by C E Johnson
“We will fight when you do, just above your human armies, but if you can defeat Samil, you could sway the tide. His magicians would no longer be bound by their dragon-oaths and the dragons of the Oath-bound would leave him. Plan your battle well and help us end this fight.”
C H A P T E R 3 5
Arn
Droth was led by two of Samil’s magician lieutenants across the edge of the battle field toward Samil’s tent. Several half-dead ogres walked with him, carrying the invention he had brought across the portal. Around them marched an honor-guard team of eight shades and four vampires.
“Is that the general?” Droth could easily hear the surrounding soldiers and magicians whispering in amazement with his heightened hearing. They were stunned that ‘General Droth’ was present and that he was still alive. He had been gone from Acacia for hundreds of years.
Droth arrived at Samil’s pavilion area and his accompanying two magicians arranged themselves around the exterior of the command center, appearing content to stay away from confronting Samil. I’m glad they aren’t coming in with me.
The half-deads moved further with him, but they stopped before entering Samil’s chamber. I’m rapidly tiring of these half-deads, Droth thought to himself. He was directed to enter the door of one of the smaller tents, which was formed from a tan canvas-like material. Droth pulled back a flap and entered the dimly lit structure. Mage-lights were placed on small wooden tables, but they were only letting out paltry amounts of light, allowing shadows to dance and twist like beasts along the walls. Samil stood next to a large table that was in the center of the room. He had an unfurled map displaying the mainland of Acacia before him.
A chill went down Droth’s spine as a strong feeling of evil nearly overwhelmed him, so thick that he felt as if he were swimming in oil. He nearly choked as he took a bitter swallow of bile that flowed unbidden to his mouth. “Samil, what in the name of dragon-fire are you doing?” Droth gagged. “This tent reeks of the undead.”
Samil didn’t even acknowledge Droth’s presence. Instead he stared at his map with unseeing dark eyes. He’s still deep in Ater, Droth realized as he sucked in a breath of dank air, trying in vain to overcome the sensation of suffocation. If he strained, he could actually hear Samil conversing with a wraith in the spirit world.
“If you don’t kill her in this next confrontation, you will die before this war is over.” The voice spoke in a hissing tone that sounded sickeningly like a snake. “I warned you about her.”
“I will kill her, Drogor,” Samil spat back as he ended the spell, trailing his fingertips over a series of dark black magestones that formed a strange pattern on a rounded wooden surface.
Droth could tell Samil was mentally returning to Acacia. The spirit of Drogor worried him. Will he eventually unleash Drogor on Acacia? “Samil,” Droth stammered. The sensation of evil was still insufferable. “I’ve returned.” Droth stared at Samil, startled by just how gaunt, wasted, and pale his commander had become.
Samil rubbed his eyes, dazed. “Droth, it’s good to have you by my side again.” Samil coughed violently into his hand and Droth could see flecks of blood on Samil’s palm. “Emily broke into my camp and wounded me.” He staggered toward the corner of his tent. “But enough about that witch, let me get your reward.” Samil took the cover off a large cage fashioned of a silver metal to reveal an enormous golden eagle.
“He’s magnificent.” Droth’s felt as if his heart was going to burst with the rapture of the moment. Finally, he screamed gloriously in his mind while falling to the ground in convulsions, his brain in chaos.
“Always a good day for a vinculum,” Samil said in a hushed voice while kneeling to honor the moment.
Arn, Droth whispered in awe after the moment of bonding had passed. The eagle hopped out of his cage and shuffled across the ground to him. I never really thought this day would come, Droth’s dreams were finally coming true.
“Are you happy?” A secretive, mocking smile played on the corners of Samil’s lips.
Droth looked puzzled at his hopping bird that never spread his wings at all. “Is Arn able to fly?” He picked up his beautiful bondsmate and stroked the feathers and Arn’s chest, with his strong, small scales. He tried to hide his disappointment from his bondsmate.
“Not right now,” Samil spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. His sickly smile faded away to leave his face with a cold, cruel expression. “I took several precautions because you’re too valuable to me, my friend.” Droth could barely hear Samil continue speaking, as blood rushed into his ears. “I’ve used an intricate spell to limit your bondsmate.”
“How could you?” Droth unconsciously began to coil one hand into a fist. He wanted to scream with frustration.
“You and I know you’ve earned a bondsmate a hundred times over, but I need to be assured of your loyalty for a little bit longer.” Samil’s words rang cold, hollow. “Now teach me how we will use our diamond contraption.” Iron formed in Samil’s words. “Show me some respect.”
Droth could barely contain his growing hatred. How had Samil known I planned to leave him? “Of course, my liege,” he whispered. He bitterly called to the half-dead ogres outside the tent and directed them on where to place the device. He tried to remain calm, but he knew he was trapped. Only Samil, the instigator of the incantation, and possibly several druid healers on Acacia would be able to mend the spell-damage to his eagle’s wings. He felt nearly blind with anger, but he kept working. I can leave with a flightless bondsmate and hope to find a healer, or I can remain with Samil. Bile rose in his throat. If I remain, I will have to pray he both wins the battle and holds true to his promise to heal Arn.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t hold a grudge.” Samil patted his general on the shoulder.
Droth gritted his teeth and hid his involuntary shudder at Samil’s touch. For now, we will remain, he whispered to Arn. Droth continued to assemble the weapon. “I will show you your invention.” He struggled to speak in an even voice while regarding Samil with an icy gaze. The two worked as a team until all components of Blackbarb were completed. They then took it apart, and again they put it back together, working in synchrony until they were sure it could be rapidly completed.
C H A P T E R 3 6
Tiamat’s Attack
In the early morning when the sun had not yet risen, and the night still spread darkness across the land, Emily awoke and walked out of her tent with Xena at her side. This is a day of war, she thought to herself. This is a day of reckoning.
This is a day that will decide the future of Acacia, Ammolite spoke solemnly.
A day of battles and death, Xena added with a grim finality that chilled Emily to the bone.
Through spells and rest, Emily felt much more recharged, but the hollow ache in her soul remained. You’ve drained your energy too low, too many times, Ammolite whispered. You must be careful.
Emily climbed a small hill in the dark with the help of her staff and sat where she would soon have the best view of their army. Xena laid her head in Emily’s lap. Emily closed her eyes and meditated on the battle until the sun’s first rays lit up the slate-gray sky. Shafts of brightness began to peak in her direction. She stood gracefully and went into a neutral position to prepare for her tai chi ritual.
A blue magician approaches, Emily’s ki informed her that her father was drawing near. Emily opened her eyes to see her father climbing the hill. He joined her, posing in a similar preparatory position.
Your mother watches, Xena informed her. She’s proud of you. Emily glanced in the direction directed by Xena, and saw her mother observing her with a cluster of elven warriors on the crest of land near the forest. Emily nodded to her.
They walk with newfound confidence, Xena observed as Anna, Isabelle, Luke, and Elizabeth marched toward her.
You’re right. They’re so different from the day when we arrived on Acacia, Emily thought.
More of your pack is approaching, Xena directed Emily’s at
tention to Hadrian, Dysis, Cameron, and the horse-clan who were walking up her hill. Emily inclined her head to them before beginning her smooth, flowing motions. The movements caught on like expanding ripples in a lake and others joined in, until as far as Emily could see, on their half of the battlefield, there were warriors focused on the intricate motions, all in silent synchrony. Once they finished, a massive roar of approval came from their army.
Ammolite spoke from her position in the forest, I’m sad I didn’t get to perform my dragon-chi with you this morning.
Emily smiled to herself, I’m hoping tomorrow morning we’ll be performing our movements together in victory, my beautiful dragon.
I only hope that is so, Ammolite responded in a hushed tone.
What’s the matter? I can sense something’s wrong. Emily was worried about the feelings she was picking up from Ammolite. You seem upset.
There’s evil on the battlefield, Ammolite answered. Something horrible is going to happen today … I wonder if it’s my time to die.
Emily felt a cool flood of fear wash through her. Don’t say that, she whispered.
“Enemy troops approaching,” a sentry cried. Groomsmen scrambled forward with their horses while giving sharp, precise salutes. Dr. D, Hadrian, and Dysis hugged Emily before riding away to their predetermined places, ready to lead their warriors. Emily leaped upon her stallion, Beau, and rode with her Earth friends to their own position.
The battle’s about to begin, Ammolite. Will you fight today? Emily asked.
My mother wants me to remain hidden unless a problem arises.
Your prophecy of death scares me, Emily worried about her dragon. What does your mother see in her prophecies?
She didn’t tell me her prophecies, but she wanted me to tell you that she’s proud of what you’ve done for the dragons and for Acacia. Here is her message. Ammolite sent Emily a mind-link filled with images of Tiamat’s forgiving words.
Send her this back. Emily organized her thoughts and sent a heartfelt message to Tiamat that showed her love for Ammolite and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her dragon.
Thank you, my bondsmate. I’ll send her your visions. Ammolite’s voice sounded tired and sad.
What is going to happen? Emily was alarmed by the dread in her dragon bondsmate. She felt like someone was pouring poison directly into her veins.
I just want you to remember, Emily, that the highest honor for a dragon is a powerful death-light. If I’m to pass on today, I will try to shine like a sun for you to see. Live on in my absence if it’s my time to die. I’m at peace. Ammolite ended their link.
Emily shuddered as she studied the battlefield with a growing sense of unease, unable to slow the racing of her heart.
Cameron reined to a halt next to her. “Glad to hear I’m off the traitor list.” He wore a broken smile. “Isabelle told me the details about the misinformation plan.”
“I just had to know for sure,” Emily spoke apologetically.
“So, Claire is helping Samil?” Cameron shook his head from side to side, his face full of disappointment.
“Yes,” Emily answered with disgust.
Cameron was silent for a moment. “Don’t completely judge her, Em. She’s been plagued by him for years.”
“I know. I just still can’t believe she’s my enemy.”
“I’ve talked with her often about Samil,” Cameron spoke softly. Emily could hear the pain in his voice. “Did she tell you that she was married to Samil for a time?” Emily whirled to stare at him in shock. “Years after you left,” Cameron continued quietly.
Emily tried to hold in a scream, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’ve hoped she would tell you the truth. Claire and I haven’t been close for many years. I didn’t want to tell you something that might turn you against her. I was hoping that when you returned we would all be the best of friends together, but I rapidly realized that wasn’t going to happen. You were away too long.”
“Too long.” Emily felt sadness wash though her body. She found herself studying a great wooden platform across the field where a black banner of a dragon twisted in the wind. “Cameron, we need to rid Acacia of Samil. He’s become a vile creature.”
“I’m ready to go straight for the beast,” Cameron’s resolve was like steel. He played with his reins. “Just say the word, and I’ll be by your side.” A cloud of dust began to form near the dragon banner. “Here comes the first wave.” Cameron pointed toward the dust. “Mavet raa and half-deads.” He handed Emily a small telescope.
“Like a bad nightmare.” Elizabeth put the telescope to her eye.
Tiamat has decided to eradicate the undead creatures that Samil has brought to battle. She won’t permit them to live, Ammolite conveyed to Emily.
Thank goodness. Emily felt a touch of relief run through her.
She hopes it will bring courage to our forces, Ammolite added.
“Tiamat is going to destroy the first wave,” Emily told her friends.
“How?” Anna asked Emily while staring at the enormous army. “There’s so many.”
“She’ll probably burn them.” Emily went into a dream-link with her mother, father, and brother, informing them of Tiamat’s planned attack. They agreed to hold their advance until Tiamat was finished.
“Look, there she is,” Luke pointed to the sky.
Tiamat, Queen of the Dragons, roared Emily’s ki in her mind. Tiamat appeared like a massive plane gliding through the sky, stretching her wings and gracefully circling the battlefield. Her dragon allies were in a row by the edge of the forest, watching her from the ground. When Tiamat achieved a perfect perch position, she balanced in the air, turning elegantly to begin a steep angle of descent like an agile dive bomber. Just before she angled back upward into the sky, she ejected a blast of fury from her massive frame. A magical mixture of fire shot out of her mouth decimating portions of the mob. Screams and groans poured out of the wounded assembly.
Tiamat flapped her wings, climbing and gaining altitude before performing a barrel roll and returning for another sortie, again spraying out elements mixed with magus in an awesome display of destruction. Countless ghoulish figures erupted into foul smoke and the frightened and wounded masses began to shriek and wail with greater force. The half-deads attempted to keep the Mavet raa in line but battle lines were broken. Again and again Tiamat banked and turned and more of the creatures disappeared into putrid, thick, black smoke. The wisps curled and rolled upwards in the early morning light.
There was artistry in Tiamat’s deadly motions. She performed precise patterns as she culled the herd. Before the enemy was completely vanquished, she banked away from the battle for a moment, rising over the forest where Ammolite was hidden. Emily knew her bondsmate and Tiamat were conversing.
What does she say? Emily asked her link.
She’s telling me that they are stubble before the wind that the storm will drive away, Ammolite answered in a toneless voice. I gave her your message and your feelings, Ammolite added.
Tiamat banked from the forest and began to return to the battlefield, flying just over Emily. Emily studied her through the telescope. She thought she could see a look of kindness and acceptance in her golden eyes, but there was also a look of determination mixed with resignation. A single ray of light descended, to contact Tiamat’s snout as she accelerated toward the last patches of undead. The armies around Emily let out roars of approval for the actions of Tiamat. Swords smashed upon shields.
“I’m glad dragons feel it’s in their rules to attack the Mavet raa and half-deads,” Isabelle spoke thoughtfully.
“Maybe Tiamat can break a few rules of engagement and simply wipe out Samil and finish off this battle,” Anna said hopefully.
Emily used the telescope, augmented by her heightened eyesight, to search for Samil. She could make out the arch-mage on the superstructure, and surprisingly, he was watching Tiamat without anger. Samil hadn’t yet sent any of his dragons to counter Tia
mat’s destruction. He simply stood on his huge platform watching the battle with a cluster of his bodyguards around him, all in long cloaks with black hoods over their heads. Surrounding his tower-pedestal were grouped his chariots and armies of Acacean soldiers. Scores of yapoks and corsairs were milling at the edges of his battle groups with legions of cavalry on elephants and horseback stomping impatiently on the ground.
Tiamat was performing more intricate flight patterns closer and closer to the ground as she mopped up the last of the undead. Samil began gesturing wildly to a cloaked magician next to him whose hood fell back. Emily gasped at his aura-signature; the man was Droth. The two knelt side-by-side, and uncovered pieces of a glimmering structure. They began moving at a startling speed in a strange form of synchrony, using their heightening to rapidly put together a contraption that appeared to be made of gemstones. Once it was completed, Droth loaded a spear-like projectile into the device as the last contingent of Mavet raa positioned themselves just below Samil’s platform.
Emily was trying to make sense of Samil’s plan. Was this the weapon made to kill her, like Hadrian thought?
Ammolite was in her mind, worried. Show me the weapon, she requested.
I know Hadrian thinks Samil’s weapon is for me, Emily informed Ammolite, but he’s staring so intently at Tiamat.
What’s happening now? A sense of urgency was building in Ammolite’s words.
Tiamat’s performing another dive-bombing attack, aiming for the last group of undead just in front of Samil, Emily whispered as understanding hit upon all three bondsmates at once.
Could he be baiting my mother out into the open, letting her destroy his creatures so she would get overconfident and close to his platform? I must warn her, Ammolite screamed.
Emily watched Tiamat’s attack. Ammolite’s message must have registered, but the great dragon didn’t bank away. Perhaps her speed is too great. Maybe she can’t slow her descent, Emily thought through her link while sending her dragon bondsmate images of the event. Samil aimed his weapon and Emily recoiled in horror. He fired the diamond shaped spear from the large machine and it connected with Tiamat, easily piercing through her scales at the close range.