The dragon tilted this way and that, swooping in between rocks and gorges, dipping down and lifting up to a peak. The fear soon evaporated and Red was enjoying every movement. It was so natural to him and he found himself actually guiding the dragon. Shard gave in to the subtle commands of a tug to the left or a pull to the right. Red was now a Dragon Rider.
Chapter 30
The Plan
Over the next week or so, Red went out on numerous flights with Shard and proved to be a natural at piloting a dragon. They were becoming inseparable too. Obsidian also took the boy under his wing and taught him the fundamentals of wizardry. He told the boy that if they took back Valusha then he would give him proper lessons. Caleb also said that he would help him with his magic when back in the city.
Alba, with rest and food, soon regained his strength and was back to his old self and that’s what everyone was waiting for. He imparted his wisdom on the young wizard so Red had a wealth of knowledge all around him. There were many meetings, especially with Rebus and Obsidian, and the tension was at a high when, one evening, Obsidian summoned everyone to the Great Hall, which had changed.
It was still as grand a place as all the other rooms in the world Obsidian had created, but instead of the open floor, which led to the waterfall at the other end, now, it held a large granite dining table. Obsidian was already sitting at one end, with chairs laid out to each side. Everyone filed in. Obsidian had sent Red to deliver the message. Things were so unusual here that no one thought anything different of there being a banquet table, which wasn’t there before. After everyone was seated, Obsidian spoke.
‘In order to take back Valusha, we must have a plan,’ he said sensibly; there were nods all around.
‘So,’ Rhidian spoke up, ‘what is it?’
‘Well, let’s look at the reality-side of things,’ Rebus added.
‘Such as?’ Alba asked with interest.
‘We’re not only attacking Jenta-Lor and his police force,’ Obsidian said seriously. ‘There are lots of innocent people to think about.’ Rhidian immediately thought about his wife, Mia.
‘Where did he recruit his police force?’ Caleb asked in curiosity.
‘In truth, no one knows,’ Obsidian said. ‘One minute they weren’t there, the next they were. He’d also convinced the people to vote me out. He must hold very persuasive powers,’ the ancient wizard added.
‘You can’t just recruit random people and train them up into soldiers in the blink of an eye,’ Rhidian reasoned.
‘No, and that’s why I think that Jenta-Lor is not a mortal!’ Rebus commented.
‘Not a mortal? What are you saying, Rebus?’ Rhidian pressed.
‘What Rebus is saying, Rhidian, is that Jenta-Lor is a wizard!’ Caleb said.
‘So, what does this mean?’ Red enquired.
‘It means the lying, cheating…’ Obsidian stopped before he got too angry. ‘Well, it means we’re dealing with a very cunning individual. One who has used magic to take over by telling everyone in Valusha that wizards are evil creatures. His so-called police force must only be the poor souls who have been brainwashed into working for him. Vulnerable citizens of Valusha who are now his “zombie army”,’ the wizard concluded.
‘We’ll have to prove that theory,’ Caleb said.
‘And that means that this “damper field” that is supposed to be expelling magic from being used in Valusha is actually created by a wizard. And is, in fact, allowing Jenta-Lor to practise magic inside the city, whilst stopping enemy wizards from getting back in,’ Obsidian concluded.
‘It all sounds full-proof,’ Rhidian stated. ‘How are we even going to get near enough to breakdown this damper field?’ Rhidian continued with urgency.
‘I think I know a way to collapse the field from the inside,’ Obsidian announced.
‘So, what’s the plan?’ Red asked eagerly, and the others looked intrigued too.
‘From the inside? How?’ Caleb was sceptical. ‘There is no one left inside Valusha who can help us. I think I was the last one to escape,’ he said.
‘No, there is one more inside Valusha that can help us. But that person doesn’t even know that they are a wizard,’ Obsidian said, and he rested his chin on his clenched hands and stared into the distance.
‘But magic can’t be used on the inside because of the damper field, so how is this person going to use their power?’ Caleb questioned.
‘If we can distract Jenta-Lor enough to take his mind off the field, it will weaken, and that’s when we can strike. The wizard can then use their power from within,’ Obsidian said with confidence.
‘Is that possible?’ Alba appeared as if he were in two minds.
‘Think about it, Alba. Jenta-Lor has to use his magic power for the damper field and the mind control that he’s probably got on the people. And he’ll have to use his magic to stop our attack. Something has got to give to juggle all that lot, and I don’t think he’s powerful enough to do all that. So our wizard can then break down the field.’
‘That sounds about right,’ Caleb agreed with a nod.
‘Who is this person?’ Rebus asked; even he didn’t know.
‘I’ve kept this a secret for a long time and I’m not about to reveal it right now. You’ll all know when the time comes. I need to get within a short distance of that person to contact them. If they can then shut down the damper field, then I think the army will dissolve with it, leaving Jenta-Lor exposed to attack,’ Obsidian said.
‘There are lots of innocent people in that city, including my wife,’ Rhidian said, his eyes sad. ‘If Jenta-Lor is as unscrupulous as you say he is, then what is stopping him from using the innocent as a barrier and sacrificing them?’ Rhidian explained, and almost broke down.
‘Nothing. And he will use them to shield his army, but we’ll have to use the element of surprise. We’ll have to attack at night and take him down before he even knows we’re there,’ Obsidian spoke, and looked at his faithful companions.
‘When do we go?’ Caleb said.
‘We start our journey at midday, that is if you’re feeling up to it, Alba?’ Obsidian answered.
‘I’m fine now, thank you, Obsidian,’ Alba said.
‘We have a ship and there are six of us,’ Rebus said in a raised voice. But before he could say anything else, there was the familiar flapping of giant wings. All eyes instinctively peered at the waterfall and Shard came bursting through, but not at such a pace that he couldn’t stop. He gracefully skidded to a halt, metres from the table, water droplets flying in all directions. Everyone except Obsidian took a sharp intake of breath. Red just smiled at the spectacle. Shard composed himself. He folded away his wings and his breathing eased. He stooped down until his whole body was in a comfortable position and there was a pause; no one spoke for a moment or two, and then…
‘I am also coming on this journey,’ the dragon announced. Nearly everyone was astounded, including Obsidian; all except Red, who already knew the dragon could speak.
‘Shard,’ Obsidian gushed, ‘you can speak and understand.’
‘Everything you’ve ever said to me,’ the dragon admitted.
‘B-but, why didn’t you tell me?’ Obsidian asked.
‘One day I was going to tell you, and that day is now,’ Shard said simply.
‘What made you want to talk?’ Obsidian probed.
‘Once a dragon finds a rider, then that person becomes his companion and that’s when we speak,’ Shard said with pride.
‘He spoke to me first,’ Red piped up with a tremble.
‘You truly are the Dragon Rider,’ Obsidian said with pride. ‘Now let us eat and prepare for the journey.’ Food appeared on the table in front of them. It was their last meal in Gelbar.
‘I propose a toast,’ Obsidian announced. ‘Hail the Dragon Rider,’ the wizard said as he raised his glass, and the other noticed there were glasses of wine sitting in front of them too. So, glasses were raised all around.
‘Seven of u
s it is then,’ Rebus gushed.
‘I was hoping you’d come along, Shard. Thank you,’ Obsidian said with gratitude.
*****
When the meal was over, everyone got on board The Horizon. Red unhitched the last of the tethers and soon the ship departed the dock. From the jetty, it looked as though it was heading straight for the sun as it rose up high. The air was warm and the wind calm. The spectacle looked amazing. The Horizon, which was piloted by Rhidian, sailed majestically across the summer sky as Shard flew parallel. Red gazed across and admired the beauty of the creature as it gracefully floated on a current of warm air. But this was just the beginning – the start of a journey which no one knew the outcome.
Chapter 31
Damper Field
The journey took two days and luckily they hadn’t encountered any pirate ships on the way. Obsidian asked Rhidian to prepare to slow the engines and bring the vessel to a stop. It was approaching evening and they could just about make out Valusha in the distance through the twilight haze.
‘We’ll have to wait until it’s completely dark before we even attempt to approach the city,’ Obsidian said. Caleb and Rebus were on the deck and were soon joined by Alba. Red was talking to Shard to the rear of the ship – there was plenty of space for the dragon to stretch out and rest on the deck.
‘So, what’s the attack plan?’ Rhidian asked as he eased back on the revs. The Horizon finally came gently to a halt. It tilted and rocked slightly as it settled.
‘Come on, let’s join the others out there and work out a way to take back Valusha without hurting the innocent,’ Obsidian said, as he made his way out of the control room. He turned to the stern and called the others to follow. There, next to Shard and Red, everyone gathered and waited for the wise one to speak. It was a warm evening and quite pleasant; that would have been great if it wasn’t for the fact that they were about to go into battle.
‘This is not going to be easy,’ Obsidian said with conviction. ‘The biggest problem we have to face is the fact that Jenta-Lor will feel us coming. I’m sure he’ll be ready to fight. He’s not going to give up his position as ruler if he can help it. He’ll probably use any force necessary to prevent us from taking over. We have to restore order. Any ideas?’
‘He’s got the damper field too, and that’s our first challenge,’ Rebus spoke up. ‘You said you’ve a contact inside that can help us, Obsidian?’
‘What if we create our own damper field before we get within range so Jenta-Lor won’t feel us coming?’ Alba said. Everyone looked at the old wizard in complete surprise.
‘Great idea, Alba,’ Caleb said with excitement.
‘Then, when we’re close enough, I can use my “mind transfer” to try and contact our ally inside the city.’ Obsidian looked deep in thought.
‘I’m a little sceptical on one thing,’ Caleb added. Obsidian broke away from his focus and nodded politely.
‘What worries you?’ the wise sorcerer enquired.
‘Why doesn’t Jenta-Lor know about this wizard who is living among his people?’ Caleb queried. ‘Surely he can sense that person too?’
‘Oh, that’s easy,’ Obsidian said with a polite smile. ‘The wizard in question doesn’t know they have magical powers. I made sure of that before I left. So if the wizard doesn’t know they’re a wizard, then neither will Jenta-Lor.’
There was silence for a moment as the others paused for thought.
‘Brilliant!’ Red gushed.
‘So who is this person?’ Rebus asked, the curiosity too strong.
‘I can’t say at the moment. There are a lot of things riding on this… it’s complicated and very flimsy. I’m hoping that this person is still in Valusha,’ he shrugged his shoulders. ‘I don’t even know if the person in question is married and if the wizard has a family. If they have, then maybe they won’t want to risk hurting them,’ Obsidian admitted. ‘My feeling is that my contact is still there; it’s a risk I’m willing to take. What about you?’ He looked at all the others. ‘Are you still with me?’ There was quiet thought and then everyone nodded in compliance. ‘Okay. We have other things to sort first. Right, this damper field, let’s put that in place,’ Obsidian said.
‘We’ll need all our concentration to conjure the field. So, if we sit in a circle on the floor,’ Obsidian said, ‘let’s sit on the deck and link minds.’ All the wizards sat, including Red. Rhidian stepped back.
‘Come, sit next to me,’ Shard said to the engineer, who was beginning to feel like a third wheel. The dragon gestured with his eyes towards a wooden barrel that was secured next to him. ‘We don’t want to interrupt their little magical games, do we?’ he said, which made Rhidian smile.
While the sorcerers conducted their experiment, Rhidian turned to Shard.
‘I sense something is troubling you, Rhidian?’ Shard said, getting directly to the point.
‘Well.’ Rhidian then lowered his voice so that the wizards couldn’t hear. ‘It’s about what’s going to take place,’ he said, and the concern was evident in his mannerisms.
‘Yes,’ Shard said and turned his large head in Rhidian’s direction.
‘Make no bones about it, but we’re going into battle.’ Shard didn’t interrupt and let the engineer speak. ‘At some point, you and Red will face a lot of danger.’ Shard could hear the anxiety in his voice.
‘Go on,’ Shard nodded.
‘Look, I’ve grown very fond of Red. He feels like a son to me and I would hate anything to happen to him.’ Rhidian said the words and Shard could see and hear the emotion.
‘I totally understand, Rhidian,’ Shard retorted, ‘and I will do my utmost to keep him safe… but we are going into war. And that brings with it all kinds of scary situations. But Red is a wizard, Rhidian, and wizards have an uncanny way of surviving. Don’t underestimate the young lad,’ Shard said, and gave a friendly nod. Rhidian smiled and then turned away to witness the ritual of the bonding of wizards.
‘It’s done,’ Alba exclaimed.
‘Now he won’t feel us coming, and we’ll have the element of surprise,’ Caleb said excitedly.
*****
Evening eventually drew in and it became dark enough for the crew to start up The Horizon and head towards the city of Valusha.
‘If we dock on the south side, where this ship was originally tethered, then we can get in without being seen,’ Obsidian said sensibly.
‘Brilliant,’ Rebus gushed. ‘They won’t be expecting us there. In fact, they won’t be expecting us at all!’
‘Okay, good plan,’ Caleb and Alba agreed. Rhidian and Red nodded in unison.
‘We’ll still have to cut the engines as we approach, just in case there is someone on watch,’ Rhidian announced.
‘Good thinking, Rhidian,’ Obsidian said with a grin.
‘Oh, that’s not good,’ Rhidian exclaimed as he pointed in the distance.
‘What is it?’ Red asked with interest.
‘There’s a fog,’ Rhidian chirped up. ‘That’s going to make things a bit more tricky, but it’ll also help mask our arrival.’
The inky-blue night sky soon became enveloped in a thick, grey mist.
‘It won’t matter so much about hiding now. We can go directly to Jenta-Lor’s palace and confront him head-on, instead of sneaking up on him.’
‘But it’s going to be a problem to manoeuvre through the mist,’ Rhidian said.
‘I can help with that,’ Shard said in a deep voice. ‘I can navigate in bad weather conditions. I’ve done it before.’
‘That’s cool,’ Rhidian said. ‘That’ll help a lot.’
‘You’re amazing,’ Red gushed and gave a wide grin.
‘Start the engines, Rhidian,’ Obsidian commanded. ‘Head for the palace. Here we go.’
Chapter 32
Silent Attack
The grey mist came in wisps at first and began to settle its tentacles on the vessel like a sleepy snake. Soon The Horizon was engulfed in a dense fog and Rhidian
had to slow right down.
‘Shut off the engines and coast,’ Obsidian said to Rhidian. The engineer felt like saying something like “Aye-aye, Captain”, but thought better of it.
‘Okay, Shard, you’re up,’ Rhidian said.
Red was on the deck with the dragon, where he’d been since the start of the journey. In fact, they were inseparable. Rebus, Alba and Caleb were standing at the bow, holding onto the rail and peered silently into the mist. It was eerie. All that could be heard were the sounds of the timbers creaking and groaning as if in pain.
Shard lifted his head and his blue eyes seemed to glow as he concentrated.
‘This is unnerving,’ Red whispered.
‘I suppose so,’ Shard retorted, his voice deep and rich. ‘Rhidian, keep on the course you’re already on. It’s not far now, maybe just under a mile ahead,’ Shard relayed the information.
Soon they could all make out the glowing lights of Valusha and Obsidian felt a pang in his stomach. So did the others, especially Rhidian; Mia was somewhere within those lights. He hoped she was safe and no harm had come to her since he’d been abducted.
‘Steady, Rhidian, just a little to the right if you please,’ Shard instructed.
Through the swirls of mist they could plainly see Jenta-Lor’s palace. It was high above everything else in the city and lit in a plethora of colours. There was complete silence on the deck.
‘I’ll make contact with—’ but Obsidian didn’t have time to finish his words; a loud siren was raised which cut through the still night.
‘There’s a hive of activity down there!’ Caleb shouted from the deck.
‘We must have breached a sensor or something,’ Obsidian winced. ‘Start her up and get us out of here, now!’ he shouted. ‘We don’t have the element of surprise any more, but we do still have the fog.’
‘They’re firing at us,’ Alba rasped. And with that the engine turned over just as stray bullets sparked from below. Soon the ship began to lift and the shots followed.
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