Something else suddenly fell from the sky. It was large, green, and impacted the ground so hard that all the surrounding trees were thrown backwards by the impact. The self-appointed leader of the group felt all the blood drain from his face as he was now staring face-to-face with what had to be the largest, angriest dragon he had ever encountered.
Pryllan roared her challenge to the group of humans. Putting the bulk of her body between Pravara and the marauders, she snarled and crouched low, as if daring any of them to take a step towards her. Turning fearfully and getting ready to make a run for it, the motley group of attackers was startled to see a man and woman sitting casually on a fallen log, as if they were enjoying watching the scene unfold.
The man slowly got to his feet. He held out a hand and a large fireball appeared in it. It was then spun about on his middle finger. That was the final straw. Every person there knew full well who the Nohrin were and they were pretty sure that was who they were facing. Behind them, advancing slowly, was the huge mother dragon. It was time to cut their losses.
Fed up with the slow-to-act humans, Pryllan issued a second challenge and finished her roar by spitting a huge mass of flames up into the air. When the fires had finally dissipated into the sky the glade they were in was as empty of humans, save Steve and Sarah, as the last wyverian gathering Rinbok Intherer had called for. Glaring angrily around the surrounding trees to verify that no other humans were lurking about, Pryllan turned around to face her offspring.
Cowed, Pravara hung her head. Pryllan thumped the ground with her tail several times to get her attention.
“Do not hang your head, young one. You performed admirably. You leapt to the defense of another. In the future, either wait to attain your adult size or else be certain I am nearby, is that understood?”
Thankful she wasn’t in trouble, Pravara eagerly nodded her head.
Steve walked around Pryllan and gave Pravara a friendly pat on her head as he passed by. He looked at the strange dragon with two heads.
“You must be this Zweigelan we’ve been searching for.”
Neither of the captive dragon’s heads said anything.
“You obviously make a lot of friends wherever you go,” Steve continued as he sat down on a rock just outside of the Zweigelan’s reach. “So are you ready to play nice and listen to what we have to say?”
The Zweigelan warily eyed him but refrained from saying anything.
“I’ll take that as a yes. Hold still.”
Steve took his time as he walked around the still form of the two-headed dragon. Twenty seconds later he was sitting back on the rock.
“We are still immobilized,” one of the heads hissed out at him.
“Yes, we are,” the other head agreed.
Steve gave the dragon a forced smile. He turned back to look at his wife, who nodded. He turned to look at Pryllan, who was still shielding Pravara from view.
You ready in case things go bad?
Pryllan’s green eyes found his.
Yes.
Here we go.
Focusing his jhorun on the points of the rope he had selected as he had walked around the Zweigelan’s body, he ordered the ropes to burn. Seconds later the ropes dropped harmlessly to the ground. It had begun struggling to get to its feet just as soon as it had felt the ropes slacken. Standing upright once more the Zweigelan studied the four of them.
“Why did you help us?” the right head asked.
“Aye, we would like to know why,” the left head added.
Steve briefly turned to Pryllan to mentally ask if he should be the one to address it. Pryllan gave a slight nod of her head.
“You are a dragon.”
“We are Zweigelan,” the right head haughtily informed him.
“Zweigelan, dragon, does it really matter? You’re a dragon and you’re part of the Collective, are you not?”
Both heads hissed with annoyance. Apparently it was still a sore memory.
“Don’t hiss at me,” Steve scolded. “You asked why we came to your aid. I’m answering. You’re a dragon. We are friends to all dragons, regardless of whether or not the feelings are reciprocated.”
Sarah stood and shoved her husband out of the way. “Shame on you, you pathetic excuse of a dragon. Pravara came to your aid first. If she hadn’t been able to stall your attackers then they probably would have killed you. Do you understand that? You owe Pravara and her mother, Pryllan, your life!”
Both heads turned to study the much larger green dragon who was returning the frank stare. Surprisingly, the twin heads dropped their gaze to the ground.
Sarah looked at the young dragonlet and gestured towards the Zweigelan.
“Pravara, why did you jump in front of those humans?”
Pravara’s glittering golden eyes turned to study the shamed outcast.
“He’s a dragon.”
“Because you’re a dragon,” Sarah repeated as she turned to face the Zweigelan. “You were just… look at me when I’m talking to you.”
When neither head bothered to face her Sarah used her jhorun to pick up a small rock and toss it at the Zweigelan’s right flank. Of course, it bounced harmlessly off the protective scales, but it was enough to get the dragon’s attention.
“As I was saying,” Sarah continued, “you were just defended by a baby dragon.”
“I’m not a baby,” Pravara grumped, lifting her nose into the air.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Sarah told the dragonlet, giving her an affectionate pat on the head. “It’s just a figure of speech.” She returned her attention to the Zweigelan, who was now staring curiously at the dragonlet.
“Why come to the aid of someone who is not a dragon?” the right head asked.
Pravara rapidly blinked her eyes as she stared at the Zweigelan, confusion evident on her young face. She turned to her mother.
“Speak your mind, Pravara,” Pryllan told her offspring. “Tell him why you did what you did.”
“You’re a dragon,” Pravara simply said as she turned back around. “Dragons watch out for each other.”
“We are not –”
“Oh, cut the ‘we are not dragon’ crap,” Steve exclaimed, growing angry. “So you’re not the same species of dragon as they are, but you’re still a dragon. You’re just a dragon with two heads. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Why didn’t you flee?” Sarah asked, before the Zweigelan could interrupt with another objection.
“Flee?” the left head said, incredulous. “We never flee. We have never fled before and we have no intention of starting now.”
“How’s that working for you?” Steve quipped. He looked down at the burnt ropes that had been restraining the Zweigelan. “You were about to become a matching set of luggage, dude.”
“We need to know what we can call you,” Sarah said, drawing everyone’s attention. “I don’t like addressing you or referencing you in the third person. You must have a name. Some way to set yourself apart from any other Zweigelans?”
The Zweigelan was silent for a few more minutes before it finally responded. It answered so softly that they barely caught what was said.
“I am Syrreth,” the left head quietly informed them.
After a few moments the right head also spoke.
“And I am Ferreth.”
Sarah smiled. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Syrreth and Ferreth said nothing.
Steve faced the left head and ignited his hands. “Syrreth, do me a favor and show me your flames.”
Syrreth shook his head no. Steve looked at Syrreth’s twin. “Ferreth, what about you? Care to show me what you’ve got?”
Ferreth also shook his head no.
“You’ve become affected by this curse, haven’t you?” Sarah informed them. “Stage two, right? But you knew this already, didn’t you?”
“You created this curse,” Steve added. He sat down on the closest rock again and extinguished his hands with a flick of his wrists. “You create
d it and have now managed to screw yourselves. Nice going.”
“I didn’t do this,” Syrreth informed him, directing his gaze at the sitting human.
“Nor did I,” Ferreth added with a growl.
Steve scowled at the two heads. “But one of you Zweigelans did, didn’t you?”
Syrreth and Ferreth fell silent once more.
“And for what? Revenge against the dragons?”
“The dragons deserve everything that’s coming to them,” Ferreth whispered quietly.
“Aye, they do,” Syrreth agreed.
“I hate to point this out to you,” Sarah interjected, “but you’re a dragon, too. Looks like whoever created this curse included you along with all the other dragons.”
Silence.
“If you think I’m wrong then prove it. Spit fire. Either of you. Since I know you can’t then it means you’ve been cursed.”
Neither Syrreth nor Ferreth elected to say anything.
“Two dragons you don’t know just saved your life,” Sarah added, growing angry herself. “Still think all dragons should be cursed? What has Pryllan or Pravara done to you besides saving you from being hacked into a million little pieces?”
“So what have you lost?” Steve wanted to know, looking up at Syrreth. “Because the first part of this curse renders you defenseless. You lose the ability to spit fire. The second isolates you from your fellow dragons. That’s the loss of the Collective, I’m afraid. And finally, if you become stricken with the third part of this curse, you will become grounded. You lose your ability to fly. Is that what you want? We need to break this curse. You need to break this curse. Help us find whoever did this. If this wasn’t you then one of the other two must be responsible.”
“Why should we help you?” Syrreth grumped. “We never wished to join the filthy Collective. We wish to be left alone.”
Sarah shook her head with bewilderment. “Do you suffer from short term memory loss? Had you been alone five minutes ago then you would have been killed. Do you not understand that? You ask why you should help? It’s because you owe Pryllan and Pravara your life. That’s why. Repay your debt. Regain your honor as a dragon.”
“Ooo, good one, babe,” Steve whispered.
“Very well,” Ferreth grumped. “A debt for a debt. We will help you find the one who is responsible for bringing the curse about.”
Chapter 6 – Off to Nevir-Land!
We have made contact with the Zweigelan, beloved. He hasn’t admitted responsibility for this curse but I do believe he knows more than he’s letting on.
Kahvel’s powerful thought came back to her almost instantly.
DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE HIM TALK. USE FORCE IF NECESSARY. THIS CURSE MUST BE BROKEN IF WE ARE TO SURVIVE AS A SPECIES.
Pryllan sighed.
Are you suggesting I mistreat the outcast? He is a dragon. I cannot inflict him harm unless he bodily attacks myself or Pravara.
IF HE MISTREATS YOU OR PRAVARA IN ANY FASHION YOU ARE TO INFORM ME IMMEDIATELY, IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?
Pryllan nodded, causing Steve and Sarah to turn and quizzically look up at her.
Understood. I do not believe he will try anything foolish. He has also become infected and has lost his fire.
She felt Kahvel’s anger switch to concern. YOU HAVEN’T BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS CURSE, HAVE YOU?
Pryllan shook her head again. Not that I’m aware of. How would I know?
USE THE COLLECTIVE, Kahvel suggested. TRY TO CONTACT SOMEONE.
Very well. A moment, if you please.
Pryllan was silent for a few minutes as she quieted her mind to see if she could hear any other voices. Sadly, she could not. She asked if anyone could hear her but she failed to receive a response.
I asked but did not receive an answer, she informed her mate. I believe there is no one left to use the Collective.
DO YOU STILL RETAIN YOUR FIRE?
I did as of an hour ago.
GOOD. KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON PRAVARA. DO NOT LET HER WANDER OFF. THESE ARE TROUBLING TIMES.
Agreed. Kahvel, where should we go from here? I am not sure what to do next. I have no idea how to break this curse.
WHAT DO THE HUMANS THINK YOU SHOULD DO?
Just a moment and I’ll ask them.
“What do you think we should do now?” Pryllan asked, interrupting the silence and causing Sarah to jump nervously. “We have the Zweigelan and he has all but confirmed he knows who is responsible.”
“We never said that,” Syrreth insisted.
Ferreth nodded his head in agreement.
Steve cleared his throat. “If this was a problem that was affecting the villagers, and we suddenly had some news to impart, I’d report it to Kri’Entu.”
“You’re suggesting that we seek out Rinbok Intherer?”
Steve nodded. “He’s the Dragon Lord. This curse is affecting the dragons. I’m sure he’d want to know, whether out of curiosity or respect.”
Kahvel, Steve suggests we seek out Rinbok Intherer.
Kahvel’s voice was silent in her mind. When she didn’t hear anything from him for a few minutes she tried again.
Beloved? It was suggested that we…
I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME, Kahvel’s curt response interrupted her. RINBOK HAS BECOME INDISPOSED. TO SEEK HIM OUT NOW WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME.
He’s indisposed? From what?
She felt Kahvel’s sigh of impatience. HE STILL BELIEVES HE HAS BECOME INFECTED WITH SOME TYPE OF AILMENT AND IS DYING. HE HAS BECOME UNRESPONSIVE AND IF HE AGREES TO SEE YOU, WHICH I THINK HE WON’T, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET A COHERENT CONVERSATION OUT OF HIM. BELIEVE ME, I JUST TRIED.
Nevertheless we have to try. Where is he?
NEVIR.
Pryllan growled. Whoever decided the Dragon Lord should live in those caverns must have been mentally unstable.
I KNOW OF YOUR AVERSION TO THE CAVERNS, BELOVED, Kahvel thought to her. VISITING NEVIR SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED IF YOU ARE IN THE BEST OF HEALTH. TRUST ME.
Suggesting that I am physically unable to make the journey? I still have my health, Kahvel. I have not fallen victim to this curse. Not yet.
IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO FIND, BELOVED.
Since I already know where it is, I doubt that.
Pryllan’s sense of satisfaction deepened as she felt Kahvel’s shock of surprise ripple through her.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND NEVIR?
Because of you, my love.
I NEVER TOLD YOU, Kahvel insisted.
You didn’t have to, my love.
ARE MY THOUGHTS THAT TRANSPARENT?
With me they are, my love.
VERY WELL. YOU CAN TRY TO ENGAGE RINBOK INTHERER BUT DO NOT BE TOO DISAPPOINTED IF HE CHOOSES NOT TO REACT TO YOUR PRESENCE.
Understood.
“What’s going on?” a voice interjected just as Pryllan severed the mental connection to her mate. “What are you doing?”
Pryllan looked down at the only human that she had ever allowed to ride her. Before she could say anything, however, Sarah answered for her.
“Isn’t it obvious? She’s speaking telepathically to someone. I’d say it was Kahvel. Am I right?”
Pryllan nodded. “You are.”
Steve shrugged and slid his hands into his pockets. “Oh, okay. Cool. What does he think we should do?”
“He was trying to dissuade us from speaking with Rinbok Intherer as he has fallen victim to this curse along with everyone else.”
“Why wouldn’t Rinbok see us?” Sarah demanded. “We’re trying to help him!”
“The Dragon Lord is very proud. He wouldn’t want our problems to become known to anyone else. It is Kahvel’s belief that if it became known Rinbok Intherer had to accept help from the humans then his pride would suffer.”
“What a bunch of crap,” Steve snapped.
Pravara lifted her head from the ground and regarded him with a querulous look.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”
Mollified, Pravara returned to her impromptu nap.
“I say we go see him anyway,” Sarah added. She took Steve’s hand. “This is his problem whether he wants to admit it or not. It’s time he knows what’s going on. You said he thinks he suffers from an ailment? Well, he’s going to learn the truth.”
Sarah spun on her heel and pointed straight at Syrreth and Ferreth.
“And he’s going to hear it from the two of you.”
Both of the Zweigelan’s heads began violently shaking their heads no. They both had experienced the unpleasantness that was the gigantic Dragon Lord and neither wished for a repeat performance.
Steve unbuckled Mythrin from his hip and fastened his green-bladed broadsword to his back. “So we’re off to see Rinbok, is that right? Where is he?”
“Nevir,” Pryllan answered.
“We’re never going to see Rinbok? But I thought that was the plan? Why’d you change your mind?”
“We will seek an audience with the Dragon Lord,” Pryllan confirmed.
Steve nodded. “Right. That’s what I thought you said. So where is he?”
“Nevir.”
“Why do you keep saying ‘never’?”
“Because you keep asking where Rinbok Intherer can be found,” Pryllan answered, using the same confused tone Steve was using.
“Do you mean we’re never going to find him?”
Pryllan stared at the human for a few seconds before she swung her gaze over to Sarah.
“I do not understand his confusion.”
Feeling rather confused herself, Sarah looked up at the huge green dragon. “Where’s Rinbok right now?”
“Nevir.”
“Spell it.”
“N-E-V-I-R.”
Satisfied, Sarah turned to Steve. “Vocabulary problem. Nevir is a place, not an adverb.”
“Ah. Got it. So Nevir is the name of the dragon graveyard where all the dragons go to die?”
Surprised, Sarah turned back to Pryllan. “That’s right. I forgot about that. That’s where we have to go? To a place where no dragon can find but a select few?”
“Correct.”
Sarah nodded. “This ought to be interesting.”
Steve held up a hand. “Wait a minute. I’m confused about something.”
Sarah stifled a giggle. Steve shot her a dark glare.
Something Wyverian This Way Comes Page 10