DragonKnights (Protectors of the Realm)

By Timothy C. Socha

The story is written in five segments to introduce the main characters. Starting with a segment entitled "Squire's Dragon", a young squire abused by his knight in training is introduced, and they come across a dragon while hunting. The knight and his horse flee leaving the young squire to face the dragon alone...
The next segment, "Dragon Trust", is told from the dragon's perspective in which a young man, formerly a prisoner of pirates, comes across the dragon who was wounded by a town sentry as he leisurely flew overhead...
The third segment "Simple Dragon" introduces a young boy who is unable to communicate with others because of a birth defect. He rescues a baby dragon from a tangle of vine and through a series of misfortunes and mishaps ends up fighting as a gladiator in the arena, soon becoming a favorite, and is pitted against such creatures as wolves and bears, giants and ultimately a dragon. The same dragon he had saved in his younger days...
In the final two segments "Dragon Knights" and "Dragon Power" all three characters come together when the land is under siege by a Dark Sorcerer and his Legion of Darkness. A vision is carried from out of the far north in which it is rumored that The Dark Sorcerer has a dragon under his control and three more riders with him, and the only way to fight against dragon riders is with other dragon riders. So the King's only Dragon Knight must recruit other riders, and searches out those from the other introductory segments. Once recruited and teamed together they face the Legion of Darkness only to learn that the vision's interpretation was not as simple as it seemed...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Timothy C. Socha
• Release date: Feb 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466063037

Timothy C. Socha

Born in 1958 I was raised in the back woods of Michigan. Miles of pristine forests and lakes that I considered my backyard, where one day I could be Huckleberry Finn paddling his raft up the Mississippi, to being a Native American exploring the unmapped regions of the wilderness. Great Adventures were within my grasp each morning, and it was only up to me to decide the adventure for the day, fueling my imagination and giving me the desire to share the worlds I created with the hope that my readers would be able to escape within their own minds and enjoy a little time away as well.

Book preview

Prologue

Astrologers claim that there are over 125 billion galaxies in the universe, and any one of them could contain planets capable of sustaining life. If we are to believe that other habitable planets exist, then we also must believe that each one was created by God, and that each one holds the truths of God’s Word. For every habitable planet, there is a watchman, a Sojourner, who serves the human populations that have grown from the dust of the planets, to protect them and watch over them as they mature into the spiritual beings God intended them to be. As watchman, it is the Sojourner’s job to live among the people, remaining bound to the planet until a time comes when the human population either learns to avoid their fleshy tendencies, or are so consumed by their own flesh that there is no spirituality left, and their planet is destroyed. Though lives may be different on these other planets, though the beings who live there may look slightly different than those who dwell on earth, each one knows about this small blue planet where God sent His only Son to dwell and die for the human populations everywhere. The Holy Word tells us to look to the Hebrews for an example; those chosen by God to be just that-and though there may be other beings, more powerful, more magical than the humans who dwell on the Earth, all must answer to God in the end. All must believe that God created the Jewish people as an example for all races, everywhere, and accept the fact that God wants us each to look out for one another. God commands all creatures to serve those lesser than them; placing the last as first and the first as last. The various populations of humans, scattered throughout the universe, must learn to take care of one another and nurture each other to become the Spiritual Creatures God intended them to be. God created humans to be the caretakers, what better creature than those formed from the very dust they must take care of…

Yarah.

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Part One: Squire’s Dragon

With every child born there is a potential for heroes, but what makes the hero often comes through unexpected means. Every person you know, every person you meet or pass on the street, has a unique purpose and when one becomes aware of their purpose they become the necessary heroes in which the world depends for growth and sustainability. Take any day and look around- observe as people live out their mundane lives, doing what they have always done, teaching others through their example, accepting the task at hand and carrying it through to the end- each one, heroes in their own way. The hero is only as big as the task at hand, but in some cases a hero is born who holds the entire world on their shoulders, and when they willingly take on the task that God has designed them for, their power becomes boundless. God is no respecter of persons, anybody you see along life’s path could very well be chosen to lead others into the next phase of human growth and existence.

Yarah.

Chapter 1

The squire often dreamed of being a knight; a real hero that hunted dragons, saved maidens in distress, and rode to the rescue on a white charger... but dragons no longer existed except in legends, and maidens in distress were scarce, let alone maidens in general. He was merely squire to a nobleman's son who was only three years older and in need of discipline himself.

His two older brothers inherited the family business and the other one became a carpenter's apprentice, so when the Lord of the Land sent out an edict requesting that his father send one of his sons to become squire to his own son there was no other choice. A refusal was not acceptable. It was an honor to become squire to a nobleman, besides things were bad enough without having the lord of the land angry with them.

Whap! he received a cuff upside the head. Quit your daydreaming and get that saddle tightened! the noble son demanded.

They were preparing for a hunt and the squire was to act as dog; retrieving spent arrows that missed their mark, or collecting game that had the misfortune of engaging one. Not allowed a horse, the squire had to trot alongside the noble son's horse and keep up as best he could. It was a matter of discipline!

The noble son loved it, taking full advantage of the situation. It was a game to him; especially after the drenching rain the realm had experienced over the past couple days.

Luckily for the squire, the long hunting treks had conditioned him well and he was able to jump or dodge any puddles the noble son tried forcing him into.

An hour into the hunt the squire noticed bear tracks along the trail. He felt sick; bears were deadly when wounded and it would be up to him to check a downed bear for life, an easy way to die if he wasn't careful. He hoped the noble son hadn't noticed.

As luck would have it, the noble son noticed, reining his horse before a clump of raspberry bushes, where the tracks disappeared into a thick stand of brambles.

A gust of wind parted the brush slightly and the squire saw a brief shimmer of iridescent scales in the sunlight. Nothing that big with scales would be a desirable target. That is not a bear, the squire warned.

What else that big would be in a raspberry patch? the noble son declared with annoyance.

A horse, a wild boar, a person, a dragon-

A dragon, pshaw- it's a bear, I'm certain of it!

Before the squire could say anything more, the noble son released an arrow.

There was a deafening roar as a great dragon loomed from the underbrush.

Terrified, the noble son's horse bucked, throwing the noble son into a puddle, and galloping down the trail.

The squire froze with fear.

Slowly the dragon moved toward him, tongue darting in and out like a serpent sensing prey.

The tales he heard always warned about looking into a dragon's eyes, but he was helplessly drawn to them. Glowing like the embers of a fire, the crimson eyes reminded him of the great stone fireplace that dominated the north wall of the small cottage he grew up in, oddly inciting pleasant memories of his childhood; memories so vivid it seemed he was there. It was as if he could hear the dull thud of an ax outside as his father split the great logs with a single swing, recalling those strong arms lifting him effortlessly to the back of the wagon.

He recalled the summer he turned five when his family had taken a trip to the seashore and he had wandered up the beach, beyond the tide marks, where he came across an assortment of multi-colored shells. There was also something dead; in recalling the memory, he realized it had been some sort of reptile. A shadow had suddenly cast over him sending a chill up his spine. Slowly turning, he came face to face with a huge bird, wings fully extended as it landed before him. The carnivorous bird screeched, claiming the carrion as his own.

He ran, stumbling in the loose sand, and tumbled over the top of a dune. As he pushed up to regain his feet his hand came against something hard and smooth, ovoid in shape; an egg of some sort. He brushed the loose sand away to reveal a pearly white shell with swirls of iridescence that seemed to move when he moved. The egg was too large to be a bird's, but just right to enclose a small reptile like the one found dead. Remembering the great bird, he covered the egg hoping to conceal it from any other such predators.

The following morning he returned only to find the shards of a broken egg, and the vision changed perspective. He was no longer looking through the eyes of a five-year old boy, but through the eyes of a young dragon just hatched. He watched as the vision of his five-year-old self disappeared over the dunes.

Again, the vision shifted, to the dragon rolling from side to side, enjoying a good scratch, oblivious to anything around him. What had he to fear? Dragons had no natural enemies, and there were no ironclad-knights in the area; of that, he was certain. The only scent he detected was of a lone bear that had passed early that morning.

After the ecstasy of a good scratch, the dragon had dozed for a moment, savoring the good feeling, and enjoying the morning warmth. He hadn't noticed the two men who rode up until an arrow ricocheted off his scales. Infuriated at the interruption, he rose to his full height, filling the men with dread.

The squire felt dizzy as the visions continued and he couldn’t release himself from the dragon's gaze. Another vision spread through his mind of the dragon lying in his lair beside a mound of treasure. Atop the mound were a golden helmet and lance, and a shield studded with jewels.

The squire thought how magnificent it would be to wear such armor, and found himself included in the vision, wearing the helmet, bearing the shield and lance, astride the dragon, and then he was released from the dragon’s paralyzing gaze.

The dragon flattened his head, nearly resting it on the ground, and laid back his wings.

The squire then realized that the beast was offering him a ride.

Gingerly he mounted, glancing to where the noble son had fallen. The noble son was no longer there, having either gone after his horse, or fled the scene.

As the dragon launched into the air, the squire’s heart leapt into his throat, the vertigo of leaving terra firma forcing him to bury his face into its neck. The dragon sensed his fear and a vision of white clouds filled the squire's mind, relaxing him. Looking up he saw the clouds the dragon had shown him and the mountain range where the dragon's lair lay hidden among the craggy peaks.

Chapter 2

The dragon's store of treasures was not what the squire expected; the pile of gold and jewels was small, the helmet rusted, and the lance was broken at the tip.

The dragon, seeing the disappointment, filled the squire's mind with a vision of another cave, and within was another dragon, darker and much larger. At the mouth of the cave were the bones of animals mingled with the bones of men! Then the vision changed and the squire saw himself learning to use the broken lance, getting stronger and more proficient each day.

For seventeen days, the squire trained nonstop; the dragon instructing him through visions and mind speech. Surprisingly, the squire became quite proficient with the weaponry during that time, and then the dragon showed a vision of him mounting his back, wearing the rusted helmet and carrying the broken lance. He did as the vision showed and they took to the air, heading for a distant peak. After circling the peak, the squire noticed the cave from the earlier vision.

The dragon lit on the ledge outside the cave. When there were no threats from within, the squire dismounted. He kicked through the debris at the mouth of the cave, and walked around the ledge, searching from horizon to horizon for any sign of the dark dragon.

Below a man was working his way toward the lair.

The squire was amazed when he recognized him as the noble son.

Gaining the ledge the noble son's eyes grew wide with fear; he hadn't expected to encounter a dragon. He relaxed somewhat when he noticed the squire. We thought you dead, the noble son replied, as he stood and dusted off his hands. Glancing warily at the dragon, he continued, I would have gone back that day-

You wouldn't have come for me, the squire stated flatly. Why are you here?

It is my final test- I must kill the dragon that killed you, but I see now that it isn’t necessary- how did you tame him?

I didn't, the squire replied as a vision came to his mind, showing the noble son entering the cave and stealing the treasure. There was also a young woman, wearing a tattered dress, the king's emblem at her throat; a reward had been offered for her return. You did not come to avenge my death, the squire stated.

The noble son seemed a bit nervous, and wouldn't let his eyes meet those of the squire.

My dragon knows what is on your mind, the squire warned. You came for the dragon's riches, and the reward for the return of the king's daughter.

Well yes, but what is your concern? You're my squire, you must do my bidding.

Don't start. I was dead, remember? A vision opened in his mind of the noble son returning to the village babbling about his gallant fight to save his squire from the terrible dragon.

Lies, the squire exclaimed. You deserted me without a thought to whether I was alive or not. Now you find yourself obligated to revenge my death, as all noble knights would do. As an added incentive, there is a reward being offered for the rescue of the princess. You were to bring her back dead or alive- it didn't matter to you, as long as you got your reward and the dragon's riches. Let me tell you what you're going to do, you're going to sit out here while I go inside to get the princess, and then you are going to take the princess back and tell everyone the truth, how you were too much of a coward to save me and-

His thoughts were interrupted as the dragon showed him a vision of the noble son hiding among some boulders, where he had been watching the dragon's lair for the past three days, waiting for the dragon to leave, so he could get inside.

Didn't the thought occur to you that the princess may have been alive three days ago and is now dead because you didn't go right in to rescue her? Some knight you are, and the squire strode into the cave.

The entrance of the cave was littered with bones on back to where they mingled with the dragon's treasures. Behind a pile of overturned chests and gold coins was the princess, armed with a sword. She could barely lift it in her weakened state, but was determined to destroy any vile thing that came after her.

Well, did you come to rescue me? she asked, lowering the sword. What took so long?

I am sorry highness, but I didn't even know you were here until I got here. Your father didn't even send me. I came to destroy the dragon that lives here.

I've been here for I don't know how long and my father sent no one, and then you come along, broken lance and rusted helmet, not a trace of armor- I'll bet you don't have a white charger either. You're probably not even a knight in training! Come on, let's get out of here before the dragon returns and we both end up bones littering the floor. She began to walk toward the mouth of the cave and stumbled over a leg bone.

The squire tried to help her regain her balance, but she shoved his arm away and continued toward the mouth of the cave. Upon seeing the squire's dragon, the Princess could take no more and crumpled to the ground. The squire carefully took her into his arms and handed her to the noble son, ordering him down the mountain.

Returning to the cave, he noticed a golden lance and helmet atop the pile of treasure, and retrieved them, finding a shield there as well. He removed his rusty helm and cast aside the broken lance, and as he donned the golden helmet and shield there was a deafening shriek from outside.

The dark dragon had returned.

Retrieving the golden lance, he rushed from the cave, jumping to his dragon's back as the bigger dragon swooped down, talons raking the sky in challenge.

The smaller dragon met the challenge, and for a brief moment, the two faced each other, motionless, using updrafts to keep them afloat. Then quicker than the squire thought possible, the dark dragon drew his head back sending out a jet of white flame. The squire barely got his shield up before the flames hit, nearly dismounting him. He thought the dragon fire would make short work of the shield; melting it to molten mush, but it held, nearly turning transparent under the intense heat.

The smaller dragon lurched forward, and with a quick thrust, the squire pierced the dark dragon with the golden lance. The flame was cut off as the dragon shrieked his agony, raking the side of the squire's dragon in a last effort to take him down. The shriek ended as the dragon disappeared into the cavern below.

Landing on the ledge the squire quickly dismounted, examining the wounds his dragon received. They were deep and the squire envisioned a cold mountain stream. If the water was cold enough, the dragon's heart rate would drop, leaving him in a state of dormancy. The squire could then sew the wounds and apply a salve with little discomfort.

When the dragon's wounds were sewn and his energy returned, the squire mounted and they flew toward the castle where the princess lived.

Noticing a gathering of people on the eastern edge of the village, the squire circled, allowing the dragon's shadow to get everyone's attention.

The noble son and princess had arrived only moments before and a crowd had begun to gather as he told the tale of how he rescued the princess from the very jaws of the dragon, escaping through tunnels too small for the angry dragon to get through.

At the sight of the dragon, the crowd began to panic, scattering in all directions, thinking the dragon had come to reclaim the princess.

The squire raised his lance and shield in a nonthreatening gesture, and there was a brilliant flash as the sun reflected off the golden shield, causing everyone to pause as he landed nearby, dismounting.

Striding up to the noble son, the squire pointed his lance at his throat. Now, tell them the truth!

Recognition came to the girls face as the squire approached. It was you! she declared.

No, it was me, assured the noble son, pushing the tip of the lance away as he stepped between the princess and squire. He is the master of the dragon that took you.

Fearing the statement to be true, the crowd took a step away from the dragon.

No, the dragon that took me was dark- not bright, and he had no rider.

The crowd sighed their relief.

How would you know? You fainted before I was able to get you out of the cave, he lied.

A princess doesn't faint! I may have been overcome from lack of food, or exhausted from this ordeal, but I didn't faint, she declared with dignity. Besides, the dragon who took me was larger.

That was your imagination, you were frightened when the dragon took you and things get exaggerated when you're scared.

Her response was disrupted as the crowd suddenly became silent and one by one the people began to bow in reverence as the King and Queen, anxious to see their daughter, pushed through the crowd.

With everyone distracted, the princess wrenched the lance from the squire’s hands and pointed it at the noble son's chest. She explained what she knew to be true and asked the squire to tell what really happened.

A vision opened in his mind of a time when men became Dragonriders through a bonding that took place between a dragon and a man. The dark dragon had been one such dragon. His partner had been very greedy, and after the last Dragon War, had started robbing travelers. When the rider died, the dragon continued the robbing to maintain their hoard. As the years went by, the dragon’s teeth began to lose their edge, and his mind began to go. In order to survive, he resorted to the killing, and eating of men.

Dragons were not to kill unless in battle or for food, and in no uncertain terms were they to eat men. According to dragon law, it was up to the squire's dragon to destroy the rogue since he was the nearest dragon in residence.

The lance and shield belonged to the dark dragon's rider, and seeing them used again distracted the dark dragon for a moment. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the squire's dragon struck, swerving just enough to allow the squire to skewer him.

The squire explained his story, and the king ordered his guards to hold the noble son, stripped him of his knighthood, and sent him away in disgrace.

I cannot allow him to return to his village disgraced, replied the squire, if he wishes, he may become my squire as I learn to become a Dragonknight.

The king placed a hand on the squire's shoulder, an act of true chivalry, he declared.

Chivalry, yes, the squire thought; smiling as he envisioned the noble son trying to keep up with a dragon...

The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

Proverbs 11:8

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Part 2: Dragon Trust

Dragons… the most powerful of God’s Creatures, shrouded in mystery, and though endowed with great strength and wisdom, are prone to vanity. With all their intelligence and strength, they are easily swayed by the evil forces of God’s enemies, those who have fallen because of their own conceits and their desire to usurp God’s Divine Authority. As the dragon’s only enemy, humans, with their resourcefulness and their faith in God’s Promises, have thrived and replaced them as the dominant specie in all of God’s creation…

Yarah.

Chapter 1

The mouth of the cave opened into a clear brisk night, it was nearly too cold, breathing was labored, and movement sluggish. A week of icy sleet had forced him to the back of the cave, but hunger drove him to the opening.

Focusing on a young reedbuck stuck in the tarry clay on the shore of a mountain lake, his stomach protested.

Nearby a toothless wolf lay, watching, waiting for the young buck to die, feinting an attack, he caused the buck to panic, marring him further into the unyielding clay.

Both were easy prey, he could not pass up such opportunity. Swooping down on silent wings, steely talons extended, he clutched the near dead buck, tearing him from the mar.

The wolf, hackles raised, lunged, only to turn in fright once realizing whom it was claiming the anticipated meal. He would have to find sustenance elsewhere.

Soaring to a high peek where the whole mountain range could be surveyed he devoured the reedbuck.

To the west sparkled the Western Sea, on the east the dull glow of Mount Marrow, its lava filled stomach belching flames, sending jets of steam into the cool air where it condensed into a mantle of cloud. The warmth of the lava springs would be welcome after a well-digested meal, not to mention an ingestion of lava rock to warm from the inside out.

With a mighty lurch and a few powerful wing strokes, the upper thermals took him swift and silent to the open crest of the volcano. Taking a mouthful of lava rock, he ground it with his massive jaws, swallowing hard to get it into the second stomach where the powerful acids roiled and churned, altering it into a gaseous state. Reveling in the heat, he soared into the sky, diving and swooping within inches of the boiling lava before soaring to the upper currents, wings outstretched. Focusing on the Western Sea, he envisioned the plump whale calves dancing in the surf.

Stopping briefly, he drank from a mountain