The Lone Hero

By DM Yates

Aberforth, home world to dragons and people is at war. Dragons are fighting each other and the human race is in danger of extinction. Einarr is born in a dragon’s companion line. Due to an ancient magical ritual performed by Zavat, a powerful dragon, Einarr is chosen to help bring about the end of the war and issue peace back to Aberforth. This will be no easy task for Einarr since the war will last throughout his lifetime.
As a child, Einarr develops a hatred for all dragons after witnessing their cruelty in battle, yet he accepts Zavat’s request to help find a solution to the dragons’ disagreements. Together, Einarr and Zavat make a formidable team who learn to work together and along the way Einarr realizes that there are good and evil dragons, just like there are good and evil people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DM Yates
• Release date: Dec 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310048715

DM Yates

I write fantasy/romance stories and new age/spiritual/fantasy/romance poetry. I'm also addicted to reading and am an obsessive crafter. I dance in the clouds where my stories take shape and then I weave them into imaginative and loving tales. Dream above the clouds and believe in yourself. I do and I believe in you.

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The Lone Hero

DM Yates

Published by DM Yates

First Edition

Copyright 2013 DM Yates

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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DISCLAIMER: The Lone Hero is a fictional story, made up by the author, D.M. Yates. All characters and events are fictional and in no way relate to any real person or situation. Any resemblance to events, persons, or locales is entirely coincidental.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One..........Of Friends and Enemies

Chapter Two..........Preparations

Chapter Three.......The Promise

Chapter Four.........The Birth of Einarr

Chapter Five..........Nomads

Chapter Six...........The Blood of a Warrior

Chapter Seven......Something Not Human

Chapter Eight........Fools Idiots and Dolts

Chapter Nine.........Harulis

Chapter Ten..........Harulis Teaches

Chapter Eleven......First Love

Chapter Twelve......Alone Again

Chapter Thirteen....Lord Zavat

Chapter Fourteen...Shuma

Chapter Fifteen......The Comfort of Home

Chapter Sixteen.....A Black Horse

Chapter Seventeen.Lord Szah

Chapter Eighteen....Missions Accomplished

Chapter Nineteen....Friendship

Chapter Twenty.......Champions and Jokesters

Chapter Twenty One.Companion and Master

Chapter Twenty Two..No Time for Diplomacy

Chapter Twenty Three...King Traeviern

Chapter Twenty Four.....The War Intensifies

Chapter Twenty Five......Mi Patér

Chapter Twenty Six.......Duties of a Silius

Chapter Twenty Seven...Facing Lord Tsaemo

Chapter Twenty Eight.....Atomo the Brave

Chapter Twenty Nine......The War Continues

Chapter Thirty................Bones of a Giant

Chapter Thirty One.........Spinning

Chapter Thirty Two..........The Final Battle

Chapter Thirty Three........Victory

Chapter Thirty Four..........After the War

Chapter Thirty Five...........A Vicennial Passes

Chapter Thirty Six............Home

About the Author

In Gratitude

Cover courtesy of Roger Lawrence and Joleene Naylor. I thank Roger Lawrence and Joleene Naylor for designing the images for The Lone Hero.

I also thank Roger Lawrence, Joleene Naylor, and James Yates for their critique of this book, and I thank Joleene Naylor for her suggestions.

I thank my family and especially my husband for their encouragement in my endeavors to write stories and poetry.

I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven and the Great Universe for the talents and opportunities given to me.

Chapter One

Of Friends and Enemies

Run faster. We don’t want our parents to catch us.

Wait for me. Papa said for us to camp at the border, not past it.

He won’t find out. He trusts us and I want to explore. You’re just afraid.

Am not.

Well, hurry.

Five-year-old Akimo did his best to match steps with his older brother. They crossed the border and headed into the savannah where limited foliage grew.

Kind of empty, isn’t it? Mehu slowed to a walk. It’s just like papa described though I don’t want to sleep here. He says this leads to the desert where it’s really hot and this is the shortest way there.

Akimo pointed upwards. Wow! A rider and his dragon. Someday that’ll be me. Wonder why no one we know owns one. I think it’d be fun.

The dragon and her rider passed overhead not noticing the boys who followed along, laughing.

Keep chasing them, okay? suggested Mehu. Maybe they’ll give us a ride.

Sure.

Soon the boys lagged behind and sat to eat their lunches.

It’s getting warmer, said Mehu. There’s cliffs ahead. We might be close to the desert. That mesa will do for tonight.

I…I’m not sure. It’s really high.

Try.

I want to rest more.

Don’t be scared. Dragon riders are brave and never complain.

The two boys spent the rest of the day sauntering, sometimes chasing the Savannah Geese. They reached the base of the precipice at evening.

Lots of holes. We can stick our hands and feet in them to guide us. Mehu pushed his younger brother ahead and they climbed until they reached the top.

Akimo flopped on the sandy ground.

It’s ok. We’ll sleep here. Hey, ahead there’s no pools of water, no trees, nothing. If we look towards home we’ll see how far we’ve walked. Let’s sit on the edge and pretend we’re riding our dragon.

Mehu sat with his legs dangling and Akimo copied him.

It’s scary up here, said Akimo.

Dragons soar ten times higher than this.

They discussed what it would be like to travel the skies and about all the lands they would visit. When darkness came they scooted more inland and lay on their backs.

Our ancestors are watching us. Mehu waved at the stars.

Why can’t we talk with them?

Papa told me they’re beyond anybody’s reach and that’s why they appear like white twinkling lights.

Our dragon will carry us there. Wait and see.

The boys drifted off to sleep under the full moon. Early the next day the warm morning light shone on them and they stirred and sat up.

I want to go home now, whined Akimo.

It’ll take us awhile, like yesterday. Mehu handed Akimo fruit for breakfast. The sand was uncomfortable. It bruised me, see?

Mine didn’t. I liked it. It was soft.

Mehu felt the ground around Akimo’s spot. Why isn’t your sand hard?

Akimo shrugged.

Something’s underneath where I slept. Maybe it’s a treasure.

The boys reveled at the chance for another adventure and dug at the spot.

There’s a weird clump in this ground, said Mehu as he felt around the ground where he had slept. We found a dragon’s egg! Notice the light brown color with spots all over it?

Maybe that’s how you get a dragon. You have to find an egg.

What luck. We’ll raise it then we’ll teach it to take us everywhere.

The boys struggled to push it up onto the sand.

It’s huge and heavy, said Akimo. How will we get it down?

Don’t be dumb. We’ll just slide it.

They scooped out a pathway to the ledge. With their combined strength, they maneuvered the heavy egg into position and gave it a shove. It rolled rapidly. The boys chased it but when it hit the bottom it cracked open.

Loud squeals erupted as the imperfectly formed draecub struggled to live. It collapsed partly out of its egg; half of its body still adhered inside. The boys tried to soothe it patting its head.

It’s still hooked to its bed. Mehu realized if they forced it out it would surely die. We need Mamma. She delivers babies so she’ll know what to do.

They tugged at the broken egg but it barely moved so they talked soothingly to the draecub instead. Still it shrieked, each scream an effort until it scarcely whimpered, struggling for each breath. Finally, it flopped forward, silent.

I think it’s sleeping, said Mehu.

That’s when they heard the resonant screeching from above and an immense tan dragon alighted. When she examined her lifeless draecub, she turned on the boys and cawed and hissed viciously. They deliberately walked backwards but she grabbed them with her front claws and flew.

She traveled across the heated desert ignoring the boys’ terrified screams, pleadings, and struggles to get free. She landed near a large cavern on a tall ledge. Another dragon emerged and they used the same bizarre droning to talk to each other. The more they screeched, the angrier the other dragon became.

Can’t they talk normal-like? asked Akimo. Mehu shushed him, knowing by the dragons’ actions that their father was going to be angry.

The male hissed and flicked his tongue. Several tiny sharp thorns embedded in the brothers.

Ow, screamed the boys. They cried as the toxins traveled through them.

Tell them we didn’t mean it, wailed Akimo. Tell them.

We’re sorry, said Mehu. We didn’t want to hurt it. We wanted to raise it for our pet.

In a throaty, hoarse voice the male dragon spoke in the boys’ language. "Hurt it? It? You murdered our draecub because you thought to own it. You do not own us? You mere creatures disregard other species, thinking them beneath you. I argued against letting you live on our Aberforth, but none listened and this is the result of our kindness. Where is your dwelling?"

Mehu spoke. Please, big dragon, we’re from the village straight ahead at the start of that scrubby area.

Why are you in my territory?

We were exploring and having fun, explained Mehu.

Killing our draecubs is entertaining, is it? asked the male who paced in front of them.

N,no.

The dragon smirked. Worry not, worthless vile savages. We’ll return you to your parents.

Each dragon seized a boy and flew with them, digging their claws roughly into the children’s sides. As they approached the community, they dropped the limp children. Startled citizens gawked upwards and the dragons rained fire down upon the inhabitants and the huts.

Imot, warn our neighbors, ordered Kartus, the leader, sounding the alarm in front of his hut.

Imot ducked through the foliage and ran swiftly towards the next village. Meanwhile the men snatched their weapons and attempted to forestall the attack. Mehu and Akimo’s mother hurried to her dead sons, using her body to protect their bodies from the attack. The female dragon swooped lower and spit fire at them. The mother screamed in agony. The men threw spears, and one pierced the female in the neck. She plummeted to the earth and the women savagely stabbed her, again and again, using any sharp object they could find. The dragoness bellowed and swatted them away, and snapped at them. One of the hunters landed a fatal blow to her neck. She gazed at her mate one last time in horror and disbelief before her head lopped to the side and she lay still, her blood gushing across the Commons.

Her enraged partner spewed poisoned thorns and flames at random, demolishing everything and everyone. He breathed out a lethal spray from his nostrils and corpses fell among the charred ruins.

The council will side with me this time, the dragon thought.. I will eradicate all human scum. I’ll avenge my mate and my draecub or my name isn’t Lord Tsaemo the Slayer. He rose from the ground on his massive wings and headed east.

Spirits in the Eternal Realm, including Einarr, watched the crisis develop. When they left the Dome Room, leaders scurried about, activity that indicated their mortal-bound children required immediate assistance.

The next day Einarr returned to the same room and sat on a bench a few rows up, his long legs stretched out and crossed at his ankles. He studied the sphere with the utmost concern, trying to assimilate the catastrophic happenings on the dragons’ world.

He was amazed at how quickly the war accelerated and watched in dismay while hatred flooded the entire planet below. His brothers and sisters, once thrilled to receive bodies now suffered horrific deaths.

A conference between a committee of dragons was in progress, although the argument centered between two blacks (Guerrverres), and Tsaemo (a tan Feohtere) who still insisted on his right to revenge the murders of his family members. The Guerrverres refused to indulge his hatred. They spoke for the entire council and wouldn’t be dissuaded. Outraged, Tsaemo demanded they at least punish more children as retribution for the torturing of his draecub.

The larger of the two black siblings impressed Einarr. The Guerrverre’s strength seemed the most commanding and he refused to be intimidated even though Tsaemo declared war against all who chose not to side with him. Once Tsaemo stormed away, the siblings discussed the situation.

What can we say to calm him, Zavat?

Zomu, my bhrater, he constantly grumbles about other species. He’s refused our solution. He knew we wouldn’t agree to more destruction and he has already alienated his followers from us. Can’t you sense this in the wind?

Perhaps if we meet with him again?

Do as you wish. I won’t waste my time. I studied the prophecies and I think this is the war long foretold. I will search for the Lone Hero.

He may not exist yet.

I trust the books. He is to come from my companion’s line. All is as it should be.

Zavat took to the air, seemingly unconcerned. Einarr watched the Guerrverre enter a fortress at the top of a formidable precipice. With a rumbling, he nestled, yawned, and slept. Einarr, curious, continued to observe him.

Zavat snorted, turned his head, and noticed Einarr. Einarr sat straight up and scanned the room, but none paid attention to Zavat. He returned his gaze to the Guerrverre.

‘Heh heh heh,’ thought Zavat, ‘there you are.’ and fell into snoring.

Einarr ambled out of the Dome Room, his hands in his pockets, trying to fathom what just happened.

Einarr, a pleasant day today, thought Apollo.

Indeed. I have a question.

Of course.

Einarr mused about Zavat spotting him.

It’s possible. Dragons live for centuries and they’re not bound by our decrees. They hold a strong association to our many realms.

They’re not in corporeal form?

Yes. However, the seasoned more powerful penetrate into many of the universe’s expanses. It’s possible he sensed you watching him.

Have I broken a rule then?

No. Some of our children currently encased in flesh can perceive us to a degree.

He spoke to me, There you are. What does it mean?

Apollo grasped Einarr’s shoulder, it means that you may be leaving on your first mission.

Einarr lost in thought drifted to his favorite retreat to meditate, the Jasmine Gardens.

In the peaceful setting, he sat cross-legged upon the ground and used his mind to create illusions. The surroundings emulated dusk. Red and orange flashes streaked across the azure sky. A black night appeared with twinkling stars. A fog whirled past. A large full moon revolved into half, then a quarter. A bright yellow sun radiated above then traversed in an arc from its origin.

The crisp blue day turned to gray, dotted in drab dense clouds while lightning struck and thunder boomed. Lime greens tinged the scenery and winds howled. Heavy rains spattered as electrifying sheaths swirled past and disappeared. Hues changed continuously overhead. Einarr sighed. His newest favorite activity lately was, experimenting with contrasting atmospheric hues and weather conditions. For some reason, it relaxed him.

Nicknamed the Lone One, Einarr sat comfortably on the jade colored grass next to the guide school petting his dog pal. He was a thinker and an, achiever who liked being alone. Others found him difficult to read and unapproachable. He purposely limited his open thoughts to block any glimpses into the recesses of his mind. He enjoyed being alone.

Einarr exuded courage, fortitude, and confidence. He studied sundry subjects and attended more trainings than most. He spent much time observing many worlds and his brothers and sisters inhabiting them.

How he worshipped his perfect abode where no vocalization was needed. Telepathic communication and faces lit up serenely brought the stillness that he cherished. Tinklings floated up from below, bells used for announcements, choirs singing, and brooks babbling—these were the only real sounds. How would he handle all the confusing noises on temporal worlds?

Recognized for his supreme intelligence and his astuteness, his fellow spirits stared curiously at him during get-togethers. Since he remained aloof, few dared talk with him, and he preferred they didn’t. His fellow spirits journeyed to physical domains, yet he refused to choose a quest. He would rather relax while watching his peers’ live their time in mortal form. Their adventures intrigued him; still he had no desire to leave yet.

Here, linear time didn’t exist; life remained forever. No yesterday, no today, no tomorrow existed; diverse planes played on forever at the same time and he favored such comfortableness. Fixed lives seemed impaired and short-lived.

He inhaled the fragrance from the jasmine bushes. He didn’t know why this scent mellowed him, it just did. Lost in thought with his eyes shut, he recognized two angels approaching. The reason for their visit entered his mind, commanding, yet loving.

Lone One, a moment, please?

He stood and bowed.

You have been chosen for a specific duty because you are one of the most capable of our children. Shall we explain?

An immense honor was about to be placed before him. He nodded for them to continue. Who would ever refuse?

Determination is essential, for danger abides in Aberforth. We recognize this quality in you. We selected three others also. The four of you will reside in a time steeped in strife, and your trials in particular will appear insurmountable. Mortal lives are bordering on extinction, for the dragons are warring amongst themselves and people are in peril. You possess the abilities necessary to end this dispute. Lord Zavat, a Guerrverre and the leader of Aberforth personally asked for you. We suggest that you consider this offer.

Aberforth. He’d contemplated it for his first journey. Domicile of the Great Ones (the most ancient of dragons), the settlers were in grave danger, causing them distress and misery, their life spans cut short, and those that survived suffered abundant hardships. Because of their trials they experienced grief that they found difficult to overcome when re-adapting to life Here.

Completing the lessons would strengthen his resolve, but he disliked the necessity of departing. If he refused to go, he could live in eternal tranquility but he agreed to their offer and thanked them for the opportunity. The angels smiled at him and left. He sank to the ground, overwhelmed.

Hearing banter he turned to the road just beyond to find that clever Paulos meandering along with two females. The tall stately female, a proud spirit called Jenniere exuded confidence and seemed destined to rule more than once upon Earth. Delicate Katura wore a pink gown that flowed gently as she walked. She floated along, guided by breezes, moving wisplike through the air. She was almost equal in height to Einarr but lithe. Her being exuded sweetness and passion. Whenever he caught a glimpse of her, she awakened profound feelings within him; yearnings for her.

There’s he to whom they refer as Lone, thought out Paulos. They should call him Solemn. Paulos slid his hand down the front of his face and his expression changed to a Greek sad mask.

The women giggled.

Perhaps you should be called Jester, mused Einarr. He slid his hand over his face, which assumed a jester’s countenance.

Are you pondering again? asked Paulos. When you finally choose a body, your thoughts will overcome your tiny mortal brain.

Why disturb me?

We’re off to the Hillock of Happiness to sing songs and chat. We’d like you to join us, projected Paulos.

I'm busy. His eyes wandered to the exquisite Katura and he absorbed her thoughts, her features.

He noticed Paulos nudging her. She expressed uncertainness then knelt beside Einarr and glided her finger lightly along his hand. Please join us, she thought out shyly.

He inhaled deeply, watching her r caress the back of his hand, experiencing for the first time her evocative touch. He veered into her mind. How could he say no to one so exquisite? I’ll be along shortly.

She smiled at him and she thought to her friends, I’ll wait with him. We’ll find you.

Paulos winked at her, pointed to the side of his head and to the jasmine, and nodded reassuringly before he and Jenniere left.

She assumed a meditative pose in front of Einarr and slipped her hands into his, then leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his. Heat devoured him from within. A longing to envelope her cried from the depths of his soul and he found it impossible to concentrate on anything else.

She entered his thoughts. He tried to shut them from her but it proved useless since he was infatuated by her charm.

They said you liked me. I only wished for such. Her thoughts within him heightened his desire for her.

I must confess that I have searched your reveries countless times, he admitted.

I allowed you to see my affection for you.

He smiled. Shall we join the jester? I can’t concentrate anymore.

Katura broke off a stem of flowers and stuck it in her hair.

Einarr, entranced by her loveliness found that the jasmine mixed with her scent increased her charm. He knew that Paulos had given her a reminder about the flowers when he pointed to the side of his head.

He leaned in towards her and sniffed lightly experiencing a faintness course through him. He absorbed the sensation, and immediately wanted more of that pleasure.

They walked to the Hillock of Happiness and the Lone One held her hand when he paused. I long to be with you, he thought to her. He traced a finger along her cheek.

Katura smiled. You are quick at decisions. I too hoped to be with you. She waited.

He brought his forehead lovingly to hers for an instant before they went to meet up with Paulos and Jenniere.

Paulos grinned. I knew he favored you. I’ve caught him glancing at you. I guessed correctly about the jasmine too, he mused to Katura.

Einarr shook his head. I can hear you. You see me, don’t you? And I'm glad you told her such, for it is true.

Paulos winked at Katura.

They sang with the group for a long time then chatted among their friends, and when they left, the four beings were inseparable allies.

Friendships happen in unique circumstances, and individuals are put in our paths when they are needed the most. So it happened on this day that these acquaintances bonded. They would travel in the future together to aid and support one other, to encourage spiritual growth.

Chapter Two

Preparations

Spirits sat on chairs or on the floor in a wide arc. Four advisers stood in the center, communicating their thoughts around the room. Even Paulos paid attention. Everyone wanted this class. The information they received revealed their future missions and their eternal names.

Finally, a Guide stepped forward and mused, I am Apollo. During a period in Earth’s early history I will represent a god and I keep that name. I’ll reside with others in the imaginary Mount Olympus. Some of you will live in Greece or Rome when I do. Apollo winked at Einarr and his friends. I’ll stay on that planet for a long time until the people quit believing in mythological deities. I grasped the appellation before I observed my assignment. Have any of you not preferred the designation that calls strongly to you?

Nobody raised their hands.

Apollo smiled broadly. You will now visit the Destiny Room and witness excerpts from your lives and hear all names that you’ll be called. Expect that your eternal preference will stir strongly within you. Trust your instinct.

The class exited and solemnly progressed along the path to the next building. Similar to the Dome Room, a large globe occupied the center, rimmed by seats set apart from each other.

Once Einarr sat, the name 'Einarr' resonated through him. He watched bits of his lives unfold, beginning with his first excursion to Aberforth. Several scenes depicted him with his associates, and he heard Laurence, Night Watcher, Edgar, and Simon among many titles.

While they walked back, Paulos asked, Did you witness how many lifetimes we'll share? He grinned. All my trials will be terrific. Einarr, you’ll nickname me Duffy. Silly sound—Duffy.

I’ll experience many adventures, mused Jenniere. Paulos, we’re to be twins at least twice; Edmond and Emma, Dixon and Dixie. I can’t wait for our adventure on that island Atlantis. What an emotional test for us, Katura, with you as my mother during a plague no less. How fun will that be?

The many existences I’ll share with you two will drive me insane, mused Einarr. A plague that’s fun?

The group laughed.

What of your choices, Katura? asked Einarr.

I favor Katura, although I like Lydia and I’ll enjoy when you call me Kitten.

Then I’ll call you Kat from now on. Einarr held her hand.

When the students quieted, the instructors requested that each stand and tell their name and the origin.

Einarr stood. I chose Einarr. I’ll receive this name in my first mission. It means Lone Hero.

Apollo nodded appreciatively.

My dog’s name came to me too. Chirr. Is that normal to receive?

Indeed it is. Many times our animal chums send us their names. No doubt he recognized yours to be Einarr long before you did.

Paulos snorted. It fits you, doesn’t it? Forever alone. He stood. I accept Paulos when I’ll live on Earth during the early Greek period.

I’m Jenniere from my time in Gaul.

I favor the name Katura from Atlantis.

Katura. Kat. Kitten. Each name stirred emotions in Einarr. He recognized them and he knew her, as though he had always known her.

Hearing his thoughts, she repeated always.

A few days later, Einarr and his friends sat in the Dome Room and observed the earliest beginnings of the planet Earth.

"I venture shortly to Aberforth," mentioned Einarr.

They turned to him.

"Don’t bear this burden without me," thought out Katura. "It’s too terrible. I’ll accompany you."

"You will not," he responded. I forbid it.

You deny her? asked Jenniere. You can’t deprive us of our choices.

I won’t let her, he argued.

Aha! mused Paulos. You’re one of the four assigned.

How do you know this? asked Einarr.

Many are talking about it. They noticed two angels in the Jasmine Gardens with a spirit brother. I wondered then since you pay much attention to that orb.

Katura removed her woven floral necklace and set it on Einarr’s lap. Without glancing at him, she left.

Einarr regarded her curiously and he questioned Jenniere, Why is she leaving without me?

Let’s all go, she mused, getting up.

Katura glided ahead. Einarr set off after her, but Jenniere pulled him back by his elbow.

I wish to walk with her. Release me.

"Not until you listen. Although you’re clever