Checkpoint: Mantidom, #3

By Vincent Trigili

Once again, the ten heroes must split their paths if they are to accomplish all that needs to be done before the final war. Crag and Tulip journey to the land of perpetual winter in hopes of solving the dwarven problem, while Raven, Kira, Smoke, and Listra head to Dragon Holm to learn the true history of the fractured worlds. Meanwhile, Rock and Orchid need to meet with the human king to form an alliance. The only trouble is that no one knows where he is.

 

All the while the dragons and the darkness are moving forward with their own plans as each group races towards the final battle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vincent Trigili
• Release date: Jul 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393454984

Vincent Trigili

Vincent, father and husband of nearly two decades, holds degrees in both Math and Computer Science. In addition, he has published an astronomy journal, numerous articles, poetry and other works.    He got his start in writing fiction as a small child, losing himself in the worlds he dreamed up in order to escape the doldrums of normal life. Now, using his formal education and extensive career experience, he excels in creating fictional worlds of depth and rich fantasy, while maintaining a foundation of reality based on science and technology.    To be notified about new releases and other news sign up for Vincent's email list: http://www.losttalesofpower.com/subscribe-to-annoucements/    For more information on the series, and other news, stop by the official website at:  http://www.losttalesofpower.com

Book preview

1

Day 445

~* Raven *~

As the stone room faded away, the holographic display of the game updated one last time. It was fleeting, but I thought it read:

Starting Chapter Three: The Quest for the Axe.

As before, I knew it was impossible. Mantidom was not some game that the five of us were playing; it was a real world. It had to be. Nothing else made any sense, given all that we had seen and done.

Of course, the other big question remained: what axe?

When the smoke cleared we were all sitting around the table in a dining hall in Sanctuary, where we had met for what was to be the team’s final dinner for some time. Soon some of us would be leaving for Dragon Holm, some on diplomatic missions, and others to help rebuild Urathan.

Raven, what’s that? asked Kira.

Floating in front of me was a scroll. It was hovering there, wrapped in purple magic. I swallowed hard and looked around the table before touching it. A silent count verified that everyone was present. All ten of us had chosen to continue.

That is wrapped in purple magic, said Aria.

But there is no such thing, said Mika.

I nodded. It was true. There were six colors of magic and purple was not one of them, yet we had seen it used before by Mantis.

Mantis uses purple magic, or at least the Gate does. None of us understands what that means, but it does tell us that this scroll is from him, I said, eyeing it warily.

I tentatively reached out and took it. As I did so, the seal fell away and the purple magic faded. It became a normal scroll with the aura of magic completely dispelled.

I guess I’d better read it, I said, unrolling the document. It was written in flowing purple script that looked like Papyrus. The scroll was written in English, so I translated to Elven as I read it aloud:

---

Heroes, I am sorry that I cannot yet meet you. I have not been able to pierce the veil that protects the fractured worlds and therefore cannot return. Sending this scroll is as much as I can achieve now. When I have found a way through, I will come and join the fight. I pray it will not be too late.

I regret to inform you that the original plan has failed. The Eater of Realms is not only still alive but is now stronger and more cunning than before. History is not progressing as we planned, and the Eater of Realms is gaining the upper hand.

You must be very careful, as you are the only hope left to the fractured worlds. I will come to you as soon as I can, but until then all ten of you must travel to Brendian’s Library, as he will soon make an important discovery there. After that, Kira, Raven, Smoke and Listra must travel to Dragon Holm to learn the true history of the realm.

You are about to enter the next phase of your training to fight the Eater of Realms. Your combat ability is yet unequal to it; that must change, and very soon. Your grasp of reality must be expanded before you can fight it directly. There is much still for you to learn, but time is running out faster than we had intended.

I had not intended to say this until several more chapters had elapsed but, as the plan continues to degrade, I feel I must speak now. Everything and everyone now depends on you ten. If you do not complete this quest and defeat the Eater of Realms, all will be lost and none will survive in either fracture.

---

It’s signed by Mantis, I said, setting down the scroll.

Silence passed over the room for a long breath. Everyone stared at the scroll. It was good to know that, whoever this Mantis was, he was still trying to help us, but infuriating to realize how little information was actually contained in the message he had sent.

We should do as he says, said Tulip and Orchid together, grimacing at one another. Ever since the night they had made the prophecy, they had spoken as one. I tried asking them why, but they made it very clear that they were in no mood to talk about it.

Mika frowned. The dragonlings need flight training before we do anything else, but a slight delay before heading to Dragon Holm should not be an issue. I will speak with the abbot and tell him of this development.

That scroll just raises more questions, grumbled Smoke.

I nodded. Though I think we can safely assume that this ‘Eater of Realms’ is that which we have been calling ‘The Darkness’.

Several people nodded. Rock said, And it sounds like they had some plan that involved us coming to fight it again.

Yes, but the plan seems to be falling apart and things are going badly, much worse than expected, said Kira.

No plan of operations reaches with any certainty beyond the first encounter with the enemy's main force, quoted Rock.

Or ‘no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy’, as the rest of us would say, added Crag.

This is the first time he has mentioned that Earth is also in danger, I said, assuming that’s what ‘either fracture’ means.

How can that be? asked Smoke.

How can any of this be? I guess we’ll know more after the trip to Dragon Holm, I said.

I wonder how he knows that my uncle will soon make a discovery? asked Aria.

In general, near events are easy to see, said Tulip and Orchid, though Orchid cut herself off partway through by a perceptible effort of will.

What do you mean? I asked.

Time is like a … said Tulip.

… grand weave … continued Orchid.

… with many patterns … continued Tulip.

… some are easy to see, some not … continued Orchid.

… but short and close ones are easiest to see, finished Tulip.

I nodded, pretending that their behavior was not disconcerting at all. Their words flowed together flawlessly as if only one person was speaking, despite the fact that they were alternating. I knew it was bothering them, so I decided to change the subject.

Mika, can we get some of the monks down to Sanctuary II? I would like to send them flying in all directions, especially up, and verify that that gigantic room is as empty as we think it is, I asked.

I think some of them would do that for us. I will mention it when I bring news of the scroll to the abbot, said Mika.

I looked around the table and asked, Are we agreed then that we will all go to the Library before heading our separate ways?

After you have had some flight training, interjected Mika.

That did not seem necessary, given that all three of us had flown in combat without any training, but I had already agreed to it and Mika was making it apparent that he would hold me to it.

As much as I hate dancing on a string held by an unknown puppet master, I think we should go, said Smoke.

Listra was curled up by his side, not really in her own chair. The movement of her brown eyes showed that she was following the conversation with great interest, but she didn’t say a word. She never did in the presence of more than a few people. I was sure that several people around the table had never heard her speak.

Others nodded in assent.

It will take us a good fortnight, if not more, to ride to the Library if we use the gate from here to Fairis first, and that is in the opposite direction to Dragon Holm, pointed out Aria.

So we’ll be traveling back and forth for the rest of the summer, said Kira.

I nodded. Seems that way.

2

Day 447

~* Raven *~

The abbot stood inside Sanctuary II, accompanied by myself, Tharn, Mika, Kira, Smoke, Listra and about thirty monks. Clan Twin Dragon’s enchanters had made a storage area off to one side of the gate, complete with lighting, food and water. Stockpiles of supplies were slowly growing as we had already begun to turn this into an emergency shelter in case Sanctuary fell.

The abbot nodded to the monks and they spread out into the darkness. Then all at once fire and ice filled the air around us as they shifted into dragon form and flew off in various directions, including upwards. Even the massive dragons seemed small in this room. The scale on which the original builders had worked defied reason.

Shaking his head in amazement, the abbot said, When you said this room was big, you did not exaggerate.

Soon all the dragons were out of sight: thirty dragons swallowed up by the darkness. That incredible feat showed how immense this cavern really was.

Well, we will soon have the measure of it, said Mika.

The abbot nodded. Though now I wonder if we should have brought more of the Chosen.

A rider on a horse took several days to reach the far wall and return, I said.

We might not have everyone back for a day or two, in that case, said the abbot, looking at the stockpiles. Raven, this room is big enough to solve a problem for us. I know you refuse to let us set up a monastery in Sanctuary, but would you let us use this room?

For what?

Training. There is ample space here for dragons to fly and no one will see them.

I can see that, but we’re using the space to build an emergency shelter for Sanctuary, I said.

We will assist with that construction and add to the supplies you are stockpiling in return, he offered.

It might be useful to have an active deployment of dragons at the gate. If Sanctuary were ever attacked, I was sure the monks would help us. We wanted to keep this room secret, but the monks had kept the secret of their dragons for centuries so that should not be a problem for them.

I asked Kira, What do you think?

She waved her hand at the darkness around us. Why not? It’s not like we’re short of space.

She had a point. Very well, but first let’s see if the monks find anything out there.

I didn’t think there was anything at all out there. We had had riders on horseback scouting in random directions and found nothing, but I still didn’t like that much darkness.

The abbot smiled. Excellent! Let us find a place to sit, then we can start going over some of the information you will need to join us in the sky.

We found a table and he released a flood of information. The abbot explained that we flew in formations which mimic various large raptors, flying high enough so that anyone who caught a glimpse of us would think we were such birds and ignore us.

He talked for hours before a few of the dragons returned, walking out of the darkness towards our table.

You are back! What did you find above? enquired the abbot.

This group of three were all human women who appeared to be in their early years of adulthood. One of them, who had dark brown hair and blue eyes, said, Abbot, the room stretches almost all the way to the top of the mountain. Well above the permafrost line, there is an exit to the sky.

A woman with red hair and green eyes added, There is good cover from the surrounding landscape; you could easily pass within a few paces of the cave and not see it, assuming you could get that close without being airborne.

The abbot turned to me and said, That is a remarkable find.

Suspiciously suitable, I said.

How so? he asked.

A room big enough to train dragons, that just so happens to have a hidden exit to the sky so high up that no one would see it? I pointed out.

Kira nodded. We may have been wrong about this being a second Sanctuary. Perhaps it was always intended for dragons.

The scroll Mantis sent strongly implied that they had a master plan which included such events as your arrival in this world. Perhaps this room is part of that plan? suggested the abbot.

It has to be. It’s just too convenient otherwise, said Smoke.

I think we should name this place the Dragon Citadel, I said. We had been calling it Sanctuary II because we assumed that was the intention of whoever had built this place. Now it seemed that this chamber was much more suitable for dragonkind, so I wanted to separate it from Sanctuary.

The abbot smiled. This is your land, and you can do as you wish, but we could definitely make use of such a citadel and be most grateful for it.

Then it will be so, but one matter must be made clear: this cavern belongs to Clan Twin Dragon, and as such falls under the Clan’s charter and authority, I said.

Rock’s oath magic had already ensured this. The stable point provided enough power for him to seal the entire chamber to us, despite its vast size.

Of course. We will move in and help build up this place to fulfil your original plans and create a citadel for dragons. This will also mean that we can rapidly come to the defense of Sanctuary should that be necessary, replied the abbot.

He turned to Tharn, smiling. Tharn, would you accept the position of abbot of Dragon Citadel?

He nodded. I would be greatly honored; however, I think Malcolm sees me as the eventual head of the future monastery in Sanctuary itself.

He did, but this development supersedes that plan. Perhaps Mika will take that role when the time comes.

Mika’s eyes widened, but he did not speak. Aria beamed at him with obvious pride. Tharn chuckled at their response.

This talk of an eventual monastery in Sanctuary probably meant that they planned to wait out the requirement I had insisted on: that any monks in Sanctuary would have to be oathbound to the clan in the same way as every other person there. I knew that this requirement would probably have to be dropped when we opened the world market I was planning; no doubt that was what they were counting on.

Then I will ask Malcolm to make it official, and leave you to continue organizing this citadel and the training of the heroes, said the abbot.

3

Day 448

~* Raven *~

T harn, where are you going to find enough monks to fill this citadel? asked Crag as we gathered for a planning meeting.

The order will send one group from every other monastery to start the cadre here, he said.

What’s a cadre? asked Crag.

A cadre is what we call a group of dragons that resides in the same monastery or, in this case, citadel. Usually each cadre will be skilled in a specialized task or role, so by gathering from all the other cadres we will start off with a well-rounded base to build from.

Then he smiled and added, After that, we will be expected to watch out for more Chosen to bring in from nearby towns and cities and train them.

Of course, what he had left out was that we were so remote that only Sanctuary was available as a source of possible recruits. You never give up, do you?

He smiled and shrugged.

Well, don’t worry. I’ll happily release any Dragon Born who are found and wish to join you for training, I said. It would be cruel not to, not to mention dangerous for anyone around them. In fact, I would do more than that; I would strongly encourage them to join. Anything less would be heartless.

Now, we need to figure out how we’re going to keep the monks’ dragon secret while making the stores here accessible to the Clan, I said.

This space is huge. Can we erect a building around the gate that houses the stores and shield the citadel from the gate? asked Kira.

Maybe, I said, trying to visualize such an arrangement.

That wouldn’t work for everyone, though, said Rock.

Who are you thinking of? I asked.

Well, Eluna, for one. She’s studying the stable point and building all our defenses, he said.

Not to mention, that I’d like to see your Talons train with the monks, if the monks agree, said Crag.

I looked at Tharn, who replied, Training your Talons is a possibility, but that might be better achieved in Karnook.

Eluna would need full access. I mean, we’d probably be asking her to set up the magic around the building to keep the dragons’ area secure, Kira pointed out.

Tharn frowned but said nothing.

Rock said, The more people who know a secret, the harder it will be to keep it. That being said, we can bind those in the secret with oath magic.

Tharn, we know this arrangement will require some give and take on both our parts. Eluna and a few others will need to be brought in the know. If you want the Talons to train in Karnook, we can send them there. What do you think? I asked.

He sighed heavily. I can see the need, and in every town where we have a presence there are always some who know our secret. I would just ask you to keep the group as small as possible and bind them with oath magic.

Looking at Crag, he continued. The Talons will need to know how to work with dragons if they are to continue as Raven and Kira’s personal guard. Although it goes against all I have learned over the years, they should train here with the dragons.

After that we moved on to the logistics of getting supplies here and adapting the cave. Years from now, I hoped, there would be a grand temple for the monks and a massive storehouse for Sanctuary, but for now simple buildings would do.

It took hours to develop a basic plan. No doubt there would be many more days of more detailed planning, but I would take no part in that. We had architects and others more suited to making our vision a reality.

When we were finally finished, I sent most of the group away but kept Kira, Rock and Tharn with me and sent for Eluna. It amazed me how much we had come to depend on her. A mere random encounter had given us a critical resource that could spell the difference between the success or failure of our mission.

When she arrived and everyone was settled, I said, Eluna, you have been a great asset to our clan and we are thankful that you convinced us to risk letting you in.

She quirked an eyebrow at that.

Oh, Raven, sighed Kira. She smiled at Eluna. No, he’s not about to give you bad news.

Of course not. Why would you think that? I asked Kira.

She shook her head and smiled at Eluna, who returned the smile. Please continue, my lord.

Well, we have another secret for you, and you must be bound by oath magic before you learn it.

I will gladly do so, but should not my oaths to the clan suffice?

I looked at Rock, who said, Maybe, but there is some doubt because the secret belongs to the monks rather than to our clan. It will make sense when you learn what we would like to share with you.

She nodded and Rock performed the ritual, binding her by magical oath. Then I said, This one you have to see to believe. Come on.

We led her out into the open area beyond our supplies. There were a few dozen monks carrying out an inventory and storing the emergency supplies, but no one else was in sight. We asked one of the monks to make sure no one else was around. When we were satisfied that all was clear, I told Eluna, There’s no such thing as Dragon Born, as you know it.

That implies there is more to it.

I requested her to stay where she was, and I walked away to a safe distance. Then I said, There’s also no such thing as baby dragons. In an explosion of fire, I shifted into my dragon form.

Eluna jumped back a step, and Kira scolded me. Raven, do you have to be so dramatic?

I tilted my head back and roared once.

Kira shook her head, and I returned to my elven form. Eluna, all the Dragon Born are actually dragons. We cannot transform into our dragon selves until we have reached a certain level of maturity, but all Dragon Born can do so at that point.

I saw you, Kira, and Smoke at Urathan, and suspected as much, she replied, letting her gaze drift over the room.

We plan to use this space for training dragons secretly. This means that we will need a building to store Sanctuary’s supplies, and one where people can come and go via the gate without seeing the rest of the space, said Tharn.

She nodded. You would like me to create the enchantments to guarantee that?

That, yes, and we also want you to maintain your study of the stable point, I said.

She nodded again. That is logical. I can also see the benefit of having an army of dragons near the gate to Sanctuary, in case it is ever attacked.

It will be attacked. The Eater of Realms must know by now that we have made our base here and will come for it, said Rock.

Eluna looked at Tharn. Every dragon I have seen in the air is one of you?

Aye, or at one point they were. There is still an occasional occurrence of one of us losing control. When that happens, they lose their humanity and all sense of who they were, answered Tharn.

If you have no objection, I would like to know more about your race.

Tharn nodded. I know very little about the kind of things you are likely to ask, but now that you are oathbound you can visit our library in Karnook.

The ten heroes all know this secret, as will my elite guard, the Talons. Beyond that, we are trying our best to honor the monks’ desire to keep this unknown. Stories of our actions at Urathan will fade into legend and be written off as mythical, if we are careful, I said.

She nodded. That will not happen for a generation or two, but in time it will no doubt pass off as legend.

I doubted whether we had enough time for that to happen. In truth, I was sure that the monks would be exposed before long as an army of dragons fighting against the Eater of Realms.

4

Day 477

~* Raven *~

Fall was just beginning when Tharn finally decided that we had enough flight time to attempt the journey to the Library. It had been decided early on that we would fly there and carry on our backs those who could not fly. The monks had been practicing that for centuries and had even created a saddle which allowed one rider to secure themselves so that they would not fall off if their mount was inverted.

Mika would carry Aria, and Smoke of course had Listra, who needed no saddle. One had been provided for her, but she barely glanced at it. Crag, Rock, Tulip and the others were spread out among the rest of us and our escort of monks.

As we were making the final preparations, a problem occurred to me. Tharn, at the height we will be flying the air will be thin and cold. Can our riders survive that?

He nodded. They will need to dress warmly, and we have enchanted masks for them which will allow them to breathe normally. One of the plans we have been developing over the centuries is for wizards to ride on dragonback to provide defense and additional firepower.

Powerful casters on the backs of battle-trained dragons sounded formidable indeed.

"It is about a month’s ride to the Library from here, but we should fly there in half that time if all goes well. We will be traveling over lands devasted by the war, so hunting for food en route should be avoided," he said.

That made good sense. Those who were rebuilding would need what was left of the game for themselves. We can get water from the Crystal River, at least.

We would be following the river almost the whole way to the Cursed Forest where the Library was hidden. There had been no word from Brendian yet, but there was no reason to start doubting Mantis’ predictions. Well, he had in effect told us that things were spiraling out of his control, but this prediction was probably accurate enough. Besides, we had told Brendian over a year ago that we would return to confer with him, so a visit was overdue.

Beating my wings a few times to get the saddle settled, I looked at Crag, who would be riding on my back for the first day. People and supplies would be moved around each day so that we all got as much experience as possible in carrying different weights. The big problem was that, as a dragon, I couldn’t talk to Crag.

Some of the monks would ride instead of fly, and they could carry any messages between the two-leggers and the dragons, but once we were up in the air verbal communication between rider and dragon would be essentially nonexistent.

Turning my head, I surveyed the company that was preparing to fly out with the setting sun, noticing many elves, humans and half-breeds among them. Night elves were the smallest group in the Citadel, but there were a few.

Tharn, I haven’t seen any dwarves here in the Citadel. Are there no dwarven Dragon Born? I asked.

He shook his head. They exist, but they are much rarer. Elves and humans of all varieties produce air dragons like those you see here. Dwarves produce land dragons, who usually live deep underground and avoid everyone.

So there are none in the order? I said.

We do have some, but none in this region, he said with a shrug. I have met only one in my lifetime.

He checked the saddle on my back one last time and then turned to Crag, speaking in Common. The saddle is ready.

Thanks, said Crag. He leaned back and looked up at me. I know that’s you, Raven, but man - can you try not to look so scary?

I could hear Common and could probably even speak it, but my vocal range for language was too low for his ears. Instead, I smiled my friendliest smile.

He shook his head. Yeah, showing me a mouthful of razor-sharp, saw-toothed fangs was exactly what I had in mind.

I shrugged, unsure if he could read the movement. Gesturing with my head, I indicated that he should mount. I wanted to take a few laps in the air and make sure all was well before we launched.

As soon as Crag had indicated that he was secure, I lifted off as gently as I could. Early on in training, I had learned that leaping into the air with someone on your back was not a good plan. If they weren’t properly braced, it could cause whiplash or worse. Thankfully I had started out with experienced riders who were ready for that.

I had not yet flown much outside the Citadel, and I was worried about the wind and other environmental conditions, but in training we had used wizards to simulate different kinds of weather. Flying for long trips like the one we were about to take was much harder than the brief flight I had made during the fight at Urathan. That was all quick bursts of speed; being chaotic in flight path was helpful when dodging attacks, but it also tired one quickly. Tonight we would be embarking on a full fortnight of flying. For an experienced dragon that was no problem, but three of us had barely a month’s worth of training and conditioning.

After a few easy laps, I came back to the gathering point at a shallow angle until my feet … paws … no, talons touched down and then I slowed to a gentle walk not unlike a plane landing back on Earth. I could backwing sharply and land more like a helicopter, but that would be a much rougher landing for my rider.

You’re getting good at this, said Crag.

I craned my neck back to look at him and smiled again.

In case you forget, I’m your friend and not a preflight snack, he said.

Tharn chuckled, then gave Crag the mask and explained how it worked. Try not to lose it. Without it, you may find there is not enough air for you to survive.

How can Raven fly if the air is so thin? asked Crag.

Dragon flight is a combination of gasses lighter than air inside the flight bladder, the wings and some magic. The early heroes seemed to understand it better than we do, but that is all the knowledge that has survived, said Tharn.

That flight bladder also made dragons excellent at gliding for long distances. We were not speedy fliers, as there were many birds which could easily outpace us, but a mature dragon could apparently stay aloft over a considerable distance before coming down to rest.

Okay, but what about breathing? A beast this size must need more air than I do, said Crag.

I’m a beast now? Maybe I’ll accidently do a loop later.

Aye, but our lungs are far more efficient and designed to operate at altitude, replied Tharn.

Kira came over, resplendent in her white scales and purple eyes. Her talons clicked on the hard stone floor as she walked. Tulip was riding on her back and looked far more comfortable than Crag.

We’re ready when you are, growled Kira in Dragontongue.

Nodding, I moved to my place in the flight wing. Mika would be leading the flight as the most experienced dragon among the heroes; I would fly a little behind to his right and Kira to his left, with the rest of our wing spread out in a V-formation behind us as migrating birds would do. We were going in the wrong direction for migrating birds, but experience had taught the Dragon Born that few noticed the direction once the assumption was made that they were birds.

Rise! called Mika and, with a few running strides, we lifted as one into the air and began a spiral up to the upper reaches of the cavern. A thermal created by some wizards below assisted our lift, allowing us to make better time while still keeping the movement gentle enough for our riders.

When we had to beat our wings, the riders would experience a quick up-down movement, not unlike turbulence on an airplane, but if the weather favored us as we hoped we would glide most of the way to our destination, beating our wings only occasionally.

I could feel my flight bladders filling as we lifted higher and higher. Tharn had told us about them but he didn’t fully understand how they worked, only that our bodies automatically filled them as we climbed and vented them as we descended. They had collected some of the gas and said it was explosive when exposed to a spark. That made me think it was hydrogen.

Dragons drink a lot of water, far more than I would have thought possible. Since assuming this form, I had found myself drinking water constantly. My working theory was that we split the water into oxygen and hydrogen internally: hydrogen for the flight bladder and oxygen into the bloodstream to counter the thin atmosphere higher up.

We came out of the Citadel into full night. The Library was eastward from Sanctuary, putting the setting sun behind us, and the mountains cast long shadows across the landscape, giving us cover. Mika climbed even higher so that we were well above the tops of the mountains and then leveled out to follow the Crystal River to the east.

From this height I could see the sun dipping below the horizon over uncharted lands. No one knew what was out there. Even dragons only flew as far as the ocean. If this was like Earth at all, then across that ocean there might be a whole new land. Someday I might fly out that way and find out, if time allowed.

The wind whipped past, carrying scents that were new to me; probably birds or other dragons. I couldn’t imagine anything else reaching this altitude. Above us stretched out the night sky, a masterpiece of jewels and color that seemed as endless as time itself. Rick understood space intellectually but he – I - had never seen a night sky like this, free of light pollution and with a good portion of the atmosphere beneath us: just the pure beauty of space.

5

Day 479

~* Raven *~

After two full days at wing, Mika led our flight down into a secluded section of the mountain range. I knew that without us he could have continued flying for several more days, a week at least, but Smoke, Kira and I were not yet up to that.

When Crag had dismounted and unsaddled me, I collapsed into my elven form and started pouring my canteen down my throat. I was so parched that I couldn’t speak. I drained one canteen, then a second, and finally one of Crag’s.

I guess we’d better go down to the river before we fly tonight, he commented.

Yeah, that would be good. I still felt thirsty, but mostly I was tired, and my shoulders ached.

Crag stretched with a painful expression. He couldn’t be feeling much better after such a long time in the saddle holding himself up against the wind. We had taken occasional short breaks, but for the most part it was long hours in the air.

I think I’ll head down there now and have a wash, he said and gathered the empty canteens, leaving behind his full one.

As he left, Kira came over and Tulip veered off to follow Crag. Kira slumped down beside me. I would have thought I’d never want to come down from the sky, but I’m very grateful to be on the ground again.

Mika came over, looking annoyingly fresh. Did you enjoy your first official flight?

Very much so, but I think I’ll enjoy my first night’s sleep on this trip even more, I replied.

You will be stiff and sore when you wake. I suggest you stretch and move about as much as you can before you lie down, and again when you wake up, he said.

I nodded. That was no different than having run hard or some other exercise. I should have asked before we left, but when we get out of the mountains, how will we hide our landings and take-offs?

We will do both at night when we are less likely to be seen, and we have two illusionists with us who will cover us in darkness. Once we enter the populated lands, we will fly only at night. That will happen soon, unless we are delayed, said Mika.

Kira tried to stand, groaned and sat down again. Okay, maybe not yet.

Mika laughed and passed us some dried meat. Here, eat. You will need your strength. Tomorrow’s flight will be harder.

As he left, Kira said, I think he’s trying to convince us that we hate flying.

Chuckling, I said, Not likely.

After eating all the meat Mika provided, which was far more than I had thought I could manage, I found myself looking for more. I seemed to have a dragon-sized appetite now, to go with the scales.

Kira must have seen something in my expression. We’re on rations until we clear the war-torn lands.

Flying hard on rations seems exceptionally cruel, I said, but I knew it couldn’t be helped. The people would need any game more than we would and could not simply fly away and get more.

She sighed and forced herself to her feet. Extending a hand, she said, Come on, Sparky, let’s go down to the river.

I nodded and managed to get to my feet with her help, leaning on a nearby boulder. Why am I so thirsty? I’m supposed to be made of fire.

We upended the remaining canteens and drained them before heading down to the river. As we walked through the camp several monks headed out to scout the area while others worked on hiding our location, and still others would be standing guard. Not all the monks had transformed and flown; some had ridden so that they would be rested when we camped. They would stand watch while the rest of us got some sleep.

The slope down to the river was treacherous. Kira and I had to hold on to each other and the vegetation around us to make it down safely. We both slipped several times but eventually made it.

The water was cool, clear and running fast. Dispensing with the empty canteen, I stuck my head in the water with my mouth open, drinking as fast as I could swallow. It was probably not safe; I should use purification magic on it, but I was so thirsty that I couldn’t wait for that. After a while I came up for air and saw Kira wiping her face dry.

I chuckled. Might need a cure poison spell after that.

She shrugged. Worth the risk.

Taking off her boots, she dangled her feet in the water. A slight mist lifted from them, and small pieces of ice formed and broke away.

Smiling, I copied her and let my feet drop into the river. When they entered the water, a light steam arose as if they were hot. My fires were calm, so I didn’t really understand why.

I wonder what that’s about? I mused.

Kira shrugged. Right now, I just want to sleep. The river could turn into snow and fire at the same time for all I care.

We should go back up and turn in, I said.

Yes, we should, she replied but made no move other than idly kicking her feet in the water.

I could guess what she was thinking. It would be even harder going back up than it had been coming down. She was probably right, but the water had helped a little. What we needed now was a good sleep.

After filling the canteens, I slipped on my boots. Come on, Icy, let’s get some rest. Tomorrow will be hard enough as it is.

She put on her boots and let me help her up. We worked our way back up the slope and found most of the monks bedding down for the day. Sleeping during daylight hours would normally be difficult for me, but I was sure I’d have no trouble this time. We dragged our bedrolls a short way from the main camp, though still well within the guarded area. It wouldn’t provide us with much privacy, just the illusion of being alone.

6

Day 480

~* Raven *~

I’m not sure that I made it all the way into my bedroll before Mika was shaking me awake. Beyond him I could see the sun hanging low in the sky. That couldn’t be right; just moments ago, it had been sunrise.

You need to get up, walk around and stretch a bit. You will be stiff and sore. We are gathering at the main fire for dinner, he said.

I nodded drowsily. I’ll join you shortly.

He grinned. If not, I will be back with a bucket of water.

Groaning, I rose from my bedroll and helped Kira stand up. We walked around a bit, trying to stretch through the stiffness that had set in while we slept. Eventually we made our way over to the fire and accepted our food rations. There was plenty of water in large pitchers, which all the Dragon Born seemed to be consuming in great quantities.

While Kira and I had stumbled around, trying to wake up, several of the scouts had come back and reported to Mika. From everyone’s expression, it seemed to be bad news.

What’s wrong? I asked.

Mika frowned and said, One of our own is lost, and we must deal with him before he kills again.

What do you mean? I asked. I had grasped his meaning, but had difficulty accepting it.

Do you remember the red dragon who challenged you on the path to the Citadel? he asked.

Kira and I nodded.

Smoke and Listra joined us at that point, looking as if they had fared much better than we had. Of course, Listra had no need for a saddle, she just coiled around Smoke, but presumably she was heavier than any rider so Smoke should be more tired, not less.

Mika looked at us. We have spoken many times about that which can happen to any of us. Our nature drives us towards becoming a wild beast. Our training is all that stands between us and that fate, but sometimes dragons are born and are not found in time by the order, so they get no training.

The order had told me that they had been worried about Smoke for that very reason. It had been touch and go with Smoke for a while, but we had reached him in time and started his training.

The red dragon you saw the last time we were up this way is one of those dragons. If we were far from populated territory we could risk letting him be, but we are not and he has already killed. Since we last saw him he has attacked several farms, and at one at least he left no survivors, finished Mika.

Then we have to put him down, said Smoke grimly.

Mika nodded gravely. It is our duty.

You said he is one of ours; do you know him? I asked.

Mika shook his head. No one recognizes his scent, but that does not matter. He is one of the Chosen and therefore one of us.

Can’t we just take him away from here, west to unpopulated lands? asked Kira.

He would return here. As you continue your transition into full dragons, you will come to find that dragons are very territorial, replied Mika.

What’s the plan? I asked, figuring that they must have some standard procedure for this eventuality.

Since he is a red, we will send a small group of reds after him, led by the highest-ranking red among us, he said.

I will be in that group, I said.

Raven, you are not yet ready for a fight with a dragon, Mika warned.

I hope I am never ready for a mission like this, but I will go, I said. I didn’t want to. At heart I wanted to run in the other direction, but duty bound me to this calling. Monks or no, I was in charge of this group, and if the way of the dragons called for the leader to go I would not shirk my duty.

Kira put her hand on my shoulder. You don’t have to do this alone.

Mika shook his head. Out of respect, it is our way to send only reds to deal with a rogue red. You will have to stay behind if he goes.

I nodded. I’m going.

I am not sure you are ready, but you are the highest-ranking red so it is your right to go. Aria may not agree, however, so you had better go up there before she returns from the river.

I nodded, and four other monks walked over to me. I didn’t know their names yet; we’d had no time for introductions, but I could see they were all Fire Born. I leapt into the air, exploding into my dragon form mid-jump and pumping my wings hard.

Which direction? I asked in Dragontongue as the others came up beside me.

This way, said one, breaking off and turning southwest.

As we hunted for our brother, I instinctively reached for my magic. With it I could track any animal, but it did not come to me. I remembered then that, as a dragon, I had no access to my red or magenta magic. This was probably the real reason Dragon Born mages gave up their spells: they couldn’t be combined with our greatest power.

Unlike the gliding of the past couple of days, we were pushing hard and the ground whipped by beneath us. Soon we had cleared the mountains and passed over the edge of the foothills where the goblins had started their march. We were north of Karnook, where its primary farmlands used to be.

Everywhere I looked there was devastation: shells of buildings, blackened fields and handfuls of loose farm animals dotted the landscape. In every direction the destruction wrought by the goblins was evident, and we were on the westernmost edge of the battlefields; as we moved east it would be even worse.

Scattered around were signs that people were already rebuilding. Land was being cleared, new farmhouses and barns were being raised, and more than one small herd of animals was evident. Not everyone had fled the land. Given time, it might once again be a verdant landscape providing food.

Time was not a luxury they were likely to have if the Eater of Realms had its way.

Seeing that devastation really brought home the horror we were fighting. On the ground in a lush grove near the river, it was easy to forget what the people here had suffered, but not when you had a dragon’s-eye view of the landscape.

There! He is heading for that farm! called one of the reds.

I saw the feral red dragon below, to the east of us. As one we turned towards him.

He is going to attack; we need to intercept him as quickly as possible! warned another red.

With the setting sun at my back, I pulled in my wings and dove like a falcon towards its prey. I quickly outpaced my companions as I approached the rogue dragon and redoubled my efforts. He would soon be close enough to turn his fire on the people who were running for cover, the best cover they had: a wooden barn.

The dragon below me reared his head back to breathe fire, unaware of my approach. He was at least twice my size, but