by Toni Cox
“If we are lucky,” Jagaer replied, shrugging out of his wet coat and handing it to a Server.
“There has been hardly any Vampyre activity around here for a few Quarters now,” Skylar Hazelwatch said as they made their way to the common room of the inn. “Let us hope we have seen the last of them for this year.”
“We have had incidents at Shadow Hall, Braérn, Tarron Heights and almost all the southern towns, including Rathaés.” Jagaer and Skylar settled at a table and the innkeeper brought mulled wine and spiced bread. “We are praying for early snow to bring an end to the attacks.”
“I have ordered a meeting for early in the morning so we may discuss the dispatch of our dragons to guard the livestock of the other cities. I have put the other issues you want to discuss on the agenda as well. The meeting should not take long and the riders you have requested are ready to leave whenever you command.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Jagaer said, looking wearier than he had in a long time.
“These are dark times, Jagaer. Grildor has not seen such strife for millennia. Now is the time for us to bond together and banish this enemy for good. Rest assured that all the Lords of Grildor back your decision to invoke the Council of Kings. This evil is not bound by the boundaries of our nation and will spread to the rest of Elveron if we cannot stop it soon.”
“Aye, that is what I am afraid of. All attempts to negotiate with the Vampyres have failed and, after two wars, we have seen that all they want is our demise. Now, what we really need is numbers. Our armies lack the numbers the Vampyres have and I am afraid, next time they breach the Gate, they will come through with every force they have.”
The two men were quiet then, contemplating the burden of keeping their people safe. They finished their wine and bread, and went their separate ways until they met again in the Elder Hall of Thala Yll the next morning.
“We are happy to report that a batch of juveniles has matured enough to be used as Battle Dragons. We lost many during the last war and were worried the younger ones would not be ready. These will remain here to receive further training during the course of winter, so they are ready to fight in the spring. I have allocated twenty-two riders and their dragons to leave tomorrow morning to take their posts at the cities as you have ordered. Please, go over the list and let me know if you are satisfied with the allocations to each city.”
Jagaer perused the document put in front of him, then nodded, happy with Skylar’s allocations. The Lord of Thala Yll continued with his report.
“We have been recruiting men and women from the smaller towns around Thala Yll to supplement the losses to our Legion. I am happy to report that a total of three thousand have joined our ranks.”
“That is a good number, Lord Hazelwatch. My son reports Braérn has also managed to enlist almost two thousand people so far.”
“Everyone is equally affected by this; not just the cities. I have had farmers from as far afield as the small town of Yllar Sil along the border of Galaban send their people to join our forces. The Commanders of the Regiment and the Legion have been training new recruits since the war and more are coming in every Quarter.”
“That is good news, Lord Hazelwatch. What about the distribution of pigeons?”
“I have received pigeons from all the cities, except Dragonfort, but have been informed they are on their way. We have, in return, already dispatched our pigeons to other cities. You should have received yours last Quarter.”
“We did, thank you. We cannot be without communication. The enemy managed to divide our forces last time and it almost led to our demise. We need to stay ahead of their plans at any given time.”
“Aye, I agree. We cannot afford that again. I have made changes regarding the reinforcements for our city and, when the time comes, I will be able to send more warriors to the front line. We are now able to defend the city with a minimal force of one Regiment and twenty Battle Dragons.”
Jagaer cocked his head. “How is it possible to defend a city with so few men?”
“Commander Hollowdale had the idea while we were looking for a solution.” Skylar nodded to the man sitting on the opposite side of the hall. “He remembered the time your daughter flew here with Midnight to save us from an attack. She sprayed the approaching Vampyres with a line of fire to give our warriors time to recoup and attack again. We have now dug trenches all around the outer fields of Thala Yll and filled them with dragon fire. One warrior can ignite the powder in the trenches and it will burn almost as hot as Midnight’s fire itself. Our Elders have spent the past few Moons making it and there is enough to share with Shadow Hall if you require it.”
“Dragon fire? We have not used the powder in centuries. I had almost forgotten about it. Will there be enough to send to the other cities?”
“We have used up most of our supply of dragon dung to make it, but now gather the dung every day and dry it over fires so we can make more as it accumulates.”
“It is a brilliant and simple solution to a complicated problem. I wish we could find an equally effective solution to the war itself.”
“My Lord, I have no doubt that our neighbouring countries will rally to our side. Your Regiment of Battle Dragons is ready to leave as soon as you command it. Commander Ridgewell has selected twenty of his best warriors to accompany you and the dragons he has chosen for you to ride are all exceptionally trained. You should have no problems with them. A Messenger has been dispatched to Yllar Sil and their guesthouse is expecting your arrival.”
“Again, I thank you for all your assistance, Lord Hazelwatch. This mission would not be possible without your dragons.”
“Anything we can do to help, My Lord.” Skylor inclined his head towards his king, and then rose to give orders to his Commanders, who left to get everything ready for Jagaer’s departure.
Jagaer turned to speak to his Guard. He had chosen to take with him seven of Jaik’s men, leaving Jaik with only three Guard at Shadow Hall. He had also decided to travel without Elders, which was unusual for a mission such as this, but Jagaer could not afford delays. The men and women he had recruited for this mission had agreed to leave their horses at Thala Yll and continue their quest on dragon back.
None had formal training in dragon riding and they were to head out now to meet their dragons and receive one quick lesson in the essentials. Jagaer hoped it was not too different from riding a horse, but, either way, he had no doubt that his people would cope with the situation.
“Archer, you will be flying as my left wing. Boron, you will be to my right. You are to remain in this formation throughout the journey. Camren, you are assigned to fly with the two Servers. Commander Hollowdale will assign posts for everyone else.”
“Aye, My Lord,” Archer said, his usually mischievous face serious.
Jagaer had chosen Archer because of his skill with the bow and Boron because of his skill with the sword. Although every Guard was already the best of all the warriors in Shadow Hall, Archer and Boron remained Jagaer’s first choice whenever he travelled. Riker had been one of those men, too, which was why he had chosen him last year to look after Maia. The death of the warrior impacted him more than he liked to admit. Riker had been a good man, a noble, and an outstanding warrior. Had he lived, he was sure Maia would have chosen him to court her and she would probably still be at Shadow Hall right now.
Putting the thought of Maia to the back of his mind, he left the Elder Hall with his Guard following closely. They made their way to Thala Yll’s roosts and found that their belongings had already been delivered.
They were travelling light; two bags each, small enough to attach to the harnesses of their dragons. Only one riderless dragon would accompany them, carrying equipment and the gifts for the Lords of the cities they would visit.
The heavy scent of the dragons washed over them as they came closer, but Jagaer did not mind the smell. He had lived with Midnight roosting in Shadow Hall for decades and he was used to the cloying scent that was a mix of ma
mmal and reptile; no other animal smelled like this.
“This is Shockwave,” Commander Hollowdale said as he led Jagaer to his assigned dragon. “He is one of the largest we have and the father of many of the dragons you see here. He has been in service for as long as I can remember and you will not find a better trained or obedient dragon in the whole of Grildor. He has been Lord Hazelwatch’s dragon for the past century.”
“It is kind of Lord Hazelwatch to cede me his own dragon,” Jagaer said, impressed, and took a good look at the huge beast in the paddock in front of him.
Shockwave was of a darker shade of brown than the other dragons he could see. Most Plains Dragons were of a light russet colour, with variations leaning towards tan, grey or a light brown. Shockwave, however, was the colour of polished walnut and his plated armour and ridges stood out more prominently than on the younger dragons.
The dragon looked down at him with dark eyes, hooded by thick lids. One of his left canine teeth protruded past his lip, longer than the rest of his teeth. It gave him a roguish air. A thick scar ran across his broad nose, adding to the impression that this dragon had an attitude of confidence.
Clacking deeply, the dragon lowered his head and sniffed Jagaer’s clothes. As instructed by Evandeor Hollowdale, Jagaer stood still for the inspection, not looking the dragon directly in the eyes. Finally, Jagaer reached out and laid his hand on the rough nose of the beast and spoke to him in a quiet, but authoritative voice.
When Shockwave finally growled and closed his eyes for a brief moment, Evandeor told Jagaer he had been accepted.
“Shockwave will take care of you. The saddles are designed in such a way that you will not fall out, even during the riskiest of manoeuvres. Let me fetch Silverwing and I will take you for your first test flight.”
While Jagaer waited for the Commander to fetch his own dragon, he glanced around the roosts. Every one of his companions was being introduced to their dragons and he was glad to see none of them showed signs of fear or apprehension.
Archer had just climbed on the back of a sand-coloured dragon, which flapped its wings restlessly as Archer tried to adjust the leathers on the saddle. Boron, still on the ground, stood very still as a light red dragon took in his scent, before growling loudly to confirm that it accepted its new rider.
“We decided to pair Archer with Cloudjumper. She is a feisty female, but faster and more agile than any other dragon we have,” Evandeor said beside him, Silverwing next to his master. “Boron has been given Bloodmoon. He is young, but fearless and strong. Both these dragons are Shockwave’s hatchlings and they will protect their sire no matter what comes at them. Come, My Lord, let us get you into the saddle.”
Jagaer stroked his dragon along the neck. Shockwave clacked softly, showing his appreciation. Without hesitation, the dragon knelt, allowing Jagaer to put his feet into the loops of leather that allowed him to climb up into the saddle. Shockwave waited patiently for Jagaer to settle, before he rose to his full height and stretched his wings.
Sitting atop the tall dragon, Jagaer suddenly felt more confident about his quest than he had before. Things had seems so impossible, so hopeless, for so long, but now he felt that maybe they did stand a chance. He was king of Grildor, king of kings over the Council of Kings. Nothing could stop him now.
No, Midnight, I will not be able to fly with you. I will travel with Blaid through the dark forest and meet you in the mountains close to the gorge.
Midnight was unhappy with the decision, threatening to eat Lilith, but Maia calmed him. Blaid would not leave Lilith behind, so they could not fly with Midnight to their new destination. Maia understood, as she would not have left Fire behind either.
They spent two days sorting through Maia’s possessions to reduce them to a quantity they could easily manage between them and the horse. The rest they left with Belura, who would keep them safe until their return.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Maia asked one more time before they left, knowing how Blaid felt about where they were going.
“Yes,” he said, stubbornly. “My country has a large army at its disposal and I don’t think the Vampyres have invaded Elbendal. Our country is surrounded by mountains on all sides and the nearest gate is Greystone.”
“All right,” Maia conceded, “then let us be on our way.”
With a grin, Blaid took Lilith’s reins and led her down the narrow trail away from Belura’s cave. Belura sat on top of the gnarly branches of the tree that covered his cave and watched them leave. They had said their goodbyes already and Belura had asked the forest to guide them all the way to the western edge where it met the gorge.
Sad to leave Belura, Maia turned one last time to wave at him, but instead of Belura, a bear now stood erect next to the tree, before dropping down to all fours and ambling off into the forest.
Sometimes Maia wished she could also transform into an animal. She had seen Belura transform into every conceivable forest creature and even Blaid could turn into the wolf. She understood, as a Life Elemental, she had powers the others did not, yet it did not lessen the appeal of their ability to shift shape.
She looked ahead to see Lilith’s swaying rear in front of her, with Blaid walking at her head. The Eläm they exuded when they were together was one of the most beautiful things Maia had ever seen. Maia now firmly believed that the only reason Lilith had been such a difficult horse while she lived at Shadow Hall was because she had been waiting for Blaid. It was plain to see that the two belonged together, just as she belonged with Midnight.
Maia felt Midnight agree in her head and she knew her dragon was flying overhead in large circles, high in the sky so as not to be seen. She got a brief glimpse of his point of view; the dark forest nothing but a thick blanket of green across the land for miles in every direction, hemmed in by mountain ridges on two sides.
Did you check on the camp this morning? Maia inquired.
Midnight had done regular checks on Aaron’s camp every day and kept Blaid and Maia updated on their activities.
Moved another ten miles south, Midnight reported.
Maia frowned, wondering what they were up to. Daily, Rothea moved camp; they now hardly slept in the same location twice. She wished she knew why.
Wolf gone into the forest.
Into the forest? Since when?
Last night, Midnight responded.
He is a wolf. I am sure Belura will not let any harm come to him.
Still, she felt concern for her wolf and wished he would return to Aaron’s camp. What could her wolf be doing in the forest? Had he picked up her trail? No, not that far south. The Vampyre road was now almost thirty miles north of their location. Shaking her head, she put the thought to the back of her mind and concentrated on following the mare through the forest.
Blaid had regained his full strength and they hiked throughout the day, stopping only briefly to allow Lilith to drink from a pebbly stream. The black mare carried her burden of packages easily, with Blaid and Maia only having to carry one bag each.
That night, they sought shelter underneath a drooping willow tree that spread its branches so wide, it formed a cave beneath. They lit a fire and cooked their food before laying out their sleeping rolls.
The canopy of willow branches above turned the area into a secluded cove and the flickering flames of the fire created warm colours against the backdrop of leaves. They felt safe within the confines of the tree and Maia was sure Belura had chosen this spot for them to spend the night.
Yet Maia could find no peace. It was the first night she and Blaid were alone and, because they had spent all their time training, they had not discussed the other aspect of their togetherness.
On the one hand, Maia desperately wanted to be with Blaid. His near presence heated her blood and sent tingles all over her body. On the other hand, she believed that she needed to obey the rules of her people if their mission was to be successful. If they kept breaking the law by being intimate with each other, surely it w
ould eventually impact negatively on their quest.
That was not the only reason she did not want to be intimate with him. Maia wanted to be with Blaid with the consent of her people. She did not want to continue with the sin they had already committed, for she felt the guilt as a heavy burden on her heart. If they could find a way to convince the people that Life and Death being together was not an abomination, then, and only then, would she agree to be intimate with Blaid again.
She looked over at him now as he cleared the last items from their meal and made his way over to sit beside her on her sleeping mat.
“You look tense. Is everything all right?” Blaid asked, draping a blanket over her shoulders.
Maia huddled into the blanket; more for comfort than warmth. How to tell him how she felt without upsetting him? She took a breath, steeling herself for his reaction as she prepared to tell him how she felt.
“It is all right, Maia,” Blaid said, pulling her close. “I know I have taken advantage of your feelings in the past, but if you feel we should remain apart for the time being, then I will respect your decision.”
“How do you know?” she asked.
With a crooked grin on his face, he said, “Your Eläm shows me exactly how your body reacts to mine, yet your body language tells me the exact opposite. I might not know your reasons and I hope you will share it with me, but it is clear you do not want me in your bed tonight, or any time soon.”
Maia blushed, quickly hiding her Eläm. Blaid laughed. They had been living so openly with each other, especially because of the training, there had been no reason for them to shield their Eläm.
“I have known for some time. Do you want to tell me why you made this decision?”
Maia hesitated, wondering if he would think her reasons unfounded. “I want us to be together with the blessings of the people and not live in sin while we are on our quest to save them. It feels wrong.”
Blaid, his arm still around her shoulder, rubbed her arm. “It is wrong. We are both aware of the law of our people. Yet, it does not change the way I feel about you and I know that us being together is right. Let us hope that we have the power to influence the histories written in the future, so that we may be together in the end.”