Zelspar reached out and snatched up the wolf between his tightening grasp. He wanted to fling Sigrunn with all of his might against the ground. He worked hard not to slowly squeeze the life force from the fur body.
Steam vented through his snout, close enough to curl the hair on her ears. “Why?” he bellowed, his anger barely held in check.
“There is much you cannot do to help Perthorn and Kiel, they must initiate the battle between them. I have seen the trails of Dark Magic Flegmorr had left behind. There is an endless supply of dark souls willing to give up their wretched groanings to bind another to them, to do their bidding.”
Zelspar released Sigrunn from his grasp. His fists were tight, and his snout snorted long, thick plumes of smoke. “Do you know I almost died? I could not find the way back with no Ancestors in the place you took me. You fed me a Magic too powerful and not even from the Dragons. I did not ask for your type of help or Magic.”
She licked her paw, detangling her hair. “You remain unclear on many points. I understand your anger. Now, if you will give me the time to adequately explain, it will become clear to you.”
“Hmpfft.” Zelspar’s eyes still scowled but he held his tongue and fires from scorching returns.
“It is true the Magic I gave to you is unfamiliar, but it is not true that it wasn’t used by Dragons before. I gave you the Magic used by Dragons in a planetary system very distant from this one. The place I took you to in your dream state was from my memories of visiting the Dragons there after their battles ended. The paradise you saw was the result of the Magic after the destruction abated.”
“The force of this Magic is too strong. If I were to use it, it could destroy our world. We have worked so hard to make habitable for all,” Zelspar said harshly.
“Precisely the reason we were waiting for you. We can guide you to a portal which will lead you to a remote planet. One so new it has not developed to have animals, or peoples, or Dragons for that matter. Not only would the Magic not cause loss of life, it would bring about a crucial change and allow the planet to evolve at a quicker pace. If we could lead Flegmorr there, it removes the threat to Urthe.”
“Where is that belly-crawling slime?”
“He is on his way back to find Perthorn. We watched him and listened in on the conversations. He is being sent back to retrieve the Book of Days and verify the death of Perthorn by returning his robe to the Magicians Council.”
Perthorn snapped his words. “Thunder and Lightning! I had made good relations with all in Valdross, and this is how they respond to my attack?”
“No, Perthorn. It was simply a ruse they constructed to get Flegmorr to leave. They want nothing to do with his dark ways, not even his own father. They have constructed a plan which will either banish Flegmorr permanently or they will lock him below the Great Halls, where his Dark Magic will remain impotent. Either way, Flegmorr will be stripped of his abilities to cause harm.”
“Hmmm.” Perthorn pondered. “If this is true, then there is no need for the battle.”
Sigrunn met Perthorn’s eyes and held his attention. “I understand your thoughts. Unfortunately, it does not remedy the Laws of Balance which were already set into motion when you surfaced. Until the Balance is regained, forces will act to bring the two of you together.”
The wolf gods waited as the Magicians and Zelspar chewed slowly on the information and allowed each thought to digest.
Finally, Zelspar responded. “Tell us where to find this portal.”
“Better yet, Tyrianau will guide you there. But first, rest. Flegmorr will not return to Upper Urthe this soon. We, however, will stand guard to assure your safety. Rest well, you will require sharp minds and rested bodies. Much is ahead of you.”
“We were in the process of finding shelter when I spotted you. We will do so, now,” replied Zelspar. He bent his knees to the ground and his riders climbed on, then they secured themselves for flight.
Zelspar soared. His keen eyes picked out the dark shadows of caves dotting the mountain. He landed inside a small rounded cave and allowed his riders to climb down. They made ready for the evening. They placed their bed rolls inside the cave and ate a light meal as the last of the sunset disappeared beneath the velvet cloak of night.
The guards took watch at the cave’s opening. Tyrianau circled and found the perfect place to curl up. He rested his head against his paws and closed his eyes. Sigrunn took first watch. Tyrianau needed rest to lead the travelers to the portal and leaving a trail for Flegmorr to find. She craned her head over her right shoulder and watched the Dragon and Magicians settle down for the evening.
Her mind whirled in thoughts. Most, I would imagine, would not think upon a god questioning their own decisions. We are not infallible. We use all the knowledge that we possess to make the decisions for the best potential outcome. The best outcome is always weighed for the many, not simply the select few. Throughout the eons different gods acted with different variables, often times their actions supported the few rather than the many, which led to disastrous results. We learn and adapt. I cannot second guess myself. I must believe what I have done will lead to the greater good. Her eyes gazed out into the darkness and shifted to the countless diamonds twinkling against the sky.
Tyrianau was the first that awoke. He yawned and stood, stretching out his long body. “Uneventful evening?” he asked Sigrunn.
“Yes, no scent of Flegmorr yet. You will need to collect a few items from the Magicians, to leave at well-marked rest stops along the way. I will wait to catch his scent and lead him in the right direction.”
Zelspar stretched and made his way to the entrance as Tyrianau and Sigrunn moved to the side. He remarked, “I’m hungry. I’ll feed and return soon. The others should be stirring shortly, make sure they eat and make ready to leave.”
The wolves nodded their heads. They watched as Zelspar dove from the cave and stretched his wings, catching the wind. Their muzzles lifted, sniffing the air, filtering and mentally labeling each scent collected.
Tyrianau spoke to Sigrunn. “I’ll head out now as the others make ready to leave. Tell Zelspar when he returns, I’ll wait by the first marker we left. Since only the first one is readily noticeable, make sure he is made aware to look for the same type of markings, to keep his heading in the right direction. He should be able to detect the portal at the journey’s end.”
“I will let him know.”
Chapter 14
Starleira stood still, her eyes slowly drifting through the interior of Zelspar’s lair. It was empty of him and most of his possessions. It was as if he had never been there and that thought caused her to tremble.
Rynik arrived behind her and his gaze followed hers. Zelspar had left his lair and it looked like he had no plans of returning. He pulled his Bonded close, wrapping her under his wings.
“Rynik--” It was the only word she could say.
“I know. I see that he has left.”
“He did not say goodbye.”
“Lengthy goodbyes have never been his way, he prefers the lengthy greetings upon his return,” Rynik said in soothing tones.
They turned when they heard voices approaching.
Kaida saw them at the entrance to what had been Zelspar’s lair.
The Queen of Mursei blurted out, “He’s gone. He has stripped his lair down as if he never lived here.”
Kaida saw the Queens tears and ran to embrace her. After a moment, she stepped back. Zlemtec joined the gathering in time to hear Kaida tell the Queen and King what Zelspar told them.
“Zelspar came to our dwelling before he left with the Magicians. He would not allow us to come get you or the others, he felt it would make his leaving even harder. I’m sorry we did not come, I see your sadness.” Kaida said, apologetically.
“It is his way,” the Queen mumbled. She swiped away a trailing tear and looked at Kaida. “If you knew he left, what brings you here?”
She glanced at Zlemtec and then announced, “Zelspar
cleaned the lair to offer it to Zlemtec and myself.” She saw the Queen’s eyes widen in surprise, so she quickly added, “I told him not to do that, but he insisted saying we needed a lair, a home of our own. We didn’t want him to give up his lair. It made it feel like he wasn’t coming back but he said when he came back, he would make his place at the cave Molakei and Flower Bird share.”
The Queen’s brow arched at the unexpected news. Before she could utter a word, Kaida spoke up.
“Flower Bird asked to go with him. She said it would be better to go than to stay without him near. I think she deeply cares for him.” Kaida’s eyes sparkled at the thought.
Starleira softly smiled. “It was good of Zelspar to give his lair to you both. You have needed a place of your own. You say Flower Bird wanted to go with him? Did she not?”
“No. He told her it was too dangerous and only he could go with the Magicians.”
“I know we all wanted to go with Zelspar,” said the King of Mursei. “I also know none of us could accompany him.”
“We brought my sleeping mat and we’re going to collect fresh grasses to make a soft nest, unless you needed us for something else,” said Kaida.
“That will be fine, we have no plans for the rest of the day. We all stayed up so late last eve. We will simply enjoy what the rest of the day brings,” the Queen replied before they turned to leave. Starleira’s heart found the glimmer of hope she had been searching for since she saw Zelspar’s vacant lair. She wanted to be alone with the hope, to nurture it until it would grow inside of the empty place in her heart.
The first long shadows stretched their darkness through the front of the cave. The Dragons were returning from their foraging and flights. The evening held subdued voices for all had been told Zelspar had left.
The phrase was not a simple one. They knew why he had left. There was a battle to be fought. As with all battles, only one would be the victor. The odds had been stacked precariously high against Zelspar and the Magicians. Zelspar had talked of learning a forgotten Magic, they could only hope it would be enough. It would have to be enough.
Rynik brought Starleira to the ledge, they stood together absorbing the fading colors of the sky. She leaned into her Bonded, watching the glittering eyes of the Ancestors watching over them from high above. She sent her wishes of protection to the Ancestors. She caught her breath as she saw an Ancestor shoot across the darkness to search for Zelspar. Gratefulness radiated throughout her body. Looking up into Rynik’s eyes, she smiled. The Ancestors had heard her. She felt certain that he would be protected. It was all she could ask. She exhaled slowly and took Rynik’s arm. It was time to find rest.
Down below, in a separate cave, songs drifted up to join the stars. Molakei and Flower Bird had stoked the fire pit full and it burned brightly. Flower Bird danced around the fire, and her song joined the rising smoke to drift away and carry her messages out into the air. Occasionally she would stop, bend, and add something into the fire that would crackle and snap and added a pungent aroma which blended into the song, ash and smoke.
Molakei sat out in the open air in front of their cave. His deep tones lifted into the air in a song for a Warrior going into battle. As he sang, his hands lifted upward, and pushed the song along its course.
He sang and more and more of his Ancestors gathered in the sky. Each one lit a giant fire to show the living they were being watched over and cared for. His Warrior’s song was as old as the first peoples, a gift given to them from the wind and trees. It sung of strength and resilience, of storms and gentle breezes. The song taught how one must be fierce and calm. He felt his chest thrust forward with the pride of his peoples, of being a Warrior. He sent his Warrior song to the newest members of his family, he sent it to Zelspar and the Magicians. When his song finished, he watched the sky. Flower Bird joined her father and wrapped her arm around his waist. They watched the many campfires burning above them and it brought them peace. They were about to go inside when Flower Bird pointed to the sky. They watched as one fire shot across the sky following the path taken by Zelspar and the Magicians. They smiled and took it to be a good omen. Their Ancestors had heard their songs and went to watch over them. It was a good end of the day.
Ms. Lenonne twirled in the moonlight, arms fully extended. Her cloak ballooned around her legs. Her lungs took in the cool night air, then exhaled deeply.
“Yuri, you keep me young. Every flight we share strips the years from my very bones. My heart races like a young girl in love. The beat of your wings, the feel of skin to scale, the rushing wind pushing against me as we fly; a sensation of a rosebud bursting into full bloom.”
“My dear, your joy keeps me young as well. You remind me to not take for granted my uniqueness. After all, few are born to be Dragons.” Yuri sighed. “Times have changed so much, soon I fear all may lose the ability to fly with a Dragon.”
“Do you truly believe it was a curse?” Ms. Lenonne asked. She closed the French doors tight.
“My lady, those were perilous times for Man and Dragon. A curse? Most probably. But the changing environment? Most assuredly. It was known as the Great Purge. Thousands of Dragons were killed, and sorcerers too. We were often held to blame for every consternation, from the failed crops to the lost kingdoms. Thanks be to a great wizard, who saved our kind. Had it not been for him seeing into the Future, all Dragons would have died. There was something so familiar about him, I often wonder where he disappeared.”
“It is a horrible past, Yuri. It makes my stomach churn knowing all that had transpired. Thanks to that original Teller of the Tales and the protectors of the Dragons.”
“Yes, my lady, by knowing the past we have the opportunity to shape the future. The opportunity you so kindly have taken upon yourself to help shape, as those before you have done.”
“It was not so much an opportunity I took Yuri, nor would I say I was chosen. I saw Dragons before I knew I should not. I did not know Dragons were considered a myth. How could they be? I saw and chatted with them from the time I could walk. Oh! But how my parents tried to punish me for it. They required me to see doctor after doctor. I soon learned one simply did not speak of Dragons.”
“That is the conundrum in which we live and breathe, I’m afraid. I must hide away until the night obscures my flights. You must hide away our lives and only give out pieces as you tell our tales, all the while being alert for another believer.”
Naomi replied, “It does make me wonder at how many of us there may be left in this world, the ones, I mean, who can still see Dragons?”
“That, my dear lady, we may never know. Gone are the days where we could fly freely lest we be seen, captured or killed. Even now, the learned men of science look for particles of all things old to recreate. To what end? To probe and prod?” Yuri shivered at the thought. “Already we have diminished greatly in our size, and the newest hatchlings may never be large enough to carry a rider.”
“Perhaps not,” Naomi added softly, “but yet, you live.”
“Some days I wonder if that is not the truest curse. We have been told we will always be - a promise given from our beginning. Now, although we live, we live in secret. We live at the mercy and devotion of our benefactors. I mean no disrespect, my dear lady, but such a life is only partial living. Soon will come the days when we are relegated to that of a lap dog - a mere pet.”
“No, Yuri, it won’t be so.” Her brows knitted together as she listened in distress. “We will find the answer. We will not stop looking.”
“There is always that hope.” Yuri curled up next to the fire as Naomi settled herself again in her overstuffed chair. “Have you made any further discoveries from the ancient writings?” he asked, stifling a yawn.
She sighed deeply. “I’m not sure. Previously, what I had been taught of how to read the Dragon language had been enough. The original discoveries were found by following the hints left in the Histories. I do believe your ancestor hid his meanings on purpose. Of course, I can read enough t
o know it stemmed from Zelspar, but even the common symbols from the Histories do not match up with the ones in his book. What I have been able to glean so far I had to piece together from both the Histories and what he wrote in Book of Zelspar.”
Rows of teeth glinted in the firelight. Yuri was proud to be from the same line as the great Zelspar. He was a legend which all Dragons aspired to be. And now, if they could learn to decipher the letter to Starleira by using the Book of Zelspar, perhaps untold mysteries would unravel.
His mind drifted, what led Zelspar to start transcribing his life? Was it when he traveled with the Magicians? Obscured writings of the chain of portals that led from world to world. The letter left for Starleira. Why did he obscure only part of the writings in his letter to her? What did he mean by it all?
“Naomi, I know the night is late and you must be weary,” he said.
“What is it, old friend?”
“Would you bring out the Book of Zelspar? I would like you to read again from the copy of his letter to his friend, Starleira.”
Zelspar and the Magicians Page 9