United Dragons

by Calista Lambrechts

  I felt in shock and somewhat out of breath, no matter the pain, for it had gone the soon as it had appeared. I looked around me. Instead of the bright shine of morning sun and striking emerald green flora and vegetation as I had seen before, there was only gloom. It was almost as though day had been turned into a permanent cold night.

  I felt uneasy. I felt unfamiliar with my surroundings.

  It appeared that I was still in Elimor, but this sudden shift between two realities had caught me completely off guard. My eyes ascended to the ramparts above me that had once lightened up the entire palace ruin.

  Instead of the three moons of Ysellian I could only see one – one as white and as pale as never before. It gave the night sky a bleak and haunting glow. Below me a thin layer of mist crept at my ankles and blanketed the earth.

  All I could remember was Carlaylin… stabbing me in the chest, that little…! I knew she was a traitor the moment I laid eyes upon her taunting face. Anger built up inside of me and I could feel my heartbeat growing faster. My blood boiled and my cheeks flushed. My eyes quickly darted around the area in search of her, but alas there was no sign of her or a wound in my chest. I was baffled until another flash of memories flickered into my mind. I grabbed at my head, eyes screwed with a massive headache and teeth bore until it finally stopped – until I could finally remember the whole story.

  “The Void…” I whispered to myself as I took one last look around. Everything seemed so depressing and barren. Around me it seemed that parts of the scene frequently faded and reappeared as another. Nevertheless, I considered myself fairly focused. I had a job to do.

  Tarauntis’ fire wouldn’t collect itself. I took a step forward, but my foot hit something solid. I looked down and noticed it to be a glass jar, possibly left by Carlaylin to aid me in my journey. I bent down to pick it up.

  Without another moment’s hesitation I walked on and on, passing through various scenes and what seemed like ghostly figures as I went by.

  Some figures even looked as real as I. It was a matter I could understand. The ghostly figures must be these from the material plain whereas the others are these who join me here in the long-dark Void.

  If there was one thing about the Void, it would be that there never was more than darkness. I was fairly accurate at the fact that it was a permanent night. Not only that, but I was well aware that I really didn’t have all the time in the world. I had to get back into my own body before the next dawn or I would be trapped here as a lost and longing soul for all eternity.

  The scenes constantly shifted into another, changing without a clear pattern. It was rather confusing, I must admit, for I had a hard time finding my way. I tried finding my way, but alas to no avail. For a moment I gave up, exhausted and quite frustrated. There was no way in the Void’s name that I was going to find my way all by my own in playing smart.

  Momentarily I had come to a stop at a well. It was in the middle of the forest, though I had no idea where. I gave up.

  I know it is truly unbelievable, that I, Nemtris Darkblood gave up, but I was in desperate need of some help. I flopped down on a log with my head buried in the palms of my hands. Beside this struggle of finding my way, I was stuck with the irritating sound of dripping water from the wooden bucket filled with old water as it hung over the well. There was clearly a crack in the bucket somewhere, but the sound was too frustrating for me to check. Besides, why would I? It’s just a freaking bucket! I tried my best not to grit my teeth to ruin.

  I heaved a loud sigh and raised my gaze, but ended up spotting a lonely soul wandering out front. I was reluctant, but I had little choice. I took a deep breath and stood, slowly approaching the figure with an eye of curiosity. I stepped into another scene I was relatively familiar with. It was the fountain of Bliss hidden deep within the forest. Even here in the Void the waters still ran crystal clear. The water danced under the moonlight.

  At the rim of the fountain sat a man. It looked as though he was sobbing, but without a sound I assure you. He was dressed in the fine armour of the king’s legion… a knight possibly, but he looked long gone. He was a lonesome, fallen knight with all hope lost to him. He sat with his face buried in his arm, still going about moaning to himself. Oh how I despise these ghostly kinds, disregarding the fact that I was temporarily one of them.

  I painstakingly approached and tried to gain his attention.

  “Excuse me…”

  The knight looked startled and instantly raised his head towards my direction. Our eyes met, though his seemed even more melancholy than I had first guessed. It looked as though all life had left his soul, the spark drained right from his eyes… excluding the fact that he actually was lifeless.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle. I hope I didn’t interrupt something important. Do you still need a moment?” I barely cared, but I figured it was about time to have some respect for the dead. After all, I had cut up more bodies than anyone can even count. Let’s call this little act redemption.

  “No, no. All’s well. Can I help you?” he said wearily. I was nauseated. Truly I was. This man was all too kind for my taste. The righteous had no place in my heart. In fact, his kind voice and noble eyes just made me want to resurrect and kill him again.

  “Uh, yes. I am rather lost, as you can see, and I was hoping if you could possibly help me find the great dark dragon. I seek audience with him… Well, parts of him anyway.”

  It sounded so much better in my head. Now it just sounds wrong.

  The knight looked rather shocked.

  “You are sending yourself to a fate far greater than death. The Dragon of Death is not to be tampered with.”

  It were times like these that when all emotion that was left in me was impatience, indeed it even is an emotion.

  “Does it look like I care? I came here for one purpose and one purpose only and I am most certainly not leaving until the job’s done.”

  “You’re not from here, milady?”

  “No, nor do I wish to be. Too much heartache. I can’t stand all this… depression.” I said the word depression with such disgust that my lip even curled back. I absolutely had no time to stand and wait while this man was busy feeling sorry for himself. I know this is the Void. I know he probably died a gruesome death, but bloody hell I have no concern with this!

  “Very well, I will point you into the right direction.”

  “Won’t it just be easier to escort a damsel to her destination?”

  “Yes, but I can’t leave this place. I swore to myself that I never will. This is the only place that brings me memories of kindness and what’s left of humanity.”

  His voice trailed off and so did his gaze as it dropped to the ground.

  The line of impatience and building temper had been crossed and so the cave zombie was awoken inside of me. I didn’t think. I just said.

  “Oh, stop your moping and lift your sorry ass! I haven’t been stabbed and doomed to this labyrinth for nothing! You will escort me to the dragon or so help me I will show you the powers of an enraged necromancer.”

  This man was taken aback with broadened eyes, but soon his aftershock gently shifted to leisure nods of understanding. He gathered himself and stood, straightening himself into the posture of a well-mannered gentleman.

  Yet, I could still sense that he was more than reluctant to help. I gave him a quick smile of satisfaction before taking the lead. As I passed him by, I couldn’t help but notice and inform, “And you have a bit of blood on your heart… just saying.”

  It was true. There was blood welling all over his death wound, though it had long since stopped and the stains dried, but what can I say? I am very observant… especially on big, obvious things! Any man would be lucky to have me… but my heart only beats for Merlin. My dear Merlin…

  Quite the time passed before the kind man lead me to a rocky mountain that as sure as hell doesn’t exist in the mortal plain. We said our goodbyes and I left him to his own sorry devices. I couldn’t care le
ss what happened, neither what he may have lost.

  And so my journey began. One step at a time I tried climbing the mountain, but dear me it was just too much work. Instead, I slid back down to the ground and used some of my pizazz to summon a skeletal warrior. (To be honest, the whole process goes a lot faster and easier here in the Void.) A feisty one he was indeed with his round shield, Viking hat and swinging mace. Not a word escaped its mouth, but it was sure as hell ready to follow my orders into a bloody battle of valour and glory… Too bad my intensions led him otherwise.

  With crossed arms and nonchalant eyes I ordered, “Drop it.”

  The skeleton, of which I now call Todo, faced me with a confused expression. Its eyes shifted between its weapon and shield and me, his great master.

  “I said, ‘Drop it’!” As hesitant and confused as poor Todo was, he dropped his mace.

  “Shield too.” He exchanged glances between the shield and yours truly once again.

  “Come, come. We don’t have all day! Drop the shield and your silly little warrior’s hat too!”

  With a grunt of reluctance and great dislike, Todo did as he was ordered and dropped his equipment. Now he was no more than an angry naked skeleton.

  “On second thought… Keep the hat. It suites you,” I said with a finger to my lip, having second thoughts and feeling like an honest to goodness fashion consultant. With a grunt, Todo bent down to grab his helmet again, slamming it back onto his head with a frown constantly shot my way. With that frown of his he looked at me as if to say, ‘Now what?’

  All I could do was smile and give my minion a sinister stare.

  ***

  Up we went! Up the mountain Todo took me as I rode on his back.

  “Mush, Todo! Mush!”

  All I had to pray for was the success of reaching the top and no last second mutinies. Todo was a professional though. As a long dead warrior he sure knew how to climb and keep his mouth shut about matters. It was worth the waste of energy to summon him. Before I could say another word we reached a hollowed cave near the top.

  If I (and by I, I mean soul) didn’t die before I get back to my body, I was making Todo my number one.

  I climbed off Todo’s back and cracked my knuckles, getting ready to get that deathly fire. Meanwhile behind me, Todo literally collapsed of exhaustion – a pile of bones now. I felt rather offended really. I’m not that heavy, am I? Todo just needed some workout. I mean, honestly! He’s really bony.

  “Dragon of Death, Dragon of Souls and Dragon of Fate,” I bellowed most confidently, “I call upon thy name, for I seek audience with thee almighty of all dragon lords! Come unto me and heed my words! I will not leave until I see thy face, until I have succeeded in my most patriotic duty! Heed my words and listen as I say thy name and call upon thy mighty wings. TARAUNTIS!”

  The wind around me began to pick up pace and started waving my hair to the side. I had to stand my ground and push against the wind.

  “TARAUNTIS!” I cried once again and raised my hands up into the air. The wind got worse and soon turned into a raging gale blowing all around me, all around this mountaintop. The wind was so strong that it began to gather dark clouds at a tremendous pace.

  For Merlin, not Carlaylin. For Merlin, not Carlaylin, I kept repeating to myself.

  “TARAUNTIS!” With the third shout there was an immediate loud and piercing roar that echoed throughout the entire land of Ysellian. Purple lightning flashed in the clouds, each in a matter of seconds of their own. Bits of rock and pebbles were lifted and swept from the cave floor, whirling all around me. With another array of lightning flashes the rocks combined from all over the mountainside and instantly packed together at an alarming rate until finally revealing a colossal dragon giving one last glorious, thundering roar that sent the hairs on even Todo’s back to stand on end, and Todo doesn’t even have hair.

  My heart pounded against my ribcage, struggling to free itself from this petrifying, yet magnificent moment.

  Tarauntis’ piercing eyes landed on me as it remained in the air, flapping its massive wings on the spot.

  “I, Nemtris Darkblood of Feimskir, daughter of Tricet, have summoned you!”

  I received no more than a mere growl. Ugh, this was bloody dreadful. I couldn’t even have a proper conversation with the Dragon of Death (who’s actually my idle and a dragon after my own heart) unlike miss ‘I am Carlaylin Thorel, the one and only great Drachem’ back down there!

  “I have come for your fire!” Tarauntis did not seem all too happy about this. He lighted up from the tail upwards on his lower half with a dark flaming red-orange colour. Yet, his intensions did not seem of charity, but rather destruction and pure anger. I should’ve known that this wasn’t going to be easy… Not when the dragon is as stuck-up as yours truly. There can be only one!

  “Very well. Then I will fight you for it! You win, I die. I win, you hand over the fire.”

  To my misfortune, it seemed as though Tarauntis agreed to my terms. I feared for this moment, but, for some odd reason, I felt ready.

  Tarauntis shot up into the air like a missile of unconditional terror and disappeared into the thick storm clouds. I readied myself and cracked my head.

  “Bring it on, Scalefeathers!”

  A blast of purple fire shot towards me in a bundle of mass destruction, but I leapt out of the way in the nick of time, regaining myself on my feet. The wind was still roaring all around me and made this task all the more harder. Nevertheless, I was quick to regain my balance before a line of fire could come snaking across the cave floor towards me.

  I kicked back and combined my hands to form a powerful shield that reflected the blast. The main energy source of the shield came from my ring. It was the power of the undead, meaning their souls combined. I do admit that sometimes I trap souls in order to use for my own selfish purposes.

  What? I’m not a wizard. I’m a necromancer. I’m not restricted to only one element. I’m restricted to dark and death magic.

  The rays of reflected fire shot outwards and burst through the remaining rock wall. From the clouds I could see a gigantic tail swiping towards me. I fell to the ground and missed the tale by mere inches.

  Yet, of course it crashed into the rest of the mountain and sent a small avalanche of large boulders raining down on me. I had to jump and duck in order not to get pummelled. I used my shield to protect myself from these that managed to fall down from right on top of me. The force of the hits against my shield sent me to my knees, but no matter. I was quick to my feet once again.

  Now it was my turn.

  I brought my hands together to act out an array of ancient symbols in order to raise my own army, for I alone couldn’t deal much damage to creature of this size and might. An army of skeletal warriors emerged from the ground and stood next to me, others only now pulling themselves up on the edge of the cave surface. I hurried back and ordered my archers to shoot down the dragon so that I could take a shot at it myself.

  The skeletal warriors withdrew their bows and arrows and aimed with deadly accuracy, but their frail iron arrows did little harm to the great beast and, frankly, worked on my nerves.

  “Oh, just give me that!” I ordered as I grabbed a bow out of one of the archers’ hand. I nicked an arrow or two too right before I could dash up to the higher areas of the mountain. I passed through the rocks and leapt over the gaps as I ascended. Up I went until reaching one of the highest parts of the mountain that allowed me to take a glimpse above the clouds. Up ahead I could see Tarauntis constantly sweeping downwards to dismantle my armies.

  It gave me some time at least. With great haste I tried to enchant the arrow with some old spell I once learned from an old shaman in my youth.

  “Slotro fro tamtra ya slethaso pro…”I went on in an ominous whispered tone to my voice. With each word I could see my spell working.

  A dark purple flame grew on the arrow’s tip and spread down the shaft. Thank goodness I was immune to my own created fire or this
would’ve hurt immensely.

  My gaze rose up to the dark clouded gale sky. From the thick mist I noticed a large dark head with glowing eyes emerging from the clouds. It ascended up into the sky, revealing the enormity of the dragon with its lower half lit. There was no doubt that his intention of destruction was now aimed directly at me and me only. My army was probably defeated… No wonder skeleton help was so cheap these days. They could hardly keep themselves together!

  My heartbeat raced as I tried to withdraw my bow under the pressure of time. It made me falter from time to time, but soon enough I had the bow at a ready and the arrow in place. I was quick to aim my weapon at the dragon rising up in front of me. I was nervous and far beyond the line of apprehension, but there was no use in giving up. Just when I thought that I had gained the perfect spot to shoot, fate found it vastly humorous to turn against me.

  The dragon shot itself to the side and turned to crash into the mountain, sending me falling alongside the array of raining stone and boulders.

  I fell against the wind at a tremendous speed and with complete trepidation. I can’t fly. Even I’m not that good! Thankfully I still had quite the way to go before dwindling flat onto the ground.

  The bow and arrow had been knocked straight out of my hands when the dragon slammed into the mountainside.

  My eyes darted around until finally meeting the flaming arrow just well out of my reach. Further beyond this arrow I could see Tarauntis shooting down towards me in order to finish me once and for all. He wasn’t about to let the ground finish me off. He looked set on finishing the job at a complete.

  I gathered my courage and tried to swim for the arrow. I stretched my arm out towards the arrow and hoped to be able to reach it in time before I could die. I hadn’t come this far for nothing.

  Both a lot of time and distance between the ground and I had passed before my fingers finally wrapped around the shaft. I could see the dragon coming in at an immense speed with open jaws.

  Forcefully I leaned out of the way as the dragon flew straight past me. With its gigantic body darting straight past me, I was sure to grab a hold of its neck and I was pulled alongside its great speed, a speed far greater than the previous, but the wind was strong and pushed me off until I grabbed hold of the wing.