by Jerry Skell
Elodia’s Dragon
By Jerry Skell
Elodia’s Dragon
Copyright © 2016 by Jerry Skell
Cover Design by Yvonne Less
All rights reserved.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1 The Purple Maker's Daughter
Chapter 2 The Village
Chapter 3 Search
Chapter 4 Safe House
Chapter 5 Dragon Egg
Chapter 6 Discovery
Chapter 7 Pipsqueak's Pass
Chapter 8 Burnt Ruins
Chapter 9 Wolf Maiden
Chapter 10 Snowed In
Chapter 11 Canal
Chapter 12 Eastpointe
Chapter 13 Dragon Flight
Chapter 14 The J. T. Wing
Chapter 15 Home
Chapter 16 Still Afloat
Chapter 17 Sisters
Chapter 18 Letter from Home
Chapter 19 Reunion
Chapter 20 Decisions Decisions
Chapter 21 Confessions
Chapter 22 Finding a Home
Chapter 23 Graduations
Chapter 24 Fire and Ice
Chapter 25 Into the Lair of the Dragons
Chapter 26 Imperial Purple
Chapter 27 Blue Mollusk
Chapter 28 The Great Stink
Chapter 29 Dragon Riders
Chapter 30 Family
Acknowledgements
Books by Jerry Skell
Dedication
To Dragons Everywhere.
(You know who you are.)
Prologue
Planet Draco date 1126 PL (post landings)
Nearly two generations had passed since the world divided into two separate powers and the last of the dragons were seen. The old Imperial Nation held on, controlling two-thirds of the lands, ruling with a firm relentless hand. The other, a loose confederation of independent states led by the Republic of Bountiful, flourished and kept the hopes of freedom alive in spite of constant imperial aggression.
Fearing the continued and growing power and wealth of the guilds the imperial government plans a pre-emptive strike against a single guild. By destroying the guild, so brutally, the imperial emperor believes other guilds will fall in line. The Purple Makers Guild will cease to exist.
Chapter 1 The Purple Maker's Daughter
"First rank, on the mark ... fire!"
Flame and a large boom resounded as thick blue sulfurous smoke filled the air. Elodia covered her little brother's body with her own as the bullets whizzed above her, many striking the trees that encircled them.
"Second rank, on the mark ... fire!"
Elodia again dove to the ground as the second command was uttered and a resounding boom shook the air.
"Fix bayonets and ADVANCE!"
"We got to run Davey!" she whispered. Then taking her little brother's hand they ran through the dense woods. Elodia did not have her shoes and her feet hurt as they ran over ground covered by razor sharp rocks and dry pine needles, while clinging to Davey's tiny hand. They ran for several minutes.
"Odie! I can't run anymore."
Elodia had her little brother climb on her back and she continued her run. Using the setting sun as her guide she continued westward toward the mountains. Hour after hour she kept running as she carried her little brother. Her breathing was raspy as she labored to fill her lungs. She could taste blood in her throat, her heart pounded in her chest and her feet ached so badly she could hardly stand to bare weight. Looking at the ground behind them she saw blood on the dry pine needles and lichens she had recently stepped on. Her blood, she had literally run the soles off her feet. She could see the Imperial Guard still perusing her but at a greater distance.
She heard a distant boom and a bullet struck a tree inches above her head. Elodia again ran deeper into the woods as a second and third boom were heard.
"Soon it will be dark Davey, then we can rest," she whispered. Not hearing a response she repeated urgently, "Davey!"
"I love you, Odie."
"I love you too Davey."
When darkness engulfed them, it made continued advancement impossible, she stopped. She was still panting and already feeling the chill of the night as she held Davey's little body close to her.
"I'm so cold," Davey whispered.
"Sleep now baby, I'll keep you warm." Davey winced a little as she pulled him close, his back pressed tightly against her. Then she found sleep. In the morning, as she awoke, Elodia felt wet. Looking at the bodice of her dress she realized it was soaking in blood. I've been shot she initially thought as she unbuttoned the bodice, looking for the wound. Finding none she looked at her little brother.
He looked so peaceful as he lay. His dark brown hair making his skin look so very pale. Elodia gently caressed his cheek.
"DAVEY!" she said in a panic. She picked him up gently, clinging tightly to him and rocking him, "No Davey ... NOOOOOO!" Elodia sobbed as she rocked Davey's lifeless body.
Elodia spent the rest of the day digging a shallow grave in the forest. She had no tools except for her bare hands, a thick stick and a rock. It took all day to dig the grave in the hard rocky ground. She finally lay her little brother in the grave and covered him with dirt and then rocks. She picked flowers and covered the grave with flowers, then lay atop the grave, sobbing. Her feet hurt so badly that running was no longer a viable option. The Imperial Guard need only follow her blood trail to find her.
Elodia no longer cared if she were found. She no longer cared if she lived. Everything and everyone she knew and cared about were gone, destroyed by the Imperial Guard. Elodia curled up, lying next to her brother's grave and cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 2 The Village
"I'm going swimming Mom," Elodia said as she finished stirring the bubbling, foul-smelling brew that would be used to dye the skeins of wool the purple-blue her guild was famous for. The dye was made from a small mollusk they harvested and crushed. Then it was fermented and boiled. The process produced a putrid, fishy smell that permeated the village. Elodia's hair was wet from exertion and her hands and arms purple from pushing the skeins into the vat before it started to boil.
"Your chores are done Elodia, so enjoy yourself."
"Odie, Odie can I come too?" her little brother begged.
"Would I ever even think of not taking my favorite little brother," Elodia laughed as he climbed onto her back. Then taking a large blanket and three towels along with a basket of clean clothes and a lunch they walked off.
"I'm your only brother Odie."
"That makes you my favorite Davey."
"When is that daughter of yours going to grow up and simply cut her hair short and let the dye set on her hands and arms like the rest of us?" Helen, Elodia's aunt asked her mother.
"She just turned eighteen this spring Helen. Do you remember when we were eighteen? We hated smelling like dead fish and the purple dye on our skin. Let her enjoy being young and pretty. She will settle down soon enough."
Elodia was the least sought after girl in the village. She was funny and well-known for her tart remarks and smart wit. She was tall, a full five feet three inches, and thin like her mother, more athletic looking th
an the other village girls. Her hair was long, a very dark red-brown and wavy. The sunlight touched on the mahogany and gold highlights in her hair. She usually wore it in a single thick braid. Her large expressive eyes were sky blue and her smile bright and contagious. Elodia had given up on popularity and simply concentrated on perusing her own happiness. Today that meant feeling clean and not smelling of fish.
She left her shoes at home as they quietly approached the pond they frequented. Making sure they were alone, Elodia spread her blanket on the ground, hiding their lunch and towels in an empty log nearby. She slipped out of her long skirt and blouse. Then double checking that they were indeed alone, removed her petticoat and entered the pond. Davey had already discarded his clothes and was swimming.
"Odie, look at me. I'm a fish!"
"Yes, you are Davey. A cute little fish."
Elodia swam with long strokes. Most of the villagers did not swim, most did not bathe. Elodia secretly hoped that she would someday find someone to take her far away from the smell of putrid fish. She encouraged Davey to jump off the large rock at the pond's edge as she stationed herself near the rock to catch him. She had taught him to swim. Davey had just turned four, and spending time with him filled her heart that was otherwise plagued by loneliness. Elodia loved her home, but also felt that she really did not fit in. Davey's birth was a blessing she thanked the gods for every night.
Then taking a bar of soap she had on a rope around her neck she scrubbed herself and soaked the purple dye from her skin. She kept a watchful eye on her little brother and had time to ponder her future. She thought about Eli, the apprentice signal-man. He was five years older than her. She thought he was handsome, but he was signal guild and she purple guild. He was always so kind to her. Perhaps he would come to the pond today to bathe today. Elodia blushed at her thoughts and shook her head to clear her mind.
Then hearing the approach of male laughter Elodia held Davey tight as they secreted themselves in a deep hole hidden by a sunken log and the over-covering of the grassy bank.
"I smell the stench of a purple person."
"Look, there's her dress, we have a naked purple wench nearby," a second voice said. They laughed loudly as they sniffed the discarded clothing making loud lewd jokes as they shredded Elodia's skirt and petticoat. "Come out, come out girly. We want to play."
"I'll hold my nose while I take her," a third voice sounded.
Elodia was terrified as she held Davey close, whispering and begging him to remain quiet, as the three boys from the adjoining village walked around the pond, searching. They kept walking slowly around the pond unwilling to give up their search. Then a fourth voice was heard, "You three, get away from the pond."
"Who's going to make us?" they taunted back.
"I'll make quick work of the three you, leave now."
Elodia sighed with relief. She recognized the voice as Eli. She was safe. Several minutes passed. Elodia heard nothing, and then she heard Eli.
"Elody, they are gone now. I put your basket on the blanket. I'll sit here with my back to the pond. You can come out. I see Davey is with you."
Elodia emerged slowly, cautiously from her hiding place. Davey swam to the shore and began to dry himself.
"Hi Eli," Davey said as he dressed.
Looking about, then seeing Eli sitting with his back to her, Elodia left the water and began to dry her hair. She then wrapped it in a towel and took a second towel to dry the rest of her.
"I was hoping to see you, Eli," Elodia said.
"Really? I was hoping to see you too."
"Don’t turn yet or you'll see too much of me!" Elodia joked.
"I would actually like that a lot Elody!" Eli joked back. Elodia blushed scarlet as she quickly dressed.
"Ok, I'm presentable." Eli turned to her, smiling.
"I thought you were quite presentable when you left the pond."
"YOU PEEKED!"
"Just a little," Eli joked.
"YOU PIG!" Elodia shouted, hitting him with her wet towel, then laughing. "Liar, liar."
"I got here in the nick of time."
"Yes, you did. I brought dinner. Would you care to eat with us?"
They sat on the blanket as Elodia served everyone. She had three meat pies, crusty bread, a soft white cheese, apples, and ale.
"The meat pie, is it pork?"
"Yes, and it's meant to be eaten at room temperature. I made them and the bread. Try the clotted cream, my Mom made that."
"I've got four months left for my apprenticeship," Eli said quietly.
"Then what?" Elodia asked. She felt suddenly breathless as she waited for the answer, knowing what he would say and her heart aching in anticipation.
"I'll be a journeyman in the signal cor. It will be time for me to leave, time for me to start my life."
"I wish you well Eli," she said. She held back her tears and even managed a little smile. Eli reached out to her, putting his hand on her cheek and taking her other hand in his.
"Come with me Odie."
"I can't," Elodia whispered. "I'm pur ... purple ... no one..."
"Look at me Elodia," Eli whispered. "I love you. I have loved you since we first met. Please come with me. Marry me. I'll take you to my home far to the west."
"I ... I can't leave Davey!"
"Hell Elody, I'll take your whole family to have you."
"You will?" Elodia was in tears as she settled into Eli's arms. "I had always hoped and dreamed that you loved me."
"I have less than four months left here," Eli whispered as he kissed her forehead, then her nose and finally her lips.
"Why are you kissing Odie?" Davey asked.
"Can you keep a secret Davey?" Elodia asked.
"I'm really good at secrets aren’t I Odie?"
"Yes, you are. I'm going to marry Eli. What do you think of that?"
"I was going to marry you, Odie ... but I like Eli."
"I'll be your big brother Davey."
"OK, you can marry my sister," Davey pronounced solemnly with great authority. His pronouncement caused Elodia to laugh, then hug her little brother.
"Now I have two men in my life to love," Elodia said as she returned Eli's kiss. They stayed at the pond talking about their future as Elodia sat with Eli, her head resting on his shoulder. Eli pulled a crown of pink flowers from a cloth bag at his side and placed it gently on her head.
“You look breathtaking Elody.”
“Thank you, Eli,” Elodia smiled shyly, half closing her eyes with pleasure. Then looking into his eyes she whispered, “Did you make this for me?” he nodded.
"I'll come to your village tomorrow and ask your mother for permission to marry you."
"I’d like that. My Mom already likes you. She will keep our plans a secret from the guild."
"One thing, the Imperial Guard is on the move. I believe your village will be visited. I've been following the coded messages. If worse comes to worse I've made arrangements to hide you."
"Hide me ... from what?"
"I don't know, just be careful. If you see anything not right, run and I'll find you."
"I think we are safe Eli, who else will make the Imperial Purple the government officials love to wear."
"There has been a lot of talk of breaking the guilds. The emperor has always hated the autonomy of the guilds. Even my guild is feeling the pressure."
"What are you going to do?"
"That's simple Elody, I'm going to marry you and take you far away to someplace safe."
"I would like that Eli. I need to get home. It's getting late."
Elodia packed up her basket and taking Davey to ride piggyback, she started back home. As they approached the village they were startled by a series of loud bangs. They ducked into cover in the long grass. A thick blue sulfurous cloud engulfed the village. Elodia watched, frozen in terror as the guns were turned on her village and the villagers fell back, only to be struck from behind in a pincer maneuver. The village surrendered as the Imperial G
uard turned its wrath on the women and children. Several women were dragged by their hair screaming into the village homes.
"Mommy!" Davey stood from his place of cover, pointed and shouted.
They were seen. A group of guards gave chase after firing two volleys at them as they fled.
Chapter 3 Search
"Master Abner, I must go, she ... she..."
"Take a breath Eli."
"It's Elodia, the gunfire is coming from her village. I must go to her."
"And do what Eli, get killed. You can leave at dawn. Find her and take her to the safe house you arranged."
"But..."
"She is a smart girl. Find her in the morning."
Eli's heart felt as if weighed a ton. His chest hurt and he had difficulty catching his breath. But he knew Master Abner was right. He was helpless to do anything for Elodia. She was an intelligent girl and he hoped with all his heart that she had escaped. Master Abner gave him two weeks to find her and get her to the safe house. Unable to sleep, Eli made preparations for his search. He would carry several days food, blankets, traps, cooking pots and tools for survival.
Eli walked quickly to Elodia's village. The carnage was appalling, those not killed by the initial gunfire were tortured to death, many impaled and lining the road. Eli quickly located Elodia's discarded basket and blankets and her crushed crown of flowers. He easily followed the trail left by her pursuers. Late in the day he came upon the blood trail left by Elodia's feet. His heart nearly stopped when he realized she had been injured. His imagination was wild with possible injuries. As the sky darkened he lit a small paraffin oil lamp he carried and continued his agonizingly slow pursuit. Frequently he had to backtrack as he lost her trail. The Imperial Guard were nowhere, either giving up their search or already ending her precious life.
The sun rose slowly and Eli continued his search as the sun made it easier to find the bloody trail. Later he found more blood, a lot more blood and evidence of gunfire. Eli continued, his heart nearly broken in grief, no longer hoping of finding Elodia alive. Then late in the afternoon, he spotted her. She was sitting on the ground by a small mound of dirt. She had her legs drawn up tight against chest, her forehead resting on her knees.