White Dragon

By Leanne Marshall

Nakoda is the son of Tanner, the lead guardian to King Palladin of the Kingdom of Castlewellan. The kingdoms surrounding his beloved homeland are slowly being conquered by the Dark Warriors and Dark Dragons. The evil Ashen and Dagon want to spread the dreadful darkness that renders its victims as hopeless slaves. But King Palladin holds onto hope from a centuries-old prophecy.

Nakoda’s life is about the change when he stumbles upon the impossible in the woods near his family’s cottage. He must protect his amazing discovery at all costs. As the journey unfolds, Nakoda finds out there are many secrets in the Kingdom of Castlewellan, secrets kept for centuries. Nakoda must conquer his anger and prejudice while he learns the real meaning of friendship, loyalty, and hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973651635

Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall is a retired Air Force officer and home school mom. She felt a strong desire to write a book for older children that was full of adventure and excitement without compromising morals and integrity.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The Power of the Light was a presence from beyond any memory that existed long before time was recorded. The Darkness rose up out of the Power of the Light. The Darkness didn’t want to follow but instead wanted to rule. Without hesitation the Light swiftly hurled the Darkness into the Abyss, never to be seen or heard from again. But somehow the Darkness found a way out.

The Power of the Light created and brought forth mankind and the White Dragon on a billowing cloud from high above the stratosphere. They were released into the kingdoms of the world at the same time to rule jointly and preserve the honor of the Power that sent them. They were also sent to oppose the Power of the Darkness, which had found its way out of the Abyss and into the kingdoms. From the beginning of their creation, mankind and the White Dragons formed a bond of loyalty and friendship. They were created with the ability to speak and understand the same language, and all they accomplished they did so together. They relied on each other for the necessities of life and to govern their kingdoms fairly. A mutual respect and desire to help one another existed between mankind and the White Dragons.

They were entrusted with the Scroll of the Power of the Light. The Scroll was sacred and contained the agreement between mankind and the White Dragons as well as many other mysteries that would be revealed at the appropriate time. Protecting the Scroll and living by its code of peace and justice were critical to their mutual survival. The Scroll was kept in a secure place and protected by the descendants of the first two beings. These descendants were from the Kingdom of Castlewellan.

The White Dragons were beautiful creatures. Their statuesque frames were about seven feet tall. Instead of scaly skin like that of a reptile, they had thick, white fur that covered their entire bodies including their elegant wings. The White Dragons were a sight to behold. They could fly and run as quickly as any beast in all the kingdoms. But the most unique thing about these majestic creatures was their mesmerizing blue eyes.

Mankind and the White Dragons coexisted in the same villages, though their homes were quite different. Mankind lived in cottages and the White Dragons lived in large huts to accommodate their massive frames. As both races multiplied in number, villages sprang up with cottages and huts side by side. Soon other kingdoms were established with other men and White Dragons jointly ruling the lands. The kingdoms raised armies called Guardians to protect the inhabitants and ensure the Code of the Scroll was followed. They were also used for protection against the Darkness because this evil power was in constant opposition to what the Power of the Light had established. This Darkness would try to seduce mankind and the White Dragons, but the Light within them was strong. Then one day everything changed.

THE HISTORY OF THE GREAT FALL

For many generations there was peace in the kingdoms, but in the Kingdom of Rockhaven, mankind and the White Dragon rulers allowed themselves to be seduced by the Darkness. They were promised the authority to rule all the kingdoms. Their greed allowed them to be led to the Scroll of the Power of the Darkness hidden deep within the Barrier Mountains. The Scroll showed them how to blanket the kingdoms in Darkness and control the inhabitants. The Darkness was heavy and dreadful. It took hope and purpose from those who lived under it. But the Darkness had the Light as its enemy. The Light could eliminate the Darkness, so it had to be stopped.

Is the timing right? What did the scroll reveal? Dask had waited for hours outside the door. The cave was cold, damp, and it made his joints ache, but he didn’t complain. Now that Galax had emerged from the room he forgot about the pain.

The dragon looked at Dask and smiled, The scroll indicated we have enough men and dragons to proceed.

Tell me when. When will it be?

During the Celebration of the Light Festival. Galax was quite pleased with himself.

Dask paced as the wheels turned in his head. He spun around giving an evil smile to the dragon. What genius. All the kingdoms celebrate the festival on the same day and hour.

Yes, and because it’s a festival we can catch everyone off-guard. Who would take weapons to a day of feasting and carnival rides? Galax motioned for Dask to follow. We must get word to our brethren.

Will we have enough time to reach all the kingdoms with our plan?

You mean the plan given to us by the scroll?

Yes Galax, of course. I would never take credit for the wisdom of the scroll. Dask stole a quick glance at the dragon’s face as he kept pace.

We will have enough time.

Dask stopped abruptly and grabbed the dragon’s arm. Galax, answer my question. Will our dragons go through with this? They are exterminating their own kind. Sweat beaded off his forehead as he looked earnestly into the dragon’s eyes.

Galax laughed lightly and patted the man’s shoulder. The dragons we plan to eliminate are weak links who don’t share our vision. Mankind will follow the same fate if they don’t follow us.

I wanted to be sure. Once we start we can’t stop. None can escape.

If the scroll says none will escape then none will escape.

Again, Dask stopped and grabbed the dragon’s arm.

What! What now?

I’m sorry. One more thing. What about King Ericken? What about Castlewellan? Dask paced and rubbed his hands methodically. I will say it. He’s no fool and his army are fierce. Can we really conquer his kingdom?

Dask’s words drained the dragon’s irritation. He thought before he answered. If the scroll says the timing is right then it is so.

Yes of course.

We proceed with our plans.

They walked through the corridor and out of the cave in the Barrier Mountains. They squinted hard at the bright sunlight. Once their eyes adjusted they could see the battalion of dragons and men who had been waiting patiently for orders from their leaders. Galax scanned the crowd as he spoke.

The attack is to happen at the Celebration of the Light Festival. We will attack each village in each kingdom at the same time. Do not spare any White Dragons or those who defend them. If they are not followers of the Darkness then they are our enemies.

As time went on, the dragons who’d sold their souls to the Power of the Darkness began to change in appearance. The evil influence of the Darkness within them was starting to manifest outwardly. Their eyes were no longer a soft blue but piercing black. Their once beautiful white fur changed to scales of a dull, grayish green. Likewise, mankind who’d sold their souls to the Darkness changed as well. The skies were rarely blue if ever once the Darkness was spread in an area. The lack of light outdoors influenced the amount of light required inside buildings. The followers of the Darkness preferred drawn shades and curtains with subdued lighting. Mankind and dragons alike were becoming more and more sensitive to bright light. They had become a part of the Darkness down to their very soul.

Now that all the White Dragons who hadn’t succumbed to the evil of the Darkness were eliminated, the remaining dragons became known as the Dark Dragons. Likewise, their mankind counterparts, who followed the same evil, called themselves the Dark Warriors. With the guidance and rule of a Lead Dark Dragon and Lead Dark Warrior, they began their conquest. Life under these evil rulers was harsh and unpleasant. Each time a kingdom was conquered, the Dark Leaders would occupy its fortress to humiliate the reigning king and turn him into a pawn for their use. Controlling a kingdom’s ruler made it easier for the Power of the Darkness to control the people.

The Dark Warriors and Dark Dragons did as they pleased in the villages. They took what they wanted from the farmers, shopkeepers, and merchants. There was no law and order in the kingdoms once the evil rulers took control. The people were treated as slaves, and the once powerful kings were reduced to prisoners in their own lands.

THE FLIGHT

In the outermost reaches of the Kingdom of Gales Howell, a community of Dark Dragons lived deep within the underground caverns known as the Caves of Challis. Gales Howell was one of the first kingdoms to fall to the Darkness, and bordered the Kingdoms of Rock Haven and Zerenland and the very tip of the Kingdom of Castlewellan. The Dark Dragons who lived in this country had been there for over a hundred years. These dragons were called cave dwellers, and they were considered a lower class of dragons because they lived isolated from the rest of the dragon population. They had no mankind slaves, unlike the city dwellers, and were months behind in the goings-on outside their cave community. But they were still governed by the Lead Dark Dragon and were expected to deliver scheduled reports to him. Though their leader was far away, they feared him. They knew the punishment would be harsh if they didn’t obey his mandates. The Lead Dark Dragon kept a tight rein on all his dragon communities.

It was in these caves that a female dragon was about to give birth. She had been shunned by many in her community because of her unusual circumstances. She was an older dragon, much too old to have babies, and there was explanation as to why she was having this one. She was also alone. Her male dragon had died of old age many years ago. The Dark Dragons of her cave were superstitious, and many avoided her. But, like her or not, she needed attendants to help with the labor and birth.

She went through an unusually hard labor, which was quite uncommon for a female Dark Dragon. After many hours, she finally gave birth to a male dragon. She was relieved the labor was over. She was exhausted but overjoyed to be a mother even in her old age. However, her happiness quickly turned to terror as she set her eyes upon the newborn creature. The sight of him sent her into shock. She let out a gasp, and a screech, and then she died.

The baby lay helpless, and the female dragons that assisted the birth wouldn’t touch him. They were speechless and horrified at the sight of it. They eventually gained their composure and left the cold, dark room with no concern for the dead mother. The newborn was not fully aware of what was going on around him, but instinct kicked in, and he started to move around and try to stand up. Soon other dragons peeked in the room, and they also gasped in shock, not at the dead mother, but at the sight of the newborn. They shielded their eyes and hastily walked out of the room. A few of them stood just outside the entrance and spoke in hushed tones.

How can this be? said one of the dragons.

What do we do? said another.

Leave it here for now. We will consult the Lead Elder about this unusual matter, said the first dragon.

They walked down the hallway, leaving the newborn in the room alone. The small creature was very confused about what he had heard. Aside from being able to speak, all dragons understood the spoken language at birth. He stumbled to his feet and walked out of the room on wobbly legs that became more stable as he moved around. He felt uneasiness inside and somehow knew this wasn’t a good place to be. He didn’t feel like he belonged in this dark and gloomy place, though he didn’t know why.

As he stood in the clammy corridor, he could hear many voices coming from somewhere down the passageway, so he followed the sound until it was louder. After the first reaction he’d received, he thought it best to keep hidden while he listened. This proved to be a wise decision. He carefully peeked over a railing and looked down into a large amphitheater at the base of a huge pit. It had many rows of seats carved into the rising wall. On one side was a winding staircase built into the side of the pit leading to the amphitheater below. Because of the design, the sound echoed and was carried up, so he could hear the whispered conversation going on at the bottom of the pit.

It is an abomination! How could this happen? said one voice.

I could not look upon the creature. I had to turn away, said a dragon that had been in the room earlier. Then there was much murmuring among the dragons.

Order! Order! I must have order! Clearly this is nothing more than an abnormality. We know of no other explanation for this. After all the mother was an old and odd creature, said the Lead Elder of Challis.

Well, what do we do? said a voice from the crowd.

What will be said of us if anyone finds out such a creature was born here? said another voice.

We’ll be shunned or even exiled, said another.

Yes. We cave dwellers are always looked down on!

The conversation continued among the dragons until everyone was talking at once. The Lead Elder let this go for a few minutes but then quieted them all down again.

Settle down. This is nothing more than a fluke, I’m sure. We don’t want to invite trouble or make this seem to be a bigger problem than it really is. We will simply dispose of the beast and keep this incident to ourselves, he said.

At these words the baby felt fear and panic well up in him. He knew he had to escape, but he had no idea where he was or which way to go. Again, he felt something inside him, a sensing, a voice deep within telling him to run, to look for a light, a passageway. That would lead to an opening to the outside and a chance to escape. He ran through the hallways as quickly as his little legs would carry him. He could no longer hear the voices in the chamber, only the heavy thumping of his tiny heart. As he ran the hallways became brighter, and he realized he was heading uphill. Soon he could see the mouth of the cave. Once he was out, he ran as fast as he could. He had no idea where he was going or what would happen to him. The fear of those heartless green dragons chasing after him drove him on.

CHAPTER 1

The countryside of the Kingdom of Castlewellan was among the finest in all the lands. There were rolling hills with orchards, farmland, and livestock for as far as the eye could see. Peppered within the vast, rolling meadows were woodlands and the infamous Great Forest, which bordered King Palladin’s fortress. Castlewellan was the oldest kingdom and was famous for its orchards and delectable produce. People from neighboring kingdoms had once traveled for miles to shop at the farmers’ markets that dotted the kingdom. But not as many people from outside its borders happened upon the pleasant kingdom anymore. For those lands under the influence of Darkness, travel was strictly forbidden and monitored.

It was in this land of bliss that Tanner, the king’s Lead Guardian, lived with his family. The native of Castlewellan was well over six feet tall with a muscular build and confident stature. He had neatly trimmed brown hair and brown eyes. He was a man of good reputation and was well respected by his fellow Guardians. For many generations his family had faithfully served the kings of Castlewellan with honor. Tanner and King Palladin had been close friends since childhood, and his loyalty to his king was without question.

Aside from his duties to the king, Tanner owned a great amount of land just a few miles from the Village Scholl, where the fortress of Castlewellan was located. On his lands were fruit orchards, small farm animals, and horses as well as vast gardens of vegetables. He lived in a spacious cottage with his wife, Ahleeyan, and his thirteen-year-old son, Nakoda. When Nakoda was only an infant, Tanner built an oversized brick patio and gazebo behind his cottage. He anticipated he and his son would one day use it as a training area in which to learn the art of sword fighting. The babe would know from a tender age that he would be groomed to serve and protect the future king of Castlewellan.

Watch the distance between your feet, said Tanner as sweat glistened on his forehead and face. You have to lighten your stance and bounce on your feet more. No heavy movements. Short and quick.

I can’t seem to shorten my stride. I can’t watch my feet and my sword at the same time, said Nakoda breathlessly as his agitation rose. He’d been practicing for over an hour without mastering the step his father was trying to teach him. He stomped his feet and swung his sword aimlessly in the air as he grunted loudly.

Okay, son, let’s stop for a while. It’s time for a break anyway, said Tanner.

He knew when Nakoda was getting frustrated, and once the quick-tempered boy reached that point, Tanner knew it was best to move onto something else for awhile. They both walked to the table at the far end of the patio. They sat down heavily on the wooden chairs and rested their swords on the table. Tanner poured two glasses of cold water from a pitcher, and they drank deeply to quench their thirst. After drinking their fill, they sat back in the