The Broken Seal, Escape at Crater Lake

By Brian D. Clark

In Book One of The Broken Seal, Ancient dragon Gilden Rheas breaks free of his prison under Crater Lake, shattering The Untouchable Seal that separates the magical realm of Ishda from the world of man. While witnessing the dragon's escape, Garth is marked by the Jewel of Rhidenmore as its new owner and is tasked with an impossible feat. Put Gilden Rheas back. Grand Wizard Rheardonax emerges as the dawn's light touches Crater Lake's Wizard Island to become teacher for the reluctant Garth.

When Garth learns that the malevolent dragon has abducted his sister, he sets out on a trail of rescue and revenge. Not until later does he discover how fast the magic of Ishda is seeping into the pores of the earth's fabric, changing it possibly forever.

In a contentious relationship with his mentor Rheardonax, Garth sets off on his Quest finding unlikely allies along the way and leading The Fighting Lion Company to rescue his sister. Together they range the country searching for Garth's sister, fearful that Gilden Reas is never far away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian D. Clark
• Release date: Apr 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310793066

Brian D. Clark

Brian D Clark currently resides in West Chester, PA. He is the founder and president of HandySeniors LLC.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedication

The Return

Prologue: Sealed

Chapter One: Gilden Rheas

Chapter Two: Rheardonax

Chapter Three: First Lesson

Chapter Four: Return to Camp

Chapter Five: A Bedtime Story

Chapter Six: Arden and Theralisa

Chapter Seven: Wizard's Leave

Chapter Eight: Fairy Lights

Chapter Nine: Skell and Llao

Chapter Ten: Company

Chapter Eleven: Granner's

Chapter Twelve: Ishada

Chapter Thirteen: First Watch

Chapter Fouteen: Kull Trail

Chapter Fifteen: Modoc

Chapter Sixteen: Counsel

Chapter Seventeen: Unicorn

Chapter Eighteen: Two Babes

Chapter Nineteen: Golden Falls

Chapter Twenty: Iron Times

Chapter Twenty-One: Council Adjourned

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Secret of the Coins

Chapter Twenty-Three: Departure

Chapter Twenty-Four: Awakenings

Chapter Twenty-Five: Restart

Chapter Twenty-Six: Passing Through

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Missing Pieces

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Hunted And The Hunted

Chapter Twenty-Nine: An Enchanted Evening

Chapter Thirty: Foolish Fox and Spotted Owl

Chapter Thirty-One: Flying Lessons

Chapter Thirty-Two: Over the Pass

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Other Side of the Mountain

Chapter Thirty-Four: A Shorter Way

Chapter Thirty-Five: Reunion

Chapter Thirty-Six: Desperate Measures

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Buried Treasures

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Agness Inn

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Allies

Chapter Forty: Nursery

Chapter Forty-One: King's Ransom

Chapter Forty-Two: Northward Bound

Chapter Forty-Three: Crossings

Chapter Forty-Four: People of the Mountains

Chapter Forty-Five: Sightings

Chapter Forty-Six: Uncle

Chapter Forty-Seven Moving On

Epilogue

Great Warrior's Last Stand

Afterword

Glossary

About the Author

Other Works By This Author

Connect with Brian D. Clark

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the numerous individuals who read and re-read the various incarnations of The Broken Seal, Escape at Crater Lake, from its first chapters to the completed novel. I started writing The Broken Seal, Escape at Crater Lake, (originally called The Rebirth of Magic) in the early 1990’s while I was working in Hartford, Connecticut where the first draft was completed. After moving to the Valley Forge area in Pennsylvania in 1995 with a new job, I put it down and let the dust collect. Now due to the genius and availability of epublishing, I decided to use SmashWords to publish The Broken Seal, Escape at Crater Lake, book one of the Magic Reborn Series.

If I forget a name or to mention someone, I apologize since the book has been in a box off and on for nearly 20 years, though it has been read a number of times since by both friends and professionals, and always in edit mode for good advice.

First, I would like mention Tom Nathan, Steve Lauretti, Terry Accola, John Collins, Vicky DeMayo, Pam Accola, and the many other colleagues and friends at Travelers Insurance Company, all of whom read chapter after chapter as I wrote this story and made invaluable edits and suggestions at every new word. Each of them and Diego Matamoros (another Travelers Insurance collegue--Rual Matamoros’s son, I believe he was 13 years old at the time and an opera singer now), all read the first completed draft and helped to make the book better. Special mention goes to Diego who questioned Why isn’t Garth sadder? I know how I would feel.

After I left Connecticut and moved to Pennsylvania, my new friends and compatriots John Hladik, Kenny Pfanders, Felicia Rivers and others were gracious enough to continue the role of editors and advisors. John, in particular, made the comment It would have been cool if there were twins and hence changed a part of the ending of this part of the story.

Though mentioned last, by no means are they the least, my mother, sisters, and nephew, Dorothy J. Casperson, Sherry Clark, Missy Thompson, and Collin Thompson.

All of those mentioned and many others gave me invaluable feedback to make my scenarios and characters more interesting and real.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my mother, Dorothy J. Casperson, my step-father, Ronald D. Casperson, and my sister, Missy Thompson, all of whom now live beyond Ishda and in our fondest memories.

~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~

The Return

Time was

When Kingdoms were

Magical

Time had been

When Man was

Kindred to All

Time passed

Magic Left

Lost to Man

The Great Seal Formed

Between Them

But

In Time

Seals are Broken

And

All

Will

Return

~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~

Prologue

Sealed

The top of mountain exploded with all the fury of a volcano.

How DARE YOU, mortal! roared the black behemoth in billowing flames.

"Dare I? DARE I!? I DARE AND MORE!" bellowed back the glowering white clad figure.

Another searing blast shot from the bearded white figure’s hands, hurtling the beast hard into the seething cauldron below. Yellow and red glowing globs of magna splattered over the rim of the missing mountain top becoming deadly missiles of instant death and conflagrant destruction. A giant wave of molten rock surged over the jagged edges and carried away everything in its tidal path, leaving nothing but smoke, fire and burning debris. The terrified Indians fleeing below were buried in ash and glowing liquid earth as their village became cinder and blackened coal.

You see what you have done! Their deaths are yours to claim! accused the monster, flinging hot globs from his wings at his assailant. "If not for you, they would live even now." The lava covered creature shook his massive body violently as he took to the air causing more of the deadly projectiles to fall as a rain of fire on the valleys and villages below.

Not mine to claim, evil one, yours and only yours, spat the white robed man. Even though he knew his words to be true, a pang of guilt ran through him. He felt what the dragon had said was true, too--even if not. He had tried to warn the villagers to leave, but many remained, having faith in him to free them from their tormentor.

They paid for their faith.

A giant yellow and red flame slammed against the man, hurtling him high into the air. He gasped for breath, fighting its loss, clasping a pulsing black jewel against his chest. A searing brilliant white light came from his other hand, smashing into the maw of the giant creature. The black head snapped back and the enormous sharp teeth crashed shut. He threw another and another bolt, bashing the huge creature into the missing mountain top and down into the pit of the newly formed crater. The dark mass disappeared under the burning sea, spewing flames from its jaws as it went, only to surface once more spitting a stream of molten lava and rock at the wizard. The white clad man drew back his right hand and cast a sharp dark jewel at the monster, missing the monster’s eye by only inches.

Fool! cried the dragon. You have no hope now! The scaly creature dove deep into the hot liquid pool after the jewel.

It is not I who is without hope, evil one, but you, called the vanquisher as he dove after the monster.

The wizard wove his hands furiously as he descended, chanting mysterious words and casting up rock behind him, solidifying the stone until it surrounded them both. They drove downward, neither paying attention to how deep they traveled, or into what realm. The ground shook and the once mountain groaned as its bowls were forced into a mountain within a mountain. As the claws of the dragon clasped the black jewel, all light around the creature disappeared and the monster was left in complete blackness. Ensnared, he raged-- but there was no escape, only darkness to engulf blackness--a void without substance to hold him.

Outside the oblivion prison, but encased inside the mountain, the weary wizard finished the last of his spell, binding the boundaries that would keep his adversary trapped for millennia and, if hope prevailed, eternity.

Then he wrapped himself in another spell--a watcher’s spell; one that could not be broken unless the dragon escaped.

He prepared himself for a life of forever of nothingness.

The once great mountain outside was still. Its top was no more, replaced instead by a giant crater and a heart filled only by a tall pinnacle, a monument to the battle that had destroyed its once magnificent peak.

Is it over? wept the frightened child.

Yes, love, it is over. He has locked away the evil one forever. The man put his large hand on his daughter’s head then slid it gently around her shoulders.

Are you sure? asked the young Indian maiden huddled next to the child.

We will wait until the sun rises, Fleeting Doe. It should not be long. We will wait, answered the brave with the many feathered bonnet.

A beautiful woman clasped the Chief’s banded arm.

Husband, what will we do? All we have known is gone, she asked in a solemn voice.

Yes, Chief Strong Bull, what will we do? demanded a younger brave.

We shall rebuild and live as we always have. The Klamath are strong. We have seen the great battle and heard the thunder of the gods.

Let us rejoice, proclaimed the Chief. We shall see no more of the evil one.

Let us weep, he quietly reminded, for we shall see no more of the gracious one.

The white one has kept his word. We survive and live to prosper. A great deed has been done this night. It shall not be forgotten by any tribe.

The wise chief hung his head in silence and waited for the sun to touch the land once more before gathering his people and leading them to the decimated ruins that were once their village.

The dragon below paced his cell, snorting flames from his nostrils, trying to find the boundaries of his cell with his claws. He scraped at the blackness, feeling for a weakness, a strength, anything tangible. He spewed a stream of fire in all directions, only to see it disappear into the nothingness--absorbed. Time meant nothing to an immortal such as him, but yet he relished it all the same. The world would pay for this injustice, and especially those paltry humans. Another stream of fire dissipated into the void as he checked his prison again. He had time and in time, he would have his freedom. His eyes glowered in the darkness, waiting and watching. There was nothing to touch, nothing to see, nothing to feel. He knew, if he could touch it, he could break it. He flicked a stream of fire at his boundaries once more…He would break the seal, in time.

~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~

Chapter One

Gilden Rheas

Garth sat on the ledge of the Great Crater Lake and gazed into its glittering water. It seemed to shimmer with life, though none lived in it. Legends were told of exotic fish so abundant that a single cast of a net could feed a hundred villages; but all its teeming life had been burned out long ago by poisons that seeped into it as man played his cacophony upon the world.

Only after hundreds of years of the debris settling to its murky, unreachable bottom did the lake return to its deep majestic blue. But for all its beauty, the water burned at the touch and left scars on any who would try to wade or bath in it. Acid they called it.

It was a peaceful day with strokes of puffy white clouds painted across the cerulean sky. Garth was content to sit and watch the gentle waves rolling with the breeze as the wind blew across the lake's surface. He imagined the glistening reflections of bright sunlight bouncing from ripple to ripple as silvery fish leaping from crest to crest, playing on the small swells.

At first, his father had refused to let him go, but at last had begrudgingly given in. Garth was glad he had insisted on making the trip.

There's nothing up there but the Lake of Death! his father boomed.

But I want to see it and this may be my only chance. It's only a 'Lake of Death' if you drink the water or fall in it, Garth argued. I've heard it's magnificent and well worth the trip.

No!

"But, Da, I really want to see it. I've cut and piled all the wood. Buck is unharnessed and rubbed down. The tents are pitched and the rocks are set for the fire. Mylia and Sheleea can refill the water buckets when they're empty. You don't really need me."

Garth...

I won't be gone that long, Da. Besides, you already said that we weren't in any hurry and you only wanted to scout the area out for some other time down the road. Please, Da, can I go?

Okay, okay! If it's that important to you, his father relented, throwing his hands up, then pointing his finger at his son. But, I'm not gonna come look for you or wait for you if you're not back by the time we're ready to leave.

Garth smiled at his father's concession and the empty threat.

I'll only stay for two nights and I'll be back in time to help you if you do find any ore, Garth promised.

I wanna go, too! squalled Ryan, Garth's little brother.

No! his father shot back. Garth can take care of himself, little one, but I don't think he can take care you and himself.

That's not fair! Garth always gets to do what he wants, pouted Ryan.

Not when he was your age, consoled Bareck, as he patted his young son on his head.

That's what you always say. I'm five now, spat Ryan.

"Enough! I don't even like Garth going up there. You have no chance at all. And you're four. So, stop it, now." His father's eyes pierced Garth's. Ryan shrugged back. He really didn't want to go anyway. He had walked uphill enough and was tired of it. But if Garth got to do it, it was always worth a try.

"Honey, what difference does it make? It really isn't worth arguing about. I'm sure he'll be all right. Garth is a good climber and has always been careful." Bareck turned to the voice and smiled at his wife, still as beautiful as the day they met.

"And you always take his side, Clara, he said, shooting her a wide grin with a twinkle in his eye. I already told him he could go."

You always say that, too! squealed Ryan. Mama never takes my side!

You little runt! I'm a-gonna git'cha, Bareck said in mock anger as he pretended to backhand Ryan, then swiftly picked him up and hugged him. So you want to go climb up them big rocks so's you can fall down from 'em, eh? He tickled the side of the youngster, putting Ryan into a fit of laughter and giggles. You had to be carried half the way up here. How you gonna make it up there?

Okay! Okay, Da! I don't wanna go. Garth can go. I won't follow him. I promise. Ryan giggled and struggled to get free, but the big man was much too strong for him.

Bareck turned him upside down by his ankles and let him down on his hands slowly. "You'd better not follow him or I'll drop you in the fire just like this! Your hair'll catch on fire and then you will be a little match top!"

The little red haired boy shook his feet as his father let them go and he tumbled away. No you won't! And besides, match tops have little white spots on 'em. I know, I seen 'em before.

Where'd you see 'em, chided Garth. There aren't anymore like that.

Well, that's what Granner says and she knows ‘cause she’s got gray hair, spouted Ryan, as he ran off to find his sister to play with.

Okay, Garth, you can go, sighed his father. But you'd better be extra careful. Bareck put his arm around his wife's waist and tousled the hair of his youngest son, a babe in his wife's arms.

He'll be all right, Bareck. He just needs to explore on his own. Clara smiled as she pecked her husband's cheek.

Bending over, Garth picked up a small stone and threw it, trying to reach the water, but it fell short by far. I need to be over on that other ridge closer to the water, he thought.

He had approached the crater from the southeastern side and set up camp a few hundred yards or so down from the ridge. Although it seemed as if there were a number of flat areas closer to the top, he had found a nice spot that would be out of any wind or rain. He decided to walk west in the morning on the path that followed the rim of the crater and investigate the large barren pinnacle sticking out of the lake. He picked up another stone and threw it harder. This one went farther, but it still did not quite reach the water.

As the sun was sinking below the western rim of the crater Garth leaned back lazily against a rock. A small gust of wind picked up some dust, adding a flatter red to the base of brilliant crimson above it. The sun's rays looked like radiant swords stabbing the glowing clouds in the sky.

This, he said to himself, makes the whole trip worth it. I bet there's not another sunset like it. As the sun was about to disappear behind the crown he started down to his camp.

Suddenly, the ground shook, causing Garth to stumble and almost lose his footing. Rocks began tumbling down the slope by him and falling from the cliffs into the crater. Loud splashing sounds could be heard echoing from the lake as boulders plummeted sizzling into it. Garth dove under a small ledge just as a number of large rocks whizzed past him. Then, as abruptly as they had begun, the tremors ceased; but were followed by a loud groaning sound that lasted a good thirty seconds before fading away, sending chills up his spine.

I should go all the way back now, shot through Garth's mind.

Dead silence filled the stilled air, but was broken by what Garth thought was the chattering of birds turning in for the night. The chattering crescendoed into a clamor as birds took to the air in droves. The clamor became a roar as flocks of birds swarmed and scattered at the same time, diving and flying in all directions till they disappeared down the slopes and away from the crater's maw. Garth stared in awe.

He lay frozen for a few minutes before daring to stand.

Just what I'm going to do! he exclaimed aloud as he jumped up and ran towards his camp. His legs felt more leaden with each stride, he thought from fear. The invisible vapors rolling down the mountainside filled his lungs with each strained breath, forcing fatigue into his limbs.

Garth reached for his bedroll to gather his belongings, but threw himself down and wrapped his blankets around his body instead. When the deafening growl came from the crater, he was already in a deep slumber and he dreamed.

He was on the rim of the crater, looking down at the lake. Sulfurous bubbles filled with smoke popped on the surface, the smell almost gagging him. Dense swirling mists worked their way towards the shore as the middle of the lake took on a black and red color like burning liquid coal. He shuddered and looked at the pinnacle glowing an eerie white as the shrouding mists folded menacingly towards it. Certainly it would be engulfed; but, as though protected by a wall, the mist stopped about twenty feet from its base. The rolling white fog slid around the mound until it completely surrounded it, but the fog never touched it or the rocky shore of the island. And the water--the water was still blue where the miasma could not reach. Next, he was on the island looking up at the pitch black sky. A hiss sounded behind him.

So, you are the first of the newborn.

Garth wheeled around to meet a huge, menacing blood red eye. He froze.

Well? Paltry human, have you nothing to say? Are you so weakened by the years that I can crush you even in Ishada? Yes, let us see. Its enormous mouth opened and between jagged yellow teeth came a billowing red flame.

Instinctively, Garth threw up his hands and a white glow surrounded him. The flames engulfed him, but did not touch him.

This is a dream! Garth screamed.

Yes, indeed it is. And I see. I see you are stronger than first appears. The forbidding black figure with blood for eyes faded.

Garth bolted upright out of dead sleep, sweat streaming from every pore in his body. His bedroll was drenched.

Bloody beast! he cried. Stay away from me! He jumped up before he realized it and looked around. The night was tar black. Dark clouds covered the full moon so that no light shone through.

Shoot, it’s gonna rain, too, he said aloud. He turned to look at the mouth of the crater. There was a faint glow coming from within. He shivered and started hiking towards it, stumbling as he went.

It can't be, he whispered to himself. It was a dream, just a dream.

When he reached the rim, his vision was filled by the ghastly sight. The middle of the lake glowed a deep fiery crimson and yellow while it bubbled and frothed as though it were about to erupt. The smell of sulfur was faint, but he could tell it would be overpowering at the water's edge.

He stood entranced.

Suddenly, a ghostly hiss wheezed from the crater. Then an explosion sounded as the frothing foam split and a huge glimmering black body was disgorged from it, spewing flames from its mouth in all directions as its massive head shook from side to side and up and down. Black bat like wings seem to spread half way across the mouth of crater as they beat the mists on the lake into a roiling fury. Long dagger sharp talons thrashed through the air as the monster climbed into the sky. A tremendous growl accompanied an extraordinary blast of fire.

Manchild! By ancient law I cannot take you now, but beware, I know you! bellowed the dragon. I am Gilden Rheas, Father of my kind! Know that I will seed this world with those of my making and we will not be cast into the abyss and imprisoned again! Make peace with whom you will, for at our next meeting, you shall die! The dragon flew over Garth's head, circled once while lighting the sky, then dove straight at him.

Hurricane force winds from its wings toppled him as the gigantic black figure sped by. Its shimmering obsidian scales moved with each thrust as it rolled over once and flung a burning dark object at him. Even as he tried to duck, he felt the hard scale slap his forehead, searing his skin as it struck. The dragon galloped into the clouds as lightning flashed and peals of thunder vibrated through his soul. Tingling all over, he felt afire. Frozen with fear, Garth watched the clouds inch their way from the full moon, casting a shaft of eerie bluish light on him.

Midnight, he thought.

Slowly his hand reached for the dragon's scale. It was still warm to the touch as he picked it up. It was perfectly smooth, not rough like Garth had expected. When he felt edge, it cut his finger.

Ouch! he exclaimed as he stuck his finger in his mouth and sucked on it. A shock as if hit by lightning ran through his body. He fell over, unconscious.

~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~

Chapter Two

Rheardonax

The sun had not yet touched the horizon when Garth opened his aching eyes to the gray pre-dawn sky. His pounding head thrummed as he pushed himself up slowly to a sitting position. He sat bewildered, his hand still grasping the dragon scale.

Dragon scale?

Numbness came with realization as the night's events replayed in his mind's eye. A dragon had just flown out of Crater Lake, spoke to him, threatened him, and flew away breathing fire in all directions. It had to be a dragon, right? Even all the Years of Changes had not lost the mythos of that creature. No one had ever seen a dragon because they had never existed; except to his grandmother who insisted that magic truly had once been part of the world. But those were just stories she told.

Garth had read many of the old books and knew that the world had changed. But he knew the difference between history and fairy tales. He looked at the almost triangular, hard, black thing in his hand. It seemed to pulse and almost glow. Realization struck him as a blow to the head.

It was real.

No, more dreaming.

It had to be his imagination.

He dropped the object and cursed at it.

Foul thing! he shouted. He picked up the scale and started to throw it over the rim, but stopped in mid-motion just as the dawn sun touched the horizon. The pinnacle in the lake began to glow a bright white and there was something on it.

He felt panic.

I don't need any more of this, he said aloud.

He tried to turn and run, but stood mesmerized, watching as the shape of a man with a long white beard in a hooded white robe took form. The cowl was pulled over his face, hiding his downcast eyes, and the flared sleeves hid his joined hands. Slowly, the face turned upwards towards Garth. He could feel the eyes as they rested on him. Even though the distance was great, he heard the gravelly, but strong voice.

Boy, come to me.

Garth did not move, but stared in disbelief.

Boy, I said, come to me! boomed the figure.

Garth's mind spun.

He must think I'm crazy. Even if I could get to him, why in the world would I ever want to, he thought. Garth again tried to turn and run, but the eyes held him still.

Hold the Jewel of Rhidenmore in front of you and come to me, now! commanded the thunderous voice.

Absently, Garth held up the dragon scale before his face and looked through the dense smoky glass at the figure. The center began to glow in a starburst and turn bright white. Suddenly, a blinding flash came from him and joined him to the bearded figure on the island.

Next, he was standing in front of the mysterious man.

Well, you certainly took your time getting here! spouted the man. Garth stepped back from the imposing figure.

"What? How did...? I mean.... Who are you?" spluttered Garth.

I am Rheardonax, your new master, and you are in a lot of trouble, young man. You have much to learn and little time to do so, but that's the way it always is. But have no fear, I'll teach you what you need to know. Rheardonax sighed. We'll have to start right away. First order of business is to find my castle and get my accoutrements. Well, get us off this forsaken island.

"Excuse me?" returned Garth.

I said get us off this island! Are you deaf or just incompetent? the old man said with agitation.

Flushed to his ears, face red, Garth stiffened. "First of all, I don't know what you're talking about. Second, I don't know how I got here and I sure don't know how to get back. And, Third, what is going on? Or do you even know? Also, who are you?"

"Impertinent little ragamuffin aren't you? As to who I am, a simple glance should tell even you that I am a Grand Wizard. As to how you got here, that should be obvious since you're the one holding the jewel. Now, if you're done asking silly questions, would you mind getting us off this island!"

I still don't know what you're talking about! shouted Garth, now mad. "Where did you come from? How did you get here? And what is going on?" Rheardonax stared at Garth with exasperation.

I've been holding the lock and key on Gilden Rheas for the last seven or eight thousand years and now he's free due to whatever it was that settled on the bottom of the lake and weakened the spells enough so that he could break free. Since he is free, it is my duty to see that he gets put back accordingly. In a sense, I guess I almost should be grateful because it has been a long time since I've been able to stroll this world. Hmmm, maybe I won't put him back after all. Rheardonax trailed off, seeming to ponder. No, only kidding. But there must be a reason for all this to happen. Tell me, what kind of state is the world in these days?

Garth looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, the world is not like it used to be. Once, there were big concrete and steel structures that held many people--Hey, wait a minute! You still haven't answered my questions."

You will find, my young apprentice, that it is I who will do the questioning. But for the moment, since, you cannot know what powers are at hand, I will humor myself with you. The wizard held his hands out with his palms turned upward towards Garth. His eyes seemed to smolder with an inside light as they looked straight into Garth's mind.

First, Gilden Rheas is the father of his kind. He is ancient, even much more so than I, and powerful, even as much as I. We will talk of this later. You were here to witness his release, so he will try to kill you because you or one of your's are destined to defeat him. Since you were here and are here, it means you are powerful, even though you couldn't tell it by me so it remains to be seen. But it does mean you have the best chance to lock him up again.

Fidgeting, Garth asked. Does that mean I have to stand guard over him for thousands of years?

Do you want answers or not? If so, keep your tongue still! Have you no manners or what?

Garth opened his mouth, then shut it. And he thinks I'm rude, he thought.

Rheardonax glared.

Now, when you witnessed Gilden Rheas's escape, he dropped the Jewel of Rhidenmore--a smooth dark jewel, almost black and almost flat. You were marked by it as its lawful owner, made evident by your forehead. It will only work for you or Gilden Rheas so long as you are marked. Also, you must have cut yourself with it and drunk of the wound or it wouldn't have worked properly. That is what you used to get to Wizard Island. Rheardonax stroked his beard thoughtfully. That is a mystery. How did you know to do that?

Garth cast his eyes down and answered in a mumble, It was an accident. I ran my finger along the edge and cut myself. I stuck my finger in my mouth and sucked down some blood.

You imbecile! The blood should have had the proper incantations recited over it first. You could of killed yourself that way! shouted the thin, ashen faced man.

Well, it did knock me out, replied Garth sheepishly.

Hmm, that's interesting. Maybe you are stronger than you seem. The piercing eyes wandered up and down the wiry Garth, stopping at his flowing dark blonde hair. Oh well, magic does always find its proper master eventually. I will have to teach you how to use it because it is extremely dangerous when used improperly.

I still don't understand what's going on. Why would the dragon drop the jewel to me? I thought it was one of his scales that fell on me.

Well, he doesn't know he dropped it and hopefully he won't realize he did for awhile yet. It was part of the seal that kept him locked in, however, it was enchanted so that if he ever escaped he would lose it immediately. Not that he really needs a talisman for magic, but it does allow him to do some things he cannot do without it. The old man's brow furrowed.

How was it a part of the seal? Garth queried suspiciously.

You are an inquisitive little nose aren't you? shot back Rheardonax.

Garth flushed again. I was only curious, he said defensively.

You'll learn soon enough. You'll learn a great many things soon enough. The wizard's eyes burrowed into Garth's skull. "Now, would you mind getting us off this island?"

Why can't you do it? spat back Garth.

Rheardonax sighed. There are reasons. Just take my hand, hold the jewel up and focus through it to some point on the rim and we'll get there.

What if I don't take your hand and go alone? I'm not sure I want to take you off this island. I'm not sure I want you around at all, hissed Garth.

You insolent little worm! I should turn you into snake and let you crawl on you belly for awhile to teach you some respect! I would, too, but then we'd never get off this island, shouted the reddening wizard. Go ahead. Try to use the jewel. If you die, then I can make it my own!

Garth hesitated, then held out his hand to the wizard. He remembered the words of Gilden Rheas and knew he could not face him alone. I'm sorry, It's just that, well, I don't know, I guess I'm scared.

The wizard took his hand. That's most sensible thing I've heard come out of your mouth yet.

The top of Garth's ears turned red as he held the jewel up and looked at the boulder he had been standing near before transporting to the island. Rheardonax smiled inwardly at the reaction as he let the power flow through himself and into Garth and out the jewel.

You will make a fine apprentice, he thought, as soon as I take some of the insolence out of you.

Garth looked back at the island from the top of the rim. The sulfurous fumes were overtaking it. Soon the whole island would be engulfed by them, he knew. The whole crater would fill with the misty substance.

Will it reach the rim? asked Garth.

It will, and more. We're not through with this place yet. But in time, in time. Rheardonax shook his head and started down to Garth's camp.

~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~

Chapter Three

First Lesson

Shouldn't we get out of here? Garth asked nervously, looking around his camp. I mean, won't Gilden Rheas be coming back to get me?

"Oh, I see, always worried about yourself. Some kind of wizard you're going to make. Hmmph. You couldn't care less what a magical dragon could be doing after being locked up for all these years. You think he's worried about you? His stomach is probably the foremost thing on his mind at the moment. Then, the 'fathering' of his kind. Besides, he's more worried about you than you should be about him," shot back the Grand Wizard.

His stomach! shouted Garth, My family is camped about eight miles from here. I have to go warn them! Garth's run down the mountain was stopped by a firm hand on his shoulder almost driving him to his knees.

Either your family is dead or they are all right, probably the latter. He would have gone after something like a herd of cattle. A small flock of humans would take more energy than it is worth to him, unless it is a very large family, say ten or twenty, but even then fighting or chasing them down wouldn't be worth it, consoled the solemn faced man. I think you are trying to run away! the wizard barked with a disconcerted look.

Well, he did say he was going to kill me. I just thought he meant to do it as soon as he could, quavered Garth.

And so he will. But, he isn't exactly sure who you are. And more than likely, he'll wait for you to come to him.

That's not what he said. Either in the dream or before he flew away.

What dream? The old man's eyes narrowed.

Garth told him about being on Wizard Island before he met Rheardonax and about how the dragon had tried to fry him on the spot.

Rheardonax's eyes widen. "You met Gilden Rheas in Ishada? Before you had the Jewel? And you defended yourself? Effectively? Hmmm, this puts a new light on things. Tell me what else happened."

The young man's voice grew stronger as he related the night's events. Perhaps he was not as afraid as he thought when the dragon attacked him. Well, maybe he was, but he sure was not going to let the wizard know. He saw the robes shrug a little.

No big deal. He only knows what you look like. Dragons almost always lie. And when they tell the truth, it's only to trap you in another lie. Never trust a dragon. Not even a good one.

A good one? What do mean a good one? Since he is the sire to his whole race, how can there be a good dragon? Garth looked lost.

You have so much to learn. I suppose a world without magic tends to lose its understanding of it. Anyway, this part isn't really magic. It is simply the nature of things. The wizard arched his back as he stretched, showing the tall stature that was hidden by hunching over under the robes. I suppose it's easier to start with something familiar. You know a lot of people, right?

Garth nodded yes, even though he lived in a fairly small village.

You know some very fine people, and some not so fine people.

Again, Garth nodded. He could give some good examples, too.

Sometimes, good parents end up with bad children.

Garth thought of the good Mayor's son who enjoyed torturing small animals, stealing from his friends, and beating on kids smaller than himself.

At the same time, Rheardonax continued, some very bad parents end up with very good children. Generally, they abuse the children, but somehow the children survive and grow up to be fine adults. They learn what it is to be bad so well they do all they can not be like their parents. Most of time they end up trying to help children who are in a similar situation to what they grew up in and frequently become outstanding citizens in their communities. They also have a tendency to be very strong emotionally. Of course that is the exception more than the rule, but true nevertheless.

Musing on this last bit, Garth thought of the Angelicos. Rumor had it that Mrs. Angelico's father had been a rather nasty sort. So nasty that he was killed by three men in public and in broad daylight, but no one admitted witnessing it. Mrs. Angelico was one of the kindliest women Garth had ever met; always baking cookies for the children, making dresses and skirts for the girls, and always there if someone was in trouble. Her house was often a boarding house for distraught or lost young women. Everyone went to her for their problems.

Yes, I see, Garth acknowledged as he looked contemplative.

Okay, so the same is true for dragons. Just because Gilden Rheas is the worst kind of dragon you would want to meet doesn't mean that all of his offspring will be the same. In fact, since Gilden Rheas has to start his line of offspring with the existing animal population the chances are that some 'good' offspring will come from his first matings. Since these will also mate with the same mix as they came from, or at least something close, at some point there will be a so-called breed of 'good' dragons.

You mean there will be a breed of white dragons?

No, no, aren't you listening? They will be whatever color they turn out to be, plus whatever it is they eat that adds color to their scales. Gilden Rheas is black because he burns everything he eats. And because he prefers caves with lots of volcanic rock in it which he also sometimes eats. Good for the gizzard you know. You cannot tell the demeanor of a dragon by the color of its scales. Remember that, it may keep you alive one day. Rheardonax shook his finger at Garth in that chastising manner of instructions not to be forgotten.

Okay, let me see if I've got this straight. Gilden Rheas will run around mating with a bunch of different animals. These animals will have dragons for babies and...

No, not quite dragons. They will be a mix, a hybrid, of what the parent is and a dragon, but I guess you can say, yes, mostly dragon. Some will have wings, some will not. Some will breath fire, others steam, and others, who knows?

What, exactly, can a dragon mate with?

A dragon can only mate with a dragon, but Gilden Rheas can mate with anything he doesn't eat. In fact, he will. Big or small, it won't matter to him. Although he does prefer reptiles, the bigger the better. Also, his direct offspring will be able to mate to some degree with dissimilar animals. Though the closer to their own kind, generally the more successful the mating. However, by the fourth generation, they have to pretty much stick to their 'own kind,' so to speak. Since the dragon part is so strong, at some point there will be distinctive breeds of dragons that you would be hard pressed to figure out from which animal stock they were derived. But there will be a difference between breeds, as well as animals that have dragon features, but not dragons at all. The closer to being a pure dragon, the greater chance of a successful dragon breeding.

But he is so big! How can anything that big mate with anything I've ever seen? I mean, I've watched cats, dogs, cattle and variety of other animals mate. How can Gilden Rheas do that? Garth said incredulously.

Magic, boy, magic. You aren't thinking magic! By the way, do you know of any really big reptiles?

Well, I've never seen them, but some of the books I've read have had pictures of things called alligators and crocodiles. They can get up to twenty feet long or so. Oh, yes, in one book I saw there was a giant lizard in it called a Komodo Dragon. That's the only dragon I've ever heard as being real. They can get up to ten feet or so in length. Then there are snakes, such as boa constrictors. They can get thirty or forty feet long. Garth rubbed his forehead trying to think of more reptiles.

Oh, I guess it doesn't matter. There will be large dragons and small dragons, vicious and otherwise no matter what. The reptile cross-breeds are always the worst it. Anyway, the first bunch around here will probably be a cross between Gilden Rheas and a cow. Those are always interesting. It's not so amusing, though, if one of those offspring mates with a young maiden, the wizard trailed off. But, I suppose whatever happens will happen.

Garth shuddered to think of it. Can Gilden Rheas mate with humans? he asked, not sure if he wanted to know the answer.

Yes, and given the chance, he will. But the offspring of that kind of mating is quite different than the others. You would think of them as shape-shifters or demons. They are extremely cunning and frequently very powerful and, more often than not, quite mad. I would say that the only exception to the rule of cross-matings is that with humans. Never do they ever turn out to be 'good.' Also, they almost always start some kind of inhuman race. Especially when the direct offspring is a male. You know, 'father-of-many, mother-of-few,' kind of thing. And they always seem to end up in the courts of the most evil wizards you have ever met. Rheardonax shook his head and looked down at his fingers as his hand began to clutch tightly. Garth did not like the look of it.

I thought you were the only wizard alive now and that I was 'your apprentice.' Certainly, I'm not evil. So, at least we don't have to worry about that.

Not so and not true, at least about you and me being the only ones. Rheardonax smiled. You see, this event is rather cataclysmic with respect to the world as you know it. Many changes have occurred even between yesterday and today. Some events will take more time to be evident; however, they have nevertheless happened. Whatever. Magic has returned to the world of men. Dragons and Wizards live once again. It will remain so until Gilden Rheas is returned to his prison and all the dragons and wizards are removed from the world.

The flowing robes fell away from the wizard's bony hands as he raised them up towards the sky. A brilliant flash shot forth, piercing the clouds.

I just wanted to do that for old times sake. Ever see an elf?

~ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~

Chapter Four

Return to Camp

All of Garth's belongings were neatly packed away on his back and the Jewel of Rhidenmore tucked away in the leather pouch at his side. As they started down the mountain, he contemplated his early return and felt uneasy about the story he was going to have to tell his father. It had been close to midnight when Gilden Rheas flew out of the crater so he did not think his family had seen the lights in the sky. Insofar as Gilden Rheas was concerned, the campfire would have been doused long before and his family should have been fast asleep in their tents. The camp was well protected by a stand of tall trees and that should have served to conceal it from the dragon. There was no way Gilden Rheas could have seen them. Rheardonax was right. They should be fine. But a certain dread still lingered on.

When they reached a thick grove of trees, Rheardonax paused and motioned to Garth. He looked at the branch the wizard was holding.

Do you have something you can chop this off with? asked the wizard, pointing.

Why don't you just zap it? chided Garth.

First law of conservation, don't zap unless you have to, snapped Rheardonax with a dour expression.

Okay, okay. I have a hatchet. Garth pulled out a small wooden handled hatchet from his pack and gave it a quick clean chop, severing the branch from the tree where the old magician had pointed. He started to hand it to the wizard, but Rheardonax stood still and rolled his eyes.

If you don't mind.

Garth obediently stripped away the branches and cut the other end. I thought wizards all had magic staffs, he scoffed as he handed the wizard his walking stick.

You really do test my patience, you know that? Rheardonax remarked as he retrieved the stick from Garth, My staff is in my castle if you must know. And I will get it as soon as we get there. A bluish-white glow formed along the rod as he ran his hand up and down the shaft. I hate getting sap on my hands. Rheardonax brushed by Garth as he walked ahead.

You're going the wrong way, Garth remarked and started walking more easterly. Rheardonax "haruumphed" and followed.

The mountain had a few steep places, but for the most part it was a gentle slope. Garth was impressed at how agile the old man was, but he was not going to tell him that. Determined not to suffer anymore insults from Rheardonax, Garth hiked in front of the wizard for hours without speaking to him, motioning the way instead of telling him. But he started wondering how old Rheardonax was and his curiosity got the better of him.

Do you age? asked Garth.

Age? What do you mean, age? Don't I look old enough for you? Perhaps you would have more respect for me if I were a withered old husk and looked like a mummy. Yes, I age. Just like you age. Don't ask so many silly questions. If you must be inquisitive, ask about issues that are important, Rheardonax huffed as he slowed his descent down a steeper part of the slope.

Well, just how old are you? Garth pressed, undaunted.

I'm old. Leave it at that. Rheardonax's eyes burned into Garth's, but jerked away as the wizard's boot slipped on the gravelly slope. Garth grabbed his arm so he would not fall. I suppose now you think I owe you something? spat Rheardonax.

Garth sighed. No, nothing of the sort. Okay, so what is important?

You grow wiser by the moment, lad. You should be asking 'how am I going to become a wizard?' and 'what do I have to learn and how am I going to learn it?' You should be wondering how the world is changing at this moment and what it means to you and everybody else. You should be concerned about what Gilden Rheas might be doing and where he is. You should be thinking about how you will deal with evil wizards, sorceresses, and other magical creatures.

What other magical creatures? Garth stopped dead in his tracks and spun around to face his mentor. The wizard almost ran him over.

Don't do that! You almost caused me to fall, you fool! Rheardonax shouted.

"Don't call me names! I don't like that. To me, wizard or not, you are nothing but a crotchety old man with a bad sense of humor. If I ask you a question, it's because I don't understand. I've never lived around magic. Magic to me is some fast-handed, loose clothed clown pulling sleight of hand tricks to amuse children. I am not a fool and I am not stupid so don't treat me that way." Garth spun back down hill and marched away, leaving Rheardonax behind with his mouth hanging.

You come back here, young man! followed from behind as Garth burst upon the smoldering mass that was once his parent's camp.

Oh, no! cried Garth. Momma! Poppa! Mylia! Ryan! Where are you? Garth ran to the center of the camp. "Oh, no, no! Sheleea, Justin! Is there anybody left? He ran to the tree where his parent's tent had been. There was a black heap where the tent had burned. He could see bones poking out from the rubble. Momma, Poppa, oh, please, no, please, no. He fell to his knees in the soot, tears streaming down his face, slamming his fist on the ground. You monster! You filthy, dirty, rotten monster. I will kill you if it's my last act alive. I swear I will kill you! he screamed. Great sobs came from him as he looked up and Rheardonax came into his view. You lied to me, you moth-eaten beggar, you lied! You knew! You always knew! And you didn't tell me!" He lunged with his fist raised at Rheardonax, swinging wildly. Rheardonax caught his arms and pinned them to his side. Garth struggled to hit him.

No, I didn't. I'm sorry. I really didn't know. I knew there was a chance, but I really didn't know. Garth fell sobbing to his knees.

He killed them. He killed them all. They never even had a chance, Garth sobbed. How did he find them? How did he see them? Oh, Momma, Poppa. Is he just rampaging around the country randomly slaughtering all the humans he can find? Rheardonax, he killed my baby brother without even knowing he was there. Why did he do this? He didn't eat them. Why did he do it? Garth's bloodshot eyes searched the wizard's for an answer. Why? Just tell me why!

To get at you, replied Rheardonax solemnly.

What? Garth leaped to his feet. To get at me? You said he didn't even know who I was. Did you lie about that, too? What else haven't you told me? Garth's jaw jutted out so far the wizard stepped back. Garth could not see his own surrounding glow and was unaware of his hand clutching the leather pouch at his side. "Tell me. Curse you, tell me!"

Sit down, Garth. There are a few more things you need to know right now. The white robed figure moved over to a large boulder, sat, then motioned Garth to sit by him.

I will not! You tell me. Tell me what I need to know. Tell me how to track that beast down and turn him into the pile of dung he is! Garth was shaking uncontrollably as he stamped his foot on the ground. The ground shook as he did so, even the trees swayed. The leather pouch began to feel hot in his hand. He ripped it from his belt and pushed it in front of the wizard's face. This is it! Isn't it? This is the key! A seal, my butt. This is what I need to destroy that mangy ridden excuse for a dragon! Garth was shouting at the top of his lungs.

All of a sudden, Rheardonax stood up and he seemed to grow taller, bigger. He spread his arms and began glowing pure white. So apprentice, you would test me so soon. You will desist from this behavior now! he thundered.

Garth felt as though he had been cast in lead. He could not move. He struggled until the anger left him and all that was left was pain; pain of losing his family, pain of losing the most precious things he had known in life.

When the invisible bonds released him, he collapsed to the ground sobbing. Help me. Please, you must help me. I must do it for them. I must do it for me.

That is why I am here, my young apprentice, to help you. To help everyone. Please come here and sit down. Again, Rheardonax sat on the boulder and motioned for Garth to sit by him.

Pulling himself up off the ground, shoulders sagging, Garth obeyed. He sat next to the wizard and stared at the burned ground that was once his parent's camp and drew a deep, ragged breath, then let it out slowly, sobbing gently.

You see, I am not omniscient. I do not know all things, many, but not all. Also, I am not prescient. I can foretell very little. I can certainly tell the outcome of an event if it is obvious to me, perhaps even if with a little more certainty than most people. But, there are circumstances that must be fulfilled and all incidentals concerned must be known before any foretelling can be done. One needs an oracle in order to really predict any future. You will learn much more about that as you learn your skills as a wizard. Rheardonax's hand rubbed the boulder as he looked down. I did not know Gilden Rheas would destroy your family, but if he found them, I guessed he probably would.

Then we could have saved them! protested Garth, eyes flowing with tears.

No, he did this within hours of his release. You were unconscious on the mountain. I was still trapped within the, shall we call it, the guard shack. Rheardonax clasped his hands upon his lap and he looked at Garth. I could not leave until the sun touched the pinnacle.

Then it was truly hopeless from the start. I should have listened to my Da when he told me it was the Lake of Death. If I hadn't gone up there none of this would have happened. Garth started crying again.

No, that's not true either. Gilden Rheas's release would have happened whether you had hiked that crater or not. It was the years of the poisons settling to the bottom of the lake that did it. You might have died with your family had you been with them. See, Gilden Rheas was looking for you before he got out. That's why and how you ended up in Ishada with him. He brought you there. He knew there would be someone that could destroy him or put him back. Rheardonax put his hands behind him and leaned back, turning his face skyward. He summoned you.

What do you mean summoned me? I had a dream of foretelling. Granner says that happens sometimes.

No, not a dream. You were in Ishada.

Ish...what?

Ishada.

Where is Ishada?

"Not really where so much as what. Ishada is another realm that is sometimes mistaken for a