Caladonia: The Making of Dragons

By Teresa Clear, Trista Gilbert and Tammy Williams

Caladonia was born from the innermost bowels of the earth. It was here a raging battle between good and evil was bitterly fought. None were left who could remember the battle, except for one. Tias, a wizard of old, learned of the struggle from his mentor. As he feels the evil growing around him, he is reminded of something his mentor had long ag

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Sep 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950955824

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Copyright © 2019 by Teresa Clear • Trista Gilbert • Tammy Williams.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America.

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Brother, we fought by your side day and night, But could only watch as you took that final flight.

*   *   *

Way beyond the skies so blue, Brother, out hearts ache for you.

*   *   *

We are lost, broken, and torn, Brother, now you hear only Gabriel’s horn.

*   *   *

Our tears fall as a flood, Brother, now you have royal blood.

*   *   *

Now upon your head rests the King’s seal, Brother, now you walk with strength and zeal.

*   *   *

You fought with all your might, Now you see only God’s loving light.

*   *   *

The King held His arms open wide, Ever so quietly you slipped inside.

*   *   *

You were so loving, kind, and fair, And always our brother Bear.

*   *   *

In loving memory of Horace Gerald Moad and Travis Scott Leon Moa

Chapter 1

Long ago, before the time of Merlin, there was a mystical land called Caladonia, where wizards and witches were born with their gift. The magic they wielded was much stronger than in the times of Merlin, where the art of magic was learned, rather than being born with it.

Thousands of years ago, there was nothing but water where the land of Caladonia now stands. Deep within the depths of the water, there came a low rumbling sound. The water began to boil as a stream of hot lava broke through to the surface of the sea.

The lava erupted from deep within the center of the earth’s core and continued rushing upward to the surface for many years. This was the creation of the land of Caladonia.

In the next thousand years, trees and plants formed and took a strong hold in the earth of this newly created land. The trees and plants that grew here were quite unique, for they could not be found anywhere else in the world. During the fall, Caladonia was extremely bright and beautiful. The trees and plants were of many shapes and colors, which made this land seem very magical indeed.

The first creatures to inhabit this special place were fairies of all shapes and sizes. The fairies’ task was to care for all the young, tender plants and trees that were beginning to grow in this newly formed land. This was a very important task, because the wizards and witches used the trees and plants to make their spells and potions. Most believe that this land and all its creatures were created especially for them. However, there is no record of where the fairies came from, and this would remain a mystery until the end of time.

This new country was governed by royalty, the Valcon family who resided at Castle Caladonia. In a very short time, a new king would be crowned, the sixteen-year-old Prince Argus Valcon III. This would be the beginning of an era of time that would pit good against evil.

In this land of enchantment evil was already regaining its hold on some of the wizards and witches. Tias, a very wise and powerful wizard, who was also the royal wizard, could sense the coming of a great battle.

To fight this battle against evil, there would be five chosen children to do what would be almost impossible to most adults. They were destined to fight a very strong and ancient evil that had once before tried to take over this land. The fate of this magical place now rested in the hands of five young but strong- willed children.

To prepare for this great battle, Tias would enlist the help of a very young and powerful witch. Together, they would aid the children as much as their magic would allow. Tias would also finish the job of creating the first breed of a unique creature, which man would eventually turn against. During the process of this creation, Tias would meet the chosen five who would fight against this growing evil.

How do I know all of this, you may ask? I saw this magical place and much, much more in a dream. I think of this place quite often, and Caladonia has become very real to me, as though I were living it myself. Maybe, just maybe, it was real and somehow I was transported to this world of wizards and witches. So, come along with me on this adventurous journey, and I shall tell you my story of this place of magic.

Our journey begins a week before Prince Valcon III, who is only sixteen, is to be crowned king. A figure, clad in black robes, was pacing back and forth across the courtyard of Castle Caladonia. The color of his robes represented the type of magic he had chosen to wield. As he was pacing, he could not believe that after all of his years of searching for a way to become immortal was within his grasp at last. But, to accomplish this feat, he would have to keep the young Prince Valcon III under his thumb. He had groveled to this sniveling, young brat for all of his sixteen years; however, he had been successful in his quest to find the book of immortality. Because of the size of the library, which was enormous, it had taken years to find. The book had been hidden behind a secret panel. The book described the steps to immortality and also told of a powerful wizard. This wizard would create a creature to protect the castle and its king. He had searched for this creature for a year and finally found his lair inside an ancient volcano.

The dark figure suddenly stopped and looked up as Prince Valcon came out of the castle. What is so important that requires you to take me away from my evening meal, Xander? Prince Valcon asked.

He replied, I have finally found the creature that was told of in the ancient book.

Really, so where is it? Prince Valcon said as he stood looking around for the creature.

It is still deep within its lair, my Prince.

Why did you not bring it with you? Prince Valcon replied.

You know I am most anxious to see this creature for myself. My Prince, it was created long ago to protect the king’s castle, and only the king is able to control and guide the creature.

Yes, yes. I remember what the book said, so just what is it you are trying to tell me? Prince Valcon asked.

My Prince, only you can bring the creature here, for you are the only one to whom it will listen.

So I have to go and get it myself. Then where is this lair at?

He lives in a cave inside the ancient volcano, Xander replied.

The young Prince waved his hand, and a young boy came running. Yes, my Prince, how can I serve you?

Go to the stables and fetch my horse. And one for Xander as well.

As you wish, my Prince, the young boy said as he ran to do the prince’s bidding.

I trust you will lead me to this cave, Xander.

Yes, it would be my pleasure to do so, my Prince.

A short time later, the young boy brought the horses as Valcon had requested. Xander and Valcon mounted their horses and began their journey to the ancient volcano. They rode north for several hours until they reached the base of the volcano; from there they would have to walk because the ground was too uneven for the horses. There were deep crevices scattered around the volcano’s base. If one were to fall in, it would most certainly end with their death. There were also sharp, jagged rocks that would cut like a knife if one were to fall upon them. Together Xander and Valcon climbed to the very top of the volcano. Once they reached the top, they began their descent down into the bowels of the volcano. The further down they went, the hotter it became. Finally Valcon could no longer keep the sweat from his eyes, and he stumbled and fell. He landed on the palms of his hands, and the pain that shot through him caused him to call out. Xander turned back to see what had happened and saw the blood on the rock under Valcon’s hands.

Are you all right, Prince Valcon?

No! Can’t you see I’m hurt, you bumbling fool?

Yes, my Prince. How bad are your wounds?

Well, don’t just stand there asking questions! Get over here, and help me!

As Xander helped Valcon up, he could see the blood dripping from the palms of his hands. He stood there gazing at him, and he couldn’t help but think, This brat deserved what had just happened to him. After all, Prince Valcon treated himself and others with deep loathing and much disrespect.

I’m afraid I will be of no help to you now. We need to go back to the castle and have physicians attend to my wounds.

Let me see your hands, my Prince.

Valcon held out his hands toward Xander with his palms turned up. Oh, my Prince, this is easily taken of. You have no need of physicians.

And how do you figure that, Xander?

Xander then cast a spell. The prince knew not what he was saying. Banar garno restempila.

Xander then took a small vile of water from his cloak and poured it over his hands. Valcon looked down at his palms and realized there was not a scratch on them. Had he known this wizard could use his magic in this manner, he would have him along on his many hunting trips. How dare he keep something such as this to himself !

Why have you never told me of this power before? There has been no need to tell you until now, my Prince. How dare you presume to tell me what is or is not needed! It is I who dictates what I need to know! I should have you thrown into the dungeon for such insolence!

My Prince, had I known you had need of this power, I would have willingly used it for you. We must now concern ourselves with the matter at hand.

As they descended, Valcon noticed that there were many caves in which the creature could be living in. Does the creature use any of the other caves?

No, I have watched him for a couple of weeks, and he always goes to the same cave.

A couple of weeks! You have known where he was all this time and haven’t told me?

I had to locate his dwelling before I could lead you to him, did I not?

I suppose you are correct, and I would certainly have hated searching all of these caves for the blasted thing.

Slowly and cautiously they made their way to the entrance of the cave. Once there, they each stood on either side of the entrance. Not knowing what to do, Valcon looked to Xander with a questioning look on his face.

Xander whispered, You are his master. Call to him, and he will come.

What! Are you crazy? If you are wrong, won’t he destroy the both of us?

My Prince, the only way to find out if the book is correct is for you to call the creature. Now, swallow your fear, and call out to the creature.

Valcon swallowed hard, and then he called out in a firm but somewhat shaky voice. Guardian of Castle Caladonia, I, your master, command you to come forth from your lair!

From deep within the cave came a growl that shook both of them to the very core of their being. They then heard something coming toward them. As this creature walked toward them, it shook the very ground they stood on. Xander could see a great fear taking hold of Valcon, so he called to him, Hold your ground, my Prince! Whatever is to come will be over quickly.

Valcon stumbled back as an enormous black creature came from the depths of his cave. The creature was as tall as ten men, even though he was sitting. His scales were blacker than the blackest of nights and reflected no light and were large enough to use as a shield. He had spikes running the entire length of his spine, and the tip of his tail was a club covered with spikes, as well.

The creature had large, bat-like wings that were folded close to his body. The wings were a thin red membrane, which alone looked quite gruesome. The creature had very muscular legs with hoofed feet. His head and neck were long and narrow, and at the base were more spikes. The spikes were separated with the same red-blood membrane that the wings were made of. He also had four large, long teeth—two on top and two on bottom. The rest of his teeth were half the size of the four long teeth. His eyes were a fiery red, and followed Valcon’s every move. Then some how the creature spoke to Valcon, he wasn’t sure if it was an audible sound or if it was just in his mind.

Master, what is it that you ask of me?

You shall come to the castle and stay to do my bidding.

Your will is my command. I shall do whatever you ask of me.

Then follow, and I shall lead you to your new home. There you shall stay until I have no further use of you. Valcon then looked to Xander who stood and said nothing, for he could not hear the creature speak.

Come, Xander, we shall take this dragon back to the castle where we shall decide how best to use him in our favor.

Xander followed, not saying a word, for he was certain that his immortality would most definitely come to be at last.

*   *   *

The creature followed them back to the courtyard of the castle. Once they arrived, the black dragon lay down on the ground and began to watch every move Xander made. Xander could feel that the creature did not like him, but unless Valcon ordered the dragon to harm him, Xander knew he was in no danger. The dragon could see that Valcon trusted and wanted him around, but none the less, Xander decided that he would not try his luck with this monster. He would not go near this creature unless Valcon was present also.

Come, Xander, we shall go inside and make some new plans for the ruling families. I expect to have them all under our control shortly after I am crowned king. Together they went into the castle to begin their plans and gloat of their newly found weapon that they would make great use of in the near future.

*   *   *

Meanwhile, in the southern most part of Caladonia, there was a young witch using her crystal to see into the castle. Though she did not mean to spy, she was most curious to see some of the preparations that were being made for the crowning of the king. As she gazed into her crystal, what she saw and heard upset her terribly. Early the next morning, she set out to pay the royal wizard a visit. She knew he did not like to be bothered, but he must be told of what she had discovered.

*   *   *

Early morning found Tias sitting at his table, savoring his favorite meal of oats. As usual he was dressed in his purple robe that was trimmed with silver-rope ribbon around the hem and the sleeves. There was a pattern of puzzle pieces throughout the robe, and each was separated with silver thread. The wizard’s hat was made of the same material and had the same silver-rope ribbon around the rim of it.

Tias’s face was long with high cheekbones; his eyes were an emerald green that sparkled like jewels; he had a very long beard that was as white as the pure driven snow, and his skin had wrinkled with passing of time. As for his stature, he was a very tall man, which most had to look up at him. He had an air about him that commanded the respect of others, no matter how they felt about him.

As Tias was about to take a bite of his oats, his front door flew open and banged against the wall. He held his spoon halfway between the bowl and his mouth as Trila came bursting through the door. She looked most upset and frazzled. Tias dropped his spoon back into the bowl.

Well now, what is it that brings you here so early in the day? No doubt it is yet another one of your world ending catastrophes, is it not? Tias replied, with a look of aggravation.

At his statement, Trila grew very nervous and began wringing her hands. Lately, it seemed that all she did was deliver bad news to Tias. After all, it was just four weeks ago that she had come to him with the news of a strange illness. The illness had struck a small village nestled in the forest between her village and his. She was convinced that a spell had been cast upon the people, for none had the same symptoms. Some were burning with fever, while others were freezing. Some writhed with convulsions, while some could not move at all. They had sent for Trila to heal them, but none of her spells or potions had any effect on this strange illness. In a last effort to help them, Trila went to Tias for help.

When he arrived, Tias saw garbage outside of the villager’s doors, for they had not the strength to get rid of it properly. The village had a very foul odor, which offended one’s sense of smell. The first thing Tias did was cast a strong magic spell that rid the village of the filth and the ungodly smell. He spent many hours looking for the source of this strange illness. Finally, he found that the well where they drew their water from had been tainted with metal ores that had been in the ground when it was built. He closed the well and with his magic created a new well for the people of the village. It was truly a wonderful sight to see as the dirt arose from the ground and floated through the air. It floated over the heads of those who were watching, and then it piled up at the edge of the village. After a few days, the people began to recover rather quickly.

Tias had scolded Trila for not looking for the source of the illness before trying to cure them. He made it painfully clear that by using the very water that was tainted for her potions that she could have killed all the villagers.

Now Trila was once again here in his home to deliver more news for which she did not want to be the bearer of. Somehow she had to find strength and courage to tell him what she had seen in her crystal last night.

Trila was short and slightly plump with a full, round face. Her skin was a creamy white that felt like silk when you touched it, and her hair was waist-length and a deep, fiery red, especially when she was angry. When others looked at her, they noticed her eyes first. They were a deep, smokey gray that set her apart from all others.

Trila most often wore a faded dress of blue with yellow stars all over. The sleeves, neck, and hem were all trimmed with a pale yellow ribbon. She had a matching hat, except the stars were much smaller, and the rim of the hat was also trimmed with the yellow ribbon.

She was considered very young for a witch of her caliber; most witches didn’t develop her talent until they were much older. She started at the same age as the other witches who were born with the magical gift, and she was six when her talents began to develop. Now at the age of twenty-five, there was not a potion that she could not make, nor a spell she could not cast.

Finally she found the courage she had been seeking in order to tell Tias of what she had seen in her crystal. I am terribly sorry, Tias, but I was so vexed that I had no other choice but to come to you.

Oh, there is not doubt in that, because here you are once again, Tias replied.

Please do not make this any harder than it already is, for I am really struggling with telling you what I have seen.

Really? Well, you need to get on with it, and quit wasting my time, for my oats are growing quite cold.

Yes, well, I was looking into my crystal to see how things were going at the castle, as Prince Valcon is to be crowned king within the week. It was then that I saw and heard him talking about the changes he intends to make once he is king.

I see, you disagree with his changes, and so you have come to me crying wolf once again.

No, Tias. It is much more than that! Please, just hear me out, and then you can decide for yourself.

Well, get on with it, so I might finish my morning meal.

I heard Prince Valcon speaking with someone, but I could not tell who it was. The prince told this person that the ruling families were the ones he would begin with and that they would be taken out of his way soon after he was crowned.

Out of his way? What did he mean by that?

I don’t know, because I did not hear the beginning of the discussion, but rather the middle of it. The prince said it would all begin with the changing of the color of Castle Caladonia.

This is what you have come to tell me?

Yes, I fear our soon to be new king will not have the good of our people at heart.

Oh, goodness, witch, you have come to tell me that the castle’s color is to be changed and about a part of a conversation of which you did not hear the beginning. The young Prince Valcon could have been talking about almost anything. I am sorry, but I do not see what has you so vexed. Although, what was said about the ruling families is most curious, indeed. As far as the people are concerned, they have been cared for by the families, not by any of the kings who have ruled over this land. So if you don’t mind, I would really like to finish my oats in peace.

Trila cringed at his last statement and wondered if she should tell all she had seen in her crystal. After a few moments of silence, she realized that she had to tell him, for not telling him would anger him even more.

No, I am not finished, because I have seen much more. The person who I could not see told Prince Valcon about some creature that he had found. He also told the prince that as king, he would have complete control over the creature. He then told Prince Valcon that this creature was so powerful, he could destroy a village in the blink of an eye.

For several minutes Tias sat, saying nothing at all. When he finally spoke, Trila jumped as though he had startled her.

Trila, you were using your crystal, were you not?

Well, yes, how else could I have seen what was taking place at the castle?

Tias stood and then began to pace as he was deep in thought. He suddenly turned to Trila and asked her a question. Has this ever happened to you before when using your crystal?

No, this is the first time I have not been able to see everyone present in the room. Why do you ask? What do you think kept me from seeing the other person?

I am not sure, but it could have been a spell of some kind.

That is what I thought, but who could it be?

I do not know, but time will reveal just who this person is and what he is up to.

Tias, do you know what this creature is that they spoke of ?

With a look of worry upon his brow, Tias answered, "Yes, I was told years ago that the time of the dragons was growing near.

Being young at the time, I did not believe that it would happen in my lifetime."

Trila then Tias asked, What does a dragon look like, and what can they do?

That I could not tell you, child, for I have never seen one. I was only told that in the future there would be a great need for them.

What are they needed for? How will they serve us? Can they use magic as we do?

By thunder, child, I do not have all the answers to your questions.

I just thought since you knew they were needed, you might know why.

Well, I don’t! As far as dragons are concerned, I know absolutely nothing about them.

Suddenly green sparks flew from the fire and shot across the room and then quickly out the door. Tias bellowed loudly, Nay! Nay! The one of the old dark ways has heard all!

What in heaven’s name are you talking about? I always knew you would lose your mind someday, but I never thought I would be lucky enough to witness it.

I have not lost my mind, you fool. It seems that Gladeo is up to her old tricks once again. She was spying on us. She never could see into her crystal to spy on others. Now that she knows what we know, she will be off to tell Xander to gain his favor.

How did she get in here?

My guess—mind you, it is only a guess—she came in when you burst in here like a whirlwind and left the door standing wide open.

Trila slowly turned around and winced when she saw the door. There it stood wide open, inviting any who wished to come in. When she turned back to Tias, her skin began to burn as she turned red with embarrassment. The entire time she had been telling what she had seen, she never noticed the strong breeze that had been blowing through the open door. Trila felt bad for what she had allowed to happen, but she was not about to let Tias know of her regret.

Tias stood and watched as a range of emotions washed over Trila’s young face. He observed the surprise on her face as she realized she had left the door standing wide open. Then he saw her turn red with embarrassment and finally defiance. Tias knew she was about to go into another of her famous tirades. Why couldn’t this young witch just apologize and be done with it? Tias thought to himself.

Well, excuse me, but if you did not live in a hole in the side of a mountain, getting to you would be a whole lot easier.

I do have a door, do I not? So getting to me is not the issue here, now is it? Besides, I chose this place because spells cannot reach me here.

I suppose that answers the question of why you live in this hole.

Listen here, you little hag, do you think me so daft that I know not where the best place for me to live would be?

No, Tias, I do not think you daft at all.

That is the most intelligent statement that has come out of your mouth all morning.

Why you rat-faced wizard! For that I think I shall take leave of you.

Trila spun around on her heels and stalked away from his home. Just before she was out of earshot, he yelled out to her, By the way, I will be needing some things from you. I will let you know what they are in a few days!

Trila kept walking as though she had not heard a word he had spoken.

As she walked a little further down the road, she began muttering to herself. Stupid wizard. I don’t know why I tell him anything. If he is such a great wizard, then why would he need anything from me? He is just an old wart of a man. I don’t know why I even bother with him.

*   *   *

Tias went back inside with a great weight on his shoulders. He went back to his table and sat down; he pushed his oats aside for he had lost his appetite. If what Trila had told him about the black creature was true, then the time of the dragons had finally come. This story had been told to him by his mentor, but Tias had never dreamed the task would fall to him. He had thought the time of the dragons would not come for hundreds of years, but alas it seemed he was wrong.

Tias then got up and began pacing in his quaint little home. His home was tucked in the side of the mountain on the edge of the village of Wellshire. Wellshire was located in the south central lands of Caladonia. Tias chose to live here for most of the things he needed for his spells grew near by. Tias had built what looked like a small dwelling so none passing by would imagine that a wizard lived there. Wizards needed large dwellings for the amount of spell books, the hour glasses, and mirrors that they needed for their magic.

There was a large room in the center with smaller rooms on either side. To the right was where he slept, and to the left was where he cooked his meals and stored his potions and herbs. In the center of the back wall in the main room stood his fireplace with his hourglasses resting on its massive mantel. Carved into the stone on either side of the fireplace were his bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling and held all manner of books. Some books held the most simple of spells while others held the most complicated that took many years of practice to master them.

There was a round, wooden table in the center of the room with an oil lamp that held wizard’s oil. Tias had created this oil years ago, and he rather liked this creation. The flame turned from red to blue then finally green. He sometimes amused the children of the village with this magic and they seemed to like it as well. They also marveled at the walls of his home for there were crystals that sparkled when the light hit them just right.

Tias had few visitors, but he loved the children to come and see him. He enjoyed the looks of curiosity and wonder on their faces when he worked his magic. Most of them only wanted him to use his magic to fix their broken toys by which they were totally awestruck by his ability.

In the corner of the large room was the perch for his beloved ruby-crested owl, Bayla. Bayla had been with Tias for many years now and was a most loyal friend to Tias. She was black as coal and velvety to the touch. She had five two-inch feathers on the top of her head that were blood red. Bayla’s feet and beak were red as well, but her eyes were golden in color.

Tias could still remember the day he had found her, or rather the day that she had found him. He was traveling through the Mountains of Dade when she landed on his shoulder. At first he tried shooing the bird away, but when that didn’t work, he tried brushing her away. She would fly away only to return a few moments later. Nothing he tried seem to work, so finally in frustration, he called out to his mentor. Please get this bird off of me.

Laughing, his master told him, I cannot, for it has chosen you to be its master, and nothing you or I do can change destiny.

This angered Tias as he said, I do not need a pet right now, so please get it off.

No, I will not, replied his mentor. It is the owl’s destiny to be with you, or it would not have chosen you.

From that day to this, Bayla had never left his side. Tias was glad that Bayla had chosen him because she was now his third eye. Whenever danger was near, she would alert him with her screeching. Tias felt she had chosen well, for they both took great care of one another.

Tias stopped pacing, walked to the bookshelves, and began browsing through his many books. He then carefully took down a book he had selected and sat at the table. The weight of knowing what he must do once again settled on his shoulders. He wondered if he would have enough time to prepare, for Prince Valcon would be crowned king in less than a week now. Tias had been appointed the Royal Wizard of Caladonia shortly after Plantis the Great died and left the king without a wizard. It would now be his duty to crown the new king as it was the tradition to have a wizard’s blessing. However, if the time of the dragons had truly come, then he would have to prepare for the journey to collect the essences he would need and also be prepared to crown the king.

It had been many years since he had been summoned to the castle for any occasion. His robes had been stored and would need to be cleaned before he could