by C E Johnson
“The enemy is annihilated.” Brytam was breathing rapidly in her obvious elation at the success of the mission. “Watch the gnomes go to work.” Iscar could almost hear the clink of steel and the snap of leather as the bulk of his warriors left the field of battle. Without warning, the sand around the dead bodies, camping gear, and vehicles began to shake, and sink holes emerged beneath the sand. Debris disappeared into dark tunnels, and just as quickly, sand began to flood back upward from underground, shooting in streams to refill the holes that had formed. Once the movement stopped, the desert looked pristine. Minutes later airplanes flew over the area, performing crossing sorties in an attempt to find their missing soldiers.
“Are you going to destroy their planes?” Iscar asked with a faint smile still dancing around his lips.
“No, we’ve stirred the hornet’s nest enough for today.” Brytam turned to him, her chest heaving with excitement over the battle. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Iscar took her soft trembling body into his arms as a shiver of excitement rolled up and down his spine. He softly placed a deep kiss on her silken lips. All going according to plan, he thought to himself. This is too easy.
C H A P T E R 1 8
The Path Less Traveled
Emily stood with her four Earth friends, her mother, Crittenden, and the selected twelve elf warriors, eight men and four women. They regarded the Dothan Forest. “The trees are bigger than I had imagined.” Emily stared upward where leaves from the great ironwoods flitted and twirled in the breeze.
“Impressive timber.” Crittenden looked up and down at several of the taller trees.
There was a definitive change in the environment from the fields and sparse trees that they had been traveling through, to thick, dark, and foreboding woods. The trees were ancient and only scattered light flickered through the leaves above to illuminate the forest floor.
“I can sense both good and evil emanating from this wildwood.” Elaina stared at the trees. “This forest is not tended to.” There was disappointment in her voice. She dismounted from her horse which was nibbling grass at the edge of the forest. Elaina walked over to the largest tree she could reach at the periphery and placed her hand on the bark of the massive structure that was as wide as a house. “There are too many battles going on for Shadoe to pay much attention to the trees and his elves are not tending to nature as they should. The forest is growing well, but I don’t sense any nurturing from the inhabitants, no guidance. All of life is connected, and like water, air and sun, these trees benefit when elves and other forest creatures share their energies and life-force. These trees seem parched for the attention and appreciation that is usually bestowed upon them.”
Emily nodded. She understood her mother’s words. Through Xena’s nose, she smelled a damp earthy smell that spoke to her of decline and decay.
“Can our horses come with us?” Isabelle asked hopefully, stroking the neck of her steed. Emily could hear the worry in her friend’s voice.
“No, dear,” Elaina answered. “There’s actually very little for them to eat in the forest. There are scattered glades, but little light gets to the bottom of the forest, so there’s scarce grass for them to eat. Many of the paths are also very narrow. If we get into a tight spot, I don’t want to leave them somewhere in the forest. The half-deads would kill them. We’ll leave them with one of my warriors who will camp here. I want someone to remain in this area in case we return this way.”
“When do we start this journey?” Luke drew out Draculafire and studied the edge. “I want to meet Shadoe and see if he has any sword maneuvers to teach me.”
The queen smiled. “He’s very skilled at sword-play. I fought with him in several battles, and we were a good fighting team.”
“Maybe you could teach me a few your moves on this quest.” There was admiration in Luke’s eyes as he turned to look at the queen.
“I think we would both benefit from that.” Emily’s mother gave him a hint of a smile. She studied the sky. “What does Ammolite say about the routes entering the woods? Can she see through a portion of the trees before it gets too thick and recommend a way to direct us toward the center of the forest?”
Emily went into her mind-link. What do you think?
I can only see a short distance into the forest. Ammolite sent images of the woods with several paths starting on the outskirts of the dense foliage. Many of these passageways appear to end by lairs of half-deads, obvious traps, but I do see several that extend far into the forest. Ammolite showed Emily several routes and they selected one together, several miles from their current position. I really don’t like you going in there without me.
Is there any way in for you? Emily asked, knowing the answer.
Not without ripping my wings apart.
We’ll go in and out, as quickly as possible. Emily sent reassurance across their link. Don’t worry.
Emily informed her mother of the best options. “We’ll camp here tonight and then head in tomorrow.” The queen sounded worried and a feeling of dread closed in around Emily’s mind. It was late in the day and she caught a whiff of something rancid on the wind coming from the woods.
Ammolite landed her massive frame in a field adjacent to their camp. After eating, Emily settled into a cave created by her bondsmate’s forearms for a last evening together before they had to separate. The wind blew through the trees, creating a rushing noise, like the sighs of a great beast. As the sun descended, the forest became even darker and it quickly became impossible to see far into the foliage, only the great trunks at the periphery stood out, huge sentries guarding untold secrets. Xena curled up by Emily’s side, keeping her warm, and Emily rubbed her hand across her dragon’s scales, fascinated as always by the generation of green, blue, and violet swirls.
“May I?” Luke appeared out of nowhere. Emily nodded and he also began to touch Ammolite’s scales, which flared with crimson, rose, and blood red as he contacted the dragon-armor. The scales were light as clothing, but strong as steel. Emily watched his excitement with pleasure.
He’s wondering if he should kiss you, Ammolite whispered.
Do you mind? Emily asked.
Of course not, Ammolite sounded mildly offended. Your pleasure is my pleasure.
Emily leaned toward Luke, her heart racing. He smelled of smoke, steel, and leather. They kissed tentatively and Emily relaxed in the delicious heightened sensations as chills of bliss skipped along her skin and thrilling goose prickles formed on her arms.
“You take my breath away and make my throat dry,” he whispered.
Emily pressed her body into him. The night was warm and clear, his hair was soft as silk, and she was startled at the desire rising in her heart and body. Luke’s hands were everywhere on her exposed skin and she immersed herself in the thrilling passions that were forming.
Your mother’s coming, Xena whispered. Emily disentangled their bodies, her chest heaving. She felt dizzy, warm, and nervous all at once.
A pleasant rush, Ammolite whispered.
I agree, Emily thought back, happy that there was no condescension, no judging from her bondsmates, only unwavering love and support.
“I thought I’d find you here with your favorites,” Emily’s mother spoke softly. “Do you mind if I join you for a minute?” Her eyes were wide and Emily could sense her indecision.
Emily leaned closer to Luke to create an opening for her mother to lie on her other side, her breath still coming rapidly. Elaina smiled and snuggled in next to her, smelling of pine needles, spring, and lilac. Deep green colors of a thousand hues formed in great patches on the immense dragon’s scales in meandering waves like intricate kaleidoscopes where Elaina touched. Emeralds, mints, olives, and even teals formed a marvelous visual palette of vibrance.
“What wondrous artwork.” Elaina stared at the colors she was creating in awe.
“I have always loved a field of green scales.” Ammolite lifted her great head to study the shades of green, before g
iving Elaina a dragon-wink. Elaina let out a tinkling, silvery laugh that warmed the air, and she began to trace her name with her finger on the scales in forest green letters. Emily and Luke decorated the letters with small flowers and shapes in their own shimmering hues.
Ammolite peered at the artists with a hint of a dragon-smile before beginning to speak to their small group, “While studying the auras and mannerisms of our budding magicians on our trip here, I’ve made a decision. I’ve gone through scores of incantations, and made appropriate modifications to form a suitable spell that they’ll be able to handle. Magic that will protect them … and my bondsmate.”
“I was hoping you would think of something phenomenal.” Emily’s heart leapt in her chest.
“I will teach them in the morning.” Ammolite laid her head back down and closed her eyes.
“Until tomorrow.” Elaina gave Emily a kiss on the cheek. “We will have to start our swordplay tomorrow,” Elaina said to Luke. “I’ll have Crittenden challenge you also.”
“I better get some sleep too.” Luke arose reluctantly, giving Emily a private smile, his eyes glittering with something new.
Emily sighed once the two had left. It’s nice to be liked, she whispered to her bondsmates. She fell into a slumber as quickly as her eyes came to a close. Surrounded by love, she dreamt of home, family, and happiness.
* * *
Anna, your spell is first.” Ammolite spoke in a regal tone and her scales sparkled in the sun that was just rising in a great ball of flame. “Your coral aura can use portions of the strengths and abilities of different colors with your power residing with shape-shifting. Keeping a shape similar to your size will maintain your energy at the optimal level. The spell I’ve selected for your transformation will give you the form of a small dragon.”
A huge smile formed on Anna’s face, and Emily could see Anna trembling with excitement as she whispered, “I can’t believe it. I’m going to fly.”
Ammolite continued. “You will be able to breathe out a small amount of fire and your scales will be nearly impervious to certain attacks. I will use phrases with origins from your world for the incantations. You will use the words mutato draco, to shape change.”
Emily could see Anna quietly mouthing the words.
“A magician slowly learns spells, enhancing their ability to use magic through training,” Ammolite continued teaching. “We don’t have much time to teach you many spells, or to build your ability, so I don’t want to teach you more than one spell before you enter the forest. May I enter your mind and create a memory to teach you how to perform this spell?”
“Of course.” Anna was still shaking with elated emotions as she went to stand in front of Ammolite. Once the procedure was over, she sank to one knee, overwhelmed by the process, and Emily ran to her friend to help her stand.
“You will feel dazed today.” Ammolite blinked her great gold eyes in concern. “Don’t even think about trying the spell tonight … wait until tomorrow evening to attempt the incantation before you go to sleep. You will likely sleep deeply each night after the energy drain.”
Ammolite studied Isabelle next. “Isabelle, come over here.” Isabelle jumped to her feet and rushed forward in a heightened blur of joy, her brown ringlets of hair dancing on her shoulders as she ran.
“Isabelle, your aura is indigo and your powers are with animals. Once you find your bondsmate, your link will be exceptionally strong, but for now we’ll focus on your ability to work with animals. Your spell is an ancient spell, created during the first days when magicians walked on this world. Your spell will enable you to influence animals within a certain range.”
“What’s the range?” Isabelle asked with excited astonishment.
“You’ll build your range.” Ammolite assured her. “There are many animals in the woods that might be valuable allies in battle if you learn to direct these creatures to keep your group safe.” Isabelle smiled and Emily was sure her friend was thinking over all the possibilities.
“To perform your spell,” Ammolite continued, “I recommend you use the words domina ferinus.” Isabelle underwent the same procedure to sear the spell into her mind.
“Luke, step forward.” Ammolite’s voice was warm yet solemn. “You’re a red magician and I believe the best spell for you will let you control fire. As you’re extremely skilled with your sword, Draculafire, your spell might even be useful if you direct flames or fireballs from your sword tip to better direct your aim.”
“So Draculafire will actually launch fire?” Luke pulled out his sword and cocked his head at an angle as he studied the steel.
“For practice, you might want to place your sword into the ground, directing your flames into the soil as you build up your strength while hiding your position from other creatures in the woods. The high temperature of the flames mixed with soil will form fire-sand, a very useful ingredient.”
“Fire-sand?” Luke appeared fascinated by the concept.
“Only small amounts will be formed as a golden colored sand that can be used in a variety of ways. Fire-sand is an important ingredient in steel, giving weapons greater strength, but it can also be used as an explosive when placed in a container with ice-sand to form mage-sand. Either an iceball or a fireball can be used to ignite a container of mage-sand.” Ammolite seared the spell into his mind while advising him to use the word flamae to enact his incantation.
“Elizabeth, I think you can guess what spell I have for you.” There was a trace of amusement in Ammolite’s eyes.
Elizabeth stepped forward, tall and graceful. “Ice,” she whispered with a huge smile. The wind flowed through her blonde hair and she deftly pulled it back and tied it with a leather tie. “After you talked about mage-sand, I realized you wanted us to be able to make explosives.”
Ammolite nodded as she looked down at Elizabeth. “Your spell will let you control ice. Just like Luke, you will be able to form a component of mage-sand. Firing ice into the ground will form ice-sand, which is silver in color.”
Elizabeth hugged the massive dragon. “Thank you so much for all you’re doing for us. I’m so ready.” Ammolite completed the procedure a final time, teaching Elizabeth to say, glacies.
After her friends were resting, Emily went to her dragon and wrapped her arms around the great beast. “Thank you for teaching them.” Ammolite stayed silent, enjoying their contact.
“I’ll organize the packing,” Elaina trailed her fingers along Ammolite’s scales, watching the intricate patterns created by her magus. She spoke gently to Emily, “Why don’t you go off on a flight with your bondsmates, so you can have some private time together before we enter the woods.”
Emily didn’t need any more encouragement. Xena went eagerly into her tubular leather cave-like device under Ammolite’s belly and they were off moments after Ammolite stretched her long wings. I’ve missed our flights, Emily thought while leaning down and hugging the scales in front of her. She began to express more than simple words through their link, fully opening her mind and passing over her inner worries about the trip, granting Ammolite and Xena full access to her concerns. Ammolite and Xena filled her mind with confidence and she gained strength from her bondsmates, mentally recharging for their quest.
Over the last years, I’ve thought over your words about my mother, Ammolite spoke in a soft voice after they had glided in silence for a time. Your thoughts about her death in the dragon-war.
Emily was quiet, waiting for her dragon to continue. They soared toward finely layered clouds, looking like great ivory sheets or plates of milky patches and filaments. When entering the edges of the white, Emily imagined a veil was being placed over her. The clouds parted slowly and enveloped them, silky wisps of silvery alabaster that rippled away like waves of pearly water, immaculate and pure. Emily closed her eyes, wondering where Ammolite was headed concerning Tiamat. She felt the sun on her skin and the wind brushing on her cheeks.
I watched your recollections of Tiamat’s last mom
ents in the battle with Samil. There was a deep sadness in Ammolite’s voice. Her expressions and her final flight suggest she didn’t try to escape the diamond harpoon and that she knew what was going to happen. Her last words to me, ‘sacrifice does not mean defeat,’ also suggest she sacrificed herself for me and for the good of Acacia, allowing each of us to rise to the challenge of the war.
She was a wonderful leader, Xena whispered.
I miss her, but I believe she lives on in the very light of the universe and that she will be around me forever. There was a hint of excitement in Ammolite’s tone, a note suggesting she wondered about the possibilities after death.
I wonder if I could ever make a sacrifice like she did, Emily thought to her bondsmates. Could you?
I could easily for you two, Xena answered without hesitation. You’re my pack.
I could, also, Ammolite agreed.
Your mother taught us all a very valuable lesson, Emily said gently.
They glided in silence, each thinking their own thoughts. Enough of this talk of death. How about a little excitement before you delve into the dragon-less dark? Without warning, Ammolite dropped toward the ground like a rock. The three flew with joy, with a reckless abandon for the fleeting time they had together. They rejoiced in being alive, merging their three minds into one. They all knew this was a moment to absorb and commit to memory. Life was about to get very complicated.
C H A P T E R 1 9
Ladon
Andrew Dalton eventually concluded the last of the festive celebrations upon his return to the Dalton castle in Haran. It’s time to talk to Ladon in private, Dax suggested.
The two proceeded down the worn passageways to talk with Ladon confidentially in his cavern. The old dragon had attended only portions of the festivities in which Andrew had met with the new, powerful leaders of his sector. It was late in the evening as he walked along the dark paths to the lair of the ancient dragon. Andrew’s boots made sharp noises on the stone as he walked, and the sound ricocheting off the walls of the caverns like muffled gunshots.