“You may have broken ribs. Kiel bring my pack. I have a medicine in it that will subdue his pain. Also, bring me another tunic and one of the coiled vines we brought. I’ll bind his ribs so they will mend properly.”
“Quit with all this fussing, just help me to my feet,” Perthorn grumbled.
“You will do as I say,” said Zelspar. His snout vented smoke inches away from Perthorn’s face. “I’m sure you would like to leave this desolate world. You cannot leave in your current condition.”
A huge sigh of defeat brushed Zelspar’s ears.
“Then, get on with it,” Perthorn snarled. “I want to get as far away as possible from any trace of Flegmorr.”
Zelspar chuckled. “Trace. A perfect description.” Both Kiel and Perthorn laughed too. Perthorn grabbed at his ribs in a vain attempt to keep them from moving.
Laying a stone bowl on the ground, Zelspar added some dried root powder into the bowl and slowly poured water over it. A flame of his belly-fires heated the concoction. He allowed the drink to cool before giving it to Perthorn. “Drink it all down. It will take a spot of time before you will feel its effects. Then I will be able to bind your ribs.”
Perthorn sipped the tea. He blanched. He spat a mouthful to the ground, “You are trying to finish me off? Dragons may like your concoctions, but I do not.”
“You are incorrect. Dragons don’t like the taste any better than you do,” he said with a brow raised. “However, we may have the superior intellect, as we drink what aids our healing.”
“Hmpfft,” Perthorn scowled before gulping down a mouthful. His face drew up into a cringe. His body shuddered.
“Well done, my friend. Rest for a moment as I help Kiel gather our belongings. We will soon be going home,” Zelspar offered a smile.
Once Kiel had finished tying on their parcels, they joined Perthorn who was now sitting upright and grinning to the sky.
“I see the medicine has taken affect. Kiel, wrap the tunic around his center and tie the sleeves together down his uninjured side.”
While Kiel did as he asked, Zelspar unwound the vine and ran it through his mouth to moisten it. He wrapped it around Perthorn several times before tying it off. As the vine dried, it would tighten, making the binding more secure.
The apprentice remarked, “We sure were fortunate Flegmorr was hit by that stone you have on your staff. We were moments away from him killing the both of us.”
“Fortunate?” Zelspar laughed heartily. “That had nothing to do with Flegmorr’s demise. I will admit both his net and his electrical Magic did hit me but not as severely as I let on. I was setting a trap. I knew I could not risk holding my staff and pointing the Draga Stone at him, but I also knew such a lunatic would not resist in attacking me when I was already down. All I had to do was pretend I was more injured than I actually was and place my staff where he could easily reach the top end. As soon as he reached for it, I kept my arm over it, ready to bring the Draga Stone to life. I have not lived this long by leaving things to chance or luck. You must create your own opportunities. Chance may never come but opportunities are always there, if you look for them.” He gave a knowing wink to Kiel.
“So, that was all a ruse?” Kiel’s jaw dropped.
A smirk crossed Zelspar’s face. “Indeed.”
Kiel’s eyelids fluttered, his jaws still agape.
“Stay with me, my young friend.” Zelspar said. “You will learn the cunning ways of Dragons.”
Perthorn leaned on his good side, laughing. “Learn how to make that medicine of his.” He grinned, pointing to the bowl. “It may taste foul, but it does improve my pain and attitude. I believe I could fly myself home.”
Zelspar’s eyes shimmered. “Quite true. You believe you can, but I don’t see any wings sprouting out of your back. Your pain will be subdued for a long while, but your stiffness will be felt soon enough. Grab onto my arm so I might lift you to stand. Kiel support his injured side as I lift him, then keep him steady. I’ll levitate him over my back. You’ll have to hurry to secure him, lest he fall.”
The task of raising and securing Perthorn was quickly accomplished and Kiel climbed behind Perthorn. He cinched himself and kept his arms braced on either side of the Master Magician to assure he would not tilt in either direction.
The great White Dragon peered over his shoulder and said, “Let’s go home.” Perthorn and Kiel shouted their approval as Zelspar made a short run and climbed into the air, heading for the portal.
Chapter 18
They crossed through the basalt archway and out onto the land bridge. It did not take them long to reach the area where they had previously rested. All decided it would be the perfect place to rest, feed and bathe away the grime from their battle.
As Kiel helped Perthorn slide down by the stream, Zelspar removed what parcels he could and allowed Kiel to take off the rest.
He took a colossal stretch, and his bones made a cracking sound as his body twisted from side to side. One large, deep breath and he sat next to Perthorn. “Are we to head to the Vale of Valdross to deliver the news to the Magicians of your home?”
“I don’t think that will be necessary. They would have felt his energy passing. I would think they are in the midst of a well-deserved celebration!” He chuckled, unable to keep the joy down.
“What about the Book of Days? And since you are their Master Magician, won’t you need to return to train other Magicians?” Zelspar asked, curious as to the protocol.
Perthorn’s brows wriggled. “Ahhh, I understand your concerns but there is nothing to be worried about in those regards. For one, when the Master Magician is not there, Flegmorr’s own father will take on the task of training the magicians. If a highly developed magician arose through the ranks, he can request to be given the test to become a Master Magician. If he does pass the ordeal, he will either have to find me and issue a challenge for the title or wait two years to see if I return. If I do not return, he will be allowed to carry the title with blemish. Meaning until the Book of Days is in his possession, he will be a secondary Master Magician. The same rules apply to him as did to Flegmorr. He would need proof of my death to remove the secondary status from his title.”
A frown drug Zelspar’s muzzle down. “Are you saying you will still be pursued to battle it out?”
“No, Zelspar. There will be no battling each other. If challenged, and I wished to hold on to my title, I would need to return to the Vale of Valdross and go through the rigors of testing again. Whoever tests with the highest scores from the Council will hold the Title. The Book of Days will always be in the protection of the Master Magician.”
Zelspar’s face relaxed. “That, my friend, is good news, as I for one do not relish the idea of us being hunted down and undergoing another battle of Magic.”
“I quite agree! I have had enough of that kind of battle to last the rest of my days. Besides,” Perthorn gave Kiel a nod, “we have the next Master Magician already in our presence.” Kiel’s face glowed at the unexpected compliment.
With the past battle behind them, and the promise of great days ahead, they settled down for a much-needed rest. The songbirds chattered above, and the soothing sounds of the gurgling stream lulled them to sleep.
Perthorn awoke to the sound of trees shaking. He jumped up and looked for Zelspar, but he was gone. Kiel opened one eye, mumbled as he turned onto his side, and went back to sleep until a heavy thudding shook the ground.
“Anyone hungry?” Zelspar, looking refreshed from his sleep, brought a vast array of fruit for their delight.
Perthorn shook his head. “Your thunderous lumbering shook me awake. It’s a good thing you brought food.”
A loud rumble came from Kiel’s direction, bringing about a wave of laughter from his companions. He relieved Zelspar of his bounty and plopped next to Perthorn, a large purple fruit already in his mouth. “Mmmm,” he replied, juice dribbling down his chin.
“Eat up,” Zelspar said, patting his own belly, “I ha
ve already feasted on more than I can comfortably hold.”
As the two magicians gorged on the bounty, Zelspar went into the stream, splashing the cool water from head to foot. The water dripped down his white scales, leaving a gleam that dazzled the eye. Spotting a nearby tree, he strode over and sat. In the quiet of the moment he leaned against it as he dried and watched his companions enjoy their food.
Soon, the magicians splashed into the stream to bathe away the grime and stickiness clinging to them. They prepared for the journey ahead.
Perthorn braided his long hair and banded it with an ornate banding made of leather and decorated beads. Kiel did the same as he worked his way over to Zelspar.
“Since we aren’t returning to the Vale of Valdross, are we headed back to the Hails of Dragons?” Kiel inquired.
Zelspar’s eyes held a brilliant sparkle. “I don’t think we would ever be forgiven if we didn’t return. Starleira would most likely send a scouting hoard of thousands to track us down. I may be laughing but it is true,” he said with both bushy brows lifted, an expression of his deep understanding of his dear friend.
They busied themselves making ready for the journey. It had been a long while since Zelspar had felt so relaxed. The burden of the battle against Flegmorr had extracted a greater toll against him than he had been aware. It was only after the burden was gone that he felt the weight he had carried. Now was the time for the reunion of friends and family. His heart was filled with the gladness of it.
“If you two are finished lazing around, I suggest we head towards home.”
“Lazing around? I’ll have you know, you overgrown land lizard, we are the ones hustling around here collecting all of the bags and parcels to cinch across your enormous hide while you idly sit by watching the work being done,” Perthorn quipped, half serious and half in jest. He too, was feeling what it was like not to be carrying the dreadful burden he had carried because of his decision to leave Inner Urthe. Yes, he thought, even knowing what I know now, I would have still followed. The Book of Days shows an illuminating Future, a once-in-a-lifetime offering, and I would still choose the same.
The three continued their friendly banter as they secured their items onto Zelspar. Once finished, Zelspar took the lead. He pushed back the tangles of vegetation for his companions until they reached the place where the space opened around them. They were close to the great waters.
Zelspar stretched his wings and called out a familiar cry. “Fly fast, fly direct!” It was fervently returned by both Perthorn and Kiel, as they once more took to the sky.
The power of his wing beats pushed the air underneath him, thrusting them forward and leaving their journey behind. By all that is Dragon, we survived! He was still dazed. Flegmorr had been a wicked adversary, corrupted by his desire to be the best and his willingness to listen to the vile murmurings of the Flaptail. A flame shot from his muzzle, his disgust apparent.
It was a long return trip, stretched longer by their frequent rest stops to tend to Perthorn’s bindings. His ribs were healing nicely due to Zelspar’s care. They were all eager to return, and just as eager to share the story of Flegmorr’s demise. There had been no love lost for him, and no sorrow for the loss.
Finally, the familiar mountains rose in the distance. A surge of power raced through Zelspar, his wings scooping large swaths of air and throwing it underneath, pushing he and his riders toward home.
Starleira had been out watching the newest hatchlings flexing their wings, learning the nuances of flight. The nursemaids took them to an outcropping of boulders. They were high enough to feel flight but not so towering to bring a substantial injury if they crash landed.
As she watched the next hatching flap his tender wings, her heart missed a beat. The shadow of a Dragon appeared in the sky. Her eyes held the shape of it until it grew larger, heading directly toward them. Soon, all those around her caught the sight. A buzz of whispers rose in speculation until the glint from his gleaming white wings caused the roars to sound.
It was Zelspar and he was coming home. The sudden chaos ensued with the Dragons and the peoples rushing out to meet him and his two riders.
As he landed, his talons scraped up the dust. He looked at his friends and his family. There was a deafening hush. He looked from one Dragon to the next and they all wore the look of seeing an unknown spirit before their eyes.
“By all that is Dragon, what Magic stole your tongues?”
With his words, the dam broke. Words of greeting rushed and roars thundered. After the initial swarm, he cleared a path with enough room for Perthorn and Kiel to cautiously slide down and out of the way of being trampled.
The celebration and storytelling went on through the night. The demise of Flegmorr was retold numerous times by each of the three. It would have been thought they were weary of the retelling, but not of this story or the one whom had threatened all that they cherished. Not to mention Flegmorr had almost took Zelspar from them with his sneak attack. No, the story was gladly retold with no exaggeration or gilded words needed and it quickly became embedded deeply within all.
Zelspar flourished under the attention that he usually skirted away from. For now, he allowed his chest to broaden. He was being doted upon by the lovely Flower Bird who scurried to bring to him any wish before he even had the thought. It is good to be back home with those in which I care so deeply, he thought. The smile never left his face through all the conversations, jesting, and the unending stream of questions from every Hail. Never before had so many been able to have Zelspar’s complete attention held for so long of a spell.
He was not content to stay amongst his select group of friends. He moved freely between the crowd, giving access to his attentions. Starleira looked on, a smile firmly creased her face. Never had she seen this side of her friend and it was as unexpected as it was pleasing. Flower Bird never left his side, her gaze always cast up at Zelspar’s delighted face.
Galdean shook his head in amusement, nudging Rynik, “Have you ever seen Zelspar like this?”
Rynik laughed. “Never in all my years. And as you well know my friend, from our hatchling days, that is a mighty long time.”
Zlemtec rubbed his hand down his snout, his eyes filled with awe. “He moves amongst us like a revered Ancestor, still with scale and bone.”
Kaida nodded, still transfixed by the sight. A slight shiver traveled to the base of her neck, causing her skin to raise in bumps. Excitement, she thought, it is only because of the excitement we all share. She shook it off, not willing to compromise the moment they all were sharing. Instead, she draped her arm over Zlemtec’s and hugged it, sharing the joy of the evening.
At the light of the new day, the crowd had thinned. Flower Bird led Zelspar to the ledge. They watched the sun rise over their mountains, then Zelspar leaned down. “Shall we go home little Flower Bird?”
A smile lit her face, a rival to the sunrise. “Yes, please. Let us go home.” She climbed up on his sleek scales and leaned down, face pressed close against his neck. They soared down from the network of caves to the ground level where Molakei and Flower Bird made their home in a lower cave, now Zelspar’s home too.
He entered finding she had gone to great labor to fashion him a wonderful lair in the back of the cave. A nesting place overstuffed with fresh grasses and even softened hides covering it. A lone tear zig-zagged down his scales. He had never had such loving attention given to him. She did this not even knowing if he would return.
Flower Bird saw his happiness and was pleased. She led him to his bed and watched as he sunk into its plumpness. A soft sigh escaped him.
“I think I might sleep for days.” He smiled and reached out a long, yellowed talon and gently stroked her cheek. “Thank you…” His words were cut short as she shushed him and stroked his arm. He nestled down and closed his eyes, content.
After she was sure he slept, she rolled out her bedding and placed it near him. She took a deep and cherished breath and smiled as she slept.
/> Chapter 19
Armed with an incurable curiosity and a flashlight in hand, Forrest squeezed through the impossibly narrow opening he had spotted on the east side of the mountain. This was not his first search. He had, on various occasions, attempted to breach the secrets the mountain held.
Something in the back of his mind urged him on, a flickering of memory? He could not say, for every time he tried to grasp it, it took flight, leaving him clutching at wispy shadows.
The dust of centuries billowed around his palms as he crawled, scraping his back against the jagged rocks above him. He thought, so this is what it would feel like in the mouth of a Dragon. But I wouldn’t feel it near as long as I’m feeling it right now trying to make it through this dag-gummed cave! The tunnel widened where he could sit upright. He took a moment to flash the light behind him where the fine silt still hung in the air.
Zelspar and the Magicians Page 13