Omensent: Birth of a Dragon Lord

by Barry Gibbons

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  As the months passed, Damion continued to grow. By his thirteenth birthday, he stood a foot taller than any normal man, over seven feet. He had grown so large that he was forced to duck when entering a room to avoid hitting his head on the door frame. His body had become heavily muscled from the years of training with Sly, though he still moved with the gracefulness of a cat. His legs had become as thick as tree trunks, and his arms and chest were massive, but he was still capable of moving with amazing speed, and in complete silence.

  His swordsmanship had also progressed to the point where his skill nearly rivaled Sly's, and he soon learned to blend his magic with his swordsmanship, creating an offense that was nearly unstoppable. But after besting Sly for the first time using this technique, the little man forbid him to use magic during their training sessions, claiming it was 'unnatural'.

  The day of his thirteenth birthday was an exciting one for Damion. He awoke to a beautiful sunny day, and after an enormous breakfast of eggs, bacon, ham, fruit, fresh bread, and sweet cakes, he and Snowfeather went outside to await Lord Michael's arrival. It wasn't long before his father and several of the castle soldiers appeared from the dense forest surrounding the cottage, looking a little disheveled from being forced to chop a path through the tangled undergrowth.

  When he and his father embraced, Damion towered over Lord Michael. His father was overjoyed to see him, and marveled at how much he had grown since their last visit.

  Lord Michael was never disappointed in his progress. Damion had excelled at all his studies and training, and always had a new magical ability to dazzle his father. He had been especially surprised by Snowfeather's unexpected arrival, and it had taken several hours of explaining before he understood the concept of a familiar. He did not like the idea of his son having a huge bird of prey as a companion, but after seeing how much happier Damion had become since the huge bird arrived, he finally gave his consent.

  After dinner, Damion and Lord Michael went for a walk in the orchard. Damion demonstrated the new techniques with the sword he had learned from Sly, then showed off his new ability to shift into a different form. He also regaled his father with the adventure that he had with the eagle and its unprovoked attack, and his narrow escape from certain death.

  Lord Michael stared at his son with tears in his eyes. “I cannot believe my son is becoming a man. It seems like it was only yesterday that you were slipping from your crib and wandering around the castle, causing a general panic. Now, look at you!” He smiled proudly. “Even I cannot match swords with you!”

  Damion shook his head. “I am still really just a child, father. I know nothing of the world outside of this valley. I have been sheltered here for almost eight years. The only things that I know I have learned from books.” He looked at his father seriously. “I want to go to explore the world, and see the things I have learned about for myself. Until I can do that, I will never be a man.”

  Lord Michael was quiet for a moment, considering his son's words, then shook his head. “I understand how you feel, Damion, but you are not yet ready. It is a very cruel world outside of this valley, and I think you should wait until you complete your training before I allow you to go off adventuring on your own.”

  “But I’ve already learned all that I can here!” Damion argued heatedly. “I have memorized nearly every book in Damarius's library, and even you said there are few that could match swords with me! I also have my magic to help me if I get into any trouble!” He scowled. “I am able to protect myself far better than most others!”

  His father frowned. “There are things in this world that even your magic may not be able to handle. I really think you should continue training, at least for a little while longer.”

  Damion wanted to argue that he was larger, stronger, faster, and more intelligent than most men, but his father cut him off.

  “I know that you are stronger and faster than almost anyone, but you are also different from normal men. Some may hold that against you, and try to harm you. The weak fear those who are different from themselves, and I want to be sure you are prepared to protect yourself before I allow you to go off adventuring on your own.”

  Damion sighed in resignation. “But when will I be ready? There isn't much left for me to learn here. My magic is even more powerful than Damarius's, and I have mastered how to control it. I can even shift into another form with only a second's thought. I have learned all that I can here. It’s time for me to see the world.”

  Lord Michael sighed. “I’ll make you a deal. If you agree to continue your training for a while longer, I will speak with Skie and Damarius about allowing you to explore a little ways outside of the valley. But only if Lord Quickhand is with you. Is it a deal?”

  Damion smiled. “It’s a deal! Can I come to visit the castle and village sometime?”

  “I don't see why not. Everyone at the castle would be overjoyed to see you.” He paused, smiling. “I'll tell you what, why don't you return with me to the castle tomorrow? You can stay for a few weeks and see how the castle is ran, considering the responsibility of protecting it will fall to you one day. Besides, it would be a great chance for us to spend some time together.”

  Damion was both excited and frightened at the same time. “Can I really? You’re not afraid I might scare everyone, or accidentally blow up the castle or something?”

  “Nonsense.” His father scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Everything will be fine. You said it yourself; you are old enough to start learning about the outside world. Here is your chance!”

  “What about Snowfeather? I can't just leave him behind. He is my familiar. He goes wherever I go.”

  Lord Michael obviously did not care for the idea of Snowfeather accompanying them, but did not pursue the subject, realizing there was no use in arguing. He was just happy to have his son journeying home with him.

  They returned to the cottage and informed Lady Skie and Damarius of their plans, then asked Sly to join them on their journey, just for the added protection.

  Damion was a little hurt by Lady Skie's joyful response to the news that he would be leaving. She seemed to be a little too excited over their trip. He began to grow concerned that she had become sick of having him around. It wasn't until she noticed the hurt expression on his face that she gently explained that after thirteen years of caring for him, she would enjoy a short vacation of not having to worry about him. He wasn't sure if he fully accepted her explanation, but his excitement over the trip soon drove it from his mind.