Hope in the Shadows

by Umut Ersezer

  “The teachings…they’re real!” Faber breathed.

  “What teachings?” Porro asked.

  “The gods’ boy. The ancient teachings tell us of stories where gods, ridin dragons once breathed life into our world. Apparently, it’s how we all got’ere. But there was some disaster thousands’o years ago wiping it all out, life had to start again and rebuild. The priests talk of a now fallen world we live in because we’ve grown away from the teachings of the gods.”

  “You didn’t believe in the stories?” asked Porro while listening intently. He had no formal education, but he did enjoy learning.

  “I didn’t, boy, why would I, do you see any gods?”

  “No, but there’s a dragon.”

  “Aye boy, a blasting dragon flyin over our heads.”

  “What does it mean? asked Porro with a concerned look upon his face.

  “No idea boy, but it can’t be no coincidence this dragon turning up just at the time of this so-called darkspawn war. There’s something brewin’ out there let me tell you, that I’m sure of…I just don’t know what. All I know is I definitely don’t want to be comin’ face to face with a dragon! So let’s hope it’s on our side,” Faber exclaimed.

  “Reckon I could get its help with the bellows Master Faber?” asked Porro with a cheeky grin.

  Faber looked back at the boy, his face smudged with grime and sweat from the day’s work. A smile crept along Faber’s face.

  “C’mon Porro, we got work to do,” Faber chuckled, wrapping his arm around the boy’s shoulders.

  Porro couldn’t help but beam a smile back at Faber.

  “I tell you what boy, I wonder what I could forge with dragon fire. Its properties are storied to be unique’n incredibly hot. I wonder what kind’o alloys I could create, the shapes I could hammer,” Faber thought out loud while looking back up at the dragon flying overhead.

  “Bah, what am I thinkin’, I’m a fool dwarf for even considerin’ it. I’d just be a snack to that beast!”

  “I doubt it, Master Faber, I couldn’t imagine any beast enjoying you as a snack,” Porro said with a grin.

  “You watch it, boy, I’ll hav’u know I’m all warm’ n fuzzy on the inside, delicious to dragons and more,” Faber retorted.

  They both laughed as the dragon disappeared into the distance. Although Faber hid it from his apprentice, he couldn’t help but feel worried about what the future held for him and his young apprentice.

  **

  Calidum clashed his sword against Webil’s, the unmistakable clang of two metals colliding rang out. The men were growing more proficient with the sword and shield with each passing day. They had come a long way with their skill and endurance since first picking up a sword and shield. Cal still doubted they would be much use on a battlefield against career soldiers though, not to mention the darkspawn.

  The men still waited for their first encounter, each passing day seemed to make them grow more anxious. Expecting the unknown to come and attack them any day now. The thought lingered over everyone’s minds, spurring them to train.

  There were gasps from around Cal as the recruits one by one started to look upwards, pointing into the sky. Cal followed their gaze and looked up to see a huge violet – navy dragon fly overhead.

  “No way!” Webil exclaimed, his jaw hanging low.

  “By the gods, can it be…can it really be true?” Cal wondered out loud.

  Cal’s thoughts strayed to his family, could they see the dragon? Cal thought of his boys, staring at the dragon in wonder but also worrying for their safety. How would they interpret him being taken away to some war, then see a dragon flying the skies? Volare, Amet, hang in there I’ll be home as soon as I can, Cal thought. Gods give you strength Fidum, I will return, and we will leave this land.

  He now found himself often wishing they had just stayed on Ozos. Opportunity was limited for them, but at least they didn’t have to contend with darkspawn and now dragons as well.

  “Um…Cal…why is there a dragon flying over us? I mean…it’s a dragon, right? It looks like what the stories say they look like,” Webil asked Cal.

  “Indeed Webil, it’s a dragon alright, but I’ve got no clue where it came from or why it’s here. Can’t be a coincidence though,” replied Cal.

  “Be strong Fidum, for our boys, keep them safe,” Cal thought out loud.

  The dragon continued to fly high above the garrison town, not paying any attention to the commotion it was causing below. No doubt the darkspawn had taken notice of the dragon as well, how would they respond? There was growing speculation amongst the recruits on the intentions and origins of the darkspawn.

  None of them confirmed or informed of course, but with so little to do besides train and rest, garrison residents were prone to spin all kinds of tall tales. Cal, curious by nature, also couldn’t help but join in the speculation as to where these darkspawn came from. Did the eshin conjure them? Were they the result of the invasion into Dritura? Or maybe they’ve always been there in the Pointed Forest, hiding, waiting for the right moment…but to do what? Perhaps it was the darkspawn that caused the destructions thousands of years prior, here to repeat the cycle.

  These questions circled in Cal’s head repeatedly, it was frustrating to have no answers. He used the day’s training to hide the frustration caused by his ignorance and his heartache from being separated from his family.

  “Cal…do you think the dragon is on our side…or…the darkspawn’s?” asked Webil.

  Cal looked at him blankly, he hadn’t considered that question. He looked back up at the dragon.

  “Webil, I don’t know how I would even begin to fight a dragon, or if anyone does for that matter. On this occasion, I truly hope the teachings are true, for if they are, that dragon represents hope,” replied Cal.

  “And if they’re not? If it’s some kind of darkspawn creature?” asked Webil as he swallowed.

  “Then take cover, my friend, no shield is going to protect you from that thing.”

  ** Chapter 18 **

  The Eshin

  Volare and Ferox had been flying over the lands of Dritura for hours now. A sense of calmness and freedom enveloping both of them. Volare was mesmerised with the lands below, to view everything from above was, eye-opening, to say the least.

  He could see the roads that snaked their way throughout the lands, the villages and minor cities that were springing up, the patchwork of agricultural land, all the rapid development that accompanied adventuring humans was on display before him.

  He also noticed the extensive deforestation that was occurring, vast swathes of forest had been reduced to stumps, Volare had never taken notice of just how lush and green Dritura was. There was life teeming in every corner of the land, able to carve its own niche from the environment.

  It was in stark contrast to what he had been told about Ozos, the land of humans. It was described to him by his father as mostly desert in the middle with bright sparks of life at corners and edges. But Dritura was different, it was alive, everywhere across the land. Although not responsible, Volare couldn’t help but feel some guilt for the way the land had been manipulated since the arrival of the humans. His own family needed to clear additional forest in order to start their farm, or so he had been told.

  “The humans are destroying my lands. I won’t stand for this,” rumbled Ferox, reflecting Volare’s thoughts.

  “What do you mean? What will you do?” Volare asked.

  “The lands are sick with destruction young Volare, I would have it cleansed. There is an imbalance, one which I cannot right on my own. We need to seek the other dragons,” Ferox explained.

  “How many are there?”

  “Three including myself, one for each lifeling creation. I sense Peritus, dragon god of dwarves is still slumbering underground in Nni. She may also be trapped as I was, we will need the keystone to free her.”

  “And the other?” Volare asked.

  “Zelogh, dragon god of humans, fierce
in nature, the strongest of us. A dragon of passion with crimson red scales. We will need him for the battle to come.”

  “You mention fighting again, Ferox, what do you mean, who are we fighting?” Volare asked.

  “I will explain when we arrive, young Volare.”

  The next few days were spent flying, hunting and resting in between legs.

  Volare wasn’t labouring like he used to back in the village, but he still couldn’t help but feel tired from the travel, he wasn’t quite sure why. He took pleasure in brushing and feeding Brun during their stops, who neighed in appreciation, galloping about to stretch his legs.

  The travel couldn’t be easy on him either, being locked up within Ferox’s talons for hours on end. Hopefully, Brun also enjoyed the sights below as they flew.

  “Today will be our last flight Volare, I can sense my lifelings are close now, they have spread themselves along the south coast of Ethya, a concentration of their life essence has gathered directly south of us.” Ferox explained.

  Volare climbed atop Ferox. With a running start Ferox launched into the air, gathering Brun in his talons as well. They soared high once more. The climate was much cooler in the southern lands, the chill air biting into Volare’s skin, he hugged Ferox tight, trying to absorb some of the dragon’s radiant heat. Volare didn’t know much about the land of Ethya, but it appeared there was a lot of new growth below. Young forests and expansive greenery seemed to be spreading through the land. He was taught that lush forests only existed in the middle belt of the land. The climate of the southern areas couldn’t support lush growth. What he saw below seemed to juxtapose that claim, however.

  The hours crawled by, the novelty of flying was certainly starting to wear off, exponentially in fact with each degree the temperature dropped. Volare wanted to return to land, and he wouldn’t have to wait much longer. Below him was an extensive village, large enough to be a city but lacking in the timber and stone towers of human architecture.

  Ferox gave a mighty roar, announcing his arrival. He launched fire from his mouth, putting on quite the display for the onlookers below.

  “Won’t you scare them off!?” Volare cried out.

  “The bond is close between my lifelings and me, Volare, they will not scare.”

  Ferox started to descend towards the ground, the buildings growing larger as they got closer. Finally, their long journey through the clouds seemed to have come to an end. Volare had noticed how Ferox’s landings had grown smoother since the start of their journey as he rekindled his dormant flying skills.

  He gave another mighty roar once they were settled onto land. Volare could now see tall blue beings running towards them. They didn’t seem to be carrying any weapons which he was relieved about but decided to stay atop Ferox for now just in case. Ferox stood tall as hundreds of eshin ran into the clearing to look upon their god. Musical speech emanated from them, filling the environment with beautiful sounds.

  Ferox also now producing melodic tones deep within his throat, no doubt communicating with his lifelings. Volare felt somewhat awkward sitting atop their dragon god as if he had accidentally joined a date between two reuniting lovers. Ferox lowered his body as if sensing Volare’s discomfort tilting it to one side so Volare could slide off. The eshin grew quiet, some even stepping back from him. Volare unable to escape his feelings of awkwardness, also took a step back holding up his hands to show he meant them no harm.

  Ferox began once more sounding his musical language, which seemed to calm the eshin. He turned his head to Volare.

  “It is okay, they are nervous what your purpose here is, I have explained you mean them no harm, and I have need of you,” Ferox explained. “Follow us with Brun into the village. We will rest.”

  Volare nodded in return, and he and Brun made their way deeper into the village. Ferox explored the village by the outskirts, not able to fit within its streets but able to peer from above. He watched his lifelings go about their business, most, if not all, at some point or another giving prayer and thanks to him directly.

  It was a daunting and intimidating sight, having a dragon peer upon your village, but the eshin didn’t mind, and Volare felt a strange comfort knowing Ferox could watch over him.

  “Follow, this way,” one of the eshin said to Volare. He stumbled at the shock of hearing them speak his tongue.

  “You speak English?” Volare asked wide-eyed.

  “No, but Ferox has chosen you for his quest, he has allowed your mind to interpret and understand our language,” the eshin leading him replied. “What is your name?”

  “Volare and you?”

  “Caeru. Welcome to Viridi, I have been charged for your wellbeing,” she said while looking straight ahead.

  She was much taller than Volare, equally slender but with feminine curves extenuating her body. Like the rest of the eshin, she wore a fur-lined colourful and patterned tunic that covered the body down to the legs. Her light brown hair hung in a long braid behind her. Volare couldn’t tell just how old, or young for that matter, she was.

  “Thank you,” he replied.

  As the three walked through the village, Volare cast his eyes around to see a vibrant village full of inhabitants. It looked so different in terms of its residents and architecture but at the same time, had an odd familiarity to it.

  The eshin were carrying wares, appeared to have merchant stalls and lived in simple huts, only with taller rooflines, just like humans.

  They gathered around bonfires, sharing food, drinks and stories. They didn’t have the weight hanging on their shoulders that Volare had grown accustomed to in recent times living in Vicus.

  They seemed…happy. The walls of their buildings were also painted in bright colours, either patterns or depictions of some activity. They gave off a faint glow in the diminished light of the setting sun. Volare thought it to be quite beautiful, even whimsical in some regards.

  Caeru stopped in front of a door, holding out a hand.

  “You will spend the night here. You are not a prisoner, but it is preferred if you do not wander the village tonight. The other villagers will need some time to understand and accept a human living amongst us for the time being. There will no doubt be opportunity for exploration and answers in the morning and days to come, for now, rest. I will take your horse to our stables where he will be well taken care of.”

  “Thank you,” Volare said, not knowing what else to say.

  “One more thing, it will probably be quite noisy late into the night. A week of celebrations are planned for the return of our god. We have waited for this moment for a long time, so we will celebrate accordingly,” explained Caeru.

  Volare stepped through the timber doors into a one-room hut, hearing the clattering of Brun’s hoofs walk off behind him. There was colourful food presented on a single table, ranging from fruits, vegetables and meat. It filled the room with enticing aromas that made Volare’s stomach grumble and his mouth water.

  A bed that looked exceptionally comfortable invited Volare to rest upon it. He also noticed warmer clothing, lined with fur hanging off a pair of racks, also looking inviting. The fireplace was alive with a warming fire to ease the ache in his hands. Volare feasted, then with a satisfied stomach crawled into his bed.

  He felt happy for the eshin and although curious and keen to join in on the party clearly kicking off outside, didn’t want to ruin this moment for them. So he slept.

  **

  The morning brought light rain pattering against the roof of Volare’s hut. The steady beat of it was always soothing for him, allowing him to sleep more soundly than usual. It was thought that predators of the night didn’t like hunting in the rain and so lifelings had grown accustomed to sleeping soundly under rainfall. He had rested well during the week, the celebrations calmed as the days wore on.

  It gave Volare a chance to explore the colourful village, even getting to know some of the eshin personally. They didn’t speak to him very much, but enough for him to get a sense t
hat although they were not in their homeland, they seemed satisfied in this new one.

  Volare had learned that the eshin had the ability to manipulate nature around them. Promoting the growth of desired plants and nullifying the growth of others. They were transforming this land to suit their needs. It was magical to watch, plants growing and receding at a rate much faster than usual. The eshin seemed to be able to communicate with the plants themselves with their musical language.

  Their musical instruments were just as impressive as their language. Volare was treated to all manner of entertainment of song, dance and culture during the days and nights of celebrations. Ferox was borderline euphoric connecting with his lifelings. He seemed to purr during the musical ensembles performed in his honour.

  Volare ate his breakfast in his hut, under the patter of the rain, not sure what the day would bring. So much had happened the past week, he was still trying to understand it all. He worried about what was to come next. He knew there was so much more to learn, to do, he still felt so unsure of himself.

  “Volare, it is time, return to me,” Ferox’ voice crashed through Volare’s mind.

  He hurried out of his bed, getting changed and making sure to grab something to eat as well. He threw open the door to find Caeru patiently waiting for him. She raised her hand, beckoning him to follow once more. It was early morning, and the streets were empty, no doubt the eshin were recovering from the night of celebrations.

  Volare was led to the outskirts of the village where he could now see Ferox, looking down and speaking with eshin on the ground. They all turned to him, stopping their conversation. That awkward feeling returning once more.

  “Volare, I have learned much during the nights here. This world has regressed further than I had feared, but there is hope,” explained Ferox.

  Volare could only stand and listen, he felt so insignificant, so tiny compared to the scale of what was happening around him. He had to say something.