Warrior

By DJ L cochran

They Have One Chance To Make It

 

Sixteen-year-old Tanis, known as Nis by family and friends is part dragon. Having spent her life in the Mortal Dimension as a Mortal, the Dra-Kin Tournament, held every ten years, is a chance for her to master Dragon Magic and prove to Dragahumans that she has what it takes to be one of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Three Medallions
• Release date: Jul 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087976969

Book preview

Dragon Magic

Dra-Okun

Chapter One

Nis

Dry leaves crunched underneath Nis’s boots in the forest behind her home. She slid her short cobalt-colored sword, Crypto, from its sheath. Ready for some real training, my trusty blade? she asked, tapping into her Magic. The Magic released like a wave in the ocean.

An orb of green shifting energy—a male aura—crept closer to the tree line. Nis ducked behind a lawn chair, ready to start her exercises. Launching Crypto into the air, she sprinted through the backyard. When she snapped her fingers, the blade curved into a boomerang. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she beckoned to Crypto—it sailed into her outstretched hand as a magnificent long blade. She immediately jabbed the blade’s tip into the ground, using the momentum from Crypto to cleave a boulder in half. She was grateful for the dense rows of vegetation that shielded her Magic from the neighbors.

Suddenly, without warning, the intruder raised his sword and attacked her. Nis turned just in time and met the intruder’s blade in perfect stead. A series of sparks shot out from their blades. Their eyes locked as he tried to attack her but ended up overextended because he looked at her a moment too long. His light brown eyes gazed into hers. She flicked her wrist, and blue sparks, like static electricity, burnt from Nis’s fingertips, slamming his thin, muscular body against the backdoor of the house with a thud.

A wide smile stretched across his long dark face. How did that sneak attack not work?

I’m moving a tad slow today. As one of the fastest in Dra-Okun, I have a reputation to maintain. Nis said, sheathing Crypto. She helped him to his feet with a chuckle. You’re late, Gale.

Sorry. Mom had a list of chores for me. Gale shrugged and sheathed his sword. He then sat down on a plastic lawn chair and poured himself a glass of water like he owned the place.

As Gale raised his glass to his lips, Nis snapped and, suddenly, his seat vanished.

Water splashed all over his face as he fell, and he sputtered. What was that for? he asked, wiping the large wet spot on his shirt with a glare.

You don’t get to arrive late, then sit down and be lazy. Smiling at her childhood friend, Nis continued, Especially not with the Dra-Kin Tournament coming up. I’m not waiting another ten years for the next one.

He sighed and stood up to stretch.

Gale did not need to tell Nis he saw her point. Having grown up together, they could almost read each other’s minds.

Let’s begin with Magic practice, Nis suggested. I need to practice what we learned in school last semester.

Nis and Gale were on break and, as was customary, spending time with family in Pueblo, Colorado. It was a pleasant change of pace—even if their parents treated them as though they were ten instead of sixteen.

I can’t believe there’s only two months left before school begins. Gale said.

Nis nodded. Winter break seemed to last forever, but then the days just vanished. And just think, we only have one more year left before we graduate. She paused. It is a bittersweet feeling—though school is a passion of mine, it is time to be done with it and move on into the world.

Let’s go to Dra-Okun before we use Magic. We almost got caught by your neighbor last time, remember?

She’s been tired of my family since the day we moved in! She’s as oblivious as ever to the sword fighting and our cloaked Magical community.

Gale raised a brow.

Fine, let’s not chance it.

At the edge of the forest, the two friends clasped hands and opened a portal to Dra-Okun. Nis felt the familiar tug in her gut as the wind swirled and they disappeared between the trees into the void.

Their feet touched solid ground as they entered Dra-Okun. White-washed walls and thatched roofs lined the streets where the children played, kicking balls and flying kites tied to strings. The blacksmith’s dog chased the children as they headed into the woods to play.

What if I got to grow up here? Nis thought to herself as they walked through the village. Nope, wouldn’t change my current life. I love the life Mom made for us. Pueblo is simple—way simpler than here.

Most people in Dragador struggled on a daily basis.

Finally, the two friends arrived at the training grounds where two Dragahumans were sparring for a trio of spectators. They were moving so fast they were blurs. I’m fast, but not that fast. Nis gulped. Her shoulders tightened as the vision she had of winning the tournament became tinted.

Magic flew in rainbow streams that burst and sparkled as curses and hexes were cast. Some were blocked and returned—others landed on their target and pummeled the opponent.

Gale and Nis prepared to spar. They stood ten feet apart and got into fighting stances.

Making the first move, Gale threw green energy forward. Nis blocked the blast by jumping into the air and sent a jet of blue energy from her foot to create a wall between them. Gale shot through the wall, stopping his opponent in midair.

A surge of blue energy caused the spell to break and Nis to fall, but she quickly summersaulted onto her feet. You’re getting better. She threw a shield to recover. She then pulled Magic from the earth, feeding her spells to save energy. Expanding the shield, she surrounded and trapped him in the energy.

Gale struggled, but nothing happened. Then his hand glowed and the shield started to crack—he had found an opening. He ripped his hands free and shattered the shield.

Impressive. She said with a nod.

Gale raised his glowing, green hands and charged. He swept his hands over the ground as he moved, feeding his own energy.

Nis waited.

This move always bested him, why try it again?

He leaped suddenly, and as he descended, Nis struck him in the gut with her energy. His fist missed Nis narrowly, and the energy rushed over her.

Everything turned green for one shining moment.

Then everything went black.

Iro Vaun

Chapter Two

Gale

Drool slipped from her slack jaw down her chin as Nis lay motionless on the ground.

Gale’s hands shook.

I did this with my Magic.

Gale had meant to punch her but he never even touched her. His Magic had overwhelmed her and she had passed out.

Creating a ball of green fire in his palm, Gale spoke into it. Gladana, please come to Dra-Okun. Nis is injured. I will leave a trail for you to follow. The fire turned red and vanished.

Nis’s chest rose and dropped as though she were sleeping, yet she was too still to be sleeping. When Nis slept, she dreamed, and when she dreamed, she tossed and turned around. Taking a seat next to her, Gale felt her forehead. No sign of a fever which is good. His hands were now shaking more.

Nis was five feet-eight and very muscular with short blonde hair that stopped at her shoulders. Her eyes, which were closed now, normally sparkled blue, and her skin was a tan color. She looked older than sixteen but was still incredibly beautiful.

Galen, is that you? An elderly Dragahuman approached. What is going on here?

Hello, Mr. Vaun. Gale was patting Nis as though she were a pet. This is Tanis—Nis for short. She is my best friend, and we were training for the Tournament. My Magic somehow overwhelmed her, and she seems to have fallen into a coma. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes. His whole body was shaking now. It makes no sense. I have used the same move on her before and this has never happened.

Mr. Vaun waved a hand over Nis’s pale body. Light glowed and surrounded her before fading.

Nothing changed.

She is perfectly healthy mentally and physically. On rare occasions, an opponent’s Magic can overwhelm you. Your body just needs time to recover after that.

How much time? Gale wiped the few tears that had fallen on her face.

Think of it as how you feel when you’re using too much Magic—the more Magic you use, the more exhausted your body becomes. My home is not too far from here. Carry her there, and she can rest in a bed.

Following the older man’s instruction, Gale scooped Nis up in his arms and Mr. Vaun to his home.

The walk wasn’t long, and once they reached the house, he showed the younger man to the bed. Gale laid Nis down and placed her arms across her body, ensuring her hair was out of her face. She needs to be comfortable for when she wakes up.

Let’s have a cup of tea. Mr. Vaun grabbed Gale by the shoulder and directed him out of the room.

Once seated, Mr. Vaun handed him a cup. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you.

It has been a few years.

Mr. Vaun was sitting across from Gale. How is your family doing?

They are doing great! Nis and I are participating in the Dra-Kin Tournament and were doing some training. Gale took a sip of the tea then continued. What have you been up to?

The Council asked my help for researching on the Deadlands. I have been getting in and out of different parts to collect samples. The Council is hopeful that there will be a cure so we can conduct further investigations. And maybe even reclaim that land.

Mr. Vaun stood up and stretched his back, producing loud pops as he did so. Do me a favor and never get old.

They both laughed.

Can I ask you something?

Go ahead, boy.

Where do I start? Gale had so many questions. Here goes nothing. Since you knew Grandfather so well, are you sure you have no idea what happened to him? Mom and Dad don’t talk about him now and have, in the past, just said that he vanished—possibly ran away. The Grandfather that I knew is not a deserter.

They say he is a deserter. His tone, however, indicated that he didn’t believe it himself or knew differently.

Please tell me anything you know; it will stay between us.

Mr. Vaun glanced out of the window. You know he was in the process of becoming a Shaman, right?

Gale nodded.

When you were about five, the Headmaster approached your grandfather and offered him a chance to become one. He was requested to show up at the Headmaster’s office in two days if he decided he wanted to do it. That night, he wanted to talk it through with me, and we spent the whole night going over the pros and cons. This was a couple of days after your grandmother had passed from illness.

Yeah, I remember that. She was sick for about a year.

Mr. Vaun nodded. There wasn’t much time to lose. Shaman powers stick when you are young and able bodied. Since we age slowly, he still had some time, so he made the decision to do it. I was there the night he told your parents about his plans. Mr. Vaun huffed. They didn’t like it and thought his grief drove him to make that particular decision. They then had a huge argument, after which he stormed out. Mr. Vaun sighed. The next morning, he was gone.

Did the Headmaster say if he saw him? There must have been an investigation.

The Headmaster was found dead the same day and they ruled it as a heart attack. There were some rumors that your grandfather murdered the Headmaster and then vanished. Others said that your grandfather was kidnapped and the Headmaster was killed in the process. No one knows what happened.

I can investigate. Headmistress Fairmont should have some answers or at least a direction to research. There is something I want you to know that even my parents are not aware of.

His smile turned to a frown. You plan on following in his footsteps, don’t you?

He knows me.

Gale nodded.

It will destroy your parents if the same thing that happened to your grandfather happens to you. Mr. Vaun turned towards Gale. I will always support you, like I did your grandfather.

The two men shook hands as they stood. Thank you. That means a lot to me.

Well I must be off; the Council wants my report by tonight, and it is a long way to their chambers. Before I go, take this. It belongs to you after all.

He handed Gale a folded piece of paper. It was wrinkled and touched by age. Gale felt it would crumble in his hands very easily. What is this?

That is a letter your grandfather wrote me before he went to see the Headmaster. These were his final words before he vanished. The older man gave one final nod and then strode out the door.

Gale glanced at the note. This was a very important piece of paper. Channeling his Magic, he made the paper vanish. I will read it later at home.

He then turned towards Nis to notice that her eyes were open. She was giving Gale a confused look.

Akim

Chapter Three

Nis

Grassy fields extended as far as the eye could see. The clear blue skies seemed to stretch out to the point where it met the ground, which was where Nis lay. Her head throbbed. What happened?

No one was in sight, but a voice replied, I needed to speak with you, so I caused your friend’s energy to overwhelm you. The voice sounded familiar, yet too far away for her to place it.

Who are you? Her voice echoed like it would inside a room though she was clearly outside.

My name is Akim and I am a healer, the voice said. I sensed you needed help, so here I am. She suddenly realized that the voice wasn’t distant and that it was actually inside her mind.

Unsure how else to respond, she continued aloud, How’d I get here anyway? Her head cleared just then and she realized she was in her backyard.

Nis tried to get up, but something heavy prevented her from rising.

This is just a dream state that I put you in, Akim said.

From the distance, a lanky man was approaching. When he reached her, he knelt to look Nis in the eyes. How are you? His voice was soft and gentle.

A little scared but doing fine, Nis replied. I need answers, not questions.

Who are you again?

He smiled. I am a spirit and can only be present in dreams such as this one. I need to talk with you for a moment.

Well, that’s surprising coming from someone I’m meeting for the first time. She noted the shakiness of her voice and scowled. About what?

There will be invaders coming in soon. They will come and destroy everything. You must fend them off. His face was drenched in worry.

This stranger is talking crazy! Dragador is a peaceful place with no known enemies—I’ve never heard of any threats to my people. Never. Not once. How do you know this?

I can sense it. Believe me. His voice rang in her ears. When they arrive, you need to do everything you can to stop them. You are Dragador’s only hope for survival.

The pressure holding her down disappeared just then and Nis quickly got to her feet. The backyard was gone and they were inside a tower now. Akim stood by a window; outside, the lush green grass expanded all the way to the mountains off in the distance. Where are we now? Nis asked.

This was Dragador many years ago, but this is the only memory of it left. No living Dragahuman is old enough to remember.

If what Akim said is true, the Deadlands wouldn’t exist yet. Do you know what caused the formation of the area known as the Deadlands?

Akim’s illusion shimmered as he turned towards her. No, we did not keep track of what was going on in your world. That is one thing we have regretted for centuries. We are not here to talk about that now. You need to be ready for what is coming.

And what exactly is coming?

There are beings that have been searching for the dragons roaming the Earth. They are called the Axria Knights and they are savages.

What does this have to do with me? I am not one of you. They aren’t looking for Dragahumans. I’m just a teenager trying to live life.

The illusion smiled and flickered. There isn’t much time left. This takes a lot of power that would take a toll on you. I see you doing great things, Tanis Allen. We need a face to show the Knights that they have messed with the wrong people.

And with that, before she could ask any more questions, Akim was gone.

Nis glanced around. How am I supposed to get out of here?

Instantly, her body was lifted off the ground and everything turned white.

Nis woke with a start. Gale was sitting in another room with his brows scrunched together so hard it looked like they were starting to hurt. When their eyes met, his brow relaxed.

You’re okay. His face relaxed.

She cleared her throat as she slowly sat up. How long have I been out? She glanced around. And where are we?

Gale smiled at his friend. To answer your first question—close to an hour.

He seemed calm about that… a little too calm.

To answer your second question—this is the home of Mr. Vaun who’s an old friend of the family. He was best friends with my grandfather from the time they were little kids and had stayed friends with him up until he vanished.

Does he know what happened?

Gale shook his head. Not even he knows the answer to that. He extended his hand. Do you need help getting up?

Nis thought about it for a moment before speaking, It’s hard to explain, but I feel full of energy.

You’re okay! Gladana, Nis’s mom, rushed into the room and wrapped her long thin arms around her daughter. When I got Gale’s note, I rushed here. Let’s go home so you can rest and eat. She reached for Nis, but Nis waved her away.

We’ll never be ready for the tournament if we end practice for every small accident. Gladana’s face was a mix of concern, frustration, and resignation. Her stare was unwavering as her lips formed a tight line. You can stay and watch if you want. Nis threw her mom a puppy-eyed smile.

She won’t stay. Even though Gladana was allowed back after her marriage to Nis’s father, she didn’t visit Dra-Okun often, and even when she did, she never stayed around for long.

I will be home. Please don’t be long. Her mom turned and left.

Yep, she’s leaving. Figured.

Alright. See you later, Mom. With a grin, Nis turned towards Gale. Ready for Round two?

You dented my sword. Gale complained once he was on his feet. They’d been practicing for an hour after leaving Mr. Vaun’s place, and fatigue was starting to set it.

Nis rolled her eyes. It isn’t my fault you’re not good with it. My sword isn’t dented at all. She handed Crypto to him. Gale examined it and gasped at its perfect condition.

What is your sword made of? A voice asked. Nis glanced over to see one of the spectators approaching them.

A space rock that landed in the Deadlands. Viran, the blacksmith, paid me for the remaining space rock after Crypto was made. The day Crypto was created, I was new in Dra-Okun and only just getting to know the town.

New to Dra-Okun? he questioned. My name is Oryan by the way.

Nis nodded. I am half mortal. Gale here and I live in the Mortal Dimension.

The newcomer took a seat next to them.

I didn’t learn about this dimension until like four years ago.

Well, I would love to hear the story.

A few children were talking about a stone that had fallen just past the Deadland boundaries, Nis began. I was still new and didn’t understand the Deadlands. So I approached them and asked them to show me. They were hesitant at first but then decided to take me. On the way, they told me about all the rules of the Deadlands.

Yeah, the rules they have are seriously bad, Oryan chuckled. They say the land has a curse that will suck the life out of you.

Nis nodded. That’s what the locals told me. It’s so weird that a piece of land can be so evil.

So, back to the story, Oryan said.

Right, yes. So, one of the boys gave me a map and showed me where the stone had landed. They also told me it had landed a few nights prior to that day. The rock was large and a couple hundred feet into the Deadlands.

You actually went into the Deadlands?

She nodded. Only a couple hundred feet. I grabbed the rock and got out of there. Nis rubbed her arms. I might have been in there just a few minutes, but it still had an impact.

I bet it sent chills, Oryan laughed.

Nis nodded. Yeah.

I hope to see the two of you again, but for now I have somewhere to be. With that Oryan walked away.

Are you ready to go? Gale asked.

Do you want to practice a little more before the sun goes down? she countered. Dinner obligations or not, she wasn’t prepared to call it a day.

Your mother… Gale began but trailed off. Sure, if you don’t think you’ll get in trouble.

No way. I’ll just tell her the second bout took longer than expected. No biggie.

Let me repair my sword, Gale said. The swords made in the village could never break, but if they were severely damaged, then they wouldn’t heal correctly. Gale said a few words. His sword glowed green and most of the dents faded. Gale nodded, ready to go again.

He spun his sword, raised his shield, and got in place to duel. He hadn’t recovered from the last round and wasn’t able to keep up anymore. Soon, Nis overpowered him again, and Gale dropped to the ground, sweat running down his face. Dropping her shield, Nis extended an arm. Gale smiled and grabbed it, pulling himself to his feet.

You are great with the sword. If you don’t win, I’ll be shocked.

Nis wasn’t convinced but pulled him into a hug anyway.

Gale stepped away and grabbed his sword, tossing it from hand to hand with ease. Come on, let’s practice a little more.

Nis checked the horizon. Dra-Okun and the mortal dimension had similar time zones. I can’t; wouldn’t want Mom to get so annoyed with my training that she bans it altogether. Nis sighed. In reality, however, she knew she would rather stay there and practice.

Making the shield she conjured disappear, she sheathed Crypto. Gale and she then made their way back to the entrance of the village.

So your mom’s birthday is coming up in a few weeks. Have anything planned? Gale asked as they made their way through the shops.

Just the normal. Going to Dad’s grave and then out to dinner.

That sounds good. Let me know when and I’ll come with.

At the entry point, they locked hands, combined their power, and opened the portal before stepping through together.

Nis’s mom was waiting for them on the other side. I better head home, Gale said, giving Nis a hug before running off.

He is a great friend to you, isn’t he? Her mom said as she wrapped her arm around Nis and stepping inside with her.

Later that night, Nis and her mom were sitting down to dinner. Dinner looks great, dear. It even smells great, her mom teased. She dipped her spoon into the tuna salad.

Thanks. How did today’s classes go? Nis