The Wood Cutter's Son

by Thomas Wright

  The magic has done what your mind asked. Now to finish it. Push the guard up the handle to the blade and use your thumb to dimple the handle on both sides, pushing the metal against it to hold it in place. Now smooth and taper the handle wider in the middle to fit your grip, then taper it to a point. Yes, beautiful.

  Morgan looked on in wonder as he shaped the red-hot metal with his hand. Heat the silver ball. Excellent. Now take it and push down onto the point you made in the handle and pull the silver with your fingers into the shape of a teardrop. When it cools and the metals harden, both pieces will be secure. Very, very, good. Now quench the blade in the oil. We will need to temper the blade just as you would a mundane sword with no power, but this blade will be dragon-tempered.

  The lines were perfect as Morgan stared down the length of the blade, an elongated diamond shape, thick in the middle and double-edged. It tapered into an angular fine point. He had seen it in his mind, but now to see it realized he worried it might be too thin and break.

  It will not break, the dragon said, sensing his misgivings. Learn finesse. Don’t use it like a club. Find a good axe for that. You will learn to see the weak places in armor. And... scales.

  You mean like dragon scales.

  Yes. The blade will penetrate scale and hide, plate and chain. No being will able to stand before the sword and live. Although it will do you no good if you do not learn to guard against attacks from many kinds of weapons. An arrow will kill you from afar: you will die never having faced your enemy. A spear or poleaxe will keep you at bay until your enemies can gather in force to defeat you. These are only a few examples, to prove you have much to learn.

  You are just full of glad tidings, Dragon. I hold the power of a dragon god, yet a horse fart can kill me.

  Scoff all you want. I only speak the truth. Hold the blade while I heat it.

  I sometimes wonder. We leave in the morn before first light. Show me how to temper the blade and then I’ll pack while the smith finishes.

  *****

  Railia had convinced Alexis and Theralin to ride for Rohans Town instead of Kor’Tarnaeil. She guessed it was less than a day’s ride and then they would have a warm hearth, good food and a bed to sleep on. They could send a bird to the queen, then depart after they were rested. She didn’t want to stay at home for longer than she had to. The thought of having to face her father and brother daily was more unpleasant in her mind than the facing the assassins. At least she would have Alexis and Theralin with her, and her father might think twice about causing trouble that would bring the wrath of the Black Mountain elves or their own Queen Verlainia. Tarin was not so smart. He would not understand his mistake until it was too late. Her companions were formidable and would end him.

  They rode into a clearing near Rohans Town and saw the armies camped around the town. A group of guards were guarding the road just up ahead. They took notice of the three companions and rode toward them.

  “State your business,” the lead rider said. Railia did not recognize the men or their armor and didn’t like the speaker’s tone.

  “I am Railia, daughter of Raile, and these are my companions. Take us to my father,” Railia commanded. The guard looked to one man, who rode toward the town with all haste.

  “My apologies, but I don’t know you or you companions by sight. We are guarding against spies infiltrating our camp. We will escort you to the town, where there will be others who can verify your identity.”

  “There will be hundreds who can verify my identity,” Railia said scornfully.

  “Maybe not so many as you think,” the guard replied.

  They reached the gate and Railia noticed the city guard mingling with a group of soldiers. “They wear the colors of Queen Verlainia’s army, black and silver,” Theralin said as if to answer an unasked question.

  A female in black approached them. “I am Lieutenant Massey. I’ve been ordered to take you to the chieftain’s manor.”

  “Word traveled fast. We do not need an escort, Lieutenant Massey. I was born and raised here and know my around were I even blindfolded.”

  “I have my orders,” Massey said, and waved her arm above her head in a circular motion. Ten soldiers surrounded the trio on horseback. “Your reins, My Lady. I will lead your horse.”

  “Give her your reins Railia. I recognize Lieutenant Massey. She is of Jarol’s clan. His cousin, I believe.”

  “You’re correct, and believe me when I say our blood relation would not save me if I didn’t carry out his order.” Massey pulled the reins, and the procession made its way down the street. Railia noticed how the people quickly got out of the way when they saw the soldier walking toward them.

  They arrived at the manor and servants came out to greet Railia. Their escorts helped all three in dismounting from their horses. The house steward waited with hands clasped in front of him, rubbing them together in a nervous twitch. “My dear, it's good to see you safe and sound. We had heard rumors of kidnapping and another of eloping with the queen’s slave.”

  “I was kidnapped, Robert, but my friends saved me. Make sure their every need is met.” Alexis and Theralin looked at each other.

  “I have baths, rooms and food being prepared, but first the general wishes to speak to the three of you. He is in your father’s study.

  “Jarol?”

  “Yes, but please address him properly.” The steward looked around, stepped closer and whispered. “There have been changes since you were last in residence.”

  “I bet there have,” Theralin said, overhearing, and gave Massey a look to confirm her suspicions. There was no love lost between the Northern and Southern Clans. Events just in the last moon had strained them even more. Massey smiled and shrugged, refusing to confirm or deny.

  The steward led them into the manor, to a room next to the meeting room that had seen its share of bloody violence yesterday. It had been cleaned and was open to air out the smell of blood and death.

  “My Lord General, the Lady Railia and companions,” Robert announced.

  “Thank you, Robert. You’re dismissed. Massey, shut and guard the door. Admit no one in unless you check with me.”

  “Aye, General.”

  “Lady Railia, Princess Alexis, Captain Theralin. It’s good to see the three of you alive and unharmed. I won’t keep you long. We will speak again later. Right now, there are things Railia and I need to discuss, then I’d love to hear your story over dinner.”

  “Jarol—or should I call you General? You still tease me about wanting to be a Lady or Duchess?”

  “Jarol is fine except in front of my men. To put it bluntly, you are now the clan chief—or is it chieftess—of the Southern Clan. Sounds like a mouthful, so I thought you would like to be Lady Railia. The queen still has to appoint you and will likely give you a title. Until then, I’ve instructed the staff to address you as Lady.”

  “My father and brother—what’s happened to them? Are they dead?” Railia asked softly, mulling the possibilities.

  “They still live but will not outlast the war. I will ensure they die by sword so you can honor them as heroes to bolster your family name.”

  “Jarol, what happened?” Theralin asked.

  “Short version, insults on their part led to killing on my part. Raile lost an arm, two others died of their wounds and Tarin got off easier than the others with just a knife wound. Railia, your father and brother will ride at the head of the army tomorrow. Be sure to say goodbye.”

  Railia heard Jarol’s tone and the sympathy contained within, but his eyes spoke his resolve. The decision was made: her father’s and brother’s fates were decided. “Railia, you are a child of the north. You know our ways are harsh. You saw me attacked when our queen appointed me as general. It is our way. Afterward, your father undermined the queen’s orders and my appointment. He and your brother are being dealt with according to our ways.”

  “I see. Is there nothing I can do? I see the answer in your eyes, but I have to ask.”

/>   “No. Don’t think I didn’t think of you. Their heads are still attached instead of on poles decorating the wall. I will put a sword in their hands and send them against the enemy line. It is more honorable than they deserve.”

  Railia was a bundle of emotions. Her father and brother hadn’t been kind to her of late. She wasn’t even sure if they loved her. Her brother had been kind when they were small, but he changed as they grew older, and her father didn’t seem to care how her brother treated her. Her father’s and brother’s actions were their own undoing and even if she gave her body and soul to Jarol to save them, they would utter no thank you. “Jarol, can we finish this later? I would like a bath and hot meal, as would my companions.”

  “One more question, dear lady. What has happened to Morgan?”

  “We don’t know.”

  Thirty

  Crystal soared above the plains of the Southlands on the back of Dra’Extaral, surveying the campfires that dotted the landscape by the hundreds like resting fireflies. The cold of the high altitude had little effect on her, for she was not a warm-blooded being like those below. She had the dragon descend and circle the whole camp once before turning north again. It was then that Dra’Extaral and Crystal sensed the approach of another dragon. As they closed the distance, Dra’Extaral felt the probing of his mind. The other sought his identity and that of his rider.

  Who approaches?

  It is Drae’Anallese, the white one from Icefall in the far north, he told Crystal. She asks about you.

  She is a long way from home. Ask her purpose for straying so far.

  Drae’Anallese, it is I, Dra’Extaral. Have you come to the south to thaw your frozen heart?

  You live, Drae’Anallese exclaimed. I thought you and your poor disposition dead for many summers. Who is she? I sense great power and it has been millennia since any dragon has carried a rider.

  She is just an old friend. A powerful friend who has awoken from a long, deep sleep.

  Then I say it is a time of awakenings. You have drug your dead carcass from your deep cavern, a miracle for sure. But I sense more. Your friend is Ancient, is this not so? An Ancient One has awakened and there is more. I also felt the power of another ancient magic awaken. It reached me in the frozen peaks of Icefall. I believe Dra has broken free of his imprisonment.

  Crystal had said nothing while the two dragons conversed. She could see the great white dragon from Icefall as the female Drae turned her wings to catch the air and slow to a stop. Crystal remembered when Dra, the male dragon god, was betrayed by Drae, his mate, and some of their children. Drae had formed an alliance with the Dark Ones, elves who lived underground like the dwarves and goblins. She and her children had paid the price for their treachery and perished. Dra lived, but his wounds were too many and too great.

  It was at his weakest moment, as he clung to life, that a powerful shaman of the Dark Ones bound him and sealed his spirit and magic in chains. The Dark Ones’ original intention was to bind and keep him forever as a slave, giving them unlimited magic and power over their enemies. But their allies perished, and Dra succumbed to his injuries before healing could begin. His spirit and magical essence were captured and stored as a powerful tool.

  Drae’Anallese, I am Crystal, queen of the water elementals, and, yes, recently awakened to a world much changed from when I withdrew from it and slept. I have been in the south and didn’t feel Dra awaken.

  The dragon beat her powerful wings, keeping herself aloft and in place. I do not believe he is free, for he would have been drawn to the closest of his remaining children. It is said there was a spell that masked his presence, and that is what I believe has been destroyed. Also, it may be coincidence, but the Dark Ones are on the move, walking in the light of day.

  You are sure? Crystal asked.

  Yes. An army marched out of the mountain toward Heltstone, the dwarven city. Unlike your cantankerous friend, Ancient One, I have not slept my life away. I know who lives in the shadows of my home.

  Maybe I am cantankerous because your heart is so frigid, you frozen wyrm, Dra’Extaral countered.

  I see you two were busy during my long slumber, Crystal intervened. Put your differences aside, for I need you both. Drae’Anallese, would you aid me by finding Dra and protecting him and his vessel? He was bound to the chains, but I cannot tell you if that is still true. Understand that I cannot side with any one kingdom against another in this war, but locating a relic of untold power and safeguarding it would be keeping with my duty to maintain balance in our world.

  And how did you maintain balance while sleeping for thousands of summers? Dra’Extaral asked and spewed multiple small gouts of fire.

  Carefully, Crystal answered. She pulled water from the clouds nearby and formed it into a ball. She threw it far enough ahead that Dra’Extaral flew head first into it. Quit laughing, fool. Those below might see it.

  Ancient One, what about the relic’s guardians? There could be one or many, Drae’Anallese said. She was amused at the byplay between the oldest beings in the land.

  Decide when the situation arises. Ask for the relic to be given freely and, if denied, then proceed as necessary to secure it. Once you have it, come to Dra’Extaral’s cavern and await us there.

  We are Dragon. We do not ask—we take. Just kill them all, take it and bring it to us. The two females ignored the male dragon’s blustering.

  The peoples of the land are restless and preparing for war. Was this prophesied? Drae’Anallese asked.

  I am not aware, Crystal answered. Prophecy or not, I seek to ease the destruction of the land and people. This conflict is more than a skirmish between two tribes or clans. The land will feed on the flesh, blood and bone of all the races. Old enemies who waited silently will fall upon the homes of their rivals and destroy them while they are away seeking to destroy another. Torinth will never be the same.

  You spend too much time with him. It has made you bleak. I will not fail. And I will ask first, as you commanded, Ancient One.

  Come, you tired, ancient beast. Let us call on the elves of the Black Mountains. The king and queen should know their dark cousins are on the move.

  Crystal spared the white dragon one last look as she flew a circle around Dra’Extaral, laughed at him, then headed back toward the north.

  You two have a history?

  We mated many summers ago. It did not take. She blamed me.

  There are so few of your kind left. Should you not have tried again?

  She came again and I turned her away. We fought to a stalemate and she left. I could have beat her easily, but my heart wasn’t in it. I suggested she find the blue runt in the far northern range of the Black Mountains if she wanted a mate she could best in battle.

  Old friend, you were already beaten. She wounded your pride, belittled your seed. You did well. Had you killed her, you would feel no better, and likely worse than you do now. When she comes to your cavern, you will do your duty to your race. I will not let either of you leave until it is done.

  Crystal felt a rumbling beneath her and laughed. A snort, then a bellow of smoke and flame left no question. She had made him angry. It was good for him to feel something. Though she rathered it were happiness, happiness was at the end of a much longer road. Looking out into the darkness below, she wondered how her friends were doing. Had she made the right decision letting Morgan be taken north to the court of Queen Verlainia? Alexis surely had freed him if he had fallen on ill luck. For all her power, Crystal was still fallible and, the truth was, she didn’t know what fate had befallen them. First to the Black Mountains, then she would find them both.

  *****

  The smith had returned to find the sword in the process of its last tempering. He was amazed at the straight lines and perfect edge. It was clear to Morgan the smith had questions, but they were both tired and the end was in sight.

  “You’ve tempered the blade already?”

  “Four times.”

  “You could not have
tempered it so much in the short time I was away.”

  “Tell the dragon inside the blade that. He claims to have taught the dwarves how to master metal with fire and magic.”

  The smith thumbed to the edge. “Wait!” Morgan yelled, startling the smith. “The dragon also says the blade will cut dragon scale and armor. Try a piece of wood instead, or just take my word for it.”

  The smith grunted and laid the sword down almost reverently, as if it would shatter if it hit the forge too hard. “It’s long. Too long to wear on your belt. I’ve a scabbard I can rework and have ready by morning, fitted to wear on your back. Unless you can magic yourself a new one.”

  “I’ll leave that to you. I have about as much magic as that bundle of hay. Let me ask the dragon.”

  I know you’re listening. You want to make the scabbard? Silence followed, so Morgan answered the smith’s expectant look.

  “He seems to only be good for a magical sword today. Not as reliable as a dragon spirit should be, sorry. I would appreciate your help with the scabbard.” Morgan shrugged off the smith’s raised eyebrows, took the sword and went to gather his things.

  *****

  Morgan sat straight up on his bed of hay. He had been startled out of a peaceful dream by someone shaking him. His vision was a little bleary in the dark, but it cleared enough he could see the woman who would be his travel companion standing over him.

  “It’s an hour before sunup. I have horses, food and blankets packed for us. We should hurry before the guards change shifts. Those on duty will be tired and not care who is leaving.”

  “I need to wash and get the scabbard for my sword. I’ll be out as soon as I pay the smith for his services.”

  “Fine, but do not dawdle.”

  “Hey, where did you get the horses? I still have the money purse,” Morgan turned to her and asked.