his eyes. Bakari’s stomach churned—he wasn’t ready for this. Bakari realized what Roland was about to do, and, even though Bakari didn’t want this, he accepted it. In the blink of an eye, as Bakari gazed deeply into his friend’s eyes, it was as if Roland’s soul was laid bare for him to discern. With all of Roland’s arrogance and greed for power, Bakari could see that his soul was good.
“I yield myself,” Roland continued, “and by virtue of my role as High Wizard do also submit all wizards of this land to the authority of Bakari, Dragon Rider, and now also named the High Dragon King.” Power filled the air, and a brief silence blanketed all present—but only for a brief moment.
Then chaos broke out.
Kanzar and his other captured renegade wizards started yelling and building up their power. And Bakari saw Onius glare at Roland, but Onius kept his mouth closed.
Then Bakari put his hand forward and raised Roland from the ground. “You have quite the flair for dramatics, Roland.”
Roland laughed. “Hey, I’m not the one flying around on a dragon.”
Bakari raised his eyebrows and turned his hand toward the group in front of him. “And what did you hope to accomplish by this display?”
“To give you a chance to show everyone who you really are, Bak,” Roland said.
Bakari nodded to Roland, then turned to the other dragon riders and motioned for them to mount their dragons. Kharlia stepped forward, but as much as Bakari wanted her with him, he needed to do this with the dragon riders alone. He motioned her back to safety.
Kharlia growled her displeasure but did Bakari’s bidding nevertheless and stood watching Bakari as he lifted up into the air with the other dragon riders.
* * *
Onius shook his head and tried to clear his thinking. Events were moving faster than he had ever anticipated. Roland as High Wizard and Bakari as a Dragon King; the thoughts were almost beyond his comprehension.
Looking around him arguments ensued and fights broke out on the ground, as the three dragons lifted up into the sky and began circling around the gathering—blue, yellow, and green.
Then Kanzar roared and broke free of his captors. Daymian was standing close by him, so Kanzar ripped into the Chief Judge first, slicing his arm with a blade of fire and punching him hard in the chest.
“This is all your fault!” Kanzar yelled. “If you had just stepped down, none of this would have happened.” Then his rage exploded into bursts of fire around himself.
Alana was standing next to him, and she put a hand on his arm to stop him. He turned to her and blasted her with fire, throwing his wife into a crumpled heap on the ground. Onius doubted Alana would ever get up again. Four of Kanzar’s other captured wizards broke free and joined in his battle.
Onius looked up at the sound of a mighty roar. Blue, yellow, and green—the dragons began moving faster and faster in the sky. The wind built up, making it harder for people to stand straight on the ground.
Kanzar turned back to the Chief Judge, but Mericus placed himself as a shield between the two. Pushing his hands out in front of him, Mericus tried to push Kanzar back with a pulse of air, but Mericus was not a battle wizard nor as strong as Kanzar. So the Chief Judge moved out of the way, to safety.
Onius turned and battled Kanzar’s other wizards, who had somehow gotten hold of swords. Back and forth they dueled, but he was working with one arm and was exhausted beyond all reason. A cut here and a cut there. His body was going to give out soon.
Alli joined in and leaped onto the back of one of the wizards, knocking him to the ground. Then, sliding under another wizard, she lifted him up into the air and spun him around, knocking over other wizards who came too close to the young battle wizard. Onius shook his head slightly. Did that woman ever get tired?
The blue, yellow, and green streaks now swirled together, forming a turquoise blur across the sky outside of Cassian. Many of its citizens stood on their housetops and walls, watching the spectacle. Bakari put forth his hand and drew power from each dragon—physically discernible to those below by a b
lur of light. Onius made his way toward Kanzar, blood still dripping down his arm. Kanzar was sweating and tiring with all the fighting, but he held incredible strength. Kanzar punched out toward Onius, so the counselor didn’t have time to move. He felt something crack in his ribs, and he made an awful noise and fell down.
Alli finished off the other wizards, while Mericus pushed himself between Kanzar and Onius.
“You, again!” Kanzar bellowed.
Mericus brought a sword around and thrust it toward the crazed wizard. But, with a flick of Kanzar’s hand, the sword went flying, landing at the feet of Daymian. The Chief Judge picked it up and advanced on Kanzar instead.
“No, Daymian,” Onius yelled. “You can’t beat him.”
“Shut up, Onius,” Kanzar said, turning to his former friend. “You are the biggest traitor of all. Helping me to plan this for years, then, at the end, you scurry back to your pathetic judge. Serving him made you weak.” He stepped hard on Onius’s chest and crushed it further.
Onius screamed out in agony. He tried to breathe but couldn’t get a full breath of air— and his mind began to grow dark. He used all the magic at his disposal to stay alive.
The wind picked up more as the dragons continued to spin around the group. Onius watched Bakari reach inside his leather pack and pull out two wooden discs. Power from his hand seemed to gather around the disc themselves. Then Bakari threw them down and over the crowd.
The discs spun down in a wide arc, swirls of turquoise power following in their wake. They spun down and flew straight through the group of soldiers.
Onius’s pain grew deeper as his magic suddenly drained away. By the look of others around him, all the wizards had somehow lost their powers. With awe he looked up at Bakari.
Hearing an animalistic growl, Onius turned his attention back to the ground around him. Daymian Khouri did not hold any powers but had a sword in his hand, and it was already in motion.
