Zelspar and the Magicians

by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait

  “Galdean and I will continue our search for Zelspar today. We have a fair bit of territory to cover. We will return as soon as we can, but you must pay close attention to the sky. Don’t be caught out in the storms like we had last nightfall. Tell all of our Hails to be cautious, especially Kaida and Zlemtec. They tend to leave the protection of the Hails more than any of the others.” He pulled the Queen close and rested his head on hers. He lightly rubbed the underside of his muzzle over her forehead, leaving the essence of him lingering behind.

  Galdean shuffled from foot to foot, eager to be on his way.

  Rynik’s eyes gleamed at his Bonded and left the lair with a flushed Galdean, uncomfortable with the show of intimacy, close behind him. Once at the ledge of the cave’s entrance, the warmth of the sun greeted them. A slight breeze ruffled their wings as they left the ledge and joined the sky.

  They traveled over their mountain range and darted down at each cave entrance to search for Zelspar. They had traveled a great distance by the time the sun was high overhead. Galdean noticed something ahead of them and motioned for Rynik to take a look. Something odd was collecting around a cave high up in the mountain. They flew closer.

  Bursts of energy laced around the opening, like fine lightning bolts woven together in a net. Rynik sent out a resounding roar as they circled the cave. There was no answering reply. They flew closer and the energy around the cave bulged outward, but it did not strike them. Not knowing what could be inside, they used their Invisibility Magic before they landed.

  Galdean flew down ahead of Rynik to test the ledge for entrance. The energy played across his body and diffused. He stepped inside. Rynik followed moments later. They were unprepared for what they saw.

  They bellowed their alarm when they looked down and saw Zelspar, crumpled up against the wall. His once gleaming white scales were dull. One hand was wrapped tightly around his staff and was pulled close to his body. The other hand was making feeble movements against the ground. His eyes were wide open but unseeing. They had the appearance of snow.

  Rynik bent down and placed his hand on Zelspar, then jerked it away quickly. “Galdean, go find wood for the firepit. Zelspar has lost his body heat, we have to get his temperature up!”

  Galdean roared his sorrow and kicked dust up in his departure. He was back in a short while with enough wood to start the fire. Once it was roaring, he left to get more wood, and gave Zelspar a sideways glance. Despite the warmth, he shuddered.

  Rynik bent close to his friend and rubbed his arms, trying to absorb the chill. He squeezed between the rock wall and Dragon, and sat, his back cupped by the body of the prone Zelspar. He was terrified for his friend. He had never known a Dragon who had lost their belly-fires, but it had been said that if they do, they will die. The coldness Rynik felt coming off of Zelspar caused him to bring his own heat next to his friend.

  The sound of scraping talons against rock announced Galdean’s return with as much wood as his arms could carry. He added more to the shooting flames and put the rest of the wood nearby. Only then did he approach Rynik and Zelspar. A deep groan worked its way out of his belly. To look at his friend in this condition tore at his heart.

  “What do I do?” he asked Rynik.

  “I have no idea,” his friend answered. “I’m at a loss. He is unresponsive and cold down to his bones. His eyes won’t register on anything, they have turned all white. I felt him shivering so I sat where his belly will absorb my warmth while the fire you started will warm his outsides.”

  Galdean questioned, “His belly-fires?”

  Rynik’s muzzle shifted into a deep frown. “This I do not know. How could they still burn, and his scales be so cold? I do not know all to do to help him. Return home. Bring back his helper, Treylethon. Tell Starleira too. She should know what Zelspar is facing. Hurry back, I don’t think I could bear it if the worst happened.”

  “I will hurry. And, Rynik,” Galdean stared with hardened eyes, “nothing, I repeat, nothing of ill, will happen while I am gone,” he said with all the positive reinforcement he could muster. “Even though Zelspar has not responded, he knows we are here for him. I will bring the others.” He threw a few large logs on the fire and tore out the cave’s opening. He spun his head back to commit the cave to memory and noticed the webbing of energy which had marked the cave was gone. His thunderous roar echoed along the mountains as he sped for help.

  He reached the area of the Dragon Hails and roared as he came down for a landing. The sound rousted the Dragons from their variety of doings. Starleira skimmed down next to Galdean and could easily see he was in distress.

  “What has happened, Galdean? Where is Rynik?” Her questions came out shrill, punched with nervous emotion.

  “Starleira, get Treylethon. Tell him to pack all his medicines. We have found Zelspar. We don’t know what is wrong, but his temperature is very cold. Bring Perthorn, and by all that is Dragon, bring all his friends-- Hurry!”

  She didn’t have time to ask more questions, she left scattering dust in the wind to hunt down those who could aid the White Dragon.

  Zlemtec and Kaida flew up to hear what the commotion was about when they saw Galdean. They knew by his look that something terrible had happened.

  Kaida asked, “What has happened?”

  Galdean mumbled, “It’s Zelspar. We don’t know what is wrong. He doesn’t respond to us.”

  “We’re coming, too!” Kaida announced. “Zlemtec, we need to bring Molakei and Flower Bird. I’ll stay here. Go bring them up so we can leave with Galdean.”

  Zlemtec tore off towards their shared cave with Molakei and Flower Bird, and quickly made them aware of the news. They grabbed up some medicines and joined Zlemtec. They arrived back to join Galdean before Starleira had returned with Treylethon, Perthorn and Kiel. All were distraught from the news. They were there when Zelspar had recently been injured by Flegmorr and knew how close he had come to death. They wondered if he had the strength within him to fight yet another battle.

  “Molakei, Flower Bird, you may fly with me,” offered Galdean. “Just make sure to hold tight, I will be flying fast towards Zelspar.”

  “We thank you, friend. We will add the strapping around your neck to hold onto,” Molakei said as he unwound the woven vines from his side bag. Galdean leaned down to help Molakei make fast work of the harness that would allow them a grip to hold onto in flight. As soon as it was secured, Flower Bird climbed up with her father climbing behind her. Both wrapped the vine around their waists.

  Once all were assembled in the deep open chamber, Galdean called out, “Stay close to my tail, I will not slow down or turn back. We must hurry.”

  He leapt from the ledge and his wings cut a path towards the north with several Dragons and riders close behind him.

  Roars cracked the sky, thunderous roars full of worry and heart-squeezing fears. Starleira pushed her wings to the point of breaking, forcing the wind to carry her to her friend in time. Tears flowed down unchecked. Her heart threatened to climb out through her throat. Another roar ripped from her gut -- a long, deep, scale-tingling roar that carried with it the moanings of the heart which words could not relay.

  Behind her flew Treylethon, bringing with him Perthorn and Kiel who were holding tight, a bit more used to the movements of Dragons. Perthorn looked down and his head quickly jerked back up. He had a feeling he would never get used to seeing the land disappear so quickly underneath him. His stomach let loose a loud grumble of displeasure. Displeasure or not, he would do whatever it took to be there for his friend, Zelspar. As he looked from Dragons to riders, he saw the same determination. We are all here for the same purpose -- to do whatever it takes to help our friend.

  The flight of Dragons were unaware of the passage of time or land. Eyes were ferociously focused straight ahead, following the lead of Galdean, and forcing the wind behind their broad bodies. Each traveler gave up their requests for Zelspar’s health and safety. Each sought the depths of their knowledge for an a
nswer to save their friend.

  Shadows like long, spindly fingers stretched out as if to snatch them from their journey, but nothing would hinder the friends of Zelspar. They flew on. No hunger touched their stomachs, no words left their mouths. Only thoughts of healing filled their minds through the many miles of travel.

  At last, Galdean motioned them towards a dark opening high upon a mountain. He surged ahead and drug his feet for a quick landing, allowing Flower Bird and Molakei to slide off before the others came through the opening. Each Dragon landed and helped their riders to the ground. They all circled around the still body of the White Dragon, aghast at the vision before them.

  As they drew close to Zelspar, before any exchange of words, the cave’s entrance darkened. From it, a whirl had begun gathering dust, stone, and ash until it formed the shape of the Great Ancestor.

  The Ancestor spoke. “I have done all within my power to return Zelspar to you. I have continued to urge him home, but he has now gone beyond my reach. His body remains here but his mind has gone on a long journey through time, and past it to new places. He has gathered too much information for one Dragon, and it has split his mind from his body. The mind craves more knowledge even when the body cannot assimilate it without dire consequences.”

  Starleira croaked out, “What can we do to help him?”

  The Ancestor replied, “Stay with him, talk to him, convince him to return. It is the hearts of his friends that may be his only lifeline back. You all have your memories and stories of times with him. Feed him those. No other nourishment would heal him faster. Two of you should always be with him, talking to him, reminding him of his need to return. Share all you think of with him. It is the power of friendship that will be the most persuasive power of all. While two stay with Zelspar, others should rest, find food, bring logs for the fire. Be ready to relieve the two when they grow weary. I will never be far from you.” The image stopped whirling and allowed the dust to settle again to the cave’s floor and walls and left in its wake was a resounding quiet.

  Chapter 9

  Starleira, along with Rynik, took first watch. Rynik, already tired from keeping Zelspar warm, curled up next to Starleira, so he could be available should she need him.

  Starleira began to reach out to Zelspar. She spoke in soothing tones, reminding him how valuable a friend he is, how much everyone depended on his talents of knowledge, healing, teaching and Magic. Even as her words came out, she felt them fall without impact. If she felt this way, she was sure Zelspar would too. She had to dig deeper, flood his senses with more. She decided to relive moments with him.

  “Zelspar, you are among the oldest of our Dragon Hails, and that is an honor not all Dragons achieve. There were many times I recall when I did not know how you would survive, but you did. Do you remember what you told me?” Starleira softly chuckled as the memories flooded her mind. “You said the Ancestors wouldn’t want your old leathery hide, and you said you were altogether too set in your ways for the Ancestors to save you a spot. The things you say, my friend ....” Her words fell away as she looked at her old friend. All the spark that drove him seemed to be snuffed out, and yet, she could still sense him there somewhere. A solitary tear crept down her face, sliding over the scales of her muzzle before landing silently on Zelspar.

  A soft nudge caused her to turn, and she saw Kaida and Zlemtec standing next to her. Kaida asked, “Could we be with Zelspar for a while? We will have to help the others to bring up more food and wood for the fire soon. We just wanted to make sure…” Kaida’s blue eyes spilled their tears as she rubbed her nose. “We don’t want to leave without first talking to Zelspar.”

  The Queen’s heart shattered. She thought she was the only one feeling the urgency to speak to Zelspar, but it was not so. The thoughts had circulated through all those present -- the thought that this may be the last time they would speak to him. Even if he did not or could not answer, the heart had things it needed to say. She could not deny her little Dragon or Zlemtec from their hearts messages. She moved away, planting her head against Kaida’s and squeezing Zlemtec’s shoulder. Her movement alerted Rynik and he stood to help his Bonded to the back of the cave, hoping she might rest her eyes for a few moments.

  Kaida crawled up around the wall and placed herself in the semi-circle of Zelspar’s sleeping form. Zlemtec took the seat on the floor in the space the Queen had occupied. Hatchlings do things in a different manner than their adult counterparts. Perhaps because they see things others do not or their minds jump and skip over connections and dive directly to the source.

  Kaida took Zelspar’s muzzle between her two hands, trying to lift his head to hers, but his sleeping weight could not aid her, so she just ran her hand down the length the of his snout. Soft and tender kisses moved from scale to scale before she sat upright and wrapped her hands around his.

  “I know you hear me, Zelspar. You always did, even when I went to the land of the peoples, you came and found me. You took me for a ride, you brought me the necklaces of Protection you made, and you told me of the Legend…you told me who I was borne to be. You have to come back to us, Zelspar, we not only need you but…” Her voice cracked, and she wiped the tears from blinding her vision of the old White Dragon. “We love you. That means you are in our hearts and if you don’t come back to us, that part of our hearts will wither away just as the grasses in the valley do without rain. I want you to come through the portals with me and Zlemtec. You have to see the worlds where my birth parents lived and meet my relatives -- they will love you too!”

  She leaned over and stared into those white orbs, willing them to return to the glinting yellows he had looked at her with previously. She blinked a few times and told Zlemtec, “Did you see that? I think his eyes fluttered. I’m sure that they did…”

  Zlemtec looked at Zelspar and back to Kaida. She was actually smiling, and he didn’t want to take that away from her, so he nodded. “I think so Kaida, but I’m not sure.”

  “Oh, I’m certain of it. He hears us. It will just take a little time. I’m going to go tell Sipta Queen what I saw.” She jumped up, ready to run to the Queen, but Zlemtec latched onto her arm and pulled her down.

  “Don’t tell the Queen yet. Let’s wait until he makes more movements. She has only now been able to rest. We’ll keep talking to him and keeping him company for a while longer, and maybe he will do more than flutter his eyes.’

  Kaida let out a sigh. “You don’t believe me?” Her chin twitched, fighting back tears.

  “It’s like I told you, let’s give Zelspar more time. I’m sure he hears you -- hears us -- Kaida. Maybe the part that isn’t with us is so far away, we need to keep talking to him to bring him in closer.”

  She pursed her lips and scrunched them in long thought. “What you say makes sense but I’m telling you, I saw what I saw!” She plopped down unceremoniously where she had been and, once again, leaned over Zelspar’s face. She stared into his eyes as if she could will them to see her. After a few hammering heart beats, she lay her head across his, her lips close to his ear, and continued talking to him.

  She said, changing her tactics, “Remember how you would tell me, well, tell all of us when we were doing Magic, we had to see it in our minds? That is what you need to do Zelspar. Hear my voice and see yourself here. Because you are here Zelspar. You only let your mind wander away too far. You can hear me. Follow my voice back.”

  “Remember how I would catch fish before I knew I could call them out of the water? I would use a vine with a bone hook to snap them up when they bit the food on the hook.” Kaida suddenly laughed at her mind picture as she said, “You are a mighty big fish Zelspar, but we are going to catch you! Our voices are the fishing vine and our love for you is the hook. I’m a good hunter Zelspar, and I’m going to snag you and pull with all my might until you come back.” Again, Kaida’s face hovered directly over Zelspar’s, staring him down, willing him to react to her words.

  Perthorn watched from the fire pit. He
continuously tugged on his long mustache, grieved to see Zelspar in such a state. He knew Magic could not return him. It was a separation of mind and body, and it was only the mind and body that could tie themselves back together.

  He stirred the ground with his grey laced boots that stopped above his calves. He removed his hat and slowly spun it between his hands, his thoughts spinning with it. He knew the others had been friends and companions to Zelspar for a long time, so he was hesitant to intrude. He looked up and watched the way Kaida and Zlemtec were talking to him. It caused a half-smile to crease his face.

  Now there is the medicine, Perthorn thought. The way that they talked to him, as if he were really there. The thought flushed him with anger, of course he is there! He grumbled to himself for allowing such a thought to circle his mind. He abruptly got up and eased over towards Kaida and Zlemtec.

  “I don’t want to intrude --” he started.

  “What is it, Perthorn?” Zlemtec asked. He could see the Master Magician looked flustered.

  “I know I haven’t been Zelspar’s friend for long, but I would like to sit with him. There are things I want to tell him,” he managed to say.